Filter Content
- NEWS FROM MICHAEL HANNEY
- UPCOMING EVENTS
- PERFORMING ARTS
- YEAR 1 EXCURSION TO RIPPONLEA
- BEBRAS CHALLENGE ROUND 2
- MATHS IN 1BE
- YEAR 3 TO YEAR 6 KENDO IN SCHOOL ACTIVITY
- BENTLEIGH DIVISION ATHLETICS
- STUDENT WELLBEING - STAR AWARDS / BUCKET FILLER / WALK/RIDE TO SCHOOL DAYS
- P & F NEWS
- SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB ORDERS
- SECONDARY SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NEWS
STAFF CHANGES 2024
Parental Leave
On behalf of our community I congratulate two staff who commence Parental Leave at the end of this month.
Sarah Neil - Sarah commenced at St Peter’s at the beginning of this year as a Learning Support Officer. Sarah has been supporting students in Year 3 and Year 2. Sarah’s last day before commencing parental leave will be Thursday, 25th October.
Isabella Kottek - Isabella joined St Peter’s at the beginning of the 2020 school year. During her time at St Peter’s Isabella has taught in Year 2 and Year 3. Isabella’s last day before commencing parental leave will be Friday, 27th October.
We wish Isabella and Sarah all the best as they prepare for their new arrival.
Retiring Staff
Five of the staff at St Peter’s will be commencing the next very exciting chapter of their lives when they retire at the end of this year.
Mary Beaumont - Mary began her career as a Learning Support Officer at St Peter’s in 2000. After 23 years in education, with all of them working at St Peter’s, Mary has worked closely with students across our school.
Megan Greetham - Megan commenced her teaching career at St Peter’s Epping in 1984. In 2000 she started at St Catherine’s Moorabin and between 2005 and 2009 she worked part time at both St Peter’s Bentleigh East and St Catherine’s. In 2009 Megan decided to make St Peter’s her permanent home and has taught our children for 18 years.
Pat Kelly - Pat began her teaching career at St Pius X Heidelberg West in 1977 and joined us at St Peter’s in 1986. In 1990 Pat took time away from her career to start her family before returning to St Peter’s in 2000. Pat has taught our children for 28 years.
Jim Kendall - Jim began his teaching career at St Kieran’s Moe in 1977. After teaching at three other schools Jim joined St Peter’s in 2002. Jim’s career in Catholic education spans 47 years with 22 of them being at St Peter’s.
Wendy Gooch - Wendy began her teaching career in 1973 and taught at four schools including a break from her career to raise her family before joining St Peter’s in 1995. Wendy has taught our children for 28 consecutive years.
Altogether Wendy, Jim, Pat, Megan and Mary have served Catholic Education for over 150 years with nearly 120 of these years being at St Peter’s. While this is a sad time for our community it is a very exciting time in their lives and we will take time over the next eight weeks to farewell them from our St Peter’s Community.
Next step on their professional journey
Justin McCarthy - After eighteen years at St Peter’s Justin has advised me that he will not be returning to St Peter’s in 2024. Justin’s family has some very exciting opportunities in front of them that may include a move interstate. We thank Justin for all he has brought to our community throughout his years at St Peter’s and wish him and his family all the best for the future.
Hannah Uehara - Hannah has been teaching at St Peter’s since the beginning of this year. Hannah has advised me that she will be heading to London to teach at the end of this year. We wish Hannah all the best.
New Staff
At the beginning of September, I advertised for new teachers to start at St Peter’s at the beginning of 2024. After receiving thirty five applications I worked with Chris Joplin, Justin McCarthy, Lousie Van Corler and Steph Hunt to interview seventeen applicants. Six teachers were offered positions to commence at St Peter’s in 2024. The announcement of the teachers joining St Peter’s has to align with the announcements in their current school communities of the fact that they will be leaving.
I am very pleased to be able to announce the names of four of the six teachers who have accepted positions at St Peter’s. The other two teachers will be announced over the next week.
Abby Moore - After completing a professional placement at St Peter’s in 2022 she accepted a position as a Learning Support Officer with us while she completed her teaching degree. Abby graduates at the end of this year and will begin her teaching career at St Peter’s in 2024.
Laura Doran - Laura completed her teaching degree in England in 2016. After teaching in England Laura moved to Melbourne in 2019. Between 2019 and 2022 Laura taught at St Mary of the Cross Catholic Primary School, Point Cook. This year Laura has taught at St Margaret’s East Geelong as she planned a move to the Bellarine Peninsula. A change of plans has meant Laura is returning to Melbourne and will be joining us at St Peter’s.
Madelene Saltis - Madelene completed a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts in 2018, a graduate certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in 2022 and her Accreditation to teach RE in 2022. From 2019 to the beginning of 2023 Madelene taught at St Thomas the Apostle Cranbourne East. This year Madelene has worked in a number of schools as she combined teaching with other interests.
Emma Longmuir - Emma graduated from Australian Catholic University (ACU) with a Bachelor of Education in 2019. After graduation Emma moved to London where she taught for two years. in London in 2019 and 2020. Upon her return to Australia Emma has taught at St Patrick's Mentone and St Catherine's Moorabbin.
I look forward to all that Abby, Laura, Madelene and Emma will bring to St Peter’s.
RETURNING STAFF
Two staff currently on Parental Leave will be returning to St Peter’s on a part time basis next year. I am delighted to advise that Renee Burchell and Monica Bramich will be back teaching our students in 2024. Great news for our community.
WELCOME NEW STAFF
With Learning Support Officer (LSO) Sarah Neil commencing parental leave at the end of October, I am pleased to advise that David Seager has joined our community today to work as an LSO at St Peter’s for the remainder of the 2024 school year. David has recently returned to Melbourne having been working as an LSO in the Northern Territory. We look forward to what he will bring to our community.
WELCOME NEW FAMILIES
George Family - We welcome Ruben George and his family to St Peter’s. Ruben has moved from a school in Hawthorn and has joined the students in 2RN.
Dang Family - We welcome Leo and his family. Leo has recently moved from Vietnam and will be attending St Bede's Bentleigh East next year. Leo has been welcomed by his classmates in 6LM.
PROPERTIES AT 820, 822 AND 824 CENTRE RD BENTLEIGH EAST
I will share with our community the communication from MACS before the end of this week.
CLASSES FOR 2024 - STUDENTS NOT RETURNING
As we continue to plan for our 2024 classes I ask that if your child is currently in a class from Foundation to Year Five and will not be returning to St Peter’s in 2024 that you advise me as soon as possible, principal@spbentleigheast.catholic.edu.au. This request does not apply to any current Year six students or if you have already advised me that your child will not be returning in 2024.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Liam Bam (2OP) and his family who became Australian citizens last week. Liam’s class and teachers were very excited to hear this wonderful news.
UNIFORM - SHOES AND SOCKS
Thank you to all the families of students who are wearing the correct uniform at school and have transitioned to the Summer Uniform. A reminder that the Sports Uniform can only be worn on the days that are assigned to your child’s class for PE and sport. On these occasions students are required to wear white socks with their runners. On non sport or PE days students are required to wear black shoes with no other colour on them. They are not to wear runners that they normally wear for PE or sport.
If students are wearing the grey shorts the socks also need to be grey. If wearing the checked dress the socks need to be white.
PUPIL FREE DAY
There will be no school for students on Monday, 6th November, the day before the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.
END OF SCHOOL YEAR
School will finish for students at 2:30pm on Friday, 15th December.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a moment not only to pause and remember all those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts across the world, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to this day of significance.
Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I, Remembrance Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
From the 30th of October we will be selling merchandise for our local RSL. Poppies and other items will be available for $2, $4, $5 & $10.
Please support this worthy cause.
TERM 4
WEEK 3
Tuesday, 17th October - Year 5 Excursion to Scienceworks & Planetarium / FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2 SWIMMING PROGRAM @ GESAC
Wednesday, 18th October - FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2 SWIMMING PROGRAM @ GESAC
Thursday, 19th October - FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2 SWIMMING PROGRAM @ GESAC / 4KG Visiting Warrawee - 1.45pm - 3.15pm / FEDPAS - 4.00pm - 6.00pm / Foundation 2024 Parent Information Evening - 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Friday, 20th October - 5AC & 5PC Attending Mass - 10.00am / School Musical Rehearsal Day - Cast of Musical / FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2 SWIMMING PROGRAM @ GESAC
WEEK 4
Monday, 23rd October - School Musical Rehearsal Day - Cast of Musical / FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2 SWIMMING PROGRAM @ GESAC / Beachside Girls & Mixed Basketball Play-Off 2023 - Selected Students / Kelly Sports - 3.30pm - 4.30pm - For Students Enrolled in the Program
Tuesday, 24th October - School Musical Rehearsal Day - Cast of Musical / FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2 SWIMMING PROGRAM @ GESAC
Wednesday, 25th October - FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2 SWIMMING PROGRAM @ GESAC / School Musical - 7.30pm - 8.30pm
Thursday, 26th October - FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2 SWIMMING PROGRAM @ GESAC / 4KG Visiting Warrawee - 1.45pm - 3.15pm / FEDPAS - 4.00pm - 6.00pm / School Musical - 7.30pm - 8.30pm
Friday, 27th October - 3AM & 3GG Attending Mass - 10.00am / WALK/RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY
WEEK 5
Monday, 30th October - NEWSLETTER / FMR & FHK Attending Mass - 10.00am / Foundation 2024 Transition Sessions / Kelly Sports - 3.30pm - 4.30pm - For Students Enrolled in the Program / School Advisory Council - 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Tuesday, 31st October - Foundation 2024 Transition Sessions
Wednesday, 1st November - ALL SAINTS DAY / Foundation 2024 Transition Sessions
Thursday, 2nd November - ALL SOULS DAY / Foundation 2024 Transition Sessions / 4GS Visiting Warrawee - 1.45pm - 3.15pm / FEDPAS - 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Friday, 3rd November - Foundation 2024 Transition Sessions
The Bebras Challenge is open twice a year to Australian Students in Years 3-12, and engages students' computational thinking and problem solving skills in a fun, interactive environment.
Started in 2004 by Professor Valentina Dagiene from the University of Vilnius, 'Bebras' is Lithuanian for Beaver. This refers to their collaborative nature and strong work ethic.
Each challenge has 15 questions with the highest possible score being 135 points. The level of difficulty of a question determines how it will be scored. Easy questions are worth 6 points, medium questions are worth 9 points, and hard questions are worth 12 points. Any incorrect or unanswered questions are awarded zero points.
The Bebras achievement level breakdown is as follows:
- Participation 0-59 points
- Merit 60-86 points
- Credit 87-101 points
- Distinction 102-113 points
- High Distinction 114-134 points
- Honour Roll 135 points
In August a group of St Peter’s students from Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 were asked to compete in Bebras Round 2 and they are to be commended for the high standard of results.
Particular mention to those who received a Distinction
And those who received a High Distinction
I would also like to congratulate the Year 4’s who received the highest amount of Distinctions and High Distinctions ever received for a level!!
Levels 3 to 6 Kendo Incursion
Last Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, students in Levels 3 - 6 participated in a Kendo In School Activity. This was conducted by members from Monash University Kendo Club. It was fantastic to see so many students ask questions and interact with the presenters. I would like to acknowledge all the members from the Kendo Club, who came and presented their knowledge and skills: Kenny, Steve, Marcus, Rhiann, Lucinda, Noah, Belle and Edward.
Below is a recount by two students from 4GS, as well as some photos from the three days.
Year 4 Kendo In School Activity
On Thursday, 12th October, the Year 4s had an In School Activity. We met 3 Kendo students from Monash University!
We learned a little bit about Kendo from a Kahoot! (quiz) we did the week before. It was extremely fun learning more about it!
The Year 4s learnt that Kendo is an art of defence and the armour they wear is very thick so no one gets hurt or bruised. Kendo originated from a training exercise of samurai. They used real swords but now they use bamboo swords called Shinai. We were split into 3 groups and everyone had a sensei to teach them. They were Noah, Edward and Belle Sensei. After we finished, the sensei taught everyone how to do some basic kendo exercises. Some people could not keep up, but it was still cool!
We watched the men fight with bamboo swords (shinai) as if it was in a stadium with 200 people. You need to be respectful to the opponent before the match and to win you must gain two points by hitting the opponent on the men (head), kote (wrist) and do (upper body), while shouting.
We thank Noah, Edward and Belle Sensei for teaching us all about the sport Kendo and we also thank Mrs Henderson for organising this experience for the Year 4s.
By Mia and Alexandra 4GS
On the 10th of October students from multiple schools including St Peter’s, St Paul’s, St Leonard’s and some other schools competed in the Bentleigh Division Athletics day.
We arrived at Duncan Mackinnon at roughly 8:45am and the events started at about 9:35am. Everyone was super happy and excited to be there.
Over the day we competed in various events including, hurdles, discus, long jump, triple jump, relay and sprints. Only a few of us made it to the next level by coming 1st or 2nd in our events. It was such a great day and we made friends from other schools.
We thank Mr. Cavarra and Amy who were very kind to organise this event and let us have a very special day.
Sophie & Zachary 6LM
JUNIOR SCHOOL - For Amazing FRIENDSHIP Skills! By Demonstrating That a Friend Knows How To Help, Share and Cooperate With Others!!
Lola Gesterkamp, Brooklyn White - FHK / Noah Dias, William Meinhardt - FMS / Sebastian Salasinski, Christian Tzimopoulos - FSS / Scarlett Dunbar, Isabella Zacharidis - FMR
Bethany Macken, Thomas Atherton - 1BR / Esmèe Romano, Katya Cooper - 1SH / Jack Archer, Eli Buick, Elena Raios - 1MH / Lydiah Clarke, Ava Van Heerden - 1BE
Olivia Mamic - 2OP / Harry Reaper, Niko Trantalis - 2MK / George Skaliotis, Eve Woolley - 2RN / Henry Adams, Darcy Owen - 2GP
MIDDLE SCHOOL - For Being Able to Relate Well to Others and Making Up When Things Go Wrong, to Maintain the FRIENDSHIP!!
Jack White, Anaya Tisseverasinghe - 3EM / Chloe McNaughton, Stefania Vlassopoulos - 3AM / Kiara Nichols, Stella Kalinowski - 3GG / Nikita Leontaritis, Luca Karras - 3IK
Ellena Catania, Nicholas Mavroudis, Olivia Zadro - 4KG / Shivvy Patel, Henry Oates - 4MM / Isabelle Van Eeden, Noah Siegert - 4GS / Mila Adams, Ashton Janssens, Arthur Yudhistira - 4MH
SENIOR SCHOOL - For Demonstrating Positive FRIENDSHIPS by Being Kind to Others and Accepting That Everyone is Different and That's OK!!
Maeve McLean, Fraser Giggins - 5HU / Ava Wain, Tyler Deeth - 5AC / Divan Engelbrecht, Peter Pantelidis - 5PC / Ambrose Meyer, Victoria Kannavos - 5HG
Annabelle Sheen, Jake Richardson - 6LM / Anya Leontaritis, Amelia Virgona - 6SH / Katya Greco - 6KM
Our next Walk/Ride2School Day will be on Friday, 27th October.
In the meantime keep Active by Walking, Riding or Scootering to school whenever you can!!
Don't forget to have your cards clipped whenever you walk, ride or scooter to school and return your completed cards to the office to receive a new one.
Junior School Disco
Friday, 6th October
What a fun night our junior kids had !
Thank you to all our parents and teachers who helped out on the night. The kids had a blast !
Splitting the kids into their year levels and picking them up from the class lines, helped it run more smoothly and much less stressful this year 
P&F Meeting - Tonight - POSTPONED - NEW DATE TO BE ADVISED
pnf1@spbentleigheast.catholic.
2023 St Peter's Mango Fundraiser
Orders now open via TryBooking!
All proceeds from the 2023 Mango drive will contribute to St Peter's STEM program, bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics experiences to our children's learning.
The Mango Fundraiser only use Bowen Special Mangoes and each tray will usually have between 9 and 14 mangoes, with a total tray weight of approximately 4.5kg.
Trays are $25 each and can be ordered via:
https://www.trybooking.com/
Orders must close 5pm on Wednesday, 25th October
Order as many as you like, so ask your family, friends, work colleagues or neighbours
TERM 4 EVENTS
Colour Fun Run
Friday, 1st December
Put this date in your calendars and get excited !!
More information to follow.
Sausage Sizzle & Casual Day
Monday, 4th December
Last Sausage Sizzle for the year. Dress up & have some fun !
122 Jasper Road, Bentleigh
You are invited to join us at this fun-filled community event. Attractions will include carnival rides and games for all ages, inflatables, farm animals, Harley rides, showbags, crafts, cakes, food and drink stalls, Devonshire Tea, trash and treasure, face painting and much more!
Plus, with live entertainment, appearances from Bluey, Peppa Pig and Minions and over $4000 in prizes to be won in our major raffle, this is an event not to be missed!
Book your early bird ride tickets by 23rd October to save. Buy here: https://www.trybooking.
How do you get where you need to go in Glen Eira? Take the Glen Eira Travel Survey!
We want to know how and why you travel in Glen Eira — and what your ideas are for using transport as a way to connect our community.
Complete our online survey by Sunday, 5th November. Your feedback will help shape our future!
To find out more and get involved visit www.haveyoursaygleneira.com.au/transport-refresh