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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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 Spreadborough - MACs Indigenous Cultural 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 McAlister, 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: "Step Up Day." This exciting day includes:
• 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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Please take note of the below information and pass onto babysitters and/or grandparents that pick up your children.

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.  

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For the entirety of the school year, all students are expected to be in the correct school uniform at all times. Whilst we do have a designated summer and winter uniform as stated in our uniform policy either uniform can be worn at anytime of the year. We do not allow mixing of uniforms such as tights with the summer dress.

Students are to wear their sports uniform on their Specialist Day. Please note that all students can wear their sports uniform every Friday (Preps can wear on Wednesday in addition to Friday). 

Please ensure that all uniform items (particularly hats,  jumpers and shell jackets) are clearly labeled. If lost, a clearly named item means we can return the item to its owner quickly, reducing stress, anxiety and wasted money.

We would appreciate families read the policy and take the time to ensure all students are in their full appropriate uniform.

We have noticed in the past, particularly, 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 entirely black. This allows for students to be in runners every day of the week as long as they are entirely black. Our policy on the website has visuals of examples that are acceptable and not.  Socks also need to be the correct colour with no logos etc. Grey socks should be worn with winter uniform.

Jackets: Navy wind breakers with the red logo are NOT acceptable school uniform. After a two year transition we now ask students to wear the navy jackets with white logo.

All students with hair long enough to tie back are required to do so. Reasons for this include: tidiness and safety. But one really practical one is headlice! Headlice can spread only by direct, hair-to-hair contact. If people have long, loose hair, they can migrate easily to new heads; if hair is neatly tied back, it's much less likely to happen. All children should have a clean, tidy appearance. Hair Accessories including headbands, ribbons and/or clips should be plain and in neutral or school colours - light blue, navy, maroon or the Clairvaux check scrunchie. Ornate hair decorations, extreme hairstyles or coloured hair is not permissible. Tie in hair extensions are not to be worn.

Earrings - Plain sleepers (10mm in diameter) or studs (small, flat and plain/birthstone) in gold or silver can be worn. No other jewellery except watches (Smart watches must be handed into the office for the day) may be worn. No necklaces at all are permitted - reasons for this include physical safety, keeping valuables safe etc (the one and only exception for this is to alert others to a medical condition such as anaphylaxis). Nail Polish - may be worn if clear. No coloured nail polish or false nails are to be worn. No makeup is to be worn by students.

In line with our sunsmart policy - students must wear a hat outside at all times from September 1st, All term 4 and all term 1. Hats should be in a respectable state - no tears or graffiti are allowed - please purchase a new hat if required.

Students in incorrect uniform will be issued with a uniform slip to be signed by parents and returned to school.

Our uniform is non gender specific, girls do not have to wear a dress and our uniform policy states all children have the opportunity to wear runners everyday provided that they are entirely black.

Students who are temporarily unable to wear full school uniform are expected to bring a note/parents email their teacher seeking a temporary exemption for one day. 

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. Wearing a uniform has many benefits and is an expectation of our community. We value your support with this matter.

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).

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Market Manoeuvers Incursion     
By Lexie Grist 5LO

The grade fives had a very exciting incursion on the 29th of August. To start the incursion Danny, our incursion guide, explained: needs and wants to us. Then after that, he showed us a game that we got to play. It was similar to musical chairs, but with flat dots, and that we all start off with $100 each and when someone gets out, they give all their money to someone who is still in the game. After all that fun, we had even more fun as we were separated into three groups: red, blue and green. All the groups had to follow instructions to make houses and they bought bricks the same colour as their team. Not only were the teams in a competition for selling the most houses, the sellers of bricks were competing against one another too. After three rounds of that, our incursion came to an end. Overall, all three classes (5TD was split into other classes for the day) had a splendid time and enjoyed themselves.
      

 Parliament Process 
By Maya D 5LO

This term in grade 5 we learnt about parliament, how laws are made and government. We were lucky enough to get to experience an incredible incursion run by Tiffany. In this incursion she talked to us about the levels of government and how parliament works. After this we got to do a fascinating role play of how you vote. There were 6 parties: the animal, environmental, equality, relaxation, happiness and peace parties. Then Tiffany explained all the important roles in parliament house including the most old, historic role The Sargent Arms, who protects the Speaker from harm and abuse. then got split into two sides, the opposition and the government. no one's surprise the government side one by only a couple of votes though. Everyone thought this was so entertaining and fun that we even got to do it again in class! All of the three groups had the best time ever and really wanted to do it all over again.

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During term 3 the year 6 students have been studying the novel Boy Overboard.  Here is two examples of their persuasive work.

                                                                           Jamal Houssini
                                                                           Detention Centre Murray
                                                                           North West Point
                                                                           Christmas Island,
                                                                           WA, 6798
Australian Government
PO Box 6500
Canberra
ACT, 2600

15th September 2024

Dear Australian Government,

My name is Jamal Houssini and I am an Afghan boy. I am writing this because I want a better life and a permanent visa.
Life in Afghanistan is dangerous and filled with war. My home was destroyed leaving us with nothing. Also the government targeted my mum for she was teaching girls to get an education.

My family can contribute to Australia in many ways. My sister and I are good soccer players, so we can teach other kids. My mum is a teacher and can teach in many schools. Dad is a taxi driver and he would be able to transport people to where they need to go.

The journey to Australia was horrific. I was separated from my parents which made me feel devastated, on top of that I had to look after my younger sister Bibi. The sailors who were actually pirates were nasty people who took all the money and they kicked me which gave me a bruise on my hip. So please let me come to Australia.

I ask you to please consider me and my family for permanent visas. We promise to always help and be happy new Australians. So please let us be a family here.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Jamal Houssini

Cooper Y


                                                                           Jamal Houssini
                                                                           Detention Centre Murray
                                                                           North West Point
                                                                           Christmas Island,
                                                                           WA, 6798
Australian Government
PO Box 6500
Canberra
ACT, 2600

15th September 2024

Dear Australian Government,

I am an Afghan boy seeking asylum in Australia, My name is Jamal Houssini. The reason I am writing to you is for a permanent Australian Visa, as we are seeking safety and a new home for my family to live in.

My life in Afghanistan was sad for me because there was a war and my house was destroyed, leaving my family with nothing. My mum was threatened by nearly being put to death because all she was trying to do was give girls an education which the girls should have a right to education. The government targets women like my mother and my sister Bibi, they can not live freely as they are controlled because they are women.

I strongly believe that my family can contribute to Australia, my sister and I love to play soccer, we can play soccer for Australia with our skills. My Mum is a teacher and can help teach in the schools in Australia. My Dad is a taxi diver and a baker who can use these skills here in Australia.

Our journey to Australia was very rough because the sailors turned out to be pirates which was scary, they stole our only money and our jewellery. My sister and I were very sea sick for multiple days, and the pirates kicked me in the hip, wouldn't you hate that? I was separated from my parents and had to look after my sister as well as myself and I am only 12 years old. I then had to look after the two orphans named Omar and Rashida, who turned out to be my closest friends.

Please consider giving me and my family a permanent visa. By giving me and my family apermanent visa will give us an everlasting smile on our faces. By giving us a permanent visa it will give us a new place to call home .
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Jamal Houssin

Maxzyn J

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Why We Are Informing Parents About Student Absences

At Clairvaux, we understand that there are many valid reasons why children may be absent from school, whether due to illness, family holidays, or necessary appointments - sometimes an ongoing arrangement. While we appreciate that parents often communicate directly with teachers regarding these absences, we are currently undertaking a school-wide review of student attendance rates. As part of this initiative, we are informing parents of their child's current attendance percentage if sitting at 80% or less, as a courtesy to help raise awareness of the cumulative impact of missed school time.

Even small amounts of time away from school — arriving late, leaving early, or missing a few days due to illness or planned trips away — can add up over time and affect learning progress. These notifications are not intended to question the reasons behind a child's absence or require parents to explain time away from school because of sickness or confidentiality around appointments. Instead, they are simply to provide information to help families understand how missed minutes can impact overall attendance rates and learning outcomes.

The most recent Mental Health and Wellbeing newsletter in week 4 outlines the cummulated impact of being late and/or having just one day off a fortnight.

Teachers do appreciate notifications of planned absences and will endeavour to touch base with families when students are absent for extended periods. The office does require you to let us know by 9am if your child is not going to be at school or is going to arrive late. Please remember that our school days begin at 8:50 am - this is when children enter the classroom and begin their day.

Guided by MACS we will inform families of their child's attendance via school reports in addition to updates during the year when attendance percentages fall below 80% or more. The figure we have on record is a culmination of days absent, half days absent as well as late arrivals - signing in after 8:50am and early pick ups. We will continue to share this information with parents throughout the year to keep families informed and engaged in supporting their child's regular school attendance. Our goal is to work together to promote consistent attendance, which plays a key role in each child's academic and social development.

If you have already spoken to your child’s teacher about absenteeism, please do not feel the communication being sent is without consideration of your communication. If you have any questions about these updates or would like further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to the school office or a member of leadership. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

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THESE SURVEYS WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR THE DURATION OF THE UPCOMING WEEKEND - WE REALLY DO APPRECIATE THE RESPONSES SO FAR RECEIVED AND THIS WILL HELP US MOVING FORWARD CONSIDERING OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY.

In 2025, our school is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

One of the main goals of the family survey is to identify the strengths to be celebrated and continued to work on and areas for improvement in our school. MACSSIS data benefits everyone within our school and provides valuable community insights on areas that each school can focus on. Clairvaux  believes it is important to encourage families as well as staff and students to have a voice and contribute to shaping the ongoing improvement of the school.

This feedback is invaluable to our progress as an effective school community and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices, and a great way for us to monitor trends from year to year. 

MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne by the Learning Services team at MACS, in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with principals in our schools. In 2025, students, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS via our secure and purpose-built online platform. The online platform is where our school leaders will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys. 

On September 3rd families were emailed a unique code to fill out the survey anonymously. We really do value this feedback and would appreciate as many families as possible taking the time to help us make informed decisions about the future of our school processes. You can watch a short clip here.

The only data we do see is how many families from each year level participate. The year level with the most surveys filled in will receive an extra long playtime once we have the results!!!

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