Dear Parents and Carers

‘Until someone has had some level of inner religious experience, there is no point in asking them to follow the ethical ideals of Jesus or to really understand Christian doctrines beyond the formulaic level. We quite simply don’t have the power to follow any gospel ideal—such as loving others, forgiving enemies, living simply and non-violently, or humble use of power—except in and through union with God.’

Richard Rohr

Last week we started our newsletter with a quote from the Franciscan priest Richard Rohr, and we do so again this week. In his characteristically direct manner, Rohr is writing about the experience of mysticism, which he names as a direct experience of the mystery of God’s love. In our faith tradition, we call that an experience of grace. Rohr’s point, stated above, is that it is only those experiences that bring alive  Christian doctrines and belief systems. It is my firm conviction that we all have experiences of grace, whether we know it or not. Good religious education helps children and young adults to make sense of those experinces, within their lives.

Meet and Greet

Last Monday night, we held our annual ‘Meet and Greet’ night, which started in the school hall with an address from me and members of staff, and then proceeded to the classrooms, where parents had an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher or teachers. My deep thanks to all members of staff for their presence on the night, and for their commitment to the children and their educational flourishing. My thanks to the parent body for their great support. If you were unable to attend on the night, please contact your child’s teacher for the Term Letter and Overview.

Last night, we held an Information Night, for parents of Year 3 children (and some other grades), who are interested in making their First Reconciliation this year. As is our common practice, our children will receive the sacrament with the Year 3 students from Holy Trinity. My thanks to our new Parish Priest, Fr James Antony, to our wonderful REC Andrea McQuirk, and our excellent Year 3 teachers: Bridget Pigram, Fron Garrett-Rumba, and Andrea McQuirk. My thanks to Catherine Grinsell-Jones from the parish office, as well as the staff from Holy Trinity Primary.

Colour Run

Save the date! On Friday, March 21^st, all students at Sts Peter and Paul will partake in a colour run! The children will have an opportunity to raise funds which will assist in the installation of some new playground equipment. My thanks to Karina Jones, one of our wonderful mums, and the Community Council, for their excellent support of this initiative.

School Mass

A reminder that our Opening School Mass for the Year will be held this Thursday at 12pm, in the school hall. The Mass affords us an opportunity to welcome Fr James Antony, our new parish priest. All parents are warmly invited to come to Mass.

Years 3 – 6 Leadership Information Night

On Monday February 24^th, we are holding an information night about our Leadership Program for students in Years 3 – 6. All parents are invited to attend to learn about the many exciting possibilities on offer for all students in the middle and senior grades.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal