Dear SCA Families,

The Easter eggs on the supermarket shelves have been on display for a month now, so Easter must be soon, right?  Well, not quite yet. Lent begins today, so I share with you the following reflection.

Jesus retreated into the wilderness and fasted for forty days to prepare for his ministry. It was for him a time of contemplation, reflection, and preparation. By observing Lent, Christians join Jesus on his retreat.

Lent consists of the forty days before Easter. I didn’t know until recently that we skip over the Sundays when we count the days of Lent, because Sunday is always the joyful celebration of the Resurrection.

Early societies relied on wood fires for heating and cooking, which meant that keeping ashes under control was a major task. Then as now, if a person was preoccupied with something serious, they didn’t always tend to the housekeeping (at least that’s my excuse) — it’s the least of their concerns. Imagine that there is a death in the family. A friend stopping by to pay their respects might gently say, “Did you know you have ashes on your face?”

So ashes became a sign of remorse, repentance, and mourning. Today someone might wear a black armband to signify they are in mourning; back then people put ashes on their foreheads.

During Lent, ancient Christians mourned their sins and repented, so it was appropriate to show their sincerity by having ashes on their foreheads. The custom has persisted in the Church as society has changed around us. It is most appropriate on Ash Wednesday, when we begin a period of reflection, self-examination, and spiritual redirection.

Community Council

Our first Community Council meeting of the year was held at school last night. I am pleased to introduce to you the 2024 SCA Community Council Executive:

On behalf of our community, I thank each person on the Council who will serve our community this year.

I also extend a sincere and significant vote of thanks to Melinda Reeson who finished on the Council last night. Over the last 5 years, Melinda has been generous with her time and wisdom in various roles, significantly as Secretary and Treasurer in the past two years.

Reporting (Walking Together)

We are determined, as a staff, to walk together with the parents of our students, to provide the best learning environment and opportunities possible. To facilitate an effective partnership, as well as being open to parent communication, we provide a structured program of feedback opportunities for parents.

Please take a run through your calendar, and lock in these dates for later in the year:

Term 1

Progress Reports (Friday Week 7, 15 March)

Parent Teacher Interviews (Week 11, 9-11 April)

Term 2

Learning Journey (Week 8, 18 June)

Reports (posted on Compass on Friday Week 10, 5 July)

Term 3

Three-Way Conferences (Week 2, 29-31 July)

Learning Journey (Week 8, 10 September)

Term 4

Reports (posted on Compass on Wednesday Week 9, 11 December)

Student Leaders

Our Year 6 students spent last Wednesday reflecting on what it means to be a leader, an in particular, what lessons Jesus taught us about leadership.

Next Friday we commission our Year 6 students as leaders in our school, and wish them every blessing for a wonderful final year of primary school.

Janitor / Groundsperson

Our Janitor / Groundsperson, is moving on and we are advertising the position. If you know of someone who may be interested, please point them towards https://careers.cg.catholic.edu.au/cw/en/job/502738/janitorgroundsperson-st-clare-of-assisi-primary-school-conder-act  for further details.

It was once said…

Smile, it enhances your face value.   

Dolly Parton in ‘Steel Magnolias’

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal