A Message From The Principal Week 8
Dear SCA Families,
Community Council
Following our last meeting of the year, I wish to publicly thank the Community Council for the work they have done for our school, and their support of all that we do. It has been another busy year at SCA, and our Council, chaired by Kristy Everding, has been actively involved in so many ways. Thank you to each of the members: Kristy Everding, Fay Holden, Trudie Hargrave, Nicola Steenbergen, Sam Graham, Joel Socha, Jo Reed, Brooke Coles and Cheyenne Symmons.
Staff News
In recent weeks we have been able to confirm the following staff changes for 2025.
After providing valuable service, the following staff are leaving: Karen Snowball, Jo Reed, Crystal Wilkes, Jordan Wells, Emily Michell and Mel Laver
In farewelling Karen Snowball, I want to acknowledge her tremendous service as the face of our school for many years. It’s hard to imagine our school without Karen at its heart. She has been more than just the front office manager—Karen has been the go-to person for everything and everyone, always with a smile, wise advice, and the kind of patience most of us can only dream of.
Jo Reed leaves SCA to take up the role of Principal at St John the Apostle in Florey. In her two years at SCA, Jo has worked tirelessly and with great passion to enhance the quality of everything we do. Always striving for excellence, Jo has also gone above and beyond to help others reach their best. We wish Jo every success as she embarks on this exciting new phase of her life.
Crystal Wilkes has been with us for a short time, during which she has demonstrated her passion and commitment to being the best teacher for the children in her care. There is no doubt that her students have benefited from her dedication to ensuring everyone learns. Crystal’s strong faith will guide her as she steps into a leadership role in the RE team at St Mary MacKillop College next year.
Although Jordan Wells has only been with us for a year, he has quickly endeared himself to students and staff alike. Jordan’s boundless energy and positive attitude have made a significant contribution to the Year Six team this year. Jordan will certainly be missed as he heads off in search of warmer climates.
Emily Michell has approached her first year of teaching with enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to learn. We are grateful for Emily’s contributions, particularly in Year 4, and we wish her all the best as she pursues opportunities to teach closer to home.
Although Mel Laver has only been with us for a short time, she brings over a decade of teaching experience to the classroom. We deeply appreciate the time and effort Mel has dedicated to Year Six. Her confident classroom management and ability to keep students on track have been greatly valued. We thank Mel for her contributions to our school and wish her all the best for the future.
I am very grateful to each of these staff members for their contributions to SCA. Each of them has enriched our school community. As a school we will farewell them at an assembly next week.
Meet the Teacher
Teacher placements for 2025 are being finalised. We will have our Meet the Teacher next Thursday afternoon, 12th December, where children will be notified of their teacher where possible.
It is important to remember that in life, there are always going to be times when we have to work and communicate with people whom we may not always get along with so well. School is about learning for life, and it is here that we also learn how to get on with others and negotiate experiences that are sometimes difficult. When this learning takes place, our children become more resilient, stronger people, and gain skills that will support them through life.
I ask you to understand that following next week, changes will not be made to classes for 2025. If your child is feeling a little unsettled about their class placement and the year ahead, as parents you have the important role of being positive in reassuring them that making new friends and working with new teachers is an exciting experience and although it may be different to begin with, they will soon settle in for a good year.
Next Thursday
Please join us in our Hall on Thursday 12th December at 11.40am as we celebrate Mass to give thanks for all the blessings this year has brought.
Endings to Beginnings
Students finish this school year on Monday 16th December, and start in 2025 on Tuesday 4th February. (Staff officially resume on Thursday 30th January.)
Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Please do all you can to support this appeal. It is a real and meaningful way to help fellow Canberrans who are doing it tough this Christmas. Please be generous.
Reports
Reports will be made available via Compass on Next Wednesday (11th December).
It is important to remember that a school report is not the definitive measure of your child’s abilities. It is only one measure amid a wide range of opportunities, experiences and activities. Setting a pattern of constructive support should help make report time a productive and positive experience that will help your child make progress at school. A few tips:
- Find the positive aspects of the report and praise your child;
- Take into consideration that the A-E grading scale is very different to the one you would have experienced;
- Discuss what your child found difficult. Look at work habits, homework routines, diet, sleep patterns, etc; and
- Discuss how things could be improved. Offer some constructive/criticism and attainable goals for next year.
Special thanks to the teachers for the many hours of work outside school time that go into marking assessments, preparing, editing and finalising the written reports.
January Holidays
Our fantastic Outside of School Hours (OSHC) team run an engaging and fun holiday program for SCA children during January. Please contact Pam (OSHC Director) or our front office for further details.
It was once said…
Christmas means not just hope for the world, despite all its unending problems, but hope for you and me, despite all our unending failings. – Tim Keller
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal