We respectfully acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and learn, and pay respect to the First Nations Peoples and their elders, past, present and emerging.
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Dear SCA Families,
St Clare of Assisi was a remarkable person who teaches us the power of faith, kindness, and courage. She gave up wealth and comfort to live a simple life, helping those in need and trusting in God's plan. From her, we can learn to be generous, to care for others, and to stand up for what we believe is right. St Clare shows us that true happiness comes from loving and serving others.
Let her life inspire each of us to be kind, brave, and always follow your heart.
This week, we joyfully celebrate the 30th anniversary of our primary school. For three decades, our school has been a place where faith, learning, leadership and community come together to nurture the hearts and minds of our students. We are blessed to have a school where Gospel values are lived out daily, and where each child is guided to grow in wisdom and love.
Our school is a testament to the dedication and contributions of our entire community—teachers, staff, parents, and students—who have worked together to create a nurturing and inspiring environment. Thank you for your commitment, support, and faithfulness that have shaped our school into the thriving community it is today.
May we continue to grow together in faith and learning for many more years to come.
Assumption
I enjoyed watching the Olympics, and many of the athletes are admirable role models, but I doubt they all offer a model for the way in which we can live our lives. Tomorrow, on the feast of the Assumption of Mary (Thursday 15th August), we have an opportunity to focus on a positive role model for all Christians.
So what does Mary offer us today? As we may struggle in life, so too did Mary. Her journey from single pregnant woman to a wisdom figure with the disciples was not an easy one. She and Joseph struggled in poverty to raise their family; Mary may well have had to care for an ageing Joseph and was probably left a young widow. She had to let go of Jesus as he grew to manhood and was eventually executed by the state. She would have heard the rumours about him as his ministry grew, along with the reality of seeing him suffer and die. But we know Mary was a woman of tremendous faith. She had to be to continue to walk with Jesus and to continue to say her “Yes” to God. Mary’s “Yes” required complete and utter trust, as the future would have been so unclear and frightening.
Mary brought us Jesus, and today we find the Risen Jesus in the most unlikely places and that is why we must think twice (through prayer and reflection) as we journey in life. Jesus shows us the way and Mary shows us how to follow him. May we discover the Mary in ourselves who values relationship with others and with God, and who journeys in faith and trust no matter what life deals us.
Upcoming Events – Feast Week and Book Week
It was lovely to see a number of parents join their children in the classroom on Monday morning to start the week with prayer. We also had the support of an enthusiastic band of parent helpers yesterday for our Feast Week lunch, for which we are very grateful.
Any parents, and grandparents, wishing to join us for our 30th Anniversary Feast Day Mass on Friday (16th August) are warmly invited to do so. Mass will be at Holy Family Church, Gowrie, commencing at 9.30am.
We also look forward, with much excitement, to Book Week, which we celebrate next week. Please check out details, elsewhere in the newsletter, about the Book Fair and Dress Up Day.
It was once said…
“Love God, serve God; everything is in that.” – St Clare of Assisi.
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal
matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au
On Monday the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey was sent out via Compass. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Clare of Assisi.
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:
This Sunday's Gospel is from the book of John.
‘The Eucharist’, Pope Francis famously said, ‘is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.’ Reflecting on today’s Gospel passage, the Pope encourages us to avoid becoming ‘arbiters of grace’. Rather, he says, we should be ‘its facilitators’.
As the Pope points out, Jesus gives us the Eucharist ‘with a specific purpose: that we may become one with him.’
‘The Eucharist is Jesus himself who gives himself entirely to us’, the Pope reminds us, which helps us to become a living ‘gift to God and to our brothers and sisters.’
In one sense, we do this individually. Being nourished by the Eucharist, the Pope explains, ‘means entering into harmony with the heart of Christ, assimilating his choices, his thoughts, his behaviour.’ Each of us, therefore, seeks to become what we consume.
But we do not do so alone. Communion is a celebration of the Body of Christ – the Church – which means we are being transformed together as the pilgrim People of God. Communion, the Pope says, ‘means entering into a dynamism of love and becoming people of peace, people of forgiveness, of reconciliation, of sharing in solidarity.’
This means we should approach the Eucharist with openness to being changed, individually and collectively, into the Bread of Life for all. Adapted from Nick Brodie
First Eucharist Retreat Day
On Thursday, August 29th, Year 5 students will attend Holy Family Church and participate in the Corpus Christi, First Eucharist Retreat Day. Further details will be sent out via Compass shortly.
Feast Week
Feast of the Assumption Liturgy
Year 3 will lead the Feast of the Assumption Liturgy on Thursday, August 15, at 2 p.m. in the Hall to celebrate Mary's ascension into Heaven. All are welcome!
Whole School Feast Day Mass @ HFC Friday, August 16
We will end our Feast Week celebrations with a whole-school Mass on Friday morning. Everyone is welcome!
Thank YOU!
A big thank you to all the fantastic parents who generously volunteered their time to support our students and participate in some of our special activities during Feast Week! Everyone enjoyed the special lunch and Lolly Day.
Susan Strickland
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)
Congratulations to the children who will be awarded white cards at the 8.45 am Friday Morning Assembly.
| Kinder | Paige R |
| Year 1 | Ida-Mae F, Taiya F |
| Year 2 | Oscar H, Sam McC |
| Year 3 | Levi G, Elishwa J, Lyriq R, Sophia S |
| Year 4 | Violette M-H, Miles S |
| Year 5 | Everleigh D, Hunter E |
| Year 6 | Harry B, Oscar B, Evie F |
2024 TERM 3
Sparkles match report
Over the weekend, the SCA Sparkles faced off against the Rainbow Rebels. The team has shown remarkable progress throughout their first netball season. The girls put in their best effort, scoring numerous goals, executing powerful passes, and effectively positioning themselves on the court. Their defence was exceptional, leading to many rebounds and scoring opportunities. They demonstrated great teamwork and spirit throughout the game. The girls should be very proud of their achievements this season.
Player of the Week
Speckles – Charlotte
Smiggles – Reeghan
Squiggles – Evie
Swifts – Caitlyne
Skittles – Chelsi
Sparkles – Chelsea
Smurfs – Chaga
Sunshines – Caitlin
Stars – the whole team
Smarties – Zara
Tharwa Bush Fair
The Tharwa Bush Fair is back for 2024! Mark your calendars for Sunday 8 September, from 10am to 2pm, and join us for a day of fun activities and entertainment.
To make the fair a success, we need your help! We're looking for volunteers for various tasks, if you'd like to be involved please email tharwapreschoolbushfair@outlook.com.au with your availability.