Dear SCA Families

10km per hour…. It’s really quite slow. It’s proven to be the speed which is more likely to keep our kids, staff and community safe. It’s also the maximum speed allowed in the school grounds. Please, be patient, be careful, and be slow.

Left Turn Only… It’s really quite easy. It’s also more likely to keep traffic flowing,which will reduce frustrations and delays for fellow human beings. It’s the only direction you are allowed to turn, when leaving the school, between 8.45 - 9.15am and 2.45 - 3.15pm.

Parent Teacher Interviews

At SCA we strongly believe the job of educating children requires a strong and open partnership between staff and parents/carers. It is vital, therefore, that all families have at least one parent attend parent teacher interview in Week 11 of this term. Please note that interviews for K Green, 3 Blue and 4 Red will be held in Week 10.

Keep an eye out for booking instructions via Compass.

Swimming Carnival and Water Fun Day

Thank you so much to the many parents and relatives who helped at our Swimming Carnival and Water Fun Day last week. We were worried when few people had nominated before the event, but in true SCA style, we were inundated with helpers on the day. Thank you.

Well done to all the students. The cheering and support of team-mates was spirited, and the engagement, at school and the pool, was full on by so many students. Well done especially, to those who were a bit nervous, and still had a go. We’re proud of you.

Finally, thanks to the staff. These events don’t just happen by themselves. Thanks to our organising committee, led by Mrs Austin and the Infants team, and to all the staff for working hard all day to ensure the children had an enjoyable and safe day.

Family Week

Time certainly has flown this year. Next week is Week 7 of term. During this week, we try to minimise after school commitments for staff and students to allow everyone to reconnect and focus more on their families. That also means we do not set homework for the week. I encourage everyone to take at least one night next week to gather as a family, with no distractions, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Quiet time with the family is such a blessing in this busy world.

School Fees

Term 1 Fees were electronically sent to family email addresses last Thursday, 29^th February. CECG sent these to families much later than I had hoped, for which I apologise. If the payment date, of 13 March, is difficult, please feel okay to take an extra couple of weeks. If you need longer than this, please don’t hesitate to speak with me. Please also note, fee statements will be sent out monthly.

Our policy is that no child should miss out on a Catholic school education because their parents genuinely cannot afford the fees. We have a fee remittance policy and process in place to support families who might not be able to afford some, or all, of the fees. Please feel welcome to contact Jo McCarthy or myself for a confidential chat regarding applying for a fee remission.

If you would like more information or have any queries regarding your fees, please contact the Front Office.

It is most important that you notify the School regarding any changes to your email address as this is our primary form of communication.

Term Two Starting Date – Tuesday 30^th April

Monday 29^th April is a pupil free day in all Catholic Primary Schools in Canberra. Teachers will be working together on a program called “Catalyst”, in which we focus on evidence based, high impact teaching practices.

All students will commence school on Tuesday 30^th April.

Year 6 Camp

Best wishes to the students and staff of Year 6. At 7:30am this morning I farewelled them as they left for Jindabyne for three days of action and fun. Thanks to Mrs Wilkes, Mr Purcell, Mr Wells, Mrs Thomson, Mr Aifantis and Mrs Reed who will generously give their own time to allow the children this great opportunity.

Welcome

We warmly welcome Mr Wayne Dunn to the team at SCA. Wayne started with us as our new Janitor / Groundsperson, on Monday, and has already made a positive impact.

While the Cat’s Away…

On Thursday and Friday of this week I will be away from school for the CECG annual Archdiocesan Principals’ Retreat. Mrs Jo Reed will be on Year 6 Camp, so Mrs Belinda Breen and Mrs Rachel Kennedy will be managing things in our absence. Mrs Anne Staines, a Senior Officer from Catholic Education, will be at school for the two days to provide leadership support for the team.

It was once said…

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au