Veritas No 14, 11 November 2017

Veritas 07 24 May 2019

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of the San Clemente community,

Prayer to the Cross

When I go through trials and my anxious thoughts trouble me,

I need to feel Your presence Lord and be assured that you will

Never leave me or forsake me.

As I grasp your cross, I am reminded of your sufferings

And cling onto the salvation you have given me.

You are my light and my salvation.

What shall I fear. Whom shall I fear.

Jesus, I trust in You

Amen

This week I attended the Association of Catholic School Principals Conference in Sydney. The prayer above was used in the opening of the conference. At the first reading of the prayer, it may appear somewhat negative or gloomy, but we were challenged to look deeper and discern the meaning of this prayer. In fact, it is a very hope-ful prayer, a statement of faith and the security we can glean in that faith. As leaders in Catholic schools, the message of hope is a powerful one. It enables growth in our community, in our students and in their families. Our Catholic faith, when it all boils down, is a hope filled faith, a message of salvation. As we work with our stu-dents hope underpins that work and our “crosses” are the challenges faced but faith enables the hope that nothing is insurmountable and that good things come from being challenged.

With our learning agenda at San Clemente coming into shaper focus all the time, this term, staff have been working on a set of non-negotiables for learning within the school. The concept of the non-negotiables is one that raises the importance of some small things and some bigger things too, that support the establishment and maintenance of a learning environment that is rigorous, focussed and disciplined. Students will sometimes want to know how the type of shoes they are required to wear will impact their learning. Some parents too may ask a similar question. What can be missed in the concentration on the “why do I have to do this?” is the establish-ment of a discipline and understanding that focus on doing what seem to be the small things well all of the time, builds a culture of high expectations. Cooperation with the expectations of the school and with teachers who work with students all the time supports learning growth for students. The non-negotiables will soon be-come known to students and will be insisted upon by staff. The important thing to remember is that learning is the goal and the little things done well in the school help the bigger things become achievable.

This week I was fortunate to witness a small amount of the work the Year 8 Science students’ involvement in the Science and Engineering Challenge at Newcastle University. This program and immersion in the STEM world for our students is a wonderful example of tangible, real world learning that is both inspirational for our stu-dents and gives clear vision as to the possibilities of life and work after school. Our team participated well and finished in fourth position on the day. Our aim as educators is to, as often as possible, expose our students to possibilities. The science and engineering Challenge is a great vehicle for this exposure. Over/...

San Clemente continues to enjoy great success in the sports arena with many of our teams advancing in their chosen sporting fields to higher and more competitive levels recently. Cross Country, Rugby Union, Rugby League and Netball have all featured strongly in our sports program with country and state representation be-ing achieved by girls and boys in recent weeks. The details of these achievements will appear further on in the newsletter or in a later addition.

I trust that the hard work and dedication to studies being encouraged at school is being witnessed at home by families as each student strives to achieve their academic best in the lead up to Semester One reports at the conclusion of this term.

God Bless

Bernard Burgess, Principal

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning NAPLAN

NAPLAN Online testing began at San Clemente on Tuesday 14th May for our Year 7 and Year 9 students. As many parents may be aware on this day some schools, including San Clemente experienced connectivity issues during NAPLAN Online assessments causing disruptions for some students.

These connectivity issues were related to the distribution of the tests from NESA, not an issue with the San Clemente wire-less access.

NESA have been very supportive of schools that have experienced difficulties administering the NAPLAN tests and the pro-cess there after was much smoother and with very few issues encountered. On Tuesday 14th May students at San Clemen-te in Years 7 and 9 completed the Writing Test and the Reading Test. As parents have been informed, the Australian Educa-tion Senior Officials Committee (AESOC) has agreed to provide schools with the option for affected students to re-sit these tests on Tuesday 28 May.

Exams

A formal examination period is set for Stage 5 students later this term: Week 7-Year 9 (11 June) and Week 8- Year 10 (17 June). A copy of the examination schedule will be sent home early next week. If you have any concerns regarding your child completing examinations please contact their Year Coordinator.

Emma Tierney, Assistant Principal (Teaching and Learning)

San Clemente is participating in the Woolworths Earn & Learn Reward

promotion. Please collect the stickers and send them to school. The

stickers are redeemed for educational equipment and resources.

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing In recent weeks I have been talking to a number of students who are having difficulties with their friends. Social interac-

tions and relationships are complex at the best of times but during adolescence it can become an overwhelming priority.

Young people crave social interaction, validation from their peers, a sense of belonging and a need to “fit in”. As young

people move from the close knit, smaller group in Primary school, they also look for like-minded peers in an attempt to

broaden their friendship groups. As young people drift in and out of new friendship groups and some relationships be-

come stronger or weaker, social tension can rise. Given schools are based around quality, positive relationships, finding a

solution to this problem is important. One answer may be to build strategies for young people to enable them to navigate

this tricky social landscape.

During this weeks PosED session in Year 7 we looked at the concept of CONFIDENCE. Confidence is a word that is frequent-

ly used in everyday language yet there is no single definition of confidence. However, researchers have agreed that confi-

dence focuses on two related ideas: (1) being sure of your own abilities; and (2) having trust in people, plans or the future

(Taylor 2003; Craig,2007). There is also no definitive answer on ways to build confidence. Weekly you will hear sports

coaches on television talking about confidence being the key to success. Many of us can build our knowledge or skills in

our area of choice but without confidence to utilise these, they can be wasted. Socially, having the confidence to have

difficult conversations, make our own choices or be true to our own values is key to leading a positive and happy life. A

regular message of mine to young people and a personal motto is “surround yourself with positive people.” This weeks

PosED session asked students to identify those in their lives who were “Boosters” or “sappers”. In order to develop confi-

dence it is evident that other people have a positive or negative effect on the levels of self-esteem and confidence. That is,

they will boost or sap levels of energy.

Boosters are those people who are positive, happy and joyful to be around. They can cheer up other people, put zest into

a boring lesson and fill the room with can-do vibes. These people can have a ripple effect on everyone else.

Sappers do the opposite. They can put a person down, think negatively, act in a jealous way, drain energy and bring every-

one else down to their level. This does not mean they are malicious. Often sappers don't realise they are negative and la-

bel themselves as 'realists'.

I would also encourage young people to seek help when they dealing with difficult social situations in order to raise their

confidence. Ultimately at San Clemente we strive for the best version of ourselves both inside and outside the classroom

and confidence will go a long way toward achieving this.

Nathan Beckett, Assistant Principal (Wellbeing)

Year 10 Students Another two weeks have passed and the half way mark of the term is just around the corner. The countdown to Semes-

ter One Examinations and Retreat is on.

I am a very firm believer in having a positive mind set and challenging negative self-talk. I once read an article by Dr.

Ramesh Manocha. He stated that;

“Much of our self-talk is reasonable — ‘I’d better do some preparation for that exam’, or ‘I’m really looking forward

to that match’. However, some of our self-talk is negative, unrealistic or self-defeating — ‘I’m going to fail for sure’.”

With examinations closing in, I encourage all Year 10 students to adopt a positive mindset. Of course just relying on a

positive mindset is not sufficient to achieve your potential. Working hard in class, being attentive and preparing thor-

oughly for examinations is essential but having self-belief is also an important ingredient. Give it a try you will be sur-

prised. Parents you also have a part to play here. Being supportive, encouraging and reassuring also assists in the devel-

opment of a positive mindset.

Retreat is fast approaching. All Year 10 students have received an information note regarding retreat (some students

have received two notes). Attached to the note was a Behaviour Contract and Medical/Dietary Information form. These

forms must be filled out and returned to myself by Friday 7th June.

Please note that the date of the Year 10 Graduation has changed from the 4th December to Tuesday 10th December due

to CSO requirements. I apologise for any inconvenience that this change may cause.

A reminder to Year 10 and parents, if you have any questions or concerns please contact me at school, 40147300 or at

the following email address; patrick.doyle@mn.catholic.edu.au

A final thought Year 10,

“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Patrick Doyle, Year 10 Coordinator (Wellbeing)

Year 9 Students This fortnight I thought I would write a little bit about “catastrophising”. Is your child a catastrophiser? Does he/she auto-

matically assume the worst case scenario in new, risky or uncomfortable social situations? I have been reflecting on some

of our students and the difficulties they experience, at times, and in particular situations that are out of their comfort

zones. Some teenagers have a tendency to exaggerate their concerns and subsequently place undue stress or pressure on

themselves.

We need to challenge young people who have a tendency to think the worst and empower them with positive thinking

skills. Here are some tips for dealing with your child when they are tending to “catastrophise”

Ask the question... “what is most likely to happen?”

“Does it really matter, in the big scheme of things” try to put it into perspective.

Try to redirect the unhelpful thinking to ensure a positive outcome - discuss reasonale and realistic thoughts.

Encourage the replacement of “extreme words” with more moderate language “I am a failure” to “I know I need to

start my assignment earlier next time”

At times our children need guiding questions and also a calm approach to assist them in gaining a healthier perspective.

Adolescents’ minds can be erratic at times, however, if they are surrounded by caring, calm and perceptive parents who

can appropriately intervene, the mindset will change.

My dear mother used to say to me when I was in “catastrophising mode” as a teenager “Kathryn, it will pass”. It used to

make me so mad! Now I find myself saying it to my children!

Parents I am seeking your support in ensuring that students are dressed appropriately for school each and every day. I

have been speaking with some Year 9 students who are choosing to wear in correct uniform. Please check to ensure your

son/daughter’s uniform is worn correctly each day.

Kate Tolfree, Year 9 Coordinator (Wellbeing)

Year 8 News Term 2 is officially in full swing with an abundance of opportunities for students to CONNECT, BE ACTIVE, KEEP LEARNING,

GIVE and TAKE NOTICE. All of Year 8 will watch the Brainstorm Production of The Hurting Game next Monday the 27th May

in The Hall. This live performance shines the light on the importance of quality, positive relationships both in real life and

whilst online. A major issue discussed throughout this production will be the importance of self-esteem.

Put simply, self-esteem refers to the way people think about themselves and how worthwhile they feel. Feeling good about one’s self should be celebrated, and regularly tended to. The following tips may assist students to increase their lev-el of self-esteem during what can be a very challenging time of their lives as they navigate the highs and lows of adoles-cence;

1. Be nice to yourself – listen to the little voice inside your head, provided it is positive.

2. You do you – avoid comparing yourself to others and you will stop being disappointed.

3. Get movin' – walk the dog, kick a footy, wash the car – JUST DO SOMETHING PHYSICAL.

4. Nobody's perfect – perfection is an unrealistic and unachievable goal.

5. Remember that everyone makes mistakes – these are NORMAL – learn from them.

6. Focus on what you can change – avoid focussing on things that you CANNOT control.

7. Do what makes you happy – read a book, paint, sing aloud.

8. Celebrate the small stuff – yay you got to school on time, well done YOU!

9. Be a GOOD friend – being helpful and considerate to others make you feel good too.

Surround yourself with POSITIVE peers – flick the ‘haters’ – you’ll thank me later.

During what can be a very busy and highly stressful term, students can quite often ‘shut down’ and be unwilling to talk. Therefore as parents and caregivers it is vital that channels of communication remain both open and as ‘free flowing’ as possible. The power of simply listening to your child should never be underestimated either. All healthy relationships rely on each party behind heard at various times and the parent/child relationship is no different. Take the time to actively lis-ten to your child – simply say nothing if need be .

Finally, a special mention to all of those students who received awards at the last Year Meeting. Many silver awards and sporting certificates were distributed to students, which was very pleasing to see. It should be noted that I have quite a few more to present to students at our next gathering in Week 5 – will you be next?

Until next time I will leave you with some food for thought;

“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” Mitch Allan, Year 8 Coordinator (Wellbeing)

Expressions of Interest: families to Host our visiting French

Students in July - August We have 2 lovely French students coming to visit San Clemente. We are interest-ed in hearing from families keen to host Pauline or Clea. They are very keen to experience a true Australian cultural immersion with a great family.

Pauline is 15 arrives 09 July - 03 August. Pauline is relaxed and funny, she likes photography, drawing, ballet, aikido, movies, shopping, music, fashion, windsurfing, water skiing and hik-ing. She has a younger brother and older sister and would like to stay with a family with pets.

Clea is 15 and arrives 03-25 August. Clea is outgoing, plays the violin and really likes music, rock, classic, elec-tro and rap, enjoys cooking and swimming. She has a younger sister. (She is allergic to cats).

We are interested to hear from families this week with daughters who may have similar interests. Remunera-tion made for your hospitality. Please contact Jennifer - Study Abroad Campus Education details ad-min@campus.com.au or 0418 630 414 We are keen to secure families for the girls.

Year 7 Students Term 2 is now in full-swing with Assessment Tasks to be completed in the coming weeks. The “balancing act” of Assess-ment Tasks and sport, dancing and other after-school activities can be challenging. As always, students are encouraged to begin these early, allowing enough time to complete tasks to the best of their ability. In extenuating circumstances, stu-dents need to see their classroom teacher and/or relevant Teaching and Learning Coordinator well in advance to seek special considerations.

Recently, I read an article outlining strategies that all people can implement in their lives to improve productivity and overall wellbeing. After examining paragraphs of information on the science of the brain, I came across a concise list of “10 things that require zero talent”, including:

Being on time Work ethic

Effort Attitude

Doing extra Being prepared

The above behaviours have an obvious link to the academic side of schooling, however I would advise all students to con-sider implementation in all aspects of their lives. In alignment with San Clemente’s Positive Education program, attitude (Connect), effort (Be Active) and doing extra (Give) can be applied to friendships, sporting endeavours and everyday tasks and dealings with others.

In this week’s PosED session, students discussed boosters (those people who are positive, happy and supportive) and sappers (those who put people down, act negatively, criticise and judge). As the settling-in period of high school contin-ues, it is an opportune time for students to reflect on their connections and relationships. The people that surround us either raise or lower our standards. They either help us to become the best version of ourselves or the lesser version of ourselves. No-one becomes great on their own. We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, remind us of our purpose and challenge us. Everyone has the power to choose who to hang around – choose boosters.

Shout-outs:

Good luck to those students competing for the school in the upcoming Oz-Tag tournament.

A reminder to all parents/ carers, if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s wellbeing, please don’t hesitate in contacting me on 4014 7300 or at nicholas.marsh@mn.catholic.edu.au

Nicholas Marsh, Year 7 Coordinator (Wellbeing)

Careers A lot has been happening in Careers this term, White Card Training,

Careers Expo, TAFE YES taster courses, STEM evening at St Pius and

work experience for some

Year 10 students.

A variety of information

days and nights are coming

up and I encourage parents

to enrol and attend these

events if your child is inter-

ested in a Science and Med-

ical Research career or for attending Hunter Trade College.

I am encouraging Year 10 students to print out their Resumes and bring to

Careers lessons, so we can work together in updating or improving for future

career pathway options.

Please feel free to contact me at any time via email sheridan.pruteanu@mn.catholic.edu.au

Sheridan Pruteanu (Careers 2019)

SPORT NEWS On Thursday 9th May, San Clemente was represented by 19 students who competed at the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Cross Country Championships at Glenbawn Dam, Aberdeen. It was an early rise for the students, in which we shared a bus with St Francis Xavier Hamilton and St Mary’s Gateshead and departed from school at 6:45am. Students competed in age groups, in which the Under 13’s ran 3km on a tough cross country course, right up to the U16’s boys who ran a very long and tough 6km. A special thanks goes to Mr Patrick Doyle, Mr Mitch Allan and Mr Nicholas Marsh who joined me in the journey to Glenbawn Dam and assisted in the running of the cross country. A big congratulations also goes to Kiara Debono (Yr7) and Zach Buckland (Yr7) who com-peted strongly and qualified for the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships at Eastern Creek, Sydney, in June.

Well done to all students who challenged themselves on a very difficult course. San Clemente’s 2019 Cross Country team was as follows:

Year 10: Joel Barker, Nicholas Stace, Thomas Sainsbury, Amy Bourquin, Scarlett Newton

Year 9: Lachlan Blaney, Chloe Debono

Year 8: Ella Howarth

Year 7: Xander Halverson, Ethan Kopec, Kalan Love, Patrick McGrath, Cody Morgan, Xavier Koen, Lachlan Mo-

ses, Zachary Castro, Zach Buckland, Kiara Debono, Makadee Leech

Special Mentions:

A big congratulations to Amy Bourquin

(Yr10) who ran in the Ultra-Trail Aus-

tralia 11km run through the Blue

Mountains last Friday!

Best of luck to Logan Aoake (Yr8) who

will trial for the NSWCCC Under 15s

Rugby League Team this Friday and Sat-

urday in St Mary’s, Sydney.

Steven Burns, Sports Coordinator

Malachi Sausaofai - Year 9

Malachi Co-Captained the winning Under 15s Country Championship and he was also been selected into the NSW Country Junior Rugby Union Squad for 2019. Congratulations Malachi.

Congratulations to Imogen Hope (Yr9)

who has gained selection in the 2019

Country Under 15s Junior Rugby Squad!

Now accepting Year 7 2020

Enrolment Applications

Simply follow the link

http://www.mayfieldsanc.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-application

Applications close soon

Science & Engineering Challenge Year 8 On Monday 20th May, thirty-one students from San Clemente Year 8 Sci-ence took part in the annual Science and Engineering Challenge run by the University of Newcastle. The challenge is a set of fun and competitive events involving principles of science, engineering and technology.

The activities provided the students with a chance to extend and apply their science skills, with a focus on real-world problems. Some groups built bridges, towers and miniature vehicles with specific design require-ments, while others worked on solving logistical problems or built a bion-ic hand. The bridge building challenge is the big finale for the day. Our San Clemente group as a whole finished fourth overall, after receiving points for participation, team work, communication and contribution.

The Science and Engineering challenge was introduced to enhance students ‘STEM’ frame of mind and have them thinking outside the box, unlike inside a school classroom. This day gives students an insight into what it is like to not only think about and solve real-life problems, but also allows students a look at what it might be like to continue engineering into higher education. BAE Systems were represented by a guest speaker who detailed his career maintaining fighter class air-craft.

Overall it was a very rich experience for the students, who will certainly encourage others to take part in this fun day when it next runs.

Michael Quinn, Science Faculty

Support for the Solomon Islands In July 2018, Mrs McAllister and Mrs Nolan visited

the little Island of Vaghena in the Solomon Is-

lands.

There are approximately 1600 people that live on

the island, and the only way on off the island is

via canoe. The community welcomed the teach-

ers warmly, as they assisted the young girls and

women’s group with a variety of activities.

This year these two teachers will return in July

along with Miss Ruddy, their mission is to deliver a

holiday educational program for the many young

children on the island.

To assist with the cost of resources and

materials that are required for the pro-

gram, San Clemente will be running our

Friday Fundraiser. Students are encouraged

to donate each Friday a small amount even

5 or 10 cents will make a difference.

The Ministry portfolio team will also be selling chocolates to support the Solomon Islands.

Thank you for your support.

Entertainment Books being distributed to Years 7 and 8 next week.

Please order online or from the office if further copies are required.

Entertainment Book Fundraiser 2019

The Library will be open after school every Monday until 4pm with teachers available to assist with Assessment

Tasks and homework. Students who attend must work quietly in the Library; a teacher will be present to assist if

required.

The Maths ASAP (After School Assistance Program) also operates on Monday afternoons in D3. Please see Mrs

Wilks for a Permission Note. Students can also attend “MATHS AND MILO” on Mondays at lunchtimes to receive

help with maths.

Homework Hub starts Monday 11th February 2019. All students welcome! Please go to the Feldt Centre before

heading to the Library.

For more information, please contact Mrs McDonell (02) 4014 7300

———————————————————————————————————————————

2019—Permission to attend Homework Hub at San Clemente High School

I give permission for 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 trav-

elling home from San Clemente by: ___________________________________________________________________________ .

Parent Name: ___________________________ Contact Phone Number: ______________________

Parent Email Address: _______________________________________________________________

FINANCE OFFICE

Office Hours

Mon – Thu 8.00 am – 3.00 pm

Friday 8.00 am – 2.30 pm

Fees: All statements for Term fees have been emailed/mailed, and are due for payment by 31 May 2019.

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

Methods of payment:

You can also pay using BPay, Eftpos, cash or cheque.

Canteen Lunch Orders:

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

QKR is now our preferred method of payment. Details are available on school website

The Smith Family’s Saver Plus Scheme

To date, we have assisted more than 1200 families in the Hunter with education costs like uniforms, laptops and ex-cursions as many families can find this extremely difficult.

This program is about learning the benefits of saving over a long term and planning for the future. The success rate has 87% of participant’s saving long term (prior to joining only 18% save long term).

Joining the dollar for dollar matched saving program also reduces pressure on schools resources, as parents learn the tools to sustain their finances so they’re better prepared for future costs.

Here is the link for details: https://www.facebook.com/SaverPlusAU/

Canteen Roster

San Clemente High School—Uniform Calendar Dates to note

27 May Brainstorm Yr 8

28 May U15s Hunter Premiership League Boys

5-6 June DIO Sounds

5 June Yr 10 iStem Mars Rova Hackathon

10 June Queens Birthday Public Holiday

11 June Year 9 Exams

17 June Year 10 Exams

21 June U14’s State Finals Premiership Girls

28 June Aerospace Careers—Yr 9&10 iStem

1 July Brainstorm—Cheap Thrills Yr 9

2-4 July Year 10 Retreat

2 July Year 7 Home Study Day

3 July Year 8 Home Study Day

4 July Year 9 Home Study Day

05 July—End term 2

22 July Term 3 begins

25 July Athletics Carnival

26 July Science & Engineering Challenge 10SCIV

29-03 Aug Aspire Production Week

01 Aug Dio Netball & Rugby 7s

7 Aug St Dominic’s Feast Day

Aug 14-16 CAPA Immersion Tour

14 Aug DIO Athletics Carnival

21 Aug Year 6 Information Evening

26-30 Aug PASS Ski Excursion

26/27 Aug Hunter Valley Zoo Excursion Yr 7

26 Aug DIO Basketball

10/11 Sept Tangalooma Yir 9 & 10 Marine Elect

23/27 Sept SFX Year 10 Meetings

27 Sept End Term 3

14 Oct Term 4 begins

30 Oct Socktober

19 Nov Year 8 Community Day

10 Dec Year 10 Graduation

11 Dec Last Day Year 10

18 Dec Last Day 2019 Students

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Week 5

27 May

Shannon Iobbi Lauren Maher Jodi Gill HELP HELP

Week 6

03 June

Jane Boyd Naomi

McNamara

Carmel Shara Kylie Attard HELP

Canteen Volunteers needed

Call the office and find out how to register