PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents and Carers
‘Humility is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less.’
- Fr Timothy Radcliffe, OP
We are well and truly into the Season of Lent, that period which all Christians mark as a time to prepare for the abundance of Easter. Lent reminds us that there is no appreciation for abundance, no appreciation for the feast, without a little self-renunciation. It is in the conscious denial (or perhaps what psychologists call, the practice of ‘delaying gratification’) of the good things in our life, that makes us appreciate those good things all the more. It also helps us to realise our incompleteness, and from a faith perspective, the need for God. The Dominican priest Timothy Radcliffe reminds us of this in the quote above. Timothy Radcliffe also happens to be leading the Principals’ Retreat this week. The retreat takes place from Wednesday – Friday, and I will be attending the retreat during this period. In my absence, Samantha Mance will very capably lead the school. This link will take you to a series of fascinating talks given by Radcliffe, in January this year, at the Vatican. The Pope was present at the talks. Timothy Radcliffe OP talks.
Enrolment Period
Our enrolment period begins formally in Term 2. I am aware that for many parents, they are faced with decisions early in the school year, before the formal enrolment period begins. Last week, Luke Gubler, our Coordinator of Middle and Senior School Leadership, presented the many opportunities and initiatives that Sts Peter and Paul offers, for all of its students. Sts Peter and Paul is a school committed to providing an environment that allows for, and fosters, the flourishing of all its students. I encourage all parents to view the slides (see article in this newsletter), if you were unable to attend the information night last week. Our Open Days next term are May 7th, 14th and 21st, all from 9.30am – 11am. Our Information Night is on May 14th, at 6pm.
Swimming Carnival and K – 2 Water Fun Day
This Friday, students in Grades 3 – 6, and those in Year 2 who have nominated to compete in 25m and 50m races, will participate in the annual Swimming Carnival, at the Tuggeranong Leisure Centre. It promises to be a wonderful day and will be a great deal of fun for all concerned. My thanks to Luke Gubler for coordinating the carnival, and the staff and parents who have volunteered their time to support the carnival. On the same day, students in Years K – 2 will have a Water Fun Day, at school. My thanks to Natasha Kapantais for organising the day, and to all staff and parents for their support.
E-safety Video
Parents and carers of primary school students are invited to participate in a free 30-minute webinar to help them understand eSafety and parental controls. The webinar will be hosted by the Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) in collaboration with the eSafety Commissioner. Please see flyer located in this newsletter for further details.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
This week, we have held our Term 1 parent/teacher interviews, over Monday, Tuesday and today, Wednesday. My thanks to all teachers for their great support and commitment to the children and families, and to the relationship between home and school. My thanks too to Sam Mance, for coordinating the interviews. If you did not manage to make a time to meet with your child’s teacher/s, I encourage all parents to contact their child’s teacher, and arrange a time to meet.
Have a wonderful week with your families.
Best wishes
Cameron Johns
Principal