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FAREWELL TO STAFF LEAVING ST PETER'S
As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank and say goodbye to staff who will be leaving us at the end of the year. Today at our assembly, we acknowledged their commitment to our school and thanked them for their time with us.
- Holly Swadling, who has been a special part of our teaching staff for the past 2 years, is moving away to Newcastle to be closer to family and prepare for her wedding next year.
- Liam Baker, who has been part of our school for the past 3 years, will be taking up a teaching position at Manning Gardens Primary school in Taree.
- Nikki Parsons, who has been part of our Indigenous Education Team this year, will continue her work at St Joseph’s in a more full time capacity, so sadly we will not have her with us.
These lovely staff members will be greatly missed at St Peter’s, but we wish them a wonderful year ahead and hope that our paths cross again in the future.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank staff who have been wonderful members of our team, and while they are not moving away, finish their temporary positions on staff at the end of the year. We know that they will continue to work with us in a casual capacity, so we look forward to them continuing to support our students.
- Janice Mathews - Learning Assistant in Year 1 on Fridays in 2023
- Alison Ralph - Teacher in Year 1 on Fridays in Semester 2 2023
Fran Cullen
As you will know from a previous communication to families, Fran Cullen who has been the anchor and expert in our library for many years, is finishing her time at St Peter’s at the end of this year. Fran ensured that the library was well resourced, students and teachers were well supported in selecting books for their many learning needs, books held a place of prominence in our school and our lives, and we could never forget the efforts she went to in celebrating Book Weeks for all of this time. We will be celebrating Fran’s commitment to our school on Wednesday morning next week.
Families are very welcome to join us as we celebrate this wonderful lady.
ST PETER'S STAFF 2024
We would like to announce our staff for 2024 as we head into the last week of school for this year. Students will find out who their particular teachers and support people are next week on Tuesday 12th December, but you will see here our wonderful teams for 2024.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
| Principal | Tess Koning |
| Assistant Principal Mission | Rebecca Cameron |
| Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching | Karen Robson |
| Leader Pedagogy | Michael Gallery |
| Leader Inclusion | Kristy Robb |
| Leader Learning | Natalie McKenzie & Rachael Cullen |
| Leader Catechesis | Phoebe Morris |
| Leader Worship | Michelle Baird |
| Leader Pastoral Care | Kristy Robb |
| Leader Family Partnerships | Amanda Thomas |
| Leader Sport | Jeff Arkinstall |
TEACHERS AND LEARNING ASSISTANTS
| BLUE | RED | GREEN | LEARNING ASSISTANT | |
| Kindergarten | Natalie McKenzie & Emma Kelly | Phoebe Morris & Emma Kelly | Sharni Geary & Emma Kelly | Sarah Wotherspoon & Leisa Nardella |
| Year 1 | Leanne Kalchbauer | Natalie Stewart | Lauren Doherty & Olivia Gibb | Robyn Hodgson, Leisa Nardella & Lisa Hall |
| Year 2 | Kylie Kipreotis | Amanda Mowle & Amanda Thomas | Michelle Lawler & Amanda Thomas | Sue Stokes |
| Year 3 | Ashleigh Fowler | Michelle Baird & Amy Packer | Briody Tarbox | Flavia Easton & Sonya Coubrough |
| Year 4 | Angela Turner | Jeff Arkinstall | Rani Tink | Tara Abell & Sonya Coubrough |
| Year 5 | Justin Post | Katie Loveday | Alesha Johansson | Cathy Matheson & Anna Dures |
| Year 6 | Kyrah Ryan | Evan Murtagh | Rachael Cullen & Amy Packer | Belinda Hunter |
RFF TEAM
| Natalie Jennings | Robyn Lawrence | Amy Packer | Kathy Gilmour |
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION
| Jo Elliott | Annette Fuller | Leisa Merrick |
WELLBEING SUPPORT - PASTORAL CARE
| Kristy Robb | Katie Files | Rebecca Cameron | Leisa Nardella | Macleay Borger |
ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT
| Office | Chris Hickson, Annette Grant, Tracey Kirkman, Tamie Walker & Rebecca Gorham |
| Office Clerical | Kathy Moretti |
| Library | Amanda Ayres |
| ICT | Wayne Hamlin, Paul Banner & Susan Cameron |
| Canteen | Kathie Bailey & Jodie Brindle |
| Maintenance/Groundsman | Grant Fisher |
| Traffic Controller | Vicki Taylor |
MISSION
HARK THE ANGEL
Fr Paul invites our St Peter’s community to come and meet Hark the Angel at Sunday Mass this weekend! Hark is visiting to help us all prepare for Christmas, and like some cheeky elves we know, likes to hide in funny spots! So come along and see if you can spot Hark somewhere in our St Agnes’ Church this Sunday!
YEAR 6 GRADUATION MASS
Wednesday 13th December
Year 6 will celebrate their Graduation Mass on Wednesday, 13th December at St Agnes’ Church. We invite our school community to pray for our Year 6 students as they approach their final days of primary school.
Lord God,
We ask for your loving hand to be upon our Year 6 students as they graduate from primary school this week. Bless their lives from this day on with goodness and love.
Help them to stay true to their dreams, to use their gifts wisely, and to walk into the future with humility, justice and compassion.
Amen
CELEBRATING AND GIVING THANKS FOR OUR YEAR
Friday 15th December
St Peter’s will celebrate our end-of-year school Mass on Friday 15th December, the last day of school, at 9.30am in the Don Farrell Hall. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend.
ICAS RESULTS
Some of our Primary and Infants students recently participated in the UNSW Global ICAS Assessments. ICAS Assessments are designed to recognise academic excellence, students are assessed on their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
Today we congratulated the students for their achievements and in particular
Oliver Cowan in Year 2 on his HIGH DISTINCTION... Well done Oliver.
MATHEMATICS
| HIGH DISTINCTION | Oliver Cowan | Year 2 |
| CREDIT | Oliver McNeil and Hunter Pociask | Year 4 |
| James Dunn | Year 5 | |
| Judd Charet, William Ebbs, Jack Foye, Sofia McNeil, Charlotte Miles, Flynn Pociask and Sebastian Thomas | Year 6 | |
| MERIT | Otto Easton | Year 3 |
| Paolo O'Brien | Year 4 |
ONE MORE WEEK OF LEARNING FOR YEAR 6 2023 !!!
They finally made it! Year Six 2023 will be launching into their final week at St Peter’s after almost 7000 hours of learning and teaching! We wish Year Six 2023 all the best for the next chapter in their education journey!
 Tess Koning Principal |
 Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning |
 Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission |
Whole School TransitionTuesday 12th December12.30pm to 1.30pmChildren will meet their 2024 Teachers in their new space. Your child/ren bring home their MAI booking letter on this day.
Maths Assessment Interviews (MAI)Wednesday 31st January to Friday 2nd February 2024 Bookings MUST be made via Compass with your child's 2024 teacher.
How to book Your child's MAI via Compass - Click HERE Bookings will close 19 January 2024
Limited Child Supervision will be available (31 Jan - 2 Feb ) For Years 1 to 6 ONLY Bookings close 19 January 2024
Children in Years 1 to 6 will commence School onMonday 5th February 2024
Kindergarten 2024 Best Start and MAIKinder 2024 families will be sent an email next weekadvising how to book theirBest Start and MAI with their 2024 teacher.Best Start and MAI Dates Wednesday 31st January to Tuesday 6th February 2023
Kindergarten will commence School on Wednesday 7th February |
2024
| Tuesday 30th January | Administration Day For Staff |
| Wednesday 31st January to Friday 2nd February | Years 1 to 6 Maths Assessment Interviews |
| Wednesday 31st January to Tuesday 6th February | Kindergarten Best Start and Maths Assessment Interviews |
| Monday 5th February | Years 1 to 6 Commence |
| Wednesday 7th February | Kindergarten Commence |
PBS REWARDS DAY
Congratulations to all students striving every day to live out our 4 PBS values. We celebrated today by rewarding the students with a Silent Disco and a yummy Mr Whippy Ice Cream. The Virtual DJ Experience with 3 channels THE Disco Balls rolling AND glow sticks AND amazing costumes was certainly an experience to remember.
Enjoy the pictures of the students enjoying the rewards on offer at our annual Rewards Day for 2023.
SENIOR CHOIR PERFORM AT ST AGNES' CARE & LIFESTYLE VILLAGE
The Senior Choir had the pleasure of singing to the Residents at St Agnes' Care and Lifestyle Village on Wednesday. It was such a beautiful experience for the students to sing some Christmas Carols to the residents.
We wished them a very Merry Christmas and were blessed with a delicious ice cream to finish off the hot summer afternoon.
Amy Packer & Liam Baker
Senior Choir Teachers
ENHANCING FAITH THROUGH SPORT
“Life is empty without Jesus. He is the only one who can satisfy your heart.”
Dion Sanders, Colorado University Football Coach
SENSATIONAL SPORTING EVENT
Today we celebrated our NSW Representatives. It was a wonderful event and it was a great opportunity to bring our families together and celebrate the tradition of sport at St Peter’s. We will have a full rundown of the event in next week's Postman Pete. We have posted a number of images of the event on our St Peter’s Sports Facebook page. I would like to thank all our seven NSW State Representatives and also their families.
THE TRADITION CONTINUES
TUESDAY 12TH DECEMBER
At St Peter’s, we have many traditions. One which is close to my heart is the annual Staff V Year 6 Students Game. Over the years, the games have been volleyball, netball, basketball and minor games. This year, the House Captains have decided on Golden Child and Volleyball. The staff have already started training to ensure they reign supreme on December 12. The staff have been undefeated since 2015, and they will be ready for the big day. Did you know, Mr Arkinstall played basketball at the National level and while playing for Victoria Country, the team won the National Championship! The staff also have Mr Gallery and Mrs Lawler who were both very impressive volleyballers at school level. We encourage all families to come along and support. The games will be held on the basketball court at 2.00pm. If the weather is inclement, we will move to the Don Farrell Hall and play minor games.
UPCOMING SPORTS
Term 4
| Week 10 |
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YEAR 5 CAMP REFLECTIONS
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Over the course of two and a half days, the whole of Year 5 participated in a series of activities at The Great Aussie Bush Camp. From a 15 metre giant swing, to a very messy but enjoyable “Mud Run”, it was a truly memorable experience which we were all thankful to have taken part in. It has taught us many lessons, it has started new friendships, and has given us frequent adrenaline rushes! Overall, it was a great experience, and one that will never be forgotten by Year 5 2023. Joe Gornall |
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Year 5 camp was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced through my 6 years at St Peter's. One of my favourite activities that we did at camp was one called the Power Fan. Power fan was one of the new activities at The Great Aussie Bush Camp. It was so fun being able to do it with your best friend as it was two at a time. It really tested my fear, as you had to climb up a 13 metre telegraph pole and then do the leap of faith. Year five camp tested me to do things out of my comfort zone and experience activities that were new to me. Year 5 camp will be a thing that I will always cherish. Amaya Davis |
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Year 5 camp was one of the most exciting things that I have ever done at St Peter's. One of my favourite things we did was something called the giant swing. It was so fun having your classmates pull up to the top with a rope that was 15M tall and then you having to pull one to start swinging. This camp really pushed me to do things that I would not normally want to do but once you do an activity once you want to do it again and again. The food was pretty good, especially the hot dogs that we had for lunch on the last day. Year 5 camp was definitely the best thing I have ever done. Grace Halverson |
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My highlights about camp would be the duel flying fox and the giant swing, the reason I liked these activities the most was because of the experience of extending myself out of my comfort zone and the way it made me feel with the adrenaline rush. Even though some of the activities were sometimes scary or disgusting (mud run) they were all really fun. Lorali Bell |
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Year 5 camp was an amazing experience and here are three things I enjoyed the most. I enjoyed everything about camp but I most enjoyed the giant swing. With the giant swing, you would be in a harness, held between 3 pillars by 3 ropes. Your group would pull one of those ropes, pulling you up to the top of the pillar triangle. Then, you would pull a release cord and it would disconnect you from the rope your group would be pulling on, making you swing. I loved it because it was thrilling and the view was breathtaking. Another thing I enjoyed was the disco. At night, we all rode a bus to the rock climbing area and had a disco. There were bright, colourful lights illuminating the room and music blasting from the speakers. Everyone was dancing and singing along. After we finished the disco it was dark and raining outside and I found it funny how my friends were clinging to me because they were so scared of the lightning, thunder and the inky, creepy shadows all around. I loved it because I got to have a great time with my friends. I also liked the last day’s lunch. We had DELICIOUS hotdogs, listened to WONDERFUL music and had fun with friends, teachers and camp leaders. Overall, Year 5 camp was the best part of Year 5 so far (my favourite year too, sorry Year 4!) Hailey Venter |
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The third best thing at the great Aussie bush camp was the giant swing for me. It was scary when everyone was pulling you up and when you were about to pull the orange rope. But when you do and you go flying it is worth the suspense. The second best thing that we did at camp was the mud run. It was fun getting covered in mud and doing the obstacles but it wasn't fun when the electricity and water went out and we couldn't have showers for like 3 hours and had to do another activity in the muddy water clothes. The best thing that we did was the duel flying fox and the high ropes. It was fun going on the flying fox and over the dam. The high ropes were challenging at first but the more times that you did it the funnier it got. Mia Harris |
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Power Fan - I loved the power fan because when I climbed up to the top of the tower I was able to gaze upon the shimmering horizon. It was my favourite activity because the landscape was amazing. Giant Swing - The giant swing was very enjoyable because you got to swing through the air for a long time, and the only thing preventing this event from being my number one was the fact that we had to pull the rope that detached us from the rope above. Mud Run - The mud run was enjoyable because we covered our classmates in mud and we had many challenges to get to the end of the track. The only thing that I didn't enjoy was how many rocks got stuck in my shoes but overall it was the funniest camp anyone could attend. Beth Lucas |
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Camp 1- Giant Swing The giant swing was thrilling but scary. As everyone in your day group pulled a black rope you would ascend into the air diagonally and when you got to the height that you wanted to be dropped from you would pull a red rope and swing backwards. It was really scary because you had to commit to it yourself and pull the rope but after a few seconds it was less scary and more fun. 2- Power Fan The power fan was really just about taking the plunge and knowing that the rope would save you. The power fan had a pulley system that would constantly pull you up from the clip it was connected to on your back. After you had your harness on and were connected you would climb up this pole like a ladder with a friend. Once you got to the top you and your friend were platforms opposite to each other with a handrail you would cross your arms and jump off. The power fan was probably the scariest because of the height. 3- Duel Flying Fox The duel flying fox wasn't as scary as the giant swing or the power fan but was really fun. You and your friend would walk up stairs to a platform where your instructor would clip you in. After you were clipped in your instructor would count to three and you would walk off the edge. At the end someone on the other side would grab your legs and unclip you. The flying fox was really fun because you would go over a lake and you got to go with your friend. Emma Pelley |
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Great Aussie Bush Camp Giant Swing My first favourite moment on camp is the giant swing. It was so much fun because you are really high up then you would pull a lever then you would drop. For the first second your tummy would flip upside down. It was fun watching your friends' faces. Power Fan My second favourite activity was the power fan. You would climb up these little pegs coming out of the pool and you are strapped in a full body harness and you would stand on a little platform then you would just jump off.You would slowly drop down. Duel Flying Fox My third and last favourite moment on camp was the duel flying fox, this is where you would take stairs up to a platform and you would zipline over a lake with your friend next to you and in the middle of the lake there was an island and you would stop on the other side of the lake. Asher Winters |
PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE
This year we had eleven students successfully complete the Challenge.
Congratulations To:
| Kindergarten | Georgie Shields and Beau Winner |
| Year 1 | Hugh Boulet, Sage Leonard, Alyssa Johnson and Caterina Vallim |
| Year 3 | Chloe Barn and Zeke Boulet |
| Year 5 | Ayce Perkins and Henry Ayres |
Borrowing for children has now finished for 2023. Could all families please make an effort to return outstanding books.
BORROWING TIMETABLE
TIMETABLE FOR TERM 4
Please consider volunteering your time in the St Peter's school canteen next year. It only takes 2 hours each month from 9:30am to 11:30am and your children/grandchildren LOVE to see you at school! Many of our families who have volunteered for years will move on to High School next year and we will miss them.
All help is appreciated by staff and students.
If you are able to volunteer
please click on the link below:
Canteen Roster 2024
STOCK IS BEING REDUCED ....... in the Canteen for the Christmas break. Some items will be out of stock in the final weeks of School but your children will be offered other options if their first choice becomes unavailable.
Click on the picture below to read the Menu
CHRISTMAS TREATS AVAILABLE FOR THE LAST WEEK
$1.00 AND $2.00
Click on the image below to order online with
Flexischools orders close at 8.30am !!
Canteen Roster
- Volunteer Working With Children Check required
- Please sign into Who's On Location (St Peter's sign in) at the front school office.
Canteen Roster - Week 10, Term 4
| Monday | Belinda Johnson |
| Tuesday | Reynah Fernandes |
| Wednesday | Michelle Barn |
| Thursday | Theresa Zvirzdinas and Nina Winters |
| Friday | Ash Bailey and Hayley De Somma |
Thank you for supporting the Canteen in 2023!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and relaxing break
| Kindergarten Red | Kindergarten Blue | Kindergarten Green |
| Tyler Bedford Indie Paio Theodore Howe |
Thomas Sonogan Bodhi Walter Evelyn Wilton |
Sophia Gibb Paityn Wrigley River Alley |
| Year 1 Red | Year 1 Blue | Year 1 Green |
| Sienna Anquetil Airlie McCudden Lennox Shipway |
Theo Maas Charlie Ziade Levi Vandermeel |
Maddison Coves Vinnie Rosenbaum Mia Dos Santos Tiernan |
| Year 2 Red | Year 2 Blue | Year 2 Green |
| Jackson Hearle Luka Williams Vincent Day |
Bodhi Wright Angie Hogan Luca Crilley |
Patrick Duffy Lachlan Patterson Jett Fuller |
| Year 3 Red | Year 3 Blue | Year 3 Green |
| Ava Halverson Will Furney Valli Sadler |
Willow Morris-Boyd Matilda Spry George Cox |
Lucy Pattinson Isaac Thompson Macy Kirkpatrick |
| Year 4 Red | Year 4 Blue | Year 4 Green |
| Oliver McNeil Roisin Crinion Marcus Thompson |
Kaiya Elliott Scarlett Joyce Albi Wintrers |
Emanuel Zhong Chloe Trimmer Georgia Hayes Mandrake Auvaa |
| Year 5 Red | Year 5 Blue | Year 5 Green |
| Joseph Gornall Madeline Goldie Elizabeth Venter |
Harrsion Egan- Blake Archie Mallam Lachlan Menjivar James Dunn |
Joshua Harris Grazia Mikhail-Holt Hailey Venter Chloe Sutherland |
| Year 6 Red | Year 6 Blue | Year 6 Green |
| Lincoln Wells Judd Charet Shylah Tattersall Lachlan Forbes Sam Tarbox Zy Hogan |
Riley Martino Sofia McNeil Chloe Owen Macey Walker |
Keira Moore Angus Hawkes Charlotte Miles Mikaela Moffatt |
| Kinder Blue | Bronte Hayes and Tasman Robinson |
| Kinder Red | Akanesi Fono and Hugo Moujalli |
| Kinder Green | Zara Ruming and Ruby Humphries |
| Year 1 Blue | Annabelle Way and Charlie Ziade |
| Year 1 Red | Maya Willoughby and Cooper Head |
| Year 1 Green | Summer Robinson and Patrick McAllister |
| Year 2 Blue | Zali Cudmore and Lucas Anderson |
| Year 2 Red | Matilda Webb and Levi Stewart |
| Year 2 Green | Daisy Dwyer and Jett Fuller |
| Year 3 Blue | Annabelle Gregory and William Eccles |
| Year 3 Red | Elsie Pattrick and Jaxon Mewett |
| Year 3 Green | Lucy Pattinson and Isaac Thompson |
| Year 4 Bue | Scarlett Joyce and Ahliyah Bennett |
| Year 4 Red | Bonnie Mann and Hunter Pociask |
| Year 4 Green | Chloe Trimmer and Georgia Hayes |
| Year 5 Blue | Cayden Ahearn-Gray and Alexa Bayer |
| Year 5 Red | Evie Pattinson and Elliot Gardoll |
| Year 5 Green | Zoe Brice and Indiana Hawkes |
| Year 6 Blue | Paige Causley and Julian Geddes |
| Year 6 Red | Gracie Moore and Felix Plowright |
| Year 6 Green | Victoria Awad and Sam Dicker |
Thank you for your generous donations we raised $800.00
SCHOOL BUS TRAVEL CHANGES COMMENCING 1ST FEBRUARY 2024
Due to multiple road closures being completed and commencing during the upcoming Christmas/New Year Holidays, Busways are providing School’s with advance notice to assist with student travel planning for Day 1 of Term 1 2024.
The following road closure will be completed mid to late December 2023 and diversions currently in place will remain until end of Term 4 2023, then from Thursday 1st February 2024 (Day 1 of Term 1 2024) will revert to original path & times:
- Mortons Creek Bridge, Mortons Creek
The following road closure will commence mid to late January 2024 and new diversions will be in place from Thursday 1st February 2024 (Day 1 of Term 1 2024):
- King Creek Bridge, King Creek
The attached letters detailing the above changes will be distributed to students on the affected services from today until the end of School Term 4 2023.
Busways - Afternoon School Bus S499
Busways - Morning School Bus S414
Busways - Morning School Busses S403 & S418 - Afternoon School Bus S529
In the New Year, please check your School’s Timetable commencing “1 Feb 2024” prior to students returning to School at www.busways.com.au/nsw/school-services/school-timetables.
For further information please contact Busways Customer Service on 1300 69 2929 or infoline@busways.com.au.
