Mrs Michelle McDonnell - Principal

We have had an exciting week. It was lovely to host our grandparents visiting classrooms and attending our music performances. It is clear that these relationships are special and a blessing to our students. 

This time of year often brings a mix of excitement and anticipation as we approach end-of-year events and celebrations. I am grateful for the collective engagement of all school community members during this time and appreciate the time put into these events. Further details will continue to be shared for our presentation events and final assemblies. Our focus remains on supporting students to finish the year feeling proud of all they’ve accomplished.

I encourage our students to keep up the wonderful efforts they show. Teachers are working tirelessly to deliver lessons that deepen understanding and build the skills that students will carry with them into the next grade. For our Year 6 students, this is a particularly significant time, as they participate in some ‘lasts’ for their primary schooling. We look forward to celebrating them in the coming weeks.

Please be reminded that the new date for this event is Friday, 15 November. Parent helpers from our first date have been asked to contact the school if this new date is not suitable for them to assist.

We look forward to welcoming our community once again for this special evening on Friday, 22 November in the school playground. Gates will open at 5.30pm. Carols will begin at 7.30pm and our students in attendance will perform a special song they have been learning. Bring your picnic rugs, camp chairs and singing voices. Food trucks are available for your dinner purchases. See the flyer attached for further details.

Next Monday is Remembrance Day. We will spend some time during our Primary Assembly to reflect on this date. Our Prefect body will also be attending the service in Mawson Park, along with Mrs Hadfield, to represent our school.

Mrs Angela Simpson will finish up on staff at the end of this year as she is making a move to Leppington Anglican College. Mrs Simpson will be sadly missed as her enthusiasm for teaching students and care for others are qualities we have admired during her time at St Peter’s.

Please see further detail in this newsletter regarding this program that St Peter’s continues to contribute to, as a way to show care and compassion to our local community. Donations can be made up until Friday, 29 November 2024.

Mrs Nerida Hadfield - Deputy Principal

We have had an incredible fortnight at our school, filled with opportunities, challenges, and celebrations. We were delighted to spend time with the students who will be joining our Pre-Kindergarten next year during our Story and Play sessions. Kindergarten had an enjoyable excursion to Calmsley City Farm, while Swim School has continued to show great progress, with students making impressive strides. Buddy Brainstorms have also been ongoing, with students sharing wonderful new ideas. Grandparents' Day was truly amazing, and the Music Festival was outstanding. We are so proud of our students for the warm way they welcome visitors and for the joy they bring to our school.

It was a truly beautiful day as we welcomed over 400 grandparents to our school to share in their grandchildren's learning experiences. They were treated to an impressive showcase of our music ensembles, including performances by the band, strings, and choir. Morning tea in the hall playground provided a delightful opportunity to connect and enjoy one another's company. Classroom visits followed, where students were thrilled to share their learning spaces with their loved ones. The Book Fair was bustling with generous grandparents purchasing countless books. We are sure they left with warm hearts, tired bodies, and lighter wallets! Thank you so much for coming—we loved having you with us.

Last Monday night was an incredible showcase of talent as our musical groups took the stage for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. The Combined Orchestra opened the event, filling the hall with beautiful melodies. The Primary and Junior Primary Choirs sang with energy and enthusiasm, captivating the audience with their delightful performances. The strings section impressed everyone, guiding us on a musical journey through their pieces. The bands have grown in both size and skill, performing with remarkable enthusiasm. Our Vocal Ensemble sang with sweetness, and the joy on their faces was heartwarming to see. A special surprise performance by the staff added an extra touch of excitement and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The night was truly spectacular and a testament to the dedication and talent of all the students involved.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff who helped make the evening a success, with special recognition to Mr Stoicescu for his outstanding organisation and to Mr Connell for his supportive role and technical expertise.

Please be reminded that parents are invited to attend next Wednesday, 13 November to observe the lesson. The pool staff have advised that there will be a $3.50 entry fee for parents. The students are looking forward to sharing their progress and I am sure you will be very proud of them.

The times for classes is listed below:

• 2R and Heart  9.30am -10.10am
• 2C and 2G  10.10am -10.50am
• 1L and 1S  11.10am -11.50am
• 1M and 1R  11.50am -12.30pm

Mrs Jamie Nielson - Head of Teaching & Learning / PYP Coordinator

During Term 4, St Peter’s offers a range of experiences to support our youngest learners as they begin their journey into formal schooling. We recognise that preparation is essential and providing our students with the best opportunity to thrive in their early years is a central part of the transition program at St Peter’s. 

Over the past two weeks, we have welcomed our 2025 Pre-Kindergarten students to our Story and Play sessions. Mrs Trotter, one of our amazing Pre-Kindergarten teachers, thoughtfully prepared a variety of play-based activities to give our future students a glimpse into the exciting things that await them in 2025. She shared a story and led a creative activity, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning. These events provided a wonderful opportunity for our new students and their families to familiarise themselves with St Peter’s, meet some of our staff (and future Pre-Kindergarten friends), and ease any nerves they may have about starting school.

In all elements of our Pre-Kindergarten program, we value the foundational role that the early years of education play in supporting our students’ learning and wellbeing during their time at St Peter’s and beyond. We recognise that each child brings unique interests, strengths and prior experiences that help to shape the person who God created them to be. Our Pre-Kindergarten teachers are dedicated to embracing and nurturing the individuality of each child, facilitating learning experiences that engage and challenge their growing minds.

As a play-based, inquiry-driven program, we approach all areas of the curriculum through this lens, offering ‘invitations’ for students to learn through play. Recognising that we are preparing our students for the structure and routine of formal schooling, our teachers carefully balance play with skill-building activities, helping children transition smoothly while fostering a love of learning.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue to prioritise a smooth and positive transition into the 2025 school year, not only for our Pre-Kindergarten students but for all students across our school. Our Class Orientation and Meet the Teacher events are essential parts of this transition process, focusing on student care and wellbeing. Providing students with the opportunity to meet their new teacher and classmates before the new year begins helps us ensure a positive experience as they move from one year to the next. There's always a buzz of excitement on the day students meet their new teacher, and we know this experience will greatly support their transition.

We look forward to holding our Class Orientation and Meet the Teacher events for 2025 on the following dates:

Pre-Kindergarten: 

• Tuesday, 19 November 2024 - 9.30 am - 11.00 am

• Thursday, 21 November 2024 - 9.30 am - 11.00 am 

Kindergarten:

• Tuesday, 3 December 2024 - 11.30 am - 12.30 pm

• Thursday, 5 December 2024 - 11.30 am - 12.30 pm

Years 1-6:

• Thursday, 5 December 2024 - 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm

Miss Leanne Burns - School Chaplain

On Monday, 4 November this week, Honey and I celebrated her 10th birthday. I remember the day I bought her so clearly. After a full day of shopping together, my sister and my (then 13 year old) niece persuaded me to drop into the Narellan Pet shop to look at the puppies. My sister had wanted me to get a dog for a long time; I was warming to the idea but definitely did not want a puppy. Puppies can be expensive, they take a lot of time and energy. Puppies need lots of attention and the expenses can keep adding up and up. 

I said to my sister something like, “I am happy to look but I am not going to commit to the time and expense of owning a puppy”. Famous last words!

The puppies were playing and whimpering in their pen. A lady was standing near the counter cradling a tiny puppy that was calm and settled, she passed her to me for a hold. The puppy looked at me and licked my chin and that was it. I thought to myself, "You are mine."

I was so sure I wasn’t buying a puppy that day that I had left my wallet in the car. As I walked out of the shop to get my wallet I paused and panic ran through me; Do I really want to do this? My life will be turned upside down. I am very thankful that I did; life was turned upside down but the joy and happiness she has brought me far outweighs the cost.

When it comes to following Jesus there is a huge cost. Jesus offers salvation as a free gift but being His follower (a Christian) is very costly. Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 16:24 and 25 , “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity]." Amplified Bible 

I clearly remember the day when I became a follower of Christ. I knew it would be costly in terms of the disapproval of friends, the change in life priorities including how I used my time, money and energy. The commitment of being part of a Church family. But when I met Jesus in His Word the Bible, I knew that what He offered was too good to walk away from. I can truly say that the joy of knowing Jesus far outweighs the cost.

Mrs Kasie Bingham - Sports Administrator

As the weather warms up, now is the time to start training for our Swimming Carnival on Friday, 7 February (Week 2, Term 1) 2025. To participate competitively in our School Swimming Carnival races, students aged from 8 years must safely swim, in a recognised stroke, to the end of a 50m length Olympic pool without stopping or requiring assistance.

Learning to swim is an important life skill. Not only does experience and correct technique save children’s lives near bodies of water, it also teaches life skills that aren’t limited to the pool. As a child revels in their progress and success, they will gain a confidence within themselves that continues once they step out of the water and into other aspects of their lives. 

Please take the time to read Why Every Child Should Learn To Swim, Kids Alive, and consider pathways for your child to improve their swimming ability and participate in competitive swimming at our next Carnival in the new year.

Week 3 - v. St Gregory’s College

Week 4 - v. Broughton Anglican College

Congratulations to Lachlan S in Year 3 who competed at the NSWPSSA All Schools Athletics Championships this week. It is encouraging to see competition in the Multi-Class category from para-athletes continue to grow. Mixed within the Junior ages 8-10 events, Lachlan continued to set Personal Bests in his track and field events. 

Competing against up to 30 students in his age category from every Primary School across the state of NSW, we celebrate Lachlan's overall results with him!

8-10 Years Boys Multiclass 100m - 22nd

8-10 Years Boys Multiclass 200m - 19th

8-10 Years Boys Multiclass Shot Put - 19th

8-10 Years Boys Multiclass Long Jump - 9th

8-10 Years Boys Multiclass Discus -  17th

The IPSHA Gymnastics Competition on Thursday, 31 October, saw a sophisticated display of athleticism and dedication from our talented gymnasts, who had been training for months in preparation. 

Our Level 1 Division 3 team, consisting of Zoe T, Jessica S, and Grace A, competed strongly, finishing 4th overall. Meanwhile, in Level 2 Division 3, Emma Z, Shelley Z, Alison A, and Everly V gave their best efforts, securing 5th place as a team. Sophia K and Alyssa F also put on an impressive performance in Level 3 Division 3, finishing 6th. Isobel represented our school as an individual competitor in Level 5, showcasing her skills for us all to look up to. In the Men's Gymnastics competition, Isaac C made an impressive debut, placing 2nd for all apparatus. His standout performance came on vault, where he delivered his best routine.

Among the many excellent performances, Jessica S and Emma Z emerged as our top performers of the day, showing exceptional skill and determination. While we are still awaiting individual scores and placings, the day was a testament to the hard work and commitment of all our gymnasts, along with Mr Vernon, Mr Calnan and Mrs Bingham as coaches, who gave it their all.

Students have the opportunity to trial for mixed school state sports teams throughout the year. 

If you have a child who will be in Years 5 and 6 in 2025, who is already involved in a Club Sport Representative or Development team/workshop, please fill in the Student Sports Talent EOI Form. There are many opportunities for students excelling at representative level to trial for Independent Schools State Teams throughout the year that include:

• Cricket

• Tennis

• Boys Basketball

• Girls Basketball

• Boys Touch Football

• Girls Football (Soccer)

• Boys Football (Soccer)

• Girls Netball

• Rugby Union

• Boy’s Field Hockey

• Girls Field Hockey

• Rugby League

• Golf

• Boys and Girls Softball

• Competition Gymnastics (For students in Years 3-6)

Students must be already competing and excelling at a State level outside of school. Entries are limited, so school trials may need to take place.

Friday of Week 3 saw Kindergarten head off on their long awaited excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm, to discover the different food and clothing products that come from the farm. 73 very excited children boarded the buses and drove to Abbotsbury for a day of fun and adventure. Each class was assigned a farmer for the day, who took them on a guided tour of the farm. Some of the animals we saw included goats, pigs, cows, turkeys, chickens, donkeys, peacocks and snakes. Our favourite activities were the nursery where we could pat the lambs and kids, the whip cracking show, and the sheep shearing display. Most of the children were also keen to try milking the cow. The Kindergarten teachers were so grateful for the assistance of eight parent helpers on the day, who helped to ensure that all the children had a wonderful and safe experience. The children have come back to school with a lot more knowledge and understanding about the products that come from farms. 

This Christmas, once again we’re collecting food and gifts for those who are doing it tough. Our partnership with Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker aims to share the joy of Christmas with families who would otherwise go without.  Last year Toys ‘n’ Tucker delivered 4,000 toy hampers and 5,000 gift hampers directly into the hands of our local community. 

Even the smallest donation can make the biggest impact!

Drop off your donations at the office and let’s come together as a community, reflecting God’s love and generosity to those who are most vulnerable.

If you are wondering what to give here are some suggestions: Donation Ideas

St Peter's will be collecting donations from Monday, 11 November 2024 till Friday, 29 November 2024. Please come and place donations under the Christmas tree in the office.

• We are thankful for a great Year 1 and 2 camp at Wedderburn Christian Campsite, where students were able to get outside and enjoy the bush.
• Give thanks for the fabulous Music Festival on Monday night. Thank God for the gift of music, the talents and the hard work of students and staff. Thank Him, too, for the love and support of parents.
• Give thanks for a wonderful Grandparents' Day. Thank God for the love, generosity and support that grandparents give to our school community.

Term 4

Monday, 14 October 2024 - Wednesday, 11 December 2024