FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
A special Sunday
Mary, by being a mother, shows us the way to be a disciple of Jesus: by loving.
What is a mother? The following poem by Rosemary Escey attempts to capture this spirit:
What is a mother?
She is sharing in happiness, quiet in sadness,
Gentle and understanding in hours of stress.
She is always there when advice is needed. even
though she knows it may not always be taken.
A mother is the past and also the future, to
guide in her own special way.
She is wise in matters of the heart, and quick
to comfort when one has been hurt.
She is strength on weakness of others,
heeding not her own heart-breaks.
A mother is the stars and the universe; the
hopeful joy of a new summer day; the calm
and tranquillity of the dying year.
She is loyal, unselfish, gentle and serene,
but most of all,
a Mother is Love.
We all have a unique vocation in the eyes of God. The vocation of parent and mother sees these above mentioned qualities alive in daily life. This week we most especially recognise the beauty, the love and the commitment that mothers bring to their children and grandchildren. We give thanks for the example of our own mother and Mary the mother of Jesus. And we are inspired by their journey through life.
We wish all our SCA mums a wonderful celebration this Sunday.
Farewell
I offer a sincere thanks and best wishes to Lisa-Marie Russell. Lisa-Marie has been the Sacramental Coordinator in our Parish for 10 years now. Many parents and students will have benefited from her support through the parish sacramental programs. Lisa-Marie has accepted a new position at St Clare’s College and we wish her the best for the future.
Election Update
Like me, you may already be over the advertising and electioneering. But, in some good news, SCA this year will host a Polling Booth on Saturday 18th May. We are looking forward to being able to host such a significant event.
Our parent-run Community Council will be running a sausage sizzle (democracy sausage anyone?) on the day. If you can help for even a short time, please let our office staff know.
At every election, Catholic Education asks the major parties – Coalition, Labor and the Greens - a number of questions to clarify their policy positions on key issues of importance for Catholic schools.
This year, the four questions we asked were:
- As the Commonwealth is the predominant funder of non-government schools, how will your party ensure Catholic schools remain affordable for most Australian families?
- What support will your party provide to help Catholic and other non-government schools upgrade learning facilities and keep pace with enrolment growth, given the rising costs of land, construction and classroom technology?
- What is your party's position on the right of religious schools to retain faith-based exemptions from anti-discrimination legislation in relation to staffing, enrolment and policy matters?
- Catholic schools are providing an increasing number of pre-school services for families that chose Catholic education. What will your party do to support this important stage of early childhood education?
Click here for each party’s response.
Let’s Do it for the Children
Goal: 580 children from 400 families safely leaving school after 3.00pm.
Problem: Congestion on Heidelberg Street.
Solution: Work together, be patient, follow the rules.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE
If you collect your child by car:
- ENSURE your child knows exactly where you are picking them up.
- The school bell rings at 3.00pm – do NOT park in the waiting zone at the front of the school before 3.00pm. If you are asked to move on you will have to drive around the block.
- The “donut bell” rings at 2.55pm – do NOT park in the no parking zone before 2.50pm. If you are asked to move on you will have to park, or drive around the block.
- Consider coming later (e.g. 3.10pm). Sitting waiting for your child causes delays for everyone. If you are asked to move on you will have to drive
around the block.- Turn left (NOT right) when leaving the school carpark.
- Do not block the road. If there is no carpark available, you will have to drive around the block. Blocking the road is not only inconsiderate, it is an offence. If you are asked to move on you will have to drive around the block.
- Follow the direction of staff; we are only trying to ensure the safety of your kids. If you are asked to move on please do so with a smile.
- Remember that everyone’s time is important, and the value of a child’s life is priceless.
2019 Priorities
Early this year I shared our four Key Improvement Goals for school improvement for 2019:
- Communicate Effectively
- Systematic curriculum delivery across the school.
- To ensure the school has a culture that promotes learning.
- Enhance our Catholic identity and faith formation.
Our staff have worked in various ways on these four priorities, and will continue to do so. I hope you have noticed our work in these areas, and, as always, would love to hear your feedback at any stage.
In the next four weeks I will share with you, specifically, some of the things we have done to improve in each of the areas.
Enrolments – Close on 31st May
We have a great school, with wonderful kids, dedicated staff and supportive families. Please spread the word amongst family and friends, reminding those with pre-schoolers that enrolments close on Friday 18th May.
Mothers Day Celebrations
All mums, grandmums and mother figures are invited to join us for breakfast and a social gathering, this Friday, 10th May, between 7.30am and 8.30am in the school Hall.
C’mon gents, give a hand!
It’s our turn gentlemen! The Mothers Day breakfast is on at school this Friday 10th May, from 7.30am. If you are able to help prepare, serve or clean up between 7.00am and 8.30am (even just for half an hour), please send me an email to let me know. (matthewer@cg.catholic.edu.au) Don’t let the team down. ☺
It was once said…
God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” – Rudyard Kipling
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal