From our Principal 

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

Well, that’s a wrap. The end of another academic year has arrived. For those parents leaving us in 2023 I take this opportunity to sincerely thank-you for entrusting your child/ren with us over the journey. It has been a privilege. It is the cyclical nature of schooling which dictates that farewells are inevitable and welcomes are embraced.

Orientation Day

Speaking of welcomes, Tuesday was an exciting day as we welcomed our incoming Year 7s of 2024.  It was a wonderful opportunity to present to our new Year 7s a snapshot of what is in store when they arrive in 2024 as fully fledged St Peter’s students. The excitement was tangible as students were introduced to the house group they will belong to over the next six years. Our student leaders were impressive in supporting and at times leading the day. Our new Year 7s witnessed the beginning of an understanding of the importance of community and the student engagement opportunities that are on offer. The culminating activity of the day, an Amazing Race around the College, provided an opportunity for all to explore the campus and the important landmarks and features that are present. In 2024 we have just under 400 new Year 7 students starting with us across each campus and from what was observed today we have a lot to look forward to with the graduating class of 2029.

Farewells

As we welcome many new students, including our Year 7s, an end of a year is also a time for farewells. I take this opportunity to thank and farewell the following staff who will not be re-joining us in 2024. These include the following staff:

Clyde North Campus– Margaret Anthony, Jean-Paul Antoine, Amy Hirst, Julia Marziale, Vithiya Sathiavan and Gaby Spano.

Cranbourne Campus – James Abbott, Rachel Main, Laura McDonald, Natasha McKenzie, Paige Mitchell (Maternity Leave), Shevon Perera, Arlette Ramnuth, Calen Robinson and Marissa Sarif.

Cross-Campus – Andrew McMellon

On the topic of farewells, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution Fr Joseph Abutu has made to our community over the p eight years. Fr Joseph, as the Parish Priest of St Agatha’s, has been a constant presence in our College providing wonderful service, presiding over school masses as well as house and other special occasion masses. He has also been a member of our School Advisory Committee. Fr Joseph has not only gifted us with his presence but provided the opportunity for many to have their faith nourished and enriched through his service. We sincerely thank Fr Joseph and wish him well as he begins his new ministry in the parish of Bairnsdale.

Presentation Day

This week we were able to acknowledge our high achieving students in a two-part presentation ceremony. Our school theme for 2023 from Matthew’s Gospel has been “Let your light shine”. The Presentation ceremony was just that, an opportunity to acknowledge those whose lights have shone brightly during the course of 2023. The text immediately following this scripture piece is also pertinent where it states: “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven”. Sometimes there is a reticence of students in putting themselves in the limelight, some would prefer to remain in the pack, to not be seen as an achiever preferring instead to be comfortable in a state of anonymity - in other words hiding their light under a bushel. The message to the broader St Peter’s College is simple: don't hide your skills and talents from others and most importantly don’t hide them from yourself. Each and every student at St Peter’s College is called upon to strive to reach their true potential in all they undertake, each and every student is called upon to “Be Not Afraid” and each and every student is called upon to reach for the stars. I congratulate all the award recipients across the academic, house and student leadership categories of achievement. I especially wish to acknowledge the following special award category recipients.

High Achieving student

St Peter’s College congratulates Harrison Hand (Year 10 Avila) who together with his team competed in the 16&U mixed netball team finishing third in the National Indoor Netball Championships.  Harrison has also been named as a training partner in the Australian 17&U Mixed team and will be going to NZ in 2024, where they will be competing against NZ and South Africa. Congratulations Harrison

Advent

This week we entered into the season of Advent. It is a time of preparation as we await the imminent birth of the infant Jesus. The Advent wreath presents us with an opportunity to focus on four central themes, hope, peace, joy and love. In a world where currently we find much unrest, war, displacement and famine, may the season of Advent be a time where we are able to share a little hope, peace, joy and love to those we meet along the journey.

I wish all a peace-filled Christmas and a prosperous 2024.

Mr Chris Black

Principal