Dear Parents and Guardians

Our year has begun exceptionally well and I especially welcome those of you who are new to our St Clare’s Community.

There are many new faces to see including our 88 Foundation students which includes 5 sets of twins.

Each of our staff members has been planning throughout the break to ensure all children will optimise their learning.  We are indeed fortunate to have such a high calibre staff whose dedication and professionalism ensure the best outcome for your children.

BEFORE SCHOOL ROUTINE

Now that the ‘first days’ are over and the back-to-school routines are emerging, it is timely to note the following morning routines.

• Students are not to be on the school site before 8:30am (unless seated in the car with their parents or carers)
• Any student dropped off at school by their parents or carers prior to 8:30am should be in Before School Care. If parents choose not to use this option, the students must wait on the footpath in Majestic Drive and will remain the responsibility of their parents or carers. Students will NOT by supervised by school staff before 8:30am.
• Classroom doors open at 8:40am
• Between 8:30 and 8:40, students either wait in the courtyard or attend Active Club which will operate on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays
• Once classroom doors open at 8:40, students are able to unpack their bags and get ready for the day

AFTER SCHOOL ROUTINES

• Traffic congestion around schools is always an issue at peak times and St Clare’s is no exemption – particularly with extra traffic on Cardinia Road. Where possible, consider parking further away and walking to pick up your child or children. It saves the frustration of waiting in a carline and provides a great opportunity for exercise and a calm end to the school day.
• If you are running late or held up in traffic, please contact the school office. This would be on very rare occasions only.
• If your work hours do not allow you to pick your child up on time, then you can utilise the After School Care facilities on site or make alternative arrangements. After school, staff are involved in planning and meetings and student supervision concludes at 3:30pm sharp.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Friday 7 February -Presentation of Leadership Badges 9am, Whole School Mass at 9.15am

Wednesday 12 February - Foundation Assessments

Monday 17 February - School Photos

Tuesday 18 February - Parent Teacher Meetings

Wednesday 19 February - Foundation Rest Day #3, Parent Teacher Meetings

Wednesday 26 February - Foundation Rest Day #4, SSV District Swimming

Tuesday 27 February - Parent Teacher Meetings

Wednesday 28 February - Foundation Rest Day #4 

Wednesday 5 March - Ash Wednesday

Friday 7 March - School Closure

Please take note of some important school dates for 2025.  

We will also advise of other upcoming important dates in the weekly newsletter.

Reading and Fluency: Tips for Parents from Reading Rockets

Adapted from: Joanne Meier

You’ve got the books. But what else can you do to make your children better readers this summer?
You can help them read more quickly and accurately. Schools call this reading fluency. Your kids will call it fun!
When kids can read fluently, it’s easier for them to understand what they’re reading. And they read aloud easily and with expression. This makes reading a lot more enjoyable.
Less fluent readers read more slowly and word by word. Their attention is focused on sounding out each word; so, they pay less attention to understanding what they’ve read. Their comprehension and their motivation can suffer. Of course, beginning readers aren’t fluent yet, but by the end of first grade, kids should be reading books at their grade level with ease and expression.
Reading at home is a great opportunity to help your child continue to develop reading fluency.
Here are four things parents and caregivers can do to help:

Choose the right books

Help your child choose books that he can comfortably read. The “five-finger test” is a useful guideline for beginning readers. As your child reads, count the number of words he/she cannot read per page. In general, there should be five words or fewer that give him trouble on each page. If a book contains several pages on which you count more than five words that he/she can’t read, consider reading that book to your child until he/she develops more reading skill.

Listen every day

Once you’ve found a collection of books that your child can read, listen to your child read every day. Be patient — new readers often read slowly! Offer help when your child gets stuck, and always give lots of praise and encouragement.

Read it again, Sam

Encourage your child to reread favourite books, and make it fun! Repeated readings improve children’s fluency and comprehension. They also provide opportunities to practice reading with expression. Children will enjoy giving the wolf a scary growl or using a squeaky little voice for a mouse.

Read to your kids every day

Model your own fluent reading as you read and reread books with your child. Even though your child may be able to read on her own, continue to find time each day to read books to her that are just beyond her reading level. She will enjoy listening to more advanced stories, and she will hear a great example of fluent reading.

Parent Teacher Meetings will be held on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.  These will be a 10 minute session to allow you to meet with your child's teacher and provide information about your child that may be useful for the teacher.

Bookings will open via PAM on Friday 7 February.

We are calling for interest from our Parent Community in our 2025 School Advisory Council (SAC).  Our SAC needs replenishing having had member's youngest children move on to SFX. 

Meeetings are held twice a term.  Days/Times will be established based on the availability of the members. 

Complete the link to express you interest in joining the SAC.

Last Friday, the big day finally arrived for eighty-eight new Foundation (Prep) students who began their school journey at St Clare’s Primary School in Officer.
The students and their families started the year with many feelings and expectations, some anxiety and hesitancy but also with big dreams for what lies ahead. This year we even have broke our record with having five sets of twins.

The first ever school day began with a walk along the red carpet where families were welcomed by Principal, Ms Helen Staindl. Each student received a special medal of St Clare, which came all the way from Assisi in Italy as a reminder of our school’s Patron Saint.

Once inside, students and families were greeted by four very enthusiastic and excited teachers. The Foundation teachers and all staff are looking forward to a great year. They will work with the students as they become familiar with school life and routines, supporting them all to do their best in a kind and welcoming environment.

St Clare’s is a Catholic Primary School with over six hundred students ranging from Foundation to Year Six. Our core beliefs are built around the teachings of Jesus with our school’s vision of faith, wisdom and courage at the heart of all we do.

As we begin this new school year, we welcome all new students and staff who join our vibrant school community of learners.

SCHOOL FEES

Here is the 2025 Fee Schedule as provided and approved by DOSCEL

Per Family:
School Fee	$2450
Building Levy	$850
Per Student:
Education Levy	$625
Swimming Levy (Foundation – Year 3)	$85
Camp Fee (Year 3)	$65
Camp Fee (Year 4)	$200
Camp Fee (Year 5)	$300
Camp Fee (Year 6)	$450

If you would like to set up a direct debit please contact the office 5940 6777 or email finance@stclarsofficer.catholic.edu.au

If you have a Pension or Health Care Card please ensure you have provided the school with your current card.  If our records show that your card expired in 2024 you will be charged full fees in 2025

Statements have been emailed.  If you have any questions please contact the school or email finance@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au

If you family is having financial difficulty with payment of fees, please email the school via finance@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au  to arrange a confidential discussion.

PAM - Parent Access Module

Here is the link for the St Clare's Parent Access Module (PAM)

St Clare's PAM

You username is the email address that you have registered with the school.  The first time you log in we ask that you use the forgotten password feature to set your own password.

ALL parents must access PAM to receive up to date information and grant necessary permissions.  Students will miss out on events if permission is not granted.

REPORTING AN ABSENCE

To report your child's absence please do so via PAM, email absent@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or call 5940 6777

Edition 1 for 2025 has been sent home with students this week. 

Orders for this edition will close on 17 February 

All orders are to be placed via LOOP.  We cannot accept money at school for orders.

2025 School Photos

Monday 17 Februray is school photo day.  Details will be provided soon regarding the ordering of photos.

The St Clare’s second hand uniform shop will be open on the following dates in Febrtuary 

Monday 3rd - 9-10am
Tuesday 4th - 2:30-3:15pm
Friday 7th - 8:30-9:15am
Wednesday 12th - 8:30-9:15am
Thursday 13th - 2:30-3:15pm
Monday 17th - 8:30-9:15am
Friday 21st - 2:30-3:15pm
Tuesday 25th - 8:30-9:15am
Thursday 27th - 2:30-3:15pm

This is a good opportunity to buy pre loved uniform at a great price! 


Please note that sales are CASH ONLY.

We are excited to announce active club will continue in 2025! If you and your friend would like to join in on the fun, then please see Mr. Murphy and Mr Wells every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning on the Basketball Court and Athletic Field between 8:30am and 8:40am. We hope to see you there!

How to Help Kids Stay Safe Online

Adapted from:  https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog    Office of the eSafety Commissioner

1. Start the chat

It’s not possible to be at your child’s side every second of the day, so it’s important to talk with them about online safety issues to help develop their critical thinking and ability to make good choices. It’s also good to let them know they can come to you for help if they have any concerns. You may feel they know more about the latest technology than you do, but you have more life experience to guide them.

• With primary school aged children use online devices in the open living spaces at home to make parent supervision part of the expectation for your child.
• Take the opportunity to set some boundaries around when and where they can use devices  like tablets, smart TVs and gaming consoles, to help limit potential tech tantrums — you could even fill in an Early Years Family Tech Agreement 
• Screen free time before bed is important for good sleep. Consider charging devices in a central location at a regular time each night to allow an hour screen free before bed.
• While you are all at home more, it’s a great time to co-view and co-play with your kids, so you can understand what they are doing and experiencing online.
• Learn about the games, apps, social media and platforms they are using at The eSafety Guide, including how to protect their information and report inappropriate content or conduct.

2. Use parental controls and safe search options

Parental controls can help block your child from accessing specific websites, apps or functions. They can also monitor your child’s use of connected devices and set time limits. But beware! You cannot always rely on them — they should be used in combination with other online safety strategies.

• Parental controls are available on most tablets, smartphones, computers, TVs and gaming consoles.
• You can also download family safety controls or buy robust filters out of the box. 
• You can set up child-friendly search engines, or select safe search settings on digital devices, to help prevent your child from stumbling across inappropriate sites and content.

3. Check smart toy settings

It’s surprising how many toys or devices can connect online these days, from drones and smart teddies to tablets and wearables. While they can be both entertaining and educational, they can reveal your child’s personal details and location — and allow other people to contact them without you knowing. You can help keep them stay safe by:

• setting strong passwords
• turning off location settings 
• limiting the amount of personal information shared.

The eSafety Gift Guide has advice on what to check for and how to stay safe.

4. Look out for unwanted contact and grooming

Unwanted contact is any communication that makes your child feel uncomfortable or unsafe, even if they initially welcomed the contact. It can come from a stranger, an online ‘friend’ or even someone they actually know. At worst, it can involve ‘grooming’ — building a relationship with the child in order to sexually abuse them.

You can help by:

• making sure their accounts are private — including chat functions on games
• encouraging them to delete requests from strangers and any contacts they don’t know in person
• checking in with your child as they use online devices in the open living spaces at home
• reporting and blocking anyone suspicious on a website or service 
• remembering that if suspicious online contacts become aggressive or threatening you should contact your local police.

5. Know the signs of cyberbullying

Kids who are bored by long periods at home can pick at each other, and that happens online too. So it’s important to keep an eye out for cyberbullying. It can include mean posts, comments and messages, as well as being left out of online group activities like gaming. 

• Remember, when they are away from school, kids have less access to their usual support systems, including friends, teachers and counsellors. 
• eSafety research shows that girls are more likely to be affected than boys and the person doing the bullying is generally someone they know from school.
• Watch out for signs such as your child appearing upset after using their mobile, tablet or computer, being unusually secretive about their online activities or becoming withdrawn.
• Cyberbullying can make social isolation worse and the longer it continues, the more stressed kids can become, impacting on their emotional and physical wellbeing.

What to do if your child is being cyberbullied

As parents, our first instinct may be to ban our children from social media, disable the wi-fi or turn off the data access. But this can actually compound the problem, making your child feel as if they’re being punished and heightening their sense of social exclusion.

There are four simple steps that can help minimise the harm:

• report the cyberbullying to the social media service where it is occurring
• collect evidence of the cyberbullying material
• if the material is still public 48 hours later, make a report to eSafety — we work with social media platforms to have the harmful content removed.

block the offending user.