Reflection

Let you speech always be gracious  

This quote from St Paul reminds us how important words are. Words of love and respect help us to be happy and proud of who we are.  The word gracious is a beautiful word and when we speak graciously to others it means that we speak to them with respect, kindness and thoughtfulness.

May we continue to model respect and kindness to our children and each other.

Social Justice Action at Clairvaux
Later in the newsletter Julie our RE Leader has an article about what students are doing to improve the lives of people who are finding it a little hard to cope during these cold winter months. Below are photos of some of the activities they have been involved in. Read Julie's article to find out more.

Break time

It's amazing that we have nearly completed  two terms of the school year.  This week has been a hectic one as we wind up assessment, reporting and interview and plans for Term 3.  Thanks to our teachers and parents who attended the parent and teacher interviews this week to discuss your child's progress.  This is a time to celebrate the learning achievements and set goals for the remainder of the year.

It has been a long term.  One that is longer than normal.  Eleven weeks in total.  Enjoy the next fortnight with your families and if travelling stay safe and warm.

Well done to all of our children.  Our Preps have established a strong foundation for learning and our Year 6 students enter the final phase of Primary education.  

Many thanks to our teachers for all the work that they do to support all Clairvaux children.  The investment of time beyond the hours of the school day often goes unnoticed.  Teaching is a complex task.  One that requires a deep commitment of being alert to points of growth for each child, the nature and disposition of each child,and coupled with  external factors that impact both positively and negatively in family life.

It is always a challenge to maintain the balance of care and achievement for teachers in the act of teaching.  The challenges of maintaining teaching in which there is both care and concern for the processes of learning and the rewards of achievement are considerable.  

Passionate people, (as are our teachers), are the ones who make a difference in our lives.  By the intensity of their beliefs and actions, they connect us with a sense of value that is within - and beyond - ourselves.  Sometimes that passion burns with a quiet. refined intensity; sometimes it bellows forth with thunder and eloquence.  But in whatever form or style a teacher’s passion emerges, students know that they are in the presence of someone whose devotion to learning is exceptional.  Even when that devotion has an intensity that may make students feel uncomfortable, they still know it’s something important.  It’s what makes a teacher unforgettable.  (Fried 1995)

A pat on the back to everyone for this term.  

Staffing changes for next Semester.

There are a number of changes for the second semester with staffing.

Elle Brown is taking twelve months leave to pursue a new role opportunity as a Behavioural Support Practitioner and will be working with children who not only have disabilities, but mental health issues and trauma.  We wish Elle every success with this new opportunity as Elle has a passion for supporting children and adults with life and school challenges.
Gabe Smith will be teaching the Year 5 TD class on a Monday and working with Trin who will continue to teach on Tuesday - Friday for the rest of the school year.
Elle's other classes. 
Freya Nicholas will be teaching the Year 2 Performing Arts classes on Tuesday.  Michelle Pietrapatosa will be teaching the Year 1 Performing Arts on Wednesday.
Michelle Owens will replace Bonnie's Literacy Intervention program  Bonnie is heading off to have her third child.  We wish Bonnie and Sam all the best as they welcome a beautiful bub to join their two little girls into this world.   
Louise Mathieson will be teaching the Year 3 class on Mondays with Sarah Teague continuing with her teaching days on Tuesday - Friday.  
We will be announcing a Learning Support Officer replacement for Noah who is heading overseas to ski on the slopes in Canada and across to Europe.  Thanks Noah for your time at Clairvaux. 
Returning to Clairvaux. 
Alison Jearbek is returning to teach the Year 3 Performing Arts on Thursday.
Rheannon Pianezzola will be a LSO in Year 4.
There are a number of changes which will ensure that we continue the education of all our children. Happy holidays. 

Brendan

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Please note the following dates in your diary:
2025 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.

Term 4

Week 6 Mon 10th - Prep nurse visit Tues 11th Nov - Prep 2026 transition session 1 Wed 12th Nov - Prep 2026 transition session 1 Thur 13th Nov - Prep nurse visit Fri 14th Nov - Year 4 Incursion

Week 7 Mon 17th Nov - Prep nurse visit Mon 17th Nov - Junior aths yr 2/3 - school oval Tues 18th Nov - Junior aths yr P/1 - school oval Wed 19th Nov - Yr 5 leadership day Wed 19th Nov - Deakin optometry session with preps Thur 20th Nov - Deakin optometry session with preps Fri 21st Nov - Deakin optometry session with preps

Week 8 Mon 24th Nov - School Closure day Tues 25th Nov - Prep 2026 transition session 2 Wed 26th Nov - P&F meeting onsite 7pm Wed 26th Nov - Year 5 Serendip Excursion Gr1 Thur 27th Nov - Year 6 Surfing excursion

Week 9 Monday 1st Dec - Year 5 Serendip Excursion Gr2 Tues 2nd Dec - Year 6 Disco 6pm - 7:30pm

Week 10 Tues 9th Dec - Step up day (Prep -Yr 6 2026) Tues 9th Dec - Yr 6 secondary school transition day - no Yr 6 onsite Tues 9th Dec - Parent Teacher Chats (3.40pm-6.30pm) - note date change Wed 10th Dec - Parent Teacher Chats (3.40pm-6.30pm) - note date change Fri 12th Dec - End of year mass whole school Fri 12th Dec - Reports sent home via PAM

Week 11 Mon 15th Dec - End of year assembly 11:45am Mon 15th Dec - Year 6 Graduation (PM) Tues 16th Dec - Last day of the school year - Yr 6 exc. to Adventure Park - 3:30pm dismissal on the basketball court

2026 Wednesday 28th January - Year 1-6 Students Begin Wednesday 28th January - Prep testing Thursday 29th January - Prep testing Friday 30th January - Preps begin Wednesday 4th Feb - No school for Preps Wednesday 11th Feb - No school for Preps Monday 16th Feb - Clairvaux Cross Country Yr 4-6 Wednesday 18th Feb - No school for Preps Wednesday 25th Feb - No school for Preps Monday 2nd March - Preps begin full weeks at school Monday 2nd March - Clairvaux Senior Athletics Yr 4-6 Monday 9th March - Public Holiday Tuesday 10th March - School Closure Day Tuesday 10th March - Division Swimmming - selected students Monday 16th March - Year 6 camp (2 nights) Tuesday 17th March - Year 6 camp Wednesday 18th March - Year 6 camp Thursday 19th March - Yr 6 students no school Tuesday 24th March - Colour Run (evening) Friday 27th March - Yr 6 Summer Lightning Prem Thursday 2nd April - Last day of term 1 2:30 dismissal Monday 20th April - First Day of Term 2 Friday 24th April - City to Surf Cross Country - selected students Monday May 4th - Swimming begins for Yr 3 and 4 (all week) Monday May 11th - Swimming begins for Yr 1 and 2 Tuesday 19th May - Division cross country - selected students Friday 29th May - Yr 6 Winter Lightning Prem Monday 8th June - Public Holiday Tuesday 9th June - Year 5 Camp (one night) Wednesday 10th June - Year 5 camp Thursday 11th June - Yr 5 students no school Friday 26th June - Last Day of term 2

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Social Justice at Clairvaux
Year 4's
Year 3's
Year 2's 

   Social Justice at Clairvaux

Living a Christian life, especially after receiving a Sacrament, such as Eucharist, Reconciliation or Confirmation involves embodying the teachings of Jesus in our everyday life and committing to social justice   We are called to …’live justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with Your God’  Micah 6:8. 

Understanding Social Justice in a Christian Context for Children

In Christian teaching, social justice means making sure everyone is treated fairly and kindly. Here are some important ideas we present to our students::

1. Respect everyone:Treat all people with kindness and respect, especially those who might be going through tough times.
2. Share what you have: If you have more than you need, share with those who have less. This could be toys, clothes, or even your time.
3. Care for the poor: Look for ways to help people who are in need. This could be donating to charity, or simply being a friend to someone who needs one.
4. Speak up: If you see something unfair, like someone being treated unkindly, speak up and stand up for them.
5. Work together: We should all work together for the ‘common good’  to make the world a better place for everyone.
6. Take care of the Earth: We should look after the Earth “Our Common Home” because it’s God’s creation.

By following these ideas, we can make the world a kinder and fairer place.                In light of this, some amazing Social Justice Initiatives are taking place at Clairvaux…

Year 4s - ‘Off Your Back’ Coat and Blanket Drive 

Following their recent First Eucharist celebration, the Year 4s were inspired by Father Sang's words of ‘walk the walk’ and are excited to introduce an initiative that allows the students to  extend care and support to those in need.                            This week, they have organised a  Coat and Blanket Drive to help the homeless in our community. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to live a Eucharistic life by showing kindness to others, especially those who are most vulnerable.     These items will be donated to the Off Your Back organisation.                               Our CSC Social Justice group have also been lending a hand by helping to collect and sort donations.                                                                                                        Let’s work together to make a difference!

Year 3s - ‘Be Kind, Be Giving, Be More’ Project

As Year 3s prepare for the Sacrament of  Reconciliation they have been talking about how they can work together for the ‘common good’ by respecting each person as special. Last week they launched their ‘Be More’ project and after talking with the students about what they have that they could share with others in need……they decided…toys and games!                                                                                            Their goal was to collect 100 toys/games as a Year 3 cohort, in 3 days! 

We are very proud of our Year 3 students for reaching their target and donating 103 toys to St. Vincent de Paul for children in need.

Year 2s - ‘World Environment Day’ Action

This term,  our Year 2 classes celebrated a ‘World Environment Day’ mass. The focus of this mass centred around  Pope Francis’, letter Laudato Si,  ‘Care for our Common Home’.  Pope Francis urges us to appreciate the beauty of God's creation and work together to care for our planet. He emphasises the need to sow beauty, not pollution and destruction, and to put love for the world and our neighbours into action by living in harmony and caring for nature.

As a commitment to being stewards of creation and caring for our ‘common home’ fc7each Year 2 class will plant, water and care for a tree.  

Thank you to one of our Clairvaux parents, Luke Primus, who kindly donated four Crab Apple trees for us to plant!

Lord,
Open our eyes
that we may see 
the deepest needs of your people.
Move our hands
that we may feed the hungry.
Touch our hearts
that they may bring warmth
to those who are sad.
Let us share our time and possessions
with those in need.
Give us the care that strengthens the sick.
May we all be a source of support and
encouragement for each other
as we strive to build a more loving society.
AMEN

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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

 https://www.ccsbelmont.com.au/source/Medical%20Management%20Form.pdf  

Medical Authority Form

https://www.ccsbelmont.com.au/source/Medication-Authority-Form-Schools-%20template%202023%20(2).pdf

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, on our website under Our School - Policies/Forms to download or in the knowledge bank on PAM.

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Just a few of reminders about the church carpark:

• The disabled parking spaces are for people who are displaying a disabled sticker on their car. Please do not use these parks if you do not display the sticker as we have people in our community who need to use them.

• Parents should not be parking in the front of the church. There is a yellow line and do not park sign in front of the church. Please respect this and do not use this area for picking up children. We are lucky to have use of the second driveway and should respect the request of the Parish that we do not park in the yellow zone.
• The parks against the wire fence are for parents who have babies and are unable to leave their vehicle to collect children. Please show some consideration for these parents.
• Please remind your children to walk on the zebra crossing through the carpark. Children should not be wandering through the carpark on their own amongst the traffic.

A few weeks ago we sent an email home with some mid term reminders - one of these reminders was about our pick up and drop off zone. Please take note and be courteous to all drivers. 

DROP OFF AND PICK UP ZONE

The drop off/pick up zone is an area of our school that is set up to allow for traffic to flow safely and quickly at a very busy time of the day. This is a 2 minute parking zone. Parents should not be leaving their car at all when parked in this zone. If your child needs you to greet them at the end of day in person or drop them to a gate you will need to park in the Church car park or at McDonald's reserve. If you have grandparents or other family/friends doing the drop off or pick up for your child/ren please ensure you communicate these expectations to them to ensure safety and fairness for all. The pick up zone is a two way street so no one should be double parking.

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Start booking https://www.trybooking.com/CSHEE

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Come along to hear about how we Teach and Learn at Clairvaux. We are so proud of the steps we have taken over the last few years to bring us to the point we are at now with our teaching and learning framework.
Our instructional model based on the Science of Learning is one that we are continuously striving to refine. Last year we launched our 'playbook' for parents to gain an understanding of how we teach and learn at our school - which is able to be viewed on our website, and now we invite parents to join us for a session as we take you through some key concepts and examples of how and why we teach like we do and then offer you a chance to view the classrooms and work samples.

When: Wednesday 31st July
Time: 5pm - 5:45pm
Where: Foley Centre
Who: Parents of Year Prep/One children

RSVP: We will require an indication of numbers attending as we will reach a capacity for the space. If the link does not work then we have reached our maximum number of parents.Please click here to register

We request that children DO NOT attend the session.

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Join us for an evening of Wellbeing, Wine and Cheese with Meg Durham.

Dear Parents

We invite you to an evening of Wellbeing here at school.

Our staff have been working extensively with Meg Durham over the last two years.

She is an advocate for Teacher wellbeing but her passion is wellbeing for all.

Meg Durham is known for bringing out the best in others. She is an expert in the area of wellbeing education and wellbeing coaching. Meg has a unique skill set that she has developed from working in schools and organisations across metropolitan and regional Australia.

Being a parent herself she understands the demands of your role and we would like to offer you an exciting opportunity to come along and take some time out to focus on you - beginning with some wine and cheese.

Meg delivers her message in a very relatable way and our staff look forward to her visits each and every time.

You can find out more about Meg via her website Open Mind Education www.openmindeducation.com and Podcast ‘School of Wellbeing’

Date: Tuesday 6th August

Time: 6:30pm Wine and Cheese

7:00pm - 8:15pm Meg Durham

Where: Clairvaux Catholic School

This event is for adults only - please RSVP via the google form link for catering and seating purposes

https://forms.gle/gvSVhCqMznVt8fxW9

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Keep a look out for these great upcoming events.

• All Carnivale questions and queries can be sent to: clairvauxcarnivale@gmail.com
• All Carnivale sponsorship information can be sent to: clairvauxcarnivaledonate@gmail.com
• Agenda items for P&F can be emailed to: clairvauxpandf@gmail.com 
• Any queries or feedback in regard to uniform are to be directed to: clairvauxuniforms@gmail.com

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Carnivale Fundraising Opportunities

Our major fundraiser, Clairvaux Carnivale is fast approaching on 16 November. Over the coming months, you will hear about all the wonderful inclusions from the array of food to the entertainment, stalls and rides. In addition to being a fun day out, funds raised will contribute towards upgrading playground equipment that benefits our children. In 2022, Carnivale raised $36,500 and we need your help to match or even beat that total!

We are looking for businesses to join as Carnivale sponsors and for silent auction/prizes to make the day a fundraising success. Please help us spread the word about these opportunities to other businesses as well.

We value all contributions and would love to see as many families as possible involved in Carnivale. No matter what the value, we appreciate the support for this community event.

Sponsors – we are again offering three levels of sponsorship and each tier comes with its own set of business benefits, including advertising, social media mentions and Carnivale vouchers. Gain exposure for your business or a business you know, to our wide Clairvaux community audience.
Gold sponsors = financial and/or in-kind donations of $1500+
Silver sponsors = financial and/or in-kind donations of $1000+
Bronze sponsors = financial and/or in-kind donations of $500+

Please email clairvauxcarnivaledonate@gmail.com for a copy of the sponsorship prospectus.

Silent auction/prize contributions- we would value contributions of any size to be included as silent auction items and prizes. These items can be goods or vouchers for services. Your business or you will be publicly acknowledged for the contribution.

Please email clairvauxcarnivaledonate@gmail.com to discuss your contribution.

Keep an eye out for all the Carnivale updates and let’s make 2024 a fantastic event. The July Carnivale newsletter is due out next week, it will arrive in your in box packed with updates on preparations for the event on Saturday 16 November. Keep a lookout. 

Thank you for your support!

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