Principal’s Message – Term 2, Week 9

Dear Clare High School Community,

As we approach the end of Term 2, I’m delighted to reflect on what has been an enriching and eventful few weeks at Clare High School. Our students and staff have continued to embrace learning opportunities, community connections, and personal development across a wide range of programs.

Learning in Action

• Year 7 STEM – Western Creek Line Restoration Project
  Our Year 7 students have been actively involved in a community STEM initiative focused on restoring the Western Creek Line, contributing to both environmental sustainability and hands-on learning.
• Stage 1 Food & Hospitality
  Students cooked meals for the Clare Valley Community Kitchen, providing valuable service to the community while developing their culinary and teamwork skills.
• Agriculture Team
  A big thank you to our generous community volunteers who supported our Ag Team by helping sow this year’s crop and upgrading the cattle yard. Your contributions make a real difference.
• Stage 2 Outdoor Education Bushwalk
  Students participated in a bushwalk at Mount Crawford, applying their navigation, survival, and leadership skills in a real-world setting.
• Year 11 Tourism Camp
  Held in Week 9, this camp offered students the opportunity to explore local tourism industries and develop insights into possible future career paths.
• Year 12 PE Camp
  Also in Week 9, Year 12 PE students focused on fitness, teamwork, and personal development during their active and engaging camp experience.

Sporting Highlights

We’ve had strong representation in a number of sporting competitions this term:

• Year 7/8 Knockout Basketball
  Our team progressed to the finals after a fantastic performance, winning their six-school competition. Congratulations!
• Year 7/8 Knockout Netball
  The team showed great skill and sportsmanship, winning two out of three games.
• Year 9/10 and Open Knockout Netball
  A mixed day of results, with two wins and some close losses – the girls showed fantastic spirit and teamwork throughout.
• Year 11/12 Knockout Football
  Our Year 11/12 boys made it to Round 2 against Balaklava, showcasing grit, talent, and determination.

Student Leadership and Fundraising

• SRC – Big Freeze Fundraiser
  The SRC led a hugely successful Big Freeze fundraiser for Fight MND. Students and staff were nominated for a dunking – and over $300 was raised to dunk me! Next year, the target is $500. A fun day for a great cause!
• Biggest Morning Tea
  Staff came together for the Biggest Morning Tea, raising $534 for cancer research through pancake sales and a staff morning tea. Thank you to everyone involved!

Staff Development

• Pupil Free Day – Restorative Practices PD
  CHS staff collaborated with Clare Primary School and the Childcare Centre/Kindy for a joint professional development day. Kerrie Sellen from Restorative Journeys led the session, providing valuable strategies to strengthen positive relationships within our school community.

Upcoming Events

• Bush Garden and Yarning Circle Opening – 30 June
  We are proud to open our bush garden and yarning circle. Ngadjuri Elders and local Aboriginal artist Mel Agius will share the cultural significance of the beautiful new design featured on our school uniforms.
• Youth Opportunities Graduation – Week 10
  Congratulations to our Youth Opportunities students who will graduate and present their growth journey to families and staff.
• Illuminate 2025 – Wednesday Night, Week 10
  You’re warmly invited to Illuminate 2025 – our annual community celebration of creativity and innovation. Last year’s event was a huge success, and this year promises to be even bigger. Please see the attached flyer for details and booking.

Final Words

As we head into the holidays at the end of Week 10, I encourage all students to rest and recharge. For our Year 12 students, this is a key time to consolidate your learning and prepare for your final 13 weeks of secondary schooling.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement with Clare High School. We look forward to another successful term ahead.

Warm regards, 

Natasha Dunn 
Principal, Clare High School