From the Principal Week 9
Dear SCA families,
If there is truth in the old saying about time flying when you’re having fun, then everyone at St Clare of Assisi must have had a ball so far this year. As this term draws to a close there is so much to be grateful for, so much to give thanks for, especially the rain and easing of COVID restrictions. There are times when, if we had the chance, we would say or do things differently. The end of term and the holidays, give us the opportunity to look forward with renewed energy, vigour, vitality and enthusiasm for the term to come.
I wish everyone a very happy Easter season and all its blessings, and pray we all see it as a call to renew our commitment to live as disciples and to work for peace in the world. (The season of Easter continues until the feast of Pentecost on 23rd May.)
On Monday, the children from Kindergarten to Year 2 led us in prayer to mark Holy Week and the Easter stories. This prayer celebration helped us to recall the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus and to enter into meaningful prayer. Thanks to the children involved and the teachers.
I also take this opportunity to thank each one of our staff for the efforts they have made together for your children this term. I continue to be impressed with the caring commitment obvious from the staff at St Clare of Assisi.
2021 Enrolments
2021 Enrolment Period is from 3rd May until 28th May
Open Days Thursday 12th May and Thursday 20th May
Enrolment time will be on us again in a few weeks. If you have a little one ready for school in 2021 or you know of anyone interested in looking at our fantastic school for their children, the enrolment packs will be ready for the beginning of the new term.
NAPLAN
Students in Years 3 and 5 will sit the NAPLAN tests next term. Parents may elect to withdraw their children from these tests. If you do not want your child to sit the NAPLAN tests, please contact Ms Val Ciuffetelli at school immediately.
School Banking Program with the Commonwealth Bank
For a number of years school banking programs have operated across Australian schools, including here at SCA. In December 2020 the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) Review of School Banking Programs Report was released. Following criticisms of these banking programs in the report findings, the ACT Legislative Assembly recently passed a motion to discontinue school banking programs in ACT Public Schools from 30th June 2021.
The ASIC Review recommended that schools participating in school banking programs work through some suggested Questions for Consideration. The questions were designed to assist school communities to assess the appropriateness of their participation in school banking programs.
Our Community Council dutifully considered these questions and the role that school banking has at SCA. Following this review, we will, in line with government schools across the country, discontinue the school banking program at SCA at the end of Term 2. (Friday 25th June 2021)
I take this opportunity to thank the volunteers, who over many years have kept this program running at SCA. In particular, I thank our most recent coordinator, Mrs Renee Hockley for her work over the past two years.
Parents are in a unique positon to shape a child’s relationship with money. For advice on how to best do this, please refer to the Australian Government’s Money Smart website at https://moneysmart.gov.au/teaching-kids-about-money. Our Community Council Chair, Crystal Tunningley, also recommends https://www.barefootinvestor.com/books, specifically “The Barefoot investor for Families”.
Should you wish to discuss this further, or if you would like a copy of the Questions for Consideration, please contact me at school.
School Fees are now Overdue
To help us pay our bills, please pay yours. Thanks to those families who are up to date. As always, if you are facing difficulties in meeting your fee commitments, please arrange a time to meet with me.
Winter Uniform
It is time to get the winter uniforms out and dust them off. When we return for Term Two we will have the usual few weeks of change over, but students are expected to wear correct winter uniform. A reminder that black ‘jogger, canvas or boots’ type school shoes are not part of the school uniform. The only school shoes allowed at St Clare’s are the traditional or formal black leather school shoes.
Three Way Conferences / Oral Reporting
In Week Two of next term (27 – 29 April) teachers will be available for Three-way Conferences at which your child’s progress can be discussed. Teachers are looking forward to meeting with the parents of every child in their class. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher should you feel a longer interview or an alternative time may be required.
In 2020 Three Way Conferences were conducted via Zoom. Our Community Council has asked that this option again be available, as it is often easier for parents to be present via technology than in person at the school.
To enable this, teachers will send an invitation, via email, to families in Week 1 of next term. The email will provide a link for you to join the Zoom meeting with your child’s teacher. The teacher will admit you at the scheduled time, so all that you have to do is log in a couple of minutes, from home or work, before your time. More details regarding this will also be sent home next term.
Families wishing to meet at the school may still do so. You will be required to sign in and out, confirming that you are well. If you wish to come to the classroom, please let your child’s teacher know when they send home the Zoom invitation.
Please see details later in this newsletter regarding the process for making a booking.
Stuck inside?.... Front Gate
We have installed a new controller for the school carpark, automatic gate. It now means that cars exiting will automatically trigger the gate to open (if it is closed) simply by driving slowly towards it in the left hand lane. Please stop (about two metres from the gate) and wait for it to fully open. It will remain open for 15 seconds, giving plenty of time to safely leave.
Term Dates
Term 1 ends tomorrow (Thursday, 1 April) as Friday is a public holiday (Good Friday). Catholic Education has declared Monday 19th April as a pupil free day for all Catholic schools in Canberra.
Students will commence Term 2 on Tuesday 20th April.
It was once said…
Holidays - any holiday - are such a great opportunity to focus on bringing the family together. - Lidia Bastianich
Enjoy the break from school routines. We look forward to seeing you back safely on Tuesday 20th April.
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal