From our Principal
Year 12 Celebrations
This week has been dominated by farewells to our Class of 2018. This began with a Morning Tea in the staff room. This tradition is an opportunity for students to say thank-you to the staff, not just for this year but over the duration of 6 years. It is an opportunity to give thanks not only to teaching staff but also the support staff who behind the scenes provide for the learning environment created. Each year a legacy gift is provided by the students.
On each campus a tree recently planted is donated by the students. A plaque signifies their contribution and stands as a record commemorating their contribution to St. Peter’s College. A tree is symbolic of the student’s 13 years of education. The roots are its foundations, where it draws nutrients and energy to grow, much like education where we see growth with the nutrients being the knowledge and skills developed over 13 years. The trunk provides strength and stability, much the same as we hope to see in each student as they grow and mature. The branches represent reaching out and exploring new pathways, much like we hope for our students. The gospel of John, Chapter 15: 5 speaks clearly of this when it is stated:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
At the Valedictory Mass, students were invited to embrace our school motto: “Be Not Afraid”; as they soon embark on a journey beyond the gates of St. Peter’s College. The class of 2018 were challenged to approach life’s journey by looking outwardly and make a difference in the world, one where love and hope are core ingredients.
The Valedictory dinner was an opportunity to reflect on and give thanks for the role of parents as 13 years of education concludes. It takes a village to raise a child is a common phrase, yet it speaks so much of the importance of the relationship between home and school. A part of the Valedictory dinner is the awarding of the Valedictorian Medal. This is awarded in acknowledgement of a staff member’s outstanding contribution to the St. Peter’s College Community. Research is very clear on the impact that teachers have on student learning, teachers use their expert knowledge to provide experiences that inspire and facilitate student learning, the most important work we do happens on a daily basis in our classrooms, it requires great skill, enthusiasm and passion to develop in students a love of learning and persistence to learn and this year’s winner has all of these attributes.
The winner of the Valedictorian Medal for 2018 is Ms Melissa Faulkner. Congratulations Melissa.
I would finally like to congratulate each and every Year 12 student for completing 13 years and celebrating this milestone in such a respectful way. For our VCE cohort, we wish you well as you commence your exams. For our VCAL students we wish you well as many of commence your vocational pathways. Our prayers and good wishes are with you all.
National Apology to Victims of Child Abuse within Institutions
This week in Canberra Prime Minister Morrison gave a formal apology on behalf of Australia to the victims of child sexual abuse within institutions. It is a deeply regrettable part of our history in Australia that children were failed by some that were meant to care for and protect them. While the vast majority of these tragic events happened many decades ago, the impact of the abuse still affects many of the victims today. Abuse occurred in a range of institutions including the Catholic Church. The Church openly acknowledges these terrible events and apologises for them and the damage that they have caused. Terrible wrong was inflicted on children by perpetrators. At times, this abuse was able to continue because others who knew something was wrong, didn’t take action to protect the children.
As we look back, we can’t correct the wrongs of the past. However, the future is within our reach. Everyone has a right to be safe, and a right to feel safe. All of us need to speak up if we think something is not right. Today, let’s commit ourselves to protect others from harm – especially children and the vulnerable.
Winners – Book in a Day
Congratulations is extended to a group of students from the Clyde Nth Campus who have been awarded 1st prize in the recent SIS Book in a Day Competition. Students are tasked with creating a novella (short novel) in a day complete with both text and illustrations. Against tough opposition and many schools vying for the ultimate prize, our group of 6 students, ably supported by Ms Emma van Rens came away with the prize which included $700 for library books. It now appears likely that the book will be published. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Mr Chris Black
Principal