Dear SCA families,

Walkathon

The Walkathon was a great way to finish the term. There were plenty of smiling faces on the walkers (and players at lunch time). We were blessed, not only with beautiful early Spring weather, but a good number of helpers (parents, grandparents and staff). Thanks to everyone who was involved for making the day a success. Special thanks to Mrs Katherine Austin and her staff committee for all the organisation that took place before the big day.

Thanks also to you each of you for helping the children to collect sponsorship. So that we can finalise the Walkathon, and confirm how much was raised, please ensure all donations are sent into school by this Friday (18^th October.)

Welcome

We welcome Paul (2 Red), Alexis (3 Red) and Atidaishe (4 Green) and their families to our school this term. We hope they soon feel very much a part of the SCA community.

It’s also great to have Mrs Jo Thomson and Mrs Sophie Burgess back from maternity leave.

Staffing

While Ms Val Ciuffetelli is on leave for the first four weeks of this term, Mrs Karen Haines will be stepping into the role of Acting Assistant Principal (AP) and Mrs Kristy Everding will be stepping into the role of Acting Religious Education Coordinator (REC).

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.

Netball Carnival

Best wishes to the children participating this weekend in the Archdiocesan Catholic School Netball Carnival. I know they will represent their school proudly. Thanks in advance to the staff and parents who are supporting the kids.

Carpark

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 3.15pm when the carpark is less congested.

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

Absences from school

It is 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.

2020 Class Groupings

Teachers will shortly commence planning class groupings for 2020 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.

I would like to make 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 2020 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 matthewer@cg.catholic.edu.au or make an appointment through the Front Office.

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

• Parish Christmas Carols – Saturday 7 December at 7.00pm
• Community Helpers Thank You BBQ – Tuesday 10 December at 5.30pm
• Semester Two Awards Assembly – Wednesday 11 December at 2.00pm
• End of Year Thanksgiving Mass – Friday 13 December at 9.30am
• Kinder Christmas Concert – Monday 16 December at 12.15pm
• Year 6 Graduation – Tuesday 17 December at 5.30pm
• Term Four Ends – Thursday 19 December (at 3.00pm)

It was once said…

“My kids laugh because they think I’m crazy. I laugh because they don’t know it’s hereditary.” ~ unknown

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal