Dear Parents and Carers

“Our challenge, not just through the week ahead, but through the long week of our lives, is to continue to live by the faith and hope that Jesus Christ, mortal and divine, is the vindicator of life…”

Peter Steele SJ, ‘Christ the Palmer’

In a reflection on Palm Sunday, which we celebrate this Sunday, Peter Steele writes of the symbolism of palms in the ancient world. He writes that they are a metaphor for Jesus: they sustain, they give shelter, they are an oasis the desert moments of our lives. He concludes by noting that as we enter Holy Week, our challenge is to live the grace of the week throughout all of our lives, and thereby be palms for others, when they are in need of oasis.

Easter Liturgies

This week, we celebrate the Easter story. Yesterday, Year 1 led us in a reflection on Palm Sunday. Today, Year 5 led the school in a retelling of the Last Supper. Tomorrow, at 12pm, our students in Years 5 and 6 will enact the Stations of the Cross, at 12pm, to which all parents are invited. My thanks to all staff and students, and to our REC Andrea McQuirk, for their hard work and support of our school. Next term, on Wednesday 30 April, Year 2 will retell the story of Easter Sunday, the Resurrection. 

First Reconciliation

Last night, students from Year 3 and other grades made their First Reconciliation, at the Church of the Transfiguration, Curtin. They joined students from Holy Trinity, who also made their First Reconciliation. It was a wonderful evening and very faith filled. My thanks to our wonderful Year 3 teachers and Andrea McQuirk, our REC; to the parents for their great support, especially those hosting Sacramental Groups; and to Fr James, for his support and help.

A.C.T. Futsal

Last Monday, two teams of students participated in the ACT Futsal competition. The students had an excellent day and represented their community very well. My thanks to Robert Wright and Natasha Fenton, who looked after and coached the students; and to Luke Gubler for his coordination of our involvement; and to Sam Stinziani for looking after the teams on the day.

Easter Egg Competition

On Thursday, we will announce the winners of our ‘Easter Egg Colouring Competition’ as well as the class that guessed the correct amount (or near correct amount) of eggs in a jar. My thanks to the Community Council, in particular Katherine Jones, Erin Frost and Tegan Ingold, for their great work and support of our school, and my congratulations to all of our entrants for their great work.

Reminders – Last Day and Next Term

A reminder that our last day this term is Thursday April 10th. Thursday is a uniform free day for all students, in an effort to fundraise for our Lenten Project Compassion. The first day of Term 2 is Tuesday, April 29th.

I wish all of our families and staff a very happy and holy Easter and a very good holiday and I look forward to seeing all of our families upon the resumption of Term 2.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal

First Reconciliation 

We’d like to extend a warm congratulations to all our First Reconciliation candidates who received the Sacrament on Tuesday evening. It was a meaningful and prayerful celebration, with a beautiful liturgy that brought our parish community together in faith and joy.

The next Sacrament will be the Sacrament of Confirmation, information will be sent out early next Term to Year 6 families.

Project Compassion 

To support our 2025 Project Compassion fundraising efforts, we are holding a uniform-free day on Thursday of Week 10. Students are encouraged to come in free dress and make a donation to this important cause. Donations can be made in cash on the day or via the school's QKR app under the fundraising section. Every contribution helps make a difference in the lives of those in need. Thank you for your support!

Easter Prayer Celebrations

A heartfelt thank you to our Year 1 students for leading us in a beautiful Palm Sunday Liturgy. It was a lovely way to begin our journey through the Easter story and reflect on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

We now look forward to Year 6 continuing the story as they lead us in the Good Friday Liturgy, helping us to pause and reflect on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice.

A message from our Youth Minister Julia 

Hello everyone! 

As we come to the end of Term 1, I want to take a moment to celebrate all the wonderful things that have happened this term in the Youth Ministry space. From the Year 6’s Journey with Jesus retreat, weekly Youth Ministry Meeting to our First Reconciliation Retreat Day and Sacrament, it has been a term filled with faith, friendship, and fun! 

In Week, 6 the Year 6 students had the opportunity to take part in the CSYMI Journey with Jesus Retreat. A day all about God’s love and forgiveness and making decisions about their own faith journey. The Year 6s spent the day with four Youth Ministers who ran games, small groups, dramas and testimonies to aid in their understanding of Jesus’ message and develop their leadership skills. The day ended with an opportunity for students to join the Youth Ministry Team. 

This term saw the start of the 2025 Youth Ministry team, a group of Year 6 leaders enthusiastic about faith, friendship and service who meet every Wednesday at Recess. This group aims to challenge and build on the faith of the students through ministry. Next term the students will take part in a program which will equip them with key youth ministry skills that will assist them in taking part in the faith life of the school.   

In Week 8 our Year 3 students joined with students from Holy Trinity Primary for a special First Reconciliation Retreat Day. The day focused on the importance of forgiveness through Mass, reflection, and creative activities. Students explored the Parable of the Lost Sheep, created a Forgiveness Tree, and learned how God always welcomes us back with love. It was a meaningful day for all, helping students grow in faith, friendship, and prepare the students to celebrate their First Reconciliation. 

As we head into the holidays, it is a great chance to rest, spend time with family and grow closer to God. Students might like to say a short prayer each day, do something kind for someone at home, or visit church for a service during Holy Week. These simple actions help us remember God’s love and prepare our hearts for Easter. Wishing you all a peaceful and happy holiday. I look forward to another term filled with faith, friendship, and fun as the YMO at Sts Peter and Paul’s! 

God Bless!  

Julia Norgrove :) 

julia.norgrove@cg.catholic.edu.au

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Luke 22:14 - 23:56

Jesus’ passion is made up of a supper, the garden, Jesus’ arrest, the Jewish and Roman trials, the way of the cross, crucifixion and mockery, and the death and burial of Jesus. But each Evangelist tells this story in a different fashion. Luke insists upon Jesus’ innocence, and his tender care and compassion for others. He asks that his disciples break their bodies and spill their blood in memory of him. Jesus tries to strengthen his frail disciples, insisting upon the need for prayer. As Peter utters his denials, Jesus gazes at him, and the disciple breaks down in tears. Jesus is declared innocent three times, even as he is condemned to death. The women of Jerusalem lament the loss of one of their sons. The crucified asks his Father to forgive those who have tortured him, for they do not know what they are doing. On the cross he forgives the repentant sinner, assuring him that this day he would be with him in paradise.  At his death, a Roman Centurian insists that this man is innocent. Jesus’ broken body is anointed by his faithful women followers. All take their rest, as we anticipate his resurrection. 

From God’s Word, Daily Reflections, 2025

Yours in Christ, 

Andrea McQuirk 

Religious Education Coordinator 

School Wide Positive Behaviours

We are very proud of all of our students at Sts Peter and Paul and how they have consistently demonstrated our Three School Expectations of

Succeeding, Together, Safely.

We spent the first few weeks of Term 1 settling into our classes and learning the routines we need to follow outside of the classroom such as walking through corridors quietly and listening respectfully at assembly. 

Our  two goals for Term 1 were…

Self-Control

Pause and Think: Stop before you act or speak to make a good choice.

Getting Along with Others

Talk and Listen: Speak kindly to others, and listen when they talk.

Next term we will continue with our fortnightly goals to ensure our students contribute to a respectful, supportive, and safe learning environment for all.

Mothers' Day Celebrations 

Mothers Day Breakfast

All mothers, grandmothers and other special carers are invited to attend with their children

Friday 9^th May from 7:45 - 9am in the school grounds

A coffee cart will be serving hot beverages and a light snack will be provided

Mothers' Day Stall

 This will take place during school hours on Friday 9^th May

Children will use vouchers to 'buy' gifts on the day - these will be available to purchase on Qkr! from early Term 2

 Further details to follow next term! 

Extra Special Surprise Gift

Mel from Heartstory Photography has very generously donated to the school something special to celebrate all of the wonderful Mums here at Sts Peter and Paul. For those attending the Mothers' Day Breakfast at the school, you will have the opportunity to win a $895 gift certificate from Heartstory which includes a Heartstory signature family photography session (on location or in studio, worth $200) and a 10x14" framed fine art print of choice.

All you have to do is come along on the day and add your name to the draw to be in the running to win this fabulous prize! 

A huge thank you to Heartstory for their wonderful support of the school.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to those students who are celebrating their birthday this week

Yanano M

Almaha A

Eline T

And to those students celebrating their birthday during the holidays

Aisha O

Beatrix B

Kiera S

Olivia E

Alexander C

Sofia M

Liam O

Micah R

Gabrielle deV

Sahan A

Kyler V

Niamh L

Avah P

Alexander W

Colour Run - order your prizes by THIS FRIDAY!

 Online donations have now closed.

Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of Sts Peter and Paul family and friends, the school will receive a little over $10,000!!!

 Prize ordering has opened and will close this Friday 11 April 2025.

Prizes can only be ordered via your child's profile at www.myprofilepage.com.au (if you have raised $10 or more).

If prizes are not ordered by this Friday, they will be selected for your child by the Committee.

 All prizes will be delivered to the school and distributed to classrooms in early Term 2.

 Thank you once again to all who made Sts Peter and Paul inaugural Colour Run such a wonderful, exciting and fun event for all.

Our last garden club for Term 1 was full of preparation for the holidays and a zooper dooper to celebrate. 

In cooking, potatoes featured in the chocolate and potato cupcakes - which were all being consumed at car line so didn't make it home - sorry mums/dads and carers. 

Garden club will start back in Term 2 on the first Friday after eating time at lunch or first break.

Please email me Katherine.birch@cg.catholic.sdu.au for more information.

Happy holiday everyone!!

The garden club

Mrs Moore & Mrs Birch

CHOCOLATE POTATO CAKE

Ingredients

125 g butter

2/3 cup caster sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup mashed potato

1 & 1/4 cups self raising flour

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup milk

Icing sugar, to serve

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees, grease and line a cake tin with baking paper.

Beat butter and sugar in a bowl with electric beaters until light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs one at a time until all combined.

Stir in the mashed potato and flour, add cocoa and milk and stir to combine.

Pour mixture into the prepared tin, bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Turn cake out onto a wire rack to cool and dust with icing sugar before serving.

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 1 TERM 2,  CANTEEN VOLUNTEER ROSTER

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

 Are you able to help in the canteen?

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 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/CanteenRoster2025 

All volunteers must have a 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.

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. 

Winter School Uniform available on Qkr!

LAST CHANCE to purchase winter uniform before this term ends. 

The UNIFORM SHOP is not open during the school holidays.

Students will be wearing winter uniform on their return to school in Term 2.

Lauretta Raccosta

Uniform Shop

Lauretta.raccosta@cg.catholic.edu.au

Once again, the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn is holding a competition for all students to design an artwork celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025. The winner will have their art made into an acrylic block and featured on the NAIDOC Mass booklets.

It was only two years ago that our very own Evie M proudly won this competition, (see photo below) so let’s get our kids involved and have a go!

Student artwork entries can be submitted to Lachie.Eveston@cg.catholic.edu.au (Teaching and Learning Officer - Aboriginal Education)

or libby.goodsell@cg.catholic.edu.au (Teaching and Learning Support Officer – Aboriginal Education).

Submissions close 5pm, 30^th May 2025.