SCA Newsletter Issue 5, Term 3, 2025

A message from the Principal

Dear SCA Families,

This week, we pause to give thanks for the life and ministry of Bishop Pat Power, a man whose faith
was not only deeply held but actively lived. Bishop Pat, who preferred to be known simply as Fr Pat,
was a compassionate and courageous voice within the Church, always striving to ensure its arms
were open wide to welcome all, especially those who often felt left out.
Fr Pat was the celebrant at my wedding to Fran, and he Confirmed several of our children. Like many
in our community, we were blessed to know him not only as a priest but as a person of warmth,
humility, and conviction.
We offer our prayers for Fr Pat, for his family and friends, and for the many communities he touched
throughout his life. May we honour his legacy by continuing to speak up for those in need, to care
deeply for others, and to live our faith with courage and compassion.
Rest in peace, Fr Pat. You showed us what it means to live the Gospel.

Footy Fever Day
This Friday, we’re inviting all students to take part in a special fundraiser by wearing the colours of
their favourite footy team, or simply their favourite colour if sport isn’t their thing, and bringing
along a donation for the privilege.
All funds raised will go directly to support one of our school families, Reign and Indie, whose home
was significantly damaged by fire in recent weeks. Not only was the house seriously affected, but
water and smoke destroyed most of their belongings.
This is a chance for our school community to come together in support of Reign and Indie, showing
care and solidarity in a time of real need.
Further details about the fundraiser are printed elsewhere in this newsletter.
Thank you for your generosity, and don’t forget to wear your colours with pride!

First Eucharist
This weekend coming, many of our Year 5 children will, for the first time, receive Communion, or
Eucharist, in our Parish. The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek by way of Latin, and it means
"thanksgiving”. As a Parish School community we share in this thanksgiving. We give thanks that we
are a community. A community of faithful, blessed people. We give thanks for the love of God and
for the sacrifice of Jesus which gives us all the promise of eternal life.
We pray for the children and their families, and may we all give thanks for the blessings we have.

Best Wishes to Mitch – ACT Rostrum Final Next Monday!
We’re incredibly proud of Mitch, one of our Year 6 students, who has earned a place in the ACT
Primary Schools Rostrum Public Speaking Final!
After progressing through the school competition, regional rounds, and a challenging semi-final,
Mitch has shown remarkable dedication, confidence, and skill in public speaking. His ability to
engage an audience and speak with clarity and purpose has been truly inspiring.
The final takes place next Monday evening, and we know Mitch will represent our school with pride.
Please join us in wishing him all the very best as he steps onto the stage for this exciting event.
Go Mitch — we’re all behind you!

Taking Photos at School
As we continue to celebrate the achievements of our students through assemblies and awards
presentations, I’d like to share a gentle reminder about the use of personal photography during
these events.
We understand how special it is to see your child recognised, and how meaningful it can be to
capture that moment. However, we kindly ask families to reconsider taking photographs during
these gatherings.

There are a few important reasons for this:

• Respecting all students: Not every child is comfortable being photographed, and some
  families have requested that their children not appear in images.
• Preserving the atmosphere: Assemblies are moments of reflection and celebration. When
  phones are raised, it can distract from the shared experience and shift the focus away from
  the students.
• Protecting privacy: Even well-intentioned photos can include other children whose families have not given permission for their image to be shared.

We want to reassure families that at the conclusion of most assemblies and awards presentations,
there is usually an opportunity for parents and carers to interact with their child and take a photo, or
even better, have one taken with them. These moments are more relaxed and personal, and they
allow for meaningful connection without disrupting the flow of the event.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to foster a respectful and inclusive
environment for all.

Leaving?
We are now in the process of finalising class numbers and staffing for 2026. If your child is leaving
SCA (unless already in Year 6), please let us know by contacting the office this week.

2026 Class Groupings
Teachers will shortly commence planning class groupings for 2026 and will consider the following:
• gender balance;
• learning difficulties;
• enrichment needs;
• work habits;
• social needs;
• health considerations;
• emotional needs;
• behaviour considerations and
• other relevant issues.

The usual practice for this process at SCA is to NOT seek parent assistance or any form of request.

Please note the following points:

• We aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics in every class;
• Every care will be taken to ensure that your child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development;
• Part of life is having to deal with people and situations we may not like. We need to build resilience
  in children, so they can face the reality of life;
• Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Learning Support Teacher, previous teachers, School Counsellor, etc during this process;
• Teachers should already be aware of any issues you have;
• Teachers have the main responsibility for placing their current students in the most appropriate class for next year;
• All staff will examine the draft lists to highlight any concerns; and
• As Principal, I will make the final decision on all class placements.
  Students will be informed of their class placement for 2026 late this term and the opportunity will be
  provided for them to spend some time with their new class teacher. Class lists will not be sent home
  or displayed. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly on
  matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au or make an appointment through the Front Office.

End of Year Events – Please note them in your diary now

• End of Year Thanksgiving Mass – Thursday 11 December at 12:00pm
  
• Kinder Christmas Concert/Nativity – Monday 15 December at 12.00pm
  
• Semester Two Awards Assembly – Tuesday 16 December at 9.30am
  
• Year 6 Graduation – Wednesday 17 December at 5.00pm
• Term Four Ends for students – Thursday 18 December (at 3.00pm☺)

School Fees
Term 3 school fees are now overdue. Thank you to those families who have paid their school fees.
Please speak to Shari Cooper, in the Front Office if you are having issues with your fees or if you are
not sure of the amount due.

Term Dates
A friendly reminder to all families that Term 3 will finish on Thursday 25 September. We hope
everyone enjoys a safe and restful break.
Term 4 will begin on Tuesday 14 October, with students returning ready for a busy and exciting final
term of the year.
Thank you for your continued support throughout the term.

It was once said…
Having kids is like trying to fold a fitted sheet — no one really knows how, but we all pretend we do.
– unknown

Blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards
Principal
matt.egan-richards@cg.catholic.edu.au

RE News Week 9

Sunday's Gospel Activity:

Footy Colours Day - Community fundraiser

This Friday, September 19th we're hosting a special fundraising event to support the Penca Family. Students are invited to wear their favourite football team’s jersey or colours in exchange for a gold coin donation. Let’s come together in team spirit to show our support and make a difference!

A message from Jessica and Daniel Penca:

Earlier this month, our family went through a house fire that damaged half of our home and destroyed all of our belongings. It’s been one of the most difficult and overwhelming experiences we’ve faced, but the compassion and generosity shown by the school community has truly meant the world to us. We’re deeply humbled and incredibly thankful for the support and for this fundraiser, which is helping us get back on our feet and begin rebuilding.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

This weekend, 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 continue keeping these students and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this special time.

From the School Counsellor

From The School Counsellor - Managing Big Emotions: Quick Tips (or TIPPs) for Kids

As kids navigate school, friendships, and new challenges, it’s common for them to feel overwhelmed. When big emotions take over, it can be hard for them to focus. Here’s a simple, effective tool that can help kids (and adults!) calm down quickly: the TIPP strategies.

T - Temperature: Cool Down Fast

Changing body temperature can quickly calm the mind.

· Try it: Splash cold water on the face, hold an ice pack, or sip cold water.

· Why it works: It activates the body’s calming system, helping kids feel more in control.

I - Intense Exercise: Burn Off Energy

Physical activity helps release stress and excess energy.

· Try it: Have your child run around, jump on a trampoline, or do jumping jacks.

· Why it works: Exercise releases “feel-good” hormones, helping kids feel calmer.

P - Paced Breathing: Slow the Breath

Slowing down the breath can calm both the body and mind.

· Try it: Have your child breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and breathe out for 4.

· Why it works: Slow breathing helps lower heart rate and reduces stress.

P - Progressive Relaxation: Let Go of Tension

Helping kids relax their muscles can ease physical stress.

· Try it: Guide your child to squeeze and relax their fists, shoulders, or legs.

· Why it works: Tensing and relaxing muscles helps release tension and calm the body.

How to Use TIPP Together:

1. Temperature: Splash cold water.

2. Intense Exercise: Jump or run for a minute.

3. Paced Breathing: Breathe in for 4, hold, and out for 4.

4. Progressive Relaxation: Squeeze and release muscles.

Encourage your child to use TIPP when they feel upset or stressed, and let’s work together to help them stay calm! If you have any questions or need additional support, I’m here to help! Feel free to reach out to Amelie.nicholson@mccg.org.au or make a referral using the following link:

Year 6 Market Day - Reminder!

St Clare’s Market Day will be held Thursday, 25th September, Week 10.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through QKR, under School Payments!

Tickets must be purchased by Monday, 22nd September.

White Cards Week 9

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 9 (15th September - 19th September)

Thursday 18th September - Year 4 Grade Mass 9:15am

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

Tuesday 23rd September - MacKillop Performing Arts Enrichment Day Year 5

Wednesday 24th September - Gold Clinics Year 4 & 6

Thursday 25th September - Year 6 Market Day Stalls

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

Compass Notifications

Please refer to Compass for the following notifications:

Canteen Volunteers Needed!

Our school canteen thrives thanks to our dedicated canteen manager and the invaluable support of parent volunteers. Volunteering is a wonderful way to become more involved in the school community, connect with other parents, and contribute to a positive school environment. Parents are welcome to bring along younger children, and a designated playroom is available to keep them entertained during your shift. Please consider volunteering - we really can’t do it without you!

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

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

Congratulations to the Year 4 Rockstar Rebels!

A huge shoutout to our talented Year 4 netball team, the Rockstar Rebels, who finished first on the ladder and won the Tuggeranong Netball Association (TNA) Year 4 Winter Competition over the weekend!

Well done to:
Charlotte B
Grace B
Emily C
Parker H
Peyton R
Grace R
Amali V
Aubrey W

What a fantastic effort and an exciting result!

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 conditions 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!

Cool Kids Anxiety Program - Term 4

Child Development Pathways in the ACT

Lanyon Little Athletics

Come and Try Tennis!

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 now on Instagram! Follow @stclareofassisiconder to stay up to date with what’s happening in and around our school community.