WISDOM UPFRONT   People do not always need advice.  Sometimes all they really need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand them.     INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE On Thursday 21st September we acknowledge International Day Of Peace.  The United Nations (UN) International Day of Peace is celebrated on this day each year to recognise the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace.  The International Day of Peace is also a day of ceasefire – personal or political.   The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Together for Peace – Respect, Safety and Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.   Let us pause for a moment and pray for all those countries around the world involved in war.  May their conflict cease and peace be restored.     FATHER’S  DAY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We celebrated Father’s Day with a wonderful breakfast organised by the Parents and Friends Committee, which was then followed by our School Mass.  A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made the breakfast such an enjoyable event.  Special thanks to our Parents and Friends Committee who provided this opportunity to come together and celebrate the significant men we are blessed to know.     SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS Please note that school will be closed on Monday, 6th November and Tuesday, 7th November.  A parish closure day has been allocated for the Monday, to precede the Melbourne Cup. There will be no school for students on these days.   Please note that the school will also be closed on Thursday 7th December.  The school will be conducting learning conversations with parents and students. More information will follow in due course.   CHILD SAFETY A reminder that all parents who wish to assist with school activities must have a Working With Children Check as well as complete the school’s Code Of Conduct documentation. This includes excursions and classroom helpers. If you have are yet to complete the above documentations, please do so immediately.   END OF TERM 3 As Term 3 draws to a close I would like to acknowledge the work done by so very many of our students, staff and parents in our school community and wish everybody a safe, happy and restful holiday break.   We reflect on the many wonderful opportunities we have been blessed with as a school.  These opportunities may be on an academic, physical, spiritual or emotional level.  In the busyness of our day it is important that we take a moment to consider all that there is to be grateful for – family, health, friends, community and more.   I wish each and every one a safe and restful break and look forward to another exciting and productive term ahead.  School will resume for all children on Monday, 9th October.  We look forward to another exciting term.     Term Dates for 2017     Term 4         Monday, 9th October to Thursday, 14th December  (Staff finish Tuesday 19th Dec)     Year 4 Camp                                           Monday, 23rd and Tuesday, 24th October   Parish Closure                                         Monday, 6th November   Public Holiday – Cup Day                     Tuesday, 7th November   School Closure Day (Learning Conversations)                        Thursday, 7th December                   Mr Armando Gagliardi PRINCIPAL  UPDATE

On Saturday, 16th September the St Peter Chanel community gathered to celebrate the sacrament of First Eucharist with the Year Four Children. It was a sacred and beautiful celebration that the children will remember for the rest of their lives. Many families and friends were there to support the children and share this special day with them where they fully participated in the mass for the very first time when receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus.   Jesus Christ is present in the celebration of the Eucharist.  He is present in the priest, the congregation, the Word and, most especially, in the Body and Blood of Christ. It is at this most Holy Sacrament that we celebrate our Faith in Jesus and remember his life, death and resurrection. At the liturgy of the Eucharist we have the opportunity reflect on our lives, as disciples of Jesus, and learn how to go forth and be the living Jesus in our world today, in the things we say, the things we do and the way we love one another.   Here are some reflections from the Communicants.   At my First Eucharist I felt nervous as I walked into the church.  My heart was pounding as I went to my seat I saw people looking at me.  I was feeling hot…...I had 3 things on my mind to think about, walking into the church without tripping over, reading clearly and eating the bread and drinking the wine without dropping anything.  I am so glad everything turned out perfectly. Salinna Bui 4C   On the day of my Holy Eucharist I went to the hall to get my photo taken.  When I walked inside I received the cross necklace.  When we were lining up I felt pretty tense but excited at the same time.  At the church I received the body/bread and the blood/wine but because I am gluten free, I had the bread dipped in wine.  After the Holy Eucharist I went to Galli winery.  My mum made this cool cake and I got a gift from a couple of friends and some from my family.  Today was awesome! Claire 4G   Today is my Holy Communion day and I received the Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ. Dad, Mum and I went to Williamstown and had some dinner. Kalan 4C   As I look at Father holding up the delicate bread, I hear Father say “Body of Christ’’ and I reply with “Amen’’. As the Body of Christ falls into my hand, I pick it up carefully and put it in my mouth. I feel protected by God's kingdom and now overjoyed that now I can join in all of mass. Daniel 4GR   School Liturgies The dates for our school liturgies are:   20th October - The Feast of St Anthony Claret  9.30am 8th December - End of year Mass at 9:30am 13th December - Graduation Mass at 7.00pm   If you are interested in participating in any of these Masses please come and see me or your child’s classroom teacher.   May God Bless bless you all.   RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LEADER Angela  Giordimaina    

Between the 30th October and 2nd November the 2018 Prep children will participate in our Prep Transition Program.  The children will have the opportunity to meet our current Prep children and teachers, visit the playground and learn more about coming to school.   Whilst the children are involved in their transition activities parents are invited to be part of learning walks and conversation directed by school leadership staff.   We are looking forward to working together in partnership with parents to ensure that every child has a positive and successful start to school.   Prep 2018 Orientation Day: Friday, 1st December at 9:30am – 10:30am All children need to attend this on this day.  They will have the opportunity to meet the 2018 Prep teachers and visit the Prep learning environment.  Parents are invited to remain in the school hall for a meeting. Tea and coffee will be provided.   Year 7 (2018) By now all Year 6 parents should have received confirmation from the secondary school they have enrolled their children in for 2018.  It is important that parents note important dates such as parent meetings and orientation days, as this will assist children and families with a positive transition into secondary education.   Year 6 (2017)  On Friday, 15th September, the Year 6 students were involved in a transition program with St. Lawrence School.   The day involved meeting other students who will be attending the same secondary school for 2018, participating in team building activities and participating in a presentation from some of the secondary school in our zone.   The next day will be held on 17th November at St. Lawrence School in Derrimut.   A reminder that our transition conversation evening will be held on Tuesday 10th October at 6.30pm in the Year 5/6 learning space.   Year 7(2019)   A reminder the present Year 5 families enrolment for Catholic Secondary Schools for 2019 closed on 25th August.  If parents did not get enrolments in by the due date, please contact the secondary school of your choice as soon as possible.    Carmel Bortolot  Student Services Leader