Dear SCA Families,

On Saturday (24 May), we celebrated the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. You may know that Mary Help of Christians is the patron saint of Australia. This week, we pray to Mary to guide us in our journey of healing and new beginnings.

Mary is a powerful symbol of Jesus’ call to unity. Jesus invites us to acknowledge our wrongs and seek forgiveness—and just as importantly, to forgive those who have hurt us. Reconciliation is about exactly that: recognising harm, seeking and offering forgiveness, and moving forward together. This is the challenge for all Australians as we continue the journey toward National Reconciliation. With God’s presence among us, this journey is not only possible, it is essential. As Saint Paul reminds us, we are ‘one body’ in Christ.

In the ACT, Reconciliation Day is next Monday (2 June). Let’s take this time to pray for the grace to be people of generous and forgiving hearts, people who bring reconciliation into our families and communities. 

Extraordinary Ambassadors

I’ve been incredibly proud of our Year 6 students over the past few weeks. Our Student Leadership Team has been guiding visitors on our weekly Open Days, even staying back until 5:30pm on two evenings to proudly show off their school.

They were polite, friendly, and received well-deserved praise from our guests. Well done, Year 6!

Dogs at School

Under the Domestic Animals Act 2000, domestic animals aren’t allowed on school grounds without the principal’s permission. So why do you often see a dog at SCA?

We’ve carefully selected a dog to support the wellbeing of our students and staff. Jasper, our three-year-old Cavoodle, is a much-loved member of the SCA family.

Jasper is a non-moulting dog who has been with us for three years. He is always under the supervision of a responsible adult who is aware of students who may be nervous around dogs. Jasper is fully vaccinated, well-groomed, trained, and responsive to commands.

Having a dog in a primary school offers many benefits:

• Emotional support: Dogs can reduce anxiety, stress, and loneliness, especially for students facing challenges.
• Social and communication skills: Interacting with a dog can build empathy, teamwork, and respect.
• Motivation and engagement: A dog can make learning more enjoyable and encourage participation.
• Responsibility and empathy: Caring for a dog teaches kindness and compassion.
• Staff wellbeing: Jasper also helps create a calm, positive environment for staff.

Jasper is here with my full permission, and we’re proud of the positive impact he’s had. If you’d like to know more or see Jasper in action, please contact (tracy.mowlam@cg.catholic.edu.au) or myself.

Vinnies CEO Sleepout – Thursday 19 June

I’m once again taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society. For one cold night, I’ll be sleeping outside to raise awareness and support Australians in need.

Don’t wait; click on CEO Sleepout - Mr E and turn your good intentions into action. Your support means a lot!

Year 5 Camp

Congratulations to our Year 5 students for your participation, cooperation, and teamwork at camp at Birrigai last week. It was a pleasure to spend time with you.

A big thank you to Miss White, Mrs Thomson, Mr Brnabic, Mrs Riley, and Mr Wells for giving their time to make the camp such a success.

Professional Boundaries and Social Media

At SCA, we deeply value our partnerships with families; a relationship built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to our students’ wellbeing.

In today’s digital world, social media is a common way to stay connected. However, to maintain professional boundaries, our staff follow the Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG) policy on digital communication:

“If there are reasons for workers to communicate with students or their families using digital devices, applications or networks for reasons other than educational/school purposes, workers must discuss this with their Principal or manager beforehand.”

In line with this, staff are expected to respectfully decline friend or follow requests from parents or carers on personal social media. This isn’t personal; it’s a professional standard that protects everyone and ensures communication remains appropriate and transparent.

We understand that in a close-knit community like ours, some staff and parents may already be connected on social media due to existing friendships or family ties. These are recognised as exceptions, and staff are encouraged to discuss them with school leadership.

Thank you for your understanding and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sunsafe – means no hats in June and July

The Cancer Council ACT does not recommend sun protection in Canberra during June and July. So from Monday (2 June), our “no hat, no play” rule will be paused for two months. Time to soak up some Vitamin D!

Enrolments – Close on 30^th May

We’re proud of our great school; the wonderful kids, dedicated staff, and supportive families. Please spread the word to friends and family with preschoolers: enrolments close Friday 30 May.

Public Holidays

• Monday 2 June (Week 6) – Reconciliation Day
• Monday 9 June (Week 7) – King’s Birthday

SCA will be closed on both days.

It was once said…

Easter blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

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