We respectfully acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and learn, and pay respect to the First Nations Peoples and their elders, past, present and emerging.
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Dear Families,
It was wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents visiting the school yesterday afternoon. Our children showed obvious pride in their school and their learning, and our family members looked so pleased to see all that was taking place. The weather turned on a treat, but it couldn’t stop the smiles.
Thanks to everyone for turning up, to the children for sharing their learning journey, and to the teachers for doing all they do to lead that journey.
Time Machine?
Imagine if, at the end of the year, you were “given” a whole extra week of school?
A child who is 7 minutes late to class each day (dropped off 5 minutes late, 1 minute walk to the classroom, 1 minute to unpack) will have missed more than 23 hours of schooling in the year!
When late, children miss important announcements, social interactions and vital learning time. It also disrupts the entire class, as the teacher needs to stop what they are doing to welcome the child and repeat directions.
We know that unexpected delays can happen. A road accident, a sick pet, or even a broken dishwasher can all cause us to be late. Please though, try to do the best by your child, and the others in the class, by having children at school BEFORE 8.45am each day.
Our “warning bell” starts ringing at 8.43am, which allows students and teachers to move to classrooms, ready to begin at 8.45. On a practical note, the busiest time on in the school drive way each morning is at 8.43 – 8.50am.
Uniform Free Day
Next week, on Thursday evening, I will be sleeping outside without a mattress or roof to raise funds for those who really need our help. On Wednesday (21 June) we are inviting each child to come to school in casual clothes, and to bring some cash, to support my participation in the Vinnie CEO Sleepout.
If you would prefer to contribute online (and receive a receipt for tax purposes), please go to https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/mattegan-richards/act
If you have already contributed and wish to again, that’s great, but there is no expectation for your child to bring in any extra.
Semester One Reports
Teachers are preparing Semester One reports this week which will be made available on Compass on Monday 26th June.
Please note the following is used in all Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn schools.
For Kindergarten students:
- Achievement in each subject is reported using a four-point scale (Above Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Working Towards Expectations, Experiencing Difficulty).
For Year 1 to Year 6 students:
- Academic grades for each subject using a five-point scale from A-E will be reported using the ACT Common Grade Scale.
For all students:
- Strand Achievement will be reported in English, Mathematics, Human Society and its Environment, PDHPE and Creative Arts using a five-point scale (Consistently, High, At Standard, Partial, Limited).
- Engagement with Learning statements, which are taken directly from the Australian Curriculum, will provide specific information about your child’s Critical and Creative Thinking, and Personal and Social Responsibility, using a three-point scale (Consistently, Usually, Developing, Needs Improvement).
- Individual student comments will NOT be used in the Semester 1 Reports.
Dialogue is an important feature of reporting. The Semester Report in this format encourages parent engagement and conversation about student learning. We want the report to be the entry point for three-way conferences where we can engage in genuine conversation about your child’s strengths, challenges, effort and areas for growth.
These conferences will take place early next term, to allow each student, with the support of the school and family, to set goals and processes in place for the rest of the year.
Community Council Meeting
Our final Community Council Meeting for the term was held last night (Tuesday 13th June). It had been delayed one week because of the clash with Confirmation. The following items were discussed:
- School Finances
- OSHC report
- 2023 Fete
- CECG School Board and Community Council Review
- CE Finance transformation
- St Vinnies CEO Sleepout
- Focus on Learning Time (minimising interruptions).
If you would like to discuss any of the items, please speak with one of our Council members, or email council.scaconder@cg.catholic.edu.au
Term Three Stating Date – Tuesday 18th July
Monday 17th July is a pupil free day in all Catholic Primary Schools in Canberra. Teachers will be working together to enhance our planning and teaching strategies. All students will commence Term Three on Tuesday 18th July.
It was once said…
Ten Lessons to Instil in My Kids…
If you’re thankful, show it.
If you love someone, tell them.
If you’re wrong, fess up.
If you’re confused, ask questions.
If you learn something, teach others.
If you’re stuck, ask for help.
If you made a mistake, apologise.
If you trip, get back up.
If someone needs help, help them.
If you see wrong, take a stance. unknown
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal
Advance Australia Fair!
The word fair is in our National Anthem. Is Australia fair? Or equal?
We have a long and complicated relationship with what is fair and equal, and the discussion often leads to separatism rather than solution.
On the weekend, I visited the pool to do a few laps. While there I saw a swim class made up of young teenagers of all different heights, weights, faces, and skin colours.
They laughed and joked together after each lap, teasing each other when out of breath, and passed around their water bottles to share. Each time someone improved their time, they praised and cheered each other on. At no time were their words used in reference to each other’s skin colour or ethnicity. Sadly, this was something notable.
Quiet racism occurs every day in society. In Australia, it is against the law to do something in public based on the race, colour, national or ethnic origin of a person or group of people which is likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate. This type of behaviour is classified as racial hatred and is prosecutable. However, it is generally casually acceptable.
Unfortunately, our children are exposed to it every day, not just through in-person interactions but also explicitly in politics and media, subtly in video games and music, and overtly within sport at the highest level.
At SCA, over 20 nationalities are represented. Life without cultural diversity and the opportunity to learn together, discuss different perspectives, and share differences leads to quiet racism. At its core, racial hatred is predominately built on a lack of exposure to others, propagated by reinforced negative ideas externally until these ideas become internal truths.
There is no singular solution to quiet racism in Australia, however, embracing and celebrating our differences and maintaining open-mindedness when attempting to understand each other will assist in minimising separatism. At SCA we strive to foster these values in our community. As God’s children, created in God’s image, we play a vital role in promoting through both action and word, a love and acceptance of all.
Confirmation
Congratulations to the following students who made the sacrament of Confirmation within our Corpus Christi Parish last week.
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Amir A Isabella B Mariella C Shelby C Scarlet C Tahlia D Chloe D Paige H Ava H Lara H Evie H Alex J Ania K Hazel L Noah M Logan M Emily M |
Alana M Ava M Samuel M Grace P Hayden P Myles R Hayden R Hayden S Nate S Josh S Lilly T Chloe W Libby W Stevie W Ella W Emily W Alison W |
As Fr James reminded all the students, Confirmation is not the ‘graduation’ sacrament, it is the beginning of the adult life within the Church. We look with joy towards these students as the Holy Spirit ignites their gifts!
Feast of Corpus Christi
This Friday, 16th June, all our Year 6 students will travel to Holy Family Church to participate in a combined Parish mass, to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. We look forward to building our involvement with our parish and parish schools. The students will participate in Mass at 10am followed by some games led by Year 10 students from St Mary Mackillop College, who are also in our parish. Parents are most welcome to join us for Mass at Holy Family Church.
First Eucharist
A reminder that enrolments for First Eucharist are now open. Please visit the Corpus Christi Parish Qkr app to enrol your child. If there are any questions, please get in touch with Anne Gowen, our Sacramental Coordinator, via the Parish office, 6291 6688.
Food Drive
Next week is the last week of our Food Drive. Thank you for all the items already donated and the generosity this beautiful community has shown.
CEO Winter Sleepout Uniform Free
Next Wednesday 21st June, we will hold a uniform free day to raise money for Mr E’s Winter Sleepout. Children are encouraged to wear free clothes and bring a donation. If you wish to make a larger donation, our Front Office will collect these, or you can go to the link, available in this newsletter.
Have a fabulous week,
Rachel Kennedy
Religious Education Coordinator
Congratulations to the children who will be awarded white cards at the 8.45 am Friday Morning Assembly
| Kindergarten | Mary A, Logan B, Cohen H, Amber K, Thomas S |
| Year 1 | Zara A, Peyton I, Zoe F, Liam O, Hallie V |
| Year 2 | Lennox G, Logan H |
| Year 3 | Tahlia A, Lily B, Jayden C, Nelson L, Mia M, Patrick M |
| Year 4 | |
| Year 5 | Eli W |
| Year 6 | Amir A, Nicholas C, Olivia D, Evie H, Tess K, Cara L, Chloe P, Hayden R, Josh S, Chloe W |
2023 TERM 2
WEEK 9 (19th June to 23rd June)
Wednesday 21st June - Uniform Free Day
WEEK 10 (26th June to 30th June)
Friday 30th June - Last Day of Term 2
2023 TERM 3
Term 3 Resumes Tuesday 18th July
All dates available on the School Calender