Dear Families,

I enjoy watching elite athletes performing, and some of them are admirable role models, but I doubt they all offer a model for the way in which we can live our lives. Yesterday, on the feast of the Assumption of Mary (Tuesday 15th August), we had an opportunity to focus on a positive role model for all Christians.

So what does Mary offer us today? As we may struggle in life, so too did Mary. Her journey from single pregnant woman to a wisdom figure with the disciples was not an easy one. She and Joseph struggled in poverty to raise their family; Mary may well have had to care for an ageing Joseph and was probably left a young widow. She had to let go of Jesus as he grew to manhood and was eventually executed by the state. She would have heard the rumours about him as his ministry grew, along with the reality of seeing him suffer and die. But we know Mary was a woman of tremendous faith. She had to be to continue to walk with Jesus and to continue to say her “Yes” to God. Mary’s “Yes” required complete and utter trust, as the future would have been so unclear and frightening.

Mary brought us Jesus, and today we find the Risen Jesus in the most unlikely places and that is why we must think twice (through prayer and reflection) as we journey in life. Jesus shows us the way and Mary shows us how to follow him. May we discover the Mary in ourselves who values relationship with others and with God, and who journeys in faith and trust no matter what life deals us.

Assistant Principal and Religious Education Coordinator

After recruitment processes were undertaken, I am pleased to announce the appointments of Joanne Reed to the position Assistant Principal (AP) and Rachel Kennedy to the position of Religious Education Coordinator (REC) of St Clare of Assisi Primary School in Conder commencing 24 January 2024. They will continue in their acting capacity until the end of this year.

Congratulations Jo and Rachel. We look forward to them remaining as wonderful members of our leadership team.

Sick Kids

We understand the importance of education, but your child's health comes first. As we navigate these times together, we kindly urge you to consider the well-being of our entire school community.

If your child is feeling unwell, exhibiting symptoms of illness, or running a fever, we kindly ask that you keep them at home. This not only helps them recover faster but also prevents the potential spread of germs to their peers and staff.

By taking this responsible step, you are contributing to a safer and healthier environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and dedication to the health of our school family.

Student Safety

Your child's safety is our top priority, and we kindly request your assistance in maintaining a secure environment during drop-off times.

When you bring your child to school, please remember to engage your vehicle's park brake and place the car in park before they exit. This simple step ensures that your car remains stationary, preventing any unexpected movement that could pose a risk to your child and others.

By working together, we can create a safer drop-off experience for everyone. Thank you for your attention to this important detail.

Matildas

Talking about elite sports people… Like many others, I was glued to the screen on Saturday night as the Matildas won in a tight contest against the French. I assume many will also be watching on in hope tonight (from 8.00pm) as our team faces off against the English. I love to see an Australian team win, but it’s always a little richer for me when it’s against England!

It wouldn’t surprise me if more than a few students and parents had a slow start to the day on Thursday. (And I wouldn’t blame them!)

It was once said…

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

matthewer@cg.catholic.edu.au

Dear Parents and Carers,

Beginning early Term 4, we will be implementing a 9 session program called ‘Seasons for Growth’. Staff who are formally trained as ‘Companions’, spend time with a small group of students who are dealing with some aspect of change, separation, loss or grief. The sessions do not provide counselling or therapy. Instead, they:

• aim to support young people to understand and manage the grief that is experienced because of change, the loss of a parent or significant other through death, separation or divorce.
• assist in normalising the emotions associated with the loss
• encourage the expression of thoughts and emotions
• educate about the grief process
• develop a peer support network
• help restore self-confidence and self esteem
• draw on extensive research in developing a sound educative response to loss and grief.

‘Seasons for Growth’ provides opportunities for students in  Years 1 to 6 to integrate the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand and cope with change, loss and grief, using the symbolism of the four Seasons. It helps children to:

• accept the reality of loss
• work through the pain of grief
• adjust to an environment in which a significant person is no longer present
• emotionally relocate and move on with life.

However, they do suggest that the young person completes the program six to twelve months after the loss, as they are in better position to cope with the program.

Nominations forms and more information will come out over the next few weeks.