Message from the Principal 

Welcome to Term 1 Week 8

We have made it to Week 8! How quickly has this term gone? We know Autumn is truly here, with darker mornings and cooler days.

Harmony Day

We look forward to celebrating Harmony Day on Friday, 20 March. Students in Foundation - Year 5 are invited to wear traditional dress of their culture or wear a touch of orange. Please be mindful that the normal timetable will apply so any clothes worn need to be appropriate for participating in Sport and allow for free movement around the learning spaces.

Grade 3 /4R will lead us in a special prayer service at 2:45pm on Friday afternoon. All are invited to join us in the hall.

NAPLAN

I congratulate all our Year 3 and 5 students for their diligence in completing the four NAPLAN tests over the last week. NAPLAN data is one tool we use to measure the impact of school instruction and processes, as well as looking at the growth individual students make between Years 3 and 5. Results will be available later this year. 

Thank you to our Year 3-6 teachers and to Ms Mihalicek for coordinating the smooth running of these tests for St Peter's.

Child Safe Standards

The Child Safe Standards are a set of 11 requirements that organisations must follow to create a culture and environment that is safe for children. These standards aim to prevent,respond to, and report child abuse by requiring organisations to implement policies, procedures, and practices that put children’s safety and well-being first. They were developed in response to inquiries and recommendations from Royal Commissions and aim to drive cultural change within organisations that provide services or facilities for children.

We will be looking at these standards during the course of the year, ensuring that St Peter's School can confidently declare we are a safe environment. Read the Wellbeing page in the newsletter for a close look at the first 2 standards and how you can support us.

Thank you

Thank you to the families from Years 5 and 6 who attended the parish mass on Sunday and generously contributed to the morning tea. These occasions are integral to being part of, and appreciating, the St Peter's parish community.

Holy Week liturgies

St Peter's School will mark the celebrations of Palm Sunday at our assembly on Friday 27 March. Students in Foundation - Year 2 will lead us through the events of Palm Sunday. We encourage our families to join us at this time.

On Wednesday 1 April, from 2:30pm, Years 3-6 will lead us through the events of Holy Thursday and Good Friday. All are welcome to attend.

Staff news

Trish Nash has worked at St Peter's School since 2000 and has decided that it is time to see what life has to offer outside being at work! We will celebrate Trish's retirement at a special assembly at 12:15pm on Thursday 2 April. This will be followed by the Easter Raffle. We look forward to seeing you there.

I will be attending the Victorian Association Catholic Primary School Principals (VACPSP) biennial conference in Lorne from Tuesday- Friday next week.

With a theme of theme, “Nourish Your Purpose”, this conference  is designed to nourish mind, body, and soul, activating a spirit of exceptional leadership, enlivened faith, deep knowledge and professional capability.

The program seeks to invigorate a faith-engaged spirit of leadership, enhance knowledge required for exceptional school communities and foster shared learning experiences that equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently lead your school community.

Participants will engage with the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Fruits of the Spirit, derived from Galatians 5:22-23 in the New Testament, offer valuable guidance and multiple applications for leaders in Catholic schools.

I am looking forward to connecting with colleagues from across Victoria to further develop my faith leadership.

I will share some highlights with you in the next newsletter.

Saucepans

Do you have any old metal saucepans or cooking utensils? We are looking to supplement our sandpit toys and would gratefully receive any old pots and pans! Bring them to the office please!

I hope you all enjoy the sunshine over the coming days.

Sharon Daujat

Principal

principal@spclayton.catholic.edu.au