From The Principal Week 6
Dear Families,
With 6 children in my family it’s hardly a surprise they aren’t always the best of friends with each other. At times there may be a fight or disagreement between two or more of them. As a parent, this is hard to watch. I love each of my kids, and I want them to be the best mates with their siblings. I can’t though, force them to see the good in each other, or to forgive the ill-advised word. As their parent, I cry for them, and hope they will listen, and let love be their guiding principle.
In too many parts of the world people are battling, literally, to live peacefully. In Australia we struggle with reconciliation with our First Nations Peoples.
We are all children of God. Every human, of every race, colour or gender is a child of God. I can only image how much weeping there is in heaven as God watches his children use their free will to spread hatred, intolerance, violence and fear.
On Sunday we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, which celebrates the coming of the Spirit to the followers of Jesus. After this the disciples went out and enthusiastically proclaimed the Good News of Jesus. These frightened disciples were transformed into bold preachers by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ Good News is that to live a full life, all we need to do is to love, and to love fully. The Holy Spirit, should we allow it, can work through us to be beacons of light, reminding all that love is a powerful, life changing force that brings about all that is good.
Our Year 6 children are preparing to celebrate their own Pentecost, through the Sacrament of Confirmation. May they, and each of us, act always with love this week. Peace, which comes from love, must start somewhere. Let it be from us.
It’s cold outside
Whatever your day brings, you will most likely sleep in a comfortable bed tonight and wake up to a warm house.
Many people in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounding NSW are not so fortunate. There are people sleeping outdoors, in cars, in tents or couch-surfing, with little or no prospects for a better night tomorrow.
In three weeks’ time, in the middle of Canberra’s winter, I am sleeping outside, on a sheet of cardboard, to do my small part to help. I am asking you to also help; not by sleeping out, but by sponsoring me. Whether it’s $5, $50 or $200, every bit raised will help Vinnies to practically support those who need it.
Thanks, from me, and from the many women, men and children that are helped each day by Vinnies.
Take care, and sleep well tonight. https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/mattegan-richards/act
Learning Journeys – Tuesday 13th June
As we near the half-way mark of the school year, our students and staff would like to open our classrooms to share the good work that has been taking place. Please set aside some time on Tuesday 13th June, between 3.00 – 4.30pm, to visit your child’s classroom and share with them their work. Further details will be provided in coming weeks.
Sovereign’s Birthday Public Holiday
On Monday, 12th June, the ACT will celebrate Sovereign’s Day with a public holiday. (There’s a new word for our children’s vocabulary lists.) As it is a public holiday, all schools in the ACT will be closed on that day.
School Fees
School fees are now due. To help us pay our bills, please pay yours. Thanks to those families who are up to date. As always, if you are facing difficulties in meeting your fee commitments, please arrange a time to meet with me.
Sunsafe – means no hats in June and July
Because the Cancer Council ACT does not recommend sun protection in Canberra during June and July, SCA does not enforce the wearing of hats during this time. From tomorrow, the “no hat, no play” rule is shelved for the next two months. Bring on that Vitamin D!
Leaving SCA?
Don’t forget to let us know if you are planning to leave St Clare of Assisi at the end of the year. (Year 6 exempt of course!) We will soon commence the process of planning enrolments and class numbers for next year.
It’s not just for decoration
It amazes me how fast some people drive in our school grounds. Is your time really so valuable that you would risk the safety of our children, visitors and staff?
The speed limit in our school carpark and entrance drive is 10 km per hour.
For the safety of all, especially our children, please adhere to this limit.
Term Three Starting Date – Tuesday 18 July
Monday 17th July is a pupil free day in all Catholic Primary Schools in Canberra. Teachers will be working together to enhance our planning and teaching strategies. All students will commence Term Three on Tuesday 18th July.
It was once said…
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal