FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear SCA families,
One of my favourite all time TV shows is “The West Wing”. In this American political drama, the president tells his staff that “Decisions are made by those who show up”. Well, as we know, Australia has compulsory voting, meaning that we have no choice. Or do we?
In the lead up to the ACT election you might be tempted to avoid the “wanna-be” politicians loitering outside shopping centre entrances. (I know I’d prefer to keep going about my business.)
However, if every Catholic school parent were to stop for two minutes to ask one simple question the message would certainly get through to the party rooms.
The conversation does not need to be long. It’s simply enough to ask one question: “If elected, what will your party (or you) do for Catholic education?”
This Friday
Purple Happy day is an annual SCA celebration of having fun and building awareness of the importance of good mental health and well-being.
Before RU OK Day came into being, our initiative started in 2011 to support one of our sick students, Shanice Johnson. Sadly Shanice passed away, but we remember her as a happy and loving member of our community. Her mother still supports our school and is proud of the work we do to promote positive well-being on this day.
During the day, all children will be involved in a variety of activities on health, wellbeing and mindfulness. Students are invited to wear purple or yellow on this uniform free day as part of the celebration.
If you can spare a few dollars, we are also collecting, on behalf of Vinnies, for their COVID Recovery appeal.
At this time, SCA is promoting the importance of checking on your friends, sensing when someone is not OK and starting a conversation.
Staying connected and having meaningful conversations is something we can all do. You don't need to be an expert - just a good friend and a great listener.
So, if you notice someone who might be struggling - start a conversation.
- Ask - if they are OK? - they may not seem their normal self.
- Listen - Listen non-judgementally.
- Encourage Action - seek help together if they can’t do alone.
- Check in - stay in touch and be there for them.
Supports:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call back service: 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Griefline: 1300 845 745
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Sick Staff
Unfortunately the vast majority of our staff are only human. Therefore, there will be times when teachers are away sick. (At the moment we have two with broken arms, one with a broken ankle and another with a significant injury to her finger. I must start wrapping them in bubble-wrap.)
We will do our best to replace sick staff with a teacher known to the students. Sometimes, though, we simply cannot source a relief teacher and will have to supervise the children in alternative ways. This may mean your child spends the day in another year level. If this occurs, they will be doing work left by their class teacher to ensure their learning continues. The teacher supervising them will take responsibility for their care and learning for the day.
COVID Road Map
At this stage there are no changes to our COVID restrictions or protective enhancements. We continue to follow the advice of ACT Health, Catholic Education (CE) and the ACT Education Directorate. In assuring the safety of students and staff we will also continue to take a risk adverse approach to our planning.
I remind parents that, for the safety of our students and staff, any adult entering the school grounds must do so via the front office and only after having signed in. We look forward to the time when we can have all our parents attend morning and Friday afternoon assemblies. We miss having you share these events with us.
Attached to this newsletter you will find the CE roadmap for easing of restrictions. Should you wish to discuss its implications for our school, please call or arrange a time to meet with me.
It was once said…
“The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but those who win battles we know nothing about.” ~ unknown
Blessings to you and your family. Take care and go gently.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal