A message from the Principal Week 5
Dear SCA Families,
When I was a young boy in the dim dark past, a trip to the library felt a bit like stepping into a cathedral. The walls were lined with books that seemed sacred, and the rules were strict. We were expected to stay almost silent; any sound above a whisper might earn you a sharp glance, and sometimes even a clip over the head. Pencils and textas were off-limits, as children were not quite trusted to keep the books free of scribbles. And of course, there were no computers or colourful cushions, just rows of shelves and a sense that reading was something serious, not to be disturbed. How different things are today. In our school library, children choose to spend their free time surrounded by books, not because they have to, but because they want to. They chat and laugh with friends, swap stories about characters they love, and dive into activities that bring those stories to life. For them, books aren’t locked away in silence; they are invitations to dream, to imagine, and to share.
This is the spirit of Book Week. It’s a time to celebrate that reading isn’t just about knowledge, but about joy. It’s about seeing our children fall in love with stories, finding themselves in characters, and discovering that a book can be both a private escape and a shared adventure. So, as Book Week unfolds, let’s be glad that the libraries of our children’s world are places filled with light, laughter, and possibility; places where the love of reading is not just protected, but celebrated.
Oval Refurbishment
Last Thursday we commenced a twelve-month treatment plan for the school oval. You will notice an initial browning of the surface, as this is the first stage in replacing the existing coverage with a more even spread of couch grass, supported by levelling work. By this time next year, we will enjoy a greener and more resilient oval surface that will serve our students well into the future.
Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC)
I wish to update you on the governance of our OSHC service. Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG) has recently introduced a new governance model, with our OSHC Director now reporting to the CECG General Manager of Early Learning and Care rather than the SCA Principal. This strengthens compliance with national childcare regulations and ensures Directors are better supported across the Archdiocese. Importantly, the day-to-day running of our service remains unchanged, and the positive working relationship between the school and OSHC team continues.
Trivia Night
Our Community Council Trivia Night is happening this Friday at the Lanyon Vikings Club. This adults only evening promises plenty of laughs, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to make some new friends along the way. It’s not too late to join us. Please see elsewhere in the newsletter for booking details. We look forward to a fantastic night together!
Emails
Finally, you will soon notice a new automatic email response when contacting our staff. This message outlines teachers’ working hours and reminds families that while staff are committed to supporting students, they are not able to reply instantly to emails, especially during class and supervision times. In most cases, conversations in person or by phone remain the best way to address matters requiring more detail. The intention is to ensure clearer communication, maintain healthy work boundaries for staff, and provide families with realistic expectations around response times.
Feast Week
I thoroughly enjoyed our celebrations last week. You’d think that after 30 years we would be tired of it, but not so. The children enjoyed many fun activities on various days, and our Mass and Scavenger Hunt to finish the week were special.
When I was a young boy in the dim dark past, a trip to the library felt a bit like stepping into a cathedral. The walls were lined with books that seemed sacred, and the rules were strict. We were expected to stay almost silent; any sound above a whisper might earn you a sharp glance, and sometimes even a clip over the head. Pencils and textas were off-limits, as children were not quite trusted to keep the books free of scribbles. And of course, there were no computers or colourful cushions, just rows of shelves and a sense that reading was something serious, not to be disturbed. How different things are today. In our school library, children choose to spend their free time surrounded by books, not because they have to, but because they want to. They chat and laugh with friends, swap stories about characters they love, and dive into activities that bring those stories to life. For them, books aren’t locked away in silence; they are invitations to dream, to imagine, and to share.
This is the spirit of Book Week. It’s a time to celebrate that reading isn’t just about knowledge, but about joy. It’s about seeing our children fall in love with stories, finding themselves in characters, and discovering that a book can be both a private escape and a shared adventure. So, as Book Week unfolds, let’s be glad that the libraries of our children’s world are places filled with light, laughter, and possibility; places where the love of reading is not just protected, but celebrated.
Oval Refurbishment
Last Thursday we commenced a twelve-month treatment plan for the school oval. You will notice an initial browning of the surface, as this is the first stage in replacing the existing coverage with a more even spread of couch grass, supported by levelling work. By this time next year, we will enjoy a greener and more resilient oval surface that will serve our students well into the future.
Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC)
I wish to update you on the governance of our OSHC service. Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG) has recently introduced a new governance model, with our OSHC Director now reporting to the CECG General Manager of Early Learning and Care rather than the SCA Principal. This strengthens compliance with national childcare regulations and ensures Directors are better supported across the Archdiocese. Importantly, the day-to-day running of our service remains unchanged, and the positive working relationship between the school and OSHC team continues.
Trivia Night
Our Community Council Trivia Night is happening this Friday at the Lanyon Vikings Club. This adults only evening promises plenty of laughs, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to make some new friends along the way. It’s not too late to join us. Please see elsewhere in the newsletter for booking details. We look forward to a fantastic night together!
Emails
Finally, you will soon notice a new automatic email response when contacting our staff. This message outlines teachers’ working hours and reminds families that while staff are committed to supporting students, they are not able to reply instantly to emails, especially during class and supervision times. In most cases, conversations in person or by phone remain the best way to address matters requiring more detail. The intention is to ensure clearer communication, maintain healthy work boundaries for staff, and provide families with realistic expectations around response times.
Feast Week
I thoroughly enjoyed our celebrations last week. You’d think that after 30 years we would be tired of it, but not so. The children enjoyed many fun activities on various days, and our Mass and Scavenger Hunt to finish the week were special.
Thank you to all the staff who organised various activities, and a special thanks to Mrs Susan Strickland, our REC, who pulled it all together.
It was once said…
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Groucho Marx
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal
matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Groucho Marx
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal
matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au