Mrs Michelle McDonnell - Principal

Welcome to our final Newsletter for Term 2. It was wonderful to see our students looking so bright and cheerful today in their house colours, enjoying lunch with their House Buddy Groups.

One of the highlights of this term has been our Buddy Brainstorm sessions with the Buddy groups in Argyle and Bligh. During these sessions, while enjoying some chips or popcorn, we've discussed the important qualities we love to see in our St Peter’s students. The qualities that students have come up with include: loving Jesus, being respectful, being good learners, involving others and inviting them to join in, celebrating others' achievements, and setting a good example.

We've also talked about how we can encourage each other to demonstrate these qualities every day, so that our school community can grow into what the students envision. This process is similar to how our School Administration Building and Year 6 classrooms are being built—step by step, piece by piece. Just as we need carpenters, electricians, and plumbers for our building projects, each one of our students has a role to play in building up our St Peter’s community.

As we watch our school buildings grow and improve, our students are encouraged to do the same by understanding what amazing, caring learners of St Peter’s should look like and working together to continue to develop these qualities every day.

I pray that you will have an opportunity to rest and recharge over the holiday period ready for a wonderful Term 3. Students return to school on Monday, 29 July 2024.

It has been very exciting to see our Year 6 and Administration building program get underway. Our students have been very interested to see what is taking place behind the fences and have been asking lots of questions.  

At Assembly on Monday, I showed students some images of what some of the spaces will look like once complete. These are attached below. We are pleased that we will have ramp access to the front of the school, caring for those with prams or mobility issues as they come into our school. Year 6 are also excited about having new learning spaces to finish the year. 

With sadness, we farewelled Mrs Cherry Lapid today. Mrs Lapid has been with us at St Peters for a number of years, beginning working with our OSHC team, moving into Learning Enhancement and for the past 2 ½ years as the Teaching Assistant in the Kookaburra Class in St Peter’s Heart. Mrs Lapid has been a caring, friendly and calm presence in all of the roles she has undertaken and we will miss her.  Mrs Lapid will be working closer to home and we wish her well.

Miss Emily Hollis will be joining the team in St Peter’s Heart as Teaching Assistant with the Kookaburra Class. Miss Hollis has experience in supporting students with a range of additional needs and she is excited to be joining our team here at St Peter’s.

Mrs Danielle Willis (Pre-Kindergarten Koalas) will be beginning Maternity Leave at the beginning of Term 3.  I know that the Koalas will miss her and we are looking forward to hearing about the birth of her baby in due course. Please join with us in praying for Mrs Willis and her family.

Mrs Sonia Pozoglou will be joining the Pre-Kindergarten teaching team in the Koala class. Mrs Pozoglou has vast experience teaching students from Pre-Kindergarten - Year 12 and is really looking forward to working with our gorgeous Pre-Kindergarten students.

We are thankful to God for the provision of wonderful staff at St Peter’s and we are looking forward to working with Miss Hollis and Mrs Pozoglou. Both staff have had the opportunity this week to meet the students and staff they will be working with.

Our school office will be open across the holiday period, with the exception of Monday 22 July as all Campbelltown Anglican Schools staff will be attending Professional Learning. 

Opening hours will be 9.00am - 3.00pm.  Please note that office staff will be working inside the main school buildings.  There will be contact information posted on the door of our temporary administration building should you visit the school during this time.

School Reports for St Peter’s Anglican Grammar and St Peter's Heart have been released to parents via the TASS Parent Lounge. If you have any difficulties accessing your child's report, please contact our school office.

Information has also been emailed to parents regarding bookings for Parent Teacher interviews. We are looking forward to seeing families who choose to book an interview on Thursday, 25 July 2024.

Mrs Nerida Hadfield - Deputy Principal

We certainly know how to sprint to the finish line that is the end of Term Two! The calendar has been packed with amazing opportunities for our students and community to engage in experiences to connect and learn. 

Year 6 students went to see Inside Out 2 at the movies and then had discussions around personal challenges, friendships, identity, what is true and what are lies. They were encouraged to find strength in their relationship with God and seek help from Him to face the storms. We would love them to focus on joy and to delight in celebrations and success. 

Last Friday our Chess teams went to compete in the MAS Chess Competition. The students embraced the opportunity to play this strategic game  against worthy opponents.

On Monday our Whole School Assembly saw us able to celebrate the achievements of many of our students and be entertained by the Vocal Ensemble performing “Adiemus”. This was outstanding.

We had several Open Classrooms this fortnight and it was wonderful to see so many families visit our school.

Pre - Kindergarten classes allowed parents and guests the opportunity to view our students' portfolio of work from Semester One. Our students were very excited to go through and share their individual artworks, photos, and work samples with their families. 

Year 2 Open Classrooms allowed parents and guests the opportunity to help the students with some hands-on exploration of production processes. They saw how materials can be changed into different products, and thought about how farms can be used to give us different products that we need to survive. It was lovely to have so many helpers in the room!

Year 3 had their Open Classrooms where students showcased their progressing reading skills and implemented their geographical skills to complete a Travel Guide about their parent's / grandparent’s favourite place in Australia. 

Year 4's Open Classroom allowed parents and grandparents to learn about significant people in Australia's history. They were treated to student's linguistic talents through the recitation of Bioriddles and engaged with them to discover the amazing contributions made by Aussie Notables!

Year 6 Open Classrooms allowed parents and guests the opportunity to engage with our topic of migration. Students created an oral history by interviewing their parents / guests. Students created questions to provoke conversation relating to their personal or family's journey to Australia. Students presented a "suitcase" with various items they put together based on the life of a known immigrant to Australia and shared their contribution to Australia since arriving.

Today was our Buddy Group Picnic Lunch and Mufti Day and it was great to see so many groups in their House colours sharing lunch together. Unfortunately due to the wet ground, these had to be in classrooms. 

Also today we had Sophia K from Year 5 take action to raise funds to send to our sister school - Intumbane, by making friendship bracelets. She sold these during our Coffee Cart morning. Students were generous with donations and enjoyed choosing their bracelet. They were all sold out and became a great addition to the mufti outfits of our House colours. Well done Sophia and St Peter's community! $318 was raised. 

As you would have noticed, our renovations have commenced in the reception area. It is important that students are not arriving to school prior to 8.10am as this is when the gates open. Builders will all be arriving and moving equipment in this area prior to this time and students should not be in this area unsupervised.

At our Whole School Assembly we announced the musical for 2025 as being MOANA JR. The students were so excited, as were the staff. We look forward to the audition process beginning with Year 2-5 students sending videos of a monologue and song. This email with the link will be sent out today. Please use the holidays to practise and then complete the audition video early next term. Kindergarten and Year 1 will be performing a song as a grade and will not audition via this link. Years 2-5 will all be involved. The audition is if you wish to have a role in the cast on the main stage. Students who only wish to be involved in back stage will be sought in 2025.

Our Buddy Groups focus this week was a revision of all the character traits we have learned about this semester and how we show this trait in our lives. Our students continue to work well with each other in these groups and we are so proud of our Year 6 students as they have grown in confidence and engagement in their leadership over the semester. Here is a brief outline of this semester and the benefits discussed for having these qualities:

Responsibility - Helps people trust you, Gets things done, Shows commitment, Finishes on time, Follows rules

Compassion - Focuses on putting others first, Has a positive impact on others, Makes us take action, Changes our hearts, Provides opportunities to express God’s love

Patience - Stay calm and composed in challenging situations, Take time to do things well, Better communication, Reduces worries

Determination - Achieving goals, Builds resilience, Get more done, Inspires others, Builds confidence, Finish what you started

Forgiveness - Healing from anger and bitterness, Stronger relationships, Having peace in your heart, Grow in maturity, Grow in empathy

Self-Control - Helps you make friends, Do well in school, Stay safe, Make good choices, Avoid fights, Solve problems better, Makes life happier and more successful!

There will be three photo days held next term as outlined below.

Orders for Class and Individual photos can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school's unique 9 digit Online Order Code: 

YRD 5R4 AAA

Photo Day 1: Monday, 5 August - Class, Siblings, Individual & Pre-Kindergarten Kangaroos, Koalas & Possums
Photo Day 2: Wednesday, 7 August - Sport Photos
Photo Day 3: Friday, 9 August - Co Curricular & Pre-Kindergarten Echidnas & Wombats

A separate email has been sent regarding uniform requirements for our Photo Days. We appreciate families reading this carefully, to ensure that their children have the appropriate uniform items required for this occasion. 

Miss Leanne Burns - School Chaplain

This term I met with two school mums who were keen to look at what the Bible teaches about who Jesus is and why He came to earth just over 2000 years ago. We met for six weeks on a Tuesday morning (for about an hour and a half) to read through Mark’s Gospel and discuss the three core beliefs of the Christian faith and how we can respond to them.

I really enjoyed meeting with Michelle and Karina each week. We have had some great discussions. We talked about what we had discovered reading through Mark’s Gospel at home and the difference knowing God makes to life now and eternal life to come. I asked if they would share some reflections on the course and this is what they wrote: 

“The course 'Christianity Explained' offers a clear and engaging introduction to the core teachings of Christianity. As a parent, learning these teachings has given me a wonderful chance to connect with my children on matters of faith and the Bible. This course has helped me confidently answer their questions, have open discussions about our values and beliefs, and provide spiritual guidance that brings us closer as a family. Its clear explanations and depth have made it an invaluable resource for me to connect with my kids on a deeper, more meaningful level.” Michelle 

“I am truly grateful for this course. I have learned so much in such a short period of time. The learning tools were easy to understand and can be applicable for individuals at different stages of their spiritual journey seeking guidance from God's teachings”. Karina

Next Term I will be running an evening group for men and women called “Christianity Explored.” We will meet Monday nights from 7:30 to 9pm starting on the Monday, 5 August. Christianity Explored is a great course for people of any faith and for people with no faith. The course helps participants to gain a deeper understanding of what Christians believe. You will have the opportunity to ask questions in a welcoming and safe space.

Please see the link below for more information and to register interest in joining this course. The cost will be $10 to cover the purchase of the course material. I am looking forward to getting to know those who come along.

Christianity Explored - Registration Link

Christianity Explored - Video Link

Soon's Story

Miss Kym Busutel - Coordinator of St Peter's Heart

Ahoy, me hearties! Last week, Heart families set sail on a grand Term 2 pirate-themed adventure. It warmed our souls to see so many buccaneers decked out in their finest pirate garb. The crew was truly astounded by the sight!

The brave participants did a remarkable job decipherin' clues, conquerin' puzzles, and followin' maps to uncover the buried treasure. It was a swashbucklin' good time for all involved.

A poignant moment of the event was bidin' fond farewells to Mrs Lapid, who has been a wonderful asset to our Heart community. Her dedication, kindness, and tireless efforts have been invaluable, and her presence will be missed like a sailor misses the sea. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Mrs Kasie Bingham - Sports Coordinator

The winter holidays are usually the one time of the year we all bunker inside to keep warm. However, 3 weeks can have a significant impact on our fitness. There are many ways children can stay active over the holiday break.

There are multiple day camps throughout the Macarthur region; soccer, basketball, netball, circus skills and swimming, just to name a few. You can ask at local sports clubs or centres to see what they have running over this time. Some gyms will also run programs for the older primary years and high school students.

When the sun is out, why not enjoy a stroll around places like Mount Annan Botanical Gardens, Camden Bike Track, the newly updated Nepean Trail? You could also grab a soccer ball and head down to the newly opened Billabong. Invite grade friends to kick the ball around together.

And if it is too cold for anyone’s liking, set into your daily routine fitness challenges and videos on YouTube. Commit to learning an entire Just Dance routine off by heart. There are also many sprinting activities that can be done in the hallway.

Students don’t just need skill when playing team sports, they need stamina. These simple fitness activities will improve performance overall.

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games taking place during July and August, and only eight years to go until the Olympic and Paralympic Games return to Australia for Brisbane 2032, it's the perfect time to #HaveAGo at Olympic Sports to ignite an Olympic dream. Take part in the Have A Go Olympic Challenge below. Great things happen when you #HaveAGo.

Have a Go Olympic Challenge

Week 9 - v. St Gregory's College

Week 10 - v. Macarthur Anglican School

Throughout Term 2, our school held its annual tennis singles competition, an event brimming with enthusiasm and intense matches. Extending across Year 3-6, boys and girls, students showcased impressive skills, many standing out and progressing. Unfortunately due to the weather we will be postponing the Finals until Term 3, Week 1. We also look forward to the tennis doubles competition in Term 4.

The Todd Woodbridge Cup is a primary school team tennis competition for Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) and Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) students that uses modified equipment, numeric scoring, and mixed gender teams. Events are designed to be fun and inclusive, meaning it is not just for experienced tennis players. Anyone who wants to give tennis a go is encouraged to come and have a go. 

To see what the TWC is all about, watch the 2023 highlights video Here.

Competition information:

• Tuesday, 10th September, Wollongong Beaton Park Complex

• Each team is made up of four boys and four girls. 

• We will be entering one Stage 2 team and one Stage 3 team.

• All students are encouraged to participate no matter what their skill level may be. 

• Tennis NSW and local club representatives will run the entire day.

If your child in Years 3-6 is involved in tennis training and/or weekly coaching outside of school, can you please fill in the form below. Trials will occur based on interest. Students involved in our Tennis Competitions will also be considered where spots need to be filled. 

Todd Woodbridge Tennis Tournament EOI

Please note in diaries and/or on your calendars, the Primary Assembly to celebrate our 2024 Sports Carnival year will by Monday, 19th August (Week 5). Students who have achieved age champions across our Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals will be acknowledged and celebrated, including our Tennis Singles Champions. 

Please keep an eye out for an email closer to the date to specify your child will be receiving an award.

Mrs Fiona Singline - Library Assistant

Congratulations to the 14 students who have already completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC). Fantastic reading.

The July holidays are a great time to relax, sit down and enjoy a book and a great time to add some extra books to your PRC reading log.

Holidays are also a great time to keep an eye out for Library books.

In the whirlwind of family life, books can get lost. If you have long overdue books, you will have received an email last week with the title and details of the book to help you find it.

If you are unable to find it, I will send out details of how to pay for a replacement book at the beginning of Term 3.

Enjoy the school holidays and enjoy reading!

• We are thankful for the end of a busy term. Thank you for all the great opportunities the students have had this term, for camps, excursions, learnings, challenges. 
• Please pray for a restful holiday, that we can come back next term rested and ready to go. Please give safety to those who are travelling. 
• Please heal those in our community that are struggling with health or other areas. 

A variety of Peripatetic Tutors are approved to provide tuition during school hours in the following areas:
Piano (K –Year 6)
Cello (Years 2–6)
Guitar (Years K–6)
Singing (Years K–6)

Piano Tutors
Mrs Jiann Bekes | 0411 300 560 | 4625 8290 | jbekes540@gmail.com
Mrs Koula Johnson | 0405 680 028 | koulajohnson@gmail.com
Guitar Tutor
Mr Daniel Myer | 0439 716 734 | daniel@ultimateguitaracademy.com
Vocal Tutor
Mrs Francesca Olson | Mobile: 0413 942 632 | francesca.olson@gmail.com 
Piano / Cello Tutor
Ms Samira Dib| Mobile: 0418 248 239

Term Dates for 2025 and 2026 

Click Here

Term 3

Monday, 22 July 2024 - Friday, 27 September 2024

Week 1

Staff Professional Development Week / Pupil Free Week

Week 2

Monday, 29 July 2024

Pre - Kindergarten - Year 6 Students Commence Term 3

Tuesday, 30 July 2024

Wednesday, 31 July 2024

Friday, 2 August 2024

Week 3

Monday, 5 August 2024

Tuesday, 6 August 2024