From our Principal
Dear Students, Parents and Friends
Welcome back to what is a very hectic term (aren’t they all).
Welcome back to our Japan travellers
Our 15 intrepid explorers, 12 students and three staff, had a wonderful experience in Japan. Leaving in the last week of Term 3 and returning on the second Monday of the term holidays, both staff and students experienced, the sights, culture and language of Japan and its people. Our sister school arrangement with Wako Kokusai High School has led to some wonderful learning opportunities. Highlights for the group this year when at the school included a formal tea ceremony, being entertained by their wonderful band and experiencing the art/sport of Jie Jitsu. Congratulations to the students who attended, from all reports you were wonderful ambassadors. My thanks is extended to Mr Mitchell, Miss McKenzie and Ms Van Rens for travelling with and supporting our students.
Staff Spirituality Day
Staff enjoyed a stimulating day of listening, dialogue and prayer this Monday. Two of the highlights was a panel discussion and a sung prayer session where we focussed on our school song: “"Be Not Afraid." The theme of the day was taken from the Plenary Council theme: Listen to what the Spirit is saying. It included a session on the history of Catholic Education in Australia and more locally in the Sale Diocese. The panel comprised a range of “experts” including Sr Rose Duffy (CEOSale), Mr Mark Murphy (Principal of Marcellin College and former teacher of St Peter’s), Emily Lace – former student and College Captain and parent, Gena Van Der Velden. The day was themed around the importance of a Catholic Education and where that point of difference is with other secondary colleges. We were also challenged with the question, “What is the Spirit calling each of us in our vocation as teachers?”
These are significant days as they remind us of the important role each of us plays in the faith formation of those we engage with on a daily basis.
House Winners 2019
Often when interviewing prospective students I speak of the wonderful structure which is our house system. The value is evidenced in particular by the opportunities to build house spirit together with a sense of community. If young people feel connected to something at school and feel that sense of belonging this can be advantageous to the way they feel about school and ultimately can lead to improved learning outcomes. The House trophy, the McGuigan Shield at the Cranbourne Campus and the Rosemary Graham Shield at the Clyde Nth Campus has increasingly been strongly contested. This in itself promotes engagement and involvement with the house, both with students and with staff. Congratulations to the 2019 House Champions, Augustine House on BOTH campuses. The House Trophy and the points accumulated have been reset and there will be points available prior to the end of term so watch this space.
Fee Information 2020
In an endeavour to be environmentally sustainable this year’s fee pack will be distributed via an email to all parents. A Care Monkey notification was sent this week indicating this and providing an opportunity to respond if you preferred a hard copy package. This response is required by 14 October 2019. All information pertaining to the 2020 financials will be contained within this e-mailed package. All families will receive this information on the 16 October 2019. This communication includes details of fees and sibling discounts, payment options and related forms. All forms are electronically fillable in an effort to reduce our paper usage.
Please keep an eye on your email from the 16 October 2019, and please be sure to check your spam/ junk email folder around this date just in case.
If you have any questions, please call the Finance Accounts Team on 5990 7777.
Enjoy the week ahead.
Mr Chris Black
Principal