Dear Parents and Carers,

When presented with new material and complicated topics, we need to be focused and calm as we approach the work. Children are no different. At school we use brain breaks and focused-attention practices to positively impact the students’ emotional states and learning. We try to refocus their neural circuitry with either stimulating or quieting practices that generate increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, where problem solving and emotional regulation occur.

Brain Breaks

A brain break is a short period of time when we change up the routine of incoming information. Our brains are wired for novelty. We know this because we pay attention to every stimulus in our environment that feels threatening or out of the ordinary. When we take a brain break, it refreshes our thinking and helps us discover another solution to a problem or see a situation through a different lens. During these few minutes, the brain moves away from learning, memorizing, and problem solving. The brain break actually helps us to develop and process new information. Some common brain breaks we often use include Simon Says, stretching, dancing, skipping, game and Go Noodle.

Focused Attention-Practices

A focused-attention practice is a brain exercise for quieting the thousands of thoughts that distract and frustrate us each day. When the mind is quiet and focused, we’re able to be present with a specific sound, sight, or taste.

Research repeatedly shows that quieting our minds ignites our parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and blood pressure while enhancing our coping strategies to effectively handle the day-to-day challenges that keep coming. Our thinking improves and our emotions begin to regulate so that we can approach an experience with variable options. When we’re focused and paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and choices, we have a much greater opportunity to change those thoughts and feelings that are not serving us well in life and in school. At school we often use deep breathing, meditation, stilling our bodies to watch how we breathe and focused breathing.

You may like to try these at home with your children or next time you are learning something new or challenging!

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal

Principal’s Notes

School Canteen

We would love to reopen our canteen for counter sales at recess and lunch this term. We will only be able to do this with volunteer support from parents, grandparents and carers. If you are able to volunteer a view hours on a regular basis or an occasional basis please contact the canteen via michelle.wood@cg.catholic.edu.au

Learning Journeys and Parent Teacher Conferences

As communicated at the end of last term Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn (CECG) has determined that general comments will not be required on the Semester 2, 2022 reports. This is in line with other educational jurisdictions and systems. Given teacher workload at present, including staffing pressures across the profession, CECG’s position is to prioritise parent/teacher conferences. We will be holding a Learning Journey on Tuesday 8^th November during which your child will be able to share their work from this term with you. Semester 2 Reports will go live in COMPASS Friday 2^nd December. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held the week beginning Monday 5^th December.

Summer Uniform

It is customary for our students to begin Term 4 by wearing their summer uniform. This year due to the fluctuating weather we are allowing a two week transition from winter to summer uniform. It is expected that all students will commence week 3, 24^th October with the summer uniform.

Leaving St Clare of Assisi

Don’t forget to let us know if you are planning to leave St Clare of Assisi at the end of the year. We need to begin planning for staffing and class configurations for 2023. Thank you to those who have let us know already, this is very much appreciated. Naturally Year 6 parents need not respond to this request.

https://stclareconder.schoolzineplus.com/form/10

2023 School and Term Dates

Please be aware the term dates will be as follows for next year;

• Term One    31 January       -     6 April
• Term Two    26 April            -     30 June
• Term Three 18 July             -     22 September
• Term Four    9 October        -     14 December

COVID Update

The restrictions in place at the end of last term have lifted and we excitedly welcome parents and carers back into the school grounds. We look forward to providing opportunities to welcome parents and carers back into the classroom shortly.

Reconciliation Parent Formation Sessions

Please note that the Reconciliation Formation sessions for parents this week will begin at the earlier time of 6 pm. If you have enrolled your child to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, you are required to attend a session either tonight 19 October, or Thursday night 20 October, at Holy Family Church Gowrie.

Reconciliation Commitment Masses

Commitment weekends for students enrolled for Reconciliation are 22/23 October and 29/30 October. Parents/Carers and your child will need to attend one Mass on either weekend to present your child and make your commitment to the program. Weekend Masses times are Saturday 6.00pm, Sunday 8.00am, 10.00am or 6.00pm.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference

Last week Mrs Walsh, Ms Ciuffetelli and Mrs Haines joined with over 500 teachers and educators at the CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference in the Blue Mountains. Attending the conference has allowed us to develop and deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, student learning styles, and community connections, and provided opportunities to engage with like-minded teachers and school leaders. 

The theme of the conference was 'Transforming with the Spirit' and each of us was truly informed, formed, and transformed by the rich experiences the conference provided. 

 

Seasons for Growth

Our 2022 program for Seasons for Growth has come to its conclusion for the year. Next Monday the companions, participants, and invited friends will come together to celebrate the journey and growth that has been achieved by all.

Congratulations to the children who will be awarded white cards at the 8.45am Friday Morning assembly

YEAR LEVEL

Dear Parents,

WILL YOU HAVE A CHILD AT ST CLARE OF ASSISI PRIMARY IN 2023 AND AN OLDER SIBLING IN A SYSTEMIC SECONDARY SCHOOL?

The systemic school system includes Merici College, St Clare’s College, St Francis Xavier College and St Mary Mackillop Catholic College.

It does not include Marist, Daramalan or St Edmund's.

If so, this form must be returned by Friday 9th December 2022 to ensure your fees are billed correctly in 2023.

https://stclareconder.schoolzineplus.com/form/157

We have had a fabulous response to our raffle tickets this year. Thank you for the continued support. 

A reminder that raffle tickets must be returned sold or unsold by Friday 28^thOctober, 2022. If you have misplaced your tickets a statutory declaration will need to be completed.

Just a reminder if your child played netball for SCA and is yet to return their tshirt, could they please be returned washed to Mrs Austin in the Library asap.

Book Club will close tomorrow Thursday 20th October

Congratulations to Ryder O, Dakota O, Will G, Darren L, Jasmine S, Lacey W and Ruby O who recently represented the ACT Cougars in the Australian Oztag Championships in Coffs Harbour.

WELL DONE!

Tuggeranong Valley Junior Cricket Club

Click Here to REGISTER