Dear Parents and Carers

“None of us speaks the whole truth, which is why truth-speaking and peace-making belong to the whole community.”

‘Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World’ – Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

Last Sunday was Social Justice Sunday. As they do each year, the Australian Bishops release an annual statement about an issue pertaining to social justice and the social good, with this year’s document called ‘Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World.’ 2024-2025 Social Justice Statement The authors of the statement speak to the extreme dangers of the erosion of truth – they use the term ‘post-truth’ – and the importance of truth in terms of laying a foundation for peace. The statement draws on recent papal teaching and historical Church teachings to underpin its argument. It is well worth reading, and is especially pertinent for Catholic schools, as we – like all schools of all denominations, and none – have a vocation to teach our students what it means to be truthful people, and to have a commitment to the ongoing discovery of truth. I have included a link to a good review of the statement by the Jesuit priest Andrew Hamilton SJ.

Eureka Street - Andrew Hamilton SJ Article

First Eucharist Presentation Mass

Last Sunday, students in Year 4 who are receiving their First Eucharist this year attended one of two Presentation Masses at our home parish, the Parish of the Transfiguration. I would like to congratulate our students, as they have taken this further step in their faith. My thanks to all families for their support, to Sarah Walsh our Acting REC for coordinating our involvement in the Masses, to our wonderful Year 4 teachers for their work, and to Fr John and the parish team, for their unwavering support.

Student Achievement

Last week, one of Year 6 students, Isabel W, participated in the National School Cross Country, in Victoria. Isabel competed in the Under 12 girls 3km race. This weekend Isabel is heading to Launceston to compete in the 2024 Australian Cross Country Championships. She has been selected in the ACT Team for under 13 girls – 3km. Congratulations Isabel on an amazing achievement! I am very proud of you and your efforts. Well done.

Book Week Parade

A reminder that our Book Week character costume parade is taking place this Thursday morning, after morning assembly. All children are invited to come to school dressed as a character from their favourite book. I look forward to seeing all of our students dressed as their alter egos. My thanks to Sarah Kennelly and Amanda de Jongh for coordinating the Bookweek activities on the day, and to all staff for their support.

Fathers’ Day Breakfast

A reminder too that this Friday, we celebrate all the fathers in the community, and those men (friends, uncles and grandfathers) who are father-figures for our students. Fathers’ Day is on Sunday, and as such, we are honouring fathers and those who bring the spirit of being father, with a Fathers’ Day breakfast, from 7.45am, on the blacktop. Parents are invited for breakfast and the chance to see some excellent Fathers’ Day art, which will be on display in the courtyard. Year 3 are presenting their Fathers’ Day assembly in the school hall at 9.15am, approximately, after the morning assembly. A reminder as well that fortnightly awards will be given out at morning assembly on Friday. Children will have the opportunity to buy their father a small present from a Fathers’ Day stall. Vouchers for the stall can be purchased via Qkr! Vouchers will be given to the students by their teachers before they visit the stalls. My thanks to the Community Council for making this event possible.

Trivia Night

In further news about community events, a reminder that our 2024 Trivia Night is being held at the end of Week 8, on Friday September 13, at 6.30pm in the school hall. Parents are invited to make up tables of up to 10 adults. The teachers already have made two tables. My thanks again to the Community Council, who have made this evening possible.

I would like to wish all of our fathers a wonderful day on Sunday. Have an excellent week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal