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 1 Monday 20th April - First Day of Term 2 Monday 20th April - Senior Athletics - Goldsworthy Reserve Monday 20th April - Year 5/6 parents - Bodyworks infosession 6:30 online Tuesday 21st April - Bodyworks lessons commence for two weeks - year 5 and 6 Wednesday 22nd April - Prep 2027 information tours 9:30am  Wednesday 22nd April - Tuning into Kids sesison 3 6:30pm Online Friday 24th April - ANZAC reflection 10:50am Friday 24th April - City to Surf Cross Country - selected students

Week 2 Wednesday 29th April - Tuning into Kids sesison 4 6:30pm Online Wednesday 29th April - Carnivale meeting 6:45 Staff room Friday 1st May - 2027 Prep enrolments close Friday 1st May - Icypole day Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May - Sacramental Presentation Masses (Eucharist and Confirmation)

Week 3 Monday May 4th - Swimming begins for Yr 3 and 4 (all week) Wednesday 6th May - Tuning into Kids sesison 5 6:30pm Online Thursday 7th May - Year 3 Mother's day mass Thursday 7th May - Mothers day stall Friday 8th May - Mothers day morning - details to come

Week 4 Monday May 11th - Swimming begins for Yr 1 and 2 (all week) Wednesday 13th May - Tuning into Kids sesison 6 6:30pm Online Saturday 16th May - Parish book fair school hall

Week 5 Tuesday 19th May - Division cross country - selected students Friday 22nd May - Icypole day

Week 6 Monday 25th May - student free day - staff PD Wednesday 27th May- Eucharist Family Faith Night Year 4 - 6:30pm Please note change of date. Friday 29th May - Yr 6 Winter Lightning Prem - Clairvaux sports uniform only to be worn

Week 7 Tuesday 2nd June - Yr 4 Eucharist preparation day

Week 8 Monday 8th June - Public Holiday - school closure day Tuesday 9th June - Bravehearts incursion Prep and Yr 2 Tuesday 9th June - Year 5 Camp (one night) Wednesday 10th June - Year 5 camp Thursday 11th June - Yr 5 students no school Saturday 13th June and Sunday 14th June - Sacrament of Eucharist Celebrations

Week 9 Thursday 18th June - Special treat day

Week 10 Monday 22nd June - School ends at midday to allow for Parent Teacher Meetings Monday 22nd June - Parent Teacher Meetings Midday - 6:30pm 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

Term 3 Week 1 Monday 13th July - Student free day - staff PD day Tuesday 14th July -  First Day of Term 2

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Strengthening Our Community for 2027

For the past two Wednesdays, our Prep teachers, Prue, Siobhan, Vicky, and Caitlin and I have visited a number of local kindergartens. I know that we have only just settled in with our 2026 Prep children, but we are already looking ahead to welcome new families and siblings to Clairvaux in 2027.

As a current family, you play an enormous role in advocating for your child’s school. Never underestimate the power you have in promoting the education your child is receiving. While billboards, news ads, and social media all help spread the message, your word is the most powerful factor of all.  

School Tours are available at the following times: 

Tuesday 24th March (12 midday) and Wednesday 22 April (9:30am).

To help us continue building our vibrant community, I invite you to:

• Share your story: Talk to friends, neighbours, and colleagues about the growth and learning you see in your child.
• Encourage a visit: If you know a family considering schools for 2027, encourage them to book a tour to see our classrooms in action.  These tours will be led by our Year 6 students. 
• Watch for Key Dates: Remind friends that enrolment windows for siblings and new families are approaching quickly.  

Our best ambassadors are the families who experience the Clairvaux difference every day. We thank you for your ongoing support and for being such a vital part of our school’s future.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Collaborative Excellence: Welcoming St. Catherine’s

We are excited to announce that on Friday, 6th March, we will be hosting colleagues from St. Catherine’s Armstrong Creek at Clairvaux. This visit by a few of their  teachers marks an opportunity for professional dialogue and to share our instructional practice.

Focus on Our Instructional Model

The primary intent of the day is to showcase the lived reality of our Instructional Model within our "Calm Classroom" environments. We know that consistency is the key to student success, and we are proud to open our doors to demonstrate how we bridge theory and practice.

The visit will focus on three core pillars of our educational approach:

• Explicit Instruction: Observing how learning intentions are broken down into clear, actionable steps that ensure no student is left behind.
• Engagement Norms: Demonstrating the specific technique, from "checking for understanding" to collaborative talk that keeps our students active and accountable in their learning.
• Classroom Routines: Showcasing the predictable, low-friction transitions and habits that allow our classrooms to remain focused, productive, and calm.

Life takes us to different places.  Who knows where we will go and who we will meet on our way through life. This year we have welcomed many new families to join in our Clairvaux journey.  It will be the  start of many friendships for our Prep families with others.

 Half of the Prep cohort are new families to the school and many will form lifelong friendships.  There are 425 families here at Clairvaux. 

In my time as an educator (a good number of years)  I have had the opportunity to teach and lead in many diverse communities.  Small rural schools, regional schools, a Melbourne school, and an alternative school setting in Wangaratta.  At one stage I was able to spend a period of time on Christmas Island teaching asylum seeker children and young people from the ages of 3 - 18 years. Catholic Education Western Australia established a school to support the families that had fled war and unsafe conditions in countries that necessitated them to seek peace and asylum elsewhere.  i.e. Afghanistan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Somalia .  At that time (2013) these young people had no education and were living in camps that were harsh.  The journey through many different countries before boarding a boat from Indonesia was a hugely risky time for them.  For most of the time it was a life or death. I was mainly teaching the UAMs Unaccompanied Minors, young boys 12- 18 who had left their families and most probably would never see their parents or siblings again.

A Momentous Milestone: Celebrating Mehdi’s Journey

Last Monday was a day of profound joy for our family. We gathered to celebrate a milestone that has been twelve years in the making: Mehdi, one of the s boys, officially became an Australian citizen.

Mehdi’s journey to this moment is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for endurance. His path began in 2013, fueled by a search for safety and freedom after the devastation of bombings in Quetta, Pakistan. Leaving behind his mother and three sisters, he traveled through various countries for months before being picked up by Border Force on August 23, 2013.

The Path to Geelong

From the shores of Christmas Island to processing in Darwin, Mehdi eventually found his way to the Mary MacKillop Centre Geelong  in February 2015. Since that day, he has been a model of diligence and grit:

• Work Ethic: For years, Mehdi has worked six days a week as a tiler, often traveling vast distances to provide for his future.
• Identity: A proud Afghan Hazara and a devoted Muslim, Mehdi has navigated a decade of uncertainty with faith and patience.
• Integration: He has not just lived among us; he has built a life, contributed his skills, and waited through countless prayers for this very day.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   A Pertinent Reflection

In a world that often feels divided, the Gospel message last Monday serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the impact of our actions.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.”

Mehdi’s story is a living example of what happens when we choose welcome over fear. His courage and persistence have finally been rewarded with the permanent embrace of the country he has worked so hard to call home. And In the words of our national  anthem 

For those who’ve come across  the seas, We've boundless plains to share, With courage let us all combine To advance Australia fair.

Congratulations, Mehdi. We are honored to call you our fellow Australian.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A reminder from Kelly Club

Dear Families

Just a reminder that Clairvaux Kelly Club will be running a program to cover the Pupil Free Day on Tuesday 10th March. Children will enjoy a fun-filled day with engaging activities, games and plenty of time to play and connect with friends.

Bookings are essential and spaces are limited, so we encourage families to book as soon as possible to secure a place, as this day is expected to fill quickly.

We look forward to welcoming the children for a great day at Clairvaux Kelly Club.

Harry and the team

Harry is also a new learning Support Officer at Clairvaux supporting in Year  1- 4 on Monday - Wednesday.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------    At school.  The framework behind our decisions

After a recent conversation with a parent,  I have been reflecting on the processes and structures that shape our daily lives here at Clairvaux . With the leadership team, we are often tasked with making decisions that impact every child, every classroom, and every family.

I want to share a little bit about how we reach those decisions and what sits behind them.

When we sit down we look at what is best for our children and our school.

1. Is it best for the children?  We weigh academic growth with emotional well-being to find the right balance.  
2. Is it operationally sound? For a school to be a safe and calm environment, the gears must slide smoothly.
3. Does it fit "how we do things around here"?. It’s the set of shared values that ensures consistency for your child from their first day of school to their last.

Some decisions are a must. These choices we have to make ensure the school functions safely and effectively. This can be a challenge. And you may not agree with the decision. These aren't always the easiest or most popular options, but they are always made after due consideration.

Thank you for trusting us with that responsibility and for being such a vital part of our school’s unique culture.

Brendan

Illness at school

Thursday we sent home a dozen children who were unwell.  We had a few children in Year 1, 4 and 5 who left early.  Please keep your child home if they are unwell.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NAPLAN 

NAPLAN for our Year 3 and 5 students will take place from Wednesday, March 11 to Monday, March 23, 2026. The assessment, which will cover reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy, applies to students in Years 3and  5.  Naplan is only one part of our assessment schedule and assists our teachers with our teaching and learning program.

Rain at 3.30pm

Last Wednesday I was caught in a sudden downpour while on duty at McDonald’s Reserve. Many thanks to the kind Mum who wound down her window to pass me an umbrella. 

If that is you please call my office to retrieve the umbrella.  

Thank you

Brendan

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

YEAR 6 / PREP ‘BUDDY’ MASS
We warmly invite all Prep and Year 6 families to join us for a very special Buddy Mass on Wednesday, 4th March at 9.30 am in St Bernard’s Church. This is a milestone occasion for our Preps as they experiance their very first school Mass, supported by the care and guidance of their Year 6 buddies. We would love to see you there!

SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION
Year 3 students and their parents / carers are invited to join us for our Reconciliation Family Faith Evening which will be held on Wednesday 4th March at 6.30pm in St. Bernard’s Church. This informative, faith-filled evening is dedicated to exploring the Sacrament of Reconciliation Our
guest presenter, Sarah Smith, will guide us through shared experiences and insights to deepen our understanding of this Healing Sacrament. It is an important part of the student’s preparation, and ask that at least one parent is in attendance with their child.

Important reminders
● Complete child’s registration through the parish website HERE
● Order a Stole with your child’s Christian name and symbols of Baptism and Reconciliation.
Recommended stole service is Gracious Glymphs
● Please notify your child’s class teacher if your child is not taking part in the Sacrament.
● Refer to notes sent out via email for further information.
● Thursday 26th March - Sacrament of Reconciliation- 12 - 2pm St. Bernard’s church.

LENT
Last week, our school community recognised the beginning of the Christian season of Lent with reflective prayer services on Ash Wednesday. You might have noticed the colour purple appearing in our prayer spaces - this is the colour of preparation and waiting. Lent is a time for us to prepare our hearts for the great joy of Easter. It is a season to slow down, reflect and grow
a little closer to God and one another.

During Lent, we are inspired by the teachings of Pope Leo, who reminds us the our faith isn’t just something we feel - it is something we do. He encourages us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus by having a ‘preferential option for the poor.” For our students, this means:

● Keeping those who have less at the front of our minds
● Turning our faith into tangible service (helping others in need).
● Looking for ways to be kind, compassionate and stand up for others.
By doing small things each day, we turn this season of preparation into visible action in our Clairvaux School community.

PROJECT COMPASSION
This Lent, our school is proud to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compasion . For 40 days, we join thousands of others across Australia to Unite Against Poverty and make a lasting difference for vulnerable communities worldwide. Our Year 5 CSC ‘Social Justice’ students will be promoting this campaign throughout the school.
How we will be participating:

● Donation boxes: Each classroom has a Project Compassion box for students to donate small amounts of spare change (with parent permission)
● Weekly Collection: Our Yr 5 CSC students will collect and count these donations each week, keeping us updated on our progress.

HISTORIC GEELONG CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PILGRIMAGE
On Wednesday 18 March, our Year 5 CSC students will join other primary school students from across Geelong for a historic pilgrimage to Queenscliff. Our students will trace the footsteps of those who have helped to build our rich local Catholic heritage within the community of Queenscliff . The pilgrimage will visit the following significant landmarks that each tell the story of faith and service:

● St Aloysius Church : 10 am mass
● Santa Casa: Hearing from Sr. Lizzie on our Mercy heritage
● Swan Bay and Rail Trail: Reflecting on God’s creation
● Queenscliff Town Hall: Shared lunch with guest speaker Adam Wake (CEO Cottage by the Sea)

We look forward to hearing about their experience.

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Clairvaux has a very tidy and functional uniform. Wearing a school uniform has many benefits and is an expectation of our community. We would appreciate families reading the policy linked below and taking the time to ensure all students are in their full appropriate uniform. This includes hair accessories, no jewellery except for small studs or sleeper earrings, no leggings or tights with the summer dress and no nail polish. 

We have noticed particularly this term, lots of shoes and socks that are not school uniform. On days it is not sports uniform day, shoes must be black leather or sport shoes that are completely black. (If a staff organised lunch time sport such as futsal is being played-runners can be packed in a bag and put on just for the game). Socks also need to be the correct colour (white for sport and with the summer dress, grey with grey shorts) with no logos etc.

Clairvaux has now fully transitioned to the new navy jacket after a two year grace period. The old windbreaker is not part of our school uniform any longer.

Students have been reminded about this at year level gatherings  and uniform slips will be issued by Clairvuax staff to students not in correct uniform as reminders of what is correct attire. These need to be signed and returned to the class teacher.

Uniform orders can be made online via the school24 app. Our uniform shop is open Fridays from 8:45am - 9:15am in the school hall.  Please email the class teacher if you are having any issues. LINK TO UNIFORM POLICY (this is on our school website and the uniform slip is included as an appendix)

We value your support with this matter.

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Tuning in to Kids – Coming to Our School in 2026

We are pleased to share that our school plans to offer the Tuning in to Kids parent program in 2026. This evidence-based program will be delivered as a six-week series, held online on Wednesday evenings from 6:30–8:30 pm, running across the final two weeks of Term 1 and the first four weeks of Term 2 beginning Wednesday 25th March.

The sessions will be conducted online, facilitated by our school counsellor Diana Rogowski, allowing parents to participate comfortably from home. Participants will receive a comprehensive parent manual to support learning, reflection, and practice between sessions. The program is designed to be interactive and supportive, with opportunities to practise skills, reflect on real-life parenting experiences, and return to the group each week to deepen understanding over time.

To gain the full benefit of the program, parents are required to attend a minimum of four out of the six sessions. Missing more than two sessions may limit the effectiveness of the learning experience. Places are limited, and parents who express interest will be contacted for a brief phone conversation to ensure the program is a good fit and that appropriate supports are in place.

We are seeking expressions of interest to begin planning for these sessions. Please fill out this short form and we will be in touch.

What Parents Will Learn

Parents who participate in Tuning in to Kids will learn:

• How to recognise and respond to children’s emotions in ways that support emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Practical strategies to support children during big emotions, transitions, and challenging moments
• How emotional validation supports behaviour, learning readiness, and classroom engagement
• Ways to build children’s confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills
• Strategies to support healthy friendships, social skills, and conflict resolution
• How to strengthen the parent–child relationship to support wellbeing and long-term positive outcomes

About the Program

Tuning in to Kids is an evidence-based parenting program that supports parents to strengthen their connection with their children through emotional understanding. The program focuses on developing emotion coaching skills, practical, nurturing ways to respond to children’s feelings that help them learn to manage emotions, build resilience, improve behaviour, and feel more connected at home.

Parents often report that after completing the program, their homes feel calmer, communication improves, and their children show increased confidence and emotional awareness. It is a valuable opportunity to slow down, reflect, and learn practical tools that can make family life feel more supported, cooperative, and joyful.

We hope you will consider joining us as we learn together, share experiences, and support one another in building strong, emotionally connected relationships with our children, we look forward to welcoming interested families in 2026.

Additional Information

Tuning in to Kids is designed for parents of primary school–aged children and is grounded in extensive research. When children’s emotions are recognised and validated, and parents are equipped with clear, consistent strategies to support them, positive changes in behaviour are commonly observed. Children who develop strong emotional intelligence are better able to regulate emotions, manage frustration, resolve conflict, and engage positively in learning and relationships, both at home and at school.

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Drop Off Gates

We work hard at making sure that all external gates are open at 8:35am for drop off in the mornings. Unfortunately, sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances, the gate may be open a few minutes later than expected. We do apologise for these times and understand that the drop offs are busy times for families and that families rely on the gates being open on time.

We recognise that Gate 4 (Plaza drop off zone) can be the most challenging if the gate is not open on time. We have created a sign and will explain to our students that if this gate is not open on time they need to walk down the path to Gate 2 (Office gate) and enter the school from there. 

Please be aware, this will only need to be actioned on the rare occasion it is not open on time. This is just a precautionary measure.

                             

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWFBPh33pMQ

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The Year 1 students have settled beautifully into their new classes for 2026. They have already enjoyed their first Year 1 gathering, proudly hosted by 1HB. In addition, they have participated in two Friday community lunches, where students had the opportunity to sit and eat with friends from their own class as well as the other three Year 1 classes.

  

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Sport News - 2026

Once again, the year begins busily with many sporting events for the school. Here are the Term 1 dates to place on your calendar.

• Clairvaux Cross Country (Year4-6) Monday 16th February at McDonalds Reserve (9:00-11:00am)
• Division Swimming (Selected Students) Tuesday 10th March at Kardinia Park
• Clairvaux Senior Athletics Day (Year 4-6) Monday 2nd March at Landy Field
• Summer Lightning premiership (Year 6 only) Friday 27th March - Venues TBC

Swimming Championships - The 2026 Bellarine and North Geelong Division Primary School Championships will be held on Tuesday 10th March at Kardinia Pool. Swimming Events begin with the 9/10 age group. Students may enter two individual events.  Entries need to be submitted to me by Friday 20th February.  Please note that it is the responsibility of parents to accompany and supervise their child at this event.  If you think your child would like to compete please contact me by email at ssegrave@ccsbelmont.com.au to confirm that they meet the qualifying times for their event so I can register them.

SSV Trials - Please find the information for individual state sport representation at SSV sports this year.  School Sport Victoria trials are highly competitive and are best suited to students who are performing at a high level in their chosen sport, including representative or advanced competitive experience. If you feel like your child excels at their chosen sport you need to register by Monday 2nd March 2026.

For more information on the SSV go to their website: www.ssv.vic.edu.au

• Netball
• AFL 
• Cricket
• Football (Soccer)
• Basketball

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         What a wonderful start to 2026 we have had in Year 3! 

We have been working together to establish strong classroom routines grounded in respect—for one another and for our shared learning spaces. A key focus has been the BIG 5, with each class creating a pledge that outlines how we can contribute to happy, safe, and supportive learning environments.

As students transition into middle school, there are many exciting milestones to look forward to, including:

• Working towards a Pen Licence

• Participating in Reconciliation celebration

• Nominating for CSC

• Access to the Year 3 shared lunch space

• Enjoying the senior playground and woodlands

Here are some of the things our Year 3 students are looking forward to this year.

           Eliza Smith      (3AW)

• I’m looking forward to getting my pen licence because I have always wanted to write with a pen and join my writing.  I’d like to make new friends in 3AW.

            Reg Kelley        (3JB)

• I’m looking forward to using the chromebooks to type our writing. I'm  also excited about doing spelling mastery level D.

            Ed Charlton      (3MN)

• I’m looking forward to getting my pen licence because I like using pens.  I think  the shared Year 3 space for lunch is great because I can catch up with all my friends.

We’re looking forward to a fun and rewarding year ahead in Year 3!

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Clairvaux’s Colour Blast Fun Run -Tuesday 24 March from 5pm.
Important updates

This is a ticketed event, and it’s your last chance to register your child to attend. Entries must close this Friday 13 March. Register by setting up a Colour Blast Student Profile for your child: https://colourblast.com.au/student-parent-registrations/?school-id=MTU1Njg=

Entry tickets to bring to the event
An entry ticket (including sunglasses redemption voucher) will be sent home with each registered student late next week.

BBQ, icecream, and drinks
We are delighted to have supporters providing the BBQ, icecreams, and the drink sales to contribute to Clairvaux’s fundraising total. Come at 5pm for dinner!
The BBQ is kindly being organised by the Lions Club of Geelong South Barwon with all proceeds donated.
Icecreams from Mr Pro Whipp with a percentage of the profit donated.
We are selling drinks as well for fundraising (EFT preferred).

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee food safety for gluten-free or other special dietary requirements (other than vegetarian with veggie burgers). Please bring your own food for other dietary requirements.

Volunteers
We need parents to volunteer for short shifts including during the day for setup, during and after the run.
This is a parent volunteer led event for the enjoyment of students.
Volunteer here: https://signup.com/go/kOevdwF

Fundraising update
We have raised $5,500 of our $10,000 goal! The funds will contribute to the new junior playground and playspace upgrades. Thank you very much to everyone who has contributed so far and those who have shared their child’s fundraising link.

Highest fundraisers
The highest fundraising house colour wins icypoles, highest class gets hot chips, and 10 highest individual fundraisers win merch packs and get involved in some sliming!  The final results will be at as at 12noon on the day of the event and the results will be announced on the night.

Stay tuned. Another surprise prize will be announced shortly!

Right now, the highest fundraising house colour is Bernard!
The Colour Blast website shows the top 5 fundraisers and highest class.


What students wear and bring
White or black with a touch of fluro. White and Black with the powder gives different effects.
Please note that the powder is non-toxic and washes out, but it may leave a slight discolouration on pure white tops.

 You might want to pack a change of clothes or towels for the car ride home
 Water bottle
 A white or black top
 Any bottoms that they can get dirty
 Any touches of fluro that they want to add – this could be headbands, scrunchies, skirts, have a bit
of fun with it!
 Runners/sneakers
 Sunglasses UV400 provided on the night for each registered student

Schedule for Tuesday 24 March:
5.00pm   Enter via the Reynolds Road gate to the oval with each students’ entry ticket.
Sunglasses provided when handing in their ticket at the gate.
BBQ, ice-cream, and drink sales remain open throughout the whole event.
Students will be asked to stay off the course until they are invited to the marshal area.
5.30pm   Fun Run starts around the oval as parents squirt the coloured powder
6.15pm   Families can also purchase from the BBQ and ice-cream truck after the run finishes, watch the sliming and fundraising winners will be announced.
7.00pm   Event finished

Young students
Young students, particularly Preps, may find the first few laps a bit overwhelming with the whole school participating, but then they will enjoy it. Please tell these students what to expect on the night in advance of coming, and you could encourage them to hold hands with a friend for the first few laps until they get used to it. No parents are to enter the track.

It is not long now until we get to cover the students in colour!

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Please check your emails regarding the launch of Clairvaux Connect and an initial interest form. If you are interested in being involved in any way, whether big or small, we would love to hear from you. Please complete the Google Form linked below to register your interest.

https://forms.gle/2EgWpVsCHLcfBV9M6

We welcome all parents and carers to join us for our first meeting of the year on Wednesday 18 February 7pm.

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We are excited to announce our first event of the year — the Clairvaux Trivia Night!

Gather your friends and book a table of ten, or purchase a single ticket and meet some new faces.

This is a free event for adults aged 18 years and over.

Last year’s trivia night was a huge success, and we’re hoping this year will be even better — don’t miss out!

Follow the link or use the QR code to register.

https://www.trybooking.com/1536546

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