Evidence suggests that creating an environment where children and their families feel valued, accepted and respected for who and what they are, enhances feelings of belonging and connectedness.

Children who feel like they belong in their school are more likely to develop a strong sense of identity, a positive sense of self and strong relationships with others and in turn, thrive.

Parents, carers and staff have a significant influence on the mental health and wellbeing of students so strengthening the connection between home and school is very important.

At St Peter’s each family is valued and appreciated as part of our school community. Our firmly held belief is that we do not enrol students, instead we welcome families into our community.

It is a small change in language, but this shift in thinking has a big impact on the feeling of belonging we strive for each family to experience.

When students are engaged in class, they learn more. It is vital that teachers create the right classroom climate for learning: raising student expectations; developing a rapport with students; establishing routines; challenging students to participate and take risks.

These all affect how much their students engage and learn. St Peter’s are aware of this and are very fortunate to welcome new members of staff for 2019 that have allowed for a new approach to fostering engagement for students.

Each Friday the students are in groups and engage in ‘Flexible Learning Environments.’

St Peter’s uses teachers areas of expertise to deliver different learning opportunities for students which include STEM and Robotics, cooking, gardening, design and make (chicken coops), passion projects.

All of these learning opportunities are designed to create student engagement and foster a lifelong learning journey.

Nelson Mandela once said ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’

That is what we are trying to do here at St Peter’s create learners that can change the world either locally, nationally or globally.

Caring for the whole child is an important aspect of life at St Peter’s.

We set time apart from the ordinary to focus on nurturing and strengthening the spiritual, weaving our Christian Faith into all that we do.

Vibrant liturgies and masses are integral parts of celebrations in our community. Children not only have the opportunity to attend mass together, but participation in the Sacraments- First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation is an important aspect.