Dear SCA Families,

This coming Sunday is the feast of Christ the King. In a time when the plight of the poor is obvious, and the excesses of the rich are embarrassing, the idea of Jesus as an earthly king can make many people uncomfortable (myself included, particularly as a staunch republican!). Jesus as a prophet, as a teacher, a healer and Jesus the meek servant is perfectly acceptable but Jesus Christ as King of kings, a judge and the dispenser of justice; is not the image of Jesus most prefer to consider.

When the feast day was first introduced, Christians were being persecuted for their faith by governments around the world with particular atrocities being carried out in Mexico, Spain and the Soviet Union. Pope Pius XI thought the world needed a reminder that Christ was the King of kings.

The kingship of Christ was to symbolise that Christianity is an all-encompassing religion and that no part of the life of any Christian is beyond the rule of Christ the King, their divine sovereign in Heaven.

The kingdom of heaven is one in which those who serve others are the ones who do God’s will. To acknowledge Jesus as our king, is to give him the authority to help us behave in such a way as to bring the kingdom of heaven to fruition right here, right now. As Christians, we are to act in love for those around us by the command of Jesus, our king.

That is what the kingdom of heaven is, and I have to overcome my republican preferences in this one.

Mobile Phones (and other connected devices)

In addition to actually teaching, teachers are challenged with the task of being aware of what each child in their class is doing at all times. This is to ensure the safety of the child and their wellbeing from physical and emotional harm, as well as other unsavoury influences.

The primary school classroom of 2021 is different to that of ten years ago, let alone 20 years ago. Though pen and paper are still used all day, ICT is ever present.

Increasingly, some of the ICT devices are not owned or controlled by the school, which can create problems of supervision.

Many children come to school with a mobile phone and/or smart watch. Though these are not required at school, some parents like to know their child can contact them after school in case of emergency.

While at school, however, they are not required, and cause more problems than they solve. Unfortunately, children, sometimes, choose to do the wrong thing, even if it is only to “follow the crowd”. The ability to send messages to others, while they are meant to be focussing on school work, can be a significant distraction to the individual, class and teacher.

If your child brings to school a mobile phone, please remind them of the following:

• Once at school, all mobile phones are to be switched off, and kept in the school bag.
• Once in class, phones are to remain off. Some class teachers will collect all phones each day for safe keeping.
• If a mobile phone is used at school (either directly or indirectly, such as through a smart watch), the teacher will direct the student to turn off the phone, and hand it in for the rest of the day.

Thank you for your cooperation in this important safety and wellbeing issue.

COVID Safe Measures

At SCA we continue to operate under tighter restrictions than other “businesses” in the community. Though this is a challenge, and restricts our ability to gather as a community, we are reassured by knowing the measures enhance the safety of our students.

We are presently exploring options for the Year 6 Graduation, Semester Two Award Assembly and Kindergarten Nativity. Our aim is to adhere to relevant regulations, but, where possible, allow for as many parents and family members to attend.

Student Absences

As parents, we know that it is a legal requirement for us to send our children to school. As a school, it is a legal requirement for us to record student attendances, and document reasons for non-attendance.

Though remote learning meant schooling changed, we still were required to record student attendance, which was done in light of engagement with the on-line learning program.

Understandably, many children have had some time away from either the classroom or remote learning this year. It may have been because of a cold, hay fever, or even the requirement for a “mental-health day”.

We need your help, please, to ensure we can finalise our rolls before the end of the year. Many student absences so far have not been adequately explained. We are required to receive formal notification of any student absence, regardless of how short or long.

If you know your child has been away, please send a note via the Compass App, the front office or teacher to explain the absence (if you haven’t already). Later this week we will send home notes to parents whose children have absences that are as yet unexplained. Please reply as soon as possible, with a quick note, providing a reason for these absences.

School Fees

A reminder that school fees are now overdue, for those who are not on a regular direct debit with us I ask that you settle your account with us as soon as possible so that we are able to meet our budgetary commitments.

Semester Two Reports

Your child’s teacher is in the process of preparing Semester Two reports. There is a great deal of work and energy that goes into the writing of these documents, and I thank the teachers for their efforts. Reports will be made available to parents, on the Compass App, on Friday 10^th December.

January Holidays

Our fantastic Outside of School Hours (OSHC) team run an engaging and fun holiday program for SCA children during January. Further information, and enrolment forms, will be available next week.

Please contact Pam (OSHC Director) or our front office for further details.

Library

Please have a look in your home for any SCA Library books that may not yet have found their way back to their own home. You can help us to minimise the number of books we need to replace by returning them as soon as possible please.

Community Council Meeting

The next, and final meeting for the year, of your Community Council is next Tuesday 24^th of November at 6.00pm.

It was once said…

“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” – John Powell

Blessings to you and your family. Be the light.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal