From our Principal
Dear Parents, Students and Friends,
Today is a special day. August 8 is set aside, each year, as the feast day of our one and only Australian Saint. The Blessed St Mary of the Cross MacKillop feast falls on the day of her death and this anniversary enables us to reflect and be inspired by her works. A saying attributed to the Blessed St Mary of the Cross is: “Never see a need without doing something about it”. Our own graduate outcomes speak specifically to this theme, and in particular I refer to outcome one and two where we strive to inspire our graduates to: appreciate the value of participating actively in a faith-filled community, and, serve their community and the wider world as Christ did in thought, word and deed. Both Blessed St Mary of the Cross and our own graduate outcomes call on our students to look outwardly beyond their own needs and make a difference to those they meet along the journey. May Mary MacKillop together with our other seven house patrons inspire all within our community to never see a need without doing something about it.
MacKillop House Prayer
Lord, our House patron St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop
was a tireless champion for those in need and for the
right to education. Help us in MacKillop House to imitate
her ways. May we promote the dignity of all and use our
knowledge and skills to build your kingdom on earth.
May we always follow the example of our patron,
Mary MacKillop, as a guide to a life of faith and service.
St. Mary of the Cross, pray for us.
Amen.
Staff Spirituality Day
Each year our staff engage in a day set aside for the opportunity to engage in a faith-based experience. The Jubilee year, nominated by the late Pope Francis, is themed around the concept that we are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope”. This year’s Spirituality day experience will be described in-depth on subsequent pages of this edition of the newsletter by others however it is my sincere hope that the 250 staff who have engaged in a pilgrimage experience today have experienced not only spiritual enrichment, but also fresh insights into how our faith tradition continues to shape who we are and what we do as a Catholic school community.
The message of the Jubilee Year reminds us that in a world often marked by uncertainty, conflict, and cynicism, Christians are called to be pilgrims of hope—people who embody trust, renewal, reconciliation, and joy. At St Peter’s College, our Core Values of Hope, Love, and Courage reflect this same call where all are inspired to be grounded in Faith, expressed through Service, and animated by a commitment to Education. These values are not mere words—they are visible in the daily work we do: guiding students, supporting fellow staff, and helping shape a more compassionate and just future.
Pathways Planning
A widely cited statistic suggests that 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't been created yet. This estimate highlights the rapid pace of change in the job market due to technological advancements. This statistic is often used to emphasize the need for adaptability and the development of skills that will be relevant in the future. Those in the futures planning sphere are suggestive that skills like cognitive abilities (problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity), emotional intelligence, and adaptability will be crucial for navigating this evolving landscape. Understanding this context can lead to uncertainty when it comes to this critical stage of the year where students in years 9-12 embark on the subject selection process for the following year. Whilst the future might be uncertain what is clear is the importance of making informed choices. This can take a variety of forms and include but is not limited to some of the following: online research, exploring pre-requisites for university or TAFE, or determining what VET course might help to gain future employment. What is paramount is that students and parents ask as many questions as they feel necessary to make those informed choices. We are blessed at St Peter’s College to have a plethora of support services and personnel ready and willing to assist. This begins with the learning advisor but can also include your son or daughter’s house leader, subject teachers, our curriculum leaders and most important our Career’s Pathways Co-ordinators. Our subject selection interviews, which all year nine and ten students undertake, with a key staff member, should be the final step in the process which is preceded by many conversations and much research.
Enjoy the weekend and the week beyond.
Mr Chris Black
Principal