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Dear Parents and Carers
“Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming new horizons.”
Pope Francis
Last week I attended the Canberra/Goulburn Archdiocese Principals’ Retreat. The three days were very good. The last two days were led by Br David Hill a Marist Brother, and director of the La Salle Academy at the Australian Catholic University (ACU).
https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/institutes-academies-and-centres/la-salle-academy
The theme of the retreat was ‘Beacons of Hope’ and, as the quote above from Pope Francis would suggest, it was a call to all of us leaders to be just that: beacons of hope. Br Hill drew a good deal on his own experience (principal at Marcelin College, Randwick) and wove anecdotal stories, self-deprecating humour and the latest research to make some excellent points about the moral purpose of Catholic education. He was both inspiring and very practical and did not shy away from the realities confronting Catholic schools. He named three non-religious values that are strong in society at the moment –
- Materialism (not in the sense of excessive consumption, but a view of the world that believes unless it is empirical and can be measured it, it is not real)
- Consumerism
- Excessive individualism – I’m not special unless someone is less than me.
Br Hill challenged all the principals at the retreat to be people of hope, to be people who trust, and to be people who are compassionate. Hopeful, trusting, compassionate: three qualities worthy to be persued in any educational context.
Journey with Jesus Retreat
Last Friday, students in Stage 3 attended their Sacramental Retreat: Journey with Jesus. The students participated in a number of activities designed to ground their faith and enrich their experience of community. My thanks to the Stage 3 teachers: our REC, Steph Burns; CE personnel: Nathan Galea, Luke Maher and Huw Warmhoven; and our new Youth Worker, Maddie Greenwood. Everyone contributed to a wonderful day for the children. This coming Sunday, the children who are receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation have their Presentation Mass on Sunday, at the 9.30am Mass. I look forward to joining the children at the Mass.
Strategic Plan
The school has completed the penultimate draft of our three-year Strategic Plan and it is currently with the staff and the Community Council before being published on the school’s website. Although it is still in review, it is safe to say that the three principal goals are:
- Continue to build and sustain a culture of consistent and best practice.
- Build upon a culture of high expectations for all students
- Sustain student and staff wellbeing
Sts Peter and Paul is committed to the flourishing of all its students, academically, pastorally, socially and spiritually. I welcome any feedback over the coming weeks regarding the school’s strategic plan.
Canberra Show
At the recent Canberra Show, Sts Peter and Paul entered some home grown produce, from our school garden. As we do each year, the school has done extremely well, including 1st place in three different categories and a ‘Champion’ ribbon for ‘Best Pumpkin’ (school class). We also won a host of second place positions. This is a wonderful credit to the school and its students and perhaps has never been timelier in this age we live in. My deep thanks to our Gardening Club mentors and teachers who work so well with the children: Robyn Moore, Mary de Smet and Katie Birch. A wonderful achievement.
Inquiry Maths – 3/4B
Over the next 5 weeks, until the end of the term, I have the good fortune to be working with the wonderful students in 3/4B and their teacher, Miss Kennelly, in Maths each day. We are trialling the implementation of an ‘inquiry’ approach to Maths, which involves a more investigative and problem solving approach to understanding Maths concepts. It also involves more of a use of Maths manipulatives and concrete materials, with multiple ‘entry points’ for diverse learners, within the lesson. My thanks to Miss Kennelly and the students of 3/4B.
Have a wonderful week with your families.
Best wishes
Cameron Johns
Principal
On Monday, 2 and Tuesday, 3 March, the Catholic Education Office sent out an online survey to approximately 8,500 ACT parents of Catholic Education (ELC, Primary and Secondary).
Members of our community who have received the survey are encouraged to complete the survey to ensure we get as full a response as possible.
The survey will close in the week of Monday, 23 March.
Sunday Gospel: John 4:5-42 Third Sunday of Lent – Year A
Today’s Gospel features the story of Jesus’ meeting and conversation with a Samaritan woman who comes to draw water from a well. Before long into the discussion, Jesus reveals His knowledge of her marital status, prompting her to call Him a prophet and to engage Him in a discussion about the proper place to worship God. Jesus speaks of true worship being in the spirit not in buildings. At this point the woman recognises that Jesus might be the long awaited saviour – the Messiah, and Jesus confirms this by saying, ‘I am.’ The woman then goes as missionary to the village and the people come and invite Jesus to stay with them, and they recognise Him as the saviour of the world.
The woman of Samaria grows in her recognition of Jesus and her faith journey eventually propels her into a mission to her village who also come to faith.
This week, we might consider our own faith journey. Who are the people who have been part of our lives on this journey?
Journey with Jesus Retreat Day
Last Friday, Stage Three participated in a Journey with Jesus Retreat Day run by CSYMI and our Youth Minister, Maddie. There were also 6 other Youth Ministers from around the diocese present. During the day, the team used the metaphor of a backpack to explain the journey we all travel on as we deepen our relationship with Jesus. The day was full of ice-breakers, testimonies and opportunities of small groups to sit and unpack the theme of the day.
Parish/School Mass, Presentation of Reconciliation Candidates
This Sunday, 15th March we will be having our first Parish/School Mass for 2020. During the Mass, the candidates for Reconciliation will be presented to the community. I invite all members of the community to join us at this Mass as we acknowledge these candidates and the progression they’ve made on their faith journey.
Project Compassion 2020
The annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal is now on. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.
Each Classroom at Sts Peter and Paul has a Project Compassion box for their donations or if you prefer, you can donate online via the website at https://lent.caritas.org.au/sts-peter-paul-garran.
Harmony Day
Please note that due to an unavoidable clash in the calendar, we have moved our Harmony Day celebration to Monday 23rd March.
On this day, children are invited to wear orange or cultural dress instead of their uniform to mark this special day. Each class will participate in various activities to celebrate the significance of this day.
Sacrament of Reconciliation 2020
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated in the Parish of the Transfiguration, North Woden on Thursday, 2nd April at 6:00 pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Curtin
I encourage the community to pray for these children as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation.
Many thanks to all of the wonderful parents who volunteered to lead a home group, we couldn’t do it without you!
Sts Peter and Paul Playgroup – Friday 14th March
A reminder that the Sts Peter and Paul Playgroup will be running again this year. This year we will be holding the playgroup in our Japanese classroom, and the adjoining courtyard. All parents and carers from the community are invited to come along with their children aged 0-5. The playgroup runs every second week during school terms from 9:30-11am (Even weeks). Please bring morning tea and a water bottle for your child. Contact me for any further information.
Dates for your Diary:
|
Friday 14th March, 9:30-11 |
Sts Peter and Paul Playgroup |
|
Sunday 15th March 9:30am at Sts Peter and Paul, Garran |
Presentation Mass for Reconciliation Candidates |
|
Monday 23rd March |
Harmony Day Celebration at school – Free clothes (orange or cultural dress) |
|
Wednesday 25th March – All Day |
Year 3 Retreat at Parish Centre Curtin |
|
Thursday 2nd April – 6:00pm |
Sacrament of First Reconciliation |
Blessings for the week ahead,
Stephanie Burns
Religious Education Coordinator
Our first Values Assembly for the year, presented by 3/4Y, will be held at 2.15 on Friday 13 March in the hall. All welcome to attend.
Book Orientation
Book orientation helps to make reading easier and helps with prediction and understanding. The reader understands the text before reading it and has support for difficult ideas, phrases and words in the text. This is a relatively short procedure.
The aims of book orientation are:
- to give children experience with stress free and more fluent reading
- to make it possible for children to have some success in reading despite uncertain and unknown letter/sound analysis skills
- to enable the children to use knowledge of the text’s meaning to assist their reading
Procedure
* Before reading become familiar with the book yourself NOT ALOUD (read it, look at the pictures, search out difficult words and ideas).
* Place the book between you and explain that you are going to look at the pictures first. Allow your child to have control of the book e.g. to turn over the pages. However you need to gauge the length of time and make sure you both stay on the topic/idea of the text. Too much detail or extensive personal linking can cause confusion in early readers.
* Starting with the front cover of the book ask your child what they think the book might be about.
* Talk about the pictures in the book. Before turning over some of the pages ask your child what they think will happen on the next page. You are asking your child to predict from the pictures and then confirm that prediction.
* As you are both discussing the pictures try to feed in the difficult words and phrases by showing your child the words and repeating them as they come up in the text.
REMEMBER: Always praise your child’s attempts and predictions. Gently give them the correct information if they have been unsuccessful.
If there is an idea in the book that many present some difficulties for your child, you might explain it briefly.
Saints Peter and Paul Swimming Carnival Ribbons
We will be handing out all swimming carnival ribbons at our assembly this Friday 13th March and would love to see you there if you can make it.
South Weston Region Swimming Carnival Thursday 2nd April
If your child has been selected to represent our school at this carnival, they should have received a note about this last Wednesday. If you would like them to participate, please send the permission and medical information back to school no later than Wednesday 18th March. The $10 participation fee is to be made via Qkr.
If you are able to assist on the day as an official, and you have a current Working with Vulnerable People number, please indicate this on the permission form.
Please note that if I do not receive your child’s permission by the cut-off date they will be unable to compete on the day. Thank you so much for your understanding with this.
Years 3-6 Softball Clinics
All students in Years 3-6 will be participating in Softball Clinics on Mondays for the rest of this term (Weeks 7-10). If you have a child in these classes, please send them to school in their sport clothes on this day. Thank you so much for your assistance with this.
School Sport ACT www.schoolsportact.org.au
If you are trying to register your child for a trial, please see the instructions below about how to first register yourself. If you have any questions when it comes to School Sport ACT, please don’t hesitate to get in touch mary.desmet@cg.catholic.edu.au
SSACT Registration Process
School Sport ACT now collects all registration information online – this is to prevent the movement to and fro of a paper note and have all information readily available to officials prior to the trial. As this process incurs a fee for data storage, system maintenance and admin, a small fee payment via credit card will be required.
How to register a Student?
- 1- Go to Registerand create an account. After completion, check your registered email to verify your account. (Always check your spam folder in case you didn't receive immediately the verification email).
- 2- After verifying your account, Log In using your registered email and password. You’ll be presented with your Parent Dashboard. From there you can start the process of registering a Student into a Trial.
Look for the Add Student button.
- 3- Complete all of the information required for your Student (e.g: Medical Details, Playing History, Preferred Position, School, etc.).
- 4- Make the small credit card payment. After payment your Principal/School Approver will receive an email for their approval to trial.
You will be able to see the process has been complete back in My Profile – once your Principal/School Approver has completed the approval process your child’s information will be collated onto a list for the Team Manager and Coach prior to trial.
Week 7, Term 1
| Time | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 9-12.00 |
Simone B Anna-Louise K |
Eleen B Dimity H Erin F |
Liz M Katherine J Dina S |
Thank you helpers; your assistance is very much appreciated.
Please contact me if you are unable to make your shift or able to help, Thank you.
Fruit incentive ticket WINNER for last week was Harper DeS, 1M.
Congratulations Harper, you have won a $2.00 voucher, to spend at the canteen. Please see Mrs R at the canteen to collect your voucher.
Do you want to win a $2 voucher to spend at the canteen? Simply purchase fresh or frozen fresh fruit from the canteen and be in the weekly draw to WIN!!!
Thank you, Lauretta Raccosta, Canteen Manager
Lauretta.Raccosta@cg.catholic.edu.au or 6281 1932
Healthy Kids, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Canteens
To help stock the pantry for 2020, we are having our annual ingredient drive.
On Friday 27 March we are asking all students to come to school wearing green socks/jumper/hat etc with their school uniform and bring an item for our pantries.
Each class will be asked to bring a different item and there will be prizes for the class that has the highest participation. Your class item is listed below.
Thank you
Robyn Moore and Lauretta Raccosta
| Kinder M | Baking paper |
| Kinder W | Baking paper |
| 1M | Red kidney beans |
| 1W | Condensed milk |
| 2M | Plain flour (white or wholemeal) |
| 2W | Self raising flour (white or wholemeal) |
| 3/4B | Self raising flour (white or wholemeal) |
| 3/4M | Condensed milk |
| 3/4W | Desicated coconut or rolled oats |
| 3/4Y | Sugar (white, brown or raw) |
| 5/6M | Butter |
| 5/6W | Butter |
OPEN TUESDAY MORNINGS
8.30 – 9.30AM
The Uniform Shop is a service for the parents and children. We sells New & Quality Second Hand school clothing, and all money raised goes back to the school to provide resources for the children.
You can place an order via Qkr! Order on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and the item/s will be delivered to your child’s classroom. Orders need to be placed before 8.45am.
Please see the SZapp app for the Summer / Winter Uniform price list.
Winter is almost here! Get in early and beat the rush.
Winter School Uniform now available on Qkr!
School Hat’s & Beanies can be purchase at the canteen Wednesdays, Thursday & Fridays (CASH ONLY PLEASE)
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 as a guide, clothes should only be donated if washed and in perfect resalable order.
The uniform shop is asking for no more second hand donations of white sports tops please.
Please give any used second hand uniform to Mrs R in the canteen, Thank you.
Lauretta Raccosta
Uniform Shop Manager
- Instantly locate offers nearby. No more flicking through pages.
- New offers automatically added weekly.
- Load onto more than one device per household.
- Always get a full 12 months from day of activation.
This year, we are looking at expanding the Seasons for Growth Program in our school. It is an education program that builds the resilience and wellbeing of children who have recently experienced some BIG Life Changes.
Many factors can cause change such as:
• Friends moving away
• Loss of someone or something you love
• Parents and families separating
• Moving to a new place
• Impact of illness
• Family work-life changes.
Change affects everyone differently, as does grief. It’s the impact of the change, not the event itself that Seasons for Growth focuses on.
Seasons for Growth aims to support young people to understand their feelings, help them develop skills for coping with change and restore self-confidence. It is designed to assist children in meeting others who may feel the same way about change and reassures them that their feelings are normal. The program is underpinned by evidence about resilience, emotional competence and identity.
If you feel your child may benefit from being part of this program or would like more information, please contact Melissa Neit, our School Chaplain, at Melissa.neit@cg.catholic.edu.au or your child’s Classroom Teacher.
