A message from the Principal

Orientation Day

Orientation Day went smoothly, and the excitement across the school was unmistakable. Students confidently moved into the familiar spaces they have been preparing for throughout the term, and there was a wonderful energy as they met their 2026 classmates, teachers, and explored their new learning environments. It was a great day of connection, curiosity, and anticipation for the year ahead.

End of Year Mass & Picnic

What a beautiful send-off we shared with our Year 6 students at Wednesday night’s Mass at St Kilian’s. The students looked fantastic — dressed up and proud as they marked this significant milestone in their primary school journey.

It was wonderful to see such strong attendance from families and our wider community. Many then joined us back at St Peter’s for a picnic celebration, complete with a special visit from Santa Claus, who handed out Zooper Doopers and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Our Christmas Hampers were also drawn on the night, with nine lucky families taking home festive baskets. Thank you to everyone who generously donated items—your kindness made these hampers extra special.

Graduation Lunch & Final Assembly

Last Thursday was a day to remember. Our Year 5 students did a remarkable job preparing a delicious Graduation Lunch for the Year 6 cohort—planning, cooking, and decorating the Djak Tjarra with care and pride.

Following lunch, the Year 6 students enjoyed a heartfelt PowerPoint presentation created by their teachers, celebrating their journey with photos, memories, and music.

We were honoured to once again welcome the Murtagh family, who generously donate awards each year. Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

2025 Murtagh Family Numeracy Award – Penny
2025 Murtagh Family Literacy Award – Aryan
2025 Murtagh Family Aspiration Award – DJ
2025 Murtagh Family Achievement Award (Female) – Gracie
2025 Murtagh Family Achievement Award (Male) – David

We thank the Murtagh family for their ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting excellence at St Peter’s.

Unit Fun Day

Unit Fun Day was a joyful way to celebrate the end of term:

Junior Unit (Prep–2): Little Ninjas, a hot chip lunch, and a movie afternoon.
Middle Unit (3/4): A fantastic day at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre.
Senior Unit (5/6): Slip-and-slide fun, outdoor games, movies, and laughter.

The day concluded with our final Friday Races for 2025, including the traditional farewell race for all students and staff finishing with us this year. We thank them for their contributions and wish them well as they begin new chapters in 2026.

Classroom Teachers for 2026

Year	Class	Staff Member
Prep	Mumumburra	Mrs Keating, Mrs Amos, Mrs Cardinal
1\2	Balam-balam	Mrs Isaac, Mrs Holland
1\2	Djulin	Mr Rodi
1\2	Mur Murra	Mrs Purdon
3\4	Barrangal	Mr Cairns
3\4	Wirrap	Mrs Willis, Mr Wilkinson
3\4	Yulawil	Mrs White
5\6	Banya	Mr Higgins
5\6	Guwak	Mrs Doolan
5\6	Ngana-nganity	Mrs Love-inay
Art		Mrs Smith
Music		Mrs Heinrich
Enviro		Mrs Robinson
PE		Mr Wilkinson
Supporting Staff		Mrs Daley Mrs Holland Mrs Negri Ms Price Mrs Robinson Mrs Whiteacre

Important Dates

We are down to the final day of the school year! As we look ahead, please find below some key dates to note for the start of 2026.

Monday 15th December – Last Day of School This will be the final day of Term 4 for students as we wrap up the 2025 school year.

Thursday 29th January – Learning Conversations for 2026 Learning Conversations will be held on this day and will be bookable via SIMON. This is a valuable opportunity to meet your child’s new teacher, share insights about how your child learns best, and work together to set goals and support a positive start to the year. Please look out for an email during the break for further information on booking

Friday 30th January – First Day of School The first day of Term 1 for all students, including our Prep students.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a wonderful start to 2026.

Prayer for the Week – The Fourth Week of Advent (Love)

Loving God,

As we enter this final week of Advent, we thank You for the gift of love that surrounds us—through our families, our friendships, and our school community.

Fill our hearts with kindness and generosity, so that we may share Your love with others through our words and actions.

Help us to recognise those who need care, comfort, or encouragement, and guide us to be a source of light and warmth for them.

May the love we show bring hope and joy to all we meet as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Christmas Well Wishes

As we come to the end of another incredible year at St Peter’s, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our families for your support, partnership, and trust throughout 2025. This year has been filled with growth, learning, celebration, and community, and none of it would have been possible without the care and commitment of our parents, carers, students, and staff.

Thank you for the way you have walked alongside us — through the busy moments, the joyful milestones, and everything in between. Our school is the wonderful place it is because of the people within it.

As we enter this Christmas season, we wish every family a time of rest, peace, and joy. May your homes be filled with laughter, connection, and the spirit of hope that Christmas brings.

We look forward to welcoming you all back refreshed and ready for an exciting year ahead in 2026.

From all of us at St Peter’s,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄✨

God Bless,

Jeremy Darmody

Principal

Wellbeing

Kristy Dupille, Maddi Hall, Sherree Jorgensen, Karli Price & Damian Cairnswellbeing@spbendigo.catholic.edu.au

Tips to Survive the Holidays

Fresh Fruit Friday

Kristy Dupille, Maddi Hall, Sherree Jorgensen, Karli Price & Damian Cairns
wellbeing@spbendigo.catholic.edu.au