PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents and Carers
Ash Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday and it marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. Lent is a period of time that is set aside as ‘preparation’ for the Season of Easter. Within Catholic spirituality, Lent is normally associated with acts of reflection and acknowledgement of our own shortcomings – all designed to remind us (as we can sometimes need) of our dependence on God to live lives that ultimately ‘bear fruit’, to borrow a phrase from the Bible. Today the school attended Ash Wednesday Mass in the school hall, celebrated by Fr John Woods. My thanks to Amanda Basedow, our REC, for coordinating the Mass, and to Fr John for his great support of our school.
Parent Sacramental Learning Opportunity – Reconciliation
A reminder to our parents of students in Year 3 who are making their First Reconciliation this year, that there is an opportunity, next Tuesday night at 6pm, to learn more about the Sacrament that your child will be receiving this year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the two sacraments of healing, and therefore it is helpful if there is a good grounding and understanding of the sacrament. I encourage all parents to attend. It is taking place on online.
Communication Between School and Home – School Calendar
We know that in all facets of life, communication is essential. A reminder to parents that the school calendar is the site which explicitly has dates and events in the school life, which impact on parents. The calendar can be accessed via the school’s website https://stpandp.act.edu.au/ and https://stpandp.act.edu.au/calendar Sam Mance, our Acting AP, updates the calendar regularly as events come to hand e.g., if a grade excursion is added to the calendar. The Term Overview, from your child’s teacher, also contains dates that are relevant to your child’s grade (and these include whole school events).
Swimming Carnival
Coming up in Week 6 is our Grades 2 – 6 Swimming Carnival, held at the Tuggeranong Leisure Centre. As always with our sporting carnivals, we require a healthy cohort of parent volunteers, to assist in making the carnival a successful and safe day for our students. If you are able to volunteer, please email Luke Gubler directly on luke.gubler@cg.catholic.edu.au. My thanks to Luke for coordinating the carnival.
Parent Teacher Interviews
In Week 6 of this term, we are also holding our Parent/Teacher Interviews, which provides home and school the opportunity to check in on the progress of our students as they settle into a new class and routines and expectations. It is an invaluable opportunity for parents to meet with their child’s teacher. Next week, a Compass message will be sent out, asking parents to book in a time to meet with their child’s teacher. I encourage all parents to attend.
Year 6 Camp
In two weeks, our wonderful Year 6 students will be going on camp to Borambola, from Wednesday February 28th to Friday March 1st. Borambola is located just outside Wagga Wagga and is administered by NSW Sports and Recreation. It is an excellent camp and our students have always enjoyed themselves. My thanks to Katie McGregor for organising the camp.
Information Night: Years 3 – 6 Leadership Opportunities
A reminder that on Monday February 26th, at 6pm in the school hall, parents are invited to attend an Information Night which details leadership opportunities for students in Grades 3 – 6. Luke Gubler and I will speak to opportunities for camps, extension and extra-curricular opportunities as well as an optional homework program. I encourage all interested parents to attend, particularly those in Years 2 and 3.
Have a wonderful week with your families.
Best wishes
Cameron Johns
Principal