Dear SCA Families,

On Friday 31st March, we will share the fun of the 2023 SCA Colour Day. This is a major fundraising event for St Clare of Assisi.

This year the money raised will be going towards brand new Playground equipment, in both Senior and Junior areas.

To minimise the impact on families, we are combining our school fundraiser, with our Lenten appeal this year. To ensure we share our blessing with those less fortunate than ourselves, we will be donating a percentage of the money raised to Caritas' Project Compassion.

Please take note of the instructions for sponsorship, and jump in to help us build the best playground equipment we can for our children.

Keeping Your Child, and Everyone Else’s Child, Safe

10km per hour…. It’s really quite slow. It’s also the speed which is more likely to keep our kids, staff and community safe. It’s also the maximum speed allowed in the school grounds. Please, be patient, be careful, and be slow.

Left Turn Only… It’s really quite easy. It’s also more likely to keep traffic flowing, which will reduce frustrations and delays for fellow human beings. It’s also the only direction you are allowed to turn, when leaving the school, between 8.45-9.15am and 2.45-3.15pm.

Parent Teacher Interviews

At SCA we strongly believe the job of educating children requires a strong and open partnership between staff and parents/carers. It is vital, therefore, that all families have at least one parent attend parent teacher interview in Week 9 of this term. (Three weeks away.)

Please ensure you have booked your appointment by following the instructions elsewhere in this newsletter.

Swimming Carnival and Water Fun Day

Thank you so much to the many parents and relatives who helped at our Swimming Carnival and Water Fun Day last week. We were worried when few people had nominated before the event, but in true SCA style, we were inundated with helpers on the day. Thank you.

We also thank and acknowledge the help we received from a large number of Student from St Mary MacKillop College. They were a tremendous help on the day, and excellent ambassadors for the College.

Well done to all the students. The cheering and support of team mates was spirited, and the engagement, at school and the pool, was full on by so many students. Well done especially, to those who were a bit nervous, and still had a go. We’re proud of you.

Finally, thanks to the staff. These events don’t just happen by themselves. Thanks to our organising committee, led by Mrs Currey, Mrs Austin, Mrs McCarthy and Mrs Thomson, and to all the staff for working hard all day to ensure the children had an enjoyable and safe day.

Family Week

Time certainly has flown this year. Next week is Week 7 of 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. I encourage everyone to take at least one night next 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.

School Fees

Term 1 Fees were due last Friday 3rd March.  

The following payment methods for school fees will be eliminated in 2023 with the migration to a new Finance system:
Direct Debits
Direct bank deposits
BPoint (Credit Cards) 

Please note that the preferred payment methods for the 2023 School Fees will be BPAY, however, you will also have the option of paying with EFTPOS, Qkr and Cash. Your BPAY details can be found on the bottom left hand side of the fee statement.

If you have a direct debit in place, and have not already, please contact Jo McCarthy on 6294 1860 or jo.mccarthy@cg.catholic.edu.au to receive a cancellation form. Alternatively one can be downlaoded from the school website under the school fees tab. 

It is most important that you notify the School regarding any changes to your email address as this is our primary form of communication.

While the Cat’s Away…

I will be away from school today for a CECG Leaders’ Day and then Thursday and Friday while I attend the annual Archdiocesan Principals’ Retreat. During my absence Mrs Jo Reed is in charge.

It was once said…

Lenten blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

Assessment & Reporting

Over the past couple of weeks, our Staff have been assessing the students, focussing on teaching and learning and providing differentiated learning based on individual educational needs.

A complete assessment process usually includes setting student learning outcomes, designing aligned assessment activities/methods, collecting and analysing data, generating results, and “closing the loop” making plans and designing programs for the next step. Teachers are able to provide structured and explicit direct instruction and learning opportunities to support the learning for all students. A big thank you to all of the SCA Staff who have worked hard to gather the information and we are confident that we will continue to have those “Ta dah” moments throughout the year.

In Week 8, on Wednesday 22 March, families will receive their child’s Progress Report detailing their academic progress so far in Religious Education, English and Mathematics for Semester 1 including an effort mark. In addition, there is a section that provides information about the learning behaviours of your child. Parents will find the report informative, and we encourage you to discuss the contents with your child.

Formal reporting to parents takes place several times per year.  This includes a Progress Report in Term 1 and Semester Reports in Terms 2 and 4.  

Informal reporting between a parent and teacher should be regular and occur at all stages of the student’s learning. The relaying of pertinent information which supports each student’s learning is vital. This open communication, whether in writing or by interview has proven a paramount factor in the creation of a positive learning environment for St Clare of Assisi students.

In Week 9, we invite all Parents to a Parent Teacher Interview. These will run from Monday 27^th – Wednesday 29^th March. The interviews times will open for bookings via COMPASS on Friday 17^th March. These are an opportunity for you to discuss the report and set some goals. 

Jo Reed

Assistant Principal

Last weekend’s Gospel was the Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-9. Peter, James and John went up the mountain with Jesus and saw a vision they belonged to, that of God. Through the Transfiguration, we are called to look for the signs Christ gives us, to build and sustain our own trust in God. Mother Hilda Scott OB challenges us:

“Perhaps this week you might just make an effort to think gracious thoughts, and you will be in line with God who only thinks gracious thoughts about you.”

Confirmation: Enrolment has now closed. The Parent Formation Sessions are next Wed/Thurs evening, 6-7pm at Holy Family Church. If you are unable to attend, please ensure you get in touch with the Parish Office or rachel.kennedy@cg.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible.

Harmony Day: We are looking forward to participating in Harmony Day on Wednesday 22 March. Children are invited to wear orange or dress in traditional dress for the day. Our Indigenous students will begin our day with a Welcome to Country.

Rachel Kennedy

Religious Education Coordinator

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

TERM 1

WEEK 6 (6th March to 10th March)

Friday 10th March - Colour Run showbag order closes, no late orders can be accepted

WEEK 7 (13th March to 17th March)

Monday 13th March - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL

Tuesday 14th March - School Photo Day - Full school uniform to be worn

Thursday 16th March - Book Club closes

WEEK 8 (20th March to 24th March)

Wednesday 22nd March - Harmony Day

WEEK 9 (27th March to 31st March)

Friday 31st March - Colour Fun Day

WEEK 10 (3rd April to 6th April)

Thursday 6th April - Last day of Term 1

2023 TERM 2

WEEK 1 (26th April to 28th April)

Wednesday 26th April  - First Day of school for all students - Winter Uniform

Tuesday 14 March 2023

Please do not make any appointments on this day, as make up class photos are not taken for absent children.

Full school uniform to be worn, no sports uniforms.

Last week your child should have taken home a photo envelope for school photo day; please check their school bag. If you have not received one please contact the Front Office.

SIBLING PHOTO FORMS can be collected at the Front Office.

Please email the office if you would like a form sent home or alternatively you or your child can collect an envelope from the office.

Any questions please do not hesitate to email sca@cg.catholic.edu.au or phone 6294 1860

Show bags are available for purchase through Qkr:

• Select School Payment
• Then select Fun Day Tab (beside Payment)

Show bags include a pair of sunglasses, wristband, sweatband, bag of powder, lollies and a juice. 

Show bags are $12 per student and must be paid for by Friday 10th March. No late orders will be accepted.

Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers everybody is welcome to volunteer. Babies in prams, toddlers and younger siblings are more than welcome!!