In a time where our children are constantly learning, growing, and facing new challenges, how they approach these experiences is crucial. One of the most powerful tools we can equip them with is a growth mindset.

You might have heard this term before, but what does it really mean for your kids? At its heart, a growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence aren't fixed traits but can be developed through dedication, hard work, and good strategies. It's a concept by psychologist Carol Dweck, and it has profound implications for how our children learn, cope with setbacks, and build resilience.

Fixed vs. Growth: Can you spot the difference?

Imagine two children:

• Liam (Fixed Mindset): When Liam struggles with a maths problem, he might think, "I'm just not a 'maths person.' I'll never get this." He might give up easily or avoid challenging tasks because he fears making mistakes, which he sees as a sign of failure.
• Chloe (Growth Mindset): Chloe also finds the maths problem difficult, but she thinks, "This is tricky, but if I keep trying different ways or ask for help, I can improve." She sees mistakes as opportunities to learn and believes that effort will lead to mastery.

The difference is subtle but significant. Children with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. They understand that a lower test score or a difficult subject isn't a reflection of their inherent ability, but rather a sign that they need to try a different approach, ask for help, or practice more.

How Can We Foster a Growth Mindset at Home?

As parents, you are the most influential coaches in your child's life! Here are some practical ways to nurture a growth mindset:

• Praise Effort, Not Just Outcome: Instead of "You're so smart!" try "I'm so proud of how hard you worked on that project!" or "I can see you really concentrated on that drawing." This teaches them that effort and strategy lead to success.
• Encourage "Yet": When your child says, "I can't do it," add the powerful word "yet." "You can't do it yet, but you will if you keep practicing!"
• Talk About Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Help them see errors not as failures, but as valuable information. "What did you learn from that mistake? What could you try differently next time?"
• Share Your Own Struggles: Let your children see you grapple with challenges and overcome them through effort. "I found that new recipe really tricky, but I kept trying, and now it's delicious!"
• Focus on the Process: When they achieve something, discuss the steps they took, the strategies they used, and the effort they put in.

At St Clare’s, we want to be a learning environment that celebrates effort, persistence, and the joy of continuous improvement. By working together, we can empower our children to face any challenge that comes their way with confidence and resilience. 

Staff Professional Development

Last Friday, our staff participated in a Reflective Practice Day as part of their ongoing professional learning.

• Extending High Potential Learners: Teachers reflected on strategies to further support and challenge our high potential learners, developing classroom plans to ensure every student is extended in their learning.
• Future Planning: Years 3–6 teachers worked on strengthening and future-proofing our English novel studies for 2026, while Prep–Year 2 teachers joined a Zoom Q&A with Rysia Pritchard from Early Life Solutions to explore the Walker Learning approach.
  
  

Meanwhile, our School Officers engaged in a prayer pilgrimage, followed by sessions with our First Nations Education Advisor, Pelly Morganson. Their professional learning focused on cultural competencies, building high-expectations relationships, and behaviour management strategies, concluding with a personal commitment to action.

It was a rich day of learning for all staff, and we look forward to continuing this journey during our next Pupil Free Day on 7 October.

Matific Trophy

Prep - Year 3

3C

Year 4 - 6

5D

Mrs Donna Jack

Assistant Principal - Pedagogy and Learning

WEEK 9

Monday 8 September

Homework due

Tuesday 9 September

Homework distributed

4B & 2B Class Mass

Cricket Blast (Selected students - Final Week)

Book Week Parade

Parents and Friends Association Bingo Night

Auskick (Selected students)

Mass at St Clare’s 5pm Saturday and St Anthony's 9am Sunday

WEEK 10

Monday 15 September

Homework due

Tuesday 16 September

4A & 2A Class Mass

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August

Mass at St Clare’s 5pm Saturday and St Anthony's 9am Sunday

Defence Club

Hi all. Plenty of events are coming up around town. Just click on the links below and it will take you through to obtain the tickets. Lot’s of thing’s happening in the school holidays.

September school holidays with Geckos

The school holidays will be upon us in no time! We have arranged our program for the September-October break.

Please ensure you DO NOT purchase a ticket if you are unsure you can attend. Failing to show up on the day means another family will miss out. However, we know plans can change so contacting Geckos early if you are no longer able to attend, will ensure another family is offered your tickets. Refunds WILL NOT be offered AFTER the event unless you have been unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances.

Geckos will be offering:

1. Monday 22 September - Movie day: Kangaroo - 10am-12pm

https://www.trybooking.com/DEEHK

2. Wednesday 24 September – Queensland Museum Tropics – James Cameron CHALLENGING THE DEEP - 9:30am - 12:00pm

https://www.trybooking.com/DEIMN

3. Thursday 25 September - Urban Climb 9:30am - 12:30pm (12 - 17 yrs old only)

https://www.trybooking.com/DEJRM

4. Monday 29 September - Movie day: The Bad Guys 2 - 10am - 12pm

https://www.trybooking.com/DEEHS

5. Thursday 02 October - Ninja Parc 10am - 12pm (3 - 7 yr olds will require parental supervision around the course)

https://www.trybooking.com/DEKAG

Tickets are open now for all events.

The Oasis Townsville

Our third block of Creative Connections, School Holiday Workshops are just around the corner!

6 sessions run over two weeks will focus on providing kids a creative outlet and opportunity to socialise these school holidays. Run by Creativity Hood, this program will be a hands on creative experience split into three different workshops:

Polymer Clay; week 1: Turtles Workshop and week 2: Dragon Eyes Workshop (suitable for children of all ages)

Modge Podge Collage Treasure Boxes Workshop (suitable for children 8years+)

Kids Painting Workshop; week 1: Sunflowers and week 2: Starry Night (suitable for children of all ages)

Follow the link below to register now! Please make sure to state the date, workshop and amount of children you would like to register.

https://services.chillidb.com/.../3d2184de-b8d9-4990.../7

My Dad & Me: Silly Scientists – 27 September

ADF Dads and father figures join us as we garner our inner ‘Mad Scientist’. Come along and take part in science experiments for children.

For outside play, don’t forget your hat, sunscreen and water bottle.

We’ll provide morning tea, however, feel free to bring a healthy snack for your children if preferred. As always, this is a mum free zone, please give her the morning off.

Date: Saturday 27 September 2025

Time: 0930-1130

Venue: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks

My Dad and me: Silly Scientist 

DMFS & Battlefield to Footy Fields – NRL Kids Coaching Clinic – 1 October

Bring the kids for a fun day of rugby league at our NRL Coaching Clinic for kids aged 6-12 years old.

All skill levels welcome - learn to pass, kick and score with friendly coaches. Plus, enjoy a free BBQ and awesome giveaways.

Come along, get active, and join the footy fun with other Defence kids!

Date: Wednesday 1st October 2025

Time: 8.30am – 1.00pm

Venue: Joe Baker field, James cook University

NRL Kids Coaching Clinic 

My Dad and me: Fishing fun 11th October

Townsville ADF Dads and their kids are invited to enjoy some bonding time while fishing off the banks of the serene Ross Creek.

Thanks to our friends from Reeling Veterans, this activity, rods and bait are free for our Dads and their kids who want to wet a line, enjoy the tropical NQ weather and visit one of Townsville’s recreational fishing spots. But if you fancy yourself as the next Rex Hunt or E.T., feel free to bring your own gear!

My Dad and me: Fishing fun

Lunch time Kids Club

The Prep and Year 1 students will be picked up on Monday’s at lunchtime.

Our Kids Club Days are on as follows;

Monday 1st Break  - Preps

Monday 2nd Break  - Yr 1 

Wednesday 1st Break  - Yrs 2 - 6

Parental Absence

If there are parents deployed or out on exercise and you find that your child is struggling with parental absence please give me a nudge with either an email mbrennan6@stclarestsv.catholic.edu.au or pop in to the hub, which is the classroom off the multi-purpose hall and let me know so that I can offer some support to your child.

If your Defence member is discharging or discharged could you also let me know as it helps me support your child with the changes that are happening within the family, as they can be affected by these changes as well.

Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS)

If you need help during a crisis or support during deployment, posting or relocation, Defence Member and Family Support offer a range of support to help ADF members and their families manage challenges when they arise.

The DMFS Helpline – 1800 624 608 – is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community. It is available 24-7 and staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.

Defence social workers help you to address personal and family issues through brief counselling services, referrals to community providers, long term support planning and crisis intervention.

DMFS support services are free for ADF members and families. Emails received by the Helpline will be responded to within 24 hours. memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

Families with Special Needs

Moving can be a challenging process for any family, but when you have a family member who has special needs, the complexity and stress can be even greater.

Defence offers additional assistance to Defence families who have a resident family member with special needs. These practical support services are designed to make the relocation process smoother and more accommodating.

Families can also access support through the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG). The DSNSG serves as a national support network for families with special needs, offering resources, guidance, and a community of individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Defence families.

More information on assistance measures can be found on the DSNSG  website https://www.dsnsg.org.au/ 

or by emailing  

Memberships:
memberships@dsnsg.org.au

National Administration and Liaison Officer:
nalo@dsnsg.org.au

Partner Employment Assistance Program

Are you an ADF partner looking to enhance your employability?

There have been some positive changes to the PEAP program. Partners can now claim $1500 every financial year that can go towards professional employment services, professional licenses and many things that will enhance your employment skills.

We also pay re-registration fees for those partners whose jobs require them to be registered.

To find out more and to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria: visit

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-families/partner-employment-assistance-program

Over the past couple of weeks, our Ganmana Adara students have been busy with a range of creative activities. They designed Father’s Day cards decorated with Aboriginal symbols and shared in the joy of storytelling through the beautiful new text Goodnight Daddy by Gregg Dreise, a proud Kamilaroi and Euahlayi author and artist. These experiences continue to deepen students’ appreciation for culture and connection through story and art.

Indigenous Literacy Day & Book Week Donation

Last week, each class shared a First Nations text and enjoyed stories together in the Library as part of our Indigenous Literacy Day celebrations. It was wonderful to see students engaging with such meaningful stories.

A reminder that families can still support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) by bringing a gold coin donation to our Book Week Parade. ILF is a national charity that works to improve literacy in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through programs like Book Supply, Book Buzz, and Community Publishing.

St Clare’s Receives Recognition in First Nations Education

Last Thursday, Helen, Emily, and I attended the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Liturgy at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. At this event, the Townsville Catholic Education First Nations Education School Recognition Award for 2025 was presented. Our school was one of three schools nominated, alongside St Margaret Mary’s and Ryan Catholic College, and we were blessed to win this award.

We have been privileged to be nominated three years in a row, which reflects our ongoing journey in First Nations Education — a journey grounded in respect, relationships, and learning together. This year, St Clare’s was commended for fostering high-expectations relationships, supporting the holistic development of our community, and embedding the Stronger Smarter Philosophy.

We are especially proud of the initiatives we have undertaken over the past year. These include embedding First Nations perspectives across our curriculum, developing a prayer pilgrimage that incorporates First Nations spirituality, working alongside Traditional Owners to establish Ngurra Yaba, our ‘Talking Place,’ and engaging with community members who share their wisdom and enrich our celebrations.

We accept this recognition with humility and gratitude — not only for the honour, but for the opportunity to continue walking together in respect, reconciliation, and shared learning.

Well done, St Clare’s!

Holiday Fun – North Australian Festival of Arts

The North Australian Festival of Arts will run from 24 September – 12 October and offers a wide range of events for families to enjoy. There are many wonderful First Nations performances and exhibitions to explore over the holiday break.

We would especially like to highlight an event featuring one of our very own parents, Clare Jaque Vasquez. Clare is part of Woven Together: Undivided We Rise – a powerful and inspiring celebration of culture, resilience, and storytelling through art.

This is a wonderful opportunity to support a member of our community while also experiencing the richness of First Nations creativity during the festival. More information can be found here.

Mrs Deanne Guerra

Music Eisteddfod News!!! 

We are thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our choir and instrumental groups at the recent Music Eisteddfod!

Instrumental Eisteddfod News! 

Woodwind

Taj, Oliver and Katie- Year 6 and Under Instrumental Quartet/Quintet - outstanding performance !

Beginner Strings

2nd place- St Clare’s and St Anthony’s Combined String Orchestra-  Year 6 and Under String Orchestra

We look forward to Monday’s performances with our Senior String Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble who will perform at  Eisteddfod on Monday!

Senior Choir:

• 1st Place in the Year 6 and Under Unison Chorus section.

• 3rd Place in the Year 6 and Under Choral Championship.

Junior Choir:

• 2nd place - Junior Choir - in the Choral Championship Section

Treble Makers Novelty Choir: 

We can’t wait for their wonderful Eisteddfod performance of “Ease on Down the Road” at Eisteddfod tomorrow at 10.30am. 

We are incredibly proud of all our choir and instrumental  members so far this week who have worked tirelessly ! 

As we move closer to the upcoming holidays, it’s a great time to think about ways children can keep their bodies active and their brains engaged. This week I’d like to shine a light on the vestibular system—the part of our body that controls balance and movement. It’s one of the most powerful sensory systems because it helps organise and coordinate information from all the others. You might think of it as the “traffic controller” of the brain, guiding messages to where they need to go so the whole body can work smoothly together.

When children climb, crawl, swing, or spin, their vestibular system is at work, helping them create strong connections in the brain. A well-organised vestibular system allows the body to move in a balanced way, which in turn makes learning and everyday tasks easier. On the other hand, if this system is underactive or overactive, children may appear clumsy, uncoordinated, or struggle with milestones.

The good news is that the holidays are the perfect opportunity for fun activities that also support healthy vestibular development. Here are some simple ideas you might like to try at home:

• Swinging on a swing or ropes
  
  
• Spinning or pivoting on toes
  
  
• Twisting ropes or swings, winding up and letting go
  
  
• Spinning around on a scooter board or skateboard
  
  
• Bouncing on trampolines or mattresses
  
  
• Rocking side to side with a partner
  
  
• Jumping on inflatable toys or balls
  
  
• Skipping with a rope on a soft surface
  
  
• Steering scooter boards through cones or obstacles
  
  
• Twisting the trunk side-to-side while keeping feet still
  
  

These activities aren’t just playful—they help children strengthen their sense of movement and balance, making the holidays both fun and beneficial for their growth and learning.

Learning Connections in Action 

Our Prep C/D Students have continued to participate in Learning Connections circuits. I have been specifically working on crossing the midline this week. 

Moving our Bodies, Boosting our Brains, Ready for Learning 

Mrs Deanna Guerra

Learning Connections Coach