Mrs Michelle McDonnell - Principal

We are so proud of our Year 6 2024 graduates, who have only a term to go of Primary School. I know as parents you will feel that the time since they were 4 year olds entering Prep doesn’t feel that long ago. 

Next Tuesday 24 September, we have the privilege of sharing their growth and learning with their Year 6 Exhibition. Our Year 6 students have worked hard alongside their teachers and staff mentors to consider a real world problem, learn more about it and suggest some action that could be taken in dealing with this. 

We would like to invite our Year 6 families, along with other members of our school community to see our students in action on Tuesday. Please see the invitation below for further details.

We are very excited to invite our Grandparents to visit St Peter’s on Monday 4 November 2024.

Our co-curricular music groups will perform a concert beginning at 10am. This will be followed by Morning Tea in the Hall and then classroom visits, concluding at 1.00pm.

The following groups will be performing:

• Year 1 and 2 Choir
• Primary (Years 3-6) Choir
• Vocal Ensemble
• Junior Band
• Senior Band
• Junior Strings
• Senior Strings

We ask that families RSVP for Grandparents who would like to join us for Morning Tea to assist with catering. Information regarding this is included in the invitation below.

Invitation

Following Grandparents Day, we will be holding our annual Music Festival on the evening of Monday 4 November.

The program for this will be the same as the Grandparents Day concert.  Further details will follow early next term.

Many of our students have come to St Peter’s following a referral from a member of our current or past school community.  If you are aware of families who would like to join our St Peter’s school community, please encourage them to attend one of our school tours or apply through our website.  

We will be holding an information and play session on Tuesday 24 September for families who have not yet enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten 2025, so that they can see our amazing Pre-Kindergarten program in action.  Bookings can be made via our school website from next week.  Advertising for this event is on Facebook and Instagram we would love our St Peter’s families to share these advertisements should they pop up in your feed. Bookings can be made via our website.

St Peter's Anglican Grammar

As we finalise planning for the 2025 academic year, we remind parents and carers that it is a condition of enrolment at St Peter’s that a term’s notice is given if a student is withdrawing from the school. We are budgeting, staffing, making bookings for camps and excursions and ordering resources based on the number of students who have not given notice of leaving. The last date to notify us with one term’s notice is Friday 27 September 2024.

Failure to give the required notice may result in a term’s fees being charged in lieu of notice. This notice is required from any student withdrawing from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 5. Students in Year 6 are not required to give this notice, as they will be graduating from St Peter’s.

Mrs Nerida Hadfield - Deputy Principal

This fortnight has again seen lots of wonderful opportunities for our students to grow and be involved in a range of learning experiences as well as community events. Our Community Movie Night was a great success with our main playground full of families enjoying being together for fun, dinner and the movie. During this day, along with our Intumbane Slipper Day we were able to raise over $1200 to send to our sister school. 

Last week we had the amazing IPSHA Performing Arts Festival in the city where our Primary Choir and selected band and strings members performed at Town Hall. The standard of these performances was outstanding and all our students in attendance are commended for their commitment and dedication, as well as respectful participation. Thank you so much to Mr Connell, Mr Stoicescu, Mrs Pollett, Mrs Gillette, Mrs Ha and our principal Mrs McDonnell for spending the day with these students as they rehearsed and then performed into the evening. We are blessed to not only have talented staff who can teach our students in performing arts but who are also willing to spend much of their own time to ensure our students have wonderful opportunities such as these.

This week we have had our STEAM Explosion Day where students wore old clothes to encourage them to get messy as they explored the Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, Arts and Mathematical experiences waiting for them! From building catapults to volcanos; Building habitats to creating slime. The Mad about Science workshops were engaging and students had a lot of fun. 

Today, we had the honour of taking part in the Macarthur Schools Wheelchair Push which is part of the Awareness Charity Day for  The 24 HR Fight Against Cancer in Macarthur. We were visited by Paul Nunnari, a Paralympian who has represented Australia at the highest level, competing in events like the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, and is dedicated to showing that there are no limits to what we can achieve, no matter the challenges we face. Paul, along with Councillor Warren Morrison and other esteemed guests visited today as part of this remarkable journey. The event itself is happening on October 12 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, with the official walk starting at 10 am. It’s a time for the Macarthur community to come together to support cancer patients and their families, and to raise funds for vital services. Whether it's teaming up with family and friends, or participating in donating, this is a chance to make a real difference.

This week we looked at HONESTY in our buddy groups. Students discussed what honesty looks like as well as why it is important to be honest. 

Honesty is important because it helps us build trust with others. When we're honest, people can count on us to tell the truth and do the right thing, which makes our friendships and relationships stronger. Being honest also helps us feel good about ourselves, knowing that we've done what is right. Even when it’s hard, telling the truth shows that we are responsible and trustworthy, and it helps us avoid bigger problems later. Honesty is a way to show respect for others and for ourselves.

Well done to our Year 6 students for leading Buddy Groups so effectively.

As we get ready to enter Term 4 we would like to remind all parents and carers of the expectation around uniforms.

• Official St Peter’s socks must be worn. These are navy with the red trim at the top.

• Long socks and stockings can only be worn by girls with the pinafore.

• Sports jackets can only be worn on Wednesdays. Junior Primary may wear these only on very cold days and over the knitted jumper. This should not be necessary in Term 4.

• Sports shoes must be predominately white.

• Hats must be worn to play. Students wear the walking hat to and from school and their playground hat should remain at school. Please ensure these are washed as they come home over the holiday break and go straight in the bag. Check the child’s name is clear.

• Year 2 needing new uniforms for Term 4 may purchase the primary version of the uniform.

• Please be reminded that students should not be wearing jewellery apart from a plain coloured watch and simple gold or silver stud earrings for girls. Necklaces are not part of the school uniform. 

• Please also address hair length for boys over these holidays. Girls with hair touching shoulders should be tied up with a navy ribbon or the new school ribbons offered at Ranier.

As we begin Term 4, teachers will be monitoring uniforms closely and communicate with you via the diary of any concerns. We will have uniform checks regularly. Please click on the link to review the images.

Uniform Guidelines

Miss Leanne Burns - School Chaplain

On Tuesday the school held a fabulous ‘STEAM’ day looking at the wonders of Science and Technology. The students had so much fun and were involved in great hands-on learning. The staff did an amazing job of putting together and running the day.

One of the questions children often ask is, “How does belief in God and Science fit together?” Quite often they can mistakenly think that God and Science don’t go together. Belief in God, they assume, is about faith and Science is about facts. But Christians believe that God created our amazing universe and He gave us minds and the ability to explore and discover His creation. Did you know that Isaac Newton was a Christian?

I have recently read an excellent book by a guy called Glen Scrivener called ‘The Air We Breathe’ in which he points out the influence Christianity has had on the world for the past 2000 years. The link below is Glen talking about ‘Science’.

Youtube Clip

There are some great children’s books that help children discover the link between God and Science including a book by Louie Giglio, ‘Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science' which will help kids discover the incredible creation of our indescribable God.

Children who are fascinated with the world around them, nature, and the earth will deepen their faith as they explore God's Word. These 100 devotions encourage awe and appreciation for God's creativity with an in-depth look at these categories:

·       Space, galaxies, planets, and stars

·       Earth, geology, oceans, and weather

·       Animals, from hummingbirds to dinosaurs

·       Our minds, bodies, and imaginations

This book is helpful for children, ages 5–10 years old.

“Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens tell the glory of God. And the skies announce what His hands have made." It's impossible to out-imagine God. He orchestrates time, creates light, and speaks things into existence—from the largest stars to the smallest starfish. God is the powerful, purposeful, personal, and unparalleled Creator”. Louie Giglio

On Wednesday afternoon, the Heart students opened the doors to their very own art gallery, inviting parents to journey through a kaleidoscope of creativity. The exhibition was a visual symphony, with artwork as varied as the imaginations behind it: vibrant oil pastels, textured acrylic paintings and whimsical sponge art all competed for attention. Drawings inspired by acrostic poetry wove words into pictures, while animal-inspired word art brought wild creatures to life. Traditional Aboriginal art, abstract sketches and sprawling hills and landscapes added depth, inviting viewers to explore new perspectives. Self-portraits captured the students’ evolving sense of identity, turning each canvas into a personal mirror.

The pieces were thoughtfully curated in themed clusters, with teachers offering insights into the techniques and inspirations behind each piece. As families wandered through the gallery, they became part of a living dialogue between artist and viewer, the students proudly explaining their work while taking in the unique visions of their peers. Like the final brushstroke on a masterpiece, the event concluded with an afternoon tea, bringing together art, community and celebration in one colourful afternoon.

Mrs Kasie Bingham - Sports Administrator

IPSSO Inter-School Sport will resume in Term 4. The existing Summer teams from Term 1 will continue their season.

Please see Term 4 Draw for game information. Training will run in the mornings at 8am. Students are to wait quietly at Gate A (OSHC Gate).

Students will receive their uniforms next Wednesday. The items of uniform are to be cared for and treated as if it were your own purchase. The uniforms are numbered and students receiving it will have their names documented against each number. Any items not returned, lost or damaged will need to be replaced at your own cost.

A friendly reminder that students are required to arrive at and depart from school each Wednesday in their full St Peter's Sports Uniform, inclusive of sport socks. They will change into the IPSSO uniform at an allocated time throughout the day in time for competition.

On Tuesday, 10th September, two teams of students represented St Peter’s in the Todd Woodbridge Tennis Tournament in Wollongong. It was a hard battle, and we are excited that our Stage 2 team placed 2nd! 

These students are now in training as they prepare for the Regional Playoffs in Ulladulla next term. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Xavier B in Year 4 who has recently returned from competing at Football in Europe. 

Xavier was selected to represent CityRoos U11 team at the Moerdijk International Cup in the Netherlands, where the team placed 5th out of 20 European clubs; placing ahead of the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, PSV, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. 

A highlight of the tournament was beating Arsenal 3:1 in the knockout stages.

The boys performed so well, playing against top European teams who have played at this elite level together for years. Australia was definitely the underestimated team and to place 5th was an amazing achievement! 

Over the holidays, multiple sporting organisations run day camps and sports workshops. This is a great way for children to continue to develop in the skills and sports they love. Visit your local council and sports club websites to find further sporting holiday training opportunities!

Sydney Thunder Cricket Clinic – Macarthur Region at Kirkham Oval - Elderslie:

Register now for the Sydney Thunder Cricket Clinic on Tuesday 1st October 2024 at Kirkham Oval, Elderslie.

The school holiday program is an action packed 6 hours of fun cricket activities for boys & girls 7-12 years old.  Develop skills with variety of tailored drills, activities, and modified matches.

Stay active these school holidays.

The Thunder Bus will be there on the day with its activations for the participants

Cost: $100.00 and every participant will receive a Free Sydney Thunder Pack.

Accredited coaches will be on hand for the older participants and Cricket Blast Coordinators will be on hand for the younger ones.

Details:

• Date – 1 October 2024

• Time – 9am-3pm

• Venue – Kirkham Oval

• Price - $100

• Registration link - https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/3c00df

This offering is a useful way to upskill and build confidence in your younger participants, particularly your Cricket Blast participants who are almost ready for Stage 1 Junior Cricket. Couldn’t recommend more in trying to leverage this offering to initiate their journey of transitioning from Cricket Blast to Stage 1.

Macarthur Bulls Holiday Clinics:

The Macarthur Bulls are holding free holiday clinics during the holidays.

There will be a clinic on 11th of October at Lynwood Park.

Register Here

This term has been an exciting and busy one in Year 4. We have explored Australia's neighbouring countries, taking a closer look at the challenges they face and the opportunities available to them. This has given students a broader understanding of the world around them. Currently, we are diving into the fascinating differences in celebrations around the globe, encouraging students to appreciate and experience the richness of diverse cultures. By exposing students to unique customs and traditions, we hope to inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the wide range of experiences beyond their own.

In English, students are deeply engaged in the study of Charlotte's Web (4S and 4T) and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (4M), using various comprehension strategies to delve into the text. These strategies help them to connect with the story on a deeper level, exploring themes, characters, and the author's message. In Maths, the focus is on mastering multiplication times tables, as well as honing their skills in addition and subtraction algorithms. Additionally, students are exploring the properties of two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects, enhancing their spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities. These foundational skills are essential for their ongoing mathematical development.

On STEAM Explosion Day, Year 4 students had the exciting opportunity to explore the concepts of push and pull forces by designing and building their own catapults. Through hands-on experimentation, they investigated how these forces work together to launch objects, gaining a deeper understanding of the principles of Physics in a fun and engaging way. This activity reinforced their knowledge of motion and mechanics and encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration as they worked to create the most effective designs. Students also explored the design of a spider’s web, considering the Mathematics and Physics behind these amazing structures. Using watercolours, oil pastels and wax crayons, Year 4 created their own spiderwork artworks. They considered the chemical properties of the ingredients in oil pastels and wax crayons to make predictions about the best resource for their artworks. This special day also gave students the chance to observe the physical reaction of water on citric acid and experience the release of refreshing eucalyptus through steam. They mixed and created their own shower steamers while learning about the calming and medicinal properties of our native eucalyptus oil, used for hundreds of years by our First Nations peoples. Students eagerly waited for the time when their shower steamers would be ready to take and use at home!

“I really enjoyed STEAM Explosion Day because the three activities we did were very interesting and fun to participate in” - James, 4M

“STEAM Explosion Day was exciting because we got to make catapults and have fun with our friends while learning about Science” - Layla, 4M

Mrs Jenn Thomas, Mrs Anne McPherson, Miss Natalie Maine, Miss Lexie Cartledge (Practicum Teacher), and Mr Peter Stevenson

• Please pray for our Year 6 students as they finish their Exhibition and get ready to present it next Tuesday night. We are thankful for the efforts of the students, teachers, and other mentors in getting them to this point. 
• Please pray for the end of term and restful, safe holidays for everyone in our community. 
• We are thankful to God for a fantastic term with all that has happened and all the opportunities our students have been able to undertake. 

Term 3

Monday, 22 July 2024 - Friday, 27 September 2024

Please see the Campbelltown Anglican School Term Dates for 2025 and 2026.