Dear SCA families,

We are probably all aware that today is St Patrick’s Day. But did you know that this week we also celebrate the feast day of Saint Joseph?

We know little about the life of St Joseph but what we do know is that God chose him to play a special role in the salvation story. Joseph stood by Mary and trusted her account of God’s intervention in her life through an unexplained pregnancy. It was Joseph who protected the infant Jesus and Mary when they fled to Egypt to escape certain death. Under Joseph’s care and influence, together with that of Mary, “Jesus grew in wisdom and grace, finding favour with God and among people”. (Luke)

St Joseph is a model for us of good living, of living and acting in such a way that reflects God’s goodness and love by constantly doing what is right and good. We celebrate the Feast of St Joseph on 19^th March^.

May St Joseph and St Patrick bless our school community this week with a desire to always do what is right, and with a firm faith in God’s loving presence within and among us.

National Day of Action Against Bullying

At SCA we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone.

Following are some pointers from Bullying. No Way! with tips on what to do if your child talks to you about bullying. Parents know their children best and know the best way to tailor communication to their needs. Adapt these tips to what works for you and your child.

If your child talks to you about bullying:

1. Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they’ve told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need: who, what, where, when.  Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child.
   
2. Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I’m so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that’s not fair at all’.
3. Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
4. Visit bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
5. Contact the school. Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher. Contact the school immediately if you have a concern about your child’s safety.
6. Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.

If you are looking for support for yourself to deal with a bullying situation, you will find ideas on the Bullying. No Way! website for parents. As well, please feel free to contact the school if you would like to discuss any aspect of our approach to preventing bullying.

Thanks for your support to make SCA a great school for everyone.

School Fees

Term 1 Fees were due Friday, 5 March 2021, unless paying by Direct Debit or other approved method. If you have overlooked your payment please organise this week, as we need to pay our bills also.

If you would like more information regarding Direct Debit payments or have any queries regarding your fees, please contact the Front Office. 

Progress Reports

Progress reports were sent home with students last Thursday 11^th March. If you have not received your child’s progress report, please contact their teacher as soon as possible.

Communication

It is VITAL that we maintain accurate and current contact information for all families. If you change a phone number, email address, postal address or emergency contact, you must inform us immediately.

Our primary and most effective form of communication is via the SchoolZine App. (SZapp). Emergency announcements will be communicated via the app.

Please ensure you have installed the app on your devices, enabled notifications, and checked the settings for the correct year levels and class groups.

If you would like help accessing or installing this, please contact the Front Office.

This Friday

Don’t forget, this Friday is Harmony Day and we are celebrating the diversity of our community. Please encourage your child to dress up in national costume, or orange to show their support. Please send in a ‘splash of cash’ to contribute to our Project Compassion appeal.

Term Two Starting Date – Tuesday 20^th April

Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn has declared Monday 19^th April as a pupil free day for all Catholic schools in Canberra. Students will commence Term 2 on Tuesday 20^th April.

It was once said…

Whenever one person stand up and says, “Wait a minute, this is wrong,” it helps other people to do the same. ~ Gloria Steinem

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

2021 -The Year of St Joseph

This year the Catholic Church marks the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St Joseph as the patron saint of the universal church. Pope Francis has declared 2021 as the Year of St Joseph. 

Pope Francis reminds us that Joseph loved Jesus with a Father's heart and that all four Gospels refer to Jesus as the Son of Joseph. There is not one record of a word spoken by Joseph in the Scriptures yet aside from Mary the mother of Jesus, no other person is recalled more in the teachings of the Church up and down the centuries. Joseph put his family before himself, his actions speak louder than his words. St Joseph was content to be hidden because he was not all about himself. St Joseph was all about God.

 

Just a reminder this Friday 19th March we are fundraising for Caritas by celebrating Harmony Day/National Day Against Bullying with a free uniform day. 

 

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.

This Friday, 19th March 2021 we will be celebrating Harmony Week and National Day Against Bullying with a dress up day for the kids and staff. Students are encouraged to dress in play clothes, or clothes which represent their heritage in some way. Students may also wish to wear something orange to represent no bullying. 

Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity.

We ask students to bring a 'splash of cash' to put into their project compassion boxes.

Just a friendly reminder Term 1 fees are now overdue. Thanks to those parents who have settled their fees.

Term 1 fees were due for payment by Friday 5 March 2021, unless paying by Direct Debit or other approved instalment payment method. The following methods of payment are available: Payments by Qkr!: All payments can now be made through the Qkr! app. Payments for school fees, excursions and canteen etc can all be made using Qkr! Details about how to download and register the App are available on our website.  Please ensure you have updated your settings for the 2021 year levels for your students. Eftpos: Eftpos payments may be made in person at Front Office. Bpay:Bpay is available for payment of School Fees only. Payments can be made through the internet and telephone banking by quoting the Biller Code and Reference Number located on your school fee statement. Direct Debit: Payment of School Fees by Direct Debit will require completion of the relevant paperwork. Please contact Jo McCarthy : jo.mccarthy@cg.catholic.edu.au to set up your Direct Debit. Direct Debits usually commence in January and run over 52 weeks or 26 fortnights. All Direct Debits are to be altered in December for the following year’s School Fees. Credit Card Payments – Mastercard or Visa: Credit Card payments may be made in person, over the telephone, or details can be provided at the bottom of your school fee statement.

Jo McCarthy

6294 1860

jo.mccarthy@cg.catholic.edu.au