Dear Parents and Carers

“We go through our lives, our years on this Earth, thinking of ourselves as separate. That sense of separateness basically causes every stupid, sinful, silly thing we ever do. The little, separate self takes offense when people don’t show us proper respect. The separate self lies, steals, and does unkind things to other people. When we’re separate, everything becomes about protecting and defending ourselves. It can consume our lives.”

• Richard Rohr

In the passage above, Fr Richard Rohr, no stranger to this newsletter, is writing about what it means to be in communion with others and with the world – in all of its messiness. Rohr believes, and has written elsewhere, that real maturity is realising that we are all profoundly connected, and that which we think separates us from others, is illusory, and leads to pain and heartache. Rohr writes, “The whole gospel message is radical union with God, with neighbour, and even with ourselves. I think that’s why so many people are drawn to church each week—to receive communion and eventually, hopefully, realize that we are in communion.” One of the goals of a good education is help lay the foundations of a journey of both self-understanding and understanding of the world, that sees a healthy interconnectedness in all things. This is surely a lifetime’s work. The journey starts when we are young. This is one of the goals of Sts Peter and Paul.

Remembrance Day

Last Monday, our Year 5 students, and their teachers, led the school in an appropriately solemn Remembrance Day Liturgy. The children led the school in prayer and actions that helped to foster a memory and respect for the day and what it represents. We were most fortunate that Group Captain Jason Baldock was able to speak to the students about the day's meaning, and it was a very rich experience for the children. My thanks to our students, to Luke Gubler and Sam Stinziani and to Group Captain Jason Baldock, for their excellent efforts and hard work.

Market Day

This Friday, one of the highlights of the school year – especially for our Year 6 students – takes place, with our Market Day. Our Year 6 students look forward to one of the leadership highlights of the year, which sees them run and manage various stalls, involving creativity and service. This all for a good cause, with the purpose of raising money and awareness for Catholic Mission Month. My thanks to Katie McGregor and to Sarah Walsh, for organising the day.

Class Lists

We have begun the process whereby students are asked to nominate 4 friends they would like to have with them in class next year. A Google Doc has been sent home to all families, for this purpose. We will ask you to assist your child at home, in choosing his or her four friends. One of those friends is guaranteed by the school to be with your child next year. If you have any concerns around class placement for next year, I would ask that you email me directly at cameron.johns@cg.catholic.edu.au. Class lists for all grades will published Monday Week 9.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Students and families are invited to donate non-perishable Christmas goodies to help families. Each grade level has been provided with a food donation suggestion. Please bring all donations to your child’s classroom tub.

Students and families may also like to donate a wrapped Christmas gift with a gender and age clearly labelled. 

Local families are in need of gifts for:

• 3 year old gifts for boys and girls
• 4 year old gifts for boys and girls
• 5 year old gifts for boys and girls
• 6 year old gifts for boys and girls
• 7 year old gifts for girls and boys
• 8 year old gifts for girls and boys
• 9 year old gifts for boys and girls
• 10 year old gifts for boys and girls
• 11 year old gifts for boys and girls
• 12 year old gifts for boys and girls

Donations of movie vouchers would be gratefully appreciated for 13 years and above.

Year 6 Market Day

This Friday Year 6 will be hosting a “Market Day”. This is a day organised by the Year 6 students to consolidate their learning within their RE unit of work. This day is dedicated to living out the message of the Holy Spirit through fun activities organised by the students with the purpose of raising money and awareness for Catholic Mission Month. This is our second fundraising event for Catholic Mission.

On the day there will be a variety of activities that students from K-5 can participate in. To participate in these activities, we are asking that a donation be made via QKR! which will be exchanged for tickets to participate on the day.

Gospel - Mark 13:24-32

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Watch for the signs of the coming of the kingdom.

Although this is not the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the major theme found in the readings is the end of time. The events that will usher in and will take place during this time are described in apocalyptic terms. The struggles of life will culminate in a massive cosmic confrontation between the forces of good and those of evil. This last battle will be universal in scope, just like the first primordial conflict between chaos and God.

In some way, all of today’s readings state that good will finally prevail over evil. In the last days Michael, the angelic warrior of God, will rise up. In the epistle, Christ is pictured seated triumphantly at the right hand of God with his enemies under his foot, a sign of conquest. Finally, in the gospel, the Son of Man, the mysterious figure from apocalyptic literature, comes in the clouds with great power and glory. All of these images are apocalyptic; each of them is quite hopeful.

We read these stories at the close of the liturgical year, because we are coming to the conclusion of our yearly telling of the story of salvation. However, apocalyptic images are timely whenever we find ourselves in the throes of the battle with evil and it appears that we will succumb. These forms will remind us that good will be able to withstand evil. From this we will conclude that we need only trust in God.

Adapted from Diane Bergant CSA

Blessings for the week ahead,

Sarah Walsh

Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to those students who are celebrating their birthday this week

Diana B

Darsh D

Lucy C

Awards will be presented at our assembly on Thursday, 21 November at 2.30 in the school hall.

Principal's Award: Amy L, 6W; Lucia M, 6W; Ava G, 6W; Finn Barnes, 6W

Learning Support Awards:

Eleanor M, 5M; Eline T, 5W; William F, 5M; Michael W, 5W; Poppy de S, 2M, Zaher (Zeus) H, 1W

(please note that LS awards are given to any child in the school that the Classroom Support Assistants have noticed doing something wonderful): 

So don’t forget, Friday of Week 5, come and have lots of fun!

Amy L (on behalf of the Year 6 students)

On the 7th of November, Year 5 went to New and Old Parliament House. First Year 5 put their white gloves on, so they could avoid accidentally damaging any of the antiques. We did an exhibition activity about previous Prime Ministers, Australia’s history and ambassadors. Then we looked at independence banners that represented their unique self. We talked about how it made us feel and what change it made in history. We entered The House Of Representatives Chamber and got to sit and look at all the antiques that were in there. We learnt about where the representatives sat and what roles there were. The Mace was one of the main antiques. We then walked to New Parliament House and went through security. We met Alicia Payne, the local representative for Canberra, we also asked questions about parliament and Australia’s democracy. We  experienced a live session called Member’s 90 Second Statements. We even saw the Prime Minister! Overall, we really enjoyed the trip and went back to school with all the knowledge we had learnt. We hope to go back soon!

Harper & Anwesha

On behalf of all the Year 5 students

This week we were super busy in the kitchen and garden.

Year 5 and 6 students learned new skills in the kitchen and looked at food labels in the classroom. They learnt that some processed foods have a lot of interesting ingredients in them and were asked the question: do we need all these extra things in our food to be healthy?

In the garden we had a super productive time harvesting beans and planting spring onions, beans and sunflower seeds into little pots. Everything also got a much needed water.

The Garden Club

LEMONADE

Ingredients

1 & 1/2 cups lemon juice, strained

2 cups sugar

1 & 1/2 litres soda water or water

2 extra lemons, to garnish

3 trays of ice

Method

Place lemon juice and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.

Simmer for three minutes then remove from heat and leave to cool.

Prepare garnish by placing a thin slice of lemon on the lip of each glass.

Pour the cooled syrup into a large jug, add soda water (or water) and ice, stir and serve in the prepared glasses.

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 6 TERM 4,  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 4 Canteen Roster OUT NOW!!!  

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.

https://stpandp.schoolzineplus.com/RosterTerm4

Please ensure you have your WWVP card.

Qkr! TIPS

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.

Last night Mrs R went to a Canteen Trade-show, where she sampled many new products to sell in the canteen for next year. Watch this space!  

She received a golden award for reaching the 100% Club with ASCA.

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. 

STARTING SCHOOL IN 2025?

PURCHASE A STARTER PACK ON QKR! NOW

 Step 1: Download the app Qkr!

Step 2: Register - follow the steps

Step 3: Find our school - Sts Peter & Paul Primary School

Step 4: Register your child - select “new enrolments”

Step 5: Purchase a starter pack for pick up at the front office between school hours.

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

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. Thank you

 Please visit the school’s 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