Dear Parents and Carers

‘To be included you have to turn up. To belong, you have to be missed.’

• John Swinton

Welcome back to another term! I trust that all families had a good break over the holidays, and in particular, that the Easter period was a time of renewal and restoration. The holiday period saw the death of the Pope, and we remember and pray for him and for the wider Church. His concern and pastoral attention for the poor and marginalized, and for those who don’t easily have a voice, is a reminder to us all of God’s love for all human beings. He was a Pope and leader who moved beyond the language of inclusion (as important as that is) and was a leader who believed that everyone belongs.

Easter Sunday Liturgy

Yesterday at 12pm, in the school hall, our Year 2 students led us in our Easter Sunday liturgy. It was a wonderful prayer reflection and underscored the reality of the Resurrection, which is the triumph of God’s love over death. My thanks to our Year 2 students and teachers for their hard work and creative presentation.

Da Vinci Decathlon

Also taking place yesterday was the Da Vinci Decathlon, an event which sees schools compete in small teams, solving problems that are designed to extend and challenge their thinking. We had students in Years 5 and 6 attend the competition, which was held at Canberra Grammar. My thanks to Katie Birch for coordinating and facilitating our involvement and supporting our teams with their preparation. We are very proud of their efforts.

ANZAC Day Liturgy

On Friday at 12pm, we have our annual ANZAC Day Liturgy in the school hall. This year, our Year 4 students are leading us in this very important reflection and remembrance service. My thanks to our Year 4 students and teachers, and to Colonel Mark Jennings, who will speak to the assembly about the meaning of ANZAC day.

Athletics Carnival

Next Thursday, May 8^th, we are holding our annual Athletics Carnival at the Athletics Track near the hospital. All parents are invited to attend. We are currently short of parent volunteers, whom we need to help administer events such as track events, assisting with running times, and the like. If you are able to volunteer, please email our Sports Coordinator, Luke Gubler, at luke.gubler@cg.catholic.edu.au

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal

Students in Year 6 who have completed their Baptism, Reconciliation and First Eucharist are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation taking place on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th June at 6:00 pm celebrated in the Parish of the Transfiguration, North Woden. 

If you would like your child to celebrate Confirmation this year, you must complete enrolment via the 'North Woden Transfiguration  Qkr app by Friday 16 May 2025. Enquiries can be made to the Parish Office (9am – 3.30pm Mon, Wed and Fri, wodennorth@cg.org.au or Ph.: 6281 3999).

If you have any questions please contact Andrea McQuirk at andrea.mcquirk@cg.catholic.edu.au. 

Project Compassion 

Thank you for all your support with our Project Compassion fundraising in Term 1. I am happy to announce that as a school community we have raised $1,114.55. Thank you for your ongoing support to help those less fortunate, especially during this Lenten season.

Youth Ministry 

Hello everyone! 

Welcome back to Term 2, I hope you all had a restful and joyful break with your families. It is wonderful to see everyone as we begin this exciting new term. Over the holidays we celebrated the most important event in our Christian faith, the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter. This reminds us of God’s great love for us and the hope for new life we find in Him.  

We are now in the Easter Season, a special time that continues for 50 days and is a time of celebration and reflection as we remember the joy of the resurrection. It is a great time to open our hearts to Jesus, share kindness with others, and grow in our faith as we live out the message of hope, love, and new life that Easter brings. 

This term we have many exciting things coming up in the Youth Ministry space. Our Youth Ministry Team will lead us in a special Mother’s Day prayer celebration next Friday at 9:15 to celebrate and thank our wonderful mums! During this term our Year Six students are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. In Week 8, they’ll take part in a retreat day to reflect, pray, and grow in their understanding of the Holy Spirit. Please keep them in your prayers as they get ready for this important step in their faith journey. 

At the end of the term, some students will have the opportunity to take part in Illuminate, a special day run by Catholic Education and CSYMI. It’s a day filled with music, workshops, and faith-sharing for those curious about youth ministry and growing in their relationship with God. 

I am so excited for all that is to come this term. Let’s remember to be kind, to try our best, and to keep Jesus at the centre of everything we do. Welcome back, and God bless! 

Julia Norgrove :) 

julia.norgrove@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Third Sunday of Easter John 21: 1-19 Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

Every Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. On this third Sunday of Easter we hear the story of Simon Peter, who recognised the risen Lord because of the abundant catch of fish that happened when Peter followed his directions. Peter had denied Jesus three times during his trial before the Jewish High Priest; now, in a most poignant scene, Jesus gives Peter the chance to insist three times that he does indeed love Jesus. Peter’s love is now directed by Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to feeding Jesus’ sheep. Jesus suggests to Peter what this new ministry of servant leadership will cost him, even the way he will die, a way like that of Jesus himself. 

In the Acts of the Apostles, a completely separate document, we see what will bring Peter to his death: witnessing to Jesus despite heavy physical punishment and threats of death. The power of the Spirit given to the apostles at Pentecost is seen when, despite being flogged, Peter and the other apostles rejoice at being able to suffer dishonour for the sake of Jesus’ name.  A transformation indeed! Today is a good day to pray for faith like Peter’s. 

From God’s Word, Daily Reflections, 2025

Yours in Christ, 

Andrea McQuirk 

Religious Education Coordinator 

Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

• Set Goals: Think about what you want to do and make a plan to reach it.

Microskill- Think about something you want to accomplish. For example, finishing a book or learning to ride a bike.

We are excited to announce the formation of our 2025 Student Representative Council (SRC)! Our SRC is made up of ten students from Years 3-6, all of whom have already shown exceptional leadership skills to have been elected by their peers. The students are: Poppy deS, Daemi P-O, Ari A, Marcus J, Alexis V, Kolbe T, Lilah J, Massimo M, Chiara C and Michael W. 

The SRC plays a valuable role in our school community by giving students a meaningful voice in shaping their school environment. This year, our representatives will take part in fundraising initiatives aimed at improving school resources and facilities. Through these efforts, they will develop leadership, teamwork and organisational skills while making a real difference.

The SRC will also serve as a bridge between students and school leadership, sharing ideas and feedback to help guide future improvements. In addition to fundraising, the council will take on small projects throughout the year to support and enhance different aspects of school life; from beautifying shared spaces to promoting positive behaviour and inclusion in line with our School Wide Positive Behaviour program. 

We’re incredibly proud of our SRC members and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have this year. Miss Pigram and I are very excited to work with them! Keep watching this space to hear from our SRC members. 

Have a wonderful week. 

Sarah Walsh, Bridget Pigram and your 2025 SRC. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to those students who are celebrating their birthday this week

Natalie C

Siraj A

Democracy BBQ & Bake Sale - this Saturday 3rd May 2025

The school will be holding a Democracy BBQ and Bake Sale on Election Day this Saturday to raise money towards the upgrade of our school outdoor equipment.  

We are now calling on parents who love a good sausage sizzle and have a free hour or two on Saturday, 3rd May, to volunteer and come help man the stall.  There are still a few spots left to fill. 

If that sounds like you, please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the volunteer signup sheet:

volunteersignup.org/TQW9F

To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do and would be hugely appreciated!

Bake sale donations

If you love to bake or have a special treat that you enjoy making -  we would love any of your tasty baked goods for our bake sale on Election day!  Ideas include cupcakes, muffins, slices, whole cakes, fudge, biscuits and confectionary.  Items should not require refrigeration.  All items donated need to include an ingredients list and be nut free please. 

Donations can be delivered to the front office on Friday, 2nd May 8:30am - 10am.

A big thank you in advance to anyone who can help out by either donating their time or some baked goods!  

School Community Council 

Let's raise some dough at Domino's Pizza Mawson!!

 Calling all pizza lovers!! 

Domino's Mawson have nominated Saints Peter and Paul to be a part of their Doughraising efforts again this year and they are donating $1 from every pizza sold on Wednesday, 7th May 2025. 

All funds will go towards the upgrade of school outdoor play equipment and the purchase of additional learning resources through the school Community Council.  Here are all the details;

 Join us at Domino’s Mawson on Wednesday, 7th May for a cheesy-good cause! 

 When?  10:30am -11pm 

 Why should you order your pizza and get involved?

• Delicious Pizza: Because who can resist piping-hot pizza? 
• Community Spirit: Make a lunch/dinner of it and connect with fellow parents, teachers, and friends.
• Support Your School: Your slice = a brighter future for our students!

Spread the word and mark this pizza night in your diary! Remember, every pizza counts! 

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.

Hi, my name is Harper de Smet and I’m a Year 6 leader. This month me and my family are participating in Starlight Supersteps 2025. Starlight Supersteps is a fundraiser by The Starlight Foundation. If you choose to participate in this challenge you have to run 10,000 steps a day in May to raise money for kids in hospital.

This year starlight is putting the money to 3 kids, Henry, who is suffering kidney cancer, Thea who is undergoing treatment for eye cancer and Mackie who has serious Cerebral Palsy.

How to raise money for Starlight is to go onto their website and press donate search for a team, group or individual and donate an amount of money.

Thank you for reading this and I hope we can get these kids out of the hospital! I have also added the link to my profile if you wish to donate. Thank you so much for helping me reach this goal.

Harper de Smet

 https://www.supersteps.org.au/fundraisers/teameleven

Last term some of our Year students took part in the Schools Futsal Tournament.

The kids were competitive in all their matches and represented the school very positively.

There was also good parent support throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who assisted and congratulations to the team.

Welcome to Term 2. Our garden looks amazing after the holidays because of all the preparation we did. Well done garden crew.

Gardening Club starts again this Friday after eating time at lunch. I will make an announcement at morning assembly on Friday.

Anyone is welcome at garden club. Please email katherine.birch@cg.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.

The Garden Club

ANZAC BISCUITS

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup plain flour

2/3 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup coconut

125 gr butter

2 Tbs golden syrup

2 Tbs water

1 tsp bicarb soda

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees, line two trays with baking paper.

Mix oats, flour, brown sugar and coconut in a medium bowl.

Place butter, golden syrup and water in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until melted.

Add the bicarb soda and remove from heat (mixture should fizz briefly).

Mix dry and wet ingredients together, then shape the mixture into small balls. Place on the prepared trays and press down lightly.

Bake biscuits for 10 minutes or until golden.

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 2 TERM 2,  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?

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. 

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. 

OUTSTANDING CANTEEN INVOICES

 There are many outstanding canteen invoices for Term 1. 

If you have received a canteen invoice, would you be so kind as to finalise your account.

 If you have any issues with payment, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 Thank you 

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 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