Dear Parents and Carers

“I want you to be honest: Would you rather have a friend who is always right or one who is in right relationship with you? I think I know the answer: We’d rather have someone who’s in right relationship with us.”

• Richard Rohr

As he does so often, Richard Rohr uses our lived experience of life as a way into thinking about God. Rohr writes, elsewhere, that many of us think that God wants us to be right – to be ‘perfect’ – which of course none of us ever can be. In fact, all God wants from us is to be in relationship with Him – and with each other. I am sure we have all had moments in our lives where we have felt out of relationship with someone we love, and if we are honest with ourselves, in those moments, we never ‘feel ourselves’. We feel out of balance. To be in relationship with God is to restore balance to our lives, and to the rest of our relationships, despite the inevitable trials and difficulties we all face.

First Communion Information Night

In the Catholic tradition, ‘Eucharist’ means ‘thanksgiving’. Another name for the sacrament is ‘communion’, as we are literally in communion with God, in relationship with him. Rohr’s reflection is, then, a good way into sharing the fact that on Tuesday night, parents of students in Year 4 who are making their First Eucharist had an Information night. Fr John Woods; our parish coordinator Catherine Grinsell-Jones; and the two RECs of Sts Peter and Paul and Holy Trinity, Steph Burns and Emily Capper, led us very well through the program. My thanks to Steph and our Year 3/4 teachers (Josh Geris, Paul Jenkins, Sarah Walsh) for their wonderful support of our students.

Pupil Free Days

A reminder that Catholic Education have given all Catholic schools in Canberra two pupil free days this term, on Friday August 5 and Friday September 9.

Chess Club

Sts. Peter and Paul has recently started a Chess club. On Mondays at recess, we hold a chess club for any interested students. Our first meeting was a great success with over 20 students attending, from Kindergarten to Year 6. Mr. Gereis and I will have difficult time competing against some of the children, if we are given the opportunity. Chess is an excellent game that exercises the mind and focuses concentration. If you have a son or daughter who enjoys playing Chess, please remind them that they are very welcome each Monday at recess. All playing levels are welcome.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Ethan in Year 5, who is competing in A.C.T. Snow Sports Competition, and will be skiing for Sts Peter and Paul, within the competition. Well done, Ethan, a great achievement, and we are all very proud of you.

Year 6 Leadership Day

Fortunately, our Year 6 students are still able to complete their Leadership Day at BFirm today, as the day falls inside the period of grace allotted to schools. The days give our students an experience of leadership, collaboration and resilience, and are thoroughly enjoyed by our students.

Car Line Reminders

Just a request to parents to consider parking their car, and collecting their child from the waiting area, if their child restraint seat is on the right-hand side of the car. Child restraint seats on the right-hand aside of cars necessarily involve the student being exposed to the right hand lane, which is used for cars who have already parked and are moving out to Wisdom Street. Of course, I understand if this is not always possible. Thank you for your consideration.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

 Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal