From our Principal
International Women’s Day
Over the past week we marked International Women’s Day, a time to recognise the enormous contribution women make to communities across the world. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the many women who play such an important role in the life of St Peter’s College.
Our school is fortunate to have many talented and dedicated women working across a wide range of roles.
• 66% of our teachers are female
• 70% of our Learning Support Officers are female
• 78% of our Educational Support Employees are female
These numbers only tell part of the story. Every day, women in our community contribute through their teaching, care for students, leadership, organisation and support of school life. They help shape the culture of the College and ensure that our students are supported, challenged and encouraged to grow.
To all the women who contribute so generously to St Peter’s College – thank you. Your work is deeply valued and genuinely appreciated by our entire school community.
Why Rules Matter
At the beginning of every school year, a significant part of a principal’s work focuses on governance and compliance. While this work may not always be visible to the wider community, it plays an important role in making sure our school operates safely and responsibly.
Some of the tasks undertaken at the start of the year include:
Completing the Occupational Health and Safety Checklist for Principals
Preparing the Principal Attestation Checklist prior to the Annual School Report
Preparing for the VRQA School Review
Establishing the Consultative Committee
Convening and reporting to the School Advisory Committee
At times, work like this can feel bureaucratic. However, these processes exist for an important reason: they help ensure the safety, wellbeing and proper governance of our school.
Rules and systems exist to keep organisations accountable. They remind leaders that decisions should not simply be made because they are convenient or because they help achieve a short-term goal.
Leadership that relies only on personal judgement can be risky. Good leaders listen to others, seek advice from their leadership teams, and remain accountable to the communities they serve. The structures and processes around us help provide that important balance.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Rules also exist to protect people, especially those who may be vulnerable. When rules are ignored or selectively applied, it is often the weakest members of society who suffer the most.
A well-known quote often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi reminds us that “the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” This idea remains just as important today as it has ever been.
Currently, across the world, many commentators are discussing what is known as the “rules-based international order.” In simple terms, this refers to the system of international laws and agreements that have guided relationships between countries since the end of the Second World War.
Many observers believe this system is currently under strain. Some fear the world could move toward a situation where powerful nations act mainly in their own interests and international rules are ignored when they become inconvenient.
Others believe that the current period of change could lead to a new and more inclusive global system. What is clear, however, is that the principles of fairness, justice and respect for human dignity remain essential if societies are to flourish.
Our Commitment at St Peter’s
At St Peter’s College, we continue to teach our students the importance of living by principles that place human dignity at the centre. This reflects the values of Catholic Social Teaching, which reminds us that every person has inherent worth.
We also draw on the research behind positive education, which focuses on helping young people flourish both academically and personally.
Most importantly, our values are grounded in the life and teachings of Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel (20:28), Jesus explains that he came “not to be served but to serve.” In doing so, he redefines what true greatness looks like. It is not about power, status or personal success, but about humility, compassion and service to others.
Jesus demonstrated this through his actions – caring for the sick, welcoming those on the margins, washing the feet of his disciples, and ultimately giving his life for others.
As we continue through the Lenten season, this message remains an important guide for our community. In a world that can sometimes seem uncertain or divided, the simple but powerful rules taught by Jesus remain clear:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Mr David Hansen
Acting Principal