Term 1, Weeks 5 & 6 2022

Year 5 Scholarships

Mrs Michelle McDonnell - Principal

Applications for 2023 Preparatory School Scholarships will open on Monday, 14 March 2022. These scholarships are for students entering Year 5 in 2023, in the following categories:

Academic
Music
All Rounder
Life Through Christ

Information regarding these scholarships along with the Application Form will be available on the school website.

Applications close on Friday, 8 April 2022.

2023 Admissions

It has been wonderful to welcome many new and exisiting families to our school this week at our 2023 Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Year 7 Information Sessions and Tours.

Families braved the wet weather to learn more about our wonderful Middle School, including hearing first hand from Year 7 students about their experiences thus far. Families of current students in Year 6 are reminded that they need to apply for Year 7 via our website.

Our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten event introduced many new families to our wonderful school community and Early Learning programmes. Pre-Kindergarten interviews begin tomorrow, Saturday, 12 March 2022 and we are looking forward to meeting our 2023 Pre-Kindergarten cohort.

We encourage existing families to ensure they have completed an application form for younger siblings.

St Peter's Bus Service

St Peter's runs three bus services, transporting students from many suburbs around the Macarthur Area.

Our buses currently have stops in the following suburbs:

Ingleburn Bus Route:

Ingleburn, Minto, Leumeah, Ruse, Campbelltown, Bradbury

Harrington Park Bus Route:

Harrington Park, Elderslie, Spring Farm, Mt Annan, Currans Hill, Macarthur Heights, Macarthur Square, Glen Alpine Rosemeadow, St Helen's Park

Oran Park / Gregory Hills Bus Route:

Oran Park, Gregory Hills, Claymore, Eaglevale, Kearns, Raby, St Andrew's, Campbelltown, Woodbine, Blair Athol

Further information regarding specific bus stops can be found on the Bus Service Procedure, please click here to view.

Bookings can be made on a permanent or casual basis by completing the following Bus Booking Link.

Winter Uniforms

As we move into the second half of Term 1, families are reminded that this would be a good time to begin considering the purchase of Winter Uniforms.

Our School Shop has many of these items in stock, with more to come over the coming weeks. Orders for clothing that is not in stock, can be made, with items delivered to classrooms as they arrive. As we are still operating our shop by appointment, it would be appreciated if families could contact our School Office to organise the purchase of winter items that may be required. Orders can also be made via email.

As we move to a trans-seasonal school uniform, red tracksuit pants will be available, however, not compulsory throughout Term 2 and 3 for our Preparatory School Students.

Harmony Day 2022

Harmony Day will occur on Monday, 21 March 2022.

St Peter's will be celebrating this special day through an assembly, cultural dress and activities designed to increase appreciation of the day.

Students are encouraged to wear cultural dress or orange - the official Harmony Day colour - on the day.

If your child is able to perform a dance or song representing your culture, and would be willing to do this as part of the assembly, please email:

Miss Maine (nmaine@stpeters.nsw.edu.au).

We will also have the school memory verse recited in multiple languages. If your child is able to do this in your home language, please contact Miss Maine for this also.

NAPLAN - Coordinated Practice Session

Students in Years 3, 5 & 7 will participate in the Coordinated Practice Session (CPS) on Thursday, 24 March 2022, at 11:30am.

The purpose of this is to test the technical capacity of the platform, nationwide. Students will require a pair of headphones for this event.

The CPS is an omnibus test, providing students with a range of questions across literacy and numeracy, which will support their familiarisation and navigation of the testing platform. Parents should note that academic data is not collected from these sessions.

St Peter's recognises NAPLAN as one of many assessment strategies utilised within the school. First and foremost, we value the wellbeing of our students. Time will be allocated in classrooms to prepare students, to empower them with technical confidence for these upcoming assessments.

Further information will be provided to participating families at the commencement of Term 2. Should you have any questions, please consult your child's teacher as your first point of contact.

Mathematics & how you can help at home

The International Baccalaureate is built on a constructivist theory of learning, that is that students learn best by 'doing'. Our teachers intentionally plan learning experiences, considering the prior knowledge of students, the content we are required to teach and real world experiences. As adults, we don't compartmentalise our lives by subject area, we combine 'school subjects' into all that we do. At St Peter's we help our students to make connections across the varied subjects (transdisciplinary approach).

Mathematics is a key area of all that we do in daily life, and we are continuously striving to ensure our learning experiences in Mathematics are dynamic and inspiring. In fact, the teaching of Mathematics is currently a key focus for all teachers in the Preparatory School.

I have currently been looking into the evidence based research of Mathematics Anxiety, and our responsibility as both educators and parents alike, in supporting our students to develop a growth mindset in Mathematics. If we project negativity and criticism of Mathematics in front of our students / children, we are impacting the way they think about the subject. Where we intentionally make Mathematics relevant, engaging and enjoyable, students will begin to make strong connections and desire to know more, maintaining an increasing 'can do' approach.

Parents are encouraged to review the article, by Firefly Education, that outlines ways families can support their child's development in Mathematics: https://www.fireflyeducation.com.au/support/articles/exploring-maths-outside-the-classroom--how-parents-can-help

Prayer Points

Pray for those within our school community impacted by the heavy rainfall and flooding over recent weeks.
Give thanks for the continued easing of restrictions and the opportunity for our parent community to be present on site for school events such as Chapel, Assembly and face to face interviews.

School Calendar

Term 1

Monday, 31 January 2022 - Friday, 8 April 2022

Saturday, 12 March 2022

9.00am - 9.30am: School Tour
9.00am - 10.00am: 2023 Pre-Kindergarten Interviews

Week 7

Tuesday, 15 March 2022

SASSA Swimming (Year 7)
9.00am - 9.30am: Junior Primary Chapel
2.30pm - 3.00pm: Primary Chapel
3.30pm - 8.00pm: Parent Teacher Student Conference (Pre - Kindergarten to Year 7)

Wednesday, 16 March 2022

11.30am - 12.20pm: Junior Rep Sport Vs St Gregs
12.20pm - 1.20pm: Senior Rep Sport Vs St Gregs

Thursday, 17 March 2022

2023 Kindergarten Interviews
9.15am - 2.15pm: Year 2 (2C) Wollondilly Heritage Centre Visit

Friday, 18 March 2022

9.00am - 9.30am: Primary Assembly

Week 8

Monday, 21 March 2022

Harmony/International Day

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

Pre-Kindergarten 2023 Interviews
9.00am - 9.30am: Junior Primary Chapel
2.30pm - 3.00pm: Primary Chapel

Wednesday, 23 March 2022

Book Fair
8.30am - 10.30am: Western Sydney University (Year 7 Science Lab)
11.45am - 12.35pm: Junior Rep Sport Vs Mount Annan Christian College
1.00pm - 2.00pm: Senior Rep Sport Vs Mount Annan Christian College

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Whole School Chapel

Friday, 25 March 2022

9.00am - 9.30am: Junior Primary Assembly

The Middle School @ St Peter’s

It is excellent to see the very healthy position that St Peter’s continues to be in. This week, we have held our Years 7 and 8 - 2023 Information Evening, which was a great success. Our Year 7 students were involved in the evening and Mr Kelshaw led a very informative session highlighting the strength of our offering in the Middle School and answering a variety of questions.

There was something that brought me great joy, as Headmaster. The three highest priorities (non negotiables) for both parents and students shared were:

1.	Qualtity Teachers
2.	Learning Oportunities
3.	Christian Focus

I highlight the strength of our teaching faculty every chance I get. They are outstanding, committed and passionate.

We are a learning community, we are here to learn, to grow, to develop, to improve.

We are a Christian community - here to unpack, understand and explore Life through Christ.

It is encouraging to see we are nearing three classes for Year 7 in 2023. Our aim is to be a three stream Secondary School.

Enrolments have started and places are being offered. Existing families are encouraged to ensure they have submitted their application to enrol as soon as possible.

School Cross Country

Due to wet weather conditions, the School Cross Country Carnival was postponed.

A tentative new date has been set for Tuesday, 22 March 2022 at Mount Annan Botanical Gardens, though ongoing wet weather conditions means this is yet to be finally confirmed. Stay tuned.

International Baccalaureate

Following our application earlier this year, we have this week received confirmation that St Peter’s is now officially a candidate school offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the IB.

This is a wonderful reflection of our learning community and the work already invested in our Middle School offering.

It is expected that we will be a candidate school through 2022 and 2023, prior to applying for authorisation.

Mr Kelshaw will be sharing a little more about the MYP at our Information Sessions which have been rescheduled. Please see the section later in the newsletter for details.

IPSHA Cross Country

The IPSHA Cross Country Carnival is currently due to be held on the morning of Saturday, 26 March 2022 at The King’s School, North Parramatta.

Pre-Kindergarten 2023

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Information evening was held this week. It is always wonderful to hear why families are choosing St Peter's for their children.

Interviews commence tomorrow, Saturday, 12 March 2022. If you haven't yet submitted your application for 2023, please do so as soon as possible. We’d hate for existing families to miss out.

School Swimming Carnival

House Competition – Final points tally based on race results:

1st	2nd	3rd
ARGYLE (137 pts)	CUMBERLAND (107 pts)	COOK (92 pts)

House Spirit award – based on cheering & sportsmanship

1st	2nd	3rd
COOK	ARGYLE	CUMBERLAND

Congratulations to all students, staff & parents involved. It was a great day at Bradbury pool.

School Carnival - Age Champions

Jnr Girls

1st	2nd	3rd
Imogen C.	Rhythm D.	Mia T.

Jnr Boys

1st	TIED 2nd
William P.	Cooper E. & Luca M.

11 Girls

1st	2nd	3rd
Skyla H.	Audrey S.	Matilda T.

11 Boys

1st	2nd	3rd
Andrew Z.	Lachlan C.	Benny O’C.

12 Girls

1st	2nd	3rd
Ella Mm.	Matilda S.	Paityn J.

12 Boys

1st	2nd	TIED 3rd
Thomas B.	Elijah H.	Kobe J. & Cooper M.

IPSHA Swimming Carnival

IPSHA Swimming Carnival was held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Tuesday, 1 March 2022. St Peter’s had 19 students compete across 5 different events.

It was inspiring to see the determination and effort displayed by our swimmers. Many achieved either a ribbon in their heat or improved on their school swimming times.

Well done to all students who represented our school!

Staffing Needs

The school is seeking applications for the following positions:

School Nurse (Full Time or Part Time)
General Assistant - Facilities (Full Time or Part Time)
Bus Driver (Part Time)
Casual Teachers
Cafe Assistant - Part Time / Casual

If you are aware of committed Christians who are seeking work, please have them review the employment page on our website for details on how to apply.

Smart Watches

The School has a policy where school phones are signed into the Office throughout the day. With the ongoing popularity of smart watches, these will need to be signed into the Office throughout the school day also.

Thanks for your understanding.

Pete’s Cafe

Pete’s Cafe is returning soon, with a new coffee machine and some new options. Look out for details soon.

School Shop Sale

Our large St Peter’s Umbrellas are on sale now for only $10 each.

The red St Peter’s sport caps are on sale now for only $10 each.

Both available through Reception of the School Shop, while stocks last.

2022 Student Residential Address and Other Information

Under the requirements of the Australian Education Act and the associated Australian Education Regulation 2013, St Peter's Anglican Grammar is required to provide certain information about the school, it's staff, and student body to ensure the school's funding is properly calculated and appropriately managed.

The attached infromation is to advise that we will be providing this required information to the Department of Education.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

In some exciting news, St Peter's has been accepted by the International Baccalaureate Organisation as a school that can deliver the Middle Years Programme (MYP). This is a long awaited development for the school and supports our desire to offer students a rigorous future focused learning experience. The MYP is a curriculum framework that guides the delivery of the various NSW syllabi. It focuses learning on concepts that are applicable in all areas of life and learning. An example of this in practice is in PDHPE lessons students learn about goal setting in sport and dance. The goal setting skills they develop can be used not just in PDHPE classes but also when saving for a house deposit, developing a project plan or working towards a PHD.

Online Safety

One of the significant challenges we face as parents in the 21st century is managing a healthy balance of screen time for our children. Many young people are spending an ever increasing amount of time online. There are lots of benefits in children utilising connected devices to learn and play, but there are also risks. As parents and carers, we have an opportunity to support and guide our children to avoid online risks and manage a healthy balance.

Below are some helpful tips from the eSafety Commissioner that may be of assistance in supporting your child/ren to better navigate the online world:

Build an open and trusting relationship around technology. Keep communication open and supportive so your child knows they can come to you if something goes wrong or does not feel right online.

Where possible, co-view with your child online. This will help you better understand what they are doing and why they enjoy an app, game or website, as well as providing a great opportunity to start conversations about online safety.

Use devices in open areas of the home. This can help you manage and be aware of who your child interacts with online through phones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles and other connected devices.

Know the apps, games and social media sites your kids are using, making sure they are age-appropriate, and learn how to limit or monitor messaging or online chat and location-sharing functions within apps or games. Restrict who can contact your child or ask them to check in with you before accepting new friends.

Lastly, consider creating a family tech agreement. This is a set of rules about how devices, like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles are used in your home. It is written down and agreed to by all family members and kept in a place where everyone can see it, such as on the fridge. Consider making some ‘rules for parents’ too and stick to them! Model behaviour that you would like to see.

For further online advice for parents and carers please follow the link below.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice