Clyde North Campus News

A Time of Change, Transition and Hope

As we move into the final week of the school year, our community finds itself in a familiar and meaningful season — one marked by change, transition and endings. These past two weeks especially have been filled with moments that signal growth, movement and new beginnings: the completion of exams and assessments, Year 9 camp, Orientation Day for our 2026 Year 7s, and the commencement of Headstart.

Transitions like these remind us that our young people are constantly moving forward through their secondary school lives, each year presenting new expectations, new joys, and new challenges. It is important that we, as educators and parents, pay close attention to what they experience along the way — their needs, concerns, uncertainties, and also their excitement. Change and transition, and even endings, can be wonderful opportunities: opportunities for courage, for fresh learning, for deeper understanding, and for the resilience required to face today and tomorrow with confidence and without fear.

Orientation Day — Welcoming the Class of 2026

This week we joyfully welcomed our incoming Year 7 students for 2026. It was truly heartening to see such happy and smiling faces across the campus, even amidst the understandable nerves felt by many students and parents alike. For families sending their first child to secondary school, this transition from the familiar world of primary school into the unknown of Year 7 is a significant milestone.

Orientation Day is a critical part of ensuring a successful transition — it sets our students up for success by giving them the chance to meet their House Leaders, House Captains and our many student helpers, and of course, to begin forming new friendships.

After a morning exploring the campus, the excitement lifted even further with the Annual House Dance Competition, the first event in the Rosemary Graham House Competition for 2026. Each House presented a dance troupe that showcased both talent and spirit. Our new Year 7s were the enthusiastic audience, joining with our 2026 Year 12 cohort to create an atmosphere that was both electric and joy-filled. Congratulations to every House for their energy and creativity.

A lunchtime BBQ followed, before our new students embarked on an “Amazing Race” around the campus — a lively and energetic opportunity to bond, explore, and have fun. By the end of the day, there were certainly some weary faces, but they were happy ones.

My sincere thanks to Mr Brannan (PCL Years 7–9), our House Leaders, House Captains and all staff and students involved for their tireless work in creating such a memorable and welcoming day for our newest members of the College.

Year 9 Camp — Preparing for the Next Step

Last week, our Year 9 students headed to Anglesea for their end-of-year camp — an ideal time in their schooling for reflection, celebration and preparation. This camp serves not only as a reward for their hard work throughout the year, but also as a pivotal stepping stone into Year 10.

Leadership, teamwork, collaboration and problem-solving were central to every activity. These experiences help shape our students’ confidence and independence as they begin to take their place as more senior members of the school. With increased responsibility next year also comes greater autonomy — especially in relation to study habits, goal-setting and decision-making. This camp helps set the foundation for the maturity and initiative that Year 10 will require.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Brannan, Ms Ross and Mr Stewart for their extensive planning and leadership, and to all staff who generously gave their time, energy and care to make this camp possible. We also congratulate the Year 9 cohort for their excellent behaviour, enthusiasm and engagement throughout the week.

Looking Ahead — Our Final Week

As we enter the final days of the school year, we look forward to celebrating all that has been achieved. The week ahead includes treasured traditions such as the famous House Tug-of-War and our final House Awards Assembly.

We will conclude the year with our Advent Mass a deeply meaningful and fitting way to gather as a Catholic community. This year’s Mass will also be particularly special, as it will be the final time our beloved Parish Priest, Father Denis, celebrates with us before beginning his ministry in a new parish. Father Denis has been a gentle, faith-filled and constant spiritual guide for our staff and students. He has nourished our community with wisdom, kindness and the hope of Christ. We will miss him dearly and give thanks for the blessing he has been to us.

Endings can be difficult, but they are also filled with possibility, gratitude and new life. This year marks the end of my time at St Peter’s College after 14 years, nine as Deputy Principal Head of Clyde North Campus.

It has been one of the great blessings of my life to journey with this extraordinary community. I have seen the campus grow from a small, emerging site into a vibrant community of 1,170 students, with outstanding learning spaces and a strong spirit of unity and purpose. To have played even a small part in this development is something I will always cherish.

To our parents and students: thank you. Your trust, warmth and partnership have allowed me to build caring, respectful and joyful relationships. You have shaped me as much as I have supported you.

To my colleagues who have walked beside me, challenged me, inspired me and shared countless moments of laughter, hope and commitment my gratitude is profound. Your dedication to our students and our mission has been unwavering, and working with you has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.

As I step into the next chapter of my journey, St Peter’s College will always remain part of my heart and story. I hold our community, our traditions and our future with deep pride and affection.

Merry Christmas and God bless you all.

Mrs Julie Banda 

Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus