Welcome!

A message from the Principal

Student Attendance 

It has been wonderful to see all of our students now attending full days at school. Last week marked an important milestone for our Foundation (Prep) students, who completed their first full days (while still enjoying a rest day on Wednesdays). They have done an amazing job settling in, and it has been lovely to see them growing in confidence and stamina. 

After our strong focus on school routines across the first three weeks, it has been pleasing to see students across the school adjusting so well to their new classrooms and to our updated morning routine. At assembly last week, we revisited Play Planning, which supports students to make positive choices during break times, and we also reminded students that if they attend Breakfast Club, food should be eaten there rather than carried around the school. These small routines help set everyone up for a successful and safe day of learning. 

Lent 

This week, we enter the season of Lent, a special time in the Church year that invites us to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for Easter. Lent begins with Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) on Tuesday 17 February. On this day, several of our Year 5/6 students will represent St Peter’s at the Project Compassion Launch in Hargreaves Mall, joining students from across Bendigo. 

The following day, Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday 18 February. Ashes are used as a symbol of reflection, humility, and new beginnings. At school, we will hold our Ash Wednesday Liturgy first thing in the morning. 

Throughout Lent, students are encouraged to think about kindness, forgiveness, helping others, and making positive choices in their everyday lives, as we walk together towards Easter. 

Parent/Carer Morning Tea – Setting Up for Success & RIAC 

Immediately following our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, families are warmly invited to join us for a Parent/Carer Morning Tea. Carolyn from RIAC will be joining us again, as she has done in the past. This is a relaxed opportunity to enjoy a cuppa, connect with other families, and chat about how your child has begun the school year. 

PSG Meetings – Tuesday 24 February 

We would like to inform families that PSG (Program Support Group) meetings will be held next week on Tuesday 24 February for students who have a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP). Please note that PSG meetings are a Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL) requirement and are to be completed once each term. These conversations are an important part of supporting your child’s learning, wellbeing, and progress. 

On this day, students will finish school at 2:15pm, with meetings running between 2:30–5:30pm in 15-minute time slots. Bookings will be available via SiMON in the coming days once finalised by the office. 

For families who are unable to collect their child at 2:15pm, supervision will be provided at school until the usual dismissal time of 3:15pm, as has occurred in previous years. After School Care will operate as normal, with students attending the program transported there as usual. 

Families will be able to choose either a face-to-face or phone appointment. We strongly encourage all families to engage in these important meetings. 

Prayer for Lent 

Loving God, 

As we begin the season of Lent, help us to slow down and listen to You. 

Teach us to be kind in our words, generous in our actions, and gentle with one another. 

Guide us to make good choices each day and to grow closer to You through love, forgiveness, and care for others. 

May this Lent be a time of new beginnings for us all. 

Amen. 

God Bless,

Jeremy Darmody

Principal