From our Principal
Dear Parents, Students and Friends,
Welcome to the last newsletter for the year. The opportunity is ripe and the time is appropriate to celebrate, to acknowledge and to reflect.
Year 12 Graduation
Two wonderful celebrations were held last week to celebrate our Year 12 graduating class of 2021. These celebrations were put on hold from their traditional timeslot in the hope that the Class of 2021 could gather in the one place and the one time to reflect and rejoice on, not only completing 13 years of education, but also completing their senior studies with the significant impediment of continual lockdowns and a large dose of remote schooling. The Class of 2021 have been a credit to themselves and their families throughout the past two years. Last Friday, however, was their shining glory where they presented themselves with poise, maturity and respect. In doing so they demonstrated to the rest of the College community how to celebrate their achievements and most importantly demonstrate their readiness to commence the next part of their journey. I have no doubt that the experiences endured over the past two years together with the learnings gained over their secondary education will hold them in excellent stead. They have been true exemplars of our school motto, ‘Be Not Afraid’. The following blessing is traditionally bestowed on each graduating class and it is fitting to reproduce it here:
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Art, Design and Technology Exhibition
The launch of our Art, Design and Technology exhibition was held this week. I was fortunate, together with the Art and Technology coaches, to view and decide upon some very creative and inspiring pieces of creativity, both in the Arts and Technology spheres to receive awards. I congratulate the following students who were awarded the campus-based Principal’s prize for Art and the Peter Young Technology Award:
Clyde North
Principal’s Prize for Art – Dede Brown (Year 12)
Peter Young Technology Award – Tristan Vichittavong
Cranbourne
Principal’s Prize for Art – Jhanany Mokanasundarum
Peter Young Technology Award – Armaan Singh
This year our Art, Design and Technology exhibition went virtual enabling viewers to “walk” through the virtual spaces to explore the creative and artistic talents of our students. Art and creative works are meant to inspire, disturb and reflect and this year’s exhibition succeeded in all three spheres. The exhibition was stunning and I congratulate the Arts and Technology teams led by Pam Fox, Calen Robinson, Viv Hayes and Tom Myers for producing such a professional presentation showcasing the extraordinary talents of our students.
"If you haven't had a chance to explore the exhibition I encourage you to click on the link below to both enjoy and be in awe of our talented students."
Presentation Evening
Next week we will be holding our 2021 Presentation evening virtually. Whilst filming will be held on Monday, 29 November 2021, the link to the Presentation evening will be provided to the College community on Thursday, 2 December 2021. I congratulate all those that have received awards, both in the academic and leadership domains this year. A full list of award winners will be printed on a special edition of the newsletter next week.
Congratulations
Congratulations to two high performing Art students who have recently been recognised for their artistic talents:
Jhanany Mokanasundaram for being recognised with two prizes in the recent Casey Creations Exhibition. The opening in on Thursday 2 December at 4pm. The Virtual Exhibition will be posted on the Casey Creations Exhibition Facebook event page, and
Trinity Lee for being shortlisted for the 2021 VCAA Top Arts awards. See Trinity and Jhanany's art pieces below.
An Expression of Gratitude
I take this opportunity to thank staff, students and parents for your contribution to what has been, at times, a challenging year. An essential component to the successful transition into our final weeks at College has been a consistency to attendance on-site for learning. This has provided us with the perfect platform to enter into the 2022 academic year with renewed energy and enthusiasm and for all to continue to strive to be the best version of themselves in anything and everything they undertake. I take this opportunity in particular to wish the following staff a fond farewell as they leave us at the end of this year: Sumy Antony, Jessica Ashcroft, Jeremiah Brown, Kate Bracegirdle, John Hockley, Louise Mansfield, Bridget Promm and Michelle Roberts. Additionally I would like to give particular thanks and pay homage to both Greg Nelson and Radha Nadan. Both these staff members have been loyal servants to St. Peter’s College for a significant period of time. Radha commenced at St. Peter’s College in 2001 and Greg the following year in 2002. Both have contributed significantly as teachers and as leaders. On behalf of the College community we offer our thanks and express our gratitude, hoping both travel safely and gently as they begin a new chapter on life’s journey and may our motto, Be Not Afraid, continue to accompany them in whatever they undertake.
Advent
This Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season, culminating in the arrival of the baby Christ on December 25. I have “borrowed” a piece from my own parish bulletin which provides a contextual piece as well as some reflections on how we should or could approach this time of waiting.
This year’s Advent season begins the cycle of readings for Year C in the Lectionary. This means that most of the gospel readings are taken from the Gospel of Luke. Luke tells us how Christians are to live in the ‘in-between time’. They must be attentive to the Gospel and live in readiness to meet their God. They must not be distracted by the cares and snares of the world, but be ready to stand confidently before the Son of Man.
Reflection
• What are the things in your life that distract you from the Gospel?
• What are some of the strategies that make it easier to be attentive to the important things in life?
May this Advent season, with all its busyness, be a time to prepare yourself for the coming of Christ at Christmas. I challenge all to find moments of stillness, of prayer and of reflection, reflecting in particular on how the Gospel message of hope, love and forgiveness can grow in importance.
Travel well and travel safely until we meet again.
Mr Chris Black
Principal
Note: Students will be dismissed at 1.40pm on Friday, 3 December 2021
2022 Dates
Office closes: 17 December 2021 at 11:45am
Office re-opens: 17 January 2021 – Holiday hours are 9.00am – 4.00pm
Year 7 students onboarding: 27 January 2022
Staff return: 28 January 2022
Students return: Tuesday, 1 February 2022