Dear SCA Families and Carers,

I love the start of the school year. It was great to see everyone back on Monday, refreshed and ready for all this year will bring. The staff have been here for nearly two weeks now, working hard to ensure every student has many great learning experiences.

I offer a warm welcome to all of our new staff, students and families. It’s great to have you as a member of our St Clare’s family. I hope your time with us is rewarding and enjoyable.

Whether you are a student or parent, guardian or grandparent, a new family or returning one, I look forward to the contribution you will each make this year. I also offer you my full support and invite you to contact me should you wish to discuss any matter.

Annual Improvement Plan

You may be interested in our strategic priorities for 2020. Staff will continue to work hard in all areas, however, we will especially focus on three priorities this year:

Our Vision is to Be the Light.

Our Mission is to be leaders in faith, learning, community and leadership, so that every person in our school is able to do the best they can to contribute to the growth and wellbeing of students.

Key Improvement Goals

1. Improve student engagement and achievement in literacy
2. Improve student engagement and achievement in numeracy
3. Build student learning self-efficacy.

Staff Are Learners Too…

I would like to acknowledge the dedication of all staff during the last couple of weeks. There have been endless hours of planning programs, updating information and preparing classrooms to ensure that your children have a smooth start to the 2020 school year. Staff have also been involved in professional learning, reflection and dialogue, and we are looking forward to implementing some great new initiatives.

2020 Staff

Attached to the Newsletter is a full staff list for 2020.

Welcome to Hannah Dewey, Amanda Ducker, Brooke Coles, and Pam Villatobas who join our staff this year.

Parent Information Night and Meet and Greet – For all families

All families are encouraged to join us next Tuesday 11^th February. We are trialling a different format this year to ensure parents have the opportunity to formally hear from their child’s class teacher.

5.00 – 6.00pm             Sausage Sizzle under the Hayshed

6.00 – 6.25pm             Classroom Information (session 1)

6.30 – 7.00pm             Classroom Information (session 2)

Following the sausage sizzle, each classroom teacher will present an overview of their classroom and the significant events and happenings for 2020. To cater for parents with more than one child, teachers will repeat the session at 6.30. (For families with more than two children it may not be possible, unless two parents split up, to attend a session for each class. Please feel free to contact the teacher with any questions or concerns you may have.)

This is a great way to meet your child’s teacher and get to know other families. All welcome. If any parents can assist with cooking sausages, it would be greatly appreciated, please contact the Front Office on 6294 1860.

E Safety Night for Parents

All parents, especially those with children from Years 3-6, are invited to attend a special presentation from the AFP on Cyber Safety for Children. The Think U Know Parent Presentation will be on Tuesday 18 February at 6.00pm.

Calendar

A reminder that the calendar is available online through the School App and Website (https://www.sca.act.edu.au/) .

Facebook

We are on Facebook. Search for @scaconder on Facebook.

Newsletter every Wednesday!

The newsletter will come to you via the School Zine app (SZapp) each Wednesday. I encourage all families to install the School Zine app on your smart phone or Tablet. Please update your preferences to ensure you receive messages for the correct year level.

Safety Plans

Our school’s safety plans rely on us having correct and up to date contact and medical details for every child. Please ensure you inform the school of any updated personal information as a matter of priority.

Evacuation Drill

Please note that on Thursday this week we will conduct our first evacuation drill for the year. Teachers will assure the students of their safety, and that it is just a drill. To help alleviate any potential anxiety, I encourage parents to speak with children about to positive aspects of a drill before Thursday.

School Fees and Remissions

School fee invoices will be sent home shortly. Parents facing real difficulties paying are encouraged to apply for fee remissions. Any applications for fee relief must be made annually. Forms are available from the front office.

Janitor

Our Janitor/Groundsman, Darren, moved back to Queensland with his family in January. We are presently advertising the position, but not receiving many applications. If you know of someone who may be interested, please point them towards https://careers.cg.catholic.edu.au/en/job/496069/janitorgroundsperson-st-clare-of-assisi-primary-school-conder-act for further details.

Holiday Works

As always, some significant works took place during the January holiday period. This included: painting 5 classrooms, new gutters for Year 2 classrooms and repairs to Infants playground guttering, multiple leaking taps repaired or replaced, a sewer blockage removed, broken door locks repaired, maintenance of fire alarm system.

Finally, I thank you for your efforts in preparing your children so well for what has been a smooth start to the year. We look forward to the year ahead and I wholeheartedly offer my support to you as we work together in the education of your child. 

It was once said…

The secret of life it to fall seven times, and get up eight times.    Unknown

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

• Starting time is 8.45am sharp. Students arriving late will need to be signed in at the Front Office.
• Supervision commences at 8.30am and no student should be at school before 8.30am. Students arriving before 8.30am are unsupervised. Please use before school care if necessary.
• A student’s hair should be cut off their face and, if longer than shoulder length, it must be tied back in an appropriate school coloured band. Hair should also be of natural colour and extreme haircuts are not permitted.
• No jewellery should be worn to school and only plain studs, small sleepers and watches are acceptable. No bracelets, bangles, sparkly ear rings, nail polish, make up, etc are allowed.
• Correct School Uniform must be worn at all times. Students who continually wear incorrect uniform will receive a reminder note to be sent home to their parents.
• St Clare of Assisi has a NO HAT NO PLAY Policy. Students without a correct school hat will be asked to sit in the shade.
• Black ‘jogger’ or canvas 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.
• Students with Mobile Phones are asked to switch the phone off and leave it in their bags. If mobile phones are heard or sighted during school time they will be confiscated. The School takes no responsibility for lost or broken mobile phones.
• Students who are collected by their parents during the day for appointments must be signed out/in at the Front Office before and after the appointment.
• Parents visiting the school to assist are required to have a Working with Vulnerable People Card and are also asked to sign in at Front Office and receive a Visitors Badge.
• Please ensure the School always has up to date contact and emergency details for your children.
• Medical details must be updated and sent to the Front Office.
• St Clare of Assisi is a NUT FREE School. Please remember this when preparing recess and lunch, including peanut butter, Nutella, cakes with nuts, etc.
• Dogs are not allowed on school premises.
• Afternoon messages regarding changes to the afternoon routine must be received by the Front Office by 2.30pm or we cannot guarantee your child/ren will receive the message.
• Carpark - Please remember to be patient and considerate of others when driving in the car parks. School carparks are notoriously dangerous and ALL PARENTS are asked to be patient and alert. If you are in a hurry, collect your children early or wait until after 3.10pm when the carpark is less congested.
• TURN LEFT when exiting the school entrance as this keeps the traffic flowing.
• Absences from school – it is a legal requirement that all absences are explained. Please notify the school of your child’s absence by either :
  • Using the App
  • Calling the Front Office;
  • Emailing the Front Office at office.stclaresconder@cg.catholic.edu.au indicating your child’s name, class, reason for absence and date.
  • Sending a note to the classroom teacher indicating date and reason for absence.
• Canteen Ordering - Canteen ordering is only via the Qkr! App. Please see school website for instructions

This Friday 7th February SCA will come together as a community to raise funds for those affected by the bush fires across NSW and the ACT. The  school will give our donations directly to St Vincent de Paul, who will direct the funds as needed. 

Students are invited to bring a gold coin donation or a splash of cash and come to school dressed in their play clothes with closed in footwear such as their sports shoes.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to a fun uniform free day!

When your child is enrolled at St Clare of Assisi’, we will seek information from you which will enable us to act, as far as possible, in accordance with your wishes in instances of an accident or illnesses involving your child. It is essential for your child’s protection and ours, that we are fully aware of necessary treatment and medication requirements. Please ensure that all medical information is current and up to date. Where medical conditions or allergic reactions exist, we ask that parents complete the appropriate forms available on our website under ‘PARENTS - NOTES’ or from the school office as soon as possible.

All medication brought to school must be in the original packaging with the pharmacy label, clearly stating the student’s name and dosage.

Be the Light 

Let your light shine before others.

Matthew 5:16

SCHOOL PRAYER

Class Mass this Friday 7^th February: All of Year 6

SAVE THE DATE

• Opening school Mass Friday 14^th February 9:30am in the School Hall
• Ash Wednesday Liturgy 26^th February (week 4) 2pm in the School Hall

WEEK 1

Friday 7th February - Uniform Free Day 

WEEK 2

Tuesday 11th February - Meet and Greet Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 12th February - Kinder Introduction to School Session (K.I.S.S.) 4pm

Friday 14th February - Opening School Mass 9.30am

WEEK 3

Tuesday 18th February - ThinkUKnow Syber Safety Parent Presentation - 6pm

WEEK 4

Friday 28th February - Swimming Carnival

WEEK 8

Wednesday 25th March - School Photo Day - please do not make any appointments on this day. Full school uniform to be worn.

St Clare of Assisi will be hosting a ThinkUKnow presentation on Tuesday 18th February in the school library at from 6 - 7.30pm and all parents, carers and teachers are encouraged to attend. All students in Year 3-6 will participate in age relevant programs throughout the week during class, so your presence at this presentation will support the information they receive. 

ThinkUKnow Australia is a cyber safety education program that educates parents, carers and teachers of how people are using technology, the challenges they may face online, and how to help them overcome these in a safe and ethical way.

ThinkUKnow Australia is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank. The program is delivered in collaboration with policing partners New South Wales Police Force, Northern Territory Police, Queensland Police, South Australia Police, Tasmania Police, Western Australia Police, as well as Neighbourhood Watch Australasia.

The presentation will be delivered by a local law enforcement member and an industry volunteer. The presentation covers issues relating to children and young peoples’ privacy and security online, their relationships with other users and their online reputation. It provides insight into the devices young people are using, as well as the popular websites, apps and social networking sites they’re accessing.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about young people and the online environment, and how you can help them to be safe and responsible users of technology.

For more information, you can visit www.thinkuknow.org.au or contact the school office. 

Kinder: Tuesday & Thursday

Year 1: Tuesday & Thursday

Year 2: Monday & Wednesday

Year 3: Tuesday & Friday

Year 4: Tuesday & Friday

Year 5: Tuesday & Thursday

Year 6: Tuesday & Thursday

Book Club closes next Wednesday 12 February

HELPERS TO WRAP! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Thank you for the donations of shoe boxes we DO NOT require any more.

As these shoe boxes will be used for the Gift Baskets at this year’s fete they

will need to be wrapped. 

We are looking for volunteers to help wrap the boxes.

This can be done from the comfort of your own home; everything you need will be provided including a lesson.

Contact Anne Scollen at scafete@outlook.com.

Dear School Administration Team,

As we start a new school year, we would like to remind you, parents and students about our services and how to best prepare for travel on both bus and light rail in the new year. Details of all school and regular services are available online for parents and students to begin planning their journeys.

School routes and services remain unchanged for 2020. Transport Canberra is here to support the safe passage of students to and from school using public transport and active travel options.

To assist in planning school bus travel, use our handy tips and checklist below.

Routes and timetables:

Check the details of services required for your child to and from school, also making sure your child is familiar with the times and stops. If your child is new to school or changing schools, please check available school services or regular bus timetables information.

Journey Planner:

The Transport Canberra Journey Planner includes school services, allowing you to plan out the most convenient mode of transport for your trip to school. Use Transport Canberra’s journey planner to plan your travel, and use NXTBUS to track your awaited service.

MyWay cards:

MyWay is the cheapest and easiest way to travel with Transport Canberra services. A student MyWay card can be purchased online, over the phone, or at a MyWay Recharge Agent. Adding travel credit is even easier with the options of B-Pay or Autoload direct debit, attracting an additional 5% discount on all fares. Students can also top up their MyWay card or purchase a single or daily ticket at Transport Canberra’s new ticket vending machines, available at selected bus stations and Light Rail stops.

When travelling on Transport Canberra services, it is important for students to carry their concession entitlement in addition to their MyWay card as Customer Service Officers regularly check concessions.

Fares:
A single trip school student MyWay fare is now $1.22 on school days and a single trip school student cash fare costs $2.50. All information about MyWay and cash fares are available online.

Public Transport Safety:
If your child is new to public transport or a regular user, don’t forget safety is a top priority. Make sure your child is familiar with the safety rules for inside and outside their chosen bus or light rail service. For further information on Transport Canberra travel safety, please visit the Etiquette and Safety and Staying Safe sections on our website.

School Safety Tips:

A School Crossing Supervisor program has been in place since 2018. School crossing supervisors (lollipop people) assist children to cross roads safely by directing traffic with a stop sign and providing instructions. They also help to manage the flow of pedestrians and motorists at the busiest crossings. For further information on schools participating within the program please refer to our Active Travel page, under School Crossing Supervisors.

Active Travel:

Walking, riding or scooting to school is also a great way to reduce congestion and increase safety around schools. There are several initiatives in place to support families wishing to walk or ride in 2020, including the Ride or Walk to School, Active Streets for Schools and School Crossing Supervisor programs. Part way drop off points near a school, like a local oval or the shops, can be a great option if walking or riding the entire trip is too far.  

Further information:

Pick-up and set down guidelines, tips for parents, tips for staff/volunteers, tips for students, safe driving, safety tips, safe school travel plans and travel congestion information can be found under the School Safety Tips on the Transport Canberra website.

Staying up to date:
To keep up to date with Transport Canberra news and important service information, sign up for our email alerts or follow us on our social media channels: Email Alerts  Facebook  Twitter

Further information can be found under the FAQ’s section on our website. For all other enquiries, please contact us on 13 17 10.

WODEN VALLEY YOUTH CHOIR
Woden Valley Youth Choir has provided a music education to hundreds of students from ACT and surrounding region for over 50 years.   WVYC offers a dynamic choral programme for young people aged 8 to 25 and we are proud to provide so many positive benefits to our members: the value of learning to sing with confidence, positive self-esteem, and performance skills, which will hold them in good stead for the rest of their lives. WVYC is a not-for-profit community choir with a strong music education programme. We don’t just sing – we become musicians.

OPEN DAY AND AUDITIONS
WVYC will hold an open day on Tuesday 18 February.   Auditions will follow, for those interested, on Saturday 22 February.   We have vacancies in all choirs although quite limited places in our high school/university age treble voice choir.  We are especially keen to audition more young men for our changing and changed voices choir, Centauri Voices.  For more information on open day times and auditions please go to http://wvyc.org.au and download an application form or email info.wvyc@gmail.com or phone 1300 599 655.