Welcome back to the 2025 school year! We trust that you have had a joyful and restful holiday season. As we return to our shared purpose of learning, growing, and flourishing together, it is a pleasure to greet familiar faces and warmly welcome those who are joining us for the first time.
This week is filled with exciting milestones and transitions. The iconic Ironbark Outdoor Education Program is a unique journey of self-discovery and a defining moment in the character formation of each student of St Peters. We wished our Year 9, Group 1 Ironbark attendees well as they embarked on their experience earlier this week on Tuesday 28 January. We look forward to hearing their stories and celebrating their growth upon their return.
On Friday 24 January, we had the privilege of hosting our Orientation Day for all Year 7 students and new students in Years 8–12. It was wonderful to see how these young people navigated their first steps into the Secondary Years at St Peters and connected with their peers.
This week also marks the beginning of a remarkable journey for our youngest learners in Prep. Their first days of formal schooling are a precious milestone, and we are committed to fostering their natural curiosity and wonder as they take their first steps in a 13-year adventure of learning. To our Prep families, we share in your excitement and are privileged to partner with you on this journey.
As we embrace the year ahead, I am reminded of the words from Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” These words inspire us to approach 2025 with faith, purpose, and a commitment to excellence. Together, we will continue to live out the College's mission of providing Excellence in Christian Co-education and nurturing exceptional young people of character and purpose.
We look forward to the year ahead, filled with excellence in teaching and learning, holistic growth of our young people and the ongoing building of relationships and community.
Mr Craig Brown Head of Springfield
What's On
What's on Term 1
29–31 January – Year 7 Camp
30 January – Prep Information Session
30 January – Year 1 Information Session
5 February – Upper Primary Swimming
5 February – Primary Years Information Sessions
6 February – Secondary Years Swimming Carnival
7 February – Upper Primary Swimming Carnival
Chessmates
Prep–Year 6
Fridays from 2:45pm–3:45pm
Location: The Hub
Weekly classes will help improve:
Creativity
Memory
Concentration
Planning Skills
Independent Decision Making
General Aptitude for Learning
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Learning chess has been shown to improve overall performance at school by nearly 20% compared with children who have not.
Welcome to the 2025 school year! It is wonderful to see our College community come together once again, filled with energy, excitement, and wonder. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we are happy to have you as part of our College family.
This year is particularly special as we take a significant step forward in our journey toward becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Having achieved Candidate School status last year, we are proud to announce that in 2025, we will apply for PYP Authorisation. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering an inquiry-based, student-centred education that empowers learners to think critically, communicate effectively, and make meaningful contributions to their local and global communities.
Our Primary Years Staff have been busy preparing and planning for the year ahead to ensure the learning and teaching are innovative and exciting.
We are also delighted to welcome two exceptional educators to our team this year:
Ariel Wilksch, joins us with experience and a passion for creating engaging learning opportunities for students.
Samantha Barratt, whose enthusiasm for inquiry-based learning will inspire both students and colleagues alike.
As we embark on this exciting chapter together, we encourage you to stay connected, participate in College events, and engage with the learning journey of your children. Our shared commitment to education is what makes our community so special, and your partnership is invaluable in creating a supportive and enriching environment for all.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, achievement, and engagement.
Mrs Lia Sabri Head of Primary Years
Secondary Years
Welcoming Our Newest Students
Last Friday 24 January, we welcomed our newest members to the Secondary Years community during the New Student Induction Day. This included all Year 7 students and new students joining us in Years 8–11. It was a wonderful opportunity for these students to meet their peers, connect with their teachers, and become familiar with the warm, supportive environment we strive to create at our College.
Special thanks go to our dedicated Year 7 Pastoral Care teachers and our Year Level Coordinators, who worked tirelessly to ensure the day was a success. Their commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and ease during this important transition was evident and greatly appreciated by students and families alike. We look forward to seeing our new students thrive as part of our College community.
Year 12 Leadership Camp – Inspiring Leaders of Tomorrow
Our Year 12 students began their final year with a memorable two-day Leadership Camp at the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre. The camp provided a perfect balance of challenge and inspiration, featuring a series of team-building and leadership activities designed to prepare them for the responsibilities of their final year.
A highlight of the camp was the early morning hike to the summit of Mount Coolum, where students experienced the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise together—a fitting metaphor for the bright futures ahead of them.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Chris Cant, Year Level Coordinator, and Mrs Sarah Johnson, Counselling and Pathways Leader, for their leadership and organisation of this outstanding event. Their efforts have set a strong foundation for the growth and development of our Year 12 leaders in 2025.
Mr Dominic Piacun Head of Secondary Years
Years 11–12 | 3-in-1 Conferences
In Week 6 of Term 1, Tuesday 4 March, Years 11–12 3-in-1 Conferences will be held from 1:40pm – 5:40pm. Accordingly, Years 7–12 students will be dismissed at lunchtime on this date. General supervision will be provided in The Hub during Lesson 5 for any students requiring it.
We believe that student academic success is founded on strong relationships and clear communication between students, teachers and families. As such, we very much look forward to welcoming our Years 11–12 students alongside their parents at 3-in-1 Conferences.
At 3-in-1 Conferences, Year 12 students and parents can expect to discuss Unit 3 learning progress, with a focus on IA1 and IA2. Meanwhile, Year 11 students and parents will discuss Unit 1 learning progress, with a focus on FIA1.
A booking link and further details regarding Years 11–12 3-in-1 Conferences will be released to families shortly via email.
Ms Sarah Gunn-Glazebrook Head of Learning and Innovation
Secondary Years Elective Subject Changes
The elective subject change window for students in Years 8–11 is open from now until 3:00pm on Friday 7 February. Students wishing to apply to change elective subjects should visit Head of Learning and Innovation, Ms Sarah Gunn-Glazebrook, at Curnow House. Please note that some elective subjects are at full enrolment capacity.
Ms Sarah Gunn-Glazebrook Head of Learning and Innovation
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News
Welcome to new and returning families in 2025. The Performing Arts faculty is focussed on providing holistic educational possibilities at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield via performing opportunities for our young learners in a variety of Music, Dance, Drama and private tuition programs. Research has proven the many benefits of learning to play a musical instrument or undertake speech and communication lessons and the direct correlation between these activities and high academic achievement. Benefits include developing memory, self-expression, confidence, communication, team building, persistence, concentration and creativity to name a few. We need your support to continue to grow our program in 2025 so come on board with us, meet new people, develop a skill, ignite a passion and have fun!
Staffing
At the conclusion of 2024 we farewelled Mrs Elizabeth Toalo and are presently in the process of recruiting for a replacement for the Lower Strings position.
Private Tuition Program
There is still availability for students to partake in the Private Tuition program here at the College. Tuition is generally for a 30 minute one on one lesson with the tutor and parents are invoiced directly by the tutor. The Private Tuition Booklet is available on Firefly and includes the Enrolment form. For new students please complete the form, scan and send to sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Note: Continuing students from 2024 are not required to re-enrol for Private Tuition in 2025. Unless the teacher has been notified, they will assume lesson are continuing.
Cocurricular Activities
The Performing Arts Cocurricular program for the year will commence in Week 2 for most Ensembles except Allegro Strings and Cantabile Strings. Participation in these Ensembles promotes teamwork, grit and empathy. The directors of the Ensembles will notify parents of upcoming events, so it is imperative that students commit to these weekly rehearsals. Please refer to the schedule below for days, times, location and the staff member who has responsibility for the activity in 2025. Commitment to these activities is for the full calendar year and includes being able to participate in rehearsals and all performances. If you require any additional clarification concerning the Ensembles, please reach out to Mrs Campbell, Ms Powell or the Ensemble director for assistance. The Music Ensemble Enrolment Handbook is available on Firefly and includes an enrolment form or you can use this link to enrol Enrol Now! Please email completed forms to sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Upcoming Events
Thursday 6 March – Lunchtime Concert Years 7–12
Monday 17 March - Strings Lunchtime Concert
Mrs Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Coordinator
Sport
Welcome Back to Sport!
We are excited to kick off another action-packed term of Sport at St Peters Springfield. To ensure students don’t miss out on trials, events, or representing the College, it is vital to stay updated. Here are some key notices:
AIC and QGSSSA Sport Registration
Families are encouraged to review the information shared from Indooroopilly regarding Term 1 AIC and QGSSSA Sport. Students interested in participating must register.
Students participating in AIC, QGSSSA, and SPW Sport at Indooroopilly must book a seat on the Term 1 Sports Bus via the 2025 SFD Sport Bus Manifest on Teams. This must be done through the student’s account. For assistance, please contact k.reed@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Inter-House Swimming Carnival
The Inter-House Swimming Carnival for Upper Primary Years and Secondary Years students will take place in Week 2 at Waterworx. Event nominations will be made on the day, and attendance is compulsory.
A program with further details will be shared this week.
Central District Sport Trials
Parents and guardians should refer to the 2025 Central Comets Trial Calendar for all upcoming trial dates. Nomination are due to Mr Reed k.reed@stpeters.qld.edu.au this week.
10-19 Swimming (Please engage with all documentation that was emailed out)
13-19 Softball
13-15 Football (Boys and Girls)
13-15 Netball (Girls)
16-19 Football (Boys and Girls)
13-16 and 17-19 Basketball (Boys and Girls)
Primary Years After-School Sport
A variety of after-school activities are available this term. Families should review the email with the schedule, details, and registration links.
We look forward to a fantastic term of Sport at St Peters Springfield. For any questions, please contact Mr Kale Reed at k.reed@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
I would like to warmly welcome new and returning members of our College community to the St Peters Girls’ Sport Program! I hope you enjoyed some quality time with your friends and families over the holidays and feel ready to engage in the vast sporting opportunities on offer in 2025.
When choosing which Sports to play, it’s important to consider all your commitments and to be aware of what clashes may exist between Sports. Please review the Girls Sport Overview to plan your 2025.
In 2025, I would like to emphasise that when you sign up for a Sport, you are making a commitment to yourself, your team and your coach that you will attend and give your best effort at all training sessions and fixtures. It’s important to communicate any known absences with your relevant coordinator as early as possible, so that we can plan accordingly and ensure a smooth season. Whether it’s due to illness, a scheduling conflict, or any other reason, please keep us informed. If you are particularly concerned about training clashes with music rehearsals, please reach out to your coordinator as we will work closely with the Music Department to find solutions to keep you involved in both activities.
I encourage you to get involved in Sport as it offers many benefits including improved friendships, confidence, mental wellbeing and physical health, as well as an opportunity to learn valuable life skills like teamwork and resilience in an enjoyable setting. There are sporting opportunities for everyone at St Peters, and I hope to see you all actively involved in Sport in 2025!
If you have any questions regarding the Girls’ Sports Programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the relevant coordinator.
We have two key methods of communicating Sports information – The St Peters App and through emails from coordinators. Make sure that students and parents download the St Peters App and subscribe to the Sports you are involved in to ensure that you receive information relevant only to your chosen Sports. It’s particularly important to have the app to see upcoming draws and to ensure that you are aware of any cancellations of training sessions or fixtures.
The following information is available on the App:
NOTE: NO PAINT, HAIRSPRAY OR OTHER PERMANENT MARKING IS PERMITTED
Athletic Development
The St Peters Athletic Development Program supports students' physical growth and athletic performance, with sessions available before and after school in the Weights Room at the Indooroopilly Campus. Juniors (Years 7–9) focus on mastering fundamental movement patterns, while Seniors (Years 10–12) build on these skills with tailored programs for all levels. Regardless of gym experience, we cater for all levels and encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity. Girls are encouraged to attend Athletic Development sessions all year round (pre-season, in-season and post-season) to complement their involvement in their chosen Sports programs. The training schedule will be uploaded to the St Peters App shortly. Coordinator: Leigh Smith - l.smith1@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Run Club
Run Club is a great way to improve your fitness in an inclusive environment! Run club is open to all members of our community, and available on Monday and Friday mornings - Meet at Internal Bus Stop, Indooroopilly Campus 6:30am – 7:30am. Make sure you’re subscribed to ‘Cross Country’ on the St Peters App to access the training schedule and to receive any notifications of Run Club cancellations. Coordinator: Kerry Schreiber k.schreiber@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Student Achievements
We would like to acknowledge student sporting achievements throughout the year. If your daughter has competed at a national or international level, please click here to share the details with us.
Next week’s newsletter will recognise the outstanding sporting achievements that occurred over the holidays.
Katie Veitch Girls Sport Coordinator
Boys Sport
Boys Weekly Sport
I would like to welcome you to the St Peters community for 2025! I hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with excitement for the upcoming Sports season. 2024 marked a successful year for the College with over three quarters of boys participating in an Associated Sport, 14 premierships, the growth of our Australian Rules, Rugby League and Chess program and cementing our dominance in Swimming and Tennis! As we gear up for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each one of you, both returning and new members to the College.
My name is Mr Dan Fraser, your Boys Sport Coordinator. I am excited and looking forward to a successful year of St Peters Boys Sport and assisting the young men of our College aspire to and reach their sporting goals in 2025 and beyond.
When choosing which Sports to play, it’s important to consider all your commitments and to be aware of what clashes may exist between Sports. Please review the ‘Boys Sport Overview’ document to plan your 2025, and feel free to reach out to myself or the relevant coordinators if you have any questions about any of the upcoming seasons. A list of coordinator contacts can be found here.
We have two key methods of communicating Sports information – The St Peters App and through emails from coordinators. Make sure that you and your parents download the St Peters App and subscribe to the Sports you are involved in (St Peters App Instructions) to ensure that you receive information relevant only to your chosen Sports. It’s particularly important to have the app to see upcoming draws and to ensure that you are aware of any cancellations of training sessions or fixtures.
In 2025, I would like to emphasise that when you sign up for a Sport, you are making a commitment to yourself, your team and your coach that you will attend and give your best effort at all training sessions and fixtures. It’s important to communicate any known absences with your relevant coordinator as early as possible, so that we can plan accordingly and ensure a smooth season. Whether it’s due to illness, a scheduling conflict, or any other reason, please keep us informed. If you are particularly concerned about training clashes with music rehearsals, please reach out to your coordinator as we will work closely with the Music Department to find solutions to keep you involved in both activities.
It is not too late to sign up for either Volleyball, Cricket, Swimming, Cross Country, Australian Rules Football and Rowing for this term. We encourage all students who have not signed up for a Term 1 Sport to contact the Sporting Coordinators listed below and they will be happy to assist you with respect to trials, trainings, and games.
Although the holidays provided a time for rest and relaxation, there were many sporting events for boys with Cricket Tour to New Zealand for Senior Boys and a domestic training camp to Yeppoon, Australian Volleyball Schools Cup at the Gold Coast and the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships at QSAC. A great spectacle for St Peters Sport!
Please also note that boys AIC Trial Round for Australian Rules, Volleyball and Cricket commences this weekend (Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February). We will be playing a full round of games. With SQSRC Rowing training starting in Week 2 and regattas mid term.
Please refer to the St Peters App for details of times and venues for all AIC trial games this coming Friday and Saturday.
Congratulations
Hugo K (Year 11) for competing in the Asian Cup for Cricket, representing Japan. Hugo took 2 wickets against India and scored a 50 being the first time a Japanese player has scored a half-century against a tier-one nation.
INTRODUCING OUR BOYS SPORTS CAPTAIN
We are pleased and proud to introduce our 2025 St Peters Boys Sport Captain, Liam B and Spirit Captain Zane S. We look forward to seeing and supporting these young men’s leadership across 2025 for all things boys Sport.
Australian Rules News
With 5 teams, including a Primary Years side, Australian Rules is on the grow at St Peters! Next week will feature the first game of the AIC Australian Rules season with trainings in full swing and a trial match on Friday afternoon (Seniors) and Saturday morning (Primary, 7:00am-9:00am).
I would like to welcome Mr Tyrell Barker to St Peters who will be coordinating Australian Rules. From next week communication for Australian Rules will be sent from Mr Barker, any questions in the meantime can be sent to Mr Barker T.Barker@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Year 10 Only: Due to a revision of AIC Australian Rules bylaws since 2024, students in Year 10 will either play for the Seniors, if born in 2009 due to the two year age band in Senior Football (16-18), while Year 10 students born in 2010 will play in a Year 9 team with students of a closer age. This decision has been made with player safety in mind.
*Seniors Only: Students will catch the 33 seater bus to Sherwood AFC on Monday and Wednesday afternoon. Bus will leave at 3:30pm and students to be collected from Sherwood at 5:00pm
Our Years 9-10* (Born in 2010) team is still looking for numbers so if you are interested in joining – CLICK HERE
cricket news
With trips to both New Zealand and Yeppoon our Cricket Program were treated to a comprehensive preseason with sightseeing and lifelong memories made. New Zealand Trip featured students winning two of their three games against Auckland based opposition, while enjoying a range of team bonding activities with high ropes and taking in the sights of Auckland and beyond. Yeppoon included games against Rockhampton Grammar and a trip to Great Keppel island, despite the rain our Junior boys will be well prepared for a great season. A fantastic tour and thank you to Mr Gary Munday, Andy Richards, Nathaniel Bartlett, Adrian Zafer and all Cricket coaches for their time in providing students with excellent opportunities.
Last week both our First XI and Year 10 boys also competed in the annual T20 competitions held at Padua and Marist respectively, with our First XI finishing 4th and our Year 10s just missing out on the final. A great start to the season!
Our Year 7 students are still looking for numbers so if your son is interested in Cricket: – CLICK HERE
swimming carnival
Secondary Years – Thursday 6 February
NOTE: NO PAINT, HAIRSPRAY OR OTHER PERMANENT MARKING IS PERMITTED
Athletic Development
The St Peters Athletic Development Program supports students' physical growth and athletic performance, with sessions available before and after school in the Weights Room at the Indooroopilly Campus. Juniors (Years 7–9) focus on mastering fundamental movement patterns, while Seniors (Years 10–12) build on these skills with tailored programs for all levels. Regardless of gym experience, we cater for all levels and encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity. Girls are encouraged to attend Athletic Development sessions all year round (pre-season, in-season and post-season) to complement their involvement in their chosen Sports programs. The training schedule will be uploaded to the St Peters App shortly. Coordinator: Leigh Smith - l.smith1@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Run Club
Run Club is a great way to improve your fitness in an inclusive environment! Run club is open to all members of our community, and available on Monday and Friday mornings - Meet at Internal Bus Stop, Indooroopilly Campus 6:30am – 7:30am. Make sure you’re subscribed to ‘Cross Country’ on the St Peters App to access the training schedule and to receive any notifications of Run Club cancellations. Coordinator: Kerry Schreiber k.schreiber@stpeters.qld.edu.au
ST PETERS ACHIEVEMENTS
To help St Peters celebrate the sporting achievements of students who have competed in a State or National teams please complete the Microsoft forms – CLICK HERE
With hundreds of athletes competing in dozens of Sports, this will help us ensure your students achievements are not left unnoticed and can be considered for College celebrations.
this week in sport
AIC Australian Rules, Cricket, Volleyball and Swimming are the current IN-SEASON BOYS AIC SPORTS this term and training is currently well underway.
For details of times and venues for this weekend’s Trial Roundplease check the information on the St Peters App.
Please ensure you check the St Peters App. for both venue details and time of games for the Trial Round of St Peters AIC Boys Sport
Please CLICK HERE for AUSTRALIAN RULES game day schedule
Please CLICK HERE for VOLLEYBALL game day schedule
For our St Peters sporting programs to positively develop and grow, it is paramount that our students attend training sessions for their chosen Sport, so they can improve and refine Sport-specific skills and build cohesion amongst their team-mates.
If students are unable to attend some training sessions, it is vital that their absence is communicated to their coaches firstly, and also the respective coordinator/s.
Please also CLICK HERE to access the AIC Sporting Calendar for 2025.
Matchday expectations
A reminder that all St Peters boys do need to be dressed correctly at both AIC training and at AIC games. All uniforms can be purchased from Shop45 or via School locker, please refer to website for opening hours. For matchdays enclosed footwear must be worn to games, no slides or crocs are to be worn at St Peters or associated AIC schools. They are not part of the school uniform and are a risk for Workplace health and safety.
Volleyball
Correct Training and Playing Uniform Requirements
At Training – All St Peters AIC volleyballers are to wear their St Peters Sports Uniform to Volleyball training
At Games – All St Peters AIC volleyballers must be wearing:
St Peters numbered Volleyball shirt (NO sports/PE shirts are to be worn at AIC games)
St Peters maroon PE/Sports Shorts
WHITE SOCKS ONLY are to be worn at AIC Volleyball Games
Joggers MUST be worn at all times – No slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
CRICKET
Correct Training and Playing Uniform Requirements –
At Training – all AIC cricketers must wear their ‘Program Shirt’ to their training session
At Games – All St Peters cricketers are to arrive to their game wearing:
St Peters ‘Program Shirt’ and then get changed into your playing whites just before the start of play
WHITE SOCKS ONLY are to be worn at AIC Cricket Games
Joggers MUST be worn at all times – No slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
Australian Rules
Correct Training and Playing Uniform Requirements –
At Training – all AIC Australian Rules footballers must wear their PE Uniform to training (Year 7 and Year 9) and Seniors can wear their black opens warm up shirt. Students are to be wearing boots and have a mouth guard
At Games – Students must have mouth guards
Joggers MUST be worn at all times before/after games – No slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
ST PETERS STUDENT SPECTATORS ON GAMEDAYS
Should any St Peters student be attending a St Peters sporting event/game outside of normal College hours, it is expected that they are dressed in St Peters Formal Uniform. Should a student not be wearing the correct attire when attending a sporting event/game, they may be asked to leave the venue.
WET WEATHER AND CANCELLATIONS
With regards to wet weather and any unforeseen or potential cancellations of AIC sports, please ensure that you keep an eye out for notifications and alerts via the St Peters App. We will endeavour to keep everyone updated on both training cancellations and game day changes as the week progresses.
