God of new beginnings, 
new ideas, 
new creations 
and new hopes, 

We come to you 
at the beginning of this year 
with many choices, expectations, anxieties and dreams.

Help us to recognise that we are given daily opportunities to hope.
 Help us to speak with hope-filled energy, with hope-filled words.

Help us to have the strength to begin new journeys of hope
Help us to identify signs of hope when all seems lost.

Help us to hear appeals for hope from others 
and act on them.

Help us to become anchored in hope - to look with positivity to the future and influence others to do the same.

This we ask through Christ our Lord

AMEN

This year the Holy Father Pope Francis has called the universal Church to this special time of grace, a time to focus on reconciliation and forgiveness, prayer and reflection, and pilgrimage. A time to focus on hope. 

Currently in our world there is a need to remain positive and adopt a belief that we can make a difference by projecting positivity to others.  Let’s be alert to negativity that can creep up and overwhelm us.  Our news cycle often reports events and stories that can diminish hope.  We need more good news stories to renew our spirit.   

As we commence our school year, let's continue to focus upon the brightness that our children bring to our lives, the welcoming community that we have at Clairvaux and to be grateful for all that we have in our lives.

Commencement of the School Year

Introduction to a New Year
In Week 1 of the school year our newsletter was a general welcome to the new families and children that have joined our school family and a welcome cheer to all our existing families.  Clairvaux is a large family.  625 students, 420 families and 85 staff members.  We are now well underway.  The relationship between children and teachers is established and the learning has commenced.  

Our Prep children are now into day 8 and have settled into school life.  Thanks Mums and Dads and our Prep leader Bianca and Prep teachers Prue, Vicki, Siobhan and Caitlyn and Learning Support Officers Kat I, Kylie, Sinead and Ainsley for your support to help in the transition to school life.

As we begin a new school year, it's essential that we continue  to focus on building strong relationships, creating a sense of belonging, and providing a supportive environment for every student. By maintaining effective communication with you, our teachers can help guide students through the transitions they face at the start of the year. This week we had the perfect opportunity through our Meet the Teacher evenings to establish that close connection. It will be a big year and there will be many celebrations and achievements as well as challenges. 

Classroom Setting
One of the first steps for the school year is implementing our behavior techniques that focus on maximising engaged learning time. By setting clear expectations and maintaining consistency across the school, our children are more likely to thrive in a structured environment.  Our Term 1 focus is entry and exit routines. Setting the structure for calm classrooms enhances the learning continuity.  Routine and stability are crucial. Establishing how to enter and exit the classroom, and giving clear cues to start each lesson, provides our children with the structure they need to focus and engage in the learning process. Controlling this space ensures that every child has the opportunity to make the most of their learning time.

Building Friendships and Confidence
In these early days in each room children will be with some familiar faces and with other children that they have never had in their class.  Most probably your child will have a new teacher to guide them through the year. Creating an environment where our children feel a sense of belonging and safety is key to helping them form friendships and build confidence. When our children feel supported and connected, they are more likely to take risks in their learning and grow.

Inclusive Learning Environment
Every child, regardless of their background or challenges, should feel that they can access learning. It's our role as educators to create a space where all children can engage, learn, and succeed.  Our Wellbeing Leader Kat Q, Learning Diversity Leader Christine and counsellor Sam have an important role to assist you and your family.

By fostering strong relationships, consistent routines, and a safe, inclusive environment, we can ensure that every student feels prepared and empowered for the school year ahead.

Clairvaux Family Support Network
In this week's newsletter you will find a Google doc invite for volunteers.  Jane Clark is the leader of the Clairvaux Family Support Network (CFSN).

The CFSN group is a wonderful pastoral response network team that supports families in happy times, such as the birth of a child and also in challenging times.  Please add your name to the list so that we can build our network of helpers.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-fFzQ7LIuN1WNAzKp8ZAOq-NcAiH8cVD7v3A-vf4zNd-DEA/viewform

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On this day in 2008, the then Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd., offered an apology to the Stolen Generations of our First Nations People.

In the words of Andrew Chinn who was with us last year for our incursion:

Because this is your story,
it's our story to, 
I’ll carry this great sadness
and remember with you

We are Sorry

Brendan
Principal

• The Arts,
• Social Justice and Cultural Awareness,
• Health and Wellbeing and
• Sustainability. 

Camilla P 3ST

William F 3ST

Sam G 3AW

Mitchell E 3AW

Grace H 3MN

Max D 3MN

Oli S 3RB

Parker C 3RB

Lachlan B 4CM

Milla S 4CM

Lottie S 4MC

Owen S 4MC

Max M 4JH

Freya D 4JH

Ruby F 4SJ

Delcie C 4SJ

Mason D 5TD

William E 5TD

Siena D 5LO

Sophie H 5LO

Eli Y 5VR

Emmy J 5VR

Ethan H 5JK

Archer G 5JK

Sullivan M 6IB

Xavier S 6IB

Ruby N 6RM

Archie F 6RM

Nessa L 6MM

Sienna W 6MM

Eden B 6DC

Hugo C 6DC

This week, our Prep students had the wonderful opportunity to meet their Year 6 buddies, marking the beginning of a meaningful partnership. The Year 6 students fully embraced the responsibility of their new mentor roles, confidently leading the first introduction. They spent valuable time getting to know their younger peers, sharing a storybook, and enjoying lunch together. This experience not only provides the Preps with guidance as they embark on their school journey but also highlights the leadership and compassion of our Year 6 students. By taking on the role of a mentor, they set an inspiring example of kindness and responsibility.

As the year progresses, we are excited to watch the bond between the Preps and their Year 6 buddies grow stronger. This partnership will continue to provide opportunities for the Preps to learn, engage, and feel supported, while the Year 6 students develop their leadership skills. Together, they will create lasting memories and a sense of community that will benefit both groups. We look forward to the many adventures and learning experiences that lie ahead as these young minds unite in friendship and guidance.

Bianca Giampaolo,

Prep/ 1 Middle Learning Leader
  

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Students in Year 3 are combining their learning in Design and Technology, and Literacy, as they learn about the rivers of the world.  Through these units students are focusing on how rivers work, major world rivers, how humans interact with rivers and some of the dangers of rivers.  Some Year 3 students have shared a reflection of their learning so far.

Chloe 3RB: A river is a stream that follows a set path and they can have waterfalls and gorges. Some rivers I’ve learnt about are the Nile River in Egypt and the Amazon River in the Amazon Rainforest.

Mali 3RB: We’ve learnt about the Murray River, which is one of the longest rivers in Australia. We find ripples in rivers and they are like mini waves. We found out the piranhas are in the Amazon River.

Will 3AW: I’ve learnt that the Nile River is the longest river on Earth.  The Amazon River has the most water of all rivers in the world. The Murray River in Australia goes through Echuca, and I’ve been to Echuca and seen it!

Annie 3AW: The Barwon River is in Geelong and it flows to the sea at Barwon Heads.  The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world.  I would like to see the Nile River in northern Africa.

Maya 3MN: I have learnt that the start of the river is called the source and the end of the river is called the mouth.  Rivers sometimes come from melted snow, blocks of ice called glaciers and rain water. My favourite river to learn about is the Nile River because it is the longest river in the world and it helps to provide food, water and make great communities.

Angela 3MN: I have learnt that the Murray River is the longest river in Australia and the Nile River is the longest river in the world. In South America is the Amazon River and it is the second longest river in the world. Pink dolphins and noisy macaws live in and near the Amazon River.  The Amazon River also carries the most water of all rivers in the world.

Jude 3ST: The tributaries of rivers are the places where small little streams come into a big river.  Sandbars sometimes make ships get wrecked.  I wonder how far up the river a ship can go? The Mississippi River is in North America, the Congo River is in Africa and the Murray River goes along the border of Victoria and New South Wales.

You might like to ask your child to share what they have learned about the world’s rivers.
  

At Clairvaux, we strive to create a learning environment where all students can focus, participate, and thrive. One way we support student engagement is by incorporating sensory breaks and brain breaks into the school day. Sensory breaks are usually advised by Occuptational Therapists to address/support particular needs for a student.

These short, structured breaks help students regulate their energy levels, attention and focus. 

What Are Sensory Breaks and Brain Breaks?

• Brain Breaks are short activities that provide a mental reset, helping students shift focus and return to tasks with renewed concentration. These may include stretching, breathing exercises, quick movement games, or mindfulness activities.
• Sensory Breaks help students who may need additional movement or sensory input to stay regulated. Depending on their needs, these breaks can involve activities like using resistance bands, balance exercises, fidget tools, or calming techniques.

All students benefit from movement and sensory input throughout the day and general movement in the classroom will often cater for the needs of most students e.g. moving from floor to seats and vice versa, fruit snacks, drink breaks, toilet breaks and small set movement activities etc

There are some students who require extra breaks to help them manage class time effectively. This year we are aiming to make these breaks more structured and purposeful, typically lasting between 5-10 minutes. As mentioned above, some students may need more specific sensory breaks as identified by their Allied Specialist teams and these will be incorporated when possible.

By incorporating these strategies, we aim to enhance student attention, participation, and overall well-being in the classroom. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your child's class teacher or Christine Brennan.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

Congratulations to our Year 4 students!

Over the last two weeks of June, our Year 4 students received the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time at St. Bernard’s Parish - a joyful and scared milestone in their faith journey.

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.  May receiving the Eucharist deepen your relationship with God and continue to guide you in love, faith and community.

A heartfelt thank you to Fr Tho for leading our celebrations. We are grateful for his spiritual guidance and continued support,  making these occasion even more meaningful for our student and their families.

A special thank you also goes to our Year 4 teachers and parents for their dedication in preparing the children throughout the term for this important day.  

Please enjoy the photos of each group (at the end of this report) as they celebrated the special moment together.
       

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Year 6 students of Clairvaux and St. Bernard’s Parish will be commencing their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in Term 3.  Confirmation is the final Sacrament of Initiation to be received in the Catholic Church - the others being Baptism and Eucharist.  Confirmation is administered by the Bishop by the symbolic traditions of ‘laying-on of hands’ and anointing with chrism (oil).  Selecting a saint name and sponsor are also significant decisions to be made by the candidates. The Sacrament of Confirmation gives strength in faith and helps us to live our lives as ‘Spirit-filled people’

A note was sent out yesterday to all Year 6 families regarding Confirmation.

                            Please check your emails!

IMPORTANT CONFIRMATION DATES:

• Family Faith Evening - Wednesday 13th Aug   6.30 pm  
• Presentation masses - Sat 16 Aug 6pm, Sun 17 Aug 9am, 10.30 am

Sat 23  Aug 6pm, Sun 24 Aug 9am, 10.30 am

• Preparation Day - Wednesday 10th September
• Confirmation Masses - Sun 14th Sept 1pm & 3.30 pm    

Tues 16th Sept 6.30 pm

More information to follow next term regarding stoles, saint names and sponsors.

Please direct any questions regarding the sacrament to jroutley@ccsbelmont.com.au or your child’s classroom teacher.

Year Level Masses

Year 6 / Prep buddy mass - celebrating Creation

Last week, our Year 6 students and their Prep buddies came together to celebrate a beautiful mass centred around the theme of Creation, which has been a focus in Religious Education for our Prep students this term.

The Mass was a touching reflection of the special bond between the older and younger students.  Our Year 6 students demonstrated wonderful leadership as they gently guided their Prep buddies through the celebration, showing care, maturity and encouragement.

We were also delighted by the fantastic turnout of parents whose presence highlighted the strong sense of community that enriches every part of school life here at Clairvaux.

Year Level Masses - TERM 3

• YEAR 4 Feast day of Mary McKillop   Tuesday 5th  August   12 noon
• YEAR 1  Grandparents Mass Tuesday 12th August  12 noon
• ST. BERNARD’S DAY Monday 25th August  9.15 am

Whole School Mass and Lapathon

Refugee Week

A sincere thankyou to the Clairvaux community for your generous support during Refugee Week.

Through your donations to the Assylum Seeker Food Bank @ The Welcome Place,  you have made a real difference to the lives of local refugee families.  Your kindness and compassion reflect important ‘touchstones’ of our school - where faith, community and service come together to support those in need.

Thankyou also to Marg Mahoney, the Social Justice CSC group and the Year 6 students for organising and promoting this worthy cause.  

Yvonne Paturzo who generously volunteers her time with the organisation, spoke to our Social Justice group and Year 6s, demonstrating the essence of a true ‘Spirit-filled’ person in our community.   We received a lovely letter from her in response to our donations. 

An excerpt from the letter…

‘The Wesley Asylum Seeker Welcome Place was delighted to receive your school’s very

generous donation of hundreds of non-perishable grocery items for our Food Bank last

week. Our shelves are now very well stocked, and we wish to express our thanks to the

Clairvaux Catholic School community for your kindness and concern.’

Photos from Refugee week and celebration of our Clairvaux cultural diversity…

                           


NAIDOC week - The Next Generation :

Strength, Vision and Legacy

Next week , July 6 - 13, we acknowledge NAIDOC week 2025, a special time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2025 Theme, “The Next Generation; Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities and the legacy of our ancestors.  At Clairvaux, we honour the Traditional Custodians of the Land and continue to learn, listen and grow in our understanding and respect of our First Nations people.

Lia Rizzi, one of our talented Art teachers has taken inspiration from Indiginous Artists with students from Year 4 and 6 creating some amazing pieces.

Year 4 - Contemporary Indigenous artists: Bronwyn Bancroft and Jimmy Pike.

Bancroft has illustrated over 40 children's story books, including Colours of Australia, Patterns of Australia and Shapes of Australia. All three books combined create the book, Art in Country. 

Jimmy Pike's bright and colourful works focus on the repetition of line, surrounding the indigenous symbol for waterhole. Many of Pike's works feature 'Jila Japingka,' a major waterhole, around 400 kilometres south of Fitzroy Crossing, in the Great Sandy Desert, near where he was born.

Year 6 - Albert Namatjira, Australian watercolour landscapes

Namatjira was a pioneer of  Indigenous Australian art that was influenced by western art. This made him the most famous Indigenous Australian of his generation. Namatjira primarily painted the landscapes of Central Australia, specifically the MacDonnell Ranges region. His works often depicted the rugged terrain, vibrant colors, and expansive skies of the outback.

Eucharist 2025

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Sports News 

Simone Segrave

Sports Coordinator
    

Recently we have had the Geelong city council at school at both pick up and drop off time and they have issued fines based on their observations. 

PICK UP/DROP OFF ZONE

For those who use the drop off/pickup zone or drive down Reynolds Road you would understand that more often than not it becomes very congested.

We have had the Geelong Council review the situation and there has been a LEFT TURN ONLY sign installed at the exit closest to the staff car park. Cars will not be able to turn right or drive straight ahead when exiting the drop off/pick up zone. You will need to go up to the Laura Avenue roundabout to turn back the other way.

We appreciate this is a change but it is very welcomed by the school and we hope it makes a significant difference to the flow of traffic.

Please do not double park on the right hand side of the drop off zone. This is a two way street for bus access and it is illegal to park or stop on the right hand side of the road. Children are not permitted to cross the road to enter a vehicle which is parked illegally. If you are unable to pull in to the left hand side of the curb please drive on and come around again.

STAFF CAR PARK

Another reminder that we consistently need to be communicating is for parents NOT to park in the staff car park at any time. This is clearly signed. We have staff coming and going at all times of the day and especially at pick up and drop off time we are trying to keep the movement to a minimum. Children should not be walking through the staff car park other than on the yellow crossing from the gate to the footpath.

CHURCH CAR PARK

Please ensure you are conscious of where your children are playing in this space and keep ball use under control. We keep children behind the yellow line until they are with their parent/s. It is important that you as parents are also reinforcing safety in this area and keeping in mind that cars have right of way.  Ideally we would like children walking on footpaths at all times.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

We have some accessible parks around our school at gate 2 and also in the church car park. Please do not park in these parks unless you have a permit displayed. We do have families who require these parks and it can be difficult to collect children if access to these is not available.  We appreciate your respect and consideration for those who rely on these spaces."

BIKES
If your child rides their bike to school could you please have a conversation with them about bike safety and expectations in the school yard. We love seeing children being independent but ask that they be respectful of after school crowds particularly along the path to McDonalds Reserve and around the Church car park. We also do not allow any scooters or bikes to be ridden in the school yard.

PLAYGROUND
We welcome parents into our yard after school however ask that toddlers and all school children are not on the play equipment. We kindly ask this from a risk point of view in regards to accidents, supervision and children who should be waiting at gates for their parents to arrive.  

Last week we held our first meeting for the year. We already have many willing parents who have volunteered to run different aspects of our P&F including our uniform shop, social events, fundraising opportunities and our family support network to name a few. We have also filled the roles of secretary and treasurer. The role of President is open.
If you think this is a way you are able to contribute to our school community please do not hesitate to reach out to Brendan if you have any questions or to express an interest in the role.

PRESIDENT

The President is responsible for the coordination of the Clairvaux P&F.

Duties include:

• Setting the Meeting schedule for the year in conjunction with the principal/deputy principal
• Making sure that meetings are conducted in an orderly fashion
• Chair the meetings and often the mediator of the group
• Accepts matters for “Business Arising”
• Ensure those present at the meeting can discuss each item on the agenda prior to a decision being made
• Work towards a collaborative approach with other members of the school community
• Generate enthusiasm and interest to join and contribute
• Main contact for agenda items
• Embracing the principles of impartiality, tact, respect, inclusiveness, and common sense
• Ensuring the school community is kept informed of activities and developments

Time Commitment: estimated 6-8 hours per month

Kelly Club News

Hi Families 

Just a friendly reminder for Tuesday 11th March and Friday 4th April, Kelly Club will be open from 7am - 6.30pm for a pupil free program. 

Please book early so we can provide the correct staffing, last minute bookings may get denied. 

Afternoon tea will be provided by Kelly Club, pack morning tea and lunch as normal. 

Michelle

Bookings for guided tours are also via our website here: https://www.shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au/college-tours

The tours are student-led, giving families the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from our students about life at Iona.

Bookings for the Tour and Information Sessions are now open. Secure your spot online via this link: https://iona.vic.edu.au/tour-and-information-session/

Iona College Year 7 2026 Enrolments Now Open
Enrolments for Year 7 2026 are now open! Applications can be submitted online via the following link: https://iona.vic.edu.au/enrolment-form/

Enrolments close on Friday 9 May 2025.