Dear Parents and Carers

“By contrast, we are told…what God yearns to give us…is unstinted life. We cannot have this unless we concede, and confess, that there are places in our hearts that actively resist life, places where we cling to our greed, our anger, our self-preening, our self-hating…Lent is a time when we pray to be honest…and be made sound again.”

Peter Steele SJ, ‘Perishing?’

In the excellent reflection above, Jesuit priest Peter Steele offers a reflection on the season of Lent, and the way that it intersects with our lives. His suggests that it is a time that affords us the opportunity – indeed, asks it of us – to spend a little time asking where it is in our lives that we resist the presence of God. Easter is a celebration of life, bursting forth in the most unexpected of ways, of life being reborn. Steele asks us to consider where it is in our lives that is most need of life.

Cross Country Carnival

Yesterday, we held our annual Cross Country Carnival. It was an excellent day, and I am very grateful to the large number of parent volunteers and supporters that joined us for the morning. My thanks to Luke Gubler for doing such a good job coordinating the carnival and to all staff for their support. I was very proud of all of our students and their participation and engagement with the carnival and their support of the friends and classmates.

South Western Swimming

Still on the theme of sport, this Friday sees our some of our students participate in the regional swimming championships, with children from other schools from the Woden and south Canberra area. Students who do well enough then go on to participate in the ACT championships, and from there, the National competition. I wish all of our students the very best. My thanks to Luke Gubler for coordinating our involvement and for joining our swimmers on the day.

First Reconciliation

Next week, on Tuesday night at 6.30pm, our sacramental students in Year 3 and other grades will make their First Reconciliation. This sacrament of healing speaks to the need we all have in our lives, from time-to-time, to be reconciled with God and within ourselves, for the ways in which we have not responded to the grace of God. I will be joining the children and their families on the night, in support of their step in faith. My thanks to our excellent Religious Education Coordinator, Andrea McQuirk, for all of her work; to Fr James for his great support; and to the Year 3 teachers, and the students’ families, for their help and encouragement of our students.

Week 10 Easter Liturgies

Next week, we are retelling the story of Easter, in the lead up to Easter (which takes place in the middle weekend of the school holidays). All liturgies take place in the school hall and at 12pm.

Easter Egg Colouring Competition

All children are invited to participate in the Easter Egg Colouring Competition. All students have received colouring in pictures, with winners judged and announced on the last day of the school term. There will be a winner from the K – 2 cohort and the 3 – 6 cohort. My thanks to the Community Council for coordinating the competition and providing the prizes.

Last Day of Term 1

A reminder that the last day for students who attend a Catholic systemic school is Thursday, April 10^th.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal