From our Principal
Catholic Education Week
St Peter’s College is marking Catholic Education Week, which began on Friday 15 May 2026, with a range of special events.
On Monday afternoon, teachers took part in Twilight Theology led by Miss Fiona McKenna (DP-Catholic Identity & Mission) and Mr Tishan Lokuge (Faith and Mission Leader) on the topic of Peter, Emmaus and Questioning God. The session offered a thoughtful way to explore how we bring our difficult questions to God. Why is there suffering in our world? Why does God sometimes seem hidden? These are important questions to bring to prayer, even if doing so can feel uncomfortable. I left with a renewed appreciation that God created us to be inquiring learners, and that no question is too great to place before our loving God.
The Catholic Education Week Mass and Award Ceremony was held at Nagle College, Bairnsdale, and a small group of our students attended. Although it was a long journey, it was a valuable opportunity for schools across the Sale Diocese to gather and experience a strong sense of the wider Church.
This year’s Catholic Education Week theme, ‘Every school a home of peace’, is inspired by the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you,” says the Lord, “my own peace I give you” (John 14:27).
The theme, ‘Every school a home of peace’, reflects the mission of Catholic education. Catholic schools aim to be welcoming, inclusive and supportive communities where students are nurtured academically, spiritually and socially.
As part of Catholic Education Week, our school will help share the message of peace in our community.
Other events this week included Tuesday’s special pastoral period, featuring video presentations from our Liturgy Captains, Shekinah and Harrison. The lesson focused on our college as a place of peace, the Jubilee Year of St Francis, and gave students an opportunity to reflect on and contribute ideas for a new College Prayer.
This week is special for the school, parish and local community, and I was pleased to accept an invitation to speak at Sunday Mass in St Agatha’s Parish alongside principals from our Catholic primary schools.
We are grateful for our strong community spirit and for the dedicated teachers who foster each student’s creative gifts. And we pause during Catholic Education Week to celebrate this and give thanks to God for these many blessings.
Celebrating Silver Jubilees
Over the past two weekends, school representatives have had the privilege of celebrating two significant silver jubilees. On Sunday, 10 May, Fr James Fernandez marked 25 years of ordination at St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Clyde North. Following the 10.45 am Mass, parishioners gathered for speeches, cake cutting, shared food and a dance performance by some of the young people. It was also wonderful that Sr Faustina from St Agatha’s Parish, Cranbourne, was able to join the celebration as she, too, marked 25 years of religious profession. St Agatha’s Parish then celebrated Sr Faustina on Saturday, 16 May, with Mass and a luncheon.
We give thanks to God for these devoted servants and for the faithful love and dedication they have shown the Church over the past 25 years, especially through their contribution to our parishes and school community.
David Hansen
Acting Principal