West Campus News
2019 Year 7 Orientation Day – Tuesday, 4 December
On Tuesday, we were joined by our 2019 Year 7 students for Orientation Day. I was so impressed with the welcome our students afforded these newest members of our College. The care from our students was evident in the way older siblings escorted their younger brother or sister to the hall for the start of the day and in the way our Year 8 student leaders so eagerly volunteered to help escort them around the unfamiliar school. Also in the way our Year 12 students spoke to them about perseverance and enthusiasm in the Strive & Thrive Pastoral Program. The buzz around the playground at recess and lunchtime was palpable. This clear welcome can only help our newest students develop a strong sense of belonging at St. Peter’s which is essential for students to then want to learn and grow. It was no wonder that many of these new Year 7s took up the challenge to meet at least one other student who they did not know.
It was truly pleasing to listen to the students at the end of the day speaking not only of new friends they had made but of classes they enjoyed in Maths, English, Science, Japanese and French. While these may not typically be the subjects you expect students to rave about, it is testimony to our talented teachers that they can bring these lessons to life. Thanks to all our teachers who contributed to the success of Orientation Day, the House Leaders, student leaders and especially Miss McKenna for the huge amount of preparation that ensured these students make a smooth transition into Year 7 at St. Peter’s College.
Christmas Carols at Willow Wood Aged Care
On Tuesday, we had students from the Madjitil Moorna class singing at Willow Wood Aged Care facility here in Cranbourne. Our 2019 Social Justice Captain also attended. The students spent an hour of their time after school not just entertaining the residents but helping them get into that Christmas spirit. The residents seemed to really enjoy it and were singing along. Thanks to Ms Laura Appleby, Ms Maria Gonsalves, Ms Catilyn Jarrett and Mr Matt Williams for the work they have done in organising and supervising at this annual event.
The students from the Madjitil Moorna class who attended were:
Naomi Hind
Aaron Jankovic
Natasha Krishna
Mikayla Van Der Velden
Stephanie Kumarich
Suvansh Khanna
Charlette Cowin
Bethany Tai
Nadia Karaan
McGuigan Shield Competiton
The Avila Mixed Basketball Grand Final occurred on the final school day between Marian and Avila Houses. A resurgent Marian announced that they intended to be serious contenders for the 2019 McGuigan Shield House Competition. Avila House was not going to lie down, however, having been narrowly defeated into second place this last year, and although it was a tough Grand Final, managed to hold on for the win 26 to 19.
All students finished the clean up in Period 4 early to go to the Multi-Purpose Hall to watch the match. A sausage sizzle was held just outside the hall to add to the festive occasion.
The day concluded in Period 5 with the annual Tug-of-War Competition in the Hall.
Senior Social – Thursday, 6 December
The Senior Social once again occurred for all Year 11 & 12 students at Amberlee Reception. We had over 80 students attending and once again this was a great celebration and fitting way to finish the year. Thanks to Miss Fiona McKenna who has organised the event and to the staff who generously donated their time to supervise and ensure the students had a safe and enjoyable event. We thank Pam Fox, Calen Robinson, Mark Sinclair, Michele McArdle, Louise Overberg, Greg Nelson, Naomi de Wit and Stephanie Lomas.
Activity Day – Friday, 7 December
We hope our students attending Activity Day have a most enjoyable day in their houses as they celebrate the end of the school year. It would appear that between a quarter and a third of the students are attending this day. As the numbers are not huge for this non-compulsory day, it does mean that we will review this activity and its viability in its present form. Any feedback from parents as to why you do or do not send your child to this event would be appreciated.
There is a significant investment in time and money by the school, particularly by our Pastoral Care Leader, Miss Fiona McKenna, and in staffing of the day. The $25 cost is significantly subsidised by the school and assures your child of a very positive experience for the price. However, I understand that this can become an expensive day for some families and so students may not therefore attend. On the positive side, Activity Day builds house spirit and continues to forge that important sense of belonging to a house through shared experiences.
Roller skating, laser tag - Glowrey & MacKillop
Ice skating, Melbourne Star - Augustine & Kolbe
Trampolines, Ninja Warrior - Marian & Avila
Melbourne Zoo - Assisi & Romero
Secondary School Vaccinations
The Secondary School Vaccine Program offers free vaccines to Year 7 and 10 students. These vaccines provide protection against:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) – one dose for year 7 students
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – two doses for year 7 students
- Meningococcal A,C,W,Y – one dose for year 10 students
Parents/guardians of Year 7 and 10 students should look out for the vaccine consent card booklet coming home from school with your child. You need to read the information, complete and return the card regardless of whether your child is being vaccinated at school.
The City of Casey immunisation service may contact you about the Secondary School Vaccine Program. Schools are authorised to provide basic parent/guardian contact details to local councils for this purpose. Contact the school by 28 February 2019 if you do not want your contact details given to the City of Casey immunisation service.
To learn more about the Secondary School Vaccine Program, the vaccines, the diseases they protect against, or how you can prepare your child for vaccination, go to betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
Additionally, the Commonwealth government is funding vaccinations for all children under 20 years of age who missed any scheduled vaccines, including a catch up program for Meningococcal ACWY vaccine for adolescents aged 15-19 years of age who have not already received the vaccine in school. If students have missed vaccines, either in childhood or adolescence, and require catch-up vaccines, they should speak with their immunisation provider. (ie. local council or GP).
David Hansen
Deputy Principal - Cranbourne Campus