Dear SCA Families,

Tonight, many of our Year 4 students celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation, for the first time. For many of us, this sacrament is challenging, as it is perceived to focus on guilt and shame. The good news though, is that it is quite the opposite.

The Sacrament of Penance is about repairing a relationship.

We all know the harm we can do to a friendship when we have wronged a person, and then fail to admit and apologise. In the case of this sacrament, we are repairing our relationship with God.

God loves us as we are. God’s mercy is boundless. It is hard for us to believe this. We do not earn God’s love. It is not offered because we are worthy. God just loves us. Intrinsic to this boundless love is God’s equally boundless mercy and forgiveness. All we have to do is ask, and it is given. And we begin again, re-directed and renewed in our commitment to Jesus as our way, our truth and our life. And so the Catholic Church has a Rite of Penance.

My prayer for all our children, particularly those celebrating tonight is taken from the Rite of Penance itself:

May the Lord guide your hearts in the way of his love and fill you with Christ-like patience. Amen.

Remembrance Day

Tomorrow is a time to stop and give thanks. Our freedom has been bought by others sacrificing their lives. Let us give thanks to God for them and pray for their souls. In gratitude, we are reminded about what allows us to live in peace and not take our freedom for granted.

Lest we forget.

COVID Safe Measures

In the ACT we have seen a lessening of restrictions over the last few weeks, with more to come on Friday. However, schools are still expected to operate under tighter restrictions than other “businesses”.

All adults will continue to wear masks while inside, and parents are, unfortunately, not allowed inside the school at this stage.

Year 6 Graduation

Please note that we are delaying final plans for the Year 6 graduation to allow time for easing of restrictions. (I hope this isn’t a case of my eternal optimism!)

As soon as we can finalise arrangements, which we hope will allow participation of as many family members as possible, we will let you know.

Uniform

Most children are coming to school every day wearing the correct school uniform. There is, though, an increasing number of children wearing non-uniform school shoes. Please remember that our policy is for black leather school shoes to be worn with the school uniform.

Keeping All Children Safe

Please do NOT send any nuts or foods made of nut products to school. We have numerous children and staff whose lives are threatened by exposure to nuts.

It was once said…

“We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.” – William Gladstow

Blessings to you and your family. Be the light.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal