From The Principal Week 8
Dear SCA Families,
Principals’ Conference and Leave
I will be away from school for the next two weeks. Along with over 1,000 Australian and New Zealand Principals, I will be attending the Trans-Tasman Principals’ Conference. The conference is being held in Christchurch, New Zealand. Following the conference, I am taking the opportunity to explore NZ a little by also taking Week 10 off on long-service-leave.
I am disappointed to be missing Extravaganza, but I look forward to seeing photos and hearing all about it when I return in Term Four. Mrs Jo Reed will step up as Acting Principal during my absence.
A Special Day at SCA
This Friday, we continue a cherished tradition at SCA by celebrating Purple Happy Day in conjunction with R U OK Day. Since 2011, our Purple Happy Day has been a joyful event focused on raising awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being.
Before R U OK Day was even established, SCA initiated this day to support one of our beloved students, Shanice Johnson, who was battling a rare platelet disorder. Although we sadly lost Shanice, we continue to remember her as a vibrant, happy, and loving member of our community. Her mother remains a strong supporter of our school and takes pride in the efforts we make to promote positive well-being in Shanice’s memory.
On Friday, all students will participate in a variety of activities that promote both physical and mental health, along with games that are just for fun. In honour of Shanice’s bright spirit and her favourite colour, we invite students to wear purple, her favourite colour, and/or yellow, linking the day with R U OK Day.
Our school motto, “Be the Light,” calls us to reach out to our family and friends, checking in on those we love. This week, let us ask God to strengthen us so that we can truly be the light of Christ for one another.
Following is a snapshot of mental health and community support services available for children, young people, families, carers and educators.
If you are concerned about someone at risk of immediate harm, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services for children and young people aged 5 to 25
1800 55 1800
Online support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25
1800 650 890 (9am to 1am daily)
For webchat visit https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace
24/7 mental health support service
1300 22 46 36
24/7 support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse
1800 737 732
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services
13 11 14
24/7 crisis support and counselling service for people affected by suicide
1300 659 467
24/7 counselling service for men
1300 78 99 78
LGBTI peer support and referral
1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight daily)
Online chat 3pm to midnight daily
24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
13 92 76
First Eucharist
This weekend coming, many of our Year 5 children will, for the first time, receive Communion, or Eucharist, in our Parish. The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek by way of Latin, and it means "thanksgiving”. As a Parish School community we share in this thanksgiving. We give thanks that we are a community. A community of faithful, blessed people. We give thanks for the love of God and for the sacrifice of Jesus which gives us all the promise of eternal life.
We pray for the children and their families, and may we all give thanks for the blessings we have.
Helpers
Players from our Year 2 and Year 3 teams in the Tuggeranong Netball Association Competition received their trophies yesterday. Students in Years 4, 5, and 6 will be presented with theirs tomorrow during the morning assembly. Congratulations to each of our Netballers for their efforts, enthusiasm and improvement during the season.
On their behalf, I thank all those who coached, managed, umpired and supported teams throughout the season. It can be a thankless task to officiate in team sport. I confidently assure you, however, that the example you set in selflessly supporting your child’s team will be remembered and valued for years. Thank you. Thanks also to Mrs Katherine Austin, who once again smoothly managed our participation in this weekend competition.
School Fees
Term 3 school fees are now overdue. Thank you to those families who have paid their school fees. Please speak to Jo McCarthy, in the Front Office if you are having issues with your fees or if you are not sure of the amount due.
It was once said…
“As a kid, I used to watch the Wizard of Oz and wonder how someone could talk if they didn’t have a brain. Then I got social media.” – unknown.
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal