Please note the following dates in your diary:
2026 dates are set as best as possible at this point in time.
Please be mindful they may be subject to change and continue to check.

2026 Term 2

Week 10 Monday 22nd June - School ends at midday 12pm to allow for Parent Teacher Meetings Monday 22nd June - Parent Teacher Meetings Midday - 6:30pm Tuesday 23rd June - Yr 6 Italian Kitchen day Wednesday 24th June - Parent teacher Meetings 3:40pm - 7:00pm Friday 26th June - Assembly 9:10 am - CSC semester two badge presentations Friday 26th June - Last Day of term 2 - 2:30pm dismissal

2026 Term 3 Week 1 Monday 13th July - Student free day - staff PD day Tuesday 14th July -  First Day of Term 3

Week 2 Monday 20th-31st - Book Fair in the library Monday 20th-Whole School Indigenous Immersion Day Friday 24th-City to Surf Athletics-Selected student

Week 3 Thursday 30th-Special Treat Day  Thursday 30th - prep 100 days of school Saturday 1st - Year 5/6 social event - Clairvaux Connect

Week 4 Tuesday 4th -Day 1 School Improvement Day-Review Wednesday 5th - Day 2 School Improvement Day-Review Friday 7th - Yr 6 multicultural Melb. excursion  Friday 7th - Yr 1 grandparents day mass 12pm

Week 5  Tuesday 11th-Prep Ambulance Visit Friday 14th August - St Bernards Day Mass (9:15am) and Mannya Lapathon

Week 6  Wednesday 19th August - Confirmation Preparation Day  Friday 21st - Year 5 incursion market manoeuvers

Week 7 Monday 24th - Teeth on Wheels, Monday 24th - Year 3 democracy Incursion Friday 28th - Teeth on wheels Sunday 30th - Confirmation Mass 1pm and 3:30pm

Week 8 Monday 31st - teeth no wheels third visit Tuesday 1st - year 1 Sovereign hill excursion  Tuesday 1st -Division Athletics Wednesday 2nd - Yr 2 wool museum and bollard walk Thursday 3rd - Father’s Day Stall  Friday 4th - Father’s Day open Morning

Week 9 Tuesday 8th - year 4 bodyworks evening  Thursday 10th - RUOK Day

Week 10 Tuesday 15th - Minty’s Birthday Friday 18th - Book Week Parade and final day of term - we will incorporate a brief assembly into the book parade - 2:30pm dismissal

2026 Term 4 Week 1 Monday 5th October - First Day of Term 4 Saturday 10th October - Parents social night

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4 Friday 30th - Icypole day Friday 30th - World Teachers day

Week 5 Monday 2nd - Student Free Day Tuesday 3rd - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Week 6 Wednesday 11th - Yr 5 Leadership incursion

Week 7 Monday 16th - Junior Aths Day Year 2/3 Tuesday 17th -Junior Aths Day Year Prep/1 Friday 20th - Icypole day

Week 8 Monday 23rd - Closure day

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11 Tuesday 15th - Last day of school for 2026

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Gracious God,

open our hearts so that we may receive the message of your coming with joy and wonder. 

Help us to discover the people and places in the midst of our daily lives where you meet us with your love and care. 

May we be the face of Christ to all those we meet. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. 

All: Amen.

Finding Peace in the Second Week of Advent

Dear Families,

As we enter the second week of the Advent season, the dedicated period of waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we can easily get caught up in the incredible speed and rush of the final school weeks of the year.

It's a feeling many can relate to.  It is much like the world of a tradie, where everything seems to need to be completed by Christmas!

This week, I sent a message to our incredible teachers, reminding them to truly enjoy the final days of the year with their classes. The time they have spent together on this unique learning journey has been precious, and every day is different.

In the context of Advent, this second week traditionally calls us to stay alert and prepare not just for the infant Jesus, but also for the powerful message of the adult Jesus' public ministry. We are all waiting for the joy of Jesus' birth and the well-deserved break at the end of the school year.

In these final days, I encourage you all to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the Advent season: a time of waiting, anticipation, and joyful preparation for the birth of Christ.

Reflecting Together

A wonderful way to slow down and focus on the reason for the season is through conversation with your children.

• Ask your children what they have been learning about in their prayer and Religious Education lessons.
• Hearing it from the children can have a profound impact on all of us, reminding us of the true reason for Christmas.

Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support and partnership this year. Let us cherish these final weeks and embrace the spirit of Advent together.

Professional Development Closure Day with Christina Hughes and Tricia Spreadborough - MACs Indigenous Cultural Education

Last Monday we were fortunate to have Christina and Tricia from MACs to engage us in a cultural awareness of our First nation.  The professional learning opportunity was a chance for us to gain a deeper understanding of our history and the importance of being culturally aware of how we can effectively educate our school community.

Creating Culturally Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments.

The intended outcomes of the  session included:

• Enhancing knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and their importance within educational contexts.
• Strengthening confidence in addressing the AITSL teaching Standards by demonstrating respect for, and responsiveness to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, histories, and cultures.
• Deepening our understanding of Child Safe Standard 1 by exploring strategies to create and sustain culturally safe environments for our Aboriginal children and young people.
• Promoting cultural respect, inclusion, and reconciliation within our school communities, and fostering more culturally responsive and inclusive learning environments.
• Developing a deeper knowledge, understanding, and empathy to meaningfully embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday teaching practice.

Brendan

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At last week's Parent and Friends meeting, clarity was sought of the role and responsibility of the School Advisory Council.  The following will provide you with a brief understanding of the Clairvaux SAC.  Current members include Fr Tho, Christine Brennan, Kat Quinn, Sarah Smith, Luke Primus, Shervonne Vass, Leanne McAlister, Steve D’Arcy and Myself.

The School Advisory Council: A Parent's Guide

The School Advisory Council (SAC) is essentially the main way parents, the local church (St Bernards parish), and the community can work together with the school leadership to make the school the best place it can be for our kids.

What the SAC Is (The "Partnership")

• As a  Support Team: It's a formal group that brings together the Principal, the Parish Priest, and Parents (plus sometimes other community members).
• A "Voice" for Parents: It gives parents a dedicated place to contact the SAC members to share their ideas, concerns, and wisdom directly with the Principal.
• As a  Principal's Sounding Board: The Principal and Parish Priest can use the SAC as a place to discuss big ideas or challenges, and get feedback from the parent community before making decisions.
• Consulting, Not Deciding: The SAC is in essence advisory—meaning they give advice and perspective. They do not make the final decisions; those are made by the Principal and Parish Priest, always with the children's well-being and success always being the top priority.

In short: The School Advisory Council is a valuable formal group where parents' insights are sought and used to advise the Principal and Parish Priest on what is best for the students and the future success of the school.      

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The Parents and Friends meeting last Wednesday was attended by a strong core of parents last week.  We are in a rebrand phase but also conscious of what our main purpose is.

Supporting Our School Community: That's the Parents and Friends (P&F) Group!

The P&F is a volunteer team made up of parents and friends dedicated to the well-being of our school. Our main goals are to:

• To Fundraise: Organize activities to bring in extra funds that pay for resources, equipment, or improvements that directly benefit our students' learning and school environment.
• To Build Community: Create opportunities for families to meet, socialize, and feel connected to the school through various functions and activities.
• To Communicate: Act as a helpful link, sharing information and feedback between the wider parent community and the school staff.

Please see Caity Foster Dawes for a complete list of support, the passion and energy displayed by the parents and friends this year.

 Community Care in Action: A Note of Thanks

This past week, we experienced an unfortunate incident in the school yard involving one of our youngest students, Marigold (Goldie) from the Prep class. Goldie sustained a deep head wound that required 20 stitches, and while she was understandably distressed, she is now recovering well.

In times of unexpected difficulty, it is profoundly encouraging to witness the swift care and compassion demonstrated by our community.

• Gratitude to Staff: Our heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated staff members who provided immediate and skillful treatment for Goldie's injury. Their professionalism and calm response ensured she received the necessary care without delay.

• A Special Mention to Langdon: We would also like to recognise the extraordinary support shown by Goldie's older brother, Langdon. His maturity and understanding of the seriousness of the injury allowed him to provide invaluable comfort to his little sister. His actions were a true testament to the loving bonds within our student body.

We are so grateful to be part of a community that rallies around its members. We send our very best wishes to Goldie for a complete and speedy recovery.

Maanya, Uganda: Building a Better Future Together

We are pleased to announce that our annual financial support has been sent to the Maanya community in Uganda this week. Father Emma is delighted with the yearly boost it provides.

This support is central to Clairvaux's belief in "Building a Better Future." What was once considered "mission impossible" is now a community brimming with spirit and potential, thanks to focused efforts in education, infrastructure, and human kindness. Our ongoing partnership fuels a sense of limitless possibility. It serves as an important reminder, particularly now, of the privileges we have here at Clairvaux.

Navigating the Final Weeks of the Year

As we successfully conclude Week 9, let's all be mindful and supportive of one another as we face the natural pressures that accompany the end of a busy school year. We still have many wonderful events ahead!

Please note these key upcoming activities:

• Today: Clairvaux Got Talent!
• Next Tuesday: "Step Up Day." This exciting day includes:
• Welcoming our new Preps and their families.
• All children learn who their class teacher and classmates will be next year.
• For Year 6: The fun of the Adventure Park excursion and the formal Graduation ceremony.
• Friday, December 12th: Our highly significant End-of-Year Mass at 9:15 AM.

 Let’s hold it together.  

Brendan

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What you need to know if your child has a medical condition

Important Reminder: Student Medication at School

As the weather warms up, we know that many students may begin experiencing hayfever or other seasonal allergies. To help us support your child’s health and safety at school, we’d like to remind families of our current medication procedures.

In line with the MACS Medication Policy (introduced in 2022), the school is unable to administer any medication—including over-the-counter items—without the correct documentation.

If your child requires medication during school hours, please ensure the following forms are completed:

• Medical Authority Form – This must be filled out by a health professional (Doctor or Pharmacist) for any medication, including over-the-counter medicines such as Paracetamol, Antihistamines, or creams.

• Medical Management Form – Required if your child has an ongoing medical condition that needs regular medication or treatment.

All relevant forms and policy information can be found on our school website.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in keeping our students safe and well cared for. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Please keep medical details up to date.

All medication is to be stored in the First aid room and will be administered by staff.  No medication is to be stored in your child's bag.

• Asthma: Asthma Action Plan signed by the doctor every 12 months.  
• Allergy:  Allergy Action Plan signed by the doctor every 12 months.  
• Anaphylaxis:  Asthma Action Plan signed by the doctor every 12 months. 
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy Management Plan signed by the doctor every 12 months

                    (All these forms are supplied by your doctor).

You will receive an email via SIMON (PAM) when your child is due for a new plan or if your child's medication has expired.

If your child requires any medical care or medication at school you will be required to take the following forms to a Health Practitioner to be filled in and signed off.

Medical Management Form 

Medical Authority Form 

We can no longer give any medication eg. panadol, antibiotics, antihistamines, creams etc to your child at school unless these forms are filled out. 

These forms are available from the office and also on our website under Welbeing, to download.

To update your child's medical information on PAM, please see these instructions 

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On Tuesday morning Neil, our Fryers Road crossing man became ill whilst working on the crossing. Neil was assisted by some of our parent community and school staff at the time. Neil and his wife Gayle would like to sincerely thank those who assisted him or stopped and checked in as they went past. Neil was assisted by a parent who is a nurse and was later taken to hospital where he has made a good recovery. 
It was lovely to see our community swing into action to assist someone in need and a relief to know that it was nothing too serious and will not impact Neil's crossing duties in the future. 
Neil is actually going on holidays this week and so will not return to the crossing until 1 December but wanted everyone to know he is okay and just enjoying his scheduled break and will be back to see the children safely over the road in the final weeks of the term.
Again many thanks to those who assisted on the day or checked in on Neil as he is a loved and valued member of our school community.

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During Term 4 Year 2 students have been enjoying reading Roald Dahl’s popular book “The Twits”.  They have explored the rich vocabulary in the story, the nonsensical tricks and schemes, and they have also written paragraphs about the characters and settings in the book.  On Friday the 7th the Year 2s had a Twits Celebration Day where they dressed up, ate wormy spaghetti and bird pie, and found an eyeball in their drinks!

Read on for some stories and pictures from this day.

Mr Twit’s Garden Shed - Evie 2NK

Never ever step foot into Mr Twit’s Garden Shed!  First, something might catch your eye, a giant huntsman will be building a gigantic cobweb trying to catch cockroaches, beetles and other bugs! Then on the table where Mr Twit made Mrs Twit’s walking grow, is the sharpest sharp tool in the world.  He’s also got a blade to take off the heads of the birds and tweezers to take off the feathers.  Then on there is the ladder where he got the birds from the Big Dead Tree.  The hug-tight glue leans against the ladder spilling everywhere on the floor.  Then next to the table is very, very horrible smelling monkey food, it’s so disgusting!  Hope you don’t enter Mr Twit’s Shed!

Mrs Twit - Binx 2AP

I’m going to tell you all about the ugliest person alive, Mrs Twit!!  Mrs Twit has a walking stick that she doesn’t even need, she only has it because she whacks kids.  She has a glass eye and she put it in Mr Twit’s beer, like who even has a glass eye?   Now Mrs Twit is sooo ugly and disgusting, but she put worms in Mr Twit’s spaghetti, gross EW!  I’m going to tell you all about Mrs Twit's disgusting hair, she never ever brushes her hair because she’s too disgusting, that’s why her hair is sooo disgusting.  Now you know that Mrs Twit is the ugliest person alive!!

The Twits’ Lounge Room - 2AC

Never put your body in the Twits’ lounge room.  First of all, there is an oversized bearded gnome that stares at you the whole time (creepy).  There’s also a disgusting rug on the floor that’s all wet and horrible.  Did I mention there’s wonky frames all over the place saying the Twits are amazing (they’re not)?  Mrs Twit owns a broken lamp that she uses when she’s reading a book from the bookshelf.  Now do you know why you wouldn’t dare to put your body in the Twits’ lounge room?

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