We respectfully acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and learn, and pay respect to the First Nations Peoples and their elders, past, present and emerging.
SCA Newsletter Issue 3, Term 4, 2025
- A message from the Principal
- St Clare of Assisi School Community Council Executive Committee
- RE News Week 3
- From the School Counsellor
- Reminder - Grandparents & Grand Friends Day this Friday 31st!
- Stay + Play - Save the Date!
- White Cards Week 3
- For Your Diary
- Compass Notifications
- Canteen Volunteers Needed This Friday!
- Boorowa Wrap Up
- Congratulations!
- Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Programs
- FREE Community Tennis Event
- Stay Connected with Our School Community
A message from the Principal
Dear SCA Families,
Our School Community Council
We are excited to invite members of our school community to nominate themselves for a position on the School Community Council Executive. Serving on the Council Executive is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our school, and to work together to enhance our community and the educational experience for all our students.
The School Council Executive plays a vital role in shaping the community and direction of our school, and your involvement will provide valuable insight and ideas. Whether you have prior experience or are new to this type of role, your passion and commitment to our school will make a difference.
If you are interested in nominating yourself or learning more about the role, please contact myself, Nikki Dwyer or any present member of the Executive. We encourage you to be part of this important journey! Nominations are open until Sunday 9th November.
For further details, please refer to the Community Council information latter in this Newsletter.
Halloween
Halloween has typically been associated with children doorknocking for lollies or playing practical jokes on unsuspecting neighbours. But we shouldn’t forget the more authentic link to all the saints.
The term ‘Halloween’ is shortened from All-hallow-even - the evening before ‘All Hallows' Day’ or ‘All Saints' Day’. Halloween is celebrated on October 31 which was initially a day of pagan sacrifice to mark the eve of the Celtic winter. Fires were lit and costumes were worn to ward off evil spirits who were allowed to visit earth that evening. In the 8th century, the Church designated 1 November as the Feast of All Saints thus Christianising the pagan festival.
May we all give thanks for the lives of saints and all others who have, through their lives, made the world a better place.
Grandparents and Senior Friends Day
We are looking forward to this Friday and being visited by our students’ grandparents and special senior friends.
Start: From 12.30pm for tea and coffee in the hall
Lunch: Bring your own picnic lunch to share with your grandchild from 1.00pm
Finish: 2.00pm (or whenever suits)
Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival
Thank you to the many staff and parents who accompanied our students to the Boorowa Netball and Touch Carnival. Special thanks to those who bravely volunteered to coach, manage or umpire on the day. It’s a day that promotes community and participation with an emphasis on fun. Congratulations to the approximately 180 competitors who proudly represented our school. Thank you to Katherine Austin for her organisation of our participation in the event.
School Community Council Executive
Our Community Council met last night for the second last time of the year. As well as the usual reports from the principal, canteen and OSHC, we discussed the following:
- The Resilience Project
- End of Year and Other Community Events
- Parental Engagement
- SCC Nominations and 2026 Council
- Final Meeting for the Year
Special thanks to Cheyenne Symons and Brook Coles for their informative presentation on The Resilience Project. We all left the meeting with a better understanding of the importance of this program and how families can engage more fully in supporting it.
Fees
Thank you to all who are up to date with school fee payments. For those who have let them slide, we would appreciate payment for previous terms by the end of this week please.
Absences from school
As parents, we are legally required to send our child to school every day. It is also, therefore, a legal requirement that all absences are explained. Please notify the school of your child’s absence by either: Using the App; Calling the Front Office; Emailing the Front Office at sca@cg.catholic.edu.au indicating your child’s name, class, reason for absence and date; or sending a note to the classroom teacher indicating date and reason for absence.
2026 Term Dates for Students
Term 1 2 February – 2 April
Term 2 21 April – 2 July
Term 3 21 July – 25 September
Term 4 13 October – 17 December
It was once said…
Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children. – Alex Haley
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal
matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au
St Clare of Assisi School Community Council Executive Committee
Expressions of Interest are now welcome for members to join the St Clare of Assisi School Community Council (SCC) Executive Committee.
As you may be aware, following a CECG review of the current model, our school has transitioned to a new School Community Council model. The model has all parents as members of the Community Council who are invited to attend and contribute to open meetings throughout the year. In 2025 we have had four meetings open to the whole community.
The Community Council Executive Committee is advisory in nature and has a key role in supporting the St Clare of Assisi (SCA) community of parents, carers, students, and staff in building an open, inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative school community environment.
The Community Council Executive comprises the Principal, Assistant Principal, Staff representatives, Community Council Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and a minimum of 6 and maximum of 10 ordinary members. Some of these ordinary members may take on the roles of Working Group Leads (eg. Fete, Parent Network, Canteen etc). The School Community Council Executive Committee will advise the principal on important matters and support the principal and school leadership team in their decision-making process.
Some of our present members are reaching the end of their term at the end of this year. We are, therefore, asking parents/guardians/carers to show their interest in being part of the SCA School Community Council Executive Committee for 2026, via an expression of interest process for the following positions:
- Executive Committee Members
- Community Council Chair
- Community Council Deputy Chair
Expressions of interest need only be brief. A few lines about yourself, your connection to the school, your involvement in the school community and reasons for your interest in being part of the School Community Council Executive Committee. For details about the commitment required, please read further on in this letter.
Please email the expression of interest to matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au by 5:00pm on 9th November. EOIs will be reviewed by the current Community Council (SCC) Executive Committee along the following criteria:
- Skills the applicant can bring to or vision for the role
- Even representation from all grade levels in school
- Diversity in parental roles and gender balance amongst council members.
What Does the School Community Council Executive Do?
The SCC advises the principal on important matters and provides support to the principal and school leadership team in their decision-making process. All parents of students attending the school are Community Members of the SCC who are encouraged and welcome to attend council meetings and attend Council led activities.
The SCC Executive Committee meets twice each term (usually on a Tuesday evening from 6.00 – 7.00pm in Weeks 3 and 8) to discuss tabled reports and address agenda items as appropriate. As Principal of the school, I very much value the support and advice offered by the Executive members of the council on such matters as:
- School strategic Plan
- Parental Engagement
- Fundraising and Major Events
- The Annual Improvement Plan
- The School Master Plan
- School Expenditure Priorities
- Policies, School Enterprises, Uniforms and school start and finish time
These are just some of the many areas in which an SCC can advise the principal and leaders in the school. The SCC is not a discrete legal entity and has no authority over the day-to-day operation or management of the school.
The Chair
The Chair provides leadership and direction for the SCC by working cooperatively and collaboratively with the Principal and Parish Priest to assist the Council to fulfill its role and:
a) works with the Principal and the Council Executive to develop and approve the annual SCC Plan and coordinates the Council to deliver the events and activities contained therein,
b) works with the Principal and Secretary to develop the agenda for each Council meeting,
c) presides at meetings of the Council Executive and Council as Chairperson, and if absent, nominates another Council Executive Member to preside,
d) ensures the efficient running of meetings,
e) ensures that minutes of the previous meeting are endorsed as being an accurate record of what took place, and
f) ensures that the Council Executive provides regular reports to SCC meetings and otherwise keeps the school community up to date on the activities of Council.
RE News Week 3
Year 4 Sacrament of First Reconciliation - Retreat Day
As part of our Religious Education curriculum and to support students preparing for the Corpus Christi First Reconciliation program, all Year 4 students will participate in a special Retreat Day. This day will be led by our Classroom Teachers in collaboration with our Parish Sacramental Coordinator. Permission for this event is required via Compass.
Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Location: Holy Family Church, Budgen Ave, Gowrie
Transport: Students will depart SCA via Bus at 9:15 am and return at 2:50 pm.
From the School Counsellor
From The School Counsellor – Adjusting Back to School Routines
As we settle back into a new school term, it’s common for children (and families!) to find the transition from holidays to school routines a little tricky. Changes in sleep patterns, early mornings, busy schedules, and social demands can take some time to adjust to.
If your child is finding the return to school a bit challenging, you’re not alone. It’s normal for children to experience tiredness, big emotions, or worries as they re-establish their routines. A few ways you can help at home include:
- Re-establishing routines: Keep consistent bedtimes, morning routines, and homework times where possible.
- Planning for connection: Spend a few calm minutes together after school to talk, play, or share a snack before jumping into after school activities.
- Focusing on small wins: Celebrate small steps, like getting ready on time or trying something new at school.
- Normalising feelings: Remind your child that it’s okay to feel nervous, tired, or frustrated - these feelings will settle as the routine becomes familiar again.
I’m currently unable to accept new referrals, but please feel free to reach out via email at amelie.nicholson@mccg.org.au if you would like some guidance or support. I’ll do my best to assist or point you in the right direction.
Reminder - Grandparents & Grand Friends Day this Friday 31st!
Stay + Play - Save the Date!
White Cards Week 3
This week White Cards will be presented at Friday Morning Assembly at 8.45am. Parents and Carers are very welcome to attend. Congratulations to the following children.
| Kinder | Aria B, Archie W, Eleanor G, Hunter D, Fateh S |
| Year 1 | Carter N, Harlow H, Harper M |
| Year 2 | Adelaide R, Liam S, Daniel J, Cassandri M.B, Oliver P, Elliott S, Tahlia T, Ben S, Annabelle K |
| Year 3 | Amelia B, Emily M, Sophia A |
| Year 4 | Levi G, Josh W, Gabe W, Nicholas L, Ruponti C, Archie T, Abigail M |
| Year 5 | Reeghan S |
| Year 6 | Caitlin G, Joesph L-B |
For Your Diary
2025 TERM 4
WEEK 3 (27th October - 31st October)
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 - Remembrance 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
Friday 14th November - Year 4 Excursion National Arboretum and Australian Botanical Gardens
WEEK 6 (17th November - 21st November)
Monday 17th November - Golf Clinics Year 3 & 5
Thursday 20th November - Year 1 Grade Mass 9:15am
WEEK 7 (24th November - 28th November)
Wednesday 26th November - Kindergarten Orientation Session 1
Thursday 27th November - Year 4 Grade Mass 9:15am
WEEK 8 (1st December - 5th December)
Tuesday 2nd December - Community Council Meeting 6:00pm
Wednesday 3rd December - Kindergarten Orientation Session 2
Thursday 4th December - Year 6 Grade Mass 9:00am
Thursday 4th December - First Reconciliation Liturgy
WEEK 9 (8th December - 12th December)
Monday 8th December - Music Corp Show 2:00pm
Tuesday 9th December - Mackillop Orientation Day
Thursday 11th December - Thanksgiving Mass and Student Leadership Handover Ceremony 11:30am
WEEK 10 (15th December - 19th December)
Monday 15th December - Kindergarten Nativity 12:00pm
Tuesday 16th December - Semester Awards 9:30am
Tuesday 16th December - 2026 Transition Afternoon
Wednesday 17th December - Farewell Assembly 12:00pm
Wednesday 17th December - Year 6 Graduation 5:00pm
Thursday 18th December - Year 6 Big Day Out
Thursday 18th December - Students' Last Day of Term 4
Compass Notifications
Please refer to Compass for the following notifications:
| Date | Year Level | Note |
| 23 October | Year 5 | Year 5 Term Overview |
| 24 October | All Years | Resilience Project Info Night - Tuesday the 28th of October @6pm |
| 26 October | Kinder | Kinder Request - Grandparents/Grand Friends Day |
| 27 October | Year 3 | Term 4 Homework Weeks 3-4 |
| 28 October | Year 5 | Family Recipe Book |
Canteen Volunteers Needed This Friday!
If you are free this Friday the 31st, we’d love your help in the canteen. Please email michelle.wood@cg.catholic.edu.au if you are available.
Thank you for your on-going support!
Boorowa Wrap Up
A last week 180 SCA students travelled to Boorowa and what a fantastic day we had at the Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival!!
Some of us travelled by car and others went on the bus. It was an early start for us all but once we got there, we were super excited. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and a slight breeze.
There was lots of eating, running, sweating and sunscreen but most importantly, lots of fun!
We had 180 children representing SCA and every one of them showed amazing skills whilst playing, as well as exceptional sportsmanship.
The trip home was much quieter as we were all pretty tired but it was worth it for such a great day!
A huge thank you to all the parents who came to support our school and of course to the coaches – we simply couldn’t have done a day like Friday without you.
Thanks to the staff who came to supervise our kids and watch them play awesome games of netball and touch. A special thank you to Mr Purcell, who travelled to Boorowa on Thursday to ensure we got a great spot!!
Katherine Austin
Congratulations!
During the last school holidays, Liam O in Year 3 travelled to the Hunter Valley to compete in the Jack Newton Junior Golf International Classic. Liam was chosen from the juniors at Federal Golf Club. The day was very hot with very high winds, so a tough day on the course. Liam played exceptionally good golf and was the overall Nett Runner Up. Congratulations Liam on a great tournament!!
Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Programs
FREE Community Tennis Event
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.