Same as Ever: Lessons for Education at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield
In an era where AI promises to transform every facet of our lives, a question I have been wrestling with lately - what truly remains constant in education? At St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, we are constantly looking ahead—exploring innovative pedagogical approaches, investigating emerging technologies, and refining our curriculum to ensure our students are future-ready. Yet, amidst all this change, some things remain the same.
Morgan Housel’s book Same as Ever challenges us to rethink how we perceive change. While new tools and methodologies emerge, the core purpose of education remains: to equip young people with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and navigate an uncertain world. At St Peters Springfield, we anchor ourselves in our Mission: Excellence in Christian Co-education—recognising that while innovation enhances learning, at the same time, it is relationships, care, and a deep sense of belonging that truly shape a student’s experience.
Future Thinking, Built on Strong Foundations
We are committed to ensuring our students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. As AI development marches forward, we know that technology is an important tool to aide their preparation. Moreover, some of our teachers across both Primary and Secondary Years are part of an AI in Education program guided by AI consultant – Leon Furze.
At the same time, we remain steadfast in what has always mattered—connection, character, and community. We work hard to ensure that every student is known, valued, and supported. Our teachers are dedicated to inspiring curiosity, fostering resilience, and nurturing the whole person.
Learning with Purpose, Leading with Heart
Education is full of change, but some things are timeless. While tools evolve, the heart of learning remains the same—building strong relationships between students and teachers, creating meaningful learning experiences, and developing young people of integrity. Our College embodies this in our Student Portfolio Leadership Model, our Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Programs, and our commitment to personalised pathways—whether through ATAR, Vocational Education, or other post-school opportunities.
At St Peters Springfield, we embrace both innovation and our traditions. We prepare students for an evolving future while staying anchored in the values that define our community: God’s Love, Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Academic, Care, Holistic Education, Respectful Relationships, Service to others, and belonging to and Building Community. These values guide everything we do, ensuring that our students grow not just academically, but as compassionate and purpose-driven individuals.
Our College motto, Plus Ultra—Ever Higher, reminds us that our pursuit of excellence never stops. As we look forward, we should ask: What is changing, and how do we prepare for it? But equally important, what is always true, and how do we ensure we don’t lose sight of it?
At St Peters, the answer is clear: innovation with purpose, learning with heart, and a community where every student is known and supported.
Mr Dominic Piacun Head of Secondary Years
What's On
Valentine's Day Vibes at Hearts Café – Friday 14 February
This Valentine's Day, we are all about spreading the love and serving up some sweet treats. Whether you are treating a mate, your favourite teacher, or just yourself, we have got something special for everyone at Hearts Café
What's on the Menu?
Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Cheesecake squares
Heart Shaped Watermelon
Valentine's Lollies – available in the café
And of course, we have got your regular menu for the day and cold drinks to keep you going.
When: Friday 14 February (while stocks last)
Where: Hearts Café
To secure your special treat, pre-order online via My Student Account in the My St Peters App. Orders must be placed online by 8:00am on or before Friday 14 February. No late orders will be accepted. We encourage students in Years 5 – 12 to take advantage of preordering otherwise pop by, grab a treat and make your Valentine’s Day a whole lot sweeter.
What's on Term 1, Week 3
13 February – Parent Workshop (supporting your child’s reading)
15 February – Years 7 and 10 Scholarship Exams
19 February – Upper Primary Swimming
19 February – Prep and Year 12 Senior Jersey
20 February – Year 10 Dinner
22 February – SPOSA 2014 and 2015 Reunion
Symposium 1 – Growing up Online – Tuesday 11 March
In today’s digital world, young people are more connected than ever—but with this connectivity comes risks. To help parents navigate the challenges of raising children in the online age, St Peters is proud to present Symposium 1: Growing Up Online, featuring Australia’s leading cyber safety expert, Susan McLean.
Event Details: Tuesday 11 March, 6:45pm – 8:15pm Dron Auditorium, St Peters Performing Arts Centre Tickets: $5 per person (Proceeds donated to charity)
Susan, a former police officer and Australia’s foremost authority on cyber safety, will share expert insights on online risks, including cyberbullying, grooming, sextortion, problematic gaming, and exposure to harmful content. She will also provide practical strategies to help parents manage digital devices and keep their children safe online.
This adults-only session is a must for all parents and caregivers.
St Peters Springfield has partnered with Lutheran Education Queensland (LEQ) to give our whole community the opportunity to attend an engaging three-part webinar series with Madonna King. With her extensive experience and having authored multiple books around the topics of modern parenting, Madonna will offer valuable insights into raising emotionally healthy, resilient children and teens. These sessions will be informative, but are also aimed at equipping parents with practical tools and strategies.
The regular cost of these webinars is set at $45.00 per attendee, or $135.00 total for the series. However, due to the partnership with St Peters and LEQ, these webinars are able to be provided to our community at no cost.
Please register your attendance using the links provided, being sure to scroll to the bottom of the Humantix page to gain access to the St Peters School Pass tickets/access.
Mr Craig Brown Head of St Peters Springfield
Important Notices
Safety in the College Carpark and Surrounding Streets
At St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, student safety is our highest priority, including in and around our College carparks and surrounding streets. We remind all families to adhere to the 40kph School Zone speed limits on surrounding streets during designated times. In the carparks, we ask all drivers to follow 10kph Shared Zone speed limit, follow the directional signage, use the designated Kiss’N’Go zone appropriately and remain vigilant for pedestrians, especially during peak times. A reminder too to please note that the Staff Carpark should not be used for school pickup and drop-off.
We also encourage all members of our community to use designated pedestrian crossings when crossing roads to ensure safety for both pedestrians and drivers, this applies both within the College carparks and also in surrounding streets.
We will be following-up this notice with pastoral conversations with our students over the coming weeks, where we will discuss road safety and doing the right thing.
This issue is very important to us and by applying our College values of Care, Dignity and Respect we can all work together for a safer environment.
Craig Brown Head of St Peters Springfield
Around the College
Congratulations to Mrs Stephanie Wise
Each year Autism Queensland seeks nominations from across the community to recognise the outstanding achievements of autistic children and adults, their parents/carers and the schools and early childhood education centres who support them. Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, and Professor Graeme Nimmo hosted the 2024 Recognition Awards Ceremony at an Evening Cocktail Event at Government House, Brisbane on Tuesday 3 December, the International Day of People with Disability.
Mrs Stephanie Wise was nominated by a current parent for the School/Early Childhood Education Award and was presented with the Special Commendation Award. This award acknowledges the exceptional efforts of a Queensland school, early childhood education centre, or kindergarten in understanding the unique needs of autistic students or young children; providing holistic and inclusive support; and ensuring maximum outcomes for students or young children in their care.
Mrs Wise's unwavering dedication has transformed countless students' lives at St Peters Springfield. Her exceptional support enables every student to discover and reach their full potential, preparing them for a life of purpose. She embodies our College's commitment to embracing families from all backgrounds, creating a community where going the extra mile for one another is second nature. Through her ability to forge deep, meaningful connections, Mrs Wise ensures that every student's unique story is not just heard but celebrated.
Wellbeing on Wellness Way
Welcome to 2025 – starting strong, to finish stronger
'You are not your grades'
As high school progresses, Ms Holsman said the pressure around exams could rise and she knew first-hand how anxiety could become debilitating in Year 12.
"My anxiety skyrocketed. I'll admit it," she said.
"If only when I was in high school it would have been stressed a little bit more that your exams and tests are there to measure how well you've studied for a particular subject and how much information you've been able to retain.
"It is not there to measure your self-worth and it's not there to say that you're better than certain students in your class or you're smarter than them or your self-worth is lower."
"So I've really made it a mission on my channel just to share study tips and how to be organised and how to be productive, but live a well-balanced life."
Welcome to Week 3 of the first Term of 2025. It has already had it’s own unique balance of busy and eventful adventures in the life of our College.
As a College, we are so excited to welcome all of our new students, who are doing amazingly at settling in, and also we are excited to reconnect with our continuing students, relationships are the priority for us, and so it has been wonderful to have the school full and busy once again.
However, the start to any new year comes with it's unique busy and demanding challenges. In these times of transition and change, we can offer you – as parents – the most important piece of advice. Relax. Enjoy the moments, the time goes fast – we are here to support you, and support your children, and the calmer you are and the more present you are; the more joyful you will be, as will your young people.
For some more support – we offer you School TV, a growing body of articles and pieces on parenting to help navigate the life that is looking after your students. Michael Carr-Gregg, Australia’s leading child psychologist – has put this site together and we offer access to our entire community, no password required so feel free to send to grandparents, aunties and uncles and all members of the parenting village.
Here are some excerpts from this article on transitions and managing high school routines and behaviours with ease.
Try different activities and embrace school spirit
Mrs Sarah Johnson Pathways & Counselling Leader
Secondary Years
Parent Support Series – Free Webinars
Performing Arts
Week 3 Arts News
Be on time, Be prepared, Be a leader, Believe!
Participation in Performing Arts programs whether in the Private Tuition Program or Cocurricular Ensembles enables our young learners to develop meaningful and, in some cases, life-long connection with others not only within the St Peters community but beyond the College gates. We are very fortunate that we have passionate and highly qualified staff to lead our programs to instil a life-long love and connection with music and to enable our community to celebrate on a regular basis the gifts and talents of our young people.
Poco Voce – Message 5
We were excited this week to commence a new Choir for Years 1–2. This additional Ensemble opportunity supports our Plus Ultra mindset, to the belief that Ever Higher is achievable. Participants will learn life-long skills such as teamwork, commitment, communication, connection and community. Mrs Sarah Schmeider will direct this Ensemble which will rehearse each Tuesday in PA1 7:30am-8:00am. If you child is interested in participating, please complete the enrolment form located on Firefly in the Performing Ensembles Handbook and email to sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Private Tuition
Vacancies still exist in the Private Tuition Program for Piano, Vocal, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. Thank you for your patience as we work through the recruitment process to replace the Lower Strings and Woodwind/Band Tutors positions. Enrolment forms are available on Firefly in the Private Tuition Handbook, once completed please email to sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Music Cocurricular Schedule
Please refer to the Music Cocurricular Schedule below. There still may be some adjustments due to staff appointments. String Ensembles, Poco Voce and Dance Troupe rehearsals commenced this week. Remember to stay committed to the team effort and rehearse parts in preparation for the following rehearsal.
** Change of rehearsal time for Guitar Ensemble due to staffing schedule clash.
Photography and Media Club!
This year, we will be running a Photography and Media Club for students who are interested in photography and filmmaking. Members of the Club will be official student photographers at College events such as Swimming Carnivals and Cross Country, as well as everyday school life - we want YOU to capture unique and fun photos and videos of your Year Level!
We will meet every Week on Wednesday at Morning Tea in JH02. Bring your lunch and your friends and come along. Learn how to improve your photos and contribute to documenting your journey through the Secondary Years at St Peters Springfield.
Upcoming Events:
Thursday 6 March – Lunchtime Concert Years 7-12
Monday 17 March - Strings Lunchtime Concert
Mrs Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Coordinator
Sport
Springfield Sport
Sports Bus Bookings
Students participating in AIC, QGSSSA, and SPW Sports 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 Carnivals
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Secondary Years and Upper Primary Years Swimming Carnivals last week. There was a tremendous array of spirt of show! Presentations of House winners and Age Champions will be conducted at Week 4 Assembly for Seniors and Week 5 Assembly for Primary Years. Parents will be notified via email if their child is receiving an award as we encourage you to attend.
GBC Swimming Carnival
For the first time, St Peters Springfield students will represent the College at the GBC Swimming Carnival at Sleeman Sports Complex on Monday 31 March (Week 10). Students who are selected for the team will be notified within the next few weeks and acknowledged at Assembly prior to the event. This is a great opportunity to come together as a College to showcase our talents in the pool.
Student Success
Congratulations to Year 12 student Srey J who has been selected to represent the 15-19 Boys Met West Cricket team. Srey will compete at the State Titles in early March, we look forward to following how he goes!
Year 7 student Ethan L has been selected in the Queensland State Track Team (U15 BOYS). He will compete at the 2025 AusCycling Junior Track National Championships being held at the Anna Meares Velodrome from 22-26 March. Ethan recently won Bronze in the 500m Time Trial and Sprint at the State Titles. Congratulation Ethan.
We want to hear more about the amazing achievements of our students! Please email Head of Sport Mr Kale Reed k.reed@stpeters.qld.edu.au to let us know!
Central District Sport Trials
Parents and guardians should refer to the 2025 Central Comets Trial Calendar for all upcoming trial dates. Nominations due to Mr Reed k.reed@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Kale Reed Head of Sport Springfield
Boys Sport
Boys Weekly Sport
Over the weekend, St Peters teams showcased their prowess across various disciplines. Our Australian Rules teams faced tough competition but emerged with our first win in St Peters history in an ‘A’ level competition, with our 8As recording a win vs St Patrick’s College.
On the Cricket pitches, our teams clinched victories with some impressive bowling displays with our First XI defending a 109 total to win by 7 runs and our Year 7A students recording an impressive batting display with two half centuries amongst our boys. In Volleyball, although facing tough competition, our players displayed resilience, with our Years 7-9 teams recording several wins at home. Meanwhile, our swimmers excelled at the first meet, with our senior students to be commended for their leadership in helping out with St Peters first AIC Meet.
St Peters athletes continue to demonstrate dedication and skill across the sporting spectrum, setting a high standard for the competition.
We look forward to hosting our first Senior fixtures this weekend against St Patrick’s College for Cricket and Volleyball respectively. Looking forward to seeing all the 'Saints go marching in' to support the boys, be it at Mayer Oval or sitting in the mezzanine for Volleyball! Let’s bring the noise and showcase our St Peters spirit!
Congratulations to our First Teams
Leading into Round 1 of AIC we announced our St Peters Senior Australian Rules, 1st XI Cricket, and our 1st VI Volleyball Team on Thursday night. It was a combined gathering where we were able to acknowledge and congratulate the selected members of each respective team.
Australian Rules – Senior Team First Match day squad
Seamus C
Sterling C
Ryan D
Liam F
Tom G
Tom G
Daniel H
Theo H
Elijah K
James W
Matt K
Harry M
Sam K
Lucas R
Matthew W
Zane S
Harley K
Callum B
Hayden S
Leo B
Matt J
Addison S
Luca V
Cricket – First XI
Lars S (c)
Isaac K
Charlie C
Hugo K
Beau G (wk)
Lachlan F
Hugh B
Oli G
Harrison B
Jack L
Yash K
Volleyball – First VI Squad
Luke K
Toby F
Elijah K (11)
Kurtis B
Ben B
Jeremy C
Julius L
Tom D
Seb T
Luc H
Elijah K (12)
Mr Tim Kotzur, coordinators and coaches attended to address and present the players with their playing shirts and baggy caps. It filled me with great honour to see the young men take pride in their uniform and to ‘play for the crest’ with many students being teammates for several years and discussions of brotherhood were many. The unity that these young men showed was a testament to their character and was transmitted to the sporting arena last weekend with each of our first team recording comprehensive wins to get the AIC season off to a strong start!
We do encourage all students and parents to support to our Cricketers, Volleyballers, Australian Rules players and St Peters Swimmers over the course of their respective sporting seasons. A large part of our St Peters sporting program is also community engagement. Sport at St Peters is a great environment to connect and socialise with other students and parents.
Please refer to the St Peters App for details of times and venues for all AIC Round 2 games this coming Friday and Saturday.
AIC Ecumenical Service
The AIC sporting year was launched on Thursday 6 February, with the annual AIC Ecumenical Service being hosted by Villanova College. The Ecumenical Service celebrates the Christian bond that exists between all member Colleges and gives student and staff representatives from each school an opportunity to come together as a community before competition commences this weekend. It was wonderful to again welcome Ambrose Treacy to the event as a guest member of the Association. During the service, a student representative shared to the gathering a symbol from their respective school.
After the Ecumenical Service, students from all eight member colleges and AIC Guest College- Ambrose Treacy, participated in a student forum that included a presentation from Mr. Malcolm Watts- CEO of the Brisbane Bullets. Malcolm’s engaging presentation highlighted that student’s journeys through life can take many different paths, with Malcolm outlining his own journey to now being the CEO of one of the biggest national sporting teams in Brisbane.
captains report
2025 Boys Sport Captain, Liam B (Year 12) and 2025 Boys Sport Spirit Captain, Zane S (Year 12)
Meanwhile, the AIC celebrated its annual Ecumenical Service, marking the start of the competition season while reinforcing shared Christian values. Following the service, students attended a forum featuring Malcolm Watts, CEO of the Brisbane Bullets, who shared insights on life's diverse paths, with special thanks to Villanova College for hosting.
Heading into Week 3, our boys take on Marist College Ashgrove in the second round of Term 1. Special mention to our Cricket teams who are playing their annual Pink Stumps Day. This round is a fundraising event that supports breast cancer awareness and places breast care nurses in communities.
This year we would like to reintroduce the 'If You Play You Stay' rule. We strongly encourage all students to stay and support other teams after their games, especially during focus rounds when the whole cohort rallies around a specific Sport.
Australian rules
Our Year 7 and Years 9-10* (Born in 2010) team is still looking for numbers so if you are interested in joining – CLICK HERE
Congratulations to our 8A Australian Rules team for recording St Peters first win in the Australian Rules A competition! We look forward to seeing all teams succeed on the field in 2025
cricket
On Saturday 15 February the fifth Pink Stumps event will be hosted by Marist College in conjunction with St Peters College with games at both Colleges on this very special Day.
Our Pink Stumps Day event will help fund more McGrath Cancer Care Nurses so they can then provide vital physical, psychological, and emotional support to more people navigating breast cancer. It’s so important to get as many people as we can on board, because sadly, breast cancer leaves no community untouched. This year, 20,458 women and 217 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia. Each one deserves the best quality of care, with support from a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.
All home and away matches will feature the iconic pink stumps and hats. The parents and families of the boys are please asked to show your support by wearing Pink on the day. The P&F building will be open day with free tea, coffee and snacks, and if at school please pop in and show you support for the McGrath Foundation that help so many families in so many ways and all Sports welcome.
If you would like to support the nurses and our day please follow the link.
volleyball
With Several wins across the board for our Junior Teams it was a great start to the season for our opening games hosted by St Peters. Our Year 9s were undefeated and a combined two teams lost across all Junior High teams, a fantastic effort.
Volleyball BBQ Roster – Round 2 Saturday 15 February We are also looking for one or two parents to help coordinate the Junior BBQ (years 7-9) There are three or four BBQs in the season and include helping with set up and co-ordinating food. If you are interested in helping, please email us at volleyballpsg@stpeters.qld.edu.au Without your help and time, the Volleyball support group will find it difficult to run the fundraising BBQs and support your children in their volleyball pursuits! If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.
Cross Country Training has started and sign up links have been sent out! For any students in Years 7-12 interested in Signing up for Cross Country in 2025 please see below the messages from Mrs Schreiber, Cross Country Coordinator to support having you participate in Cross Country, as well as your weekend AIC Sport i.e. Chess, Football and/or Rugby. - Training Schedule can be found on the app with Wednesday afternoons being the priority session for team training. However there are sessions offered every day to balance your Term 1 sporting schedule. Please prioritise your current Term 1 Sporting commitments.
Meets/Championship (see attached Calendar) Meets are on Wednesday afternoons and begin in Mid Term 2, meaning it will not clash with your AIC fixtures – you can do both!
With Term 2 Sport just around the corner, I invite you to complete the following sign-up process to help finalise our numbers for your respective Sport.
Please complete by end of Week 4, Friday 1 February.
Season information including training schedules for Chess, Cross Country and Rugby can be found on the St Peters app, with more information to be sent out from respective coordinators shortly.
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. Boys are encouraged to attend Athletic Development
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 Round 2 fixtures vs Marist College please 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 see the St Peters App for the latest Draw information.
We wish our Senior Australian Rules Football teams the best of luck this weekend as they commence their QGSSSA season. Well done to Indy C and Abby G on their appointments as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively.
Congratulations to the following girls on their selection in the 2025 Open QGSSSA Australian Rules Football Team. We hope that you can build on the success of last year’s team who won the inaugural 2024 QGSSSA Open Premiership.
Please see the St Peters App for the latest Draw information.
Starting this Thursday, St Peters will field four girls touch football teams in club fixtures at BMTA! We hope that the girls find this to be a valuable experience and thank our Touch Football Coordinator Miss Laura Buckby for her tireless work driving this program forward.
Please see the St Peters App for the latest Draw information.
Student Achievements
Netball
Congratulations to Bronte G (Year 11) who has been selected in the Papua New Guinea Pepes National team to compete at the Pacific-Aus Sports Netball Series held in Brisbane from 17–22 February. Good luck Bronte!
Share your 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.
Please see the Northern Eagles calendar currently available on the St Peters App. Information regarding Term 1 district nominations have been shared via email to all students. Students need to be part of a St Peters 'A Team' or play club at a high level to be nominated. A final decision on nominations will be at the discretion of the Sport Department. Further nomination information will be emailed to students at the start of each term.
