Dear Parents and Carers

“None of us speaks the whole truth, which is why truth-speaking and peace-making belong to the whole community.”

‘Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World’ – Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

Last Sunday was Social Justice Sunday. As they do each year, the Australian Bishops release an annual statement about an issue pertaining to social justice and the social good, with this year’s document called ‘Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World.’ 2024-2025 Social Justice Statement The authors of the statement speak to the extreme dangers of the erosion of truth – they use the term ‘post-truth’ – and the importance of truth in terms of laying a foundation for peace. The statement draws on recent papal teaching and historical Church teachings to underpin its argument. It is well worth reading, and is especially pertinent for Catholic schools, as we – like all schools of all denominations, and none – have a vocation to teach our students what it means to be truthful people, and to have a commitment to the ongoing discovery of truth. I have included a link to a good review of the statement by the Jesuit priest Andrew Hamilton SJ.

Eureka Street - Andrew Hamilton SJ Article

First Eucharist Presentation Mass

Last Sunday, students in Year 4 who are receiving their First Eucharist this year attended one of two Presentation Masses at our home parish, the Parish of the Transfiguration. I would like to congratulate our students, as they have taken this further step in their faith. My thanks to all families for their support, to Sarah Walsh our Acting REC for coordinating our involvement in the Masses, to our wonderful Year 4 teachers for their work, and to Fr John and the parish team, for their unwavering support.

Student Achievement

Last week, one of Year 6 students, Isabel W, participated in the National School Cross Country, in Victoria. Isabel competed in the Under 12 girls 3km race. This weekend Isabel is heading to Launceston to compete in the 2024 Australian Cross Country Championships. She has been selected in the ACT Team for under 13 girls – 3km. Congratulations Isabel on an amazing achievement! I am very proud of you and your efforts. Well done.

Book Week Parade

A reminder that our Book Week character costume parade is taking place this Thursday morning, after morning assembly. All children are invited to come to school dressed as a character from their favourite book. I look forward to seeing all of our students dressed as their alter egos. My thanks to Sarah Kennelly and Amanda de Jongh for coordinating the Bookweek activities on the day, and to all staff for their support.

Fathers’ Day Breakfast

A reminder too that this Friday, we celebrate all the fathers in the community, and those men (friends, uncles and grandfathers) who are father-figures for our students. Fathers’ Day is on Sunday, and as such, we are honouring fathers and those who bring the spirit of being father, with a Fathers’ Day breakfast, from 7.45am, on the blacktop. Parents are invited for breakfast and the chance to see some excellent Fathers’ Day art, which will be on display in the courtyard. Year 3 are presenting their Fathers’ Day assembly in the school hall at 9.15am, approximately, after the morning assembly. A reminder as well that fortnightly awards will be given out at morning assembly on Friday. Children will have the opportunity to buy their father a small present from a Fathers’ Day stall. Vouchers for the stall can be purchased via Qkr! Vouchers will be given to the students by their teachers before they visit the stalls. My thanks to the Community Council for making this event possible.

Trivia Night

In further news about community events, a reminder that our 2024 Trivia Night is being held at the end of Week 8, on Friday September 13, at 6.30pm in the school hall. Parents are invited to make up tables of up to 10 adults. The teachers already have made two tables. My thanks again to the Community Council, who have made this evening possible.

I would like to wish all of our fathers a wonderful day on Sunday. Have an excellent week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal

Sacramental News: First Eucharist

As a community, we continue to pray for the students and families as they begin their preparation to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at the table of the Lord. 

First Eucharist Presentation Masses

It was lovely seeing many of our families at the First Eucharist Presentation Masses over the weekend. The parish community continues to ‘Walk Together’ with you and your family on your faith journey.

Parents of Year 4 students have received a note via Compass informing you of the upcoming First Eucharist Retreat day at Holy Trinity Primary School on September 6th. Please note that this is a retreat for all students in Year 4, not just those who are preparing for the Sacrament of First Eucharist. 

Father’s Day

Sts Peter and Paul will be celebrating the fathers and father-figures in our community on Friday 30th August (this week). All are warmly invited to attend our Father’s Day Breakfast held by our Community Council and are invited to walk around our Playground Gallery to see the wonderful artworks created by all students. 

Year 3 students will lead us in a Father’s Day Prayer Celebration at 9:15am on this Friday. We hope that you are able to join us for this community event!

Gospel - Mark 7:1-8. 14-15. 21-23 

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Jesus confronts the Pharisees, who pay only lip service to God.

No matter how good the intention, sometimes misguided principles can lead to false action. This is what Jesus chastised the Pharisees about. The traditions that had been established through the Pharisees and the Lawyers were certainly based on the Law as stated in the Torah. However, the practices that had been established to try to help people honour the Torah had effectively replaced the Law. In order to maintain spiritual cleanliness, a tradition of physical cleanliness had emerged – particularly around interaction with Gentiles and around eating. However, the purpose of the tradition had become lost. The need for physical cleanliness had replaced the maintenance of spiritual cleanliness.

The Pharisees observe some of the disciples eating without properly washing their hands and challenge Jesus about it. They are upholding the tradition that has effectively become the Law. Jesus reminds them – somewhat forcefully – that these external practices are not the Law; rather the Law is observed internally. Jesus goes so far as to call the Pharisees hypocrites. It is a criticism of them that the gospel writers attribute to Jesus quite frequently. For Jesus, hypocrisy was one of the greatest failings. Because Jesus placed such a high price on integrity of word and action he could not abide those who proclaimed to be just, pious or forgiving and yet acted in ways that were contrary to these claims. His chastisement of the Pharisees – calling them hypocrites – was a challenge to their observation of external practices and rituals instead of seeking to understand the Torah as a call to a change of heart. Jesus points out that no amount of ritual cleansing will make a person clean within. Similarly, evil and uncleanliness come from within a person – one doesn’t ‘catch it’ from contact with strangers.

Adapted from Greg Sunter

Blessings for the week ahead,

Sarah Walsh

Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)

Dear Families and Friends of Sts Peter and Paul

Join us for a night of fun and friendly trivia at our TRIVIA NIGHT event on Friday the 13^th of  September!     

 The night will be a beautiful opportunity to get out, meet other parents and friends in our school community as well as a chance to win amazing prizes, raffle prizes as well as bid on some incredible silent auction items on the night.  The clever team who takes out first prize will share a $250 visa gift card and 2^nd place will get a $100 visa gift card thanks to our prize sponsor, Hayman Property.

This adults only night is open to teachers, parents, family and friends in our school community.  Your $15 ticket price includes a share platter of nibbles and you are invited to bring your own food and alcohol.

You are welcome to organise your own team up to 10 people per team. If you have arranged a team, can we please ask that one member of your team email the School Community Council at parentcouncilstpandp@gmail.com; with the names of those people on your team.  If you don’t have a team and would like to be allocated one, please select the option to be allocated to a team and select which grade level your child is in so that we can put you with others looking to form a team.

We have over $7000 in silent auction items donated to our school including; a $200 The RUC Dining Voucher, $200 Club voucher at the Woden Valley Gymnastics Club, 3 month family training pass at Canberra Martial Arts, $200 voucher at Canberra South Cross Club, 10 class pass at Dance Sculpt, 2 person escape room pass at Escape Rooms Canberra, 10 class pass at Canberra Yoga Space, 6 month membership at Fitstop and so much more so come along and get yourself an amazing item all kindly donated by local businesses.

Date: Friday, 13th September
Venue: The School Hall, Sts Peter & Paul, 59 Wisdom St, Garran
Time: 6:30pm start
Cost: $15 per person – tickets available on Qkr! 
BYO Drinks and Food

Ticket sales close 12pm, Wednesday 11^th September.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your trivia skills and have some fun!

Thanks in advance for your support

School Community Council

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to those students who are celebrating their birthday this week

Chimi D

Imogen K

Indie S

Vijai V

Michael W

Excitement is in the air—Book Week Day is tomorrow!

Don’t forget, our annual Book Week Celebration kicks off with a lively parade starting at 9:15. Mr. Jenkins will introduce each class and keep the energy high with flair and enthusiasm.

The fun continues with Year 6 leaders guiding shared reading sessions, and the kids will create two amazing art projects. Expect to hear some incredible stories in the afternoon.

Check out the latest Book Club catalogue that was sent home last week. Orders are due by Monday, September 5th.

All orders from Catalogue 5 have been delivered.

Enjoy the enchantment of Book Week and keep reading!

Your Library team - Amanda de Jongh and Michael Washington

The Tournament of Minds children have been practising very hard on their challenges. With the competition less than 2 weeks away the excitement is awesome.

If you have any questions, please email katherine.birch@cg.catholic.edu.au

In Term 3 Year 5 has the priveldge to spend Wednesday mornings with Malkara students. Some children spend their time in the classrooms, and some outside on the playground. Last but not least, most go on fabulous walks. 

Today, on our walk, the most unexpected thing happened! We saw a gaint giraffe in someone's backyard! It was the highlight of our visit. All the students went up to have a look. Then we realised it was a cardboard cutout.

by Lexie & Avah, 5W

This week in the kitchen the children cooked muffins. They continue to learn about healthy eating in class and cook nutritious food in cooking.

In the garden we had children continue to prepare garden beds, to ready them for planting in the coming weeks, and water our new seedling that are growing well.

In addition to gardening, we spent some time painting the start of 16 Gnomes for a garden club display at Floriade – SP&P Flower Power Gnomes!

 Garden Club is on every Friday lunch and is open to anyone. If you have any questions, please email katherine.birch@cg.catholic.edu.au

The Garden Club

FATHERS' DAY WEETBIX CHOCOLATE BALLS

Ingredients

10 weetbix 

1/2 cup Milo (malted milk powder) or cocoa powder

1 cup desiccated coconut

395g sweetened condensed milk

Extra coconut and sprinkles (100s & 1000s) for rolling

Method

Place weetbix in food processor and process until they resemble fine breadcrumbs (you could use a rolling pin instead).

Place weetbix in a large bowl, add Milo, coconut and condensed milk and mix together.

Roll heaped teaspoons of mixture into balls.

Roll in extra coconut and sprinkles to coat.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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.

 Purchase a “daily counter sales voucher” via Qkr! for your child to go to the canteen to collect items at lunchtime.

WEEK 7, TERM 3,  CANTEEN VOLUNTEER ROSTER

Thank you, helpers; your assistance is very much appreciated!

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

Are you able to help in the canteen?

TERM 3 Canteen Roster  

 Parent/carer helpers are most welcome in the Canteen.

A lending hand is always required and very much appreciated.

Helping in the Canteen is a great opportunity to meet new people and make a valuable contribution to the school. 

No doubt your child/ren will get a buzz from seeing you at the school. 

So if you have any spare time and would like to help out 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 add your selected time to the roster.

Please ensure you have your WWVP card.

https://stpandp.schoolzineplus.com/Term3Roster

 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 opening hours and I will do my best to attend your needs.

The Uniform shop is stocked up with second hand uniform, please visit on a Tuesday morning to purchase second hand uniform.

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.

Lauretta Raccosta

Uniform Shop

Lauretta.raccosta@cg.catholic.edu.au

Dear Parents,

We hope this message finds you well! As part of our continued efforts to provide exciting and engaging activities for children, we are thrilled to announce that Sport Star Academy is planning to run a School Holiday Program from 30th September to 11th October 2024.

We are reaching out to gather expressions of interest and valuable feedback to ensure our sessions cater to your child’s needs. Your input will help us finalize the program details and provide a fun and beneficial experience for all participants.

Kindly complete the online EOI form below by 5pm Sunday 08^th September 2024 to register your child's interest in joining any of our programs. ? https://forms.gle/geM3zCr5XAmXitUcA

Please note: These programs will be open to any of your children - students and siblings! ? 

We are currently exploring the following session timings:

• 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM – 5 days a week
• 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM – 5 days a week
• Or any other preferred timings that suit your family’s schedule
• You can also choose individual days that best suit your schedule – it doesn’t need to be for the full 5 days of the week!

If you have any preferences or suggestions, we would love to hear from you! Please let us know which session would work best for your child, or if there are any specific times you would prefer to see included. We’re committed to providing a flexible program that accommodates the diverse schedules of our families.

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun, regardless of their skill level. Our programs are designed for children of all abilities, and we ensure a nurturing and supportive environment where they can thrive.

Please take a moment to provide your feedback and express your interest by completing the EOi form or replying to this email. Your responses will greatly assist us in organizing a program that suits the needs of our families.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming your children to an exciting and active school holiday!

Come to our market!

We will have stalls which include coffee, BBQ, jumping castle, face painting, cupcakes, cookies, homewares, keyrings, croc charms, plants,

candles, bath wares and soaps.