From our Principal
ear Parents, Students and Friends,
Dear Parents, Students and Friends,
It is very hard to reconcile with the fact that term one is over but with the observation this week of sharing of easter eggs and the consumption of hot cross buns there can only be the one conclusion to be drawn, Easter is around the corner and that means holidays are upon us.
Acknowledgement of this fact then provides the opportunity to reflect back on the myriad of events and learning opportunities explored over the past nine weeks. In doing this we are able to reflect with an authentic sense of joy and gratitude on the achievements thus far. Whether it’s sporting events, our Harmony Day celebrations, the opening school mass, pastoral care periods, House Welcome evenings or the year seven camp, the one consistent across all events was that students simply shone. Whether it’s reflecting on the way students have adopted classroom routines, adopted sound work habits, engaged in excursions, assessments and classroom learning, again, our students have shone brightly and at every opportunity. Our school theme in 2025 is “Be the reason for hope”. As I reflect on all that has been achieved over our first term, I am reminded that indeed our students are the very reason, the source in fact of giving us reason to be hope-filled.
I was very much reminded of students being that reason and source of hope as I listened and observed many speak with clarity and pride at our recent Discovery Evenings. The manner in which they were able to articulate proudly on what St Peter’s College can offer prospective families was a source of inspiration and at the same time a very humbling experience. Our Graduate Outcomes speak to what we aspire to in our young people. They include:
Appreciating the value of participating actively in a faith-filled community.
Serving their community and the wider world as Christ did, in thought, word and deed.
Being hope-filled and resilient in facing life’s challenges.
Being literate, numerate and technologically competent as effective global citizens.
Acting creatively, communicating effectively, thinking critically and collaborating widely as life-long learners.
Being agents of change inspired by the ROCKS of St Peter’s College - to be respectful, organised, collaborative, kind and safe.
I saw evidence during last week’s Discovery Evenings that our students in attendance on those evenings are well on the way to being able to achieve each of those outcomes and more.
Student Services Centre – Cranbourne Campus
Over the course of the past six months slowly but surely the old Administration building has taken on a new shape and in this moment is nearly ready to be a re-created and re-purposed Student Services hub. When students return after the term break, the Student Services Centre will be open to support the needs of our students. Contained within this space will be the Learning Enrichment Centre, inclusive of classroom spaces, specifically designed breakout spaces and staff offices. Student Counsellors will be housed in this purpose-built centre with upgraded counselling spaces providing the ability to cater more readily to the well-being needs of individual students as well as provide the capacity to integrate, where required, these services with those provided by the Learning Enrichment Centre. More meeting spaces will be provided to cater for parent meetings as well as staff conference facilities. Office space will also be provided for senior curriculum leaders. Finally a purpose built and designed quiet study area for year twelve students will enable them to work and study in a quiet, conducive area for study. This $1.76 million dollar refurbishment was a self-funded project and is another step along the way in our masterplan which very much centres on the provision of modern learning facilities to cater for our students wherever they are on the learning continuum. We are very much looking forward to our students utilising these new spaces to support and enhance their learning journey.
High Achievers
Congratulations to Harrison Hand for making the Under 17 Victorian Netball team. St Peter’s congratulates you and wishes you well for your continued success.
Easter
This week our students participated in the very moving liturgical event of the Stations of the Cross. Led by our Youth Ministry students the liturgy depicts some of the final moments of Christ’s journey to the cross. This year, a jubilee year has been nominated by Pope Francis with the theme, Pilgrims of Hope. In his address to the people last Sunday Pope Francis spoke of the clear connection between the Lenten journey and the Jubilee theme. He says in part: “This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs. Let us ask ourselves in the presence of the Lord whether, as bishops, priests, consecrated persons and laity in the service of the Kingdom of God, we cooperate with others. Whether we show ourselves welcoming, with concrete gestures, to those both near and far. Whether we make others feel a part of the community or keep them at a distance”.
I encourage this Lenten season, in the lead-up to Easter and the joy of the resurrected Christ on Easter morning, that our students and families look outwardly and reflect on how we can be people of welcome and open to the needs of others. The following prayer is offered up in the hope that we are open to transform our lives and the lives of others:
Hope is a kernel of light and strength
which dwells in our hearts
in expectation of good things to come.
Light up our lives with your love
so that we may be signs of hope.
Hope shines brightly,
but the burdens of life
can dampen its glow.
Light up our lives with your love
so that we may be signs of hope.
Lead us as pilgrims on a journey
alongside our brothers and sisters
as we respond to your Jubilee call.
Light up our lives with your love
so that we may be signs of hope.
Renew our faith
and move us to action
as we commit to building a better world.
Light up our lives with your love
so that we may be signs of hope.
Amen.
I wish all the blessings of the Easter season and during these holidays please also be safe in all that you undertake.
Mr Chris Black
Principal