From our Principal
Dear Parents, Students and Friends,
I trust that many in our community were still, in one way or another, able to celebrate Father’s Day last Sunday. I certainly hope our students were able to say thank-you to their father for the support and guidance given over their years. For those fathers and father figures we give thanks to you for the role you play as the primary role model for our young.
National Child Protection Week – “Putting Children First”
Is to be held this week. At St. Peter’s College we are committed to providing a safe and positive learning environment for our community. This is witnessed through policy, practice and a range of learning opportunities. These learning experiences for students are driven by our Student Well-being Advisory Committee (SWAC) and our Pastoral program under the guidance of the Head of Campus, Pastoral Leaders and House Leader teams. Below are some excerpts from Maria Kirkwood, Chief Executive Officer of DOSCEL emphasizing the importance of Child Protection, these commitments mirror St. Peter’s College’s commitment to awareness-raising, education and practice:
“Our aim is to keep our students safe, regardless of where they are learning. We provide a range of resources and training for our staff, along with age-appropriate lessons for children about personal safety strategies.”
Ms Kirkwood said that “Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) has pledged support for this year’s Child Protection Week, and that the theme, Putting children first, aligned with DOSCEL’s child safety commitment. “We are constantly working to improve our practices and facilities to ensure that we create a safe and nurturing culture for all children and young people in Catholic schools.”
Bishop’s Social Justice
The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2020–21 is titled ‘To Live Life to the Full: Mental health in Australia today’. It encourages faith communities, governments and each one of us, to make mental health a priority. It is a timely message in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is affecting many members of our parishes, schools and communities. Understanding mental health will help us to be aware of those who need our support. The Statement encourages us all to reject stigmatisation, to work for the transformation of social determinants of mental ill-health, and to call for policies and service provision that meets the needs of the poorest and most marginalised members of our community.
Jesus, you invite us all into the fullness of life.
May we support one another to flourish in body, mind and spirit. Strengthen our commitment to ensure that nobody falls through gaps in our systems of care.
People called you mad. Help us to recognise you in those who suffer mental ill-health today. Show us how to eliminate stigmatisation of mental ill-health from our parishes, schools, communities and organisations.
You drew near to those who were suffering in body or mind. May we too feel your nearness when we struggle with mental health challenges. May we be one as members of Your Body.
You invite us to share in your ministry of love and true compassion. May we be empowered by your Spirit to reach out to all people in need. May we build communities of welcome and inclusion. Amen
RUOK Day
Mental Health has risen in prominence, particularly during this pandemic. This week a number of activities are being held around the theme of RUOK. These activities, primarily student led, provides students with a structured narrative in supporting those amongst us which may not be feeling okay.
During these extraordinary times, or for that matter any time, it is okay to not be okay. The messaging around that is simple: if you are not okay tell someone.
Enjoy the week ahead, particularly with this fine weather.
Stay Well – Stay Safe
Mr Chris Black
Principal