This weekend is the final weekend of Commitment Masses for our Confirmation candidates.  We pray for our Year 6 students as they progress on their faith journey.  Confirmation with Bishop Martin Crane and Fr Sang is to be celebrated on Sunday 8 September and Tuesday 10 September.

Fr Elio Capra will also be here at Clairvaux on Monday 12 August to lead an evening session with the students in the School Hall. This night is for the candidates, their parents and teachers as preparation for  the day of Confirmation for the students. I strongly encourage Year 6 parents to attend and any other parent who would stimulate their faith.

Heavenly Father, 

We pray for all the children who  are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  

May Your Holy Spirit help them to grow in faith, hope and love. 

 May they come to know You as the one true God who loves them  without limits.  

May their hearts welcome you gladly; 

may their ears hear your voice in  the scriptures; 

may their eyes see you in all things;

 and may they  proclaim Your glory as they walk in the ways of Jesus Christ,

 our Lord  and Saviour.

 Amen.

The Paris Olympic Games

Every four years we are excited about the Olympic games with all countries competing in a range of sports.  The preparation that athletes have invested over many years come to fruition with their specialised event.  Success is determined with a medal/s  as well as the thrill of being selected to represent our country in a world event.  The economics and social benefits and costs are enormous as each country attempts to be their best in the many track, field, pool, etc.events  (Too many to mention).  

Australia has always had a strong contingent, and we do perform well, especially in the pool and are usually in the top few nations in the medal count. For some of us we may even find ourselves thinking that we may be tempted to improve our own fitness levels!

The five interlinked rings represent the spirit of fraternity that should characterize the Olympic event and sporting competition in general as well as a colour of each nation’s flag.

Drawing a comparison with the Clairvaux Educational games 

Last night we held our second Teaching and Learning Open(TLON) night with the parents in the Prep and Year 1 classes.  An earlier TLON was held for Year 2-6 in Term 2. During the presentation, I could draw many similarities to the preparation, dedication and consistent effort invested at Clairvaux by our teachers/ leaders on our educational journey. This journey of improved instruction commenced 4-5 plus years ago. Our focus was to lift the performance of all students and make adjustments to our planning and delivery of the curriculum. 

Our journey began in 2018 and has gradually gained momentum which involved many hours of research, readings, internal and external professional learning meetings, conferences, podcasts, plus the leadership and courage by our teachers and leaders to reframe our teaching. It is a change journey that is now realising great results. 

It is interesting to note that more systems of education are following the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading direction, most recently the Victorian Government system.

Our system, Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic schools (MACs) earlier this year adopted the ‘Vision for Instruction’ which is based upon excellence and equity for all our schools.  The decision by Clairvaux to commence early is now being recognised as the benchmark for teaching and learning.

And now The Australian Government Education Games!

Late last year the Australian Government received many submissions in 2023 into a review to inform a better and fairer system (The Better and Fairer System Education report) where they visited many schools, met with key stakeholders and received submissions to inform the next Education and Reform Funding Agreement.

Some areas of focus and the future funding investment for educational systems would include consistent screening of student progress in developing fundamental literacy and numeracy skills, high quality professional development, greater support for wellbeing in schools,  support for schools and teachers to teach the curriculum, targeted and tailored support and greater accountability to improve student outcomes.

The games we play in an educational sense at Clairvaux also require a focus on the same attributes that are expected of our Olympic athletes and what we are devoted to. 

Evidence-based practices, understanding the science of learning (sport science), performance science/data (actual results) brain capacity with short term and long term memory (high functioning system of reinforcing techniques) and  adding to the sticky knowledge that we have already.

Team planning, high quality coaching, research into better training, timely schedules, research……..The list is on going.  Teaching is complex and a continual reflective exercise to seek and improve the results for our students.

We have come a long way in our Olympic journey and we will be continuing to improve our Olympic/school results.  Our game continues.  We will continue to execute our belief in what constitutes high quality education.

NAIDOC Week  - National Indigenous and Islanders Day Observance Committee

This week we are celebrating NAIDOC Week.  It is normally celebrated in the second week of the school term holiday and it can therefore be overlooked.

In our children's prayer each day we acknowledge all First People of the beautiful lands on which we live and celebrate their enduring knowledge and connections to country.  We honour the wisdom of and pay our respect to elders past and present.  

Tomorrow we are gathering  with elders to have a smoking ceremony in St Bernard's church to pray and call for a greater understanding and appreciation of First Nations people.

NAIDOC week 2024 theme is to ignite a spirit of resilience and pride as we embrace the theme ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak Loud and Proud.  The enduring flame of First nations cultures will continue to shine brightly through adversity and celebrating the richness of their heritage.

Join us tomorrow to promote understanding, unity and respect for our First nations people.  9:15am in the Church.

100 Days

The little ones have made it.  Yesterday there were many, many, many old people in our school.  Our Preps signified their 100 days at school dressed in costumes that resembled elderly people.  Great Grandma and Pa’s with grey hair, wrinkled skin, physical walking aids. The effort that parents had gone to to dress them up was commendable.  Well done Preps and the old fashioned teachers  Holly, Rosie, Vicky and Kat I.

They are now 100 days into their education with lots of days to come in Primary and Secondary education.

Aths Sports tomorrow

 All the best to the more than 70 children who are competing tomorrow.  Cold weather will ensure quick times and good results.

Many thanks to Simone and her team of helpers for coordinating the Aths with all five schools.

Brendan

Dear Parents,

Last term we sent a very similar alert to you highlighting the importance of ensuring our children's health and safety at school. It's crucial that we collectively prioritise this, especially given the increased likelihood of illnesses during this time.

Please, if your child is feeling unwell, kindly keep them at home until they have fully recovered. This not only aids their own recuperation but also prevents the spread of illness to their classmates and teachers.

Additionally, it's essential to wait at least 48 hours after a bout of gastroenteritis before returning to school, as per health guidelines. Let's all respect this timeframe to safeguard everyone's well-being.

The Victorian Health Department recently issued a public notice in relation to an increasing number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Victoria, particularly among children aged 10-12. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough, and can lead to life threatening infections in babies. Many babies who get pertussis catch it from older children and adults who might not even know they are infected. Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a dry cough (occurring in bouts), characteristic 'whooping' sound when breathing in, tiredness, runny nose, and low-grade fever.  

Please speak to your doctor (GP) and seek a diagnosis if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms. Early identification and separation are crucial in preventing the spread to other children. Pertussis is mostly spread to other people by droplets from coughing or sneezing, so good hygiene practices and immunisations help prevent the spread. Immunisations are particularly important for infants and pregnant women. If pertussis is diagnosed, your GP will advise on appropriate treatments.  If you have any questions, please speak to your GP. Read the full alert here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/increasing-pertussis-whooping-cough-cases-in-victoria

Although there are no formal regulations regarding COVID, please ensure that you are conscious of the transmissible nature of the infection and use your best judgement to reduce the risk of spreading.

We understand that coughs can linger even after an infection subsides. Therefore, again, please use your best judgement and ensure your child is truly fit to return to school, allowing them ample time to recuperate fully.

By adhering to these measures and respecting the health of our community, this will prevent the spread of germs and create a healthier environment for all.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

Warm regards,

Clairvaux staff

The Sacrament of Reconciliation  
                                                                            

Last Tuesday and Wednesday evenings our Year 3 students, along with other students from Clairvaux and St. Bernard’s parish took part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a life-long one, prompting us to reflect on our everyday choices and understand the importance of learning from our mistakes. Children were  encouraged to recognize how their actions affect others and the significance of both forgiving and asking for forgiveness. They also considered ways to show others they are sorry through both their words and actions. 

We are grateful for Fr. Sang and other visiting priests who administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Chrissie; our Parish Sacramental coordinator, the Year 3 teachers who dedicated much time into the preparation of the students and other supporting staff who assisted on the evenings. 

 It was a very special and memorable experience for students and families.

The Sacrament of Confirmation  

Our Year 6 students have begun their preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation which will be celebrated later this term.  The Confirmation Commitment Masses, an important step in preparing for the Sacrament,  began last weekend.  There are three more masses being held this coming weekend for those students who have not yet attended.

Mass times:       Sat  3 Aug 6pm ,  Sun 4 Aug 9 am or 10.30 am

• Each student is required to attend one Commitment Mass with their families. 
• children will have a prayer card to collect and give to a parishioner
• bookings are not required
• Children will make a commitment of faith - (read a prayer together)
• Reminders to Confirmation Candidates:
  register by logging onto the St Bernard’s Parish website  www.stbernards.org.au
• prepare stole by choosing a Confirmation symbol.  If ordering through www.graciousglyphs.com.au, the candidate should place it in the classroom note bag to be sent to the school office.
• Faith Formation Evening - Monday 12 August at 7pm in the Clairvaux Hall 

Year 6 students and parents are invited to attend the evening.

• Bookings for Confirmation Masses will open on Thursday 8 August at 9:15 am

Use this link: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/y6hj6

or log onto www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the event code y6hj6

Any queries regarding Sacraments can be directed to jroutley@ccsbelmont.com.au

Year Level Masses - Term 3

Each Year level through the school will be taking part in a Parish Mass over the next two terms. Parents are warmly invited to come and join us in these celebrations.

Year 2 - Mass to celebrate Indigenous People of the World Day :

 Friday 9th August 12 noon , St. Bernard’s Church

Year 1 - Mass for Grandparents of Year 1 students;

Tuesday 13 August 12 noon, St Bernard’s Church.

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

NAIDOC Week was celebrated across Australia from Sunday 7 - Sunday 14 July which was during our school holidays. Because of this we decided to celebrate NAIDOC Week as a school this week.

Events throughout the week have included:

• Special  Indigenous focus during class prayer 
• Indigenous performer , Sean Choolburra for all year levels
• NAIDOC week Liturgy , Welcome to Country and  Smoking Ceremony - led by Kristi and Dave from Wathauraung , Friday 9.15 - St. Bernard’s Church - all welcome.
• Professional development for staff facilitated by Tavale Ilalio from Mahana Culture.

Loving Father.
We celebrate the invaluable contributions
that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made,
  and continue to make,
to our communities,
our families,
our rich history and to our nation.
We pray that we may continue to work together 
so that all people feel listened to, valued, respected and accepted.

AMEN

Have you read the latest Carnivale Newsletter?

It's less than four months to go until Clairvaux’s major fundraiser, and the July Carnivale newsletter was sent out last week, packed with updates including:

• Rides revealed: A first look at the exciting rides coming to Carnivale
• Donations drive: A call out for items for prizes and for the Silent Auction
• 2024 Major Sponsor: The business who’s our biggest supporter this year
• Carnivale lineup: New additions to the day, including sumo wrestling and fun for our littlest Carnivale-goers!

Find the newsletter in your email inbox or on the P&F Chatter Facebook page, and follow the Carnivale on social media for the latest updates: facebook.com/clairvauxcarnivale

All the fun and entertainment of Clairvaux Carnivale returns on Saturday November 16 - save the date!

What a day! Hooray!

On Wednesday 31st the Preps came together to celebrate their 100 days of learning.

They started the day off with a gathering and a parade to see all the grandmas and grandpas in their old attire, grey hair and mobility aids. Other activities during the day included: writing about what they would spend $100 on, playing a counting game to 100, completing 100 exercises, making old people pictures with their buddies and finally finishing with a disco and watching 101 Dalmatians. 

Thanks to all our parents for the effort put into costumes and your donations of non- perishable food items. Collectively we counted 123 cans of food which have now been collected by St Vinnies. They were so appreciative of our kind gesture and said there are so many people in our community in need that this will help. It was lovely to link this in with our school Touchstones this term of respect and connection. 

Many thanks,  Prep team. 

• Mille Hughes and Maya McKee 3TO
• Louise Foster and Hudson McCusker 3RB
• Marcus Preiato and Nellie Vagg 3RW
• Oliver Ditcham and Sophia Carmody 3CG
• Luca Cucinotta  and Eddie Owen 4LO
• Laila Salameh and Leo Hicks 4HH
• Mehar Bhullar and Archer Faulkner 4SJ
• Charlie McCartney and Charlotte Reardon 4MC
• Felix Doherty and Isla Foley 5TD
• Louis Ditcham and Edith Furness 5VR
• Jessica Saju and Emilio Visintin- Wakefield 5HN
• Sadie Symes and Jude Lee 5AC
• Freya Wilkinson and Indi McCartney 6CM
• Buster O’Brien and Tom Farley 6MM
• Ysabella Marcial and Juno Ellis 6DC
• Charlotte Janakievski and Millie Brooks 6RM

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

Hi there, 

I am writing to inform you of an upcoming major disruption as part of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project.  

The closure of Marshalltown Road at the level crossing will extend to Wednesday 7 August. 

The closure of Surf Coast Highway at the level crossing will still commence on Wednesday 31 July, therefore there will be up to a 7-day dual road closure crossover at Marshalltown Road and Surf Coast Highway. 

Both Marshalltown and Surf Coast Highway level crossings will be closed to vehicles between Wednesday 31 July and Wednesday 7 August.  

From Wednesday 7 August, the Surf Coast Highway level crossing closure will continue until construction completion on Saturday 17 August 2024.

Surf Coast Highway will be closed in both directions between the level crossing and Baanip Boulevard, with works taking place 24/7 during this period.   

Due to the scale of disruption to vehicle movements in the area, the increased congestion and potential delays to bus routes transporting students to and from school, we recommend school staff, parents and carers to please plan your journey ahead of time using the maps provided. 

We anticipate a travel delay time of up to 20-30 minutes at peak hour, in the first few days of the closure, please allow extra travel time. 

The Marshalltown Road level crossing closure will be extended to Wednesday 7 August, including the Station Road intersection. Surf Coast Highway will also be closed at the level crossing from 31 July to 17 August.  

A pedestrian shuttle bus will be available for Marshalltown Road to transfer students from one side of the level crossing to the other. Pedestrian access through Surf Coast Highway level crossing will be maintained.  

Students, parents and staff should refer to the attached maps for details on vehicle and pedestrian detours routes, and are also encouraged to allow extra travel time during this period. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or issues we can assist you with. 

Surf Coast Highway – Vehicle Detour Map

Marshalltown Road – Local detour map

Kind Regards,

Shannon Slade

Senior Advisor, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

South Lead

On the 26 October, 2024, 11 new councillors will be elected onto the City of Greater Geelong Council. These people will be responsible for representing their communities and shaping what Greater Geelong looks like for the next four years and beyond.

It is important our councillors know what the community wants and needs, and this includes hearing from the children who call Greater Geelong home.

We want to know where your favourite places and spaces to visit in Greater Geelong are. This information will be provided to Council and will help them develop the four-year Council Plan 2025-2029.

Please share the link below with families that you are connected with so that the children have the opportunity to tell us which places and spaces they like
to visit.

Council Plan Kids Hub! | Council Plan 2025-29 | Have Your Say (geelongaustralia.com.au)

Thank you for your help in assisting to get children’s voices heard.

Warm Regards, Nikki 

Nikki Welsh
Community Activation Facilitator