Welcome!

A message from the Principal

Big Question – How Can I Show All Four School Values? 

This week, we began exploring our new Big Question: “How can I show all four school values?” 

At St Peter’s, our school values guide everything we do: 

• Care for Self – looking after our own wellbeing and making good choices. 
• Care for Others – showing kindness, respect, and helping those around us. 
• Care for Learning – doing our best and staying curious every day. 
• Care for Environment – taking pride in our school and caring for God’s creation. 

These values are not just words on a wall; they are actions we live out in our classrooms, the playground, and the community. We encourage everyone — students and staff — to keep showing these values through small acts each day. Together, they make St Peter’s the kind, caring, and welcoming school that it is. 

Unexpected Water Pipe Issue

On Monday, during Stage 2 building works, the construction team accidentally struck a water pipe, which caused intermittent water loss throughout the school for approximately two hours while repairs were underway.

We sincerely apologise for the disruption this caused to staff, students, and families. The situation required us to close the school early as advised by Catholic Education Sandhurst, and students were collected by families as quickly as possible.

We thank everyone for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during this unexpected situation. The builders have since completed the repair, and we are hopeful that this will not occur again as works continue.

Sacrament of Reconciliation 

This week, on Wednesday 12th November at 6:30pm, several of our students will take an important step in their faith journey as they celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Kilian’s Parish. 

Fr Junray will lead this special celebration, and we are blessed to have eight students from St Peter’s making the Sacrament: Edith, Paityn, Amira, Niklaus, Nikolai, Hunter, Tai, and George. 

Reconciliation is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness, and renew our hearts. It reminds us that even when we make mistakes, God’s love and mercy are always there to guide us back. It teaches us about honesty, humility, and peace — helping us to make things right with God and one another. We pray for these students as they take this meaningful step in their faith. 

Building Update 

Our Stage 2 building works are continuing to move ahead! Over the past week, the demolition crew has been hard at work preparing for new structural changes. This included concrete cutting around the new toilet area, creating quite a bit of noise — thankfully, much of it occurred after school hours or while nearby classes were at swimming. 

We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility during this exciting time of growth for our school. 

Exciting News – Kindergarten Coming to St Peter’s! 

We are thrilled to share some wonderful news for our St Peter’s community! Last week, the Minister for Children (& the Minister for Disability), Lizzie Blandthorn, together with Maree Edwards MP, visited our school to officially announce funding for four new Catholic kindergartens across the Sandhurst Diocese — including one right here at St Peter’s North Bendigo! 

This project will be part of the Building Blocks Partnership, supporting new early childhood facilities across Victoria. The St Peter’s Kindergarten is expected to open in 2027, providing high-quality early learning experiences for local children and families. 

Chief Early Childhood Officer, Carla Jeffrey, shared that this announcement marks a moment of real significance for the Diocese and the future of early learning in our region: 

“This funding will enable us to create learning environments that inspire creativity and confidence. It will help us continue to innovate and ensure our services are inviting, purpose-built spaces where children can discover, play and learn.” 

We are so excited to see this vision take shape and look forward to the incredible opportunities this new kindergarten will bring to our school and the wider North Bendigo community. 

A heartfelt thank you to the Minister for Children (& Minister for Disability), Lizzie Blandthorn, and Maree Edwards MP for joining us for this special announcement, and to Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd for their continued advocacy and support of early childhood education. 

Important Dates This Term 

Date, Event 

Friday 21st November, School Closure Day – Staff 2026 Planning Day (Student-free day) 

Monday 15th December, Last day of school for students 

Additional dates and events will be shared throughout the term. 

Swimming Program 

Our whole-school Swimming Program wrapped up last week, and we couldn’t be prouder of our students! The YMCA instructors at Peter Krenz Leisure Centre spoke highly of their respect, manners, and enthusiasm. Every student gave their best effort, showing great improvement and confidence across the two weeks. Well done, everyone — you’ve earned a rest after all those laps! 

Cricket 

Last Friday, 7th November, students from Years 3–6 represented St Peter’s at the Cricket Carnival held at Catherine McAuley College, Junortoun. The team showed fantastic sportsmanship, teamwork, and school spirit throughout the day. Congratulations to all who participated — Marshall, Annaleise, Bodhi, Evan, Tai, David, Aryan, Charlotte, Sonny, Bailey, Harley & Jeshrun — you represented our school with pride! 

Prep Transition 2026 – Session 2 

Our second Prep Transition session for 2026 students and their families  was held on Tuesday, 11th November, from 9:30–10:30am. It’s been wonderful to see the excitement and confidence growing among our future Foundation students as they begin their journey with us. 

Prayer for the Week – The Gift of Reconciliation 

Loving God, 

You call us to be kind, to forgive, and to make things right when we have done wrong. 

Thank You for the gift of Reconciliation, where we can say sorry and feel Your love and peace in our hearts.

Bless our students who are preparing to receive this special Sacrament.

Help them to listen with open hearts, to be honest and brave, and to know how deeply they are loved by You. 

May we all remember that forgiveness brings healing, and that every new beginning is a chance to grow closer to You and to one another. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

God Bless,

Jeremy Darmody

Principal