Dear Parents and Carers

“At such times, the fire does after all consume us, and we can become ashen people – as Ash Wednesday reminds us we might, and challenges us not to be. Lent, then can be an occasion for us to ask whether we are the directors of our own fires, or merely the material which, bit by bit, it will eat away.”

Peter Steele SJ, Bread for the Journey

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent, and we marked the occasion by attending Mass. The late Peter Steele, quoted above, writes metaphorically of Lent – and of Ash Wednesday in particular – as being a period where we are invited to reflect upon where things stand with us. He writes of our ‘fires’, using the image as a metaphor for our talents and gifts. He challenges us to direct our ‘fires’ to the service and good of others and not be consumed by them, by which he means to be so self-absorbed that we are taken up by, in a sense, our own fire. Later in the term the school will be celebrating Easter, with all classes and grades retelling the events of Easter. My thanks as always to our wonderful REC, Stephanie Burns, for coordinating the Mass, and to Fr John Woods, for his support of our school and students.

Swimming Carnival

A reminder that tomorrow Grades 2 – 6 will be attending the Swimming Carnival at Lakeside Leisure Centre (Tuggeranong Pool). Mary de Smet has done a wonderful job in preparing the carnival and it promises to be an enjoyable day. My thanks to the many parents who have volunteered their time in assisting at the carnival. Sts Peter and Paul, like all schools, relies on parent volunteers at certain key events, such as sporting carnivals, and I am grateful for the parent support tomorrow. All parents are very welcome to attend the carnival and enjoy the day. Swimming lessons continue for our Year 1 students.

Parent – Teacher Interviews

Next week there are parent teacher interviews being held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being a late day for all classes. Teachers will be available up to 7pm on that day. In this newsletter is a link to your child’s or children’s teachers, in which you will be able to book in a time. I encourage all parents to make a time to meet with their child’s teacher and to discuss the progress their child is making at school. My thanks to Paul Jenkins for coordinating the interviews.

Principals’ Retreat

Next week I am away from Wednesday – Friday in Bowral, attending the annual principals’ retreat. All principals from the Archdiocese attend the retreat, as well as Mr Ross Fox, the Director of the Catholic Education Office, and other senior leaders from the office. It is an invaluable period of time for the principals and includes input from the office concerning initiatives and directions. In my absence, the school will be very capably led by Sean Rutledge.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal