Dear Parents and Carers

“…you might remember where God started in loving you. It wasn’t that you were brilliant, beautiful and the best thing since sliced bread, but that you were someone in need. If you don’t…recognize someone in need of your loving contribution, chances are that you are not listening enough.”

Peter Steele SJ, ‘The Mind’s Guests’

I quote these very wise and pertinent words in the light of Easter, as we move towards the great feast of Pentecost. Steele’s point is, simply, that love is gratuitous, and where we experience God’s love is where we are in need, within ourselves, of God’s healing. Love is merited. It is given unconditionally. Steele urges us to consider what need we might recognize and try to meet in others – our children and families most obviously, but also the person across the street, the person who makes us a coffee, the homeless man in Civic, our work colleagues.

COVID

Today, I have emailed all parents, via Compass, an update on COVID arrangements. I will not rehearse all the points made in the letter but I will iterate the passage concerning carlines next week. From the beginning of next week, Monday May 23^rd, we are closing the gate near the hoppers.The day will end at 3.10pm. This means that all children (K – 6 inclusive) can now be picked up at the morning drop off site. As you drive down to the school, between Lanigan House and the Church, the left-hand lane is for drive through pick-up; the right-hand lane is for parking your car. You may park your car in the angled car spaces adjacent to the Church, or you may park your car in the main carpark. Please be advised that parking space is scarce. Parents are now able to park their cars and collect their children from outside the school.

Crossing

We are fortunate to have a Crossing Supervisor assist our families with crossing Wisdom Street in the morning and afternoon. The afternoons can be a busy and stressful time, for motorist and pedestrians alike. I urge all parents who are using the crossing to please refrain from crossing until the Crossing Supervisor has stopped in the middle of the crossing and indicated that it is safe to cross. Aside from your own safety, parents who cross without waiting for supervisor potentially set a less than ideal example to their children, which in turn potentially puts their children at risk. Thank you for your support.

NAPLAN

Last week, students in Years 3 & 5 completed NAPLAN tests, including Maths, Reading, Writing and Writing Convention assessments. Results should be known in mid-Term 3. My thanks to all students for their participation, to the staff for their support and encouragement and to Paul Jenkins for his excellent IT support.

Student Social and Emotional Well Being – Parent Information Night

Like all Catholic schools, Sts Peter and Paul has a School Counsellor, an excellent service provided by Catholic Care. We are very lucky in having the services of Laura Lamerton, a very skilled counsellor who lends great support to our students. Laura is presenting an information night for any interested parents, at 6pm, next Tuesday May 24^th, in the school hall. Laura will be addressing the social and emotional needs of children coming out of lockdown. I urge all interested parents, particularly any parents who may have lingering concerns, to attend the night.

Book Fair

A highlight of the week has been the Book Fair. It has been wonderful to see so many excited students (and parents) enjoy the Book Fair display and enjoy some of the books on offer. A percentage of all money raised goes back into the school library. My thanks to the parent community for their great support, and to the wonderful efforts of our school librarian, Amanda Basedow, and to all staff for their assistance.

Pupil Free Days

A reminder that Catholic Education has given all Catholic schools an additional two pupil free days this term. Sts Peter and Paul’s pupil free days are Friday May 27 and Tuesday May 31. OSH club will run a care program on both days.

Walk Safely to School Day

This Friday, we are holding our ‘Walk to School’ day. Very simply, Anna Williams, Fron Garrett-Rumba and I will meet interested students at 3 different locations. Mrs. Williams will meet students at McNicholl Street Park, Ms. Garrett at Hughes Shops and I will meet students at Kitchener Street. We will rendezvous at 8.15am and walk to school at 8.30am. It is a great way to start the day.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal