St Peter's News

From our Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

Week 1 of term 2 was a strange beginning with only three school days scheduled, so there has been a sense of relief as we return to the normality of full school weeks over the past fortnight. This has also provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase some wonderful events.

Clyde North House Athletics

Held in beautiful autumnal weather, the Clyde Nth Athletics carnival was a hugely successful event. There was a genuine, authentic and engaged atmosphere throughout the day, with students actively involved, be it participating, cheering, playing roles, or in the case of the VCAL students providing food for many. It was a pleasure to watch the interactions between students and students and between students and staff. Congratulations to the House Captains, the House Leaders and the PE department ably led by Mr Samaranayake for a fantastic day. Congratulations in particular to Glowrey House, who for the second year in a row won the House Athletics shield and to Kolbe House for winning House Spirit.

 

VCE Performance Evening

A large number of musicians, dancers and drama students came together for the combined campus VCE performance evening this week. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing night of theatre, dance and music. There were some incredible performances on display, these included: Dance, Drama and Music items. I continue to marvel of the bravery of these students who once on stage are completely exposed as the stage lights shine brightly on them. It truly is an exemplar of our school motto where we ask all to: “Be Not Afraid”. A night like this is significant in providing a performance opportunity in front of an audience. For our Unit 3/4 students it was particularly critical as they hone their performance pieces ahead of assessments coming up in just a few short weeks. Congratulations to all performers, their support crew (by that I mean their teachers and parents) as well as those that assisted in the set-up.

More than 12 months growth in literacy and numeracy in 12 months

I wrote last week of our School Improvement Agenda, which was launched at the beginning of the academic year, and my intent to present updates on how we as a school community are setting about meeting these targets. Literacy has been one area of focus. Beginning at staff meetings, where staff are receiving professional learning on a range of literacy topics, the focus has been on analysing our 2018 reading data and identifying strategies in the classroom that can be used to raise reading standards. As a staff we have also spent time on Writing and providing all with a template to practise students writing skill by implementing “quick writes” in the classroom. At St Peter’s College we are committed to a whole school approach to Literacy. In reality this simply means that the development of literacy is the responsibility of all subject domains, not just the English department.

How can you the parent assist in developing the literacy skills of your child?

What about trying one of these simple strategies. Firstly the next time your child answers “nothing” when you ask what they did at school today, ask them to write for 10 minutes on three things they learnt at school that day, or, three positive things that happened. Secondly, why not read aloud with them the novel they are currently studying in English for 15 minutes a night. No one is too old to engage in this practice. In fact the skill of reading aloud has been one identified by staff as requiring significant development. It’s a great parent and son/daughter connection point as well.

School Advisory Committee

The Annual General Meeting was held this week where we welcomed two new Advisory Committee members. A new Charter of Governance for School Advisory Committees has been created which stipulates the shape and size of the committee. The committee structure inclusive of the membership for 2019-2020 is as follows:

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

I thank each of these people for their contributions to the advancement of this college in what is a significant period in the short history of St Peter’s

Finally wishing all mothers and those that take on mothering roles a very Happy Mother’s day for Sunday. The prayer below speaks volumes of the role of, and significance of mothers.

 

A Mother's Love

There are times when only a mother's love

Can understand our tears,

Can soothe our disappoints

And calm all of our fears.

There are times when only a mother's love

Can share the joy we feel

When something we've dreamed about

Quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a mother's faith

Can help us on life's way

And inspire in us the confidence

We need from day to day.

For a mother's heart and a mother's faith

And a mother's steadfast love

Were fashioned by the angels

And sent from God above

 

 

 

Mr Chris Black

Principal