SCA Newsletter Issue 4, Term 3, 2025

A message from the Principal

Dear SCA Families,

I remember when my dad turned 40 and thought he was an old man! Now as a father myself (certainly past 40, and a grand-father to boot!), I have reassessed many of the things I used to think about my father. With Fathers’ Day this weekend I take the opportunity to thank all of the Dads and father-figures in our SCA family. The school appreciates the many ways in which you support and assist us for the good of your children. Best wishes for a great day on Sunday.

A Father’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven

I am a father on earth.

You have given me this gift and responsibility.

Grant me the wisdom to carry it out.

Let my fatherhood be one of encouragement and support,
not of expectations and control.

Let me respect them as individuals, not as extensions of myself.

Let me be honest about my feelings toward them –
including my anger, disappointment, hurt, excitement, joy and love.

Let me be firm without dominating them.

Let me be sensitive to their feelings without trying to change them.

Let me be there for them when they need me and get out of their
way when they don’t.

Let me offer them the roots of belonging and the wings of freedom.

Help me, Father in heaven, to be a father on earth.

Happy Father’s Day (this Sunday) to all the dads, grand-dads, uncles and father-figures of our children. Congratulations on the love you put into being a father. Though they may not often say it, the children appreciate you for the love you put into their lives.

Father’s Day Breakfast – This Friday

All fathers, grandfathers and father-figures are warmly invited to our annual Father’s Day Breakfast, this Friday, 5^th September, in the school Hall. Please see elsewhere in this newsletter for details.

Learning Journeys

Next week, on the afternoon of Tuesday 9^th September, our classrooms will be open for all family members to visit and see what has been happening in your child’s classroom this term.

Your child will take you on a journey, sharing their learnings so far, as well as some of their challenges. Class teachers will be present to say hello. If you think you might need a one-on-one conversation with your child’s teacher, please speak with them to arrange a mutually convenient time.

We hope to see many families visiting us next Tuesday from 3.00pm – 4.30pm.

A Special Day at SCA – Purple Happy Day

On Friday 12^th September (next week) we continue a cherished tradition at SCA by celebrating Purple Happy Day in conjunction with R U OK Day. Since 2011, our Purple Happy Day has been a joyful event focused on raising awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being.

Before R U OK Day was even established, SCA initiated this day to support one of our beloved students, Shanice Johnson, who was battling a rare platelet disorder. Although we sadly lost Shanice, we continue to remember her as a vibrant, happy, and loving member of our community. Her mother remains a strong supporter of our school and takes pride in the efforts we make to promote positive well-being in Shanice’s memory.

On Friday 12^th September, all students will participate in a variety of activities that promote both physical and mental health, along with games that are just for fun. In honour of Shanice’s bright spirit and her favourite colour, we invite students to wear purple, her favourite colour, and/or yellow, linking the day with R U OK Day.

Our school motto, “Be the Light,” calls us to reach out to our family and friends, checking in on those we love. Let us ask God to strengthen us so that we can truly be the light of Christ for one another.

Following is a snapshot of mental health and community support services available for children, young people, families, carers and educators.

If you are concerned about someone at risk of immediate harm, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Kids Helpline

24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services for children and young people aged 5 to 25

1800 55 1800

Headspace

Online support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25

1800 650 890 (9am to 1am daily)

For webchat visit https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace

Beyond Blue

24/7 mental health support service

1300 22 46 36

1800RESPECT

24/7 support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse

1800 737 732

Lifeline

24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services

13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service

24/7 crisis support and counselling service for people affected by suicide

1300 659 467

Mensline

24/7 counselling service for men

1300 78 99 78

QLife

LGBTI peer support and referral

1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight daily)

Online chat 3pm to midnight daily

13YARN

24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

13 92 76

Trivia Night

Last Friday evening, the Lanyon Vikings Club played host to our Community Council Trivia Night, which brought together laughter, friendly competition, and a wonderful sense of community.

The night was a great success, with teams diving into trivia rounds that tested their knowledge and sparked plenty of light-hearted banter. The relaxed atmosphere made it easy for everyone to unwind, connect with others, and even make a few new friends along the way.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped make the evening so memorable. From the organisers who worked behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly, to the participants who brought energy and enthusiasm to every round; your contributions were truly appreciated.

Thanks to the Lanyon Vikings Club for hosting us and providing a welcoming space for our community to come together. Events like these remind us of the strength and spirit of our local community, and we’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to gather and celebrate.

Thanks also to the sponsors, who made it possible to keep costs down while offering some worthwhile prizes. Thanks to:

ELM Communications

McIntyre Property

Bakers Delight

Mazda Phillip

Vikings Group

M & K Meats

Thank you once again to all involved!

Congratulations to Mitch – Heading to the ACT Rostrum Final!

We’re incredibly proud to share that one of our Year 6 students, Mitch, has made it all the way to the final of the ACT Primary Schools Rostrum Public Speaking Competition!

After successfully progressing through the school competition, regional rounds, and a challenging semi-final, Mitch has earned his place among the top young speakers in the ACT. His dedication, confidence, and ability to engage an audience have been truly impressive.

The final will take place in three weeks, and we know Mitch will represent our school with pride. Please join us in congratulating him on this outstanding achievement and in wishing him all the very best as he prepares for the final round.

Go Mitch; we’re all behind you!

Leadership Arrangements - Term 3 and Term 4

As we approach the end of Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4, I’d like to inform families of some temporary staffing arrangements while Nikki Dwyer and I are away on leave at different times.

Term 3 – Weeks 8 (Wednesday to Friday), 9 and 10
During this period, Nikki Dwyer (Assistant Principal) will be on leave.

• Mrs Jo Thomson will step into the role of Acting Assistant Principal
• Mrs Cheyenne Symons will take on the role of Acting Coordinator

Term 4 – Weeks 1 and 2
Matt Egan-Richards will be on leave during the first two weeks of Term 4.

• Mrs Nikki Dwyer will be Acting Principal
• Mrs Jo Thomson will continue as Acting Assistant Principal
• Mrs Cheyenne Symons will continue as Acting Coordinator

We also thank Mrs Alannah Riley, who will be increasing her teaching load in 5 Red, and note that arrangements for Kinder Green are currently being finalised.

I’m grateful to Nikki, Jo, and Cheyenne for stepping into these leadership roles and supporting our school community during this time. Their commitment ensures continuity and care for our students and staff.

A Special Gift from Assisi – Thank You Mrs Austin

We’re delighted to share a beautiful moment from last week when our wonderful Teacher Librarian, Mrs Katherine Austin, presented the school with a very special gift following her recent overseas travels.

One of the highlights of Mrs Austin’s trip was her visit to Assisi, the historic town of our Patron Saint, Clare. While there, she purchased a stunning image of St Clare, which she thoughtfully had framed and brought back to share with our school community.

Last week, Katherine officially presented the framed image to our school. It now hangs proudly in the front foyer, just above the sign-in kiosk, where it serves as a meaningful reminder of our school’s spiritual heritage and values.

We thank Katherine for her generosity and for bringing a piece of Assisi back to our school. Her gift will be cherished by students, staff, and visitors for years to come.

A photo of the presentation is included in this newsletter.

Winter Sports

Congratulations to many of our students who have been playing a range of sports over the winter months. Many parents have also been involved in coaching, umpiring/refereeing and managing teams. Thank you to all our players, coaches, officials and supporters for a very successful season. We are happy to hear about any great results to put in the Newsletter.

It was once said…

The child who is allowed to be bored, without a screen to save them, becomes the adult who can innovate, create, and find comfort in their own company. You are cultivating their inner world. – Arsalan Moin

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au

RE News Week 7

Sunday's Gospel Activity:

Year 5 Eucharist Retreat Day at HFC

Last week, our Year 5 students participated in a special Eucharist Retreat Day held at Holy Family Church. This meaningful day was designed to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist. We were delighted to be joined by students from St Mary MacKillop, who generously helped facilitate the retreat. Their leadership, warmth, and faith-filled presence added a beautiful dimension to the experience. Through prayer, reflection, and engaging activities, our students explored the significance of the Eucharist in their lives and in our Catholic community.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

Over the next three weekends, many of our Year 5 students will be celebrating the Sacrament of First Eucharist. A significant milestone in their faith journey. We invite our school community to keep these students and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this special time.

A Prayer for Our First Eucharist Candidates

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of the Eucharist and for the faith of our Year 5 students.

As they prepare to receive Jesus for the first time, fill their hearts with joy, peace, and love.

Bless their families and all who support them on this journey.

May this sacred moment deepen their relationship with You and inspire them to live with kindness and compassion.

Amen.

From the School Counsellor

From the School Counsellor: Cyberbullying & Internet Safety

In today’s digital world, children are online more than ever - whether it's for schoolwork, socialising, or entertainment. While the internet offers many opportunities, it also comes with risks like cyberbullying and inappropriate content. As parents and carers, it's crucial to equip our children with the knowledge and tools to navigate the online world safely.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms such as social media, gaming apps, or messaging services to harass, intimidate, or harm others. It can take many forms, including:

• Sending hurtful or threatening messages
• Spreading rumours or lies
• Sharing embarrassing photos or videos
• Excluding someone from online groups or activities

Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7 and reach a child even when they're at home, making it particularly distressing.

Signs Your Child Might Be Affected

Children may not always speak up about being bullied online. Look out for signs such as:

• Sudden withdrawal from online activities or school
• Unexplained emotional distress or anxiety
• Avoidance of certain devices or apps
• Decline in academic performance
• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have an open and supportive conversation with your child. Try saying something like:

"I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit down lately, especially after you’ve been online. Is there anything going on that you’d like to talk about? I’m here to listen, not to get you in trouble."

Let your child know they’re not alone, they won’t lose their devices for being honest, and that you're there to help. Keeping the tone calm, curious, and supportive helps open the door for ongoing conversations.

What Can You Do to Help?

There are several steps you can take to support your child and promote online safety:

• Open Communication: Regularly talk to your child about their online experiences. Encourage them to share any concerns without fear of punishment.
• Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules about internet use, including time limits and appropriate content.
• Educate About Privacy: Teach your child the importance of keeping personal information private and being cautious about what they share online.
• Monitor Online Activity: Use parental controls and regularly review the apps and websites your child accesses.
• Be a Role Model: Demonstrate respectful and responsible online behaviour.

Free Online Safety Resources and Courses

To further support you, here are some free online safety courses and resources available:

• eSafety Commissioner: Offers free webinars and resources for parents and carers to help children stay safer online. Upcoming webinars include topics on cyberbullying and online drama. Learn more and register here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
• NSPCC (UK): Provides a free online safety virtual workshop for parents and carers, covering risks and benefits children face online and strategies to keep them safe. Watch the workshop on YouTube: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/free-online-safety-group-workshops/
• ChildSafe Australia: Offers online child safety training tailored for individuals, providing essential knowledge and strategies to protect children in diverse settings. Explore their courses here: https://www.childsafe.org.au/courses/online-training/
• eSafeKids: Strives to reduce and prevent harm through proactive prevention education, supporting parents, carers, and educators to talk with children about protective behaviours, body safety, and online safety. Visit their website here: https://www.esafekids.com.au/

We're Here to Help

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

Father's Day Breakfast and Blessing Friday 5th September

Boowora Netball & Touch Carnival Reminder

Reminder! Last week to sign up for the Boorowa Carnival!

The Boorowa Touch Football and Netball Carnival is being held on Friday 24th of October. The carnival is for children in Years 2 - 6.

Please go on to the Compass event for more information and to register your child.  

Registrations close on Friday the 5th of September.

A Gift from Mrs Austin

When Mrs Austin recently travelled to Assisi, she brought back a very special gift for our school. It has been blessed by Pope Leo XIV in Rome and is now proudly displayed in our front office. Thank you, Mrs Austin!

White Cards Week 7

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.

For Your Diary

2025 TERM 3

WEEK 7 (1st September - 5th September)

Thursday 4th September - Eucharist Candidates Reconciliation 9:15am

Friday 5th September - Father's Day Breakfast 8:00am

Friday 5th September - Kindergarten Assembly 2:00pm

WEEK 8 (8th September - 12th September)

Monday 8th September - Footsteps Dance Program K-6

Tuesday 9th September - Community Council Meeting 6pm 

Wednesday 10th September - Golf clinics Year 4 & 6

Wednesday 10th September - ACT Fire Ed Visit - Kindergarten

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 4 Grade Mass 9:15am

Friday 19th September - Corroboree Day

Friday 19th September - Footy Colours Day

Friday 19th September - Year 3 Assembly 2:00pm

WEEK 10 (22nd September - 26th September)

Monday 22nd September - Footsteps Dance Program K-6

Thursday 25th September - Students' Last Day of Term Three

Compass Notifications

Please refer to Compass for the following notifications:

Canteen Roster

Volunteers Needed!

If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the form via the link below.

https://stclareconder.schoolzineplus.com/form/118 

Please see Canteen Roster for this week below:

ACT Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the ACT Athletics Carnival:

Lily B

Zane D

Zayne E

Billy M

Ruby W

SCA Uniform Shop Sale

Part Way is OK!

A simple way to reduce the congestion around our school is to use part way drop off or collection points. Part way points can significantly reduce the burden on the school car park and the local road network. They are ideal for families who live too far away from the school to walk or ride for the entire journey.

Consider using streets around the school as part way points to provide safe and easy pedestrian access, this will not only help reduce congestion around the school, but children will also receive the health benefits of walking or riding part of the trip. Useful resources are available on the Transport Canberra website.

Collecting children 10-15 minutes after the bell also helps to reduce the concentration of cars (the afternoon peak is usually worse but only lasts for 10-15 minutes) and significantly reduces the burden on the local road network.

Safe Driving Behaviour

Creating a safe environment around schools is a shared responsibility that involves parents, teachers, students, and the wider community.

The ACT Government has recently contacted our school to raise concerns about driving and parking behaviours. If you need to drive to school, please remember:

• Do not park illegally at any time. While the school can become congested during peak times, illegal car parking creates an unsafe environment for children, particularly in the bus stop on Heidelberg Street. Also, do not park in pick-up and set-down zones.
• Drive slowly through school car parks (maximum 10 km/h) and stay alert for children at all times.
• Children can be dropped off 15-20 minutes before school starts or picked up 10–15 minutes after school ends to avoid unnecessary queuing and congestion prior to students being ready for collection.
• Reduce car trips by encouraging your child to walk, ride, or scoot to school where possible.
• Use part-way drop-off points around the school to ease congestion in the main car park and pick-up zones. It is also one of the most time efficient ways to ensure children receive the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

If you need to drive your children to school, please obey the road rules and always be on the lookout for pedestrians and other motorists. 

A little patience and courtesy can go a long way in protecting our children. Useful resources are available on the Transport Canberra website.

Use alternate transport options

Traffic congestion is a common issue around most schools during the morning and afternoon peak periods. Using alternative transport options can reduce congestion around schools.

Encouraging children to walk and ride to school can significantly improve traffic condition around our school. Walking or riding to school not only helps reduce traffic but also promotes healthy habits and independence among children. Students can travel in groups with siblings, friends, or neighbours, making the journey safer and more enjoyable. For younger children, parents can coordinate a shared travel roster with nearby families.

To support this initiative, we recommend showing children the safest route to school, both in person and on a map. Also teaching them how to cross roads safely using crossings and underpasses. For more details, please refer to our school’s ride or walk to school map.  

A great option is joining a bike or walking bus where a group of students and adults follow a set route and timetable to and from school. It’s a fun, social, and safe way to travel.

Let’s work together to make our school community safer and more sustainable!

Support for Families – Counselling and Group Programs for Parents & Children Marymead CatholicCare

Marymead CatholicCare is a not-for-profit organisation offering support services to families across Canberra and Queanbeyan. They provide a range of free programs, including:

Family Skills – Counselling and group sessions for parents and carers to build positive parenting strategies

Post-Separation Support (ARCK & KAYAKS) – Support for children, young people, and parents navigating family separation.

These services aim to strengthen family relationships and support overall wellbeing. Programs are available to all families in the ACT and Queanbeyan regions.

Marymead Free After-School Program – Starting Term 4!

Marymead is offering a FREE 9-week program, starting in Week 1 of Term 4. The program will run for 8 weeks on Tuesday's from 3:30–5:00pm at Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre.

It’s a great opportunity for students to participate in engaging, supportive after-school activities.

For more information and details about the referral process, please see the below flyer.

Families and schools are encouraged to connect with support services available at MLYCC at any time.

Get into Rugby!

The ACT Brumbies and Sunny Homes ACT/NSW are excited to provide the opportunity for a FREE Tri Tag Rugby Clinic, which will be delivered across two locations here in the ACT region over the next couple of months.

The session will cover any array of core skills (catch/pass and tagging), followed by some mini games at the end. These sessions will be non-contact and will be delivered in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.

The first free clinic will take place in Googong on Wednesday the 17th of September, with the second at Brumbies HQ on Wednesday the 8th of October.

After School Netball Competition

Stay Connected with Our School Community

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.