Dear SCA Families,

Principals’ Conference and Leave

I was privileged at the end of last term to attend the Trans-Tasman Principals’ Conference with the theme, “Together Leading Learning”. The conference was rich in Maori culture, with a range of knowledgeable and exceptional speakers.

Some of the speakers I recall most vividly were:

Jordan Nguyen – Jordan designs and develops lifechanging technologies for people with high-level physical disabilities. His book, “A Human’s Guide to the Future” is well worth a read for all parents and educators.

Pasi Sahlberg – Pasi is a university researcher and the co-leader of Future Schools Network. His most recent book, “In Teachers We Trust” is also on my must-read list.

Iain Taylor – Iain is principal of Maurewa Intermediate School and was one of the most dynamic speakers I have heard (albeit with a smattering of “colourful” language). Without a doubt, his message was about having a tidy learning environment, high expectations and respect for everyone.

Dr Hana O’Regan – Hana is an Otago University Lecturer. She spoke passionately about the strength of the many being crucial for community development. Her statement, “If you’re not intentionally reshaping the system, you’re allowing it to happen”, is food for thought.

Sophie Renton – Sophie is a university lecturer and social researcher. Her focus is on building thriving school communities starting with knowing the context. She reminded us that schools have a significant impact on each life (students, parents, staff). In addition. the waves of change impacting the education sector are perhaps unequalled. Educational communities bridge the widest generational gaps, and have to respond strategically to changing demographics, technological shifts and societal change.

Welcome

We welcome Lila (4R) and her family to our school this term. We hope they soon feel very much a part of the SCA community.

Fees

Thank you to all who are up to date with school fee payments. For those who have let them slide, we would appreciate payment for previous terms by the end of this week please.

Absences from school

As parents, we are legally required to send our child to school every day. It is also, therefore, a legal requirement that all absences are explained. Please notify the school of your child’s absence by either: Using the App; Calling the Front Office; Emailing the Front Office at sca@cg.catholic.edu.au indicating your child’s name, class, reason for absence and date; or sending a note to the classroom teacher indicating date and reason for absence.

Our Car Park Has Changed, But Not Really.....

Observant drivers will have noted the new Give Way and Stop signs in the school carpark. Although new, they are simply reinforcements of our main aim to keep everyone, especially vulnerable children, safe.

Please remember to be patient and considerate of others when driving in the car parks. School carparks are notoriously dangerous and ALL PARENTS are asked to be patient and alert. If you are in a hurry, collect your children early, or wait until after 3.10pm when the carpark is less congested.

Please, don’t be selfish, TURN LEFT when exiting the school entrance as this keeps the traffic flowing.

Grandparents Day

Further details will be provided shortly, but please let all the grandparents, and other senior significant friends, know the date.

We will celebrate and open our school to grandparents and other senior significant friends on Friday 1^st November.

Leaving?

We are now in the process of finalising class numbers and staffing for 2025. If your child is leaving SCA (unless already in Year 6), please let us know by contacting the office this week or use the link below.  

https://stclareconder.schoolzineplus.com/form/10

2025 Class Groupings

Teachers will shortly commence planning class groupings for 2025 and will consider the following:

• gender balance;
• learning styles;
• learning difficulties;
• enrichment needs;
• work habits;
• social needs;
• health considerations;
• emotional needs;
• behaviour considerations and
• other relevant issues.

The usual practice for this process at SCA is to NOT seek parent assistance or any form of request. Please note the following points:

• We aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics in every class;
• Every care will be taken to ensure that your child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development;
• Part of life is having to deal with people and situations we may not like. We need to build resilience in children, so they can face the reality of life;
• Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Learning Support Teacher, Chaplain, previous teachers, School Counsellor, etc during this process;
• Teachers should already be aware of any issues you have;
• Teachers have the main responsibility for placing their current students in the most appropriate class for next year;
• All staff will examine the draft lists to highlight any concerns; and
• As Principal, I will make the final decision on all class placements.

Students will be informed of their class placement for 2025 late this term and the opportunity will be provided for them to spend some time with their new class teacher. Class lists will not be sent home or displayed. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly on matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au or make an appointment through the Front Office.

End of Year Events – Please note them in your diary now

• SCA Fete – Friday 15 November from 4.00pm
• 30^th Anniversary Picnic – Thursday 28 November from 4.30pm
• Kinder Christmas Concert – Monday 9 December at 12.10pm
• Semester Two Awards Assembly – Tuesday 10 December at 9.00am
• End of Year Thanksgiving Mass – Wednesday 11 December at 11.30am
• Year 6 Graduation – Wednesday 11 December at 5.00pm
• Term Four Ends for students – Monday 16 December (at 3.00pm)

It was once said…

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

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