Dear Parents and Carers

“By embracing these paradoxes and confronting these conflicts, the person of faith, whether inspired by Jesus, Mohammed or Buddha, is able to live an engaged life of faith. I am able to commit myself to others, in love and justice. I am able to be open to reconciling, or at least being reconciled to, the previously irreconcilable. I am able to afford dignity to all others in the human family, no matter what their distinguishing marks, and regardless of their competencies, achievements or potentialities. I am able to surrender myself to that which is beyond my senses. I am able to commit myself to the stewardship of all creation.”

Frank Brennan SJ, ‘Handing on the Faith’

Welcome to Term 4! I trust that your child or children had a wonderful school holiday and that you too enjoyed something of a break, or at least a change in routine. It has been excellent to have all the students back at school.

Yesterday, members of the Leadership Team gathered to begin the process of writing our 2024 Annual Improvement Plan. Such days require sustained conversation and attention to data, lived experience, and the needs of the school community and the wider community to which we belong. We began the day by reflecting on an essay written by Frank Brennan, the Australian Jesuit priest, who has written much on social and political issues, as they find expression in Australian public life. The quote above comes from a speech called ‘Handing on the Faith’, he gave to a gathering of teachers 10 years ago, in the Catholic archdiocese of Sandhurst (Victoria). The essay was an excellent contextualization of the mission and vocation of Sts Peter and Paul and it helped the LT set its compass for the day’s work. The 2024 AIP is in its infancy, and I look forward to sharing the growth and final version of the plan, before the end of the year.

Pastoral Letter – Archbishop Prowse

This Saturday, the country is asked to vote in a referendum involving a change in the Australian Constitution that recognises our Indigenous peoples and the establishment of a Voice to Parliament. Archbishop Prowse has written a pastoral letter on this issue: Pastoral letter: Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum - Catholic Voice

Fr Brian McCoy SJ has also written an article in a recent online edition of Eureka Street. I knew Brian very well in my younger years. He was one of two Jesuits living at Balgo in the very eastern desert region of the Kimberley, Western Australia. At the time, I lived at Billiluna, where I first cut my teeth as a teacher, about an hour’s drive from Brian. Like Balgo, Billiluna is an Aboriginal community. Other than the period he spent as Provincial of the Jesuits, Brian has spent his entire life ministering to Indigenous peoples. He brings wisdom, compassion and insight to all that he writes: Our country is hurting (eurekastreet.com.au)

Mini Maths Mornings

The excellent work begun by Anna Williams continues this term, with Sarah Walsh and Sarah Kennelly both running Mini-Maths Mornings, for K-2 parents and their children, each Tuesday morning. Sarah and Sarah are presenting creative and engaging ways to teach young students foundational Maths concepts, with the particular use of concrete materials. My thanks to Sarah and Sarah for their excellent work.

Boorowa Sports Carnival

A reminder for parents that next Friday week is the Boorowa Sports Carnival, with a number of our older students attending. Both Netball and Touch Football feature and it will be a great day for all students who are playing on the day. My thanks to Luke Gubler and Sarah Walsh for organising the day and making it happen.

Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge

Next Tuesday, Amanda Basedow, our librarian and Acting Assistant Principal, is attending a ceremony at the National Library, as our school is part of a small number that have been recognized for excellence in reading, in the CMRC. Attending with Amanda are Abigail B, Chiara C and Avanthika J. My thanks to Amanda for coordinating the school’s involvement in the CMRC, and to all students for their great reading.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal

Social Justice - Crazy Sock Day Socktober Catholic Mission - Thursday 19 October

Social Justice is defined by the Catholic Church as, “the respect for the human person and the rights which flow from human dignity.’ Catholic Social Justice teaches that all people are made in the image of God and possess an equal worth, and that each person has a right to all that is needed to allow him or her to live their full potential as intended by God.

This year, we are supporting Catholic Mission by participating in Socktober. Socktober 2023 will contribute vital funds to projects around the world, including Timor-Leste, where a medical clinic and a children's home are providing hope for generations of young people.

On Thursday 19 October, students are able to participate in Socktober in two ways:

1. Wear ‘crazy socks’ and ‘sock it’ to poverty. Students are invited to wear crazy socks and make a gold coin donation.
2. Kick goals for poverty. Could you score a goal against a teacher? Students are invited to donate gold coin/s and try to score a goal. 

As a community, let’s join together to help Catholic Mission bring hope and dignity to people in need. Thank you.

Sunday Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Parable of the Wedding Banquet

Gospel Reflection by Dianne Bergant

As incredible as it may seem, some people turn down the invitation to the eschatological banquet. This is the case, both in the parable and in our world today. This invitation seems much less interesting than a sports event, the latest movie, or some social affair. So much of our time and energy is spent either climbing the economic ladder or just trying to keep our heads above water. Even if we are interested in the banquet, we do not seem able to afford the time and energy that it might require. And so we send our regrets: I cannot come. What a shame! We seem to have forgotten that everything is tending toward the end; all of our plans, interests and distractions will cease. Only the banquet will remain. All God asks of us is that we receive the blessings that have been prepared for us. We need not work for them. In fact, we cannot work for them on our own. All we can do is enjoy them. Enjoyment of the eschatological time of fulfilment is open to all, but guaranteed to none.

One theme seems to connect all of the readings for this Sunday, our total dependence on God. God spreads the banquet table and invites the guests; God punishes those who are indifferent to or antagonistic toward the eschatological banquet; God supplies whatever we need in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. We do not have to bargain with God, or make reservations. All we have to do is accept what God has to offer.

Blessings for the week ahead,

Veronica Hall

Religious Education Coordinator

Parish Office Manager – Inner North Parishes

People are invited to apply for the position Parish Office Manager, Inner North Parishes (encompassing Campbell, Canberra Central, O’Connor & Watson). This is a full-time position (subject to review in 12 months)

Essential Requirements:

• An understanding of and support for the Catholic Church and its teachings
• Excellent verbal and written, interpersonal and communication skills
• Computer literacy in MS Suite and database skills, (in particular PACS database)
• Act with tact & discretion, maintaining high levels of confidentiality, honesty, integrity, reliability and punctuality

Please email Deborah.foote@cg.org.au for a detailed copy of the duty statement and selection criteria.  Applications addressing the Selection Criteria with attached resume to Fr Anthony Riosa, SSS, anthony.riosa@cam.org.au  must be received by Friday 3 November 2023.

Last Sunday, the Sts Peter and Paul Pipers performed at the Canberra Highland Gathering at the Burns Club. This was a very significant event as never before has a primary school performed at the Highland Gathering.

Thank you to our fab music teacher, Ms Gill and to the club bagpiper volunteers who so generously give their time to teach our amazing students.

Awards will be presented at our assembly on Thursday 19 October at 2.15 in the school hall.

Principal's Awards: Zoe S, 2W; Olive I, 2W

Canteen Awards: Eva G, KM; Alexandra B, 5W; Zozo TT, 5M

 The school disco is almost here!

Friday 27^th October in the school hall

 Kinder- Yr 2 will be held from 6- 6:45pm 

Yrs 3-6 will be held from 7- 7:45pm

Tickets are $5 per child and available to purchase on Qkr!

Children will receive a drink, chips and a treat

We thank Jungle Jerry and look forward to a night of fun and dancing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to those students who are celebrating their birthday this week

Angad S

Sebastian B

Ridwan H

Sebastian H

Welcome back to the Library for Term 4! 

This term we welcome Miss Maddison Mertz as the Library Teacher on Mondays and Wednesdays! 

Library Lessons for classes are as follows and please remember Library Bags! 

Lunchtimes in the Library

 This term the Library will be open during lunchtimes Mondays and Tuesdays (after eating time)

. It’s great to read, draw, complete a puzzle or play a board game! 

Overdue Library Books

Do you have Library books at home?

We have over 500 overdue Library books! We would be very grateful if you could have a check at home to see if you have any Library books that need to be returned.  

Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge

Last term SPP students successfully completed the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge. Our school has been invited to the Awards Ceremony to be held next Tuesday 17th October at the National Library of Australia. Three students, Miss Garrett and myself will represent the school and I am extremely proud of our reading efforts from all the students at SPP. 

Book Club 

Orders close Friday 26th October. It will then take up to two weeks for the books to arrive at school and be handed out. 

All orders are placed online via the LOOP app- please note we do not accept cash or orders at school as all orders are placed online. Click here to access an online version: https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/ 

Our school is St Peter and Pauls when you are in the LOOP app. 

Please contact amanda.basedow@cg.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions regarding the Library or borrowing.

Keep reading!

Mrs Basedow and Miss Mertz

Welcome back to school for our final term! We have some exciting sports happening for our students this term. 

Boorowa Touch Football/Netball Carnival Friday 20th October - NEXT WEEK!

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET PAID AND OFFERED CONSENT, PLEASE DO SO BY FRIDAY 13TH OCTOBER OTHERISE YOUR CHILD CANNOT ATTEND.

Sts Peter and Paul has entered 9 teams into the competition, a fantastic participation amongst our Years 2-6 students with just under 90 students attending! An email will be sent out in the coming days with some final pieces of information regarding next week. 

If your child is attending and you will be driving them, please consider volunteering as our success at this carnival will depend on volunteers. Thank you to those who have already raised their hand! We still need quite a few volunteers (particularly referees), so if you are driving your child to this event please consider volunteering.

If you ever have any questions about anything related to Sport, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Luke Gubler (luke.gubler@cg.catholic.edu.au) and Sarah Walsh (sarah.walsh1@cg.catholic.edu.au) and hopefully we will be able to help you out!

Welcome back to Term 4.

This term Years 5 and 6 will have fun in the kitchen and learn about healthy eating in the kitchen and classroom. They will also partake in an in house cooking competition!! Stay tuned!

Last term I asked one little helper to assist me to get our garden ready for the holidays. I’m pleased to say we did a good job. We have mint, strawberries, spinach, lettuce and peas. The garden is doing so well.

Just a reminder - garden club is on every Friday at lunch time. It is a great way to spend a lunch break watering, weeding, harvesting, doing projects such as scarecrow dressing, and catching up with friends.

For more information about this program email katherine.birch@cg.catholic.edu.au

The Garden Club

APPLE AND CINNAMON MUFFINS

Ingredients

3 green apples. peeled & chopped

2 1/2 cups self raising flour

2 tsp cinnamon

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/3 cup milk

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

150 g butter, melted

2 tbs raw sugar

Method

Preheat oven to 200 degrees, line two 12 hole muffin trays with cases and spray with oil.

Sift flour and cinnamon into a large bowl. Add sugar and make a well in the centre.

Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla and eggs in a separate bowl then fold into dry ingredients.

Fold in the chopped apple until just combined.

Fill each muffin pan with mixture and sprinkle with raw sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

THE CANTEEN IS CASHLESS FOR ALL LUNCH ORDERS

Families are required to place ALL lunch orders via Qkr! before 8.45am

 Please purchase over-the-counter sale items (snacks & treats) for your child in a lunch order,

or

Purchase a “daily counter sales voucher” via Qkr! for your child to go to the canteen to purchase (snacks & treats) at lunchtime.

CANTEEN VOLUNTEER ROSTER

Please contact me if you are unable to assist on your day.

TERM 4 CANTEEN ROSTER OUT NOW! 

If you have any spare time and would like to help in the canteen, PLEASE feel free to contact me through email at lauretta.raccosta@cg.catholic.edu.au

or click on the link below to slot a time in.

https://stpandp.schoolzineplus.com/term4canteen

 All volunteers must have a WWVP card.

 Qkr! TIP 

Is your child sick and not going to school, and you have placed a lunch order on Qkr!?

You have till 8.45am that morning to cancel the lunch order - instructions on how to cancel lunch orders are below.

OPEN TUESDAY MORNINGS

8.30 – 9.30AM

The Uniform Shop is a service for the parents and children. 

We sell New & Quality Second-hand school clothing, and all money raised goes back to the school to provide resources for the children.

The School Uniform is available via Qkr!
Tuesdays - Fridays, orders will be delivered to your child’s classroom. Orders need to be placed before 8.45 am. 

It is usual practice for most schools to offer second-hand clothing at the uniform shop to families at a discounted price. Quality second-hand clothing can only be purchased during uniform hours.  We do understand that this may not be convenient for some families so please feel free to send me an email if you are unable to get to the uniform shop during its’ hours and I will do my best to attend your needs.

 The uniform shop is limited with space, so if you wish to donate pre-loved items, PLEASE ONLY DONATE CLOTHES

that are washed and in perfect resalable order.

 Please visit the schools website for the Summer Uniform price list.

Lauretta Raccosta

Uniform Shop

Lauretta.raccosta@cg.catholic.edu.au

Can you lend a helping hand with washing jumpers?

 We are seeking some volunteers who would be keen to help out with washing some unnamed and unclaimed lost property jumpers to then be returned to the uniform shop for second hand clothing. 

Please email Lauretta.raccosta@cg.catholic.edu.au

if you are able to assist in any way.

Thank you