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Dear Parents and Carers
We wish to remind everyone that the last day of Term 3 for students is Thursday 19 September, they will be dismissed at the normal time of 3.10pm. Staff have a Professional Development Day on the Friday.
As is tradition, the last day of Term 3 will be our "Footy Colours" and Hot Dog Day. Students can wear their footy colours on this day and a parade will take place at 2.15pm on this day. Parents and families are welcome to attend and watch the Parade.
R U OK? - A Conversation that could Change a Life!
This Year’s R U OK? Day falls on Thursday 12th September.
Is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.
It is a Day of Action that reminds us to check in with family, friends and colleagues and ask them the question, “ Are you ok?”
You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
For information please visit:
Be You/ Beyond Blue https://beyou.edu.au/ 1300 22 46 36
R U OK? - https://www.ruok.org.au/
A Special Report: R U OK?Day
Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"
Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:
https://stclaresofficer.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day
Liz Hunt
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader
Senior Choir Eisteddfod
On the 5th of September the senior choir along with Ms Ricchetti, Mrs Banfield and Ms Staindl went to the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon. We were in an eisteddfod with four other schools participating in our section. We sang Non Nobis Domine (Latin) and See You Again (Charlie Puth). We were amazing and won 3rd place! Brayden and I went up to collect the third place ribbons. We had an amazing time and thank you to everyone for your support!
Summer Mountford 6TP
Last Thursday the St Clare's choir went to the LaTrobe Valley Eisteddfod in Traralgon to represent our school. We sung last in our section and performed 2 songs. First Non Nobis Domine and after that See you again. The choir sang with passion and achieved an amazing 3rd place.
Cruz Prinzi 6AB
On Thursday the 5th of September, the Saint Clare’s Primary School senior choir went to the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon for a competition called an Eisteddfod. The day started with all choir members getting suited up with the school blazer. We then got on a bus to travel for over an hour before we got there. We were so hungry by the time we got to Traralgon we had our lunch while we were waiting out the front of the venue. We watched the first 3 performances and were excited when it was our turn. The first song we sang was a Latin song called “Non Nobis Domine” and we were just getting warmed up. Our 2nd and best song was next, it was called “See You Again” by Charlie Puth - and we did a really good job of it! After our performance, we went back to the audience to listen for the results of the section. We were so excited to come away with third place! There was only one point difference between first, second and third place - it was so close! We had a wonderful time on the day, and we'd like to thank the teachers that came with us: Mrs Banfield and Miss Ricchetti. We look forward to more singing adventures as our choir gets better and better.
Mairead Cuckson 5TT
The senior choir boarded the bus at 10:30am on Thursday. We were all so ready and excited for this adventure. When we walked into the Performing Arts Centre, it was dark and cozy with bright flip chairs. We watched three other schools perform before us and they were amazing. Listening to how good they were made us very anxious. It was finally our turn. As we walked on, our hearts were pumping and our palms were sweaty. Our first song was Non Nobis Domine, then the next song was our favourite song, When I See You Again. As we walked off the stage, we felt accomplished and proud. Then it was time for the adjudicator to announce the places. It turned out that not every school would get a place! Our singing was amazing and as a result, we came third. There was only one single point between first, second and third. As we walked out of the auditorium we were jumping with joy and so proud of what we had achieved. So we thank Miss Richetti and Mrs Banfield for working so hard to prepare us for this event and for giving up their time for us. They also believed in us and knew we deserved a shot.
Holly Kennaugh 5TT
On the Fifth of September 2024, the St Clare's Choir went to an Eisteddfod, coming back with third place ribbons. They sang Non Nobis Domine (which is a Latin song) and See You Again. The examiner said it was very beautiful and to bring out the high notes more. "My favourite part was watching the other schools perform," says Mairead. It was truly amazing to watch other schools sing and perform. Overall it was an amazing opportunity.
Freya Molnar 5SM
First Holy Communion
Congratulations to the students in Year 4 who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion last weekend. This weekend we have many more students receiving the Sacrament at 6pm Mass on Saturday and 10.30am Mass on Sunday.
Please continue to pray for them.
Dear Lord,
We thank You and praise You for the most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist. We ask You to bless all those who are preparing to receive Your Body and Blood for the first time. You have provided for us richly through the gift of Your Body and Blood in the Eucharist.
Amen
Confirmation
Our year 6 students are currently researching Saints as part of their Religious Education inquiry in order for those who are Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation early next term to choose a Saint name.
Please pray for our year 6 students who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
SCHOOL FEES
LOST PROPERTY
We have a significant amount of lost property, which includes drink bottles, at the office. If you child has lost any items please check at the office.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
To report your child's absence please do so via PAM, email absent@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or call 5940 6777
Here is the link for the St Clare's Parent Access Module (PAM)
St Clare's PAM
You username is the email address that you have registered with the school. The first time you log in we ask that you use the forgotten password feature to set your own password.
ALL parents must access PAM to receive up to date information and grant necessary permissions. Students will miss out on events if permission is not granted.
The Secondhand Uniform Shop will be open on the following 2 dates for Term 3. Once dates for Term 4 are confirmed they will be communicated.
Thursday 12th | 8:30 - 9:15am
Monday 16th | 8:30am -9:15am
How to Help Kids Stay Safe Online
Adapted from: https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog Office of the eSafety Commissioner
- Start the chat
It’s not possible to be at your child’s side every second of the day, so it’s important to talk with them about online safety issues to help develop their critical thinking and ability to make good choices. It’s also good to let them know they can come to you for help if they have any concerns. You may feel they know more about the latest technology than you do, but you have more life experience to guide them.
- With primary school aged children use online devices in the open living spaces at home to make parent supervision part of the expectation for your child.
- Take the opportunity to set some boundaries around when and where they can use devices like tablets, smart TVs and gaming consoles, to help limit potential tech tantrums — you could even fill in an Early Years Family Tech Agreement
- Screen free time before bed is important for good sleep. Consider charging devices in a central location at a regular time each night to allow an hour screen free before bed.
- While you are all at home more, it’s a great time to co-view and co-play with your kids, so you can understand what they are doing and experiencing online.
- Learn about the games, apps, social media and platforms they are using at The eSafety Guide, including how to protect their information and report inappropriate content or conduct.
- Use parental controls and safe search options
Parental controls can help block your child from accessing specific websites, apps or functions. They can also monitor your child’s use of connected devices and set time limits. But beware! You cannot always rely on them — they should be used in combination with other online safety strategies.
- Parental controls are available on most tablets, smartphones, computers, TVs and gaming consoles.
- You can also download family safety controls or buy robust filters out of the box.
- You can set up child-friendly search engines, or select safe search settings on digital devices, to help prevent your child from stumbling across inappropriate sites and content.
- Check smart toy settings
It’s surprising how many toys or devices can connect online these days, from drones and smart teddies to tablets and wearables. While they can be both entertaining and educational, they can reveal your child’s personal details and location — and allow other people to contact them without you knowing. You can help keep them stay safe by:
- setting strong passwords
- turning off location settings
- limiting the amount of personal information shared.
The eSafety Gift Guide has advice on what to check for and how to stay safe.
- Look out for unwanted contact and grooming
Unwanted contact is any communication that makes your child feel uncomfortable or unsafe, even if they initially welcomed the contact. It can come from a stranger, an online ‘friend’ or even someone they actually know. At worst, it can involve ‘grooming’ — building a relationship with the child in order to sexually abuse them.
You can help by:
- making sure their accounts are private — including chat functions on games
- encouraging them to delete requests from strangers and any contacts they don’t know in person
- checking in with your child as they use online devices in the open living spaces at home
- reporting and blocking anyone suspicious on a website or service
- remembering that if suspicious online contacts become aggressive or threatening you should contact your local police.
- Know the signs of cyberbullying
Kids who are bored by long periods at home can pick at each other, and that happens online too. So it’s important to keep an eye out for cyberbullying. It can include mean posts, comments and messages, as well as being left out of online group activities like gaming.
- Remember, when they are away from school, kids have less access to their usual support systems, including friends, teachers and counsellors.
- eSafety research shows that girls are more likely to be affected than boys and the person doing the bullying is generally someone they know from school.
- Watch out for signs such as your child appearing upset after using their mobile, tablet or computer, being unusually secretive about their online activities or becoming withdrawn.
- Cyberbullying can make social isolation worse and the longer it continues, the more stressed kids can become, impacting on their emotional and physical wellbeing.
What to do if your child is being cyberbullied
As parents, our first instinct may be to ban our children from social media, disable the wi-fi or turn off the data access. But this can actually compound the problem, making your child feel as if they’re being punished and heightening their sense of social exclusion.
There are four simple steps that can help minimise the harm:
- report the cyberbullying to the social media service where it is occurring
- collect evidence of the cyberbullying material
- if the material is still public 48 hours later, make a report to eSafety — we work with social media platforms to have the harmful content removed.
block the offending user.