From our Principal 

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

I extend a very warm welcome to all students, teachers and families as we commence Term 3. I have been given the privileged role of Acting Principal while our Principal Mr Chris Black is on enrichment leave. This opportunity enables me to work closely with staff, students and families across both campuses which I am thoroughly enjoying. I thank you, our community in advance for the supportand generosity I know I shall receive and benefit from throughout my journey in this important role.

We remember Jim Constantinou.

Last week was the first anniversary of the death of Jim Constantinou, a much-loved teacher, friend and colleague based on the Cranbourne Campus. On Wednesday, July 12, staff gathered in the Chapel to remember and celebrate the life of their friend. We acknowledged that it has been a year of shock and sadness for us, and for Jim’s family. But as time has passed, we continue to be comforted by our faith in a loving God who rejoices in welcoming his children home. Jesus referenced this in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The joy of the father in seeing his son coming home! Our faith assures us that this is the welcome that Jim received in his heavenly home."Then on Thursday this week, we were joined by Jim's wife, Andrea and her friend Liz, as we again prayed for Jim and unveiled a plaque for him in our memorial garden outside the Chapel. We recalled that, 'In this place, at the centre of our campus, we pay tribute to those who have died while they have been employed or enrolled at the College. Our focal point is the crucifix, the central tenet of our faith. Out of great love for humanity, Jesus suffered death on the cross. But his death was not the end. What followed was the joy of the Resurrection and the promise that we too would now share in this new life of hope.' Finally, we moved to a place we have now reserved as a special place of memory for Jim and unveiled a plaque to that effect and planted an olive tree.  And as we planted the tree, we provided its important context, 'the olive tree has been considered sacred by Greeks for thousands of years.  In Greek mythology, it was the sacred tree of the goddess Athena and Athens. The olive tree, or more specifically an olive branch, is a symbol of peace and friendship dating back to ancient Greek mythology. And so it [was] fitting that in [the] place where Jim, a proud Greek-Australian man passed away, we memorialized him with the planting of an olive tree.  I thank the Constantinou family for their donation of the olive tree and their presence at our service.  Together, we continue to pray for peace in our hearts and minds, and eternal peace for our friend, Jim

Term 3.

Term three affords students the ideal opportunity to consolidate the learning and school experiences gained during term one and two. Year seven and eight students are now well acquainted with the expectations of secondary school as are year nine students who will begin to consider their move into the senior years of secondary schooling. Energy, time management and collaboration are critical elements for senior students if they are to maximise outcomes for their learning and wellbeing. As a college we have put in place wonderful opportunities for students to receive guidance, support and experience to ensure successful and meaningful outcomes. I refer specifically to the House System and the term three events: Futures Evening, Subject Selection Interviews, and year twelve Student Led Conferences.  Rather than racing toward the end of the year as tempting as that may seem, a consistent pace of energy, routines, focus and collaborative relationships must become the dominate characteristics of term three for all students.  

VET Hospitality Family and friends Dinners. 

This week family, friends and staff enjoyed a wonderful dinner and evening hosted by the VET Hospitality students. This is the second year we have been treated to the culinary expertise of our VET Hospitality students, showcasing the skills and knowledge gained in this industry accreditedcourse. It is events like this that allows our students to gain valuable insight into an industry that isknown to be a top employer within the Australian workforce market. Our thanks to Ms Jeannette Valencia, her team and the students for a wonderful evening.

The rehearsals are in full swing, props and sets are being painted and assembled and tickets are onsale now. There is no doubt the excitement is building as we welcome the upcoming production Legally Blonde, our first since the COVID interruption. My sincere thanks to staff, students and families who are working so hard to ensure we have a first-class production. I look forward to seeing you there soon.  

The Alliance Francaise Berthe Mouchette Oral examination and Poetry Competition 2023 The Berthe Mouchette Competition is an opportunity for students to practise the French language and experience French culture by participating in a competition with great prizes to be won.  Twenty-eight Years 7-10 students from both campuses participated in the Poetry Recital competition and we congratulate all participants for their enthusiastic participation. The following students received excellence (19-19.5 out of 20) in their performance:

• Matisse Ortolan,
• Emmanuel Lutu,
• Anjali Pal,
• Kabir Khatri,
• Katelyn Canda.

Further, congratulations to: Ishnoor Kaur, Emma Macfarlaine, Adiel Amod Antony, Armaan Gill, Nicolyn Gonsalves, Justin Aquino, Nigitha Sriskandarajan for their results and participation.  I extend a special thank you to our wonderful French teachers, and Mrs Risha Appanah Balaghee our French language assistant for organising this important event. Students will receive certificates and enjoy a special French breakfast.  Bravo aux participants de St Peter’s pour vos efforts!

I wish you all a safe and productive week.

Mrs Julie Banda

Acting Principal