General News

From the Archives

Ten years ago, Mr. Zgymunt Wolinski, a teacher at what was then called the East Campus, inaugurated the first Human Powered Vehicle group. Students from both the East (Clyde North) campus and the West (Cranbourne) campus competed in their first competition on October 12th and 13th, 2013.

Nine students across both campuses were involved in the initial competition which required them to construct a human powered vehicle, within specific guidelines, and compete against other vehicles to see who could travel the furthest in a set amount of time.

The Rock of 2013 records that the team had limited success that year. However, in 2015, The Rock records that the team competed in a twenty-four hour race at Wonthaggi and several six-hour races with some success. 

The Wonthaggi race, which involved participants from seventy-five schools, saw the team finish seventh in the open category. They also received the Vehicle Construction Award and the encouragement award for the most Sportsmanlike and Competitive new team in the competition.

In 2017, the HPV Team competed in the entire Victorian HPV Series. This consisted of a twenty-four-hour race, a ten-hour race and three six-hour races. The team set themselves the goal of finishing in the top ten teams. The results saw the team in 4th place. Goal achieved!

St Peter, Pray for us

Greg Nelson

College Archivist

Amazing Student Achievement- Kevin De Silva

On 23rd of April, Kevin De Silva, a year 7 student at St Peter’s competed at the Little Athletics National Championships at Lakeside Stadium. He was crowned the under 13 boys, Australian Champion in the 100m in a blistering time of 11.79 seconds. He then went on to take out the 200m title in a time of 24.13 seconds. 

Not only did he win these two individual events, but he was also a member of two gold medal relay teams for Victoria, the 4x100m and the 1000m Medley team that smashed the Australian record by 8 seconds.

When interviewed after the 100m Kevin said, “I saw people next to me, so I got like scared as I was trying to run 11s, I thought I wouldn’t but after 50m I saw I was pulling away to the side a bit. I dipped in (at the finish) and ran 11.79. I was amazed with that.”

Kevin also said he was a little bit nervous, which hampered his start. But he didn’t think it cost him any time. “My start wasn’t that good but it made me strike down more which leads to better timings,” “I also got the 200m championship, running a 24.1, I was really happy with myself with that one” he said.

Kevin is going to represent St Peter's College at the Victorian All Schools Athletics Championships later in the year. If successful there, Kevin is aiming to go onto the Australian All Schools Championships later in the year in Perth. Kevin has set the goal this year to be crowned Australian Champion in the 100m and 200m at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.

Congratulations Kevin and good luck! Everyone will need to keep an eye out for the name Kevin De Silva in the future. Hopefully we will see him representing Australia at the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

Mr Leigh Murphy

Sports Manager - Cranbourne Campus

St Peter's College Production - Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde The Musical – Presented by St. Peter's College

17 - 19 August 2023

7:30 - 10pm

Tickets are on Sale NOW!

https://www.trybooking.com/CJWLB

Textiles at St.Peters – Sew what!

Students undertaking Technology based subjects work through quite a different curriculum than when we were students, studying the traditional Woodwork, Home Economics and Sewing. 

Where previously the focus was on job-ready ‘hands-on’ construction skills, curriculum evolutions over the past fifteen years have led to a shift from knowledge acquisition and learning (remembering/understanding) to broader competencies, needed to match emerged and emerging jobs. 

As government research with current employers demonstrates, employers are now looking beyond just technical skills. In its advice to students preparing themselves for the workforce:

When applying for jobs, remember to emphasise your core competencies (i.e. employability skills), rather than just the technical skills you may have. Oral communication, teamwork, problem solving, and initiative and innovation are required for all jobs, and this will continue to be the case in the future. These skills are also highly valued by employers across all sectors, as they are necessary in every job.

Source: nationalskillsdivision.com.au July 2023

Textiles, through modelling and practical application of the design process, places a strong emphasis on the problem solving, initiative and innovation competencies. 

For example, in Year 9 Textiles students are working to this very general task brief:

Whilst they clearly need to work within ‘real world’ set parameters, such as cost, time constraints and environmental considerations, they as the designers, are required to make a wide range of decisions to problem-solve what it is they need to do and how they will achieve their goal. Unlike previous learning models, there is no ‘right’ answer, as each student will apply their own thinking to the task and what is produced, while demonstrating aspects of making that are similar yet different to, others.

The process begins with how to layout a pattern on fabric to ensure sustainability of materials and efficiency in processes:

Then there are the materials considerations and their effect on the end product use and needs of the client for whom the item is intended. For example, in this design brief, what type of elastic is available and what are the characteristics of each type that determine their suitability to the end item? Should it be a wide or narrow elastic? Knitted or Woven? Flexible or non-roll? White or black? And what is the best way of attaching or inserting the elastic for the end use? Is it OK to fix the elastic in place or must it be able to move freely within the garment and with the wearer?

Well before deciding on how an item is to be constructed and practicing a range of techniques, the students need to problem-solve and plan for much more. Where will the item be used? What functions must it have? How is the item to be maintained? What are the safety aspects to be considered for the material and for the end use of the item? Having such an open-ended task develops in students, their own initiatives and creativity – valuable skills when ‘on the job’ where there is no script and independent and fresh thinking is what is needed.

These pages show a few of the items students have developed in Year 9, from themed pin cushions to clothing bags, single items and clothing sets, which include design aspects based on working in small collaborative teams, utilising collective and individual initiatives and problem-solving for themselves.

Mrs Annette Marschner 

Textiles at CRA

Certificate II In Hospitality 

Year 2 Students held a wonderful dinner for the Annual School Advisory Committee. Students demonstrated their outstanding skills and talents to produce a Christmas themed menu. I couldn't be prouder! Well done team. 

Ms Jeannette Valencia

Food Technology/Vet Hospitality Teacher

SIS Book in a Day Competition

The following scene is an example of the creative writing practice that students of the Book in a Day SIS competition are undertaking in preparation for next week’s competition. The scene was written collaboratively in less than 50 minutes. This has been written and edited entirely by students, with particular credit going to Kaden Barnes, Sam Villos, Taelim Yang, Sharleen Bajwa and Bayley Johnston. The other students participating in the competition day next week include Kyah Wright, Trisha Rednam, and Hayley McDonald. 

Students will need to write, illustrate and bind a complete children's book in one day, based solely on the random word and genre prompts provided to them on the day of the competition. 

***

I was trying to fulfil my duty that my ancestors once gave me, but now it’s all gone…

My feathers fell through the unsympathetic environment as I dove down. This body was unusual to me and was very different to my old body. 

Everything’s bitter, depressing, there’s no warmth in this land or sky. The dark skies spread; I feared I was running out of time to warn everyone, every creature, anything that breathed in this horrendous, mundane land. A snowflake fell on my wing, awakening me.

I glided across this barren landscape, approaching the town where I once lived. I was once human. Was I reincarnated? I’m not sure. I realised now that I was flying in a rhythmic pattern.Us humans had not changed much and we lived cluelessly not knowing the danger that was approaching.

I approached one of the villagers. ‘Sir! Sir please listen there’s danger imposing-’ but he looked into my eyes blankly.

I tried to speak to a woman but..

“Awh, what an adorable, cute owl! Do you want a cracker?” 

I. am. not. cute. ‘The end of the world is here, and no one cares?!’ I squealed at the woman desperately yet she freaked out and ran away. 

“Whose foul bird is this?”

“We should have never domesticated these creatures!”

“Can I eat him?”

“What in the world!”

Everyone’s voices layered over one another until it all combined into an incoherent mess.

‘PLEASE! EVERYONE! LISTEN!-” Nothing but coos.

I looked over at the volcano as it rumbled, now I knew there wasn't much time left. Why can’t people hear this?! They are in danger! If only I had someone I could communicate with.

I screeched as I lost my footing, did I bump into someone?

“IS THAT A VOLCANO?”

“EVERYONE, EVACUATE!” 

“GET THE CHILDREN!”

Humans scattered everywhere, children screamed for care, there was only stress in the air. 

I can’t do anything, I’m useless. Why did I have to become reincarnated into this body?

The humans scattered from the valley running towards the valley trying to escape. It was no use when the volcano began to spew lava and molten rock out into the air. The land became burnt and scorched.

I failed. I failed my family, my ancestors, in my duty as a protector. But wait… I think I could use my wings... Maybe all isn’t lost.

***

The Annual SIS Book in a Day competition is open to all aspiring writers and illustrators in Years 7 to 10. Anyone interested in participating should watch for the announcement of next year’s application period on SPACE

Mr Stuart Salmon

Clyde North Campus

St. Peter’s College Parents & Friends

The Executive may be contacted through the College:

President: Ms Naomi Bartlett (College Advisory Board Representative)

Secretary: vacant

Treasurer: Mrs Marzena Mansilla

P&F Committee Representative on College Advisory Committee: Ms Naomi Bartlett

To Contact St. Peter's College Parents & Friends Executive:

Entertainment Fundraising:

Each year St. Peter’s College P&F with staff and students raise vital funds for our sister school Bishop Epalle Catholic College in the Solomon Islands.

This year we are kicking off our campaign with 20% of each sale of the ‘Entertainment’ membership to go towards their computer lab requirements, with the aim of further linking their Senior students with our St. Peter’s College Senior students and teachers.

And there is something in it for you too. With your membership you can save well over the cost of your membership in discounts on holiday activities, dining, travel, shopping and much much more.

The Entertainment Book is a local, national and international restaurant and activity guide which provides hundreds of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers for the finest restaurants, cafes, attractions, activities, retailers and hotel accommodation.

Membership gives you exclusive offers that are virtually restriction free, offers to enjoy all year long.

The Entertainment Digital Membership puts the value of the Entertainment Book into your Apple or Android smartphone. With ‘near me’ technology and the ability to show and save using your phone, this is perfect for the person on-the-go, with no Card or Voucher to present.

By clicking on the link below you will ensure that the fundraising dollars from each membership purchased comes to St. Peter’s College Fundraising initiatives.