19 February 2021
Thank you to the School community for your continual recognition and support of the many St Peter’s College service initiatives.
Last week the Year 9 students enjoyed a presentation by Ms Rhianna Carse, Program specialist at The Smith Family. Rhianna introduced the students to the Smith Family student2student reading program that matches students who need to improve their reading with peer buddies who help and encourage them with their reading. As a result, a number of Year 9 students have taken up the opportunity to join the program which is a great way to kick start their senior service journey.
Year 10 students have been introduced to the requirements of the Service Learning program which involves 20 hours of service from each student in Year 10. Details of this program will be sent out to families to assist the students in their search for suitable service activities.
It is wonderful to see so many Year 11 students, whose opportunities for service were limited in 2020 find avenues to support neighbours, community groups and service organisations. Many boys have already completed their requirements and have been awarded their Service Learning white certificate. Given the limited opportunities in 2020, Year 11 students have been given an extension until June 2021 to meet their service expectations. Many have taken up opportunities with Foodbank and Meals on Wheels.
This year, service in the Middle School will also be championed by Ms Megan Wittner who has been appointed to the role of Service Learning Program Officer with a special focus on programs and opportunities for students in Years 7 and 8.
2021 has already started with a strong focus on service via various groups in the School. The Prefects and Captains are holding the ‘Pull Up Your Socks’ fundraiser selling pink sports socks to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. As I write to you, the smell of warm pancakes is wafting through the window as Young House sell pancakes and ice cream on Shrove Tuesday with funds going to Novita the children’s charity. Howard House are collecting empty chip packets and ironing them together to make emergency blankets for the homeless. These are but a few examples of the many initiatives underway as St Peter’s College seeks to serve the needs of our wider community.
Kerry Skujins