Dear Parents and Carers

“My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again, the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilising coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.”

• Pope Francis

I am sure that like me, you have watched the events unfolding in Ukraine with great alarm. It is very distressing to see the extent of the suffering that is taking place, and very likely is to continue to happen. The Pope’s words call us all into a greater sensitivity to and awareness of what it means to be people of peace, and what it means to carry good will, and not ill will, towards others. Today we begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. The Pope goes on to suggest that perhaps in this Lenten season we may mark it with periodic fasting, in solidarity with Ukrainians. 

Eucharist Mass

On Sunday, students who prepared for their First Eucharist in 2021, and who had not yet received the Sacrament, made their First Communion. Students from Holy Trinity who had not made their First Eucharist joined the students. The Mass was a genuine celebration and students were affirmed in their journey of faith. My thanks to Steph Burns and Monsignor John Woods for all of their great support, and to Fron Garret and the teachers of 2021 for their foundational work. Finally, I would like to thank you, the parents, who are your children’s first teachers in faith and whose support we need – thank you.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Yesterday morning, a communication was sent to the parent body via Compass. Parent/Teacher interviews are being help next week, over Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being a late night (until 7 p.m.). Parents are invited to book in a time to meet with their child’s teacher, and to discuss how they are settling in and if there are any early indications of needing extension or support. I encourage all parents to make a time to sign up to a meeting. The link can also be found here:

https://stpandp-act.compass.education/Communicate/News/AccessNewsItem.aspx?accessToken=2ohtdmt1we4xwhw9fug7ehpvsit&userId=450&schoolId=stpandp.act.edu.au&newsItemId=225

Kitchen Garden Success – The Canberra Show

As many parents would be aware, last weekend was the Canberra Show. The Show organisers appreciate the ongoing support of our school. As we do each year, we entered the produce section, drawing on all of the hard work of our students, staff and in particular, our Kitchen garden team. I am pleased to say that our Kitchen Garden entry won First place; our Year 2 entry won second place and our 3/4 entry won Third Place. This is a wonderful achievement and a credit to the hard work of our students and the Kitchen Garden Team, particularly Robyn Moore, Katie Birch and Mary de Smet. I would also like to thank the many parents who ensured the school’s garden stayed watered during the summer holidays – thank you very much. 

Principals’ Retreat

Next week, the annual Principals’ Retreat is taking place at Bowral, NSW, under heavy COVID restrictions. The retreat is an important part of the calendar as it is one of the few times that all 56 principals in the Archdiocese, as well as senior leadership within Catholic Education, including the Director of Catholic Education, Mr Ross Fox, come together. The Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, will lead the retreat. I will be attending from Wednesday until Friday, and in my absence, Mrs Anna Williams will very capably lead the school.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal