Dear SCA Families,

I hope your Easter break offered you some rest, renewal, and time with those you love. Easter, of course, is a season of hope — of light shining from the empty tomb — and a reminder that even in the face of suffering and loss, we are a people of resurrection.

This year, our Easter reflections are tinged with sorrow as we mark the death of Pope Francis. His passing is a significant moment in the life of our Church and the wider world. He was a shepherd with the smell of his sheep, a Pope who walked humbly, loved boldly, and consistently pointed us back to the Gospel.

Pope Francis reminded us — again and again — that our faith must be lived at the edges: in compassion for the poor, in care for the planet, in welcoming the stranger, and in upholding the dignity of all people. In many ways, his leadership mirrored the light we strive to shine here at St Clare of Assisi.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina, he became the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church in 2013, choosing the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi — a bold signal of the papacy he would lead:

• a papacy rooted in simplicity, compassion, and care for the marginalised
• a Pope who washed the feet of prisoners, welcomed refugees, and reminded us that “the Church is a field hospital after battle”
• a call to mercy over judgement, encounter over exclusion
• a commitment to interfaith dialogue, especially with our Muslim and Jewish brothers and sisters
• a prophetic voice for the environment, through Laudato Si’, urging us to care for our common home
• a deep concern for the poor, the displaced, and the suffering — those Francis called “the flesh of Christ”

He was not afraid to challenge comfort or complacency, reminding us always that Christianity is a movement, not a monument.

A Prayer for Pope Francis

Loving God, We give you thanks for the life and leadership of Pope Francis — for his humility, his courage, and his heart for the poor. For the way he called us back to the Gospel — to mercy, to justice, and to joy.

Bless his soul with eternal peace and rest in your loving presence. Strengthen your Church, O Lord, to continue walking in the light he helped us see. Raise up shepherds after your own heart, That our Church may be ever faithful, ever hopeful, and ever loving.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

As we commence this term under our vision to "Be the Light," we are reminded of St Clare herself, who reflected the light of Christ even in times of great uncertainty. So too, we are called — not just in our words, but in our teaching, our patience, and our care for one another — to bear Christ’s light in this school and beyond.

Community Council Executive Meeting

Our School Community Council Executive will meet at 6.00pm on Tuesday 13th May for our third meeting of the year.

If you would like to raise anything for the agenda, please email the Council Executive at sca@cg.catholic.edu.au .

Athletics Carnival – Thursday 15th May

Our Athletics Carnival is only two weeks away! Thanks to those families who have already completed the permission form on Compass. If you haven't yet, please log in and complete it to ensure your child can participate.

Parents are warmly invited to attend as spectators. If you are available to help for an hour or so, it would be greatly appreciated to keep the events running smoothly.

Vinnies CEO Sleepout – Thursday 19 June

Homelessness can happen to anyone — but so can kindness.

This year, I’m once again participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society, supporting Australians in need. For one night, I'll be sleeping outside to raise awareness and much-needed funds.

To help break the devastating cycle of homelessness, I need your support. Even a $100 donation can make a huge difference to those who need it most. Before you forget, please click on CEO Sleepout - Mr E and turn your good intentions into action. Thank you for your support!

https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/mattegan-richards/act

2026 Enrolments -Enrolment Period: Month of May

SCA Open Days – Every Thursday in May

If you have a little one ready for Kindergarten in 2026, or know someone interested in joining our wonderful school community, please encourage them to get in touch. Enrolment packs will be available at the start of the new term.

Please contact the school to arrange a time for a tour.

Mother’s Day Breakfast – Friday 9th May

All mums, grandmums, and mother figures are invited to join us for a Mother’s Day Breakfast and social gathering next Friday, 9th May, from 8.15am in the school Hall.

Calling all Dads!

Gents — it’s our turn to help!

If you are able to assist with set-up, serving, or clean-up between 7.00am and 8.45am (even for half an hour), please email our Assistant Principal, Nikki Dwyer, at nikki.dwyer@cg.catholic.edu.au.

Your help would be greatly appreciated!

School Uniform – Winter Term Reminders

From Week 3, all students are expected to be in full winter uniform. Thank you to all families for your efforts!

A few reminders:

• Formal black leather shoes must be worn (no black runners, Lynx shoes, or canvas shoes).
• Navy gloves, scarves, and coats are appropriate during winter.
• Jewellery is restricted to plain small studs/sleepers and a watch (no dangles, loops, or bracelets).
• A parent note is required if uniform deviations occur while sourcing correct items.

Our uniform promotes pride in appearance, a sense of belonging, and the spirit of our school community.

Uniforms are available at Lowes (South Point, Tuggeranong) and Working Gear (Fyshwick).

New Deck Outside Kindergarten

A big thank you to Wayne Dunn, who has worked hard to nearly complete a new deck area outside Kindergarten. The deck will provide much-needed seating and outdoor learning space. Landscaping will soon be completed around it to help protect garden beds and encourage children to stay off muddy areas.

Principal on Leave

I will be on Long Service Leave from Friday 2nd May to Thursday 8th May, as I head to Queensland to spend time with my son before he departs overseas. Please contact Mrs Nikki Dwyer during my absence if needed.

Federal Election – Saturday 3rd May

Our school hall will serve as a polling place for this Saturday’s Federal Election. Please consider voting here at SCA and supporting our “democracy” BBQ.

Term Dates

This term will finish for students on Thursday 3rd July. Friday 4th July will be a Staff Professional Learning Day.

It was once said…

Easter blessings to you and your family.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal

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

Sunday's Gospel activity:

Important Dates and Reminders:

Year 2 Grade Mass

This Thursday at 9:15am, our Year 2 students will celebrate Mass in the school chapel with Fr Mark.

Sacrament of Confirmation parent information sessions

Our parish Confirmation Parent Formation evenings will take place next week at Holy Family Church. The sessions are scheduled for Wednesday from 5:30 - 6:30pm and Thursday from 7:00 - 8:00pm. Attendance at this compulsory parent session is essential. Children are not required to attend.

Thank You - Project Compassion 2025

At the end of last term, our school proudly completed the Lenten fundraising initiative in support of Project Compassion. Once again, our students demonstrated remarkable dedication and generosity. A special acknowledgment goes to Year 6 and Year 1 for their outstanding efforts, contributing the highest donations. Well done to everyone involved!

Congratulations to the following students for qualifying for the ACT Swimming Carnival, which will be held on Tuesday, 6th May. We’re proud of their hard work and dedication, and we wish them all the best as they represent our school!

Roman B

Kasia L

Levi D

Logan H

Adelaide R

Jayden W

During the school holidays, Oscar (4B) proudly represented the Canberra Pride U12s softball team at two major events. He travelled to participate in the NSW River Rats Gala Day and also competed in the NSW State Championships—an exciting opportunity to showcase his skills and sportsmanship on behalf of the team.

Over the weekend, Sienna (5R) and Kasia (5R) travelled to Broulee to represent the TNA Under 11s Level Up development team at the Eurobodalla Netball Carnival. They both played with lots of energy and gusto throughout all seven games!