From The Principal and the Leadership Team
Celebrating Our Year 6 Student Leaders
What a fantastic morning we had today! It was truly special to welcome our Year 6 parents who attended to witness their children being officially inducted as Student Leaders. The occasion was made even more memorable by the presence of our Local Member of Parliament, the Honourable Matt Thistlethwaite, who joined us for this significant event.
A huge congratulations to our School Captains, Prefects, House Captains, and Year 6 Leaders—each of you brings unique strengths and qualities, and we are incredibly proud of you all.
Our 2025 Student Leadership Team
Our School Leaders are:
- School Captains – Charlotte B and Kobe C
- School Prefects – Isabel R, Jai P and George P
- Austin Captains – Charlotte L and Finn P
- Hyland Captains – Rose L and Jaymie T
- Storey Captains – Harriet K and Lennox R
- Wearne Captains – Isabel C and Avery L
Swimming Carnival
A huge congratulations to all students for their outstanding efforts at Wednesday’s carnival! It was wonderful to see so many of you giving your best, achieving personal milestones, and demonstrating incredible school and house spirit. Your dedication, sportsmanship, and perseverance were truly commendable—I couldn’t be prouder of you all.
A special shoutout to our incredible staff, led by Mr Geering, whose dedication and hard work ensured the event ran smoothly. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the many parents who attended, especially those who generously gave their time to assist with various duties. Your support plays a crucial role in making these events possible.
Speaking of support, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind parents that our carnivals simply cannot happen without your help. With that in mind, please mark your calendars for our upcoming Cross Country Carnival (Y2-6) at Centennial Park on Wednesday, 13th March. We will need plenty of volunteers between 9:30 and 11:30 am, so if you can, please come along ready to assist while cheering on our young runners.
Thank you in advance for your involvement—we truly appreciate it!
Staff News
We warmly welcome some new staff to our school who have joined us to cover a number of maternity positions. They have all settled in so quickly and are all proving to be real assets to our teaching team. We also warmly welcome Mr Muhammad Usman, our new IT Support Officer, while Mr Stefan Hamburger takes one year’s leave.
- Kathy Cagliata- welcome back to the Library Literature Specialist position for Semester 1.
- Katrina Calverley, who is taking over Ms Kelly’s role of Learning Enrichment Teacher across Years 2, 3 and 4, while she is on maternity leave.
Congratulations also to Mrs Deborah Ko, who is expecting a baby, due in July!
With this wonderful news, and Mrs Ko anticipates commencing her Maternity Leave at the end of Term Two. Naturally, this will depend on her health, energy levels, and, of course, when her little one decides to make their grand entrance into the world.
Clarity Around Costs: Understanding How We Price School Activities and Events
As we begin the new school year, I want to take a moment to provide some clarity regarding how we calculate and structure the costs for excursions, incursions, and some school events and activities. This follows parent feedback from last year requesting greater clarity around our pricing processes—thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We value open communication and want to ensure all families understand how we determine these costs.
What Activities Are Included?
School activities that incur additional costs include:
- Offsite camps and overnight excursions, such as the Year 6 trip to Canberra.
- Day excursions, where students travel off-campus for educational experiences.
- Incursions, where external speakers, specialists, or educators visit the school (e.g., a Book Week speaker or an expert speaker not employed by the school).
- Sports events, such as gala days and inter-school competitions.
Each of these experiences is carefully planned to enhance student learning, engagement, and overall development. However, we recognise that costs can add up, and we strive to keep them as manageable as possible for families.
How Are Costs Determined?
We want to reassure families that our goal is not to generate profit from these activities but simply to cover the expenses associated with running them. Here’s a breakdown of what generally factors into the final cost:
- Base Costs – Entry fees, activity charges, and any required equipment or materials.
- Transport – Bus hire or other transportation arrangements, which can be one of the most significant expenses.
- Insurance – Many excursions require specific coverage, adding to the base cost charged by the venue or service provider
- Supervision – Some activities, particularly those with higher student-to-teacher ratios or requiring extra safety measures, necessitate additional staffing, which increases costs.
- Casual Relief Teachers – When staff members attend offsite activities, we often need to employ relief teachers to cover their classes. This is factored into the event cost.
- Contingency Buffer (5-10%) – We include a small contingency sum to cover unforeseen charges, such as last-minute booking changes or student absences (in cases where we are still charged).
Why Do Some Activities Seem More Expensive Than Others?
We understand that costs for similar-looking events can sometimes vary, and we aim to be as transparent as possible in explaining why. For example, some Gala Days are subsidised by external organisations such as the NRL, meaning we can offer them at a lower fee or even free of charge. However, other events without such sponsorship will have higher costs.
Additionally, certain activities may require specialised equipment, uniforms, additional transport, or accommodation, which further affects pricing.
Supporting Families in Need
We recognise that financial circumstances vary from family to family. If the cost of an event or activity is ever a concern, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our goal is to ensure that all students can participate in valuable learning experiences, and we are happy to discuss possible options.
Our Commitment to Clarity and Fairness
We appreciate your continued feedback and your support in helping us provide the best opportunities for our students. If you ever have questions about the cost of an excursion or activity, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to transparency and ensuring that all families feel informed and reassured.
Thank you for your ongoing understanding, and we look forward to another fantastic year of learning experiences!
……………………………………………….
With thanks and appreciation for the many ways you support our school and school community. Have a great weekend, and be blessed!
Mr Doug Thomas
Principal
Follow Us
Website: www.claremont.nsw.edu.au
Instagram: @claremontcollege
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/school/cla…
2025 Staff Teams
We are proud to introduce the School Staff Teams for 2025. attached HERE.
2025 Residential Address Collection Notice
The Australian Government Department of Education and Training (the Department) has requested that our school provide a statement of addresses in accordance with the Australian Education Regulation 2013 (Cth) (the Regulation).
More information can be found in the attached Notice.
2025 Residential Address Collection Notice
Parent Information Evening
Our Parent Information Evening for 2025 will be on Tuesday 11 February from 6pm. This is an important evening for all parents (not children). This evening serves a number of purposes and will provide an opportunity for you to meet and hear from
your child’s teachers and other professional support staff, and to join a presentation which will be delivered by Mr Thomas, Mrs Cameron and Mrs Ford, about important news, some updates and vision for 2025. This presentation will also provide the opportunity for you to be introduced to the whole Staff Team of 2025.
MEET THE GRADE TEAM (6:00PM TO 7:00PM)
When you arrive, please head directly to the learning spaces which will be open (from 5:50pm) for you to look around and settle in. The teacher presentations will commence at 6:00pm sharp. The team will introduce themselves and outline some of their routines, expectations and plans for the year. You are also reminded that teachers will address general issues and that it will be impossible for them to discuss the progress of individual children on this occasion.
2025 VISION (7:10PM TO 8:15PM)
Everyone will be asked to move to the hall, where Mr Thomas will introduce the entire staff team and speak with parents about a couple of important issues. Mr Thomas, Mrs Cameron and Mrs Ford will share with parents our vision for Claremont College for 2025. We are all very excited about the many things that have been planned for this year so we do hope that you will make a special effort to be present on this important occasion.
Parking on Tuesday evening will be difficult. Please be very mindful of our neighbours when you are parking in nearby streets. As with all school functions and events, do not park across or opposite driveways. Streets are very narrow, and it is important that we do not restrict their access. Parking in Judge Lane is very restricted and much of it is designated ‘No Stopping’. Please be aware that parking wardens are often active at night. Be mindful that if you park illegally or across a driveway, you will most likely be booked by Council rangers.
We look forward to meeting with all parents.
Janelle Ford
Deputy Principal, Academic Excellence, Innovation & Pedagogy
Positive Behaviours @ Claremont
‘Wear it Well’
This week, our House Captains led an assembly on the importance of wearing our school uniform with pride and in accordance with school policy. Here are a few key reminders for all students:
- Formal hats must be worn both to and from school, as well as to Monday morning’s assembly.
- Hair that is long enough to tie back must be neatly done.
- Black leather shoes should be polished regularly to maintain a neat appearance.
- When wearing the sports uniform, white sneakers must be worn.
- Traditional watches are the only type of watches permitted—smartwatches are not allowed.
Let’s all continue to uphold our high standards of uniform, reflecting our pride in being part of this school community.
Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing & Daily Operations
Upcoming Events
Important Dates for Term 1 and Key Dates for 2025
Key Dates Calendar as at 7 February 2025
Action Items
The following items require immediate action
Year 5 – Excursion to the Museum of Sydney
Year 5 – Games and Pizza Afternoon
Year 6 – Canberra ExcursionYears 2-6 – Cross Country Carnival including Parent Volunteer Form
Kindy & Year 1 – Wednesday Sport Cross Country Carnival Note
Around the School
Kindergarten
Kindergarten News – Term 1 Week 2
Year 2
Year 4
Year 4 Times Tables Parent Letter
Year 5
Event Note – Excursion to the Museum of Sydney
Baker Park Lunchtime
Due to the unusually high and unexpected response from Years 5 and 6 students despite gauging expressions of interest, together with limitations of bus capacity, we are altering the arrangements as follows:
Mondays – Year 5 who have been given permission travelling to Baker Park; and
Thursdays – Year 6 who have been given permission travelling to Baker Park.
This arrangement will be reviewed in Term 2 to better accommodate students’ requirements.
Thank you for your understanding.
Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing & Daily Operations
Year 5 Games and Pizza Afternoon – change of date
We would like to invite all Year 5 students and parents to a Year 5 fun and bonding afternoon of games and pizza on Friday, 21 February, from 3:10pm to 5:30pm.
Please indicate your availability to attend HERE.
Details for the afternoon can be found by clicking HERE.
Year 6
Event Note – Canberra Excursion
Baker Park Lunchtime
Due to the unusually high and unexpected response from Years 5 and 6 students despite gauging expressions of interest, together with limitations of bus capacity, we are altering the arrangements as follows:
Mondays – Year 5 who have been given permission travelling to Baker Park; and
Thursdays – Year 6 who have been given permission travelling to Baker Park.
This arrangement will be reviewed in Term 2 to better accommodate students’ requirements.
Thank you for your understanding.
Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing & Daily Operations
Library @ Claremont
New books to the Collection
This new title is a highly-illustrated retelling of the Bronte sisters’ life in Haworth in the Yorkshire Dales told from Charlotte Bronte’s point of view. This book introduces us to the three extraordinary Bronte sisters and their brother, Branwell. The authors explore how the girls were inspired to become writers and the sensation their books caused when people realised they had been written by women.
This new series of Fantastic Facts books answers the questions you have always wanted to ask about our world and the universe beyond.
The world’s oceans are as mysterious and remote as outer space. There are large parts of the ocean depths that we know little or nothing about. The animals and plants that live there are weird and alien. In contrast, the shallow oceans are home to magnificent corals and fish.
The Universe is huge and has billions of galaxies and stars, as well as black holes, nebulas and other mysterious space objects. Full of fascinating but accessible details that will make you want to keep reading until you have discovered them all.
Key Dates
Bookstall Term 1
On Tuesday, 25 March of Week 9, we will be holding a bookstall in the school hall. This year we have teamed up with Gleebooks to run the bookstall. This will coincide with Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day for the infant grades. After the event in the playground, visitors will be invited into the hall to make purchases from the bookstall. Books can be purchased for students’ home libraries or to donate to the school library. A donation certificate will be placed in each donated book with family details. Children from the primary grades will also get a chance to make purchases on the day.
Mrs Susan Kesur
School Librarian
Sport @ Claremont
Key Dates
Important Dates for Term 1, 2025
K-6 Sport
Wednesday 29 January – 9 April
Claremont Cross Country Carnival (Years 2-6)
Wednesday 19 February
IPSHA Swimming Carnival
Tuesday 2 March
IPSHA Cross Country Carnival
Wednesday 2 April
P&F Colour Fun Run
Wednesday 9 April
Swimming Carnival
The 2025 Claremont Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day full of fun, colour, competition and plenty of cheering(and even dancing)! There were so many standouts of the day: the enthusiasm of the children, their smiles and their many personal achievements and results. Seeing Year 2 so pleased to be there and get involved in the various races & novelty events. It was wonderful to see the whole Claremont community get behind every single student and their individual achievements, whether it was excellence in the pool or even just students overcoming their fear/lack of experience and getting in the pool and ‘giving it a go’! The house spirit on the day was palpable, largely thanks to our House Captains promoting their Houses and chants over the last week. The day climaxed with some very impressive swimming in the House relays and House Captains relay.
Congratulations to Hyland for winning the overall House Points!
Well done to the following age champions:
House Points
1st Hyland 722
2nd Austin 645
3rd Storey 546
4th Wearne 429
The list of students progressing to the IPSHA Swimming Championships on Tuesday 4 March will be published next week.
Cross Country Carnival
The 2025 Cross Country carnival will be held on 19th February at Centennial Park for students in Years 2-6. Students will arrive at school at normal time and catch a bus to Centennial Park. They will return via bus to school at lunchtime and will resume normal lessons in the afternoon. It is expected that all students will be travelling via bus (no students being dropped off directly at the venue). Please read the event note for further details and visit the parent portal on Edumate to give permission.
Years 2-6 Cross Country Event Note
It is almost impossible to run an event like this without parent volunteers, so we would be very grateful to any parents who are able to assist on the day. This would likely involve being stationed on a checkpoint scattered around the course (away from the start/finish line). If you are available to help out for the morning and have a current WWC number, please complete the following form by clicking on the link. We will be in touch over the coming week to confirm if you will be needed and further details for those that are needed.
Kindergarten and Year 1 will be having their own mini cross country/house games as part of their regular Wednesday Sport. They will travel to Grant Reserve and will run a short race around the oval and will then participate in some carnival-style games (tunnel ball, parachute, egg and spoon races etc).
Please see the event note for more details
Kindy & Year 1 Wednesday Sport mini XC Event note
Term 1 Morning Skills Sports Program 2025
Programs commence from Week 3, Term 1 2025. There are still spots available in some activities. Years 1-2 & 3-4 basketball have a number of available spots.
Thursday martial arts has been opened up to Year 3, so those students from Year 2 last year might be able to continue in 2025.
If your child is outside the advertised age range, but is interested in one of the sports, please contact me to discuss if it would be suitable for them to join.
Please click here for the Term 1 Morning Skills Information Booklet.
Monday: Year 3-6 Tennis (Coogee Beach Tennis Centre), Year 1-2 Football (soccer) (at school)
Tuesday: Year 1-2 Tennis (at school), Year 3-6 AFL (Grant Reserve)
Wednesday: Beginner/3-4 Basketball (at school)
Thursday: Year 1-3 martial arts, Intermediate/5-6 Basketball (at school)
Friday: Year 1-2 Basketball (at school)
In order to help encourage participation during our morning skills session, students who have morning skills on a day that they do not normally wear their PE uniform for PE lessons or Sport, are allowed to come to school in their FULL PE uniform for morning skills, and remain in that uniform for the rest of the day. It is expected that they wear their full PE uniform and not just part (e.g. just wearing sneakers with their normal uniform or sports jacket with normal school shorts).
Sporting Achievements – Claremont Champions
I encourage families to email me outlining their child’s success and participation in any sporting arena throughout the year, including photographs. Students enjoy being acknowledged for their achievements in class, at assembly or in the school newsletter. Sometimes, our Mums and Dads also shine in sport and events, and we love to celebrate with you! Please send all correspondence to [email protected].
Here are some of our recent champions:
The (Randwick Junior Cricket Club) U10 Force played in their first full cricket season and managed to win the Sixers Spring U10 Group C T20 competition final against Easts in December, having been undefeated the whole season. The boys won the final convincingly 151-83. The team included Charlie R, William B, Brody T, James S, Ben K, Jasper H, Jayden T and Oliver T. Many of the boys were playing in the Sixers League for the first time and were playing up against boys 2-3 years older. The boys have been moved up a division for the summer season and so far remain undefeated this year
Another U10 team (Thunder) with a number of Claremont students (Cameron F, Leo J and Samuel R) were also undefeated in the U10 div 1 competition. In the final, the Thunder won the toss and elected to bowl first. With some early nerves, there were no wickets after the first 5 overs. A reset at the drinks break was followed by a crucial run out at the beginning of the 6th over, and the team was having fun with the wickets flowing.
In even more cricketing success, the u11 Heat (Randwick Junior Cricket Club). including Jacob L, Harry L, Samuel R, Archie S, Lucas S, Jayden T, Lachlan and Oliver T, and special super-sub Brody T were undefeated throughout the Spring season, including winning the final in the Sixers Spring u11 division 1 T20 competition. Although the Heat lost the toss and had to bat first, every player maintained great consistency and strength in the face of relentless pressure from the fastest bowling team in the competition. In the second innings, an early 3-wicket maiden over by Lucas S set the team up for success. A special shout out to super sub Brody T for stepping up for the final when basketball injuries prevented others playing.
This is an outstanding showing of Claremont cricketers in the Randwick Junior Cricket Club, with the 3 teams being among 6 Randwick champion teams in the Sixers league.
Mr Joel Geering
Head of Sport and PDHPE
