Dear Parents and Carers

Tournament of Minds

On the weekend, I had the pleasure of witnessing two of our Tournament of Minds teams compete at the ANU, in the annual Tournament of Minds competition. The events require teams of 7 children (usually grades 5 and 6 but can also be as young as Grade 3) to solve a dilemma or problem, under categories of their choosing, including Engineering, Science and Maths, English and the like. The students then present their solution in dramatic form, complete with a script and props. All of this requires the students themselves to arrive at a solution, with no adult help. Nonetheless, schools’ involvement in such competitions does not happen by itself, and in our case, Katie Birch was instrumental in coordinating our participation. My thanks to Katie for all of her work, and congratulations to all of our students: Audrey I, Chiara C, Lilah J, Harper de S, Anwesha K, Massimo M; Bentley B, Selene A, Holly P, Hannah A, Evelyn L, Mina H, Lexie W, Poppy M.

Trivia Night

A reminder that our 2024 Trivia Night is being held at the end of this week, on Friday September 13, at 6.30pm in the school hall. Parents are able to make up tables of up to 10 adults. My thanks again to the Community Council, who have made this evening possible, with particular thanks to Talena Benedet, who has been instrumental in sourcing our prizes – thank you all.

Uniform

A reminder that in Term 4 we return to the summer uniform, and a request please that all students adhere to the uniform policy, as it currently stands, and as it can be found on the school’s website.

We are currently looking at revamping our uniform rules (not the uniform itself), and being clearer around jewelry rules, and the like. Further information will be communicated about the uniform in the coming days and weeks. 

Partners in Parenting Course

Catholic Education has provided details of an online parenting course which comes highly recommended: Partners in Parenting. https://pip-ed.web.app/

The course comes highly recommended by CE and is worth exploring. Please click on the link for further information.

Grandfriends’ Day

On the last day of Term 3, Friday September 27, we are holding our annual Grandfriends Day. Grandparents or significant older role models in the lives of the students are invited to attend on the day and participate in class visits and a shared picnic lunch on the oval. Parents are of course most welcome to join as well.

Term 4 Start Date

A reminder that our term 4 start date, for staff and students, is Monday October 14^th.

APPA Conference

I am taking leave in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term, and in Week 9, I am attending the annual Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) conference, this year held in Christchurch, New Zealand, in partnership with New Zealand Association of Principals. https://www.transtasmanconference.com/

I am also taking leave in Week 10. In my absence, Samantha Mance will very capably lead the school as the Acting Principal, Sarah Kennelly will be the Acting Assistant Principal, Sarah Walsh will continue as the Acting REC and Natasha Kapantais will be the Acting Coordinator. They will do a wonderful job.

Have a wonderful week with your families. I look forward to seeing many of our parents at our Trivia Night on Friday night, and beyond that, at the start of next term.

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 Retreat Day

Last week, Year 4 participated in a day of prayer, reflection and fun during their First Eucharist Retreat at Holy Trinity. The day commenced in prayer with students attending mass celebrated by Fr Woods. Following lunch, students engaged in Godly Play, an art activity and participated in contemplative prayer called Visio Divina. A big thank you to Samantha Mance, Bridget Pigram, Catherine Joy (HT) and Holy Trinity staff for supporting our students.

First Eucharist Masses

In a fortnight’s time, there will be three masses in which our Year 4 students will partake in the Sacrament of First Eucharist. The masses will be taking place at the Parish of the Transfiguration Church in Curtin on September 21st at 6:00pm, and Sunday 22nd at 9:30am and 5:30pm. I thank the parents of all our candidates for their support and guidance of their children, and I thank the Year 4 teachers for their support of these students. 

Grandfriends Day

We are looking forward to welcoming Grandfriends to Sts Peter and Paul at the end of this term! On Friday September 27th, all Grandfriends (grandparents and/or special friends) are invited to join their grandchildren to see the wonderful learning happening at SPP. 

Timetable of the Day:

12:30pm - Grandfriends classroom visits - Welcome!

1:10-1:50pm - Grandfriends picnic lunch (grandfriends byo lunch to share with your child)

1:50pm - Grandfriends depart - Thank you

Gospel - Mark 8:27-35

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

A follower of Christ must take up the cross

‘But you, who do you say I am?’ This would have to be one of the most powerful questions of the gospels. It echoes down the centuries and is just as relevant today as it ever was. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Our answer to that question is perhaps the most revealing statement of our faith. Our answer no doubt changes over time as we grow in understanding and as we experience the ups and downs of life, but nonetheless, just like Peter in the gospel passage, our answer remains a clear statement of our faith. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Just a good guy who lived 2,000 years ago? A role model? A friend? God made flesh? The Word come down from heaven? Nobody? Everybody? Our saviour? An inspired man of God? The Messiah?

Perhaps you’ve never tried to actually answer the question yourself. It is a confronting question, ‘Who do you say I am?’ It’s confronting because, as Christian people, we believe that our actions are a reflection of our beliefs and values. It’s confronting because whatever we say in answer to that question has implications for the way we live. ‘Who do you say I am?’ You see, the question is in the present tense, not the past. It doesn’t ask ‘Who do you say I was?’; it asks, ‘Who do you say I AM?’ The very question asks us to recognise that Jesus was not just some guy who lived 2,000 years ago but rather someone who continues to be a presence in our lives today. And he stands before each and every one of us today and asks that same, demanding, confronting, purposeful question: ‘Who do YOU say I am?’

Adapted from Greg Sunter

Blessings for the week ahead,

Sarah Walsh

Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to those students who are celebrating their birthday this week

Xavier M

George F

Oscar P

Risav D

Madison H

Jaden K

Amelia D

Jackson K

Hrithvik M

Congratulations to Liam Thompson who travelled to Perisher last week to compete against other students from around Australia. He competed against the best of the best in a range of Alpine and Ski disciplines at the Australian Interschools Championships. We are very proud of you Liam!

Gnome mania in the kitchen and garden club this week. Our school's gnomes will be displayed at Floriade this year!  I think you’ll all agree they look fabulous. Each class has a gnome as well as our wonderful Mr Johns and his team and all our other teacher helpers. The names are pretty cool too.

A big thanks to all the staff at school who helped with our Sts Peter and Paul Gnome extravaganza – every member of our school is represented by a gnome - be sure to visit our blue and maroon friends at Floriade!

The Garden Club

It's that time of year again, Floriade is nearly here! In it's 37th year, the theme is Art in Bloom and runs from 14 September to 13 October in Commonwealth Park.

This year’s program will offer art exhibitions, entertainment, music, food and drink, horticultural and artistic workshops, market traders, recreational activities and more, with something for everyone to enjoy.

This year, Floriade has some added excitement for our Sts Peter & Paul Community. We will be presenting a Flower Power Gnome-Vill themed display. Make sure you visit our blue and maroon gnomes if you're there.

CHAMPION CHEESE MUFFINS

Ingredients

2 cups grated cheese

1 1/2 cup self raising flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbs sugar

Pinch cayenne pepper

Handful garden herbs, chives or parsley

1 egg

1 cup milk

Method

Preheat oven to 210 degrees and grease a 12-hole muffin.

Place cheese, flour, salt, sugar, pepper and herbs into a large bowl. Mix lightly with fingertips to combine.

Beat egg and milk together in small separate bowl.

Pour wet mixture into the dry, fold together, taking care not to overmix.

Spoon mixture into prepared pan and bake for approximately 12 minutes or until muffins spring back when pressed in the middle.

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 9, 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