From our Principal 

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

Walking around the college this week it is obvious that students and staff are exuding a strong sense of purpose. It is witnessed in the way they talk, the way they walk and the way they are engaging with each other. There is no surprise that this is the pervading atmosphere. An exam period is happening and the first semester is drawing to a conclusion which means formative assessments are due ahead of a reporting period being finalised. Stress levels rise and tolerance levels lower. Perhaps you are witnessing behaviours at home that might be reflective of an increased pressure level. As a PE teacher in a former work life the impact of exercise to manage wellbeing cannot be understated, particularly during these stressful and high workload times. This applies to adults and young people alike.

Exercise boosts the body’s production of endorphins, commonly known as “feel-good” hormones. These natural mood lifters help reduce tension, promote relaxation, and improve overall emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a run around the oval, a game of basketball, or even a dance session at home, movement allows the mind to reset and recharge.

For students especially, regular physical activity can lead to improved concentration, better sleep, and greater resilience in managing academic pressure. It also provides a break from screens and a chance to connect with others in a healthy, positive environment. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind.”

Senior Leadership appointments

There has recently been a review of our senior leadership structure. In part this was due to a number of positions where the incumbent had reached the end of their tenure. It was also an opportunity to reflect on the needs of the College given the continued growth in enrolments and overall staffing numbers as well as a look forward to future proof from a vision and operational level what the needs are moving forward. There has been considerable media coverage of the current teaching staff shortages which is not going to change in the short-term. We are blessed to have 100% of our staff requirements, however as we continue to grow, the challenges in this area will only become more complex. One of the key drivers of our strategic improvement plan is to develop all teachers to become expert teachers. Given these challenges of recruitment and staff development the decision was made to separate the Learning and Teaching role from staff and staffing and create a new deputy principal role titled “Deputy Principal – People and Growth”. Not only does this support the needs and direction the college by separation, it ensures the work of learning and teaching is focussed on delivering effective curriculum delivery and the DP People and Growth, working alongside the Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching delivers on securing staff and building capacity in staff.

After an exhaustive process I am delighted to announce the new Deputy Principal appointments to take effect from the commencement of the 2026 academic year.

Deputy Principal – Head of Campus (Cranbourne) – Mr Jeremy Wright retains his position. Mr Wright has worked tirelessly to build the community that is the Cranbourne campus. His work with students and parents supporting their varied needs has been exceptional. His leadership with the pastoral team and building both the quality and impact of our student leaders is noteworthy. Leading the work on the Cranbourne Campus of the implementation of the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviours (WSAPB) universals and routines has also been an exceptional body of work. On behalf of the College community, I take this opportunity to congratulate Jeremy for retaining his portfolio and we look forward to him continuing to lead the work on the Cranbourne campus.

Deputy Principal – People and Growth – Mr David Hansen has been appointed to this newly created position. David has an outstanding CV particularly in respect to his contribution and leadership journey at St Peter’s. This includes stints as the Deputy Principal Head of Campus (Cranbourne) and Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching (cross campus). Those two portfolios together with a commitment and dedication to ensuring growth is witnessed in both the individual and the collective places him in an ideal place to support staff to be that expert teacher that is such a critical driver of our school improvement journey. On behalf of the College community, I congratulate David for being selected to take on this new and critically important role.

Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching – Ms Jade Smith is to be congratulated for being appointed to this role. It comes off the back of some outstanding work as the Learning and Pedagogical Coach over recent years and informed by other POLs she has held previously including: Middle Years Curriculum Leader, Senior Years Curriculum Leader (Acting) and Acting Learning Systems and Data Coach. This breadth of experiences together with currently holding the position of Leadership Team member places her in an ideal place to lead in the critical portfolio of Learning and Teaching. On behalf of the College community, I congratulate Jade for being selected to take on this significantly important role as we continue to strive for improved student outcomes.

I am extremely grateful that these three outstanding professional educators have made a commitment to take on these senior portfolios and will be leading in these critical spaces fvrom 2026. Jade, David and Jeremy will of course join fellow leadership team members in Julie Banda (Deputy Principal – Head of Campus – Clyde North), Fiona McKenna (Deputy Principal – Catholic Identity and Mission) and Phillip Mustey (Business Manager) in leading our College community.

I hope everyone is able to enjoy the week ahead and stays warm as we greet the onset of winter.

Mr Chris Black

Principal