Welcome!

A message from the Principal

Big Question – What Are You Most Proud of This Year? 

As we approach the end of the school year, our final Big Question invites students to pause, look back, and reflect: “What are you most proud of this year?” 

Taking time to reflect helps us understand ourselves as learners and as people. It encourages students to recognise their growth and the many moments—big and small—that have shaped their year. 

Reflection supports students to see: 

• Achievements:  Looking back on the things they are proud of helps students celebrate their effort and realise just how much they have accomplished. 

• Challenges:  Thinking about the tough moments helps students recognise the strategies and support that got them through. This builds confidence and resilience for the future. 

• Growth:  By noticing how they have changed over time—academically, socially and emotionally—students gain a deeper appreciation of their own learning journey. 

Across this week, classes will take time to talk, write and share what they are most proud of. It’s a beautiful way to finish the year with gratitude, confidence and a strong sense of personal achievement. 

Boardies Fundraiser for Boys to the Bush 

Thank you to everyone who supported our Boardies Day fundraiser last Friday.  Your generous gold coin donations will go directly toward supporting Boys to the Bush, an organisation that has offered incredible mentorship and opportunities to many young people in our own community. 

Your kindness will truly make a difference — thank you for helping us give back to a program that supports and strengthens our students and families. 

Staffing Update for 2026 

As we prepare for the 2026 school year, we would like to share some important staffing updates with our community. This time of year, naturally brings change, and while it can be bittersweet, it also highlights the ongoing growth and achievements of our wonderful staff. 

We are delighted to announce that Paris Robinson will be returning to St. Peter’s at the beginning of 2026. We look forward to welcoming Paris back into our community. 

A number of staff who have been working as ESOs this year will continue to be part of our St. Peter’s community next year in a casual capacity. We are grateful that Arna, James, Liv and Shalmini will remain connected to our school and continue supporting our students in this way. 

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to several staff who are moving into exciting new chapters: 

• Martyn Dillon and Taylah Smith, who have both secured teaching positions in other schools for 2026. 
• Lucia Dyer, who has completed her university studies and gained employment at Bendigo Health — a wonderful achievement. 
• Ebony Davidson, who will continue with us in a casual role next year. 

We also acknowledge and thank Jenny A, who has worked with us each Thursday. Jenny has been an incredible support in our library and has shown great care in looking after our school resources. We are deeply grateful for her contribution to St. Peter’s. 

We thank each of these staff members for the care, dedication and support they have offered our students and school community. We wish those moving on all the very best and are grateful for the continued involvement of those remaining in casual roles. 

As always, we move forward grounded in our values, committed to ensuring continuity and care for all students as we enter the 2026 school year. 

Classroom Teachers for 2026  

Important Dates 

We are down to the last week and a bit — just 5 school days remain for the year!  Here are the key dates for the remainder of Term 4: 

Monday 8th December – Learning Expo 

Yesterday afternoon from 2:20–3:00pm we celebrate our Term 4 learning with the Learning Expo. It was great to see so many families visit to share the learning success of the students. Families and the students were also treated to a sausage sizzle.  

Tuesday 9th December – Orientation Day 

Between 12:00–1:50pm, all students visited their 2026 classrooms and met their new teacher.  Our 2026 Prep students will also attend their final transition session from 12:30–1:30pm. 

Wednesday 10th December – End of Year Mass & Picnic 

Mass begins at 6:00pm at St Kilian’s, followed by a BYO family picnic back at school.  This special community celebration includes the drawing of the Christmas Raffle.  We may even receive a surprise visit from the man in red! 

Thursday 11th December – Graduation Lunch & Final Assembly 

Our Year 5 students will prepare a Graduation Lunch for the Year 6’s, followed by the Final Assembly & Murtagh Awards at 2:20pm under the COLA.  We are also expecting a visit from members of the Essendon Football Club in the morning from 10:30am – 11:15am. 

Friday 12th December – Unit Fun Day 

Each unit has a day of exciting activities planned — a wonderful way to celebrate the year together. 

Monday 15th December – Last Day of School 

The final day of Term 4 for students.  

Prayer for the Week – The Third Week of Advent (Joy) 

Loving God,  

As we enter the third week of Advent, we thank You for the gift of joy.  

Fill our hearts with Your light so that we may bring joy to others through our words, actions, and kindness.  

Help us to notice the goodness around us and to share happiness with those who may need it most.  

May our school community shine with hope, peace, love, and joy as Christmas draws near. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  

Amen. 

God Bless,

Jeremy Darmody

Principal