Dear Parents and Carers

“Our lives are touched by those who lived centuries ago, and we hope that our lives will mean something to people who won't be alive until centuries from now. It's a great "chain of being," someone once told me, and I think our job is to do the best we can to hold up our small segment of the chain connected, unbroken. Our arms are linked - we try to be neighbours of His, and to speak up for his principles. That's a lifetime's job.”
― Dorothy Day, The Reckless Way of Love: Notes on Following Jesus

Today, we celebrate All Saints’ Day. This day is set aside to recognize the lives of the Saints and what it is they can teach us. Like most Catholic schools, our school claims a saint – and in fact, claims two saints – as patrons. Sts Peter and Paul, as I sometimes tell our students, are two excellent examples of people whose lives were turned around completely, as a result of an encounter with Jesus. They are, in modern parlance, great examples of the transformative power of learning. As lifelong learners, they changed irrevocably, and for the better. Saints can console us, inspire us in dark times, and be fellow journeymen and women. Saints are normal people, who excel at being human. For all the saints in our lives – both official and those unrecognized – let us be grateful.

School Disco

A huge thankyou to Katherine Jones and the Community Council for the fantastic disco last week. The kids all had a fun and wonderful time.

Class Lists – 2024

Our teachers have begun the task of preparing the class lists for 2024. This is a long and detailed process, with a number of factors being considered. Students will have an opportunity to nominate 3 people with whom they would like to be placed next year. The school guarantees only 1 friend, although students may be placed with two or all of their choices. If any parents have concerns about their child’s classmates for 2024, and if you would like the school to try to ensure that your child is not placed with a particular student, please email me directly. Sts Peter and Paul is unable to entertain any requests for particular teachers. Thank you for your support.

School Musical – Matilda

This week is a particularly busy week in the life of the school. We are presenting a shortened version of our school musical, ‘Matilda’, to students from Malkara today. Tomorrow, we are performing for our K – 4 students, and any parents who cannot make the evening performance (matinee tickets are available). Our two sold out performances are on Thursday and Friday evening. The children are very excited and very keen to perform, and I am very proud of them and their efforts. My deep and sincere thanks to Jess Gowing, who brings amazing talents in performing arts to the production, and to our Years 5 & 6 teachers: Josh Gereis, Fron Garrett-Rumba, Katie McGregor and Luke Gubler. My thanks, too, to Mr Muller for the amazing light and sound equipment, and for all the time he has spent in the hall installing everything and making sure it all works. 

Mini Maths Mornings

Yesterday, our Mini Maths Mornings came to an end in KW. For the past 4 weeks, Sarah Walsh and Sarah Kennelly have been running some workshops designed for parents of students in K – 2 and have done an amazing job in helping explain concepts and ideas in Maths, and the way they can be successfully taught to our younger students. My thanks to Sarah and Sarah for their excellent efforts.

Canteen Volunteers’ Morning Tea

Friday week, on November 10^th, at 1pm, we are hosting a ‘thank you’ afternoon tea for this year's wonderful canteen volunteers. My thanks to Lauretta Raccosta for organising our afternoon tea.

Andrew Fuller

A reminder that on Tuesday November 14^th at 6pm, our Community Council is hosting a talk by Andrew Fuller, renowned child psychologist, for all of our parents. This will be a wonderful opportunity for all of our parents. Please see the flyer in this newsletter and come along for an excellent evening.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal