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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- A message from the Principal Week 3
- Feast Week - Parent Flyer
- Feast Week Volunteers
- Gratitude Thursday
- SCA Trivia Night
- From the School Counsellor
- Stay Connected with Our School Community
- White Cards Week 3
- For Your Diary
- Compass Notifications
- Uniform Shop
- Canteen Volunteers Needed
- Come & Try Basketball
Dear SCA Families,
Next week we celebrate SCA Feast Week, a special time to honour our patron, St Clare of Assisi, and reflect on the values that shape our school community. St Clare’s life was one of courage, simplicity, and deep faith. She chose a path of poverty not as a lack, but as a way to make space for God’s love and presence in her life.
Clare’s decision to leave behind wealth and comfort to follow St Francis was bold and transformative. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, now known as the Poor Clares, whose members continue her legacy of prayer, service, and humility around the world.
One of the most powerful messages from Clare is her belief that our actions speak louder than words. She once said, “When lips cease to pray, let your hands begin.” This week, let us reflect on how we can be the hands of Jesus in our world; through kindness, generosity, and compassion.
This Friday we also remember St Mary MacKillop, whose words continue to inspire: “Never see a need without doing something about it.” Perhaps this week, each family might take a moment to identify one simple way to help someone in need. Small acts of love can make a big difference.
May this coming Feast Week be a time of joy, reflection, and renewal for us all.
Trivia Night is Coming – Don’t Miss Out
It’s your school, your community—and your chance to connect!
Trivia Night is a fun, relaxed way to meet the adults who’ll be part of your family’s journey for years to come. Whether you know people or not, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved, have a laugh, and build connections.
Tickets are limited and selling slowly—let’s change that!
Organise your table or grab a seat this week. Let’s make it a night to remember!
Traffic Reminder – Be Patient, Be Safe, Be a Role Model
As you may be aware, construction of the new Health Centre on the corner of Heidelberg Street and Box Hill Avenue is well underway. Following recent meetings with ACT Government project managers and the site builders, we’ve been assured that they are aware of our school’s peak traffic times and are working to minimise disruption.
While they cannot enforce restrictions, they have requested that suppliers and contractors avoid deliveries between 8:00am–9:30am and 2:30pm–3:30pm. However, some major deliveries are scheduled and may impact traffic flow.
All site traffic will enter via Heidelberg Street (left turn only) and exit via Box Hill Avenue (left turn only) to help reduce congestion.
We ask all families to please:
- Be patient during drop-off and pick-up times
- Drive and park with care and consideration
- Set a positive example for your children and others
Let’s work together to keep our school community safe and respectful during this busy time.
Upcoming Major Deliveries (for your awareness):
- 22 August – 8 concrete trucks + 1 concrete pump (from 7:00am until complete)
- 26 August – 8 concrete trucks + 1 concrete pump (from 7:00am until complete)
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
NAIDOC Mass
On Friday last week Catholic Schools from across the archdiocese gathered at St Christopher's Cathedral in Manuka, to celebrate NAIDOC Week. Many of our Indigenous students represented SCA. Thanks to Miss White and Mrs Strickland for taking the students. A small selection of photos is available on the Catholic Education Office website.
Hats On
Though it’s still cold, the UV is on the increase, so we remind you of the school policy regarding exposure to the sun: Simply stated, from August until May, there is a ‘No Hat – No Play’ policy.
Community Council Meeting
Our fifth Community Council Meeting for the year was held last night (Tuesday 5th August). The following items were discussed:
- Principal’s Report
- Governance and Management of OSHC
- Trivia Night
- Resilience Project
- AGM and Future Open Meetings
- Traffic at SCA
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
It was once said…
We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. “If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing.” Clare of Assisi
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal
As part of the celebrations, on Tuesday, 12th August, students will enjoy a special lunch provided by the school.
We’re also excited to host a Lolly Day where students will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of delicious sweet treats from the canteen during Recess and Lunch.
To help make this day a success, we are seeking parent volunteers to assist with:
- Preparing and serving the special lunch
- Selling treats at the canteen during Recess and Lunch
If you’re able to lend a hand, even for a short time, we’d be incredibly grateful.
Please add your name to the volunteer list via the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18hg2VxGJUQ9vJu5TuDDaT9p_OQNxL9QE_o7FpLzQTgA/edit?usp=sharing
Thank you for your ongoing support in making our Feast Week a joyful and memorable experience for all!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our SCA Trivia Night – a fun-filled evening for our school community to come together, test their knowledge, and enjoy some laughs!
Tickets are now available!
Secure yours via the link below:
https://compasstix.com/event/86f64204-e3e1-407a-a2c2-4c4c3937d400
- Date: Friday, 22 August 2025
- Time: 6:30pm
- Location: Lanyon Vikings
Please note:
- This is an adult only event.
- All tickets include entry, seating, and a shared cheese platter for the table.
- Canapes are available to pre-order at the time of ticket purchase. Please note that canapes must be pre-ordered and will not be available for purchase on the night.
- If you’d like a more substantial meal, we recommend eating before you arrive or booking a table at Vikings prior to the event.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Understanding and Supporting School Refusal
Let’s talk about something many families are quietly navigating: school refusal/avoidance.
If your mornings involve tummy aches, tears, or full resistance to leaving the house, please know you're not alone, and your child isn’t just being ‘difficult’ School refusal is often a sign of overwhelming emotional stress, and there’s support available.
What is School Refusal?
School refusal is more than not wanting to go to school. It can involve real distress. Kids might say they feel sick, cry at drop-off, or completely shut down. These reactions are often not conscious choices, but signs their stress response system is activated. It’s their way of saying, ‘This doesn’t feel safe right now.’
Why Does It Happen?
Every child is different, but common reasons include:
- Separation anxiety
- Social or performance anxiety
- Friendship issues or trouble fitting in
- Learning difficulties or academic pressure
- Changes or stress at home
It’s important to know that school refusal is rarely just a child issue. It is often influenced by the home environment, school climate, and even how we as adults are coping. Kids pick up on our stress and moods. What we model, they absorb.
What Can Help?
Here are some helpful strategies discussed in a webinar on school refusal by The Raising Children Network, featuring paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey:
- Acknowledge the struggle. Instead of trying to fix things right away, try: ‘I know this is hard.’
- Be their safe base. Progress might be slow, but the key is to walk alongside them and keep moving forward.
- Focus on strengths. Help your child find ways to contribute or feel valued at school. One example: Billy engaged with a student who loved art and was asked to help with school posters. It gave her a reason to feel proud and connected to the school environment.
- Teach self-awareness. Help kids learn to spot their early warning signs like a tight tummy or racing thoughts, so they can use coping strategies earlier.
- Prioritise predictability. Kids feel safer when they know what to expect, not just in routine but in how adults around them respond emotionally.
- Look after your own mental health. Children learn how to manage emotions by watching us. Modelling self-care is a powerful message. It tells them it is okay to feel anxious and to ask for help.
And remember, enjoying time with your children and needing time apart are both completely valid. Boundaries are healthy for everyone.
Seek Support
If school is becoming a daily challenge, I’d love to connect and support you and your child through it. We can work together with classroom teachers and school staff to create a gentle, tailored plan that helps your child feel safe, supported, and more confident at school.
Email: amelie.nicholson@mccg.org.au
Referral to counselling link: https://catholiccare.force.com/housing/s/school-referral-form
Webinar link: https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/podcasts-and-webinars/webinars/school-refusal-webinar
Warmly,
Amelie Nicholson
Student and Family Counsellor
We kindly encourage all families to follow our Facebook page (St Clare of Assisi Primary School) for weekly notices, school news, event reminders, and a glimpse into daily life at our school.
We are also excited to announce that we are now on Instagram! Follow @stclareofassisiconder to stay up to date with what’s happening in and around our school community.
This week White Cards will be presented at Friday Morning Assembly at 8.45am. Parents and Carers are very welcome to attend. Congratulations to the following children.
| Kinder |
Victor C, Xander A, Penelope H, Skylar R |
| Year 1 | Adelaide D, Brooklyn S, Zain L, Zayde P, Sienna D, Antonis A, Aleena M |
| Year 2 | Elizabeth R, Aubree R, Mia N, Zara E, Mia J |
| Year 3 | Oscar H, Joshua B |
| Year 4 | Hayley M, Jemima G |
| Year 5 | Alex C, April G, Annabelle S, Beant S |
| Year 6 | Zane D, Emma A, Lucas B, Ava L, Emma T, Malakai R, Charlie M |
2025 TERM 3
WEEK 4 (11th August - 15th August)
SCA Feast Week
Monday 11th August - Footsteps Dance Program K-6
WEEK 5 (18th August - 22nd August)
Book Week
Wednesday 20th August - Book Fair 8.30am - 6pm
Thursday 21st August - Book Fair 8.30am - 6pm
Thursday 21st August - Year 2 Grade Mass 9.15am
Friday 22 August - Book week dress up day
Friday 22 August - Trivia Night
WEEK 6 (25th August - 29th August)
Monday 25th August - Year 6 Excursion (War Memorial & Art Gallery)
Wednesday 27th August - Kinder Reptile Incursion
WEEK 7 (1st September - 5th September)
Monday 1st September - Footsteps Dance Program K-6
Wednesday 3rd September - Year 5 Corpus Christi Cup
Wednesday 3rd September - Golf clinics Year 4 & 6
Friday 5th September - Father's Day Breakfast
Please refer to Compass for the following notifications:
| Date | Year Level | Note |
| 29 July | Year 1 | Year 1 Term 3 Overview |
| 30 July | Year 3 | Year 3 Term 3 Overview |
| 31 July | Year 4 | Year 4 Term 3 Overview |
| 31 July | Year 6 | Year 6 Term 3 Information Letter |
| 4 August | All Years | Stay Connected with Our School Community |
| 4 August | Year 3 | Year 3 Homework Week 3-4 |
The school canteen is managed by our dedicated canteen manager with the invaluable support of parent volunteers. Volunteering in the canteen is a fantastic opportunity to become more involved in the school community, meet other parents, and contribute to a positive school environment. Parents are welcome to bring along younger children, and a designated playroom is available to keep them entertained during your shift. If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the form via the link below.
