A message from the Principal

Welcome (Wominjeka) to the New School Year

We are delighted to welcome everyone to St. Peter’s for the 2026 school year! A very warm welcome to all new students and families joining our community. This year, we are excited to welcome 15 new Prep students and 9 new students across other year levels.

We hope that your journey at St. Peter’s is one filled with connection, learning, and a strong sense of belonging. We are very glad you are here.

Learning Conversations

On Thursday, 29th January, we held Hello Day Learning Conversations for the first time at St. Peter’s. These conversations were designed to give families and students the opportunity to visit their new classroom, meet their teacher, settle any first-day nerves, and share important information about how each child learns best.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 90% of families attending face-to-face conversations. Thank you for prioritising this important connection. For families who were unable to attend, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher to arrange an alternative time.

Opening Mass

Our Opening Mass will be held this Wednesday, 4th February, at 9:45am at St. Kilian’s Church. Students will travel by bus to the church, and families and friends are warmly invited to join us for this special celebration. As it is a foundation rest day, these families are also invited to attend the mass with their child.

Permissions have been sent via SIMON. As we are aware there have been some technical issues with the app, hard copies have also been sent home for families to sign.

Following the Mass, we invite you to return to school for morning tea. We hope to see many of you there as we begin the year together in faith.

School Information Pack

In the coming days an information pack will be sent home with students containing important information regarding school fees, permissions and medical details. Please check your child's bag and return these forms as soon as possible. Please contact the school office if you require further information or assistance.

New Morning Routine

This year, we have made a small adjustment to our morning routine. Students arriving at school between 8:30am and 8:45am will head to the Knuldoorong for supervision.

Breakfast Club remains available during this time. The rest of the school grounds will open at 8:45am. The front office will be open for families needing to speak with our admin staff.

Car Park Safety

To help keep everyone safe, please use the designated pedestrian crossing in the centre of the car park when moving between areas. A staff member will be on duty—please follow their directions.

The area closest to the school is a Kiss & Drop zone for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. Please do not park and leave your vehicle in this area. If you wish to walk your child to the gate, please use the parking bays or roadside parking.

Thank you for your care and cooperation in keeping our community safe.

Building Update

Whelan Master Builders continue to make strong progress on the first stage of Stage 2 of our Master Plan. This phase includes improvements to three classrooms, the addition of a shared breakout space, renovations to toilet areas, and the inclusion of an all-accessible toilet.

Despite the very hot summer conditions, the team has worked tirelessly to stay on schedule. We are grateful for their efforts and look forward to seeing this space take shape.

Staff Update

We are pleased to welcome Paris Robinson back to St. Peter’s this year.

We also share that Alex Love-Linay has requested to take some leave in 2026, stepping down from her full-time role as Learning Diversity Leader. Alex will remain connected to our community in a part-time role as Environmental Specialist Teacher, and we are grateful she continues to share her passion and expertise with our students.

We are delighted to announce that Mrs Lillian Daley has been appointed as our Learning Diversity Leader. Lillian previously held the role of Learning Diversity Facilitator in the second half of last year and brings deep knowledge, care, and continuity to this leadership role.

Correction – School Magnet Dates

Please note a correction on the school magnet: The March long weekend should be listed as Monday, 9th March, not March 14th. Thank you for your understanding.

Prayer for the Year Ahead

Loving God,

As we begin this new school year, we thank You for the gift of our community.

Bless our students as they learn and grow, our families as they support and guide, and our staff as they care, teach, and lead.

May this year be filled with kindness, courage, and hope.

Walk with us each day and help us to be people of faith, compassion, and joy.

Amen.

God Bless,

Jeremy Darmody

Principal

Wellbeing

Kristy Dupille, Maddi Hall, Sherree Jorgensen, Karli Pricewellbeing@spbendigo.catholic.edu.au

Kristy Dupille, Maddi Hall, Sherree Jorgensen, Karli Price
wellbeing@spbendigo.catholic.edu.au