Our school

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Sts Peter and Paul Primary School is a vibrant co-educational Catholic Primary School located in Canberra’s inner south that offers a high-quality education to all students. The school caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

A message from our principal

Principal’s Welcome

Welcome to Sts Peter and Paul Primary School

Sts Peter and Paul Primary School is a vibrant co-educational Catholic Primary School located in Canberra’s inner south that offers a high-quality education to all students. The school caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

This is a place constantly adapting to the changing needs of young people and their world. It is a place where all children can discover who they are and develop the self-confidence to take on new challenges in a caring and nurturing Catholic environment. We welcome and encourage our parents to be involved in all aspects of their children’s lives at school.

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Sts Peter and Paul is set in spacious, leafy grounds that are well maintained and cared for. Students have grassed oval and asphalt areas as well as access to play equipment, sandpit, fitness track and environment centre.

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth established the school in 1968. In 2018, Saints Peter and Paul Primary celebrated its 50th anniversary. We continue the work of the Sisters by providing the best possible resources and support for our students and staff in an authentically Catholic context. The school community maintains close links to our Parish Church, led by our Parish Priest, Father James Antony. Our Sacramental Program is Parish-based and prepares children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.

Sts Peter and Paul has long had a reputation for educational excellence and innovation. The school is exploring well-researched pedagogical practices and is pursuing an explicit teaching based approach to teaching and learning, incorporating the best research from the science of learning. We also ensure that our K to Year 2 students have a very sound foundation in reading and writing by incorporating a strong phonics program. Reading and writing are supported with regular assessment, which in turn leads to intervention programs for any child in need. We work with educational coaches, and we pride ourselves on a staff culture characterised by collaboration and peer feedback. These are essential skills and values we model and teach to our students, ensuring they are well equipped for the challenges of the twenty-first century.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a major feature of our school curriculum. We have updated our STEM program and it is integrated with teachers’ class programs. All students from K to Year 6 have STEM lessons.

The school supports and complements the work of parents in the education of their children. We have an active parent body that is led by the Community Council. Parents keenly support school events such as Mothers Day and Fathers Day Breakfasts, Grandparents’ Day celebration, the Kindergarten Nativity, Working Bees and School Discos, as well as providing an important perspective on policies relating to the educational direction of the school.

Our school provides many opportunities for extension through a number of programs. Senior students can participate in Tournament of Minds, which is a problem-solving competition, NAPLAN testing, a Robotics and Drone Program, day trips to the snow, a Homework Program, Rostrum public speaking and Interschool debating. Our Year 6 students participate in leadership days and have a number of leadership opportunities throughout the year. We have a well-developed Science Week program, which has been very popular in recent years. All Year 5 and 6 students participate in the Maths Olympiad, and it is offered to students who excel in mathematics and problem-solving in Years 3 and 4.

The school provides many opportunities for students to participate in extra-curricular activities. Many students participate in school basketball, soccer or netball teams. Parents can also opt for their children to join the school choir and have private lessons from specialist music teachers who work in the school.

Sts Peter and Paul is also known for its strong community spirit and commitment to enrolling the whole family, not just the child. Parents are always welcome in the school and encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s school life through classroom help, attending Focus Assemblies, Masses and Awards Assemblies, fundraising events, social events, excursions, canteen and uniform shop volunteers.

Declaration of purpose

Living our purpose

With Jesus at the heart of our relationships, we companion our students in their growth to fullness of life. Our community relationships are characterised by inclusivity, humility, wonder, curiosity, forgiveness, love, respect and understanding, so that each child may grow to their potential, and contribute to the Kingdom that is to come.

Student declaration of purpose

At Sts Peter and Paul, we are a community of curious learners who are loving, kind and welcoming. We aim to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

We try our best each day to make a difference in the world.

Celebrating over 50 years

Our history

Sts Peter and Paul Primary School’s rich history began in 1968 before forming the Parish of the Transfiguration in 1994 with sister school Holy Trinity, Curtin. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, an international apostolic congregation, served the school for almost 30 years. Their founder Francis Siedliska had a vision of charity, and this is the inspiration for the sisters’ life and service. Until the end of 1995, the principal of the school was provided by the Congregation.

Classes began on 28 January 1968 in the borrowed premises of the Hughes Community Centre and moved into the newly built school two weeks later. The school was blessed and opened by Archbishop Thomas Cahill and the Hon. Malcolm Fraser, Minister for Education and Science, on 1 September 1968.

Our crest

Kingship of Christ – Crown
Influence of the Holy Spirit – Dove
St Peter – Sword, key and inverted cross
St Paul – Scroll
Catholic Church – Papal tiara and crossed keys – sign of the Papacy

Our motto

Your Kingdom Come

School prayer

Dear Lord,
We come together as one family.
May we follow in the footsteps of Sts Peter and Paul
seeking each day to build community
and to share the message of Jesus.
May we be lovers of learning who treat
each other with care and respect.
Sts Peter and Paul, Pray for us.