Dear SCA Families,

It was fantastic to start the term with all of our students in the classroom. Last term’s remote start was successful, but face-to-face is so much better. I am sure, though, that our procedures will change in numerous ways throughout this term. We will carefully watch advice from all relevant authorities, and, as always, prioritise the health and safety of our students and staff when we make any decisions.

We welcome the following students and their families to SCA this term: Mehtaab B in Kinder Blue, Leandro S and Chloe S in 4 Green; and Mehar K in 4 Blue.

We also welcome Mrs Laura Adams who will be working with Mrs Thomson to teach 2 Yellow. Mr Sebastian Bonilla will also join us in the next week or so to teach Music for the rest of the year.

At the start of a new term I remind you of our strong belief in working closely with the parents and carers of our students. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, or myself, over any matter.

Reports

‘The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend forever running up and down the field and never scoring.’ Bill Copeland.

On Monday you should have received your child’s report. I am sure that each child will be able to identify their own areas of success, and importantly for their growth, areas for development. Should you have any questions about your child’s report, or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Three-Way Conferences

Thank you to the many parents and all the teachers for making these Zoom meetings work so well. I have missed seeing the positive reactions from parents as they leave a face-to-face session, but am pleased at least we can continue to actively work with our families.

If you require some more time with your child’s teacher, or you forgot to schedule an interview time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

Special thanks to the teachers for keeping a smile during the long days of this week on top of all the work involved in organising and preparing for the three way conferences. Thank you.

School Fees

School Fee Statements will be emailed to all families next week. Please ensure the office has your correct email address. If you haven’t received the fee statement by next Friday, please contact the school.

It was once said…

“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” –Duke Ellington

Blessings to you and your family. Take care and go gently.

Matt Egan-Richards

ACT Government COVID-19 Advice

We are urging Canberrans not to travel to areas where COVID-19 outbreaks are occurring.

Anyone who has recently travelled to these areas should closely monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested if they develop symptoms - no matter how mild.

Quarantine restrictions for specific locations in NSW

NSW Health has issued health advice on a number of cases.

As a precaution, as at 12 noon on Monday 20 July 2020 a Public Health Direction came into effect in the ACT, legally requiring anyone who has been in affected locations identified by NSW Health, to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date they were there, even if they do not have any symptoms.

At this time, these locations are:

People who visited these locations on the specified dates are asked to get in contact with ACT Health through the COVID-19 Helpline on (02) 6207 7244 so we can support individuals through their quarantine period.

These people are also encouraged to get tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms. This will help the NSW Government in their efforts to establish the source of infection.

Quarantine and testing advice for other NSW locations

In addition to locations required under the legal direction, the ACT Government is now strongly advising anyone who has been in locations identified by NSW Health to quarantine immediately and get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible - even if you do not have any symptoms. Follow the NSW Health advice and unless otherwise stated, you need to stay in quarantine for the full 14 days from your visit, regardless of your test result. Please make contact with ACT Health through the COVID-19 Helpline on (02) 6207 7244 so we can support you through your quarantine period.

Any ACT residents who have recently travelled to NSW, or who are planning to visit NSW, should keep up to date with the COVID-19 situation in NSW by visiting the NSW Health COVID website.

Everyone who travels outside the ACT must take appropriate precautions. This includes:

• Maintaining appropriate physical distancing measures.
• Practising good hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Taking note of all locations you visit and at what times.

• The students will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation during this term.
• Qkr bookings / enrolments are now opened. 
• If families have asked the parish to hold their child’s enrolment, they do not need to re-enrol. 
• Due to government restrictions on the number of people that are able to attend each mass, there will be two masses, on the one evening, for our SCA students to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Congratulations to the children who will be awarded white cards this week.  

If your child has brought home a Seasons for Growth note and you have not returned the parent permission slip please do so asap. If you would like further information please contact Karen Haines or Karen Snowball.

Monday 24th August

Please do not make any appointments on this day as make up photos are not taken for absent children.

Full winter school uniform to be worn, no sports uniforms please.

• New individual photo envelopes were sent home with your child Monday. The envelope has their name printed on them and the shoot key number. The shoot key is the same as the previous envelope sent home. You can return either envelope. If you made a payment in term one, no further payment is required. Just ensure whatever envelope you return has your receipt number on it.  The envelope is to be handed to the photographer on the day, it is NOT to be returned to the front office. For any further enquiries regarding payment please contact MSP directly on 6255 9208.

• Family/Sibling photos: A discount applies for families with 3 or more children. After purchasing individual packs for EACH child a Siblings Presentation pack of your choice will be free. Only children who present a Siblings Presentation order form to the photographer on Photo Day will have their family/siblings photo taken. Envelopes are available at the Front Office.

• For separated families you contact MSP on 6255 9208 or email canberra.office@msp.com.au they will issue you with a shoot key and assist you with posting out photos.

The cut-off date for ICAS has been extended to Sunday, 2 August to give more time to register and so nobody misses out on the opportunity to sit for ICAS.

To place the order:

Step 1: Click on this link:

https://shop.unswglobal.com.au/pages/pps

Step 2: Use this unique access code for SCA

CEE696

School banking is back!

Send your deposit books and cash to school on Friday’s to start collecting virtual tokens to earn rewards! If you have 10 tokens, remember you can claim a reward from terms 1, 2 or 3. We hope everyone has had a peaceful and safe break and we look forward to banking with you again.

The uniform shop is open on Monday & Friday mornings 8.45am-9.45am. Due to the current social distancing circumstances we need you to make an appointment to visit us. If you can’t make it in then we can pop your items at the front office for you to collect.

If you have any second hand uniform requirements please call, send a text, or email to:

Patrice:  pme203@bigpond.com or phone 0410 490 459

Jesse:    jswaltmann@hotmail.com or phone 0434 275 199

We have a number of outstanding IOU’s so if this is you, please arrange to pay any monies at your earliest convenience. If you’d like to check whether you have an outstanding IOU feel free to make contact & we can check our records.

Local Sporting Champions Programme reopened - Applications close 30 September 2020                                                                                                                                          

About the Programme

The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships. If successful, applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be turning 12 to 18 years of age in the same calendar year as the nominated championships.
• Be an Australian citizen or have been granted permanent resident status, residing in Australia.
• Be participating as an athlete, coach, or match official in:

• an official state championships endorsed by the relevant Sport Australia recognised national sporting organisation (NSO) or a School Sport Australia member body; or
• an official national championships endorsed by the relevant Sport Australia recognised NSO or School Sport Australia; or
• an international competition as a member of an official Australian team, representing a Sport Australia recognised NSO or School Sport Australia.

• Those attending a state championships must be living more than 125km from the championships venue, and travelling greater than 250km return to participate in the nominated championships.
• Must complete and submit the application prior to the nominated championships commencing.
• May receive a maximum of two grants in the same allocation year (1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021) for attending either:

• one state or national championships and one international competition; or
• two different international competitions.

• Must incur out-of-pocket expenses equal to, or greater than, the grant amount they are eligible to receive.

For further details on the criteria and application process, please visit the Local Sporting Champions webpage at:

https://www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions#apply_now.