Dear SCA Families,

Not many people would argue with me (for a change) when I say good relationships are important in our lives. A good relationship requires trust, honesty and forgiveness.

As a Catholic school, we try to teach children how to build a relationship with God by teaching how Jesus related to those in his life. Jesus made friends with (and leaders of) those who seemed week and sinful.

The season of Lent is a time to reflect on ourselves and our relationship with God. Though a good look in the mirror might not always show us what we want, we can rest assured (trust even) that who we are, is exactly who God wants a relationship with.

Swimming Carnival and Water Fun Day

I am looking forward to tomorrow’s Carnival at Queanbeyan. It’s a great venue and families are encouraged to spend some time enjoying the atmosphere. Years 3 – 6 with some Year 2 children will attend. Kindergarten, Year 1 and the majority of Year 2 will remain at school and participate in a water fun day.

Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who have a role in organising and assisting with the swimming carnival.

With the forecast summer temperatures for tomorrow, please note that we will ensure the following:

• The K-2 Water Fun will take place at 9.30am, instead of the previously advised 11.30am.
• An amended schedule of races may be implanted in response to the weather.
• Children not in the pool must wear their school hat and t-shirt at all times. (Please ensure your child brings their school hat, which is more sun safe than most casual hats.)
• Unless in the water-fun-play or swimming pool, children are to be under shade protection.
• Regular and frequent stoppages will be called for sunscreen application.
• Regular and frequent stoppages will be called to remind students to drink water. (Please ensure your child has a full water bottle with them for the day.)

Progress Reports

Progress Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up. Progress reports will be sent home on Wednesday 27^th March and then Parent / Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Week 11. Our school-based Progress Reports and Parent / Teacher Interviews have an important purpose as they provide you with ‘early year’ assessment and feedback on your child’s progress, social skills and work habits.

Sunsmart

You are no doubt aware of our “no hat, no play” policy which is in place for most of the year. We also take other measures to ensure our school is sunsmart:

• Children eat (recess and lunch) under shelter
• Movement between classes is under shelter
• Outdoor assemblies are under shelter
• Children are encouraged to bring and use sun screen (we cannot provide it for all, as some children are allergic to specific products)
• Sporting activities are moved to cooler parts of the day when extremely hot
• Children are allowed to wear sunglasses at school
• Junior playground equipment is covered and inside areas are provided for use during lunch time.

We’re all in this together

The school year has been underway for less than a month, and already a great number of parents have rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to help around our school. Volunteers have supported the school at the Community Council, cooking at the Welcome BBQ, on the Fete Committee, in the Canteen, on the Parent Network, managing our pile of Lost Property, providing Care Meals and covering Library Books. I extend a sincere thanks to each one of these parents. Many hands make light work. 

Kindergarten

We look forward to having our Kinder students with us for 5 days a week from next week; no more Wednesdays off.

Archdiocesan Principals’ Retreat

I will be away from school next Thursday and Friday while I attend the annual CE Principals’ Retreat. (I had intended on remaining at school, but the Director insisted I attend!)

As this coincides with the Year 6 Camp, Mrs Jo Reed, who is attending camp, will also be away from school. During this time, Mrs Anne Staines, from the Catholic Education Office, will be at SCA to provide leadership support along with Mrs Belinda Breen and Mrs Rachel Kennedy who will be in charge.

 It was once said…

“’Please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ are words that open up the road to a good family life." – Pope Francis.

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

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

Mathematics is truly all around us!

I have heard both students and parents say I’m not good at Maths. At SCA we believe everyone can find  love for learning about Mathematics, using Maths in their everyday lives, solving problems, finding those connections, and seeing the patterns. We have embarked on the journey of using an online program called Mathletics to support the continued development of knowledge, skills and understanding and also to consolidate and embed the teaching and learning. Teachers have received professional development in using the online program and the students will receive their QR codes and login details. Mathletics is proven to improve students’ motivation and performance due to its engaging and personal learning experiences. Each child will be given some tasks to complete and then the students have an opportunity to go ‘live.’ That means they can enjoy Mathematical challenges with students from all around world.

I’d like to introduce Eddie Woo, a Maths Teacher and his TedX Talk. In this illuminating talk, high school mathematics teacher and YouTube star Eddie Woo shares his passion for mathematics, declaring that "mathematics is a sense, just like sight and touch" and one we can all embrace. Using surprising examples of geometry, he encourages everyone to seek out the patterns around us, for "a whole new way to see the world". A high school teacher for more than 10 years, Eddie Woo gained international attention when he posted videos of his classroom lessons online, to assist an ill student. His YouTube channel, WooTube, has more than 200,000 subscribers and over 13 million views. Eddie believes that mathematics can be embraced and even enjoyed by absolutely everybody. He was named Australia's Local Hero and was a Top 10 Finalist in the Global Teacher Prize for his love of teaching mathematics. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

I hope you enjoy his TedX Talk.

Jo Reed

Assistant Principal

2024 Sacraments: Thank you to those who have already enrolled their child into the appropriate Sacramental program. A reminder that the enrolments for all sacraments are now open via the Parish Qkr app. If you are having any difficulties, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself or with Anne Gowen via the Parish Office.

Project Compassion: Thank you to those who have already made donations to our Project Compassion campaign. If you wish to use our online portal to donate, please visit https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-clare-of-assisi-primary-school-conder

Have a wonderful week

Rachel

Congratulations to the children who will be awarded white cards at the 8.45 am Friday Morning Assembly

2024 TERM 1

All dates are available on the School Calender 

https://www.sca.act.edu.au/calendar

This Thursday 29th of February, St Clare of Assisi will be holding our annual Swimming Carnival at Queanbeyan Aquatic Centre Cnr Crawford Campbell and Antill St, Queanbeyan. All children from Years 3 - 6 will participate.

All 200 IM swimmers are asked to be at the pool by 8:30am to begin their races at 9:00am. Parents may be asked to stay and assist with time keeping for these races. For all other swimmers, buses will begin leaving school at 9am.

Competitive 100m and 50m swimmers will leave school on the first buses. All children will return to school by approximately 2:45pm. Lunch will be eaten at the pool so please pack recess, lunch and water bottles for your child. The canteen at the pool will be available for snacks only.

Children will need to remember the following:

• School hat must be worn all day.
• Wear a T-shirt in their house colour; (McCubbin-blue/Roberts-red/Streeton-green/Conder-yellow)
• Bring recess, lunch and drinks – lots of water!!
• Swimmers are to be worn to school under sports uniform.
• Thongs/sandals, towel, school hat and sunscreen.
• Swimming caps are highly encouraged. These are available from the Front Office for $5. 
• Parent helpers and spectators will not be charged entry to the pool and your children would love to see you there.

Katherine Austin

Sports Coordinator

Congratulation to Evie (1R) who recently competed in a dance competition and came 2nd in both Jazz and Ballet, with a Platinum score for both. She received a Golden Ticket to Nationals in Queensland. Go Evie!!

Congratulations to Lacey (6B), Dakota (6G) and Jasmine (6G) who recently represented the ACT Cougars at the NSW Junior State Championships in Coffs Harbour, 23^rd Feb – 25^th Feb 2024. This has been the biggest competition to date, with 21 Teams registered in the U12G age group, with the girls finishing top 8 and qualifying for the quarter finals Sunday morning.

Outstanding achievement and level of representation for the State – WELL DONE

Dear Parents,

Winter netball season is almost upon us!  The season begins on Saturday the 4th of May and will conclude on Saturday the 28th of September and netball is open for all children from Year 2 - Year 6. 

Training days will depend on coach availability as well as when team members are available to train.  This won't be known until teams and coaches have been finalised.

All games are played at the Tuggeranong Netball Courts at Calwell on Saturday mornings.  Games are not played during school holidays. 

Each year we endeavour to keep our teams the same.  So, when placed in a team in Year 2, if your child continues to play throughout their years at SCA, they will remain in the same team. .

Registrations for the upcoming winter netball season open today.  The registration period will close on Friday 5th of April.

The children in Years 2 - 4 will play under the NetSetGo rules and the Year 5 and 6 children will play the normal rules.

The game times are;
9am      Year 4
10am    Year 2 and Year 5
11am    Year 3 and Year 6

All players will receive an SCA netball shirt to play in and these are returned at the end of the season. This shirt along with PE skirts, shorts or skorts are the uniform for Saturday morning netball.

We would love to see lots of SCA children playing netball on a Saturday morning so, if your child is interested in playing please follow the link below to register.  

There will be a NetSetGo program run by TNA on a Saturday morning for the younger children.  Keep your eye on the school newsletter for more information about this.

Many thanks

Katherine Austin

https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/f5bc6b