From our Principal 

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

What a wonderful week it was as we celebrated the graduating Class of 2025. The following pages capture these special moments in detail, so I’ll leave that coverage to others. However, I cannot help but reflect on the privilege it has been to witness these young people grow into the fine individuals they have become. The respect and gratitude they showed throughout each celebration was a credit to themselves, their families, and the College community.

At their final assembly, students were reminded that they were not created to play small — they were created in the image of God: to live fully, to love deeply, and to let their light shine. I warmly congratulate the Class of 2025 and wish them every success in their future endeavours. May our school motto, Be Not Afraid, continue to guide and inspire them in all they undertake.

Valedictory Dinner

A highlight of the Year 12 celebrations each year is the Valedictory Dinner. It is always a privilege to present the Valedictorian Medal to a staff member who has made a significant contribution to the graduating class over their six-year journey. Both of this year’s recipients have had a profound impact on the educational experience of many students. I take this opportunity to congratulate them both.

Clyde North Campus

Congratulations to Mrs Julie Banda, recipient of the 2025 Valedictorian Medal (Clyde North Campus). Julie has been a valued member of the St Peter’s College community for 14 years. Initially appointed as a Humanities teacher, she later became Humanities Coach before moving to the Clyde North Campus in 2016 as Senior Years Curriculum Leader. Later that year she was seconded as Acting Deputy Principal – Head of Campus and was permanently appointed to the role in mid-2017. Julie has consistently inspired students and staff alike to reach for the stars and be the best version of themselves. The College community warmly congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition.

Cranbourne Campus

Congratulations to Mrs Cath King, recipient of the 2025 Valedictorian Medal (Cranbourne Campus). Cath has served the St Peter’s College community for 13 years with great passion and dedication to support students in achieving best outcomes for themselves. She is highly respected by her colleagues for her generosity, pastoral care, and selflessness, always willing to go beyond the call of duty to support others. Cath gives young people at St Peter’s a reason for hope, and we proudly congratulate her on this honour.

World Teachers’ Day

While the official World Teachers’ Day falls on October 5, in Australia we celebrate it today, October 31. This day provides a special opportunity to acknowledge the immense effort and dedication of teachers and school staff. Every day, teachers inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and nurture confidence. They help students see their potential and guide them to become compassionate, capable, and courageous members of our community.

At St Peter’s, we are deeply grateful for the passion, care, and professionalism our teachers bring to their work. Their commitment extends well beyond the classroom — they mentor, support, and walk beside our students on their journey of growth and discovery. On this World Teachers’ Day, we offer a heartfelt thank you to all our teachers for the extraordinary impact they have on our students and our world.

Outcomes of the Curriculum Review

Over recent editions, you will have read about our whole-school curriculum review, conducted over the past two years. The resulting recommendations have now been approved by the Leadership Team, and several have already been shared. One significant change not yet announced is a new daily structure.

From the commencement of Headstart (November 26, 2025), the College will move to six 50-minute lessons per day, replacing the current five 60-minute periods.

This change brings several key benefits:

• Broader subject offerings

• Greater equity in learning time for core subjects in Years 7 and 8

• Improved alignment with student concentration spans

• A more balanced schedule, with lunch now occurring at a more reasonable time

   

The new order of the day is listed below (effective 26th November 25)

Important notes:

1. The new structure begins at the start of Headstart 2025 (November 25).

2. Please note the slightly later finish time.

New Social Media Laws

From December 10, 2025, new Australian social media laws will come into effect. These laws will require platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from having accounts.

Responsibility for compliance will rest with the platforms — not parents or young people. Companies will introduce stronger age-verification and parental-consent systems and may remove underage accounts ahead of time. These changes aim to better protect young Australians from online risks such as harmful content, bullying, and excessive screen use.

Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about online activity, review privacy settings, and stay informed through the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. Click here for further information.

High Achievers

Congratulations to Kevin De Silva, who recently won the State 100 m sprint title. We wish him every success as he competes in the 200 m event this weekend.

Congratulations also to Skylar Poliquit on her outstanding achievements in the area of Gymnastics

Finally

Parents will have received a letter from our governing authority, the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), announcing my appointment as Deputy Executive Director of DOSCEL, effective from the beginning of 2026.

This was an extremely difficult decision for me. Above all, it is hard to step away from the thriving, faith-filled community that is St Peter’s College — a place I deeply love. I look forward to the time we still have together, as we reflect with gratitude on all we have achieved over the past ten years.

Enjoy the Week ahead and stay safe.

Mr Chris Black

Principal