Dear SCA Families,

Last week I attended the Archdiocesan Principals Retreat, where the 56 Catholic Principals and 15 Catholic Education leaders in our Archdiocese gathered together for spiritual development and some strategic input from the Catholic Education Office.

The retreat was led by Caroline Thompson who led us to explore the theme that the power for authentic leadership is found not in external arrangements, but in the human heart.

I am thankful to Val Ciuffetelli and the Leadership Team for holding the fort while I was able to attend this retreat and the Year 6 Camp.

Year 6 Camp

I wish to congratulate the Year 6 students following their camp in Sydney last week. The staff at Narrabeen repeatedly told me how pleased they were with the behaviour, attitude and participation of our students. I was proud to be with them for the three days.

I extend a very sincere thank you to Mrs Kristy Everding, Mrs Laura Adams, Mrs Claire Walsh, Mrs Bianca Breen and Mr Joseph McGrath who generously gave of their time (and sleep) to give the children such a great opportunity.

Family Week

Time certainly has flown this year. Next week is Week 7 of term. During this week, we try to minimise after school commitments for staff and students to allow everyone to reconnect and focus more on their families. That also means we do not set homework for the week. I encourage everyone to take at least one night next week to gather as a family, with no distractions, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Quiet time with the family is such a blessing in this busy world.

Swimming Carnival and Water Fun Day

Thankfully the weather was much better this time around!

Congratulations to all the children for their spirited participation in our water based events today. It was great to see them having so much fun while supporting each other and having a go at something that might be a little challenging.

Thank you to the many parents who helped. We love having volunteers, and it is because of your help that we are able to run such events.

Thanks to our wonderful staff. Not only did they organise and run two fantastic events, but they actually planned for it twice this year. Special thanks to our organising team led by Jo McCarthy, Katherine Austin, Jo Thomson, Emma Currey and Holly Barron.

Progress Reports and Three Way Conferences

Progress reports will be sent home tomorrow (Thursday 11^th March) and then 3 Way Conferences are scheduled for Week 2 of Term 2. Our school based Progress Reports and 3 Way Conferences provide you with ‘early year’ assessment and feedback on your child’s progress, social skills, work habits and effort which is not in the semester reports.

Term Two Starting Date – Tuesday 20th April

Monday 19^th April is a pupil free day in all Catholic Primary Schools in Canberra. Teachers will be working together on a program called “Catalyst”. I will provide more information about this exciting program in future newsletters.

It was once said…

Respect your parents. They passed school without Google. ~ Unknown

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.' 

Psalm 119:105

Next Friday 19th March we are encouraging all students to bring in a monetary donation for a Lenten coin drive. Students are encouraged to bring in a splash of cash and dress in play clothes or clothes to celebrate their unique heritage for Harmony Week. It is also the National Day of Action Against Bullying. The coins will be added to each class' Project Compassion box. 

Harmony Week

Harmony Week is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. The message of Harmony Week is everyone belongs. It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. 

Did you know? 

• Nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was.   
• We identify with over 300 ancestries.
• Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia.
• 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia.
• Apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi.
• More than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.

 National Day of Action Against Bullying

Bullying should be taken seriously. Children and young people need to know that they are being heard and that their feelings matter, and that their issue will be investigated respectfully. There will be more information about bullying in our newsletter next week with information and tips for families.

Thank you in anticipation of your generous donations!

Dear Parents of Year Six children to be enrolled for Confirmation in 2021,

Congratulations to the children who will be awarded white cards this week on Friday morning. Parents are welcome to attend.