From our Principal 

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

The year is starting to hurl towards its inevitable conclusion. Final exams for Year 11s and Year 10s commence and the final assessment period for Years 7-9 is occurring as we speak. Soon we will arrive at HeadStart and the beginning of another academic year. Whilst our young people start to drag their heels as energy levels drop it is important that our students “go the distance” and summon the energy to be the best versions of themselves in all of their learning opportunities still to come.

Farewell Fr Denis O’Bryan

Over the past couple of weeks Fr Denis has informed his parish community that he will be leaving the parish of St Thomas the Apostle in early January and moving to a smaller parish (yet to be determined). In Fr Denis we have much to give thanks for.  Fr. Denis O’Bryan was appointed Parish Priest of St Agatha’s, Cranbourne and subsequently joined the Board of Management of St Peter’s College in 2011. This was also the year that the St. Peter’s College East Campus, now Clyde North, accepted enrolments and began classes onsite at the Cranbourne Campus. In 2012 students commenced being educated on the formerly known East campus site. In 2015, the newly formed parish of St. Thomas the Apostle, Clyde North was born and Fr Denis was installed as its first Parish Priest.  With the Church not ready to be built, the upstairs Lyons building on our Clyde North campus became the spiritual home where weekend masses were conducted. This gave unique connection points between the growing parish of St Thomas the Apostle and the College, a relationship which was both nourished and treasured. In April 2023 the parish moved into their own spiritual home with the dedication and blessing of the new Church a special occasion. Whilst we were saddened at the time when the parish moved out of the Lyons building, it was with much joy that we were witness to the beginnings of their new parish where they continue to grow in numbers and grow in their commitment to the building of the Kingdom of God. 

Whilst Fr Denis leaves behind him an enormous legacy by way of being shepherd to the flock of faithful followers residing in both the St Agatha’s and Clyde North campus, his contribution to supporting the mission of St Peter’s College must also be recognised. Fr Denis has supported and nourished the faith of many of the St Peter’s College community through his wonderful mass celebrations. His support of our expansion program has been extraordinary and his regular presence onsite has contributed greatly to a strong connection between parish and school, an essential ingredient in defining who we are, and what our mission is as a Catholic school.

From all at St Peter’s College, we wish Fr Denis all the very best for the next part of his ministry journey, knowing and trusting that he will continue being the good shepherd to those he calls his flock.

A blessing for Fr Denis

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Enjoy the Week ahead and stay safe.

Mr Chris Black

Principal