From our Principal 

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

It was such an honour and privilege to be a part of the trilogy of graduation events this past week. To say that our students were outstanding can be considered an understatement. Words cannot express the way they presented themselves to the college community and families. The level of respect they showed for each other, the community and of the occasions and the level of significance they placed on each of the myriad of celebration events was extraordinary and for that I offer my congratulations and thanks.

Completing thirteen years of education is such an achievement. School life has been such a significant part of their lives and I wish them every success as they move on to the next stage of their lives. Our Class of 2024 has called St Peter’s College their “home” for the last six years. It is hoped therefore that when they leave the gates of St Peter’s for the final time they have achieved all they set out to do and more. Our Graduate Outcomes are the benchmark of whether we, as a Catholic Secondary College, have achieved our role in supporting each student to become the best version of themselves. These Graduate Outcomes state what we are striving to instil in our graduating class and for them to aspire to. They include inspiring graduates to:

1. Appreciate the value of participating actively in a faith-filled community.
2. Serve their community and the wider world as Christ did, in thought, word and deed.
3. Be hope-filled and resilient in facing life’s challenges.  
4. Be literate, numerate and technologically competent as effective global citizens.
5. Act creatively, communicate effectively, think critically and collaborate widely as life-long learners.
6. Be agents of change inspired by the ROCKS of St Peter’s College - to be respectful, organised, collaborative, kind and safe.

For those graduates who are not sitting VCE exams and therefore who have concluded their time with St Peter’s College the college community wishes you every success on the journey ahead. For those students undertaking a scored VCE program we wish you every success for the examinations that lie ahead and whatever awaits you beyond. 

And for the Class of 2024:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

World Teacher’s Day – Friday October 24

Last week we paused to acknowledge the significant contribution teachers make on a daily basis. Young people and adults alike can probably nominate one (or more) teachers that have had at some point in time made a significant impact on their lives. As the heartbeat of every school, teachers shape not only students’ academic knowledge but also their character, confidence, and resilience. Studies continually reinforce what many of us intuitively know: teachers are the most influential factor in students’ educational journey. From academic achievements to emotional well-being, the role of teachers in guiding and nurturing young minds is profound and lasting.

Research from institutions such as the Education Endowment Foundation highlights the significant role of quality teaching in improving academic outcomes. According to recent studies, a well-trained, committed teacher can be the most impactful element in a student's learning environment, sometimes accounting for as much as a year’s additional progress over peers taught by less effective teachers. Good teachers bring more than subject knowledge to the classroom; they bring methods and insights that make learning accessible, relevant, and engaging, adapting their teaching to meet the unique needs of each student.

Beyond academics, teachers play a crucial role in students' social and emotional development. In the safe space of a supportive classroom, students learn about collaboration, respect, empathy, and resilience. Teachers who show genuine interest in their students' well-being model compassion and respect, encouraging students to express themselves and become more socially and emotionally aware individuals.

At our college, we recognize and celebrate our teachers for their invaluable contributions to shaping not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and resilient individuals. Each day, through their dedication, our teachers create a lasting impact on students' lives—one that extends far beyond the classroom walls. To this end I take this opportunity to publicly thank our teachers for their commitment and dedication in the provision of life-long learning opportunities for our young people.

Enjoy the week ahead and stay safe.

Mr Chris Black

Principal