Clyde North Campus News
Welcome Back!
It seems so long ago since this was the heading of our first Newsletter for 2021.
Whilst we welcomed the return to face to face schooling with enthusiasm and excitement, we were still somewhat hesitant due to the unpredictable nature of COVID. Now we find ourselves at the end of nearly ten continual weeks (minus 5 days) of face to face learning and ready to welcome the holidays.
The word Welcome – what does it really mean? Is it an authentic positive experience or can it be just words?
As a Noun: You will receive a warm welcome.
As an Exclamation: Welcome to the party!
As a Verb: Schools should welcome students in their own language"
A Welcoming Community is an inclusive community where its members feel safe, respected, and comfortable in being themselves and expressing all aspects of their identities. It is a place where each person shares a sense of belonging with its other members. A true welcome is far more than a word on a door mat, on an entrance to a Park or Event, or a neon sign above a business. A true welcome needs deeds and actions to guarantee the authenticity of the experience beyond the entrance gates.
It has been very exciting that over the last few weeks we have been able to welcome parents, guardians and caregivers to visit the campus. Your presence at these events have enhanced the welcome experience for all of us. The smiles on the students’ faces are evidence of the pride and excitement they experienced from the opportunity to welcome you to their House and world of learning. From Assisi to Romero Houses; from Maths & Science to Hospitality and VET music; through to the wonderous Rocket Launches of the XPAND program, a welcoming community was experienced by all. Thank you to all of the students who truly shone in their leadership at these events. You are the best welcome for our community. I invite you to relive the welcome experience through these photographs.
21 March 2021 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence
The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative, connecting schools and communities to find workable solutions to bullying and violence. This year we ran a full week of tutor group activities that focussed on what we at St. Peter’s College can do to prevent/stop bullying and continue the conversation on this critical issue. This year’s annual them, “I can do all this through Christ, who gives me strength” combined with ROCKS provided the perfect platform for debate, conversation and action to place the celebration of Harmony at the forefront of ending any form of, or acceptance of Bullying.
Respectful relationships are Kind, Collaborative and Safe - and take Organisation of words, actions and learnings. Let’s get Organised to say NO WAY to Bullying at St Peter’s College.
We look to our House Patrons to find the strength, guidance, words and actions required to achieve harmonious and respectful relationships.
On Thursday 16th March we celebrated Harmony Day. The pure joy of celebrating who we are through song, dance, dress, food and conversation brings us together in the strongest of ways. Once again, our students fully embraced and welcomed the beauty of difference in a way that is truly unique to our College.
At the end of the week, students were invited to stand and make the Upstanders pledge. Members of Assisi House welcomed this challenge with pride and determination.
Year 7 Camp
The Year 7 Camp can be the first time some students are away from their families for two consecutive nights meaning they leave quite anxious about what lies ahead. Other students may be well practised sleeping away from the family home and are excited to get away. The mixture of anxiety and excitement is deafening on the buses on the way to a Year 7 Camp and this year was no exception. It was also a record number of students that we have taken away on a Camp…182 students!!!!!
Leaving on Monday, 1 March 2021 at 9.30am, the happy campers left under dark clouds as the weather threatened to impact upon the activities they would undertake. However, we would be lucky that these clouds would not impinge upon our time away!
The Camp at Forest Edge provided a unique opportunity for students to undertake a variety of activities that challenge them in many ways. Activities included mountain boarding, climbing wall, flying fox, camp cooking, cage soccer, oval sports, hut building, team challenge, trampolines, volleyball, disc golf, art, night walks, trivia, minute to win it activities and the famous Year 7 Talent Quest!!! The Talent Quest was a real highlight this year with many teachers labelling it the best they have seen!!!
The enthusiasm that our students displayed all Camp and the way they supported each other throughout is something that they can be very proud of. As with all Year 7 Camps, the excitement from Day One had transitioned into tired youngsters wanting to sleep on the bus on the way home on Wednesday!
A big thankyou to all the parents for getting their children organised and an even BIGGER THANKYOU to the staff who took time away from their own families to help make this a wonderful experience for our students.
Harmony Day
On Tuesday was our St. Peter's Harmony Day celebrations which also meant the annual staff versus students basketball game with the staff being the defending champions! It was an intriguing contest and attracted a fair crowd of students and teachers. The early stages of the match were tight with the students fighting hard, but eventually the staff ended up running away with the win, displaying their experience despite the students being the favourites on the day! The student supporters were relentless in cheering their peers along and the spirit of the day didn’t disappoint.
Thanks to all involved!
A Special note: In the last newsletter I wrote about group chats and the real potential for these to be harmful conversations. Unfortunately, this week we saw some students engage in negative, hurtful and false comments through group chats. There is still much work to be done to convince and educate our young people that group chats of this type are not welcome at our school or our community. I urge parents and guardians to once again raise this critical issue with your child and ask the question, what are you texting?
Finally, as the term closes and Easter arrives I share with you this extract from Pope Frances’ Lenten message. Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love.
Love is a gift that gives meaning to our lives. It enables us to view those in need as members of our own family, as friends, brothers or sisters. A small amount, if given with love, never ends, but becomes a source of life and happiness.
Let us welcome love, faith and hope into our lives this Easter.
I wish you all a safe and productive week.
Julie Banda
Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus