Dear SCA families,

We are really pleased this week to welcome some special visitors to SCA: Indi and Ray are two Uni students from Indonesia as part of the Australian Indonesian Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP). Ken and Lea Tucker are two local artists who are able to work with us thanks to support from the IMB Bank.

Ray and Indi are working closely with Ibu Smith (our Indonesian Teacher). While here they will support the teaching of Indonesian language and culture for all Year levels. There is already great feedback from the children and it has really helped to engage them though the sharing of first-hand experience.

Ken and Lea are working this week with teachers and students from all classes. We are looking forward to seeing four large paintings that are based on our school’s Rays of Light (Faith, Community, Learning and Leadership). Every student and staff member will have contributed (even if only with a thumb print!) in some way to the art works. They are already looking good and I am excited about sharing them with the whole community.

School improvements during the break

During the holiday break, the following work was completed at school, which was only possible because of your Building Fund contributions:

• Concrete grinding and levelling to remove trip hazards,
• Installation of anti-slip measures on multiple footpaths and external steps (ready for next winter!),
• Replacement of a large number of broken floorboards in Hall, and resealing of entire floor,
• Replacement of two windows,
• Plumbing repairs to 5 toilets and 3 leaking bubbler areas.

Netball Carnival

I thoroughly enjoyed watching our teams participate so enthusiastically and well at the Archdiocesan Netball Carnival on Saturday. I was impressed with the effort, spirit, good nature and teamwork shown by all our SCA players. Special thanks to Mrs Katherine Austin her work leading up to, and on the day. Thanks also to all the parents and older siblings who helped with coaching, managing and supervising on the day.

Thanks

On behalf of the children and their families I thank each staff member for their efforts during the year so far. This coming Friday we celebrate International Teachers Day, knowing that the staff at St Clare of Assisi continue to strive for the very best for the students in our care.

Leaving?

We are now in the process of finalising class numbers and staffing for 2020. If your child is leaving SCA (unless already in Year 6), please let us know by contacting the office this week:

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

Fees

Last week I reminded parents about being up to date with fees. It continues to be our policy that no student should be refused enrolment, excluded or disadvantaged because their family is unable to afford fees. Fee concessions and remissions are available on a needs basis as defined in our fee policy, therefore, if you are having difficulties with school fees, please contact me. All applications will be considered in strictest confidence.

Is It Fruit?

An effective practice each of our classes participates in is “Fruit Break”. Research has shown that a short break, when children snack on fresh fruit or vegetables, is beneficial to learning as well as overall health.

Why have a Fruit and Veg Break at school?

To improve the overall intake of fruit and vegetables in students while at school

To ensure all students have some nutritious food early in the morning, especially as some children do not eat breakfast

Fruit and veg breaks can help to improve student’s concentration and learning capacity

Kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if other snacks are not an option

Kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if their friends are doing it too

Kids may skip recess to play - they can be very hungry by lunch time

What can my child eat?

• All fresh fruit is permitted (e.g. whole fruits such as a banana or a small apple, chopped melon)
• Fruit canned with artificial sweeteners added is not permitted. Artificial sweeteners are not recommended for children
• Fruit canned in water, juice or no added sugar is permitted (e.g. peach slices).  Don't forget a spoon!
• Dried fruit is permitted, although, fresh fruit or vegetables is the first choice because dried fruit contains high concentration of natural sugar and it tends to cling to teeth, increasing risk of tooth decay (e.g. sultanas)
• All fresh vegetables are permitted (e.g. celery, carrot sticks, broccoli bits etc.)

What foods are not allowed?

All other foods are not permitted including:

• 'Fruit' products (e.g. fruit leather, fruit roll-ups, fruit bars or similar)
• Fruit jams or jellies
• Fruit pies or cakes
• Fruit canned in syrup or jelly or with artificial sweeteners
• Canned or processed vegetables
• Vegetable or potato crisps, hot potato chips, olives
• Vegetable pastries (pies, pasties, sausage rolls)
• Baked vegetable breads
• Vegetable cakes, fritters, quiches or similar
• Popcorn 

Community Council

Our Community Council will have its second last meeting for the year next Tuesday, 29 October. If you would like to share any thoughts or questions with the Council, please feel free to send an email to council.scaconder@cg.catholic.edu.au .

It was once said…

“Reading aloud with children is known to be the single most important activity for building the knowledge and skills they will eventually require for learning to read.” ~ Marilyn Jager Adams

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal