Welcome!

A message from the Principal

PSG Meetings 

On Tuesday 24 February, we held Program Support Group (PSG) meetings for families of students with a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP). These meetings were an opportunity for teachers, parents/carers, and where appropriate, the student to come together to discuss progress, celebrate strengths, and plan next steps to support learning and wellbeing. 

PSG meetings are a recommended practice guided by Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL) and align with Department of Education expectations. They are intended for students who have a PLP in place, to ensure goals are reviewed and adjusted in partnership with families. 

We were very pleased with the strong attendance and thoughtful conversations that took place. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a positive and productive meeting. 

For families who were unable to attend on the day but have a student with a PLP, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a time that suits you. We are always happy to work collaboratively and ensure open communication about your child’s learning and goals. 

Unite Against Poverty – Project Compassion 

Throughout Lent, our school is participating in Project Compassion, Caritas Australia’s annual fundraising and awareness campaign. This year’s theme, “Unite Against Poverty,” invites us to stand together with communities around the world who are experiencing hardship and injustice. 

In classrooms, students have begun learning about the stories of Sisilia and Monoranjon, whose lives help us understand how access to education, clean water, and community support can create lasting change. Through these stories, students are encouraged to reflect on compassion, fairness, and how small actions can make a big difference for others. 

Magnify School Routines 

Last year, our school worked alongside Knowledge Society as part of the Sandhurst Magnify framework to strengthen and refine our whole-school routines. This work has been taking place across many schools in the diocese and is designed to support calm, consistency, and positive learning environments for all students. 

Across 2025, we intentionally taught and practiced three key school routines: 

• Getting students’ attention – so learning can begin quickly and calmly 
• Entering the classroom – ensuring smooth, settled starts to lessons 
• Exiting the classroom – helping students transition safely and respectfully 

At the beginning of this year, we introduced a fourth routine: 

• Moving around the school and lining up – supporting safe, orderly movement between learning spaces 

These routines are explicitly taught and practised so students know exactly what is expected throughout the day. Clear routines help reduce students’ cognitive load, meaning they don’t have to spend mental energy working out what to do next. Instead, they can focus on learning, building relationships, and feeling confident and secure at school. 

Over time, these consistent routines help create a settled environment where all students can thrive. We thank families for your ongoing support in reinforcing these expectations at home and in the school community.  

Upcoming Dates to Note 

• Labour Day Public Holiday A reminder that Monday 9 March is the Labour Day public holiday. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and the chance to rest and recharge. 
• International Women’s Day – Celebrated Tuesday 10 March International Women’s Day, held globally on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. As the day falls on a Sunday this year, we will acknowledge and celebrate it at school on Tuesday 10 March. Across the day, our amazing staff will share stories of inspirational women in their lives. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many strong, compassionate and inspiring women role models within our St Peter’s community who support and nurture our learners every day. 
• Foundation/Prep Milestone – Final Rest Day This Wednesday marks the final Foundation/Prep rest day. From next week, our Foundation students will begin attending full-time. This is a significant and exciting milestone in their school journey. Our Preps have settled beautifully into school routines, and we are so proud of the confidence, stamina and growth they have shown already. We look forward to supporting them as they take this next step. 
• NAPLAN 2026 – Weeks 7–9 NAPLAN will take place between Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March. Testing applies to students in Years 3 and 5 and will occur during morning sessions. More detailed information is included in the newsletter.
• Harmony Week – Week 8 (16–22 March) Harmony Week is a time to celebrate Australia’s rich cultural diversity under the theme “Everyone Belongs.” Across the week, we acknowledge and celebrate inclusiveness, respect, and belonging — values that strongly align with our St Peter’s community. We look forward to recognising the many cultures that make our school such a vibrant place. 
• Ride2School Day – Friday 20 March (Week 8) National Ride2School Day returns on Friday 20 March, encouraging students and families to walk, ride, scoot or wheel to school for a fun and healthy start to the day. At St Peter’s, we love supporting active travel and invite families to join staff for a community walk to school starting at 8:30am on Friday 20 March, the start location to be confirmed this week and will be in next week’s newsletter and on social media. It’s a great way to build healthy habits, arrive energised, and help reduce traffic around the school gates. 

Prayer for Lent 

Loving God, 

As we journey through Lent, help us to grow in compassion and care for others. 

We pray especially for people around the world facing hardship and uncertainty, including those impacted by recent fires, flooding and disasters. 

Be close to all who are suffering, bring comfort to those in need, and guide us to respond with kindness, generosity, and hope. 

May our actions reflect Your love in the world. 

Amen. 

God Bless,

Jeremy Darmody

Principal