Dear Parents and Carers

Science Week

This week we have celebrated Science Week, culminating in a day on Wednesday which was given over to Year 6 students running science experiments in classrooms. After recess, the children delighted in a series of experiments in the hall, including testing how many balloons it takes to support a person’s weight. It was an excellent day, and my thanks go to Paul Jenkins for his work in coordinating the day, and our excellent Year 6 students for leading the experiments and supporting the teachers.

First Eucharist

This weekend, students in Year 4 will make their First Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church, Curtin. My thanks to the parents of the students, for their great support at home with the Home Groups; to Fr John Woods and the parish team; to our Years 3/4 teachers, Paul Jenkins, Sarah Walsh and Josh Gereis; and to Stephanie Burns, our Religious Education Coordinator. All students in Year 4 have a retreat day today. My congratulations to our students for their step in faith.

National Catholic Education Conference

Last week, I attended the NCEC Conference in Melbourne, from Monday – Wednesday, before taking two days of leave. The conference was very good. Approximately 40 personnel from Catholic Education attended (principals and office staff), including our own Fr John Woods, who is also the Vicar for Education. Some of the highlights included Fr Anthony Gittens, who spoke on inculturation and the Gospel, and who reminded us that Catholic schools are sacraments for their communities. Barbara Coupar, the Director of Catholic Schools in Scotland, was also excellent. Dr Coupar spoke of Scottish attempts to reimagine the purpose and direction of Catholic schools in Scotland, noting that there was a need to revisit Catholic identity and assist principals and leaders in sustaining an authentic Catholic identity and spirituality. On the last day, we were fortunate in hearing Fr Frank Brennan speak about the proposed Aboriginal Voice to Parliament, and what the contours for such a discussion might look like within Catholic education. It was a very worthwhile conference. My thanks to Anna Williams for leading the school so capably while I was a way, and to all staff for their great support.

Public Holiday – Thursday September 22^nd

A reminder that the Prime Minister has designated next Thursday a National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last week. Thursday September 22^nd is subsequently a national public holiday. Sts Peter and Paul will not be open next Thursday.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal