Cranbourne Campus News

You are not alone!

Parents regularly ask, "What can I do at home to help my son or daughter achieve better grades?"

The answer is not always a simple one. 

As our young people enter into adolescence, they begin to develop a desire for greater independence. When once they needed mum or dad to walk them into school and they accepted mum or dad chatting with the class teacher, by the time they reach secondary school, our young people are much happier if they are dropped at the gate and no communication is made between parent and teacher. However, this increased appetite for independence does not mean that the importance of the parent/guardian’s role in secondary education is diminished, nor does it mean that parents and guardians cannot play a vital supporting role in their child’s secondary education by remaining engaged in the College community and knowing what is happening. At St. Peter’s College we are acutely aware that the young person’s chances of successfully navigating adolescence and reaching their full potential in the classroom, is increased dramatically where parents and guardians are supportive and engaged in their child’s education. Opportunities such as; House Welcome evenings, Parent/Teacher Interviews, volunteering at St. Peter’s College fundraising ventures and organisations such as Parents and Friends are important avenues for adults to become more connected with their child’s school community of fellow parents and teachers. Newsletters, the SPACE (St. Peter’s Academic & Collaborative Environment) portal, the College Facebook page and even email, also provide great access for adults to what is happening in school life. 

The first step in being able to speak with, and support, your child with their secondary school experience, can be made easier when you know the basic structure of their school day, the names of key school staff and important St. Peter's College events. Being engaged in your child's school sends a powerful message to your child that they are not alone and that teachers and parents/guardians can manage their need for increased independence but not at the expense of genuine care and interest in their world. 

Safety comes First

You will have noticed some very exciting building works that are taking place at the Cranbourne Campus to improve the learning facilities for our young people. Inevitably when a school goes through such a project, compromises need to be made, especially in the area of traffic management for school pickup and drop off times. There have been a number of parents/guardians choosing to slow down and drop their child off on Cranbourne-Frankston Road; some even allowing their child to exit the car from the backseat on the drivers side close to passing traffic. Could we remind parents/guardians to exercise patience and common sense, to use the slip road just past the College and for your children to all exit via the passenger side of the car straight on to the nature strip. Your patience and cooperation is essential for the safety of all our students.

Mr Jeremy Wright

Deputy Principal - Head of Cranbourne Campus