Dear SCA families,

Yesterday we celebrated R U OK Day and SCA promoted the importance of checking on your friends, sensing when someone is not OK and starting a conversation.

Staying connected and having meaningful conversations is something we can all do. You don't need to be an expert - just a friend and a good listener.

So, if you notice someone who might be struggling - start a conversation.

1. Ask - if they are OK? - they may not seem their normal self.
2. Listen - Listen non-judgementally.
3. Encourage Action - seek help together if they can’t do alone.
4. Check in - stay in touch and be there for them.

Supports:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide Call back service: 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Griefline: 1300 845 745

Headspace: 1800 650 890

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

2020-2022 Strategic Plan - Have your say

Thank you for your feedback on our recent 'My School' Surveys. Following on from this, we are looking for input to the future of St Clare of Assisi.

Every three years our school develops a strategic plan. This sets out the key domains we will use to assist in reviewing and reflecting on our efforts to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The Leadership Team has identified three areas in which we are seeking your input. This will assist us in determining what our priorities will be. We would appreciate if you could spare 5-10 minutes to respond to each area with your thoughts and ideas so that we may use it in our future planning.

The survey can be found here: https://stclareconder.schoolzineplus.com/survey/34

Summer Uniform

A reminder that Summer Uniform commences in Term 4, so please check the wardrobe and visit the Clothing Pool and Savvy if any items are needed. We will have the usual transition period early in Term 4 to cater for the unpredictable weather.

A reminder that black leather school shoes are an essential item of uniform. Several parents comment that their Year 6 child only has one term left at school. However, students also need black school shoes in high school. 

APPA Conference

Last week I attended the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) Conference in Adelaide. Over 1000 Australian primary principals gathered to experience innovative practice based on contemporary educational thinking. The theme of the Conference was ‘Leading the Way: Collaboration, Connection, Community’ and the conference gave us an opportunity to grow our knowledge, connections and support as we build a stronger and more vibrant community of leaders. When leading the way forward, we know that best practice requires intentional work and commitment to children’s wellbeing, growth and achievement.

One highlight was the address from the Governor of South Australia, Hieu Van Le. Having come to Australia as a refugee in 1977, Governor Le was living proof of the richness of our multicultural Australia. 

Staffing

I am pleased to announce that Ms Jess Will has been appointed as Director of St Clare of Assisi Outside of School Hours Care from Monday 16 September 2019.

Jess is currently the Assistant Director, a position she has held since February last year. Prior to that, she worked in our OSHC Centre since 2016.

The position of Assistant Director will be advertised in the coming weeks.

On behalf of the SCA community, I congratulate Jess on her appointment and wish her every success and blessing in this new leadership role.

Dos and Don’ts on School Grounds

1. I draw your attention to the following ACT Legislation regarding dogs on school grounds (Domestic Animals Act 2000) - Prohibited places (1) A person must not take a dog into the grounds of a child-care centre, preschool or primary school unless— (a) a keeper of the dog resides in the grounds; or (b) the dog is taken into the grounds with the permission of the principal or person in charge of the child-care centre, preschool or primary school.

2. Please also bear in mind that, in line with Catholic Education policy (CE Policy “Smoking Free Environment), smoking is prohibited in all areas of the school grounds, including the car park.
   All CECG schools are designated smoking free environments. Smoking is prohibited in all CECG school environments, including but not limited to: school facilities, buildings, grounds, sports fields, vehicles on school grounds and car parks. All students, staff, other authorised persons and visitors are informed that schools are smoking free environments.

3. Drive Safely - ACT Police advise (https://www.police.act.gov.au/road-safety/safe-driving/speeding) that in shared zones (such as our school carpark) where pedestrians and vehicles have access; motorists must not exceed 10km/h and must give way to pedestrians.

It was once said…

“If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal