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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NAPLAN: Tracking Growth and Success

As we move further into the school year, it’s time to look ahead to the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).

NAPLAN is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. It remains the only nationwide assessment that all Australian children undertake, providing a valuable snapshot of how students are progressing in the fundamental skills of reading, writing, conventions of language, and numeracy.

These assessments are designed to help us see whether young Australians are developing the essential foundations for future learning. The data collected helps ensure students are on track to participate productively and rewardingly in the community.

It is a collaborative effort, with all government and non-government education authorities contributing to the development of NAPLAN materials to ensure they meet national standards.

While we are very pleased with our school results, it is important to remember that we view NAPLAN as just one measure of data within our comprehensive assessment schedule.

We use these results alongside our internal classroom observations and  to create a complete picture of every child’s unique learning journey. Our goal is to support the "whole student," ensuring they feel confident and capable regardless of the testing environment.

Resources for Parents

To help you and your child prepare, we have provided the following resources:

• Parent Information Brochure: For a deeper dive into what the tests cover and how results are reported, please click here for the brochure.

• School Testing Timetable: 

  NAPLAN TEST SCHEDULE 2026
  MAR 11 - Writing 9:15am Yr 3 & Yr 5 
  MAR 13 - Reading 9:15am Yr 5 
  MAR 13 - Reading 11:50am Yr 3
  MAR 16 - Conventions of Language 9:15am Yr 5 
  MAR 16 - Conventions of Language 12:15pm Yr 3  
  MAR 17 - Numeracy 9:15am Yr 3
  MAR 17 - Numeracy 12:15am Yr 5

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Clairvaux Uniform Shop

Our Uniform shop is a volunteer run non-for-profit shop where we strive to supply
quality items as affordable wholesale pricing for the benefit of our school community.

Price changes
Many of our suppliers have increased their pricing which has a direct flow on effect to our prices. We have managed to negotiate a cheaper price for summer dresses however other items have had an increase.
The new pricing will be effective as of Sunday 8 th March and will be automatically updated on School24.

Winter kilt / pinafore
As many in the community will be aware, we have been unsuccessful over the past 2years in finding a supplier willing to continue to make our kilts.
We are excited to let you know we are in the final stages of agreement with a
supplier who has managed to match our current kilt fabric colour and orientation.
Production of these kilts will also see a transition to a pinafore style. The pinafore willbe available in sizes 4-10, while a skirt-only option will be available for sizes 12+.

       

Students can continue to wear the current style kilt without the pinafore and we stillhave stock in some sizes in the shop available for purchase.

Returns/exchanges. 
We do offer exchanges or returned items for any new condition items with attachedtags. If the tag has come off but it still able to be reattached, this may be considered on the condition the item and tags are still in as new condition so we can reattach them.
You can send exchange items via your child’s classroom bag with clear instructionsof what you are asking for, child’s name and class. These will be reviewed by volunteers either on Wednesdays or Fridays.

Second-hand uniform
The shop accepts second-hand items that has previously been sold through the Uniform Shop. If you have items you wish to donate, please ensure they are in clean, good condition (no holes, fading or stains). These can be dropped off at the shop on Friday mornings between 8.40-9.10am.

Washing tips

It is highly recommended you read the recommended washing advice on all uniform items to ensure the best care and longevity.

Rugby Jumper: Recommended washed inside out, cold wash and dried in shade to prevent fading.

Soft shell jackets: Cold wash, line dry in shade.

Polos: Warm wash. Note polo logos may come off in hot washes or if soaked.
This is not a fault of the garment, so it is recommended for stains/marks to spot treat those by hand before putting in washing machine.

Volunteers
Thank you to those who nominated an interest to help out in our shop via the
friendship list form. We will be in touch shortly with some times/ days to offer you all an induction. If anyone else would like to attend, let us know via
clairvauxuniforms@gmail.com

Current pricing that will be effective from 8th March. 

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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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As Year 6 students, there are many treasured Clairvaux experiences they will encounter for the final time. Last week, students stepped out of the classroom to compete in their final Clairvaux Cross Country event. It was wonderful to witness the strong Clairvaux spirit on display, with students demonstrating determination, camaraderie and teamwork as they encouraged one another and gave their very best effort.

The highlight of the term so far for Year 6 has undoubtedly been meeting our Prep buddies. The Buddy Program at Clairvaux provides our senior students with the valuable opportunity to step into the role of supportive mentors for our newest members of the school community. Through this program, the Year 6 students actively develop and demonstrate essential qualities such as effective communication, attentiveness, patience and kindness. In doing so, they proudly model the Nine Touchstones of Clairvaux and embody leadership, responsibility and compassion in a meaningful and authentic way.

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This term in Grade 2, we have been learning all about ourselves! We have been exploring our interests, discovering our strengths, and talking about the special qualities that make each of us unique.

Through class discussions and fun activities, students have shared the things they enjoy, what they feel proud of, and the ways they shine both inside and outside the classroom. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they recognise that everyone has different talents and that every single person is an important and valued member of our Grade 2 community.

One of our favourite activities was creating a self-portrait. Each student carefully drew a picture of themselves, thinking about what makes them special. These self-portraits are now proudly displayed on our classroom wall and will stay up all year. They serve as a beautiful reminder that we all belong, we all matter, and we each bring something special to our class.

We are so proud of the way our students are learning to celebrate themselves and each other!

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to inform you that we have recently seen an increase in student absences due to illness. Several students have reported symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and stomach discomfort.

The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority. Our school is taking the following precautions:

• Encouraging frequent handwashing and proper hygiene

• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly

• Monitoring students for symptoms throughout the school day

We kindly ask for your support in the following ways:

• Please keep your child at home if they have a fever or are feeling unwell.

• Students should remain at home until they have been fever-free or vomiting for at least 48 hours without medication.

• Notify the school office if your child is diagnosed with a contagious illness.

• Remind your child about proper handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.

If your child becomes ill during the school day, we will contact you to arrange prompt pickup.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy school environment for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

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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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On Monday 16th February our Year 4-6 students participated in our School Cross Country.  It was a hot morning and the students ran so well.  A big thank you to all the parent helpers who marshalled and helped pack up after the event.  For those students who will progress to the next stage it will be held in Torquay on Friday April 24th.  A big well done to Mercy (Green house) on winning the day

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