Dear SCA families,

Halloween, which no doubt will receive attention this week, has typically been associated with children doorknocking for lollies and playing practical jokes on unsuspecting neighbours. (I am sure that COVID will have many re-thinking that particular practice.) But we shouldn’t forget the more authentic link to all the saints. 

The term ‘Halloween’ is shortened from All-hallow-even - the evening before ‘All Hallows' Day’ or ‘All Saints' Day’. Halloween is celebrated on October 31 which was initially a day of pagan sacrifice to mark the eve of the Celtic winter. Fires were lit and costumes were worn to ward off evil spirits who were allowed to visit earth that evening. In the 8th century, the Church designated 1 November as the Feast of All Saints thus Christianising the pagan festival.

May we all, give thanks for the lives of saints and all others who have, through their lives, made the world a better place.

Welcome Back

It was great this week to see so many of the children back in the classrooms and playgrounds. Though we are operating under different conditions, the first half of the week has gone smoothly, with students and staff settling quickly back into routines of learning.

We look forward to next Monday (1^st November) with Years 3, 4 and 5 students returning. We can’t wait to see them again in person.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Day two of COVID pick-up arrangements went much more smoothly than day 1. Thanks to all the drivers for being patient to make it work.

We will continue to review the situation, especially when Year 3, 4 and 5 return next week. If we need to make further arrangements to ensure the safety of our students and community, we will try to do so in a manner that has the least impact on students.

If there are particular circumstances which you would like to discuss regarding your child’s arrival or departure at school, please don’t hesitate to call or email your child’s teacher, the front office team, or myself.

PS – When  you see this at drop-off or pick-up, please assume that there is a smile underneath…?

COVID Safe Measures

At this stage there have been no changes communicated to us since last week’s update. I am aware, however, that Catholic Education is presently updating the Return to School Pathway.

I anticipate there may be some changes regarding mask wearing outdoors and more flexibility with visitors onsite for end of year functions. As soon as there are any changes, I will let you know.

Leaving?

We are now in the process of finalising class numbers and staffing for 2022. If your child is leaving SCA (unless already in Year 6), please let us know by contacting the office this week and submitting the form which can be found further down in the newsletter.

Semester Two Reports

Teachers will soon begin writing Semester Two Reports for each child. Though much of the semester has seen students learning from home, we will still assess and provide grades for a number of curriculum areas. This will vary across Year Levels, depending on the timing of when work was done in the semester.

We have, along with all CE schools, moved to a new Schools Administration System, Compass, for the compilation of semester reports. Though the process for teachers has changed, the end result will look familiar, being similar to last semester’s. The big change will be in the way parents receive the report.

On Friday 10 December, your child’s report will go live on your Compass portal. This will allow you to view it immediately, online, and print it if you wish. Helpful instructions will be sent to all families closer to the date.

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 as soon as possible. All applications will be considered in strictest confidence.

Thanks

On behalf of the children and their families I thank each staff member for their efforts during the year so far. We celebrate International Teachers Day on Friday knowing that the staff at St Clare of Assisi continue to strive for the very best for the children in our care.

It was once said…

“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.”

– Bob Talbert

Blessings to you and your family. Be the light.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal