I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

It was delightful last week to see the arrival of so many new students at their orientation session as they met their buddies and began to settle in with all Year 1 to 12 students on board the following day. Our Prep students had a staggered start in the first week which concluded with the presentation of their Bibles at the Community Celebration on the Friday evening courtesy of Arise Lutheran Church.
It was a wonderful opportunity to welcome and celebrate the commencement of this educational journey together and with a shared meal. As the students returned it was like the wind hitting our sails as we set off. There has been much excitement and anticipation for the year ahead and all the hopes, possibilities and opportunities that it holds.  

At our Founders Day and Installation, I shared a quote that I recently encountered:  

Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph: a beginning, a struggle and a victory. Mahatma Ghandi

I shared this thought, not to dampen enthusiasm with words like drudgery and struggle, but to ensure that we retain it. We are full of hope and excitement as the year commences and we set goals and determine strategies by which we will achieve them but we also must hold onto that hope through the hard work done day after day, when we struggle and when we have setbacks or difficulties. 
As a community, we all have a responsibility to support, encourage and help others through such challenges. In so doing we work together to live out our Plus Ultra motto and accomplish remarkable things.  

A parent came to see me recently, overflowing with gratitude towards St Peters and all that we had done to make his son the young man that he has become. The parent rejected any credit for himself but full of generosity, gave all credit to the school. Indeed, the student is an exceptional young man and certainly the parents are due much credit but every student and staff member at St Peters also had a part to play. Through our daily words, actions and attitudes, through our diligence and care, we together create an environment in which everyone can flourish and excel.

Staff

This year we welcome additional staff as we continue to grow.  Mr Nathan Beveridge, whom we know through his work in Information Technology and Systems, this year joins the Technology teaching team in Junior High. He will be an integral part of the team developing learning and enrichment opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

We also welcome Ms Elisabeth Knowles whom we are thankful is available to bring her expertise as a French teacher to Junior High, teaching three mornings each week. Ms Jo Wilton has joined the Teacher Assistant team and will be working across both Primary and Secondary years supporting our teachers and students.

After 9 years of dedicated service, Miss Perry was successful in obtaining a position at St Peters Indooroopilly late last year. We are full of gratitude to Miss Perry for all the colour, creativity and inspiration she brought to our community. We are very thankful to have Ms Lila Price join our team who has substantial experience teaching Visual Arts and Media in New Zealand and Australia and is very well placed to lead this area of learning and endeavour.  

Building

Our Head of College, Mr Kotzur, and I have been working closely with our architects and project managers over the holidays doing our due diligence working through the valued management process for the building of the new Upper Primary/Junior High Learning Precinct. We are in the final stages of the tender and approvals process and hope to commence works shortly with a goal of completion of this exciting new facility for the start of the 2020 school year.

New Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system

Our Year 11 students have now commenced studies under the new QCE system. While all subjects are operating under new syllabuses we are pleased to be able to extend our offerings to include Literature, Psychology and Engineering, with implementation and teaching of these subjects being led by Mrs Boase, Dr Thygesen and Ms Baessler respectively. External assessment at the end of Year 12 is a feature of this new system under which eligible students will graduate with an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).  More information is available at the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) website and from our Head of Secondary School, Mrs Grotherr, who presented on this topic on Tuesday evening this week.

I conclude by recalling the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:20 where he reminds us that God is able to accomplish immeasurably more than all we ask or can imagine. Thank you all for your contribution to ensuring the year has started well and may God richly bless our journey together through the year ahead.

Craig Schmidt
Principal

At a number of the Parent Information Evenings this week I have spoken about the importance of parental engagement in their child’s education. Professor John Hattie, whose work I have referred to on a number of occasions in Newsletter Articles, points to a significant body of research that indicates that parental engagement impacts positively on student learning outcomes. Hattie cites that much of this research concludes that “the most accurate predictor of student achievement is the extent to which the family is involved in the student’s education”, and that the “family’s contribution remains critical from the earliest years of childhood to the end of secondary schooling”.

By and large the research suggests that parents do a good job at being engaged in their child’s education during the primary years through activities like reading to their child; helping their child learn ‘sight words’; assisting with Maths homework and so on. Understandably due to the desire of the child to become more independent as they enter secondary school, and the increased subject specific complexity of secondary subjects, parental engagement in their child’s education becomes more challenging. The good news is that in relation to parental engagement in their child’s secondary education the things that matter aren’t the ability of the parent to help with Maths or other subject content. The things that are important in terms of Parental Engagement in the secondary years of schooling are:

Communication and reinforcing the value of education for your child’s future

• Engaging in conversations about choices around future course selection, further education and careers;
• Valuing education and showing that you do by having frequent discussions about school, learning and educational matters;
• In your home life, conveying that learning and education are valuable. For example, parents talking about the professional development course they undertook at work;
• Expressing high but realistic educational goals for your child;
• Discussing the feedback your child receives on assessment tasks and reports and how your child might be able to act on it; Being sensitive to how teenagers want to be more independent, while giving structure and support in helping your child to develop their own schedules, routines and processes for managing school, homework and other aspects of their lives; and
• Sustaining consistent levels of parental support and supervision and maintaining adequate level of discipline around ‘house rules’ in relation to screen time, chores, etc.

Tim Kotzur
Head of College

Arise Lutheran Church will celebrate its 2nd birthday this Sunday and will launch a Growing Faith at Home resource to help our children connect with the faith messages they hear in services. Please come and celebrate what God is doing among us. There will be cake!

• 9.00am Service
  
• 10.00am Morning Tea

Please join us as we journey in faith together.

Pastor Matt Wilksch
Springfield Chaplain
m.wilksch@stpeters.qld.edu.au
0447 656 793

Our 2019 Prep families attended a special Community Celebration Service last Friday night where the Arise Lutheran Church congregation presented the ‘Jesus Story Book Bible’ to each Prep student. The service and Bible presentation is an important part of the transition to Prep and encapsulates the community spirit of St Peters. It was a great way to meet other Prep families and feel part of the St Peters community. Our Prep students received their Bibles from Pastor Matt and were eager to view the stories. Thank you to the many Prep families who joined in the fun games and stayed for a shared supper afterwards.

Today in Secondary School Assembly, Renieke V in Year 11 was mentioned as she has earned her Bronze Award. Well done to Renieke on her hard work! 

To achieve a Duke of Edinburgh Award, students must be persistent, resilient and self-motivated as they complete four components within a timeframe (which varies, depending on the level of the award). The components are: An Adventurous Journey (which for Year 9 participants is taken care of during their time at Ironbark), a physical activity, a non-physical skill and a service activity. 

Recipients of the award demonstrate that they are well-rounded individuals, which makes them desirable to employers.

If you would like to learn more about the scheme and your child is in Year 9 or above, there will be a Parent Information Evening on Wednesday, 13 February in CH06 from 5:30 to 6:30.
Please RSVP your intention to come to Mrs Rae Morgan, the Award Leader at r.morgan@stpeters.qld.edu.au . 

By Rae Morgan.

Generation Next, Dale Carnegie Youth Program

Generation Next is a 6 week live, in-person adaptation of the world‐famous Dale Carnegie Course which has been tailored for 14 – 17 year olds. 

It focuses on honing EQ, confidence and communication skills and is designed to prepare young people for the real world. The program will give students the skills they need to reach their goals and live up to their full potential – at school, home and in their future careers. Generation Next successfully runs throughout the world and St Peters is proud to be the first school in Australia to offer students this wonderful opportunity.

This unique course focuses on five key areas and teaches skills that will last a life time including:

Building Self-confidence

• Enhancing Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skill Development
• Teamwork and Leadership Skills
• Effective Attitude Management & Stress Control

An information evening will be held for interested parents and students on Thursday evening, 21 February from 6.30-8.30pm. 

To register, please click this link.  Should you have any difficulties registering please email: emma.henry@dalecarnegie.com.

Term 1 - All new programs for new and returning students at After School Coding Club.

Click here to download information.

PRIVATE TUITION PROGRAMME

St Peters Springfield has a number of experienced and qualified tutors who visit our school to offer tuition. Lessons are scheduled on a rotational basis throughout the school day, thus minimising disruption to curriculum time.  Students are encouraged to perform at our Private Tuition Recitals and at other events to develop their performance skills.

Private Tutors are:
Mrs Jodie Brighton – Woodwind, Brass and Percussion
Ms Celine Crellin – Strings (Violin, Viola and Cello)
Ms Sharon Johnson – Voice and Kindermusik
Ms Yuting Kao – Piano
Mrs Alison Pomerenke – Piano
Ms Louise Wasalski – Guitar, Double Bass
Mrs Kathy Wilson – Speech and Drama

Any students interested in enrolling for lessons, should see Ms Sally Grennan (Private Tuition Co-Ordinator) or Ms Krist-elle Hill (Teacher) in PAB to collect the Private Tuition Handbook. Alternatively, parents are very welcome to email Ms Grennan S.Grennan@stpeters.qld.edu.au for a copy of the handbook, or with any questions.

Lessons have commenced, and timetables will continue to be updated with new enrolments until Week 5. After this, new enrolments will be scheduled to commence in Term 2.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

There are a number of events at which our ensembles perform. Information letters are distributed for each event, and information is also available through Cornerstone.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

During the last weeks of Term 4 several ensembles visited our neighbours to perform and spread some Christmas Cheer.

Petit Early Learning Journey was visited by Mezzo Voce and while Kindy Patch Childcare was visited by Arco Strings and Fella Voce.  Our own St Peters Kindergarten also received a visit from Piccolo Voce. Aveo Springfield received a visit from Poco Voce and Platinum Band.

Bella Voce also performed at the Mater Hospital, travelling through the wards and presenting a Chapel service.  I have included this photo for your enjoyment.

EXAMINATION CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who completed piano examinations through The Australian College of Music at the end of 2018.

Jonathon R – Honours, Preparatory 1
Sanuk A – Honours, Preparatory 2
Ariya G – Merit, Grade 1
Benafsheh G – Honours, Grade 2 Modern Piano
Nayana C – Honours, Grade 2
(Students of Ms Alison Pomerenke)
Mikayla B – Honours, Grade 3 Standard exam
(Student of Ms Sally Grennan)

Welcome to all members of the St Peters Lutheran College sports community for the 2019. 

I trust all families have had a relaxing break and are looking forward to what this year holds.  

Last year was another positive year in St Peters Sport, with a number of premierships and strong results as well as our highest numbers of students participating in the Sports Program to date. I look forward to further growth in 2019 and strongly encourage all young women and men at the College to be involved in as many sports as they can this year – not just to enjoy the array of physical and social benefits, but also to be a part of the significant improvements that St Peters has displayed in both the QGSSSA and AIC Competitions and Representative Sport over the last five years. 

The diverse range of sports offered to students in Year 3 to Year 12 aims to cater for both varied interests and varied ability levels.
St Peters Sport recognises the importance of positive sporting experiences in a young person’s development, and therefore accepts that competition focusing solely on winning and losing can create undue pressure on students. To this end, in junior years there is increased emphasis placed on enjoyment, fair participation and skill development. As our sportspeople mature, the aforementioned attributes remain important while a sense of competition also shifts into focus. In senior years, results become an increasing part of shared team goals and successes. 

Parents are strongly encouraged to be involved within their child’s sporting pursuits, particularly through positive support at matches. This attendance is invaluable and creates an environment which is conducive to quality performances and a united, supportive approach. We greatly appreciate the effort and time that is required of parents and we thank you in advance for your support. 

St Peters APP

Please download the St Peters ‘app’ today!! 

All information regarding the SPLC Sport program including sport training times and venues, draws, coordinator details and wet weather arrangements can be found on the St Peters App. 

The app can be downloaded free through iTunes or Google Play, please search for St Peters:

Queensland Girls Secondary Schools Sport Association (QGSSSA) Girls Year 7 – 12

The College is involved in two prestigious sporting associations, Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA) and Brisbane School Girls’ Rowing Association (BSRA). There are ten schools in the formal QGSSSA competition and fixtures are played on a rotational basis whereby all schools compete against each other. Girls also have the opportunity to participate in the Queensland Interschool Equestrian Association (QISEA) and Brisbane Water Polo Inc (BWPI). 

A comprehensive overview of the 2019 Girls Sport program can be found by clicking on the link below: 
2019 Girls Sport Handbook

Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) Boys Year 4 – 12

St Peters is a member of the formal inter-school sporting competition known as Associated Independent Colleges (AIC). There are eight schools in this formal competition and matches are played on a rotational basis whereby all schools compete against each other throughout the year.

A comprehensive overview of the 2019 Boys Sport program can be found by clicking on the link below:
2019 Boys Sport Handbook

SPLC Sport Bus

As in 2018, the College aims to further increase participation in Co-curricular Sport in 2019 by supporting the movement of students between St Peters Springfield and St Peters Indooroopilly. This will be achieved by a dedicated SPLC Sport Bus and will operate at the following times: 

Morning (AM) – St Peters Indooroopilly to St Peters Springfield 
(Depart promptly at 7.45 am from the St Peters Indooroopilly Internal Bus Stop)

Afternoon (PM) - St Peters Springfield to St Peters Indooroopilly
(Depart promptly at 2.35 pm from the St Peters Springfield Bus Stop)

Parents will be responsible for drop off to morning (AM) training and collection of student’s at the conclusion of training (PM). Parents will also need to complete the online Consent Form in 2019, which can be found at the following link: 
2019 SPLC Sport Bus Parent Consent Form

Further information about the SPLC Sport Bus, please click on the links below:
SPLC Sport Bus Policy
Registering for the SPLC Sport Bus
Map of St Peters Indooroopilly

Representative Sport

Representative Sport is an important pathway to enabling our students to achieve individual success and to further their sporting development. Girls and boys aged 10 - 19 years are entitled to attend the Metropolitan West Sports selection trials which includes a district trial with Central Comets in the sports they currently play at St Peters. Exceptions to this would include sports that are not offered to students such as orienteering, baseball, etc. 

In 2019, students will need to nominate through an online Google Form and nominate as soon as possible. Students must nominate through the Sport Coordinator, Mr Jeremy Lohe with final nominations approved by the Sport Coordinator. 

Students who are invited to trial at Met West as part of a Central District team will need to pay through the Parent Portal, under St Peters Springfield Activities. A fee of $22 will apply for all sports excluding Swimming which will be $32. Any questions regarding payment, please contact Mr Jeremy Lohe. 

Please also familiarise yourself with both the Representative Sport Policy and the Central District Sport Calendar:
Representative Sport Policy
Representative Sport Calendar
Online Nomination Form

WDNA Girls Primary Netball Year 3 – 6

We are aiming again to have St Peters teams entered into the Western Districts Netball Association competition made entirely of girls from St Peters Springfield. Girls will play in teams based on their date of birth. Girls from Years 3 – Year 6 in 2019 will be eligible to play in this competition. Please note that 8 Year old girls in Year 3 will need play up in the 9 Year old competition. 
Please click on the link below to register your interest for the 2019 season:
2019 Season Primary Netball Registration

AIC Cricket Year 4 – 6

We are very much looking to build on the last few years with the formation of a Year 4/5 Cricket and a Year 6 Cricket team made up of Springfield boys who would train at St Peters Springfield and then play games against other schools within the AIC competition. Both teams are dependent on numbers, needing a minimum of 12 players in each team. 
Please click on the link below to register your interest for the 2019 season:
2019 Season AIC Cricket Registration

St Peters First XI Cricket and First VI Volleyball

Congratulations to Kaya B and Benji W in Year 12 who have both been selected to represent the College in First VI Volleyball and First XI Cricket. This is an outstanding achievement for both and represents many years of dedication to their chosen sports. Kaya has been given the honour of on court C0-Captain for the First XI Volleyball while Benji has been chosen as AIC Cricket Captain for 2019. 

Date Claimers

• 4 – 6 Inter House Swimming: Thursday 28th February
• Year 7 – 12 Inter House Swimming: Friday 1st March
• QGSSSA Swimming: Wednesday 6th March
• AIC Swimming: Monday 11th March
• Lutheran Primary Swimming: Tuesday 12th March
• Year 4 – 12 Inter House Cross Country: Wednesday 3rd April (last day of Term 1)