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 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 Monday 9th Feb - Whole School Mass 9:15 am all welcome Wednesday 11th Feb - No school for Preps Monday 16th Feb - Clairvaux Cross Country Yr 4-6 Wednesday 18th Feb - Ash Wednesday 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 Wednesday 4th March - Reconciliation Family Faith Night Year 3 6:30pm 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 - Yr 3 Reconciliation Celebration Wednesday 18th March - Year 6 camp Thursday 19th March - Yr 6 students no school Tuesday 24th March - Colour Run (evening) Wednesday 25th March - Prep 2027 information tours 9:30 am and 12:00pm 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 Thursday 23rd April - Prep 2027 information tours 9:30am  Friday 24th April - City to Surf Cross Country - selected students Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May - Sacramental Presentation Masses (Eucharist and Confirmation) 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 Wednesday 20th May - Eucharist Family Faith Night Year 4 - 6:30pm Friday 29th May - Yr 6 Winter Lightning Prem Tuesday 2nd June - Yr 4 Eucharist preparation day 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 Saturday 13th June and Sunday 14th June - Sacrament of Eucharist Celebrations Friday 26th June - Assembly Friday 26th June - Last Day of term 2 - 2:30pm dismissal

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Gracious God,

open our hearts so that we may receive the message of your coming with joy and wonder. 

Help us to discover the people and places in the midst of our daily lives where you meet us with your love and care. 

May we be the face of Christ to all those we meet. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. 

All: Amen.

Finding Peace in the Second Week of Advent

Dear Families,

As we enter the second week of the Advent season, the dedicated period of waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we can easily get caught up in the incredible speed and rush of the final school weeks of the year.

It's a feeling many can relate to.  It is much like the world of a tradie, where everything seems to need to be completed by Christmas!

This week, I sent a message to our incredible teachers, reminding them to truly enjoy the final days of the year with their classes. The time they have spent together on this unique learning journey has been precious, and every day is different.

In the context of Advent, this second week traditionally calls us to stay alert and prepare not just for the infant Jesus, but also for the powerful message of the adult Jesus' public ministry. We are all waiting for the joy of Jesus' birth and the well-deserved break at the end of the school year.

In these final days, I encourage you all to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the Advent season: a time of waiting, anticipation, and joyful preparation for the birth of Christ.

Reflecting Together

A wonderful way to slow down and focus on the reason for the season is through conversation with your children.

• Ask your children what they have been learning about in their prayer and Religious Education lessons.
• Hearing it from the children can have a profound impact on all of us, reminding us of the true reason for Christmas.

Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support and partnership this year. Let us cherish these final weeks and embrace the spirit of Advent together.

Professional Development Closure Day with Christina Hughes and Tricia - MACs Indigenous education

Last Monday we were fortunate to have Christina and Tricia from MACs to engage us in a cultural  awareness of our First nation.  The professional learning opportunity was a chance for us to gain a deeper understanding of our history and the importance of being culturally aware of how we can effectively educate our school community.

Creating Culturally Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments.

 

The intended outcomes of the  session included:

• Enhancing knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and their importance within educational contexts.
• Strengthening confidence in addressing the AITSL teaching Standards by demonstrating respect for, and responsiveness to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, histories, and cultures.
• Deepening our understanding of Child Safe Standard 1 by exploring strategies to create and sustain culturally safe environments for our Aboriginal children and young people.
• Promoting cultural respect, inclusion, and reconciliation within our school communities, and fostering more culturally responsive and inclusive learning environments.
• Developing a deeper knowledge, understanding, and empathy to meaningfully embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday teaching practice.

Brendan

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At last week's Parent and Friends meeting, clarity was sought of the role and responsibility of the School Advisory Council.  The following will provide you with a brief understanding of the Clairvaux SAC.  Current members include Fr Tho, Christine Brennan, Kat Quinn, Sarah Smith, Luke Primus, Shervonne Vass, Leanne Maclister, Steve D’Arcy  and Myself.

The School Advisory Council: A Parent's Guide

The School Advisory Council (SAC) is essentially the main way parents, the local church (St Bernards parish), and the community can work together with the school leadership to make the school the best place it can be for our kids.

What the SAC Is (The "Partnership")

• As a  Support Team: It's a formal group that brings together the Principal, the Parish Priest, and Parents (plus sometimes other community members).
• A "Voice" for Parents: It gives parents a dedicated place to contact the SAC members to share their ideas, concerns, and wisdom directly with the Principal.
• As a  Principal's Sounding Board: The Principal and Parish Priest can use the SAC as a place to discuss big ideas or challenges, and get feedback from the parent community before making decisions.
• Consulting, Not Deciding: The SAC is in essence advisory—meaning they give advice and perspective. They do not make the final decisions; those are made by the Principal and Parish Priest, always with the children's well-being and success always being the top priority.

In short: The School Advisory Council is a valuable formal group where parents' insights are sought and used to advise the Principal and Parish Priest on what is best for the students and the future success of the school.      

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The Parents and Friends meeting last Wednesday was attended by a strong core of parents last week.  We are in a rebrand phase but also conscious of what our main purpose is.

Supporting Our School Community: That's the Parents and Friends (P&F) Group!

The P&F is a volunteer team made up of parents and friends dedicated to the well-being of our school. Our main goals are to:

• To Fundraise: Organize activities to bring in extra funds that pay for resources, equipment, or improvements that directly benefit our students' learning and school environment.
• To Build Community: Create opportunities for families to meet, socialize, and feel connected to the school through various functions and activities.
• To Communicate: Act as a helpful link, sharing information and feedback between the wider parent community and the school staff.

Please see Caity Foster Dawes for a complete list of support, the passion and energy displayed by the parents and friends this year.

 Community Care in Action: A Note of Thanks

This past week, we experienced an unfortunate incident in the school yard involving one of our youngest students, Marigold (Goldie) from the Prep class. Goldie sustained a deep head wound that required 20 stitches, and while she was understandably distressed, she is now recovering well.

In times of unexpected difficulty, it is profoundly encouraging to witness the swift care and compassion demonstrated by our community.

• Gratitude to Staff: Our heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated staff members who provided immediate and skillful treatment for Goldie's injury. Their professionalism and calm response ensured she received the necessary care without delay.

• A Special Mention to Langdon: We would also like to recognise the extraordinary support shown by Goldie's older brother, Langdon. His maturity and understanding of the seriousness of the injury allowed him to provide invaluable comfort to his little sister. His actions were a true testament to the loving bonds within our student body.

We are so grateful to be part of a community that rallies around its members. We send our very best wishes to Goldie for a complete and speedy recovery.

Maanya, Uganda: Building a Better Future Together

We are pleased to announce that our annual financial support has been sent to the Maanya community in Uganda this week. Father Emma is delighted with the yearly boost it provides.

This support is central to Clairvaux's belief in "Building a Better Future." What was once considered "mission impossible" is now a community brimming with spirit and potential, thanks to focused efforts in education, infrastructure, and human kindness. Our ongoing partnership fuels a sense of limitless possibility. It serves as an important reminder, particularly now, of the privileges we have here at Clairvaux.

Navigating the Final Weeks of the Year

As we successfully conclude Week 9, let's all be mindful and supportive of one another as we face the natural pressures that accompany the end of a busy school year. We still have many wonderful events ahead!

Please note these key upcoming activities:

• Today: Clairvaux Got Talent!
• Next Tuesday: "Move Up Day." This exciting day includes:
• Saying goodbye to our Year 6 students.
• Welcoming our new Preps and their families.
• All children learn who their class teacher and classmates will be next year.
• For Year 6: The fun of the Adventure Park excursion and the formal Graduation ceremony.
• Friday, December 12th: Our highly significant End-of-Year Mass at 9:15 AM.

 Let’s hold it together.  

Brendan

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At Clairvaux, every day is thoughtfully structured to support student wellbeing, engagement and learning success. From arrival in the morning to home time in the afternoon, our routines are designed to provide clarity, consistency and a calm learning environment for every child.

Morning Routine: A Calm Start to the Day

Our school day begins at 8:35am when students enter the yard for a short play before learning begins. To help our younger students feel confident and settled, the playground is separated into Junior and Senior areas. This ensures a welcoming, age-appropriate space for everyone.

To maintain a safe and calm atmosphere, there is no ball play before school. At 8:50am, the bell rings and students head into their classrooms, where they are warmly greeted by their teacher. They then unpack, settle in, and prepare for the day ahead. By 9:00am, classes are underway following roll call and morning prayer. Arriving on time each day is vital, as a calm and unhurried transition into class helps every student feel settled and ready to learn.

Literacy and Numeracy: Our Core Focus Each Morning

At Clairvaux, the first half of our days are dedicated to the core areas of Literacy and Mathematics. Each of these learning blocks begins with a 10-minute Daily Review—a research-informed practice that strengthens memory, consolidates prior learning, and builds mastery over time.

Structured Literacy

Students then engage in a structured literacy block that includes:

• Systematic synthetic phonics, Word study and morphology, Vocabulary development, Fluency practice and Spelling - often taught through the lens of a novel study in our middle and senior levels.

Our literacy program is grounded in explicit teaching strategies aligned with the Science of Learning. We use a consistent, low-variance curriculum across the school, ensuring a clear and connected sequence of learning from year to year. This approach is supported by school-wide engagement norms that create a focused and interactive classroom culture.

We have also implemented the Spelling Mastery program, which provides targeted instruction and systematic skill development to improve spelling outcomes across all year levels.

Mathematics Fluency

Our daily maths lessons also begin with a review, followed by instruction aligned with the Number Fluency Project. This initiative helps students develop speed, accuracy, automatic recall, confidence with number facts, readiness for deeper problem-solving and confidence in their mathematical thinking—essential foundations for more complex learning. 

A Fully-Rounded Curriculum

While Literacy and Numeracy are a strong foundation, our students also benefit from a rich, well-rounded curriculum. This includes:

• Religious Education lessons that reflect our Catholic identity and values
• Social and Emotional Learning, explicitly taught and woven through everyday interactions including an explicit behaviour curriculum
• CCED (Content and Capability Education) Topics that build essential knowledge in:
• History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Science, Design and Technologies

These are all highly valued areas of learning that help students make sense of the world, develop critical thinking, and grow as informed, capable citizens.

Learning Support: Targeted Help, Every Step of the Way

At Clairvaux, we are proud of our dedicated Learning Support team, who work closely with classroom teachers to ensure every child can access learning at their level. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including:

• In-class support for individuals or small groups, Withdrawal groups for targeted intervention, Break-time support for students needing a quieter or more structured environment, Evidence-based programs such as MacqLit and UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute)

This comprehensive approach ensures that students with additional needs or learning challenges are known, supported, and given every opportunity to grow in confidence and success.

Specialist Program: A Day of Creative and Physical Enrichment

One day each week, students enjoy a specialist program designed to foster creativity, cultural understanding and physical wellbeing. During this time, students participate in:

• Visual Art, Performing Arts, LOTE – Italian, Physical Education

Even on their specialist day, students begin their morning with their class teacher for the first hour. This ensures a smooth and consistent start to every school day, no matter the timetable.

Break Times: Structured, Balanced, and Inclusive

Students enjoy two 40-minute breaks throughout the day, each beginning with an additional 10 minutes of designated eating time. During outdoor breaks, we always offer a quiet indoor play option for the second half of the break, supporting those who may need a calm or sensory-friendly environment.

At our second lunch break, students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of optional clubs and activities, such as:

• Coding Club, Dance Club, Art Club, Futsal, Choir...and more! These offerings support the development of personal interests and friendships beyond the classroom.

Safe and Supervised Dismissal

The school day concludes at 3:30pm. Students exit the grounds through one of three supervised gates, ensuring a safe and orderly departure. Staff also supervise the drive at McDonald’s Reserve, remaining present until all students have crossed safely. Any children still waiting are supervised to ensure their safety at all times.

Strong Partnerships with Families

At Clairvaux, we believe that learning is most powerful when schools and families work in partnership. We keep families informed and connected through regular school newsletters such as this article, updates via our website where you can find further information in our playbook for example, and by inviting parents to participate in Learning Walks - one is currently open for you to book. These guided sessions offer families a real-time glimpse into the teaching and learning taking place in classrooms, ensuring parents are well-informed and confident in the learning journey their child is experiencing.

At Clairvaux Catholic School, our daily routines and practices are built on care, structure and high expectations. We are proud of our commitment to quality teaching and meaningful learning, and we continue to work in partnership with families to give every student the very best start to their day—and their future.

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To start the term we spend time reviewing our expected behaviours by going through Clairvaux’s Big 5 rules, underpinned by RESPECT.  Students discuss how they can follow the Big 5 in the classroom, in the playground, while moving around the school, or when in other learning spaces like the library or the church.  

The Big 5:

• Move safely
• Listen to the speaker
• Hands, feet and objects off others
• Speak appropriately
• Follow directions

As you can see, the Big 5 rules are ways of being kind humans not just at school, but also in the wider community!  All of our rules are underpinned by RESPECT: caring about how words and actions may impact others.  

At the start of the year the Year 3 students made a class pledge identifying how they can make their classroom safe, happy and welcoming.  They are proudly on display in each room and are frequently referred to during the term, and reaffirmed at the start of each term.  We hope you enjoy reading each Year 3 class’s Class Pledge.

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Words, Wisdom and Watercolour.

Last term, our students explored a range of Dreamtime stories, learning about their cultural significance and the important lessons they shared. We focused on how morals were woven into these traditional tales and used this as inspiration to create our own stories with meaningful messages. As part of the writing process, students learned how to structure their ideas into clear paragraphs and carefully selected impactful vocabulary to bring their messages to life. They then illustrated their stories with creativity and care. This week, we’re excited to share these special stories with our Prep buddies!

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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. We have been informing our parent community via a range of modes:

• 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 in the 'How we learn and teach' section
• Last year we invited parents to join us over two sessions for a Teaching and Learning Open Night where we took you through some key concepts and examples of how and why we teach like we do and then offered a chance to view the classrooms and work samples.  
• Our next step is to continue to offer Learning Walks around our school.

What is a Learning Walk? It is an invitation to parents to come to the school for a set period of time to be led on a facilitated and structured learning walk of the school/ classrooms during the school day. Not to look at the decor - but to learn more about the learning that is happening. The focus of the structured walk is children and their learning as opposed to teachers and the teaching.

We have run some learning walks last year already for parent groups within our school and open up the invitation to our wider school community to enjoy this year.

The date we have selected for an open invitation is term 3 week 3 Tuesday 5th August beginning at 9:10am. Please allow 95 minutes for this event.

Spaces are limited so please register your interest via the link below. We will be holding more Learning Walks in 2025. 

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/hvxk7

Please note that we will run the walk for a minimum of 5 families (this event is not one for toddlers).

Thank you 

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Netball

Guess what? Our teacher Sarah shared the exciting news about her daughter, Alice Teague-Neeld from West Coast Fever... she just got picked for the Australian Diamonds squad.  How cool is that?
It means Alice is one of the best 18 netballers in Australia.  She gets to train with all of the other amazing players and play in special games.  Imagine wearing the green and gold uniform! WOW!

She must've worked really hard, just like when we practise our shooting or passing.  It makes us want to practice even more so we can be just like her one day.  Everyone in our class plays many different sports such as netball, football, soccer and gymnastics and Alice inspires us to reach an Australian level just like she has!

Class of 3ST

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https://www.sjc.vic.edu.au/future-families/join-us/enrolments


Schools Round – Geelong Venom WNBL Home Game 

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