Cranbourne Campus News

Year 9 Camp Returns

For the first time in three years, we have been able to get our Year 9 students out on school camp. I am sure those parents of Year 9 students will agree that the Year 9 students have returned with a new level of excitement and energy, and from all reports, the Camp was a massive hit with the majority of students, including those who were at camp for the big rain event that hit the state. Below is a collection of images that helps convey the sentiment perfectly.

Traffic Management

A reminder to those travelling by car of the importance of obeying the school rules. One point of particular note is the dangerous act of pulling over in the bus lane of Cranbourne - Frankston Rd to drop off or collect students. This week we had reports from several concerned citizens of a Learner driver using this bus lane to pull over, being dropped off while their parent got out of the car, and changing over the L plates before driving off. This is not only illegal and very dangerous along that stretch of road but also blocks school traffic wishing to turn left into the school's front gates. Can I ask parents to model safe behaviour with their young people, by not using this bus lane for pick up or drop off, before someone is seriously injured in an accident or worse? Two minutes of convenience is not worth a life.

Equally, I would like to report that we are investigating a solution for the hire buses that several parents have commented to me, making the two-minute drop-off zone dangerous at times. We have asked bus drivers and the hire company to park down along the drive on the eastern side of the Hall but a more permanent solution is being discussed. In the meantime please be patient in the drop-off zone to ensure it is safe before your young person flings open the door to eagerly get to school.

Many thanks for your cooperation. This will make a difference.

Graduation continued

Last Newsletter I was able to report on the fantastic generosity of the Year 12 graduates in providing a shared graduation morning tea with the staff. At that time I also preempted the final-day activities that were due to occur. 

The Assembly on Monday saw our students presented to the community, receive their certificates and experience the ringing of their final school bell. It was a special time for them. This followed later in the day with a celebration of the Eucharist at St. Agatha's.  And the occasion was then topped off with a Valedictory Dinner where the graduates received a small gift of thanks and their St. Peter's College candle which symbolises the light of Christ that they are asked to take forward. Below is a collection of photos from the day to help capture the experience for the rest of the community. 

Attainment of a VCE or VCAL certificate is a fantastic achievement for many students. Young people who, supported by you at home and teachers and friends at school, can lean into the challenges and tough times that present through either their VCE or a VCAL (soon to be referred to as VCE - Vocational Major) pathway. These students will have shown the necessary dedication and persistence to follow through on what they started and it is this commitment and dedication to the process, together with the values learned at St Peter's College, that will hold them in good stead to be successful beyond the gates of St. Peter's College. 

Vaping at school

Following on from a letter sent earlier in the year, we are recording a reduced number of incidents of students found to be vaping on campus. (But I hasten to add we are aware that it is still happening.) As was expressed in that letter, due to the illegal nature of vaping for people under the age of 18, the intimidation that this act has on other students wishing to use the bathrooms and the fact that we can never be sure what synthetic substances are in the vapes, we will continue to balance the safety of the community with the need to educate a generation who were thrust this dangerous act under the guise of it being safe.

If your child is found to be vaping on campus or in the presence of people suspected of vaping, we intend to ask you to come in and collect your child immediately. We appreciate that this is an inconvenience and ask that you refer that frustration back to your child's behaviour. 

Upon their return, they will be asked to complete a module and some worksheets explaining the dangers of this act. We look forward to your continuing support with this and have impressed the vast majority of students who do the right thing to help us with information on who is vaping and where - people who support us to support others are always kept anonymous.

Evans Rd and Navarre Drive closure

As part of the redesign of Hall Road to make it safer in the long run, we have been informed that from 6th November to Mid 2023 they are closing Evans Road between Navarre Drive and Hall Road with no access down Navarre Drive directly into Evans Road. The image attached will help visualise the change but in practice means that all vehicle access will be turning right out of the school gates at the end of the day which in fact will be safer in the short term.

Jeremy Wright

Deputy Principal - Head of Cranbourne Campus