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 5
- Book Week
- SCA Trivia Night Reminder
- From the School Counsellor
- Boorowa Netball & Touch Football carnival
- White Cards Week 5
- For Your Diary
- Compass Notifications
- Canteen Roster
- A Pilgrimage to Assisi: Walking in Her Footsteps
- Corpus Christi Parish RCIA Program
- SCA After School Footy
- Reminder: Term 3 and 4 PERKS - FREE Parent Workshops
- Indonesian Independence Day Celebrations
- Stay Connected with Our School Community
When I was a young boy in the dim dark past, a trip to the library felt a bit like stepping into a cathedral. The walls were lined with books that seemed sacred, and the rules were strict. We were expected to stay almost silent; any sound above a whisper might earn you a sharp glance, and sometimes even a clip over the head. Pencils and textas were off-limits, as children were not quite trusted to keep the books free of scribbles. And of course, there were no computers or colourful cushions, just rows of shelves and a sense that reading was something serious, not to be disturbed. How different things are today. In our school library, children choose to spend their free time surrounded by books, not because they have to, but because they want to. They chat and laugh with friends, swap stories about characters they love, and dive into activities that bring those stories to life. For them, books aren’t locked away in silence; they are invitations to dream, to imagine, and to share.
This is the spirit of Book Week. It’s a time to celebrate that reading isn’t just about knowledge, but about joy. It’s about seeing our children fall in love with stories, finding themselves in characters, and discovering that a book can be both a private escape and a shared adventure. So, as Book Week unfolds, let’s be glad that the libraries of our children’s world are places filled with light, laughter, and possibility; places where the love of reading is not just protected, but celebrated.
Oval Refurbishment
Last Thursday we commenced a twelve-month treatment plan for the school oval. You will notice an initial browning of the surface, as this is the first stage in replacing the existing coverage with a more even spread of couch grass, supported by levelling work. By this time next year, we will enjoy a greener and more resilient oval surface that will serve our students well into the future.
Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC)
I wish to update you on the governance of our OSHC service. Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG) has recently introduced a new governance model, with our OSHC Director now reporting to the CECG General Manager of Early Learning and Care rather than the SCA Principal. This strengthens compliance with national childcare regulations and ensures Directors are better supported across the Archdiocese. Importantly, the day-to-day running of our service remains unchanged, and the positive working relationship between the school and OSHC team continues.
Trivia Night
Our Community Council Trivia Night is happening this Friday at the Lanyon Vikings Club. This adults only evening promises plenty of laughs, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to make some new friends along the way. It’s not too late to join us. Please see elsewhere in the newsletter for booking details. We look forward to a fantastic night together!
Emails
Finally, you will soon notice a new automatic email response when contacting our staff. This message outlines teachers’ working hours and reminds families that while staff are committed to supporting students, they are not able to reply instantly to emails, especially during class and supervision times. In most cases, conversations in person or by phone remain the best way to address matters requiring more detail. The intention is to ensure clearer communication, maintain healthy work boundaries for staff, and provide families with realistic expectations around response times.
Feast Week
I thoroughly enjoyed our celebrations last week. You’d think that after 30 years we would be tired of it, but not so. The children enjoyed many fun activities on various days, and our Mass and Scavenger Hunt to finish the week were special.
Thank you to all the staff who organised various activities, and a special thanks to Mrs Susan Strickland, our REC, who pulled it all together.
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Groucho Marx
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal
matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au
Missing book club order that was ordered with no name. Please come down to the front office if you are yet to receive your order.
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!
From the School Counsellor: Helping Children Make Friends
Friendships are a big part of school life - especially in primary school, where children are learning how to connect, share, and solve problems together. For some kids, making friends comes naturally. For others, they may require some additional support.
Why Friendships Matter
Having even one good friend can make a huge difference to a child’s confidence, sense of belonging, and enjoyment at school. Friendships help kids:
- Practice social skills
- Learn empathy and cooperation
- Feel supported during the school day
What Helps Children Make Friends?
There are many ways we can help children build their friendship skills. Here are a few practical ideas:
- Practice at home: Role-play things like how to introduce yourself, join a game, or ask someone to play.
- Talk about kindness: Encourage your child to notice and show friendly behaviours - smiling, sharing, using names, or including others.
- Set up playdates: Even short catch-ups after school or on weekends can help friendships grow.
- Praise effort: Celebrate when your child makes a small social step (e.g. saying hello, joining in, asking a question).
When It’s Tricky
Some children may feel shy, nervous, or unsure of how to connect with others. Others might struggle with the ups and downs of friendship drama. This is normal, and it’s something we can support them with over time.
What can help?
Encourage your child to:
- Keep trying, even if it’s hard at first
- Look for children with similar interests
- Ask an adult for help if they feel lonely or unsure
We’re Here to Help
If your child is finding it hard to make or keep friends, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can provide you with resources, or work with your child on social skills, friendship challenges, and confidence-building.
Friendship is a skill! And just like reading or riding a bike, it gets easier with time, encouragement, and a little support.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at amelie.nicholson@mccg.org.au or through completion of a referral using the following link: https://mccg.my.site.com/housing/s/school-referral-form
Warmly,
Amelie Nicholson
Student and Family Counsellor
It’s on again! The town and two primary schools of Boorowa will be playing host to the Boorowa Combined Primary Schools Touch & Netball Carnival. The Boorowa Touch Football and Netball Carnival is being held on Friday 24th of October. Boorowa is located approximately 1hr and 20 minutes from Canberra. It is a great day out and a good opportunity for our children to play sport against schools across our region. We see this as a fun opportunity for our children to compete against different schools and give our city kids a country experience.
SCA will be nominating teams for both Touch and Netball for Years 2-6. The day is about having fun and playing sport in a small country town. Boorowa has always been a huge day for SCA, where we usually take around 200 children! Children do not need to know how to play Touch Football or Netball - they'll quickly pick it up on the day! The rules for touch football are very similar to oztag, which many of our students are familiar with. So, join us for this great day out in the country having fun and playing sport!
Please check the Compass event for more information and to register your child. This is not a compulsory event and those children not attending should attend school as normal.
Registrations close Friday the 5th of September.
If you have any queries, please contact Katherine Austin for netball or Kerrie-Anne Ramirez for touch football.
katherine.austin@cg.catholic.edu.au
kerrie-anne.ramirez@cg.catholic.edu.au
Looking forward to seeing you there.
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 | Ayeza K, Naomi W, Felix R, Emilija S, Lachlan G, Kyle Foster | |
| Year 1 | Abonty C, William R, Abigail M, Gemma M | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Year 3 | Ellia R, Darcy T, Lacey G, Jacob M | |
| Year 4 | Ruponti C, Patrick G, Nicholas L, Charlotte B, Darcy M, Kourtney H, Lyriq R, Parker H | |
| Year 5 | Ekam S, Rory D | |
| Year 6 | Lydia P, Lilli L, Mason H, Lucas R, Dylan K, Eadie M |
2025 TERM 3
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
Thursday 21st August- Kinder Health Check
Friday 22nd August - Kinder Health Check
Friday 22 August - Book Week dress up day
Friday 22 August - Trivia Night 6:30pm
WEEK 6 (25th August - 29th August)
Monday 25th August - Year 6 Excursion (War Memorial & Art Gallery)
Monday 25th August - Tuggeranong Region Athletics Carnival
Monday 25th August - AFL Clinics K-6
Wednesday 27th August - Kinder Reptile Incursion
Wednesday 27th August - Golf clinics Year 4 & 6
Wednesday 27th August - Eucharist Retreat Day Year 5
Wednesday 27th August - AFL Clinics K-6
Thursday 28th August - Year 5 Grade Mass 9:15am
Friday 29th August - Year 3 Assembly 2:00pm
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
WEEK 8 (8th September - 12th September)
Monday 1st September - Footsteps Dance Program K-6
Wednesday 10th September - Golf clinics Year 4 & 6
Friday 12th September - R U OK Purple Happy Day
WEEK 9 (15th September - 19th September)
Tuesday 16th September - ACT Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 17th September - Golf clinics Year 4 & 6
Wednesday 17th September - Kinder Church Mini Retreat
Thursday 18th September - Year 6 Grade Mass
Friday 19th September - Corroboree Day
Friday 19th September - Footy Colours Day
WEEK 10 (22nd September - 26th September)
Monday 22nd September - Footsteps Dance Program K-6
Thursday 25th September - Students' Last Day of Term Three
Please refer to Compass for the following notifications:
| Date | Year Level | Note |
| 12 August | Year 5 | UPDATED: Year 5 Homework |
| 13 August | All Years | Book Week |
| 14 August | All Years | Father's Day Breakfast Blessing |
Please see Canteen Roster for this week below:
| 9:00am till 2:00pm | 9:00am till 11:20am | 11:20am till 2:00pm | |
| Thursday 21st | Laura B | ||
| Friday 22nd | |||
| Monday 25th | |||
| Tuesday 26th | |||
| Wednesday 27th |
If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the form via the link below.
Over the past few weeks, I had the privilege of visiting Assisi - a place that feels like a sacred embrace. The serene hilltop town in Italy holds deep spiritual significance for so many. Nestled in the Umbrian countryside, Assisi is not only breathtakingly beautiful—with its cobbled streets, olive groves, and sweeping views—but also profoundly moving.
One of the most special moments of the trip was walking in the footsteps of St. Clare. To stand where she stood, pray where she prayed, and reflect on her life of devotion and simplicity was incredibly humbling. Visiting the Basilica of St. Clare was a highlight—its quiet grandeur and sacred atmosphere invite deep contemplation. Seeing her preserved body was both surreal and deeply reverent, a reminder of the legacy of her faith and courage.
Equally awe-inspiring was the visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, a majestic structure built into the hillside that houses both Upper and Lower Churches adorned with the most beautiful frescoes. Standing before the tomb of St. Francis, you could almost feel his love for creation, his humility, and his unwavering faith.
Another highlight was seeing the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a modern-day teenager who will be canonized on the 7th of September. Known for his love of the Eucharist and his tech-savvy evangelism, Carlo’s body is displayed in Assisi’s Sanctuary of the Renunciation, dressed in jeans and sneakers—a powerful reminder that holiness is within reach for all of us.
Assisi has a way of slowing you down. It invites you to listen more closely, breathe more deeply, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether you're drawn by its spiritual history or simply its natural beauty, Assisi leaves a lasting impression.
If you ever have the chance to go—go. It’s a place that speaks to the soul, and I feel so grateful to have experienced it.
Katherine Austin
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
‘The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself.’ [Catechism of the Catholic Church Nº 27]
Are you, or someone you know, interested in becoming a Catholic?
Do you know someone who has shown an interest in becoming a Catholic?
The RCIA Programme at Corpus Christi parish is a nine-month course of discernment, instruction, discussion, sharing and personal witness by committed Catholics who are willing to share their stories of what it means to be a Catholic in today’s world.
If you are interested in or you know someone who might be keen to discover Christ in the Catholic Faith, please contact Evelyn Pond at the parish office on 6291 6688
The first session will be held at Holy Family parish centre on Wednesday evening 27th August at 7:00pm. All are welcome!
We hope that you can fit it in somewhere if possible please.
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.