From our Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

Term two has commenced, a period of time which is oft marked by an increased level of assessment for reporting purposes. In many instances with the “semesterized” structure of curriculum offerings, the end of this term will also mark the end of content and delivery in certain subjects and as such formal assessment tools are used to test levels of understanding. My question to students is, are you ready for the busyness ahead? This week I presented a lunch-time briefing to a group of year twelves and challenged them with just one critical question, are you comfortable in being uncomfortable. This pointed question suggests that it is only in the state of being uncomfortable are we achieving the necessary work levels to gain the most out of ourselves. Success in our studies (or for that matter life) isn’t presented to us, we have to find it and the only way we can find it is in the level of work effort we apply to our learning.

High Achievers

Congratulations are extended to three individuals who have recently displayed great levels of work ethic in honing their talents, in this instance in the sporting arena. They include:

Kevin De Silva

Last week Kevin participated in the Australian Athletics Championships in Adelaide, achieving remarkable results. In the U15 100m final, Kevin won the silver medal running a PB of 11.45 seconds. On Friday Kevin went one better and was crowned the Australian Under 15, 200m Champion taking out the final in a blistering 23.22 seconds. This makes him the fastest 14-year-old in Australia. Kevin also was a member of the gold medal winning 4x100m Relay team and the gold medal winning 4x200m Relay team which came from behind to win by 0.002 seconds. Three gold and one silver Australian Athletics

Championship medals. What an achievement!

Harrison Hand

Harrison was recently part of the gold medal team that won the U17 Boys Netball division. Congratulations Harrison.

Blake Falo

Blake recently was successful in making the state Gridiron team. Congratulations Blake and all the best for the National titles.

ANZAC Day

As is our tradition at St Peter’s College, this week we took time out to reflect and honour those soldiers, men and women who gave of their lives so that we can live in peace and harmony. Stuart Couch (father of Amy in Year 12) spoke of ANZAC day as a time to honour all who served making a distinction with Remembrance Day where we mark the day with a celebration of peace over war. The Vocational Major (VM) program and its students learn of the significance of ANZAC day in class in the lead up to the day and take great pride in presenting the ANZAC day service to the school community on the day. Part of their work is to welcome members of the broader community to join us in reflection. Residents of Blue Hills retirement village and Botanic Gardens retirement village were welcomed taking an active part in the service as well as enjoying the hospitality provided by our hospitality students afterwards. It is hoped our young people gain many learnings from hearing from those who served and the fact that millions of lives were lost in wars and honour the fact that we all play a role in ensuring these deaths were not in vain.

Importantly we must ask the question, have we learnt the lesson that violence is never the answer? We need only to turn on the news at night or read the newspaper or go to social media to discover that the answer often is No. So I ask all, particularly our students to consider this: How can I contribute to a peace-filled world? How can I contribute to a peace-filled community? How can I contribute to a peace-filled St Peter’s College? I believe the starting point is respect, the first of our rights and responsibilities. Together we are called to respect one another and each of us has the opportunity to display this in our interactions with each other, both within the gates of St Peter’s and beyond.

School Advisory Committee

The purposes of the School Advisory Committee are to: act as an advisory body to the principal on matters concerning education in the school, act as a forum for discussion on matters concerning education in the school, provide a link between the parish priest, principal, teachers and parishioners in relation to the provision of Catholic education in the parish community and promote community development by fostering a strong inter-relationship between the parish, the primary school and Catholic secondary colleges. As we draw close to the Annual General Meeting (May 8) it is timely to give thanks to the group of clergy, parents, parish members and staff that constitute our School Advisory Committee and provide the college with valuable advice and support. The committee includes:

Mr Tony Coco – Chairperson
Mr Naomi Bartlett – Deputy Chairperson
Mr Phillip Mustey – Secretary
Fr Denis O’Bryan – St Thomas the Apostle Parish
Fr Antony Rebelo – St Agatha Parish
Mr Tony Lupeamanu – Parent and member of St Agatha’s Parish
Mrs Marilyn Gonsalves – Parent and member of St Thomas the Apostle Parish
Mr Tim Cortese – Parent
Mr Keith St Mart – Parent
Mr Bradley Scammell – Staff Member

I take this opportunity to recognise in particular the service of Tony Coco. Tony has been a member of the School Advisory Committee since 2017, serving as the chairperson since 2020. He has always been supportive of the development and work of the college. I am grateful for his counsel and generosity. Tony finishes his tenure as a member of the committee at next month’s AGM. We thank him once again for his contribution and wish him and the Coco family all the best as they formally leave the St Peter’s College community.

Finally….

On a final note, it was lovely to catch up with so many parents at this week’s Student Learning Conferences. The partnership between school, parent and young person is so critical to the successful outcomes achieved by students.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Mr Chris Black

Principal