Dear SCA families,

‘Tiz the season to be sneezing. I am sure that profits at Kleenex will be up over the last few weeks. As many children and staff, myself included, suffer with hay fever, I reflect on the effect that seasons can have on us.

It’s not just the pollen that affects us. As we near the end of the year, some children may lose focus at school, and be thinking more about the holidays, or even next year. To cut to the chase, I am asking for the help of all parents.

Whenever talk of holidays or next year arises at home, please try to remind your child about the importance of working hard, staying on task, setting goals and finishing this year as strongly as they can. We will do the same, and together, we should make sure that every school day is a productive and enjoyable one.

Raffle Tickets

Thank you for your efforts in selling the raffle tickets sent home last term. All tickets, sold and un-sold, must be returned to school by Friday 6th November.

Leaving?

We are now in the process of finalising class numbers and staffing for 2021. If your child is leaving SCA (unless already in Year 6), please let us know by contacting the office this week and filling out the following form:

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, 27 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…

“You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and by falling over and over again.” – Richard Branson

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal