Veritas No 14, 11 November 2017 Dear Parent/Carer, Students & Friends of San Clemente

Veritas 16, 9 November 2018

The word community is often associated with our school. I meet regularly with prospective families looking to enrol their children at San Clemente. My first question is usually “Why San Clemente?” The response I often receive is be-cause they have heard that San Clemente is a great community.

So what exactly does this mean? One such definition states that “Community is a way of relating to other persons as brothers and sisters who share a common origin, a common dignity, and a common destiny. Community involves learning to live in terms of an interconnected ‘we’ more than an isolated ‘I’ (from Making Life Choices by Margaret Betz).

These words, I believe, resonate well with our own school community. Schools need to prioritise community and relationships. It is very difficult to achieve quality learn-ing without this. Culture, or ‘the way we do things’, can vary significantly between schools. It does not take long to get a feel for the culture of the school. Simple ob-servations of the interactions that take place, the welcome received at the Front Office and the happiness and energy of students and staff say a lot about a school culture.

Community gatherings, such as assemblies, also provide a good insight. Last week’s gathering to support Catholic Mission’s Soctober was a wonderful example of our school community and culture. There was an afternoon dedicated to ‘San Clemente’s Got Talent’ with a variety of performances of different ages. It was the response from our students that highlighted a community that is an interconnected ‘we’. One that is respectful of difference and diversity, encouraging, supportive, spirited and proud. This afternoon typified the great qualities of our community.

Our staff last week had the opportunity to experience a wonderful Spirituality Day organised by Mrs Rosemary McAllister, Religious Education Coordinator. The theme for this day was centred on a journey with the Spirit. Such days are important for our staff, allowing them the opportunity to slow down and reflect on their own spir-ituality and what this means to them, particularly in the context of working in a Catholic school. While spirituality can be complex to define, it allows us to experi-ence a more profound connection with ourselves. It also encourages a deepened relationship with others which was evident amongst the staff community on this day.

As we near the halfway point of the term, students are busily preparing for exami-nations and assessments. Next week, Year 10 will sit their end of year formal exami-nations, followed by Year 9 in Week 6. It is important our students give themselves every opportunity to achieve to their own personal best. In order to do this, a con-sistent study routine is required on the home front and I encourage our students to take a proactive approach and engage with their teachers to seek support and ad-vice. Qualities of hard work, persistence and self-discipline, along with a level of sac-rifice at this time of year particularly, will go a long way to achieving one’s personal best. Such qualities are important not only now but in their future endeavours, whatever they may be.

Scott Donohoe, Principal

Year 7 Students

This week in their Positive Education session Year 7 students focussed on revisiting their own strengths and spotting

strengths in others. Going around to each mentor group, I was so pleased to see the connection between the students in

their mentor groups, a lot of which have been built upon this year. I feel that throughout this year our Year 7s have also

built up a real connection with our school. Feeling close to and valued by others is a fundamental human need and one

that contributes to functioning well in the world. Positive connections are integral to our wellbeing and mental health.

Students who feel connected to their peers, teachers and parents have higher academic results and better engagement in

school. Being connected to others and having a supportive relationships plays an important role in feeling good and doing

good.

Shout Out – To all of Year 7 for their generous contributions to Socktober last Wednesday in support of Catholic Missions.

I was informed that many of our year 7 students purchased balloons, water bombs, snacks and drinks. Thank you, Year 7,

for helping to make a difference in the world we live in. A big congratulations to ISAAC CHESTER who was the winner of

the ‘San Clemente’s Got Talent’ comp held on the day – fantastic work Isaac!!

A reminder to Year 7 parents, if you have any concerns at all please contact me at school on 4014 7300 or on the follow-

ing email address; bronwyn.denham@mn.catholic.edu.au

Bronwyn Denham, Year 7 Student Coordinator (Wellbeing)

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

“You are braver than you believe, smarter than you seem, stronger than you think” Winnie the Pooh

In this week’s Year Meetings and PosED sessions we have returned to the concepts of Character Strengths. Our signa-

ture strengths are those which others see when we are truly at our best. Happy people may show their humour, deter-

mined people display perseverance, kind people are fair, loving people, love. The difficulty of using a Strength based

focus is that it becomes human nature to drift away from our signature strengths when we need them the most. When

life throws up a challenge, adversity or stress, we need to lean on our core strengths. A few weeks ago a colleague said

to me, “Are you ok, I haven’t seen you laugh for a few days.” One of my personal core strengths is humour and it

dawned on me that in a very busy time in my schedule, I’d forgotten to find the funny things in our day to day lives. I’d

moved away from one of my core strengths.

This is a very busy time of the year for all our students and staff. There are many tasks due, exams to prepare for, plans

to be made for the completion of our year. These are the times we need to look to the strengths that fit this challenge.

In our sessions this week we revisited the strengths known as our Transcendence Strengths:

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence – seeing the good in a variety of domains, science, art, nature, everyday

experiences

Gratitude – being aware and thankful of the good things in life

Hope – expecting the best for the future and working toward that.

Humour – liking to laugh and wanting others to smile with you.

Spirituality – having beliefs about one’s role in the bigger picture of the universe.

It is my belief that as we prepare for exams, juggle our work with our studies and social life that the Transcendence

strengths are those we can focus on. We may not be able to connect to all these, but every individual will have a

strength in this area. Make your study fun and humorous, be hopeful for a positive attitude, appreciate the help from

those around you, take time to practice mindfulness and know that everything will be ok. As my friend Winnie quotes

above – You are actually better than you think you are.

Nathan Beckett, Assistant Principal (Wellbeing)

Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

As we head into Week 5 of Term 4, San Clemente continues to be a busy and vibrant place. Learning is strong in and out of our classrooms and I encourage students to stay focused at times when they may be struggling to stay on task. I often speak with students about ACHIEVEMENT. At our full school assemblies it is always a highlight to see so many students awarded for their significant achievements they have made and in so in many domains. Achievement by definition is a goal/something you have succeeded in doing, that was done successfully with courage, effort or skill. Most importantly, I always highlight to students that achievement is a very rewarding feeling and encourage students to also consider how very powerful achievement is when the impact is felt by others. We continue to witness students in our community repre-senting our school in an exemplary manner. So many students have demonstrated persistence and dedication to achieve their set goals and I congratulate them on their efforts.

Debating

On Friday the 16th November, our Year 10 debating team: Annabelle Jones, Angela Teah-Wilson, Demaris Humphries and understudy Aysha Yuhermon Taylor will be attending Waverley College to compete in the Catholic Schools Debating Asso-ciation Competition.

The team is representing the Hunter Diocese (North) in the Regional Semi-final against Nowra–South in a prepared round. If they win that round they will then go into an impromptu debate to decide the state champion.

This is an outstanding achievement for the young ladies in the Debating team and their coach, Mrs Hartshorne. The girls have worked tirelessly to achieve this result and continue to do so in preparation for their next competition. On behalf of the San Clemente community I would like to formally congratulate the ladies on their success and wish them all the very best for next Friday. The team will be presented at an upcoming assembly and their achievements celebrated.

Exams

Year 9 and 10 students will be completing exams in coming weeks. Please see below the examination schedule for each year group. If a student misses an exam due to illness or unforeseen circumstance they need to complete the appropriate paperwork and see the Administration Coordinator to have their exam re-scheduled.

YEAR 10 EXAMINATION SCHEDULE Emma Tierney, Assistant Principal (Teaching & Learning)

YEAR 9

EXAMS

Period Monday 12/11

Tuesday 13/11

Wednesday 14/11

Thursday 15/11

Friday 16/11

1 English

Mathematics

Science Exami-

Music Practical Examinations

~ Catch-up Exams/ Normal Lesson

Normal Les-sons

2

3 Geography Re- Elective Exam Elective Exam

4 Geography Ex-

Elective Exami-nations:

Elective Exami-nations:

5 SPORT

6 Maths Revision Science Revision Normal

Period Monday 19/11

Tuesday 20/11

Wednesday 21/11

Thursday 22/11

Friday 23/11

1 English Exami-

nation (1½ hours)

Mathe-matics Ex-amination (1 hour)

Science Examina-tion

(1½ hours)

Elective Exams: Drama PASS Visual Arts

(all 1 hour) Normal Les-

sons/Catch Up

2

3 Religious Stud-

ies Revision Geography

Revision Elective Exam

Revision

Normal Les-sons/Catch up

4

Religious Stud-ies Examination

(1 hour)

Geography

Examination (1 hour)

Elective Exams: Child Studies Commerce Food Tech Metal Timber

(all 1 hour)

French(1½ hours)

5

SPORT

Year 8 News

The majority of Year 8 assessments are due in the next fortnight, or have been finalised. It is important that students fin-

ish 2018 on a high note. This can be achieved by completing all school work and assessment tasks to the best of their abil-

ity, attending and engaging in school, wearing their school uniform well and respecting themselves and others.

Notes for the Year 8 Community Days have been issued and the permission notes need to be returned to mentor teach-

ers, and money paid to the Finance Officer or by the Qkr! App. SPARE NOTES are available at the FRONT OFFICE.

I am taking Long Service Leave from 15 November for the remainder of the school year. I am certain that the staff member

who replaces me will care for Year 8 with enthusiasm, professionalism and a high level of care. I would like to take this

opportunity to thank Year 8 for a wonderful 2018. I have been blessed to work with and care for such an enthusiastic,

energetic, connected, giving cohort and of course their families.

I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a restful and reenergising holiday.

Kate Tolfree, Year 8 Student Coordinator (Wellbeing)

Year 9 Students

Last Friday, Year 9 participated in their Leadership Day. Year 9 is to be commended on their ability to stay focused and committed throughout the day and for embracing the leadership sessions and the expectations that come with being school leaders. I challenged Year 9 to embrace the qualities of geese. When geese fly in a V formation as a flock it adds 71% to the flying range. When a goose falls out of formation it quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front. When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to the ground to help and protect it and geese flying in formation ‘HONK’ to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed. For the remainder of this year and next year, Year 9 needs to work as a team, encourage and support one another. Develop a sense of trust and help each other to achieve our goals. To support each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong, and when there is encouragement, production is much greater.

The process for selecting the school leaders for 2019 has commenced this week. Year 9 students who wish to nominate themselves for school leadership have requested a nomination form from myself. This requires them to outline their strengths, contribution to the school and why they want to be a leader. Towards the end of next week, staff and Year 9 students only will vote for their preferred school leaders. A shortlist of candidates will then be chosen to participate in a formal interview with Mr Donohoe, the school’s executive team and myself. From this interview process the four school leaders will be selected (2 males and 2 females). I have been overwhelmed by the response and eagerness of many Year 9 students to pursue leadership in 2019 and I wish all applicants the best of luck.

The serious side of Term 4 is upon us now. Semester Two Examinations for Year 9 commence in just over one week on Monday 19th November and conclude on Friday 23rd November. Year 9 students and parents have been emailed the examination timetable and students have been provided with a hard copy. Students will also be receiving individual sub-ject examination notifications from their teachers which outline specific examination details for each subject. It is im-portant that students attend all examinations on the scheduled day. If genuinely sick, an illness/misadventure form needs to be completed.

Continuing with the topic of examinations, it is vital that all Year 9 students prepare thoroughly to ensure they achieve to their full potential. With just over a week to go until semester examinations commence, students should be studying each night. Studying should involve reviewing notes, making summaries, completing practice questions. It is advisable that studying should occur in a quiet space, away from disruptions (television, computer games, mobile phones and music in the background). A healthy diet, exercise and sleep are also important. Part time jobs are very important, but surely around examination time, shifts should be reduced. It is not sensible to work all weekend prior to exams starting or com-plete a shift at McDonalds from 5pm to 10pm during exams. If your child is struggling with a particular subject/subjects they should seek assistance from their subject teacher.

Although the end of the year is fast approaching it is still important that Year 9 students continue to wear the correct school uniform. The majority of Year 9 is maintaining this standard and I commend them and thank parents for sup-porting the school.

A reminder to Year 9 and parents, if you have any concerns at all (maybe about examinations) please contact me at school, 40147300 or at the following email address; patrick.doyle@mn.catholic.edu.au

A final thought Year 9,

“Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven’t planted.”

Patrick Doyle, Year 9 Coordinator (Wellbeing)

Year 10 News

Awareness Week/ Graduation: Please take particular note of the dates below outlining the end of year program for Year

10 prior to graduating. Specific details and costs for the activities have been distributed to students. Awareness Week and

Graduation will cost $170, with the opportunity to complete a First Aid Course an additional $70. Payments are to be made

by the Qkr! App or to the Finance Office by Friday 9th November.

Important Dates for the remainder of 2018:

November 12th – November 16th: Semester Two Examinations

November 19th – November 23rd: Work Experience

November 26th – December 5th: Awareness Week

December 6th - Graduation at Wests City.

Shout-outs:

Good luck to our Debating Team consisting of Annabelle Jones, Angela Teah-Wilson, Aysha Yuhermon-Taylor and De-

maris Humphries who will compete at the upcoming State Championships.

A reminder to all parents/ carers, if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s wellbeing, please don’t hesi-

tate in contacting me on 4014 7300 or at nicholas.marsh@mn.catholic.edu.au

Nicholas Marsh, Year 10 Coordinator (Wellbeing)

With the formal Semester Two Examination Period beginning next week, students should be busy revis-ing and preparing for their final assessment tasks at San Clemente High School. In advising students on some of the ways to ensure they are balanced in their approach to this busy time, don’t forget this al-phabetical guide to keeping our bodies and minds in sync:

Appreciate Nourish body and soul Build something Observe Connect Plant a seed Do what is difficult Question Explore Read Forgive Stretch Gather Try something new Honour Unplug Ignore the skeptics Vote Just be Wonder Know you are loved Xpress your gratitude Listen Yes to adventure Make Zzzzz – get enough!

Library and Book Hire loans

Attention YEAR 10 students: the school year is coming to a swift close and all loans must be re-turned to school. Please bring your outstanding Library and Book Hire loans to the Library ASAP, or please pay for any lost / damaged items. Students with outstanding loans will not be issued with graduation tickets until all loans are reconciled.

Thank you,

Kristy Hüber, Library & Book Hire

When Galaxies Collide' - live event.

All students have been sent a flyer with infor-mation about an exciting evening at the Uni-versity of Newcastle.

There is a competition for free tickets for those students interested - the link is on the flyer. Please check your emails. Entries are due by the 11th of November. Otherwise tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.

Ms Nolan

As part of their Physical World topic, forces, year 7 have had a hands on and fun learning experience this week -making bal-

loon hovercrafts and investigating the effect on hovercraft hovering - of changing the amount of air in the balloon.

On Wednesday the 31st of October, nine committed members

from the 10 iSTEM class arrived at Cameron Park Raceway with

our two electric bikes.

Representing the Rockets, with the Silver Rocket in the chain

class were our riders Aidan Trlifaj and Ethan Warnaar, and sup-

port crew Jack Vanderlinde, Blake Dougherty, Jayce Iobbi and

Aidan Berrios.

Representing the Doves, with Bird Merde in the Hub class were

our riders and support crew Olivier Koehn, Alec Chapman and

Shelby Fanning.

Such a fun day was had by all. The bikes performed to their

very best on the day and Silver Rocket was running in second

place for most of the hour long race but the battery died in the

final minutes. Bird Merde ran a very respectable twelfth place

from a large field of approximately 30 bikes in the hub class.

The pit stops were a highlight with crew members supporting

the riders change of helmets, jackets, knee pads - and even

boots - in record time. 10 iSTEM will be back again next year

with faster bikes and longer lasting batteries to do it all again.

2018 Electric Vehicle Festival

San Clemente P&F Association—Fundraising Raffle

Don’t miss out on our raffle with tickets on sale next week.

Prizes are fabulous and you can’t win if your are not in!

First prize—Thermomix

Second prize—Rustica eight course banquet for four people

Third prize—Peter Lehmann wine pack from Whitebridge cellars.

Tickets available from the Canteen, Finance Office or P&F Members

Year 6 Transition Morning On Tuesday, the Feldt Centre hosted a small, supported transition day for a number of Year 6 students who will begin Year 7 in 2019. The students experienced the routines of high school with a science, visual arts and physical education lesson. They also participated in a treasure hunt around the school to familiarise themselves with their new school envi-ronment. It was a great morning and we enjoyed meeting our new students for 2019. A great effort by the whole Feldt Centre team with special mention to Sarah Howard, Emma McCarthy, Michael Byrne, Josh Lam and Julia Nolan.

The Feldt Centre Team

The COMPASS attendance module was opened to parents/carers this week. By logging on, as per the instruc-

tions and Login Details sent out by mail last week, parents/carers are able to view attendance data for their

child, respond to and explain absences, log in future absences, amend/add to personal contact details.

We will continue to send home weekly reports advising of absences but expect that the number of reports will

decrease as parents become more familiar with COMPASS. Absences can still be explained at the office by tele-

phone, email or note. IF your child is going to be late to school—normal sign at the front desk continues, DO

NOT USE THE COMPASS PHONE APP FOR LATE ARRIVALS OR EARLY DEPARTURES during school hours it is the

school’s responsibility to track students.

COMPASS Managing Student Attendance

The Library will be open after school every Monday until

4pm with teachers available to assist with Assessment Tasks

and homework.

The Maths ASAP program also operates on Monday after-

noons in D3 for Year 9 and 10 students.

The final session for 2018 will be Week 8, 3rd December.

For more information, please contact Mrs McDonell (02) 4014

7300

Permission to attend Homework Hub I give permission for:

Student Name: ________________________________

Year: ________ Mentor Group: _______________________ to attend Homework Hub in the Library at San Clemente High School every Monday afternoon until 4pm. This student will be travelling home from San Clemente by: _______________________________________________

Parent Name: ____________________

Contact Phone Number: ______________________

FINANCE OFFICE Office Hours

Mon – Thu 8.00 am – 3.00pm

Friday 8.00 am – 2.30 pm

Fees:

All fees should now be paid in full.

If you have not received a copy of your statement, please con-tact the school asap.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the school to make an appointment to discuss this.

If you are paying by Direct Debit or Bpay, please ensure your weekly/fortnightly payments are enough to finalise fees by Mid December.

Canteen Lunch Orders:

Student lunches can be ordered using QKR! App. All orders must be placed before 8am of day required.

Year 10 Students

Formal & Awareness week—$170.00 First Aid Course—$70.00 Work Experience—$25.00 These payments are due by Friday 9 November.

Please note: All fees must be paid in full for student to attend the Year 10 Formal.

The construction of our new Hall is progressing and we are planning to make the Centenary

Bricks part of the project.

This is the final opportunity to be included in the project and ‘Etched in Stone’. Please complete

the form below and send it back to the Finance Office with payment before end of September.

CIRCLE OF SECURITY

For Parents/Caregivers At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.

Using the COS-P model developed by the Circle of Security originators, our trained Facilitators work with parents and care-givers to help them to:

Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions Enhance the development of their child's self esteem Honour the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure

Dear Parent:

I invite you to a 6 week programme I will be running at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre

on Thursdays from 15 November 2018. This course helps parents appreciate the vital role

they have in helping children develop into secure adults. I hope you will be able to

attend.

What: Circle of Security

Where: Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, 44 Mordue Parade, Jesmond

When: THURSDAYS November 15, 22, 29; and 6, 13 and 20 December 2018

Time: 10.30 to 12.30

Cost: No cost to parents/caregivers

However it is necessary to commit to attending the 6 week programme from the

start date. Tea and coffee provided but please note no child care available.

Reply: Sue Walkom (Child, Youth and Family Counsellor) Jesmond Neighbourhood

Centre tel: 4979 8555 and susanw@connectabilityaus.org.au

Canteen Roster

SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL

100 YEARS

Memorabilia for Sale

GLASSES $10.00 MUGS $10.00

KEY RING $5.00

San Clemente High School—Uniform Shop Calendar Dates to note

12 Nov YEAR 10 EXAM Week

14/15 Nov Awabakal Edu Centre Dudley Yr 8

14 Nov Sight & Sound Exhibition Opening

19 Nov Year 8 Community Day Luna Park

20 Nov Year 8 Community Day Dixon Park

19-23 Nov Orientation Groups Year 6

19 –20 Nov Year 8 Community Days

(Luna Park/Dixon Park)

19 Nov YEAR 9 Exam Week

19-23 Nov Work Experience Year 10

23 Nov Year 7 Maths Assessment

26 Nov Awareness Week Year 10

26 Nov Year 8 Maths Assessments

28 Nov SFX Orientation Year 10

6 Dec Year 10 Graduation

12 Dec Years 7, 8, 9 Awards Presentation

17 Dec School Mass

19 Dec Final Day 2018, years 7-9

2019

31 Jan Year 7s

1 Feb Years 8, 9, 10

06 Feb School Photos 7 & 10

11/13 Feb Yr 7 Camp

20 Feb School Photos 8 & 9

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Week 5

12 Nov

HELP Wendy Williams HELP Priscilla Heigle Joan McBride

Week 6

19 Nov

Helen Starkey Carmel Sharah Natalie Tetavano Priscilla Heigle HELP