SCA Newsletter Issue 1, Term 4, 2025

A message from the Principal

Let the wise listen and add to their learning ~Proverbs 1:5

Welcome back to the final term of the school year. It’s hard to believe we have just ten short weeks remaining. I hope the holidays gave your family a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy some special moments together.

As many of you know, I’m temporarily stepping into Matt’s role while he takes Long Service Leave. It’s a real privilege to work alongside such dedicated and passionate staff who place our students at the heart of everything they do.

During our pupil-free days, staff engaged in rich professional learning focused on deepening their understanding of how students learn and how we can respond to their needs. They spent time planning for literacy, completing modules on mCLASS - a digital platform that supports the administration of DIBELS assessments. We’ve also begun preparing for School Registration next year and reflecting on our school’s strategic plan.

As an educator, I often see children navigating the ups and downs of friendship. I sometimes wish life lessons could be easily taught and learned - but relationships are complex and take patience, guidance, and time. At different moments, we all need someone to walk alongside us and help us make good and wise decisions. That’s where the partnership between teachers and parents becomes so important. Together, we can support our children to grow in empathy, resilience, and kindness.

Listening is at the heart of this. When we truly listen - not just with our ears, but with our hearts, we show others that they matter. As parents, we have the precious task of teaching our children to listen well: to pause before responding, to seek understanding, and to show compassion.

Friendships can be tricky, especially for young learners still finding their place in the world. When difficulties arise, it helps to return to the simple things:

• Be kind
• Listen carefully before speaking
• Say sorry and forgive easily
• Include others and make space for everyone

When we model these behaviours at home and at school, our children learn that strong friendships are built on trust, kindness, and grace.

We believe deeply in the value of your voice. As parents, what you say matters to us, and we want to listen.

As we begin planning for our next Strategic Plan (2026–2028), we warmly invite you to share your insights and ideas to help shape the future direction of our school. We’ve created a short survey for families, focusing on five key areas of school life. Your feedback will help us set meaningful goals, identify areas for growth, and define what success looks like for our community.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your perspective is important, and we are truly grateful for your partnership.

As we look ahead, the continued success of our school relies on the involvement of our families. One meaningful way you can contribute is by joining our 2026 Fete Committee. If you have the time and interest to support this exciting event, I’d love to hear from you. We’re currently seeking committee members and someone who might be willing to take on the role of Fete Convenor.

Your support makes a real difference. If you’re keen to be involved, please reach out to me via email on nikki.dwyer@cg.catholic.edu.au. We need you!

With warmth and gratitude,
Nikki Dwyer
Acting Principal

RE News Week 1

Year 4 Sacrament of First Reconciliation -  Parent Formation sessions

We invite all parents of students preparing for First Reconciliation to attend one of our upcoming Parent Formation Evenings. These sessions are an important part of supporting your child’s faith journey and understanding the significance of this beautiful sacrament.Session Options:

📍 Wednesday, 22 October – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

📍 Thursday, 23 October – 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

📌 Both sessions will be held at Holy Family Church.

Kindergarten and Year 5 Combined Mass

We are delighted to invite you to a special Mass next Thursday morning at 9:15am, where our Kindergarten and Year 5 students will come together in prayer and celebration with Fr Mark in our School Chapel.

This Mass holds particular significance for our Year 5 students, as it will be their first opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist since receiving the Sacrament at the end of last term. All parents, carers, and family members are warmly welcomed to attend.

From the School Counsellor - New Referrals in Term 4

As we head into the final term of the year, I wanted to let you know that I will only be accepting new counselling referrals up until Friday of Week 2. This is to ensure I have enough time to offer meaningful support, as there will only be time for up to four sessions before the end of term.

All current counselling support will be wrapped up by the end of Term 4, and families will be welcome to submit a new referral in the new year if further support is needed.

If you're considering counselling for your child after Week 2, you're more than welcome to reach out to me via email at amelie.nicholson@mccg.org.au. We can have a chat to see if a short-term approach might still be helpful, depending on the situation, or I can provide some resources or recommendations for external support.

In the meantime, if you feel your child may benefit from counselling please make a referral using the link below.

Amelie Nicholson

School Counsellor

Grandparents & Friends Day

Sports Days Term 4

Uniform Shop – Small Sizes Needed!

With Kinder Orientation coming up, please bring in any small-sized uniforms your family no longer need. If you have any to donate, please drop them off at the Front Office. Thank you for your support! 

For Your Diary

2025 TERM 4

WEEK 1 (14th October - 17th October)

Tuesday 14th October - Students' First Day of Term 4

Friday 17th October - Socktober Fundraiser

WEEK 2 (20th October - 24th October)

Tuesday 21st October - Golf Clinics Year 3 & 5

Wednesday 22nd October - Reconciliation Parent Formation evening 7:00pm

Thursday 23rd October - Year 5 and Kinder Grade Mass

Thursday 23rd October - Reconciliation Parent Formation evening 5:30pm

Friday 24th October - Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival 

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October - Reconciliation Commitment Masses 

WEEK 3 (27th October - 31st October)

Tuesday 28th October - Golf Clinics Year 3 & 5

Thursday 30th October - Year 3 Grade Mass 9:15am

Friday 31st October - Grandparents Day 

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November - Reconciliation Commitment Masses 

WEEK 4 (3rd November - 4rd November)

Tuesday 4th November - Golf Clinics Year 3 & 5

Thursday 6th November - Year 2 Grade Mass 9:15am

Friday 7th October - Year 6 Graduation Photo

WEEK 5 (10th November - 14th November)

Tuesday 11th November - Remembrance Day 

Tuesday 11th November - Rememberance Day Liturgy 2:00pm

Tuesday 11th November - Golf Clinics Year 3 & 5

Wednesday 12th November - Reconciliation Retreat Day Year 4

Thursday 13th November - Year 6 Incursion - St Clare's College Performance

Compass Notifications

Please refer to Compass for the following notifications:

Canteen Volunteers Needed!

Our school canteen thrives thanks to our dedicated canteen manager and the invaluable support of parent volunteers. Volunteering is a wonderful way to become more involved in the school community, connect with other parents, and contribute to a positive school environment. Parents are welcome to bring along younger children, and a designated playroom is available to keep them entertained during your shift. Please consider volunteering - we really can’t do it without you!

If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the form via the link below.

https://stclareconder.schoolzineplus.com/form/118 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Kaden G, Eli P, Billy M, Lucas A, Levi D, Ashton M and Beau B on their outstanding achievement in being selected for the Australian Futsal Team. These students recently represented the ACT at the National School Futsal Championships in Brisbane.

We congratulate them on this outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing their continued success in the years ahead. 

Parent Connections - Playgroup to Support Tuggeranong Families

Sanctuary Aus - Stronger Together

Sunday Funday at Viking Park

Bring the whole family along for Sunday Funday, a free community event celebrating sport, fun, and local connections!

When? - Sunday 2 November 2025 10am – 2pm

Where? - Viking Park, Wanniassa

Entry - Free

Discover over 30 local sporting clubs, enjoy entertainment from the Tuggeranong Valley Band, explore Community Alley, and let the kids have fun with a jumping castle, games, face tattoos, giveaways, and a visit from Brumby Jack.

Plus, Erindale Vikings will be serving up $5 kids meals for lunch (12pm – 2pm) and dinner (5:30pm – 9pm).

It’s the perfect day to get outdoors, meet local clubs, and find new activities for kids and families to enjoy!

Registrations Now Open - Tornadoes Athletics!

World Festival of Magic

Stay Connected with Our School Community

We kindly encourage all families to follow our Facebook page (St Clare of Assisi Primary School) for weekly notices, school news, event reminders, and a glimpse into daily life at our school.

We are also on Instagram! Follow @stclareofassisiconder to stay up to date with what’s happening in and around our school community.