Dear SCA families,

With Remembrance Day coming next Wednesday I recall a passage from a book I once read. “The Spirit of the Digger, Then and Now” by Patrick Lindsay explores what it is that sets Australian soldiers apart.

General Peter Cosgrove is an admired Australian who himself reflects the traits we admire in the Digger – courage, leadership, initiative and compassion. In the abovementioned book he is quoted as saying:

“I think we carry our national characteristics with us, we don’t subordinate any important element of the Australian character in the making and the life of a Digger. For example, we still very much have a sense of social justice which applies not just internally to the army but in our dealings with other people. So I would be amazed if Australian soldiers seeing people of other nations suffering hardship, which they do if they go to an area of operations, they will see people who are down and out, if this doesn’t strike a tremendous chord in the Digger’s heart”

On Wednesday we will pray in thanksgiving for the service and sacrifice of all who have worn an Australian uniform with pride and dedication. We will of course, also, pray for peace; for we know of the strife in many areas of our world today.

Extravaganza

There is a great buzz in the school, especially in Years 5 and 6. Our first performance is tonight, with the closing show this Saturday.

The saddest part about this year’s show is that, because of COVID, there are only enough tickets available for one or two family members per participating student. Though the audience numbers will be down, I am sure they will give each show all the energy of a crowd 4 times larger!

Best wishes to all the students and staff involved. Break a leg!

SCA Fun Day

You will have seen in previous newsletters that our 2020 Fete has been cancelled. (COVID does it again!)

The good news is that we are running a Fun Day for the children on the 20th of November. The Fete Committee is working with our staff to ensure the kids have a great day. We still need about ten volunteers to help on the day. If you are interested, please contact the Front Office.

Slippery Sticks

Please be aware, especially if your children walk to or from school, that a parent reported seeing a snake in the grass area between Lanyon High and SCA (close to the Heidelberg St underpass).

Did You Know…

Not only do your school fees (school levies) cover the cost of all classroom materials and learning resources; they also pay electricity, water, phone, cleaning, ISP costs, internet security, grounds and many other costs.

Please do all you can to get up to date with school fee payments. If you have any concerns regarding fees, please don’t hesitate to contact Jo McCarthy or me.

Staffing

You would be aware that our long term Music Teacher, Mrs Christine Roos, is on leave. I received news this week that she has decided to retire from her ongoing role at the end of this year. We will look to farewell her later in the year, and will immediately commence the process for finding a suitably qualified and experienced replacement.

Also moving on at the end of this year is our Defence Support Mentor, Mrs Renee Reid. Her family will be moving north, and we wish them all the best. We have commenced the process to find a replacement. If you are interested in the role, please contact the front office or go to https://careers.cg.catholic.edu.au/en/listing/

Please, Please, Please…

For the safety of all, and because everyone’s time is important, please do NOT turn right when exiting the school carpark during peak times.

Please, Please, Please…

We have heard some about unsafe behaviour of some of our children as they travel to and from school. If your child walks or rides, please emphasise with them the importance of:

· Travelling in pairs of groups

· Walking on footpaths (not roads)

· Being safe on bridges (staying on the right side of safety barriers)

· Using crossings or underpaths.

It was once said…

“Dance is art in motion.” –

unknown, and in recognition of our Extravaganza this week

Blessings to you and your family.

Principal