Catholic Identity & Mission News

Welcome back to Term 4! My Term 3 finished with a wonderful visit to Japan with 11 of our students and 2 other staff members where we had a fantastic time! We were very busy, and it was very hot(!), but what a privilege to experience such an incredible country with our students. We were made very welcome at our sister school in Tokyo, Wako Kokusai High School, and our students showed great enthusiasm and adaptability in their adopted learning environments and homes!

At our recent Year 7 Information Evenings, held earlier this week, co-curricular opportunities, such as the Japan trip, were highlighted as important facets of a holistic education at St Peter’s. The education of the whole person is a critical priority for us, and this is also reflected in the recent Diocese of Sale Pastoral Plan Framework. I attended the launch of this new framework at St Michael’s Church, Traralgon, with our new 2026 College Captains and Mrs Julie Banda last Friday. 

This plan is the product of a lengthy period of discernment and the fruit of Diocesan Assembly which was held earlier this year. The plan features 6 pastoral goals for faith and mission which will guide the vision and work in the Diocese, including here at St Peter’s, over the next 5 years.  

The motto guiding this work comes from Luke’s gospel (and is shared with our own Glowrey House) – ‘For nothing will be impossible with God’ (Luke 1:37). As we enter this next era of Mission and Vision in the Diocese, this is surely a very true and comforting theme to guide us. 

Finally, our school community has cared and comforted each other in response to the tragic news death of one of our own, Natarsha Perera, a Year 8 student from our Clyde North Campus who passed away on Monday, October 6. Natarsha was a much loved and admired young woman whose courageous battle against cancer inspired and touched all who encountered her. We have remembered and prayed for Natarsha, and her family and friends, since our return to school last week, and will continue to do so. 

Loving God, we trust that Natarsha now rests in you. May perpetual light shine upon her and may she rest in peace. 

Ms Fiona McKenna

Deputy Principal – Catholic Identity & Mission