From our Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

This week we celebrate Catholic Education week, the theme of which is Faith in the future: “That they may have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10). This scriptural piece articulately and succinctly describes our core mission as a Catholic school. We are called to provide students with opportunities within their school life which in time will contribute significantly to enabling each student to strive to lead a fulfilled life, a life which is guided and inspired by Christ and Christ’s message. The connation of “fullness” is suggestive of an expectation that students, provided with the opportunity to maximise their potential, take up that challenge of becoming the best version of themselves. There is the opportunity at St. Peter’s College to embrace the many opportunities available to students to ensure they all obtain the most out of themselves in their daily interactions, be that in the classroom, in the yard, in their interactions with each other or with teaching staff. St. Peter’s College is committed to the development of the whole person: spiritually, academically, physically and social-emotionally – it is through this focus on the development of the whole person that students are provided with the opportunity to “live life and have it to the full”.

Congratulations are extended to the following members of the St. Peter’s College community who were recognised for their outstanding achievement at the recent launch of Catholic Education Week 2021.

Outstanding Service award – for dedicated and faithful ministry in Catholic Education presented to:

• Miss Margaret Anthony
• Mr Christopher Black
• Mr Jim Constantinou
• Mrs Radha Nadan

Elizabeth Hunt Scholarship ($7,500) – presented to a graduate who is studying Education at ACU

• Ashley Beley – Class of 2020

Fr James Wall Bursary ($4,000) - presented to a worthy candidate who demonstrate leadership potential in a range of areas, including science, arts, public speaking, sporting activities, community service and social justice activities.

• Milly Cortese – Yr 12 student (Cranbourne Campus)

Reconciliation Week – More than a Word. Reconciliation takes Action

Not only is it Catholic Education Week, this week is also Reconciliation Week. Two significant dates of note are recognised within reconciliation week, specifically, 27th May which marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 3rd June marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised Native Title - the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British Colonisation. At its heart, Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. As Kirstie Parker – Board Member, Reconciliation Australia is quoted as saying: “... A reconciled Australia is one where our rights as First Australians are not just respected but championed in all the places that matter ...” 

In the light of these words we therefore: “acknowledge that we gather today on the land of the First Peoples, and pay our respects to their elders both past and present, for they hold the memories, the culture and the wisdom upon which our nation’s future will be built.

Teenage Anxiety

One of the anticipated impacts on the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 was an increased rate of mental health-related issues for adolescents. At the commencement of this year we increased our counselling services to meet the anticipated needs. From a preventative measure perspective, the college has prioritised mental health by placing a greater emphasis on it within our “Strive and Thrive” program. Recently I participated in a webinar delivered by Dr Jodi Richardson, an expert in the area of anxiety. In this webinar Dr Jodi placed great emphasis on 5 strategies for parents and educators to support adolescents who might be experiencing anxiety. They are listed below: 

1. Learn as much as you can about anxiety
2. Teach anxiety management skills
3. Respond to anxiety with empathy
4. Take note of the patterns evolving when anxiety shows up
5. Know when to get help

If you are concerned about the emotional wellbeing of your child/ren, please contact your house leader who will provide the necessary assistance you require.

Those interested in reading an article by Dr Jodi citing these five strategies are invited to click here to gain access to the whole written piece.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Mr Chris Black

Principal