From The Principal Week 5
Dear SCA Families,
Not many people would argue with me (for a change) when I say good relationships are important in our lives. A good relationship requires trust, honesty and forgiveness.
As a Catholic school, we try to teach children how to build a relationship with God by teaching how Jesus related to those in his life. Jesus made friends with (and leaders of) those who seemed week and sinful.
The season of Lent is a time to reflect on ourselves and our relationship with God. Though a good look in the mirror might not always show us what we want, we can rest assured (trust even) that who we are, is exactly who God wants a relationship with.
Swimming Carnival and Water Fun Day
I am looking forward to tomorrow’s Carnival at Queanbeyan. It’s a great venue and families are encouraged to spend some time enjoying the atmosphere. Years 3 – 6 with some Year 2 children will attend. Kindergarten, Year 1 and the majority of Year 2 will remain at school and participate in a water fun day.
Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who have a role in organising and assisting with the swimming carnival.
With the forecast summer temperatures for tomorrow, please note that we will ensure the following:
- The K-2 Water Fun will take place at 9.30am, instead of the previously advised 11.30am.
- An amended schedule of races may be implanted in response to the weather.
- Children not in the pool must wear their school hat and t-shirt at all times. (Please ensure your child brings their school hat, which is more sun safe than most casual hats.)
- Unless in the water-fun-play or swimming pool, children are to be under shade protection.
- Regular and frequent stoppages will be called for sunscreen application.
- Regular and frequent stoppages will be called to remind students to drink water. (Please ensure your child has a full water bottle with them for the day.)
Progress Reports
Progress Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up. Progress reports will be sent home on Wednesday 27th March and then Parent / Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Week 11. Our school-based Progress Reports and Parent / Teacher Interviews have an important purpose as they provide you with ‘early year’ assessment and feedback on your child’s progress, social skills and work habits.
Sunsmart
You are no doubt aware of our “no hat, no play” policy which is in place for most of the year. We also take other measures to ensure our school is sunsmart:
- Children eat (recess and lunch) under shelter
- Movement between classes is under shelter
- Outdoor assemblies are under shelter
- Children are encouraged to bring and use sun screen (we cannot provide it for all, as some children are allergic to specific products)
- Sporting activities are moved to cooler parts of the day when extremely hot
- Children are allowed to wear sunglasses at school
- Junior playground equipment is covered and inside areas are provided for use during lunch time.
We’re all in this together
The school year has been underway for less than a month, and already a great number of parents have rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to help around our school. Volunteers have supported the school at the Community Council, cooking at the Welcome BBQ, on the Fete Committee, in the Canteen, on the Parent Network, managing our pile of Lost Property, providing Care Meals and covering Library Books. I extend a sincere thanks to each one of these parents. Many hands make light work.
Kindergarten
We look forward to having our Kinder students with us for 5 days a week from next week; no more Wednesdays off.
Archdiocesan Principals’ Retreat
I will be away from school next Thursday and Friday while I attend the annual CE Principals’ Retreat. (I had intended on remaining at school, but the Director insisted I attend!)
As this coincides with the Year 6 Camp, Mrs Jo Reed, who is attending camp, will also be away from school. During this time, Mrs Anne Staines, from the Catholic Education Office, will be at SCA to provide leadership support along with Mrs Belinda Breen and Mrs Rachel Kennedy who will be in charge.
It was once said…
“’Please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ are words that open up the road to a good family life." – Pope Francis.
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal