Dear Families,

If there is truth in the old saying about time flying when you’re having fun, then everyone at St Clare of Assisi must have had a ball so far this year. As this term draws to a close there is so much to be grateful for, so much to give thanks for. There are times when, if we had the chance, we would say or do things differently. The end of term and the holidays, gives us the opportunity to look forward with renewed energy, vigour, vitality and enthusiasm for the term to come.

I wish everyone a very happy Easter season and all its blessings, and pray we all see it as a call to renew our commitment to live as disciples and to work for peace in the world. (The season of Easter continues until the feast of Pentecost on Sunday 28^th May.)

During this week, the children from all year levels are leading us in prayer to mark Holy Week and the Easter stories. These prayer celebrations help us to recall the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus and to enter into meaningful prayer. Thanks to the children involved and the teachers.

I also take this opportunity to thank each one of our staff for the efforts they have made together for your children this term. I continue to be impressed with the caring commitment obvious from the staff at St Clare of Assisi

Colour Run

Friday was a fantastic day of fun, excitement, and most of all, colour. Thank you to everyone who contributed to make it a successful fundraiser for our new playground equipment and the Project Compassion appeal. I am pleased to report that we raised over $18000, thanks to the support of so many people.

It was great to see so many parents join us to help out, cheer the kids on, or just share in the vibe of the day. Thanks to those of you who did help, and to the staff who all participated with good humour. A special thanks to Mrs Jo Thompson, who along with a band of helping staff and parents, organised this year’s event.

Parent / Teacher Conferences

It has been wonderful to see parents and teachers walking away from interviews looking so positive last week. The parents I have spoken with have been full of praise for their child’s teacher and are looking forward to the rest of the year. Thank you to the parents for your support of all we do here.

Special thanks to the teachers for keeping a smile during the long days of the week on top of all the work involved in organising and preparing for the conferences. Thank you.

Community Council Secretary

We thank our outgoing Community Council Secretary, Emma Phelan, who, after 5 years of service to the Council, is stepping aside. We especially thank her for her three years as Treasurer prior to taking on the Secretary role.

In light of this, we are seeking nominations from the community for a new Council member who is willing to serve as the Council Secretary. According to our constitution, the role of the Secretary is:

The Secretary will record accurately the minutes of the meeting, filing one (1) copy with the school and one (1) on the Council file.  The Secretary, in collaboration with the Chair and the Principal, will prepare a brief report of each meeting for the school newsletter.  The Secretary assists the Chair and the Principal in the preparation of the agenda and ensures that agenda items are advertised prior to the meeting.  The Secretary will handle all correspondence as directed by the meeting. 

Persons interested are asked to email their expression of interest to sca@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday 21 April. For further information about the role, please contact me at school.

Energy Drinks

There have been reports of energy drinks, in particular, Prime at school in recent weeks. There are warnings on the label of these products advising that these drinks are not suitable for children under the age of 15. As with soft drinks, these drinks should not be brought to school. We have been advised that some students stop by the shops on their way to school to purchase these drinks.

We ask that families support the school by ensuring the following:

• We ask that families support the school by ensuring the following:
• Energy drinks are not to be brought to school.
• Empty energy drink bottles should not be used for water bottles at school.
• No student from St Clare of Assisi should be at the shops in their school uniform, either before or after school, without a responsible adult present.

Any energy drink brought to school will be placed in the fridge and given back to the students at the end of the day.

Winter Uniform

It is time to get the winter uniforms out and dust them off. We will be wearing it when we return for Term Two on 26^th April. We will have the usual few weeks of change over, but students are expected to wear correct winter uniform. A reminder that black ‘jogger, canvas or boots’ type school shoes are not part of the school uniform. The only school shoes allowed at St Clare’s are the traditional or formal black leather school shoes.

2023 Enrolments

2023 Enrolment Period

1^st May until 21^st May

Open Days Thursday 4^th May and Thursday 18^th May

Enrolment time will be on us again in a few weeks. If you have a little one ready for school in 2023 or you know of anyone interested in looking at our fantastic school for their children, the enrolment packs will be ready for the beginning of the new term

Term Two

A final reminder that Term Two will commence on Wednesday 26^th April.

It was once said…

Enjoy the break from school routines. We look forward to seeing you back safely on Wednesday 26^th April.

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

matthewer@cg.catholic.edu.au

As we enter another Holy Week, we listen to the stories of Jesus’ triumphant arrival into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, followed by the Easter Triduum which culminates in the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Throughout Lent we have been challenged to take up our own cross, however that may look and follow Jesus as the way the truth and the life.

We know the challenges and humility of the disciples as Jesus prepared for his crucifixion. We too, experience challenges in our own lives, some seeming more overwhelming than others. However, at the heart of our troubles, is God’s great mercy which is shown to us this week. Jesus’ human nature  is exposed most obviously through his crucifixion. The depth of Mary’s despair as she supported her son. As we journey to Easter Sunday, may the joy of the Resurrection bring peace and hope to you and your family!

“When we pray, God opens our eyes, renews and changes our hearts, heals our wounds, and grants us the grace we need” Pope Francis.

Holy Week Liturgy

On Tuesday, we gathered as a school as our Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 students led a beautiful liturgy recalling the events of Holy Week. We thank our students and their wonderful teachers for the reverent liturgy they prepared.

School Chapel

Next term class masses will be held in our new Chapel. The Chapel is up next door to the Star Centre, in the back demountable building. Having a Chapel provides our school with a semi-permanent space to pray and participate in the Mass. This space can also be utilised for parents and carers; if this is something you are interested in, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Have a wonderful and blessed Easter and enjoy the family time the holidays bring!

Rachel Kennedy

Religious Education Coordinator

..

Holy Thursday

7pm,  Holy Family Church Gowrie

Mass of the Lords’ Supper & Washing of the Feet

Good Friday

11am,  St Clare of Assisi School Grounds Conder

Stations of the Cross

3pm,  Holy Family Church Gowrie

The Passion & Death of our Lord  

Easter (all Holy Family Church Gowrie)

7pm, Saturday Vigil

8am & 10am Sunday

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

I had the pleasure of taking the SCA swimming squad to the Tuggeranong Region Swimming carnival. Our kids were superb in the pool against some tough competition. Congratulations to all of you for your amazing efforts and doing SCA proud with your awesome display of sportsmanship.

The results were:

Hunter B 6th in the 50 metre freestyle

Ivy M 4th in the 50 metre freestyle

Mason H 2nd in the 50 metre freestyle

Sofia R 4th in the 50 metre freestyle

Ava R 6th in the 50 metre freestyle

Sam A 2nd in the 50 metre freestyle

Mia R 5th in the 50 metre freestyle

Jasmine S 1st in the 50 metre freestyle Darren L 8th in the 50 metre freestyle Elissa B 5th in the 50 metre freestyle

Darren L 4th in the 100 metre freestyle Elissa B 6th in the 100 metre freestyle

Elissa B 5th in the 50 metre butterfly

Sam A 4th in the 50 metre breaststroke

Lilly T 1st in the 50 metre breaststroke Jasmine S 3rd in the 50 metre breaststroke Ava R 3rd in the 50 metre breaststroke Elissa B 3rd in the 50 metre breaststroke

Emma T 7th in the 50 metre backstroke

Sofia R 6th in the 50 metre backstroke

Sam A 1st in the 50 metre backstroke

Jasmine S 7th in the 50 metre backstroke Mia R 6th in the 50 metre backstroke Darren L 3rd in the 50 metre backstroke Tess K 1st in the 50 metre backstroke

Congratulations to all of the students for a fabulous effort!

Katherine Austin

This year we have many events that require parent assistance. To volunteer in a classroom, in the canteen or at a school event such as carnivals or fete, you must hold a current Working With Vunerable People (WWVP) card. A volunteer WWVP is free. 

The link below will take you to the WWVP application.

https://mydigitalaccount.force.com/WWVPNDIS/s/wwvp-ndis-new-application-v2

The kids love seeing you there!

TERM 1

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