Dear Parents and Carers

“Preach the word of God wherever you go, even use words, if necessary.”

• St Francis of Assisi

St Francis’ words, which speak so powerfully to us 800 years after he died, speak to the authenticity and integrity present in a person’s life when their fundamental beliefs and values inform the way that he or she lives. Pope Paul VI said something similar when he said that, “Today’s world does not need more teachers, but people who give witness.” Paul VI didn’t literally mean that we do not teachers. Rather, in an age where we have no lack of information, we need people whose life and actions give witness – or provide a window – into the way that their faith in God animates their lives. That is far more powerful than the mere transmission of information.

Year 6 Confirmation

Last night, our Year 6 students and their families gave witness to their faith, when a number of children received the Sacrament of Confirmation, at the Parish of the Transfiguration, Curtin. Our students received the Sacrament with students from Holy Trinity, Curtin. It was a wonderful night and I would like to thank Katie McGregor, our Year 6 teacher, and Amanda Basedow, our Religious Education Coordinator, for the wonderful job they did in preparing our students. My thanks as well to all of families for their great support, especially the Winsbury family, for hosting Home Groups, as part of the preparation process. I would like to thank Monsignor John for his great support, and the staff of Holy Trinity for the collaborative spirit in which the program has been administered. The children confirmed last night were: Gabriella S, Ava G, Eliana B, Ariella J and Lucia M. Tonight, we have a second night of children making their Confirmation. The Archbishop is the primary celebrant and I thank the Archbishop for his support and presence. The Year 6 children being confirmed tonight are: Jack M, Isabel W and Finn B.

Reports and Parent Teacher

A reminder that next week, Parent/Teacher Interviews are taking place over 3 days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Parents are asked to book in a timeslot via Compass. Bookings will close at 3pm on Friday afternoon (21 June). Parent/Teacher interviews are important opportunities to speak with your child’s teacher about the progress he or she is making in class, and to celebrate achievements as well as address any concerns. Reports will be published via Compass on Monday of week 10: July 1^st.

Student Achievement

Isabel W, in Year 6, competed last week in the A.C.T. Cross Country Championships, and did amazingly well. Isabel came second in the whole of the A.C.T for her age group, and will now represent the A.C.T. and the National Championships in Darwin. Congratulations, Isabel! We are very proud of you.

Student Events

Yesterday, our Year 4 students returned from a 2-day camp at Warrambui, near Murrumbateman. The students had an excellent time. Staff at school, and at the camp centre, spoke very highly of the students’ engagement and colloboration – my congratulations to our whole Year 4 cohort. Well done! Adventures continue this week for our year 6 students.

On Friday, Year 6 are attending Treetops  https://treetopsadventure.com.au/location/act-canberra/ . Treetops is an adventure and leadership building venue, which focuses upon building the students’ resilience, colloboration skills and teamwork. My thanks to Luke Gubler and Katie McGregor for organising this visit.

Finally, Thursday next week sees our inaugural day trip to the snow, at Corrin Forest. We have a busload of Year 3 students attending Corrin Forest, under the watchful eye of Miss Mertz and Mrs. Mance. It promises to be a great day. My thanks to all staff involved. Early next term sees a cohort of Years 4, 5 & 6 students attend Corrin Forest, for a day.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes 

Cameron Johns

Principal