A fond farewell to Pete's Place

The halls of the old red brick convent on Reservoir Rd, Blacktown fell silent last Thursday as Principal Michael Whitton and myself closed the front doors for the final time in 2020. Two weeks ago the final cohort of Stage 5 - Year 9 and 10 students completed their year and successfully transitioned to their next phase of education, training or employment. At the graduation all Year 10 students had achieved their ROSA which is no small challenge given the disruptions experienced by every student in the country during the year.

Over the years Pete's Place as a special assistance school had 34 enrolled students at its peak and achieved greater than 80% student attendance in 2020. It has been a place of support for students who cannot engage in mainstream schooling, needing more flexible and trauma-informed teaching responses.

On graduation day students expressed genuine love, affection and heartfelt thanks about the teaching and support staff who had gone well beyond the call. This was echoed by their parents who have seen Pete's Place create change and positive futures for their sons and daughters.

The Pete's Place story would not be complete without acknowledging the staff who have been at the forefront of creating success for our students. They have been committed as educators to support students in their journey of learning even when faced with the most challenging of behaviours experienced by young people in this cohort. Pope Francis previously said that teaching is about giving young people values, hope and positive guidance. You've given this in bucket loads.

I personally thank the final crew on deck at the end under the leadership of Michael Whitton. On behalf of the Marist180 family - Thank you Mick, Ben, Peter, Scarlette and Sammy. We will miss you. May your new 2021 journeys be full of joyful surprises and awesome success (after a well deserved break!).