Welcome!

Dear Parents, Carers and Families,

With the Spring Racing Carnival well and truly underway, and Bendigo Cup Day this Wednesday, the end of the school year is quickly approaching. It only seems like yesterday that we were welcoming students back for Term 1, yet already our attention is turning towards the many celebrations, transition activities and preparations that come with the final weeks of the year. I even noticed Christmas decorations appearing in the supermarket over the weekend, a sure sign that the festive season is not far away!

As we continue our planning for 2027, I would ask any families who already know that they will not be returning to St Peter's next year to please contact the school office as soon as possible. This information helps us support families currently waiting for enrolment places and assists with class planning, staffing and organisation for next year.

Term 4 Pupil Free Dates

• Wednesday 28th October - Bendigo Cup Day

• Monday 2nd November - Staff Professional Development Day

• Friday 4th December - Staff Professional Development Day

Visit from Kate Fogarty - Executive Director, Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited

On Monday morning we were pleased to welcome Kate Fogarty, Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited, to St Peter's. During her visit, Kate toured our literacy classrooms and spent time observing teaching and learning across the school.

Kate commented on the calm and orderly atmosphere within classrooms and was particularly impressed by the high levels of student engagement she observed. She noted the strong focus students demonstrated towards their learning and highlighted the positive impact that our MultiLit program is having on literacy outcomes across the school.

Her visit provided an opportunity to celebrate the significant progress and improvements taking place at St Peter's and acknowledge the dedication of our staff and students in creating a positive learning environment.

End of Year Events at St Peter's

As we move towards the end of the year, I would like to share some important dates for families to note.

• On Thursday 10th December, our Year 6 students will enjoy a Graduation Lunch at school, provided by the school community. Later that evening, at 6:00pm, we will gather at St Kilian's Hall for our Year 6 Graduation Mass, where we will celebrate and acknowledge the seven-year journey of our graduating students.

• Following the Mass, families are invited to a community picnic on the St Peter's grounds from 7:30pm until 9:00pm. Families are asked to bring their own picnic dinner, and children must remain under the supervision of their parents or guardians throughout the evening.

• On Friday 11th December, classes will participate in an End of Year Fun Day, with each year level celebrating their achievements and successes throughout 2026.

• Monday 14th December will be a normal school day.

• Our final day of school for students will be Tuesday 15th December. We will conclude the year with an End of Year Mass at 10:00am at the Cathedral in Bendigo. This special celebration will provide an opportunity to gather as a school community, give thanks for the year that has been, and acknowledge staff members who will be retiring, transferring or commencing new opportunities.

Appointment of St Peter's Principal for 2027

Following last week's announcement regarding the appointment of the next Principal of St Peter's, I am pleased to confirm that Stephen O'Shannessy will commence in the role from the beginning of 2027.

Over the coming weeks I will be working closely with Stephen, staff and the wider school community to support a smooth transition and ensure continuity for our students and families. We are excited to welcome Stephen to St Peter's and look forward to the experience and leadership he will bring to our school community.

Class Structure for 2027

Building on the class restructuring introduced during 2026, St Peter's will continue with straight year-level classes wherever possible in 2027.

Due to enrolment numbers, we will operate a Foundation/Year 1 composite class, alongside straight Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 classes. Class sizes will generally range from approximately 20 to 24 students, with an overall target average of around 26 students per class.

This structure supports the long-term viability of the school, responds to increasing financial pressures and allows us to maintain our current levels of support and educational programs for students.

The following staff members will be concluding their employment at St Peter's at the end of the school year:

We will have a chance to formally farewell and celebrate these wonderful people at our End of Year Mass on Tuesday 15th December.

Over the coming weeks, I hope to provide families with further information regarding teacher allocations for 2027, in readiness for our Orientation Day and transition activities in early December.

World Teachers' Day

This Friday we will celebrate World Teachers' Day, an opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution teachers make to the lives of children every day.

Teachers play a vital role in helping students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future success. Their commitment, care and dedication extend far beyond the classroom and have a lasting impact on the wellbeing and growth of every child.

World Teachers' Day provides an opportunity for all of us, students, families and the wider community, to thank the teachers who have made a difference in our lives and in the lives of our children.

At St Peter's we are fortunate to have a team of passionate and dedicated teachers who work tirelessly to support every student. We look forward to celebrating and acknowledging their contribution with a special morning tea on Friday.

Thank you for your continued support of St Peter's and the many ways you partner with us in your child's education. As always, I encourage families to stay connected through our school newsletter and Facebook page as we share the many exciting events and achievements taking place across our school community.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

Kind regards, 

Paul Bissinella 

Acting Principal