From our Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

It seems that we have travelled from summer into winter without any pausing for autumn. Autumn is a lovely season, not only is it characterised by a certain gentleness, it can also symbolise the shedding of leaves where they have served their purpose for 12 month period. They have provided shelter and shade and even as they turn shades of amber and red and eventually drop they serve the needs of the soil beneath, fertilising and feeding. Autumn is a time of endings, perhaps a time tingled with melancholy as we look to what is ending in nature and remind ourselves that our time is limited. It a time designed to help us to tell our own story; to rejoice in the time we have been given, to look again at the colours of our own stories and adventures and to wonder at their meaning and purpose. It is a reminder also of re-birth and the Christ resurrected. 

Beginning of Term 2

Autumn is a time of hope and the same can be said for the start of Term 2 for students. New beginnings, new hope. For students the new term provides an opportunity to start anew. Our expectation of you is that you be the best version of yourself at all times, in your learning and in your interactions with each other. It is timely also to remind both parents and students of our expectations around uniform as we change from summer to winter uniform. We need to raise the bar of expectation around uniform, particularly in ensuring that the blazer is the only garment to be worn with the rest of the uniform. Students are asked to ensure their uniform is in good shape. Taking pride in your uniform, leads to pride in your school, leads to pride in your approach to your learning.

Respect

One of the central themes running through our Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviours (WSAPB) is Respect. Much has been presented recently in the media around consent and respectful relationships. We are positioned, here at St. Peter’s College, in an ideal place to reinforce the theme of respect. We pride ourselves on the development of the whole person. Within our Religious Education program we teach the principles of Catholic Social Teaching with a particular focus on the dignity and respect of all. Our Strive and Thrive program focuses on character strengths, resilience and GEM – Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. So whilst we need to continually review our curriculum offerings, in the case of Respectful Relationships we are servicing the needs of our students well. Maria 

Kirkwood, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sale Diocese articulates it this way:   “Catholic schools have always been committed to the development of the whole person and their intellectual, moral, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Education in what it means to develop appropriate relationships with others is a key element in this human formation”. We will continue to strive to help shape our young men and women to be the best versions of themselves.

ANZAC Day Remembrance services

I congratulate our student leaders and the VCAL program for the wonderful and moving ANZAC day services held on each campus this week. These ANZAC services have become somewhat a tradition at St. Peter’s College. This week was an opportunity to remember the fallen who gave their lives in the hope of a better world. The VCAL students were exceptional in creating a very meaningful and special ceremony. The invitation to two of our neighbouring Aged Care facilities, together with representatives from local RSLs enabled connection with representatives of the broader community thus making it a significant occasion for all. Our students were exceptional in treating the occasion with reverence and respect. Congratulations to all involved.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Mr Chris Black

Principal