Dear Parents and Carers,

Sabbath Week

Time certainly has flown this year. This week is Sabbath Week, which is typically Week 7 each term and is a week to pause, rest and be present to each day. The Sabbath is a traditionally Jewish custom where one day in seven was devoted to rest and worship. Many other cultures have similar cultural observances.

At St Clare of Assisi the Sabbath Week is specifically timed when energy levels begin to dip during the term giving us a small pause before completing the final weeks of the term. During this week, we try to minimise after school commitments for staff and students to allow everyone to reconnect and focus more on their families. That also means we do not set homework for the week. We always encourage reading as a pleasurable activity, so we provide readers for our younger students, not referring to this as homework. I encourage everyone to take at least one night this week to gather as a family, with no distractions, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Quiet time with the family is such a blessing in this busy world.

Prayers

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the people of Ukraine and all those impacted including the people of Russia. We pray for the people of Australia impacted by natural disasters and those who are supporting those affected. We also pray for the young people of the parish beginning their preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal

Principal’s Notes

COVID 19 Notifications

Each day the reported Covid cases are advised to parents via the COMPASS portal. We are following the guidelines from Catholic Education in the way this information is provided. Please remember to contact the school to advise of positive cases and submit the absence note via COMPASS.

Late Arrivals

We ask that all students arriving at school after 9am be signed in at the Front Office by a parent or appropriate caregiver. Thank you for your support with this.

Water Bottles

Due to COVID 19 the school water bubblers are currently closed. Could you please ensure your child brings with them a water bottle each day with their name clearly marked on it.

Winter Uniform

It is customary at St Clare of Assisi to transition into the winter school uniform at the beginning of Term 2. To help with your preparation for this transition please feel free to drop in and check out our Second-Hand Uniform Shop. 

Communication

It is VITAL that we maintain accurate and current contact information for all families. If you change a phone number, email address, postal address, or emergency contact, you must inform us immediately.

Our primary and most effective form of communication is via the COMPASS App. Emergency announcements will be communicated via the app.

Please ensure you have installed the app on your devices, enabled notifications, and checked the settings for the correct year levels and class groups.

If you would like help accessing or installing this, please contact the Front Office.

Term Two Starting Date – Wednesday 27^th April

Monday 25^th April is ANZAC Day and a public holiday. Tuesday 26^th April is a pupil free day in all Catholic Primary Schools in Canberra. Teachers will be continuing their work with the Catalyst program that we began last year. All students will return to school on Wednesday 27^th April.

Dates for 2022

Congratulations to the children who will be awarded white cards this week.

Just a friendly reminder Term 1 fees are now overdue. Thanks to those parents who have settled their fees.