East Campus News

2019 Year 7 Orientation Day

A sea of bright, slightly anxious but very excited faces was what we were presented with on Tuesday, 4 December. Our 2019 Year 7 students had arrived ready for their very first taste of High School. The energy the students and their parents brought to the Welcome Assembly was fantastic. As Deputy Principal I have the privilege of welcoming both parents and students on the day, and feel very humbled by the trust that is placed in us to educate, guide and care for our young people. The choice of schools is a difficult and complex task for parents today, and we do not ever underestimate the level of time and consideration that goes into the decision to send your child to St. Peter’s College. I am also very lucky that I get the easy job on Orientation Day, that is to bring a smile and make a speech (hopefully an engaging speech). The real work takes many hours and days organising students into houses, preparing the showbags, designing an engaging timetable for the day and aligning the teachers and student helpers who lead and support the activities throughout the day.

The real stars behind this day are Ms Janelle McRae, our wonderful Pastoral Care Leader and her helpers. A big thank you to you all.  I am also very thankful to all of the parents and guardians that came along for the assembly and stayed for a cuppa and cake. Without your support our ability to build a strong, healthy and purposeful community is not possible. We welcome you today, tomorrow and always into the life of your son/daughter at St. Peters College.

As per usual practice at St. Peter’s College, whenever we host an event or run camps and activities we always ask for feedback to reflect on what worked well and even better if… The Orientation Day is no different and I include a sample of reflections from the students who supported the 2019 Year 7 students on the day. These insights are clear evidence of the value and importance of this day. I particularly like Olivia’s recommendation of how to improve the day.

"I really enjoyed being able to help the new Year 7 students, it gave me a great sense of leadership and pride. It reminded me of how nervous I was on Orientation Day and how the St. Peter's College students made me feel welcome, I wanted to provide them with that same support. I also wanted to make them feel excited about the journey ahead of them. I think something that would benefit the Year 7 students on Orientation Day next year would be to include a period of time where they can talk to the Seniors of the school. The Seniors could tell them about their experience of Year 7, the concerns they had and how their journey has evolved, this might just further ease the worries they may have had. Overall I had a great time talking to and supporting the Year 7 students of 2019 and I wish them all the best for next year!"

– Olivia

The final few days of Term 4 2018

We are nearly there, only a few days left before the term and school year concludes.

Thursday, 6 December, will see our final Campus Mass celebrated at the West Campus. This is an important event as it brings us back to the purpose of our mission and identity as a Catholic College. House assemblies will provide each house the opportunity to reflect, laugh, cry and truly celebrate all that was the journey of 2018.

Just in are the results of the House Tug of War Competition. After a very hotly but fair battle the winning list is :

1st Romero, 2nd MacKillop, 3rd Glowrey, 4. Kolbe, 5th Assisi, 6th Augustine (who won the spirit award), 7th Avila, and 8th Marian.  Congratulations to all participants and to Ms Hickey for an excellent competition.

Friday 7th December, is for many students the highlight of the year, House Activities Day. The range of activities is fantastic:

·         Glowrey & MacKillop – Rush HQ

·         Augustine & Kolbe – Melbourne Zoo

·         Assisi & Avila – Luna Park

·         Marian & Romero – Melbourne Aquarium

Tuesday, 11 December, will see our 2019 College Captains from each Campus complete their leadership training day at the West Campus. This is both a critical and fun day, guiding the leadership formation of our newly elected College Student Captains.  Ms McRae and Ms McKenna have put together a fantastic program which will support the development of critical skills including collaboration, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. Plenty of fun, and challenges will be the order of the day for our young leaders.

Special thanks and good wishes

It has been my absolute honour and privilege to have had Ms Janelle McRae as our Pastoral Care Leader for 2018. This role was introduced in 2018 along with the appointment of 8 House Leaders to mirror the pastoral structure at the West Campus and to support the growing enrolments at the East Campus. Janelle, was a perfect fit for this inaugural position. Her professionalism, dedication, insightfulness and her calming caring nature have truly been blessings for the staff, students and parents at the East Campus. We are a better team because of Janelle’s generosity of spirit and self. Therefore it is with mixed emotions that I farewell Janelle as she embarks on her next journey, Deputy Principal Students at Marist-Sion.  Marist-Sion College is blessed to gain your talents, sense of humour, passion and of course your calmness.  

Janelle we all will miss you. We wish you all the very best and please know that you will always be part of the St. Peter’s College family. Good luck and God Bless.

But rest assured we have the equally talented and wonderful Mr Peter Brannan joining us as the new Pastoral Care Leader next year.

All that remains to say is I wish you all a blessed Christmas full of love, peace and family.

Julie Banda

Deputy Principal - Clyde North Campus