From our Principal 

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

This week is National Science Week, and our science team are once again hosting a variety of innovative and exciting activities for all students as well as a special incursion for year eight students. The Science teams always include all staff to join in a morning tea with a difference, a science quiz to test their knowledge and understanding in a fun way.

This year’s theme is Innovation: Powering Future Industries, providing teachers and students to investigate the opportunity, discuss and consider a wide range of topics such as the use of AI in industry, the latest advancements in renewable energy, data science and environmental monitoring. Science week brings many opportunities for all students to explore science through a different lens, one that may just open their eyes to a new career. My thanks to our Science Coaches, Mr Lokuge and Mrs Balder and their teams for putting together a wonderful week of science.

Another exciting event happening during Science Week is STEMinar, an online event sponsored by Monash University and The University of Queensland featuring two St Peter’s College teachers as part of an expert panel. Daniel Green and Michael Ling have been involved in an initiative called the STEMproblem, an Australian Research Council-funded project. Michael and Daniel bring to the panel expertise and knowledge of PBL, which is problem-based learning and how it can be used in school-based STEM education. We congratulate and recognise Daniel and Michael for their exceptional contribution to STEM education which now extends Australia wide. 

Whilst on the topic of innovation, I wanted to draw our attention back to an important conversation around cyber safety. At St Peter’s College we have partnered with the Cyber Safety Project to run interactive and informative seminars for parents, teachers, and students. The Cyber Safety Project has just released the data from its most recent survey of 5490 secondary school students from Australia and New Zealand. The data provides a snapshot of how young people are connecting and using technology. I have included some of the statistics for your consideration, but one thing is critical to keep in mind, knowledge is power, especially knowledge of how to be safe online. It is always valuable as parents, caregivers, and guardians to keep updated on the latest online trends, dangers and traps and the best way to do this is through the eSafety Commissioner starting with the website. It really is a one stop shop for all concerns, questions and importantly how and what you can do if your young person is being cyber bullied. I invite you to look at the data from the Cyber safety Project with your young person and in conjunction with a visit to the eSafety Commissioner website. Hopefully some productive and honest conversation will be generated for your family.

Finally, the wait is almost over. Only a few days until opening night of our much-anticipated School Production: Legally Blonde. The cast and crew have been working so hard over the past months to ensure that a first-rate production is achieved. We are truly excited for this event which will be the very first production in our Geode Theatre. A fitting venue for what will be an outstanding event.

If you have not already got your tickets, I would do so quickly. I look forward to seeing you all at each performance.

This is my final newsletter edition as Acting Principal as we are delighted to welcome back Mr Chris Black on 16 August after his enrichment leave in Europe. I want to thank staff, students and parents who have been so generous and supportive while I have had the wonderful privilege of Acting as Principal of St Peter’s College. However, I am very pleased to return to my role as Deputy Principal Head of Campus, Clyde North and incredibly grateful to Mr Peter Brannan, Mr John O’Sullivan and Mr Eshan Islami who have taken on the acting roles Head of Campus, Pastoral Care Leader and Glowrey House Leader at the Clyde North Campus. My thanks are also extended to our amazing Deputy Principals and the Leadership team. Special thanks to Ms Kelley Cooper (Principal’s Executive Assistant) who made sure I was where I needed to be, when I needed to be and with all the knowledge and resources I needed. 

A St Peter's College connection to the Mighty Matildas - Steph Catley 

Like the rest of the country we take this opportunity to extend our very best wishes to the Matilda's and share this interesting fact.  Our very own

PE teacher Shaun Parton  coached Steph at Sandringham about 10 years ago in the Victorian Women’s Premier League when she was just starting to play for the Matildas.

Shaun remembers Steph as an extremely talented junior player who played at senior women’s level as a 15 year old.

Catley is now a professional player representing Arsenal in the Women’s English Premier Leagues. Steph is the vice captain of the Matildas and clearly a world class player. Some of you may have seen Shaun's trip down memory lane reported on the news this week. 

I wish you all a safe and productive week and remember with gratitude, optimism is sustainable. 

Mrs Julie Banda

Acting Principal