Dear SCA families,

This week is SCA Feast Week, the time when we remember our patron, St Clare of Assisi and we give thanks for the wonderful school community we are all part of. Sadly, we have had to celebrate without the presence of parents, and we have not even been able to gather as a whole school community. However, our staff and children have shown great spirit and creativity to celebrate.

I am especially proud of our Year 6 students who led liturgies for each year level yesterday. Year 6 have also organised an “SCA Amazing Race” for Years 4-6 and an “SCA Emblem Hunt” for Years K-2. (Make sure you ask your child about the fun they had while doing it this week.)! Special thanks to Kristy Everding, our acting Religious Education Coordinator, for all her hard work and the many staff who assisted with powerpoints, music, displays and general organisation. It was a mammoth team effort and we should all be proud of our staff and students.

St Clare devoted her life to God, leaving her family and their lifestyle behind and following closely in the footsteps of St Francis and his mission. Following Francis’ death, Clare continued to work in the Assisi area, in the church that Francis ‘rebuilt’ and began her own order called the Poor Clare’s. The Poor Clare Sisters still work in Assisi, Italy and around the world.

St Clare once told her sisters that…“When lips cease to pray, let your hands begin”, meaning in essence that our actions often speak longer and louder than our words ever can. Clare built her life around the values of love and service so during our Feast Week we should all take a minute to reflect on our relationship with each other and God. How often do we consider others' needs before our own or reflect on putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes before reacting or judging them?

Social Media

It’s not unusual to hear of children across the country who have been involved in disturbing social media events. As a school, we will continue to look at ways in which we educate our students to use digital resources wisely and appropriately.

Most children access social media when they are not at school. (Social networking describes a variety of services like Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, World of Warcraft, Moshi Monsters, Twitter, Skype, Minecraft and many others.) As a parent it may be useful to refer to the Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner website (https://esafety.gov.au/) — it has excellent information on a wide range of topics including protecting personal information; cyberbullying; balancing online time; photos, videos and social media; offensive and illegal content; sexting; and social networking. The site also lists a variety of trusted partners and online safety websites to help guide young people towards safe and enjoyable experiences online.

Our expectation of students in relation to the use of ICT at school for educational purposes is very clear and all students are required to adhere to the acceptable use of IT policy. Any breach of this must be reported immediately.

Special Event this Friday

This Friday is Dress Up day for SCA Feast Week. I am looking forward to some creative costumes and even have mine (mostly) ready.

It was once said…

“Go forth in peace. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother.” – St Clare of Assisi

Blessings to you and your family. Take care and go gently.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal