St Peter's News

From our Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

We live in challenging times. I thank those that have taken the time to communicate their concerns and those that have also praised the communication strategies and the efforts the college is making in continuing a learning program under somewhat difficult circumstances. I have been so very impressed with the resilience shown by students. The definition of resilience is to bounce back from adversity. As I engage with the students and listen to staff, that’s exactly what students are doing. Students are just getting on with their learning. That’s what I have come to expect from a St. Peter’s College student, it speaks directly to our school motto – ‘Be Not Afraid’ Staff have been working hard not only in supporting learning in the classroom but also looking ahead to a time and place where remote learning might occur. Further information will be presented in the coming days in relation to this.

Parent Teacher Interviews (PTI’s)

More than ever now is a time to make contact with subject teachers, Learning Advisors and House Leaders. The PTI’s will take on a different structure next week with further information to be presented in the coming days. Parents should feel like, and are encouraged to, make contact with key staff at any time by contacting the administration team or directly to the staff member concerned by email.

School Advisory Committee

In April an Annual General Meeting will be held to secure committee members for the next 12 months and beyond. 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
  • promote community development by fostering a strong inter-relationship between the parish, the primary school and Catholic secondary colleges.

The School Advisory Committee Responsibilities include:

  • promote the Catholic ethos of the school
  • provide feedback on and review of school policies
  • plan for the future of the school and its ability to accommodate future enrolments
  • provide advice on budget planning and finance-related matters
  • contribute to the selection process for the school principal
  • provide advice on the appropriate provision of faith development and Religious Education programs
  • promote child safety in the school

The current committee includes:

  • School Principal – Mr Chris Black
  • Parish priests
    • St Agatha’s Parish – Fr Joseph Abutu
    • St Thomas the Apostle Parish – Fr Denis O’Brien
  • Parent 1: Chair: Principal nomination – Mr Ken Barnes
  • Parent 2: Mr Stephen Van Der Velden – Deputy Chairperson
  • Parent 3: Mr Tony Coco
  • Parent 4: (Parents and Friends Representative): Ms Sharron Clover
  • Representative from DOSCEL: Ms Amanda Smith
  • Two parishioner representatives (nominated by the parish priest):
    • 1 from St Thomas the Apostle – Mrs Flor Bitoin
    • 1 from St Agatha’s – Mr Tony Lupumeanu
  • Other persons co-opted by the Principal
    • Business Manager of the College – Mr Phillip Mustey
    • Staff Representative of the College – Ms Viv Hayes

I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of two of our departing members, Mr Ken Barnes and Mr Stephen Van Der Velden. Both have given 10 years of service to this committee, both have had responsibility for chairing this committee and in the case of Ken, Chair for 6 of those 10 years. Each has passionately supported the growth and development of the college and both have supported the vision and mission of the college as a Catholic place of learning. We sincerely thank them for the considerable gifts they have brought to the table. Viv Hayes our staff representative for the past two years is also standing down and we thank her for the unique gifts she has brought to the committee. I am now inviting interested parents who may wish to consider joining the committee to nominate. A formal nomination process will commence in the coming weeks. Anyone interested and wishing to find out further information about what the role entails is invited to contact me on 5990 7777 or principal@stpeters.vic.edu.au

High Achieving Student – Milly Cortese

Congratulations to Milly who was nominated for and received a Rotary Award last week. Accompanied by her parents and Learning Advisor, Mr George Bassett, Milly received the Cranbourne Rotary Award inclusive of a monetary award for outstanding leadership, community involvement and academic achievement. Well done Milly. Below is an excerpt from Milly’s speech:

"I am so grateful for what this award has enabled me to achieve and the opportunities that I have received from it. Without this acknowledgement I would have never been able to get this far out of my comfort zone and have the chance to speak to and meet new people. Through this, I have also been able to support and become more involved in organisations and school charities, like Vinnies and Berry St, which has made me think a lot more about the Cranbourne community and what else we can all do to help.

I realise I am in a very fortunate situation, loving family, great school and am provided with many opportunities to learn and grow. Therefore I would like to thank you all for welcoming me here this evening and especially for awarding me with the Cranbourne Rotary Youth Award."

- Milly Cortese

Enjoy the week ahead and be kind to those you meet along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr Chris Black

Principal