Dear Parents and Carers

“We go through our lives, our years on this Earth, thinking of ourselves as separate. That sense of separateness basically causes every stupid, sinful, silly thing we ever do. The little, separate self takes offense when people don’t show us proper respect. The separate self lies, steals, and does unkind things to other people. When we’re separate, everything becomes about protecting and defending ourselves. It can consume our lives.”

• Richard Rohr

In the passage above, Fr Richard Rohr, no stranger to this newsletter, is writing about what it means to be in communion with others and with the world – in all of its messiness. Rohr believes, and has written elsewhere, that real maturity is realising that we are all profoundly connected, and that which we think separates us from others, is illusory, and leads to pain and heartache. Rohr writes, “The whole gospel message is radical union with God, with neighbour, and even with ourselves. I think that’s why so many people are drawn to church each week—to receive communion and eventually, hopefully, realize that we are in communion.” One of the goals of a good education is help lay the foundations of a journey of both self-understanding and understanding of the world, that sees a healthy interconnectedness in all things. This is surely a lifetime’s work. The journey starts when we are young. This is one of the goals of Sts Peter and Paul.

Remembrance Day

Last Monday, our Year 5 students, and their teachers, led the school in an appropriately solemn Remembrance Day Liturgy. The children led the school in prayer and actions that helped to foster a memory and respect for the day and what it represents. We were most fortunate that Group Captain Jason Baldock was able to speak to the students about the day's meaning, and it was a very rich experience for the children. My thanks to our students, to Luke Gubler and Sam Stinziani and to Group Captain Jason Baldock, for their excellent efforts and hard work.

Market Day

This Friday, one of the highlights of the school year – especially for our Year 6 students – takes place, with our Market Day. Our Year 6 students look forward to one of the leadership highlights of the year, which sees them run and manage various stalls, involving creativity and service. This all for a good cause, with the purpose of raising money and awareness for Catholic Mission Month. My thanks to Katie McGregor and to Sarah Walsh, for organising the day.

Class Lists

We have begun the process whereby students are asked to nominate 4 friends they would like to have with them in class next year. A Google Doc has been sent home to all families, for this purpose. We will ask you to assist your child at home, in choosing his or her four friends. One of those friends is guaranteed by the school to be with your child next year. If you have any concerns around class placement for next year, I would ask that you email me directly at cameron.johns@cg.catholic.edu.au. Class lists for all grades will published Monday Week 9.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal