Catholic Identity & Mission News

It's Great to be Back

Happy New Year to all! It’s great to be back at school, on campus, and filled with excitement for (hopefully!) an interruption-free academic year. A COVID-sensible approach has seen some of our early Mission events like the Year 12 Retreat and opening school masses put on hold but plans are afoot to get these up and running in one form or another as soon as possible. 

We have welcomed our Year 7’s, who have made an outstanding start, as well as a number of new staff across both campuses (who have also made outstanding starts!) and in the orientation of both these groups, we’ve emphasised our College motto, ‘Be not afraid’. Although this phrase is used regularly throughout both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, our particular ‘Be not afraid’ is generally attributed to Matthew 14:22-33 when Peter attempts to walk on water towards Jesus. When Peter sees the miracle of Jesus walking on the water, he along with the other disciples, is naturally shocked and frightened, but Jesus reassures them and asserts, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid’. This emboldens Peter and being the most enthusiastic of disciples, he decides he wants to get involved too! He attempts to walk towards Jesus on the water but becomes frightened and calls out, ‘Lord, save me!’. Jesus immediately helps Peter but also admonishes him and asks why he doubted? Peter and the disciples realise their folly and declare, ‘Truly you are the Son of God’. 

I think we are so fortunate to have St. Peter as our patron saint as he is so relatable. Just like in this story, we can have the best intentions, can give something a go and then doubt ourselves and even what we believe in. But Jesus is always there to rescue us and lift us up. After two very interrupted years, we are so keen that all in our school community draw on the resilience they’ve built up, put their doubts aside, and engage in all aspects of school life with commitment and confidence. Be not afraid!  We believe in a God who is always merciful and loving and who accompanies us on our journey, waiting and willing to lift us up. 

And just as Jesus taught, at St. Peter’s College we also aspire to support each other and lift each other up. Through our daily prayers, our social justice awareness and activities, the RE and pastoral programs, our ‘ROCKS’ for positive school behaviour, the Pope Francis Tweets of the Week and more, we endeavour to promote and practise ‘what we preach’ and live according to the values taught by Jesus. It’s who and what we’re called to be in a Catholic school. Fortunately for us, we have a role model in our patron who shows us that we’re human too and even if we don’t get it right the first (or second, or third!) time, we can redeem our efforts and by faith, we will succeed. 

• We are very fortunate to have recently retired, long time staff member Greg Nelson take up the role as College archivist this year. Greg’s knowledge of the College and indeed the Cranbourne area is vast, and I know he’ll do an amazing job in this new role. Greg has offered to contribute a short piece of College history or ‘Did you know?’ titbit so we can all learn more about our school’s story. His first piece is included later in this newsletter for your enjoyment. Thank you, Greg!

Fiona McKenna

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity & Mission