Dear Parents and Carers

“The very contradictions in my life are in some ways signs of God's mercy to me.”

• Thomas Merton

The late Thomas Merton, who was a Trappist monk and priest, is an example to us all. The quote above is well expressed, for in some ways Merton’s whole life was a contradiction. A monk whose life in an austere and cloistered order nonetheless became a beacon of hope in the world of the 1950s and 1960s, a man whose prolific writings revealed a deep engagement with the world and an apostolic spirit – ironies for a monk who withdraws from the world and lives a hermit-like existence. Merton’s point is only that God’s love holds in tension all the strivings we make towards the good, whilst still falling short. Merton would also say that these contradictions do not make us hypocrites, in and of themselves; rather, being aware of our contradictions is a path to true maturity, and to a true realisation of our dependence on God.

Confirmation

On the weekend, our students in Year 6, who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation later this term, attended one of the parish Masses at the Church of the Transfiguration, at Curtin. The students, and their parents, publicly committed to this step in faith that they are making, within the context of the parish community. My thanks to the parents for their support, and to our Year 6 teachers, Paul Jenkins, Katie McGregor and Nic Marsham; and our REC, Andrea McQuirk. A reminder that the Stole Night for parents and children who are making their Confirmation is Thursday next week, at 5.30pm in the hall at Holy Trinity, Curtin.

South Weston Cross Country

Next week, on Tuesday, we have 50 students from Sts Peter and Paul participating in the regional South Weston Cross Country competition, held at Stromlo Forest. This year, Sts Peter and Paul as the task of coordinating the event for all schools involved. My thanks to Luke Gubler for coordinating both the event and our involvement in the competition, as well as Cathy Shepherd, Bridget Pigram and Maddi Mertz, for attending on the day and supporting the students.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Semester Two reports will be going home at the end of this term, in Week 10. A reminder that, as per normal practice, we will be holding parent/teacher interviews in Week 9. A Compass message will be sent to parents in the near future, asking parents to nominate an interview time.

Have a wonderful week with your families and enjoy the long weekend.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal