Dear Parents and Carers,

Today we welcomed a small group of new children to St Clare of Assisi. They were nervous and excited. It was lovely to watch how the parents who were experiencing this for a second or third time were feeling so relaxed about their child beginning school. Many children who begin school these days have already experienced more than just pre-school. They have often spent time in long day care as well and are quite used to meeting and playing with new children. We’re looking forward to a fun year of learning with our new community members in 2023.

Susan Strickland, Cheyenne Symons and Holly Barron will be teaching Kindergarten at St Clare of Assisi next year. Other teachers for other classes will be determined shortly.

As we welcome our new students and they begin the next part of their schooling journey, it is the perfect opportunity to consider some tips for helping our children with their learning.

You are your child’s very first teacher and you can continue to help them learn, right throughout their schooling. Here are some tips:

Praise effort and achievement

Your child thrives on authentic encouragement and praise. This increases their self-esteem and confidence, which can help them to do better at school. Encourage your child with genuine, positive feedback about their effort and achievements.

Have high expectations

Talk about realistic goals with your child and help them to set their own goals. If they have a setback, encourage your child to learn from their errors and move on.

Active listening

You can encourage most reluctant talkers to engage in conversation simply by listening to them. Use techniques that encourage further discussion, such as eye contact, posture and mirroring.

Make learning fun

Learning is more than just studying textbooks. You can help your child with numeracy and literacy by playing games, talking and reading together. As your child gets older, you can still play games (such as board games and cards), talk to them about books and films, and discuss news and current affairs with them.

Strengthen the communication lines between you and your child’s teachers

Both you and your child’s teachers want your child to reach their learning potential. Foster a strong relationship with your child’s teachers through respectful communication and by engaging in school activities.

Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal

Principal’s Notes

Library Stocktake

A reminder that all library books must be returned at the end of the year. Please ensure your child’s library books are returned next week for the upcoming Library stock take.

Safety in Our School Car Park.

We all want our children to arrive to school safely and enjoy their day. Some of us are also busy running between home, work, and other commitments before and after school. Sometimes in our own rush and hurry we can take shortcuts. I understand this temptation.

However, it is often rushing and shortcuts that create the most risk and when children, vehicles and peak hours are concerned those risks become much higher and can have terrible consequences. No one plans to have an accident. They are unintentional, often avoidable, and always regrettable. Please ensure when using our school carpark, you park in the designated carparks and follow the correct speed of the carpark. Please be aware of all those around you and proceed cautiously when moving through the carpark at a pickup time.

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

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

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

If you have a direct debit in place they are not automatically altered for an increase in fees or an additional child. A direct debit requires your authority to make any changes, all forms are available on the school website. 

Please contact Jo McCarthy on 6294 1860 or jo.mccarthy@cg.catholic.edu.au  if you require assistance

Congratulations to Ryder O (6G) who represented the ACT at the NSW City vs Country Oztag Championship in Shellharbour on 19^th November for PRIDE-Country. Well done Ryder and congratulations on your achievement.

Congratulation to Chloe P (5R) who represented the ACT at School Sports Track and Field Nationals in Brisbane in the 200m, 800m and high jump. 

It was a very hot and humid five days, compared to the cool days we've had in Canberra this past few days. 

Chloe ran a new PB in the 200m and 800m and qualified to run in the 800m final, coming 8th overall. She also came 8th overall in the high jump and her 8x80m ACT sprint team came third. 

Well done Chloe!