Dear SCA Families,

It was wonderful to finally gather as a community to celebrate our Opening School Mass and Leaders Induction on Friday 17^th February. This year we launched the new Archdiocese theme ‘Walking Together.’  It is integral to our Catholic identity that we celebrate the Eucharist together as one, in the presence of God. We prayed for a blessed 2023 for our school community and for the global community as we ‘Walk Together’ in Faith and in Learning. Fr James and Fr Namora spoke wonderfully about the importance of family and education helping us grow into the best people we can be.

We are extremely proud of our Student Leaders in Year 6 who received their bands and recited their Leadership Pledge to the SCA community. Our Year 6 students have been supporting our Kindergarten students on the playground and keeping a general eye out for all students. We look forward to seeing many examples of leadership in our community as the year progresses.

Thank you to Fr James, Fr Namora, Mrs Rachel Kennedy, Mrs Anne Gowen and our Year 6 Teachers for all their efforts to prepare the Opening Mass and Leadership Ceremony.  

We began our Lenten journey today as the students and community of SCA received the Ashes at our school Liturgy. Lent is the six-week period leading up to Easter. It’s one of the most important times of year for many Christians around the world. Our Year 6 students are blessed to receive the Ashes at a special outdoor Liturgy at Camp.

Lent is a time for praying, giving, fasting, or giving something up. Just as we carefully prepare for events in our personal lives, as a wedding, or birthday, Lent invites us to make our minds and hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ life, death, and body resurrection.

Next week, we begin the SCA Project Compassion. This year’s theme is ‘A future for all generations.’ Rachel Kennedy our REC will share information on how as a school we are going to say yes. This year, the theme asks us to think about the great yes that Mary spoke when the angel told her she was to become the mother of Jesus. She freely accepted God’s invitation to take up a unique place in the history of the human family. 

The prayer Mary shared with her cousin Elizabeth says, “all generations will call me blessed”. Her yes is for all future generations. May ours be too!

Blue Cards

Many students have already received “Blue Card Awards.” These are given to students throughout the day and require a visit to the office for an executive member signature and to receive a big high 5! Students may receive this for demonstrating leadership, initiative, positive behaviour/s and being great SCA citizens.

White Card Awards and Presentations

Every Friday morning at our Assemblies, students receive “White Card Awards.” These are for academic achievement and participation in learning. The students work very hard to receive these awards and with such a positive start to the year from all our students, we know we will see you there soon.

Car Pick-Up on Heidelberg Street

Afternoon Pick-Up

Drivers collecting students on Heidelberg St are asked to move to fill the front spaces, with children proceeding to then get in the car. For safety and traffic flow reasons, students are not permitted to get in cars near the bus stop (at the back of the pick-up zone).

Please let Grandparents and Carers know so that we can continue to keep our children safe.

Parent Network

As mentioned in last weeks’ newsletter there are several vacancies to fill as Parent Liaisons for the following classes KB, KG. 1R, 2B, 3G, 4R, 4G, 5B and 5R. If you are interested and have a little bit of time to volunteer, can you please reach out to our Parent Network Coordinator, Fay Holden on scaparentnetwork@outlook.com.au

Year 6 Camp

An early start, Our Year 6 teachers and students were very excited this morning as they arrived with their luggage ready for a big few days ahead.  After a few hugs and kisses, they waved goodbye to their parents and piled into the buses; there were smiles all round.  

They have safely arrived at ‘Jindy,’ have settled into their rooms, found the lay of the land, eaten a hearty lunch and now off to enjoy games, archery, canoeing and survival skills. Mr Egan-Richards, will be with the Year 6 Campers on Wednesday and Thursday and Mrs Reed will join them on Thursday and return with them on Friday afternoon.

Swimming Carnival for Years 3 – 6 

Friendly reminder: With our Swimming Carnival only a week away, if you have not returned the permission slip and also nominated for events via COMPASS please do so at your earliest convenience. Currently there are several staff who are working hard to place students into their nominated races and event. It will be a great day in the water.

Canteen Capers!

Calling all Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Friends. Our canteen needs your support.  For the canteen to reopen for counter sales at recess and lunch we desperately need help from our SCA Families and friends. In addition, if you have an hour or two to help us prepare lunches one day a week (or  fortnight) please contact Michelle at the Canteen or email on michelle.wood@cg.catholic.edu.au Your support would be fantastic.

Yours in Faith

Jo Reed
Assistant Principal