Principal’s Report – Term 4, Week 8

Achievements, Farewells, and New Beginnings at Clare High School

Term 4, Week 8 - 5 December 2025

As we approach the end of what has been a fantastic year at Clare High School, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our recent celebrations, achievements, and acknowledge the contributions of our students and staff.

The past few weeks have seen a flurry of activity, recognising both milestones and transitions for our school community. Our Year 12 Formal at the Clare Racecourse was a resounding success, providing a memorable send-off for our senior students. Thank you to all who organised and supported this event, especially Bree Mensforth and Jacob Hayes, and to our students for their positivity and leadership.

The annual Gymkhana, ably coordinated by Kristy McCarthy, was once again a major highlight. Students demonstrated excellent teamwork and horsemanship, and I extend my gratitude to all who contributed to making this event so successful.

Our visit to the Aurora Program Space Discovery Centre and the Andy Thomas Space Foundation Mars Showcase, enhanced our students’ problem-solving synergy and creativity. Thank you to staff for providing our students with these opportunities.

Sporting achievements have continued, with Clare High School hosting the Henley High Netball Exchange. We are extremely proud to have won all three Shields—a fantastic testament to our athletes and coaches.

Year 11 students participated in their Transition Day in preparation for Year 12 in 2026. The day was well-received and provided a strong foundation for the forthcoming year. Last Friday marked their last day as Year 11s, and we wish them well for a refreshing and safe break before they take on new challenges.

Our Year 9 students participated in the Rite Journey Camp this week, giving them a valuable opportunity for personal development, culminating in a one-night solo expedition. We look forward to hearing about their journeys and insights. A reminder that the Homecoming Ceremony is on Monday, 8 December.

On Tuesday, the second group of Year 10 Youth Opportunities students graduated. Congratulations to all participants for their dedication throughout the program.

Week 9 brings Activities Week. We have been working hard to prepare an engaging program, with students selecting their preferred activities this week. They also have their beach day excursion to Wallaroo to look forward to. We encourage all Year 7 and 8 students to take part and enjoy their final week of the school year.

A reminder that there is an early dismissal on Friday, 12 December at 2:20pm.

As part of Clare High school’s ongoing growth and renewal, we are excited to welcome new members to our school’s leadership and teaching team.

John Stevens joins us from Henley High School as our new Healthy Lifestyles Leader and is already a member of the Mid-North community, playing football for BSR this year.

Chloe Frkic comes to us from Seaview High School as our Year 10–12 and Pathways Leader, bringing with her a strong commitment to student development.

Emma Furnee will be joining us from Parafield Gardens High School and is set to launch our brand new SACE Dance program in 2026. Her expertise in dance education will be an invaluable addition, further broadening our curriculum.

Looking towards 2026, I am pleased to announce our new Leadership Team:

  • Principal: Natasha Dunn
  • Deputy Principal: Kylie Alozie
  • Business Leader: Elise O’Neill
  • Wellbeing Leader: Mandy Knight
  • Inclusion Leader: Bek Holland
  • Year 7–9 & Middle School Pedagogy Leader: Kristy McCarthy
  • Year 10–12 & Pathways Leader: Chloe Frkic
  • STEM Leader: Justin Lodge
  • Global Perspectives Leader: Alicia Hoddle
  • Healthy Lifestyles Leader: John Stevens
  • Creative Industries Leader: Dan Bradley

Our collective strengths position us to offer outstanding support and opportunities to every student.

Not pictured: Rosemary Goode, Bruce Birch & Felicity Mudge

As the year draws to a close, we also bid farewell to several valued staff members who have made a significant impact during their time at CHS:

Katie Liebelt (AP)
Moving to Adelaide to work with ACHPER for the next 12 months

Ben Seymon
Relocating to teach Technology at Thebarton Senior College

Kim Maynard
Leaving after winning a position as B1 Year Level Leader at Urrbrae Agricultural High School

Ashleigh Hill
Taking a year’s leave

Karen Slattery
Taking a year’s leave

Lingjing Kong
Moving back to Adelaide for family commitments

Clay Reid
Taking leave for the first term of 2026

Rosemary Goode
Who we thank for coming out of retirement and helping us in the Home Economics learning area this semester

Student Support Officers (SSO’s)
Rebecca Brak (Classroom Support), Bruce Birch (Classroom Support), Felicity Mudge (Classroom Support), Stacey Hitch (Student Services) and Josh Lines (Pastoral Care Worker/Youth Worker)

We are deeply grateful for their dedication and contributions and wish each of them all the very best in their new roles and adventures.

On behalf of the leadership team, I thank all members of our Clare High School community for your support and commitment throughout 2025. We look forward to another successful and inspiring year in 2026.

Kind regards,

Natasha Dunn
Principal, Clare High School