Dear Parents and Carers

Swimming Fun Day

Last Friday, we held a ‘Fun Day’ at the indoor pool at Tuggeranong. It was a wonderful day and the children all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. My thanks to Sarah Kennelly for organising the day so well and for helping the children have such a wonderful time. My thanks too to all staff and parents for their support.

Early Career Teacher Day and Retreat

Yesterday and today, our two first-year teachers, Jess Gowing and Josh Gereis, are spending the day with other first-year teachers and CE staff, in a planning and information day. Yesterday saw our new teachers commissioned at the Cathedral (I attended as well). They also had a day of professional learning. Today is a retreat day. Josh and Jess are two very good teachers, and the days will be of great benefit. Investing in our early-career teachers is a commendable and important initiative from the archdiocese.

Remembrance Day

Today, the school gathered together in the hall to mark Remembrance Day, and honour those who have lost their lives in all wars. Our prayer service was planned and led by Maddie Greenwood, our Youth Minister, as well as our Year 5 teachers and students. We also had a very special visitor, Group Captain Jason Baldock (father of Eliana and Nathan), who gave the Commemorative Address. My thanks to our wonderful students and staff members for their organisation, and all staff for their support.

Planning Day

On Monday, the school’s Leadership Team is meeting for the day, to plan our Strategic Plan for the next 3 years, and to also plan our Annual Improvement Plan for 2023, which in itself is a breakdown of the Strategic Plan. Joining the 2022 Leadership Team will be Veronica Hall, our 2023 REC, and Dominic Braybon, from Catholic Education. Typically, schools are asked to pick 3 main goals around learning and wellbeing. Strategies and metrics are also discussed. The final version of the SP & AIP will be published on the school’s website before the end of the year.

Semester 2 Reports & Parent/Teacher Interviews

The Catholic Education Office has taken the step this Semester of removing the comment boxes from the Semester 2 reports. CE have asked all schools to include this text, from the office, in a letter or newsletter to parents:

‘Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn (CECG) has communicated to schools informing them that general comments will not be required on the Semester 2, 2022 reports. This is in line with other educational jurisdictions and systems. Given teacher workload at present, including staffing pressures across the profession, CECG’s position is to prioritise parent/teacher conferences occurring during Term 4. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, their strengths, challenges, and future areas of focus. A Semester Report will be sent home as in previous semesters providing A-E grading and attendance information’.

In summary, this means that a report will be sent home to parents, with a grade for all subject areas. General comments will not be included. In lieu of comments, Sts Peter and Paul will hold parent/teacher interviews in Week 8 of this term. A link will be sent home to parents in the coming weeks, which will allow parents to book a meeting with their child’s or children’s teacher/s.

Class Lists – 2023

The students have submitted their requests for ‘Friendship Four’ and the teachers are in the process of compiling the class lists for 2023. Multiple factors are taken into account, including of course the friendship choices of the students. The school can only guarantee one friend for the students’ lists. Working dynamics, even split of gender and ability, and teacher knowledge, all need to be factored into the final lists. If any parent has a particular reason why their child should not be in the same class as another child, please email me directly, if you haven’t already done so. Teacher requests cannot be entertained. The final decision regarding class and teacher placements rests with me.

Have a wonderful week with your families. 

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal