“Schools are about more than what we know and what we can do. They are about who we are and what we must do to help others become what they might be”. – Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
We have started the 2024 school year with a burst of energy. Already we have seen several significant events – commissioning of our new Head of Springfield, Founders Day ceremony, induction of new staff and students, Primary and Secondary Swimming carnivals in addition to the bedrock of schooling – excellent teaching and learning.
As you see your child/ren engage with school, you might see them at different phases (sometimes moving back and forth between stages). Psychologists speak about the journey of school engagement, that this journey is not linear but a spectrum, varying not only among students but also within them over time.
The Observer Phase
At the outset, we encounter the Observers. These students are akin to sponges, absorbing the world around them, yet hesitant to squeeze out their thoughts. They watch from the sidelines, their minds buzzing with ideas and questions that seldom make the leap into the open. It's crucial to recognise that their silence isn't an absence of thought but often a sanctuary of contemplation. Often about things we have not considered. Encouragement here is key – not to thrust them into the spotlight abruptly, but to extend a gentle invitation to the conversation, validating that their contributions are both wanted and valued.
The Participant Phase
Progressing along the spectrum, we meet the Participants. This phase is marked by a burgeoning courage to dip their toes into the waters of engagement. Here, students start to voice their opinions, ask questions, and partake in the dance of dialogue. However, their participation is often cautious, weighed down at times by the fear of failure or judgment. It's a critical juncture where the seeds of encouragement need to be watered with positive reinforcement, emphasising the process of learning over the product.
The Explorer Phase
As confidence builds, we witness the birth of the Explorers. Curiosity becomes the compass that guides their educational journey. These students don't just participate; they probe and ponder, challenging ideas and proposing innovative solutions. Their engagement is active, driven by an intrinsic quest for knowledge and understanding. Families, schools and peers play a pivotal role in this phase by fostering an environment where exploration is not just accepted but celebrated, where questions are applauded, and failure is reframed as a stepping stone to discovery.
The Contributor Phase
Finally, at the peak of this engagement evolution, we find the Contributors. These students have transcended beyond absorbing and responding to knowledge; they are now creators and contributors to knowledge. Their engagement is characterised by a sense of responsibility not just to their own learning but to the betterment of their peers and community. They lead initiatives, mentor others, and drive change. At this stage, the role of the educator shifts to that of a collaborator and facilitator, providing platforms for these students to shine and impact.
Understanding these phases is paramount, not for labelling or boxing our students into categories, but for recognising the fluid and dynamic nature of finding purpose and thriving at school. It's about meeting young people where they are and guiding them to where they have the potential to be. As educators, parents, and mentors, our challenge is to tailor our approach, working in partnership, provide the right tools at the right time, and most importantly, ensure that every young person, regardless of the phase they are in, feels seen, heard, and empowered.
Of course, we are partners in this journey with you. Please reach out to us at any time if you have any queries or concerns
Dominic Piacun Head of Secondary Years
What's On
Term 1
08 February – Years 2-3 Parent Information Session, 4:00pm-5:00pm
08 February – Years 4-5 Parent Information Session, 5:00pm-6:00pm
14 February – Junior High Information Evening, 5:30pm-6:30pm
14 February – Ash Wednesday Service, 8:15am (Secondary), 1:15pm (Primary)
22 February – Year 6 Leadership Day
28 February – QGSSSA Swimming Championships, all day
29 February – Community Focus Day (dress code and advice in student diary emailed to students)
29 February – Years 11-12, 3-in-1 Conferences, afternoon/evening
29 February – Year 6 Parent Information Session (including Canberra Information), 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Ministry
One for All and All for One
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If they fall down, they can help each other up. But pity those who fall and have no one to help them up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4: 8-10,12)
In the business world, great achievements are generally the result of effective teams. The person who tries to stand alone will quickly lose strength and enthusiasm. Even Jesus, though he was God and could have done everything by himself, chose to gather a group of key followers to help him carry out his earthly ministry, to keep him company along the way but also so that they could learn from him and continue his work.
In everything we do at St Peters, we are reminded that none of our work is done in isolation. Through teamwork and common direction we are strengthened and encouraged in all that we do – we can bounce ideas off each other, get feedback and constructive criticism, advice and reassurance. But we are reminded that the work that we do is even stronger when God is woven through all that we do. In all the classes that happen here, in the meetings and in the sports teams, we remind ourselves that God is indeed that third, sometimes unseen strand - a member of our school, weaving his Spirit through our words and our actions.
We pray:
Lord God, Heavenly Father, we thank you that you have richly blessed our lives, our homes and our school. As you have gathered us together in the community of St Peters, remind us now of your guiding presence. Open our imaginations to the possibilities in our school in the coming months & years, and help forge us into a strong community under your loving care. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Chaplain Kirstin
Primary Years
Welcome to Week 3
We hope you're enjoying the sizzling start to the year! Our students have seamlessly settled into their new classes, forming authentic connections with both teachers and friends.
Just a quick heads up on a few things:
For our early birds, please gather on the Concourse if you're arriving at school at 7:40 am, as the Oval is closed before school.
A friendly reminder that the playground is off-limits for children, even with parental supervision, both before and after school.
When it's time to pick up your child make sure to arrive at Kiss’n’Go at the right time. Dismissal times are 2:20pm for Prep and Year 1, and 2:30pm for Year 2 to Year 6. If your child isn't there, don't forget to make a loop and swing back around.
Hearts Café is now accepting online orders exclusively for Primary Years students. Students are not to enter the café.
SchoolTV is available through Firefly. This resource allows you are caregivers to engage with the topics at your leisure. The topics covered range from Positive Parenting, Mental Health and Healthy Bodies. It is worth having a look, I would like to know what you think.
We're eagerly anticipating a fantastic year ahead, filled with teamwork and wonderful moments.
Lia Sabri Head of Primary Years
Secondary Years
Fostering a Sense of Belonging: The Path to Purpose through Leadership and Involvement
In the vibrant tapestry of school life, each thread – every student – contributes to the strength and beauty of the whole. Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It is often described as reminding us that 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. At the heart of a fulfilling school experience lies a fundamental human need: the sense of belonging. Understanding this, we are dedicated to nurturing this sense in our students by providing opportunities for students to grow their leadership and find purpose through involvement across various portfolios – Wellbeing, Academic, Sport, The Arts, Cultural, Faith and Service, and House Portfolios.
The Importance of Belonging
Belonging isn't just about being part of a group. It's about feeling seen, understood, and valued. Students who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to be academically motivated, engaged in school activities, and have higher self-esteem. They are also less likely to experience mental health issues. By fostering an environment where every student feels they belong, we lay the groundwork for a supportive and inclusive school culture.
Leadership Opportunities: A Platform for Growth
Leadership roles within our diverse portfolios offer students more than just a title. They provide a platform for personal growth, skill development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. Whether it's leading a team in a sports event, organising a cultural festival, or spearheading a community service project, these roles challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, hone their problem-solving and communication skills, and develop empathy and ethical decision-making abilities.
Involvement in Portfolios: 2024 - A year of Opportunity
Wellbeing Portfolio: This portfolio focuses on promoting mental and physical health, creating a supportive environment where students learn the importance of self-care and empathy.
Academic Portfolio: It encourages intellectual curiosity and innovation, offering students avenues to excel, mentor, and inspire their peers in academic pursuits.
Sport Portfolio: Through this, students not only showcase their athletic talents but also learn teamwork, resilience, and the spirit of healthy competition.
The Arts Portfolio: This provides a canvas for students to express their creativity, whether it's through painting, music, drama, or dance, fostering an appreciation for diverse artistic expressions.
Cultural Portfolio: Celebrating diversity, this portfolio offers a platform for students to share their cultural heritage, promoting inclusivity and global awareness.
Faith and Service Portfolio: This encourages students to engage in community service and spiritual growth, instilling a sense of responsibility and ethical citizenship.
House Portfolios: These foster school spirit and camaraderie, as students from different grades and backgrounds come together to participate in various inter-house competitions and events.
The Way Forward
As our students navigate through these portfolios, they discover their passions, strengths, and the joy of contributing to something larger than themselves. The sense of purpose and belonging they cultivate is not just for their school years but for life. We are committed to guiding our students on this journey, ensuring that each one finds their place and thrives in our school community. After all, when students feel they belong, there's no limit to what they can achieve.
Dominic Piacun Head of Secondary Years
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News
"Creativity takes courage" Henri Matisse
Years 3 and 5 MEBS
The Year three Strings and Year five Band Programs have commenced for 2024. These programs are offered on a Semester rotational basis in conjunction with Classroom Music. This program incurs no additional fees or charges and Mrs Sarah Schmeider will be sending home hire forms for parents to sign and acknowledge instrument care and responsibilities required of the students.
Private Tuition Sign-in
All secondary students undertaking Private Tuition lessons will be required to sign in and out of lessons. (Instrumental, Singing and Drama). Students attending the PA Building will have access to a sign in terminal in PAB5 (monitored by the Instrumental teachers) and students attending lessons in Curnow House will need to go to Student Services. The process will be that they sign out of the curriculum class they just left and sign into the instrumental lesson they will be attending.
Private Tuition
The Private Tuition offers all students from K-12 the opportunity to learn a musical instrument or undertake Speech and Drama lessons during the school day with our highly qualified Instrumental Staff. There is still availability for Speech and Drama and Guitar/Ukelele lessons together with piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, trumpet, trombone, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, percussion. Please refer to the Handbook found on Firefly for further details or email Ms Yasmin Powell further information sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Cocurricular Activities
Week two saw several Performing Arts Cocurricular activities commence rehearsals for the year. Opportunities exist in a variety of music, dance and drama ensembles. Please refer to the Cocurricular handbook located on Firefly/Secondary Springfield/The Arts/Instrumental Music and Ensemble Handbooks. Enrolment forms are located at the back of handbooks and once completed should be emailed to sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Ipswich Unearthed Program
The program is designed to assist emerging performing artists to hone their skills and combine both a workshop and performance opportunity hosted by an experienced Ipswich performer and music teacher. At the conclusion of the program each performer is offered a 20 minute live set to be enjoyed by family and friends. For further information refer to the poster outside the Performing Arts Building or see Mrs Campbell for the flyer. Vocalists, Singer/Songwriters, Instrumentalists and Bands of all genres welcome.
Mrs Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Co-ordinator
Sport
Springfield Sport
2024 Queensland State Championship Regatta
Congratulations to Tiaré R in (Year 12) who recently competed at the 2024 Queensland State Championship Regatta. Tiare had a great performance and received 1 gold & 2 silver medals in the below events:
1st in 2000m Women’s under 19, Four (coxless)
2nd in 2000m Women’s under 19, double scull
2nd in 2000m Women’s under 19, Eight
She is now looking forward to competing at the NSW Rowing Championship at the Sydney International Regatta Centre this month in lead up to the 2024 Australian Rowing Championship in March.
Swimming Carnivals
Well done and thank you to all those involved in both the Upper Primary and Secondary Swimming Carnivals. Two fantastic days filled with fun, sun and great college spirit! Age Champions and winning houses will be presented at upcoming assemblies.
Best wishes to the 24 St Peters Springfield students who are competing at Central Comets Swimming trials on Tuesday 6 February.
Mr Brendan Johns Head of Sport
Boys Sport
“The pain of effort is temporary, the pain of defeat is not”
FRASER’S FOCUS
Since joining the St Peters community at the start of 2024, the question I am most frequently asked is “What is the sporting culture like at St Peters?” Be it from colleagues and coaches at neighbouring Brisbane schools, parents at the New Parents Night or new boarding students looking to get involved in as many sports as possible. Each time I have replied with the same one word, Pride. Pride in participating and wearing the school crest, pride in their performance and always aspiring to be the best athletes they can be and pride in their personal bests with the boys demonstrating an insatiable hunger for personal success at each training session or games.
For someone who lives by the ethos of “if you are going to do something, you do it right” I have been thoroughly impressed with the level of dedication shown between the many Australian Rules, Cricket, Volleyball and swimming sessions I have attended. Effort is very much a non-negotiable and with the mentality being shown by both students and the preparation behind the scenes from both coaches and coordinators, there is no better place to be then out on the fields, the courts or by the pool to watch our students and staff do what they do best. Go Saints!
Congratulations to our First Teams Leading into Round 1 of AIC we announced our St Peters 1st XVIII 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 – First XVIII Squad
Finn B (C)
Sam C
Luke C
Brayden C
Kristian
Charles D
Oliver D
Xavier D
Oliver D
Tom G
Will G
Dan H
Tom J (vC)
Elijah K
Tom P
Hayden R
Rohan S
Harry S
Lachie S
Zane S
Addison S
Sam T
Alex T
Taj W
Nikolai W
Cricket – First XI
Jamie N
Liam B
Noah J (C)
Lars S
Hugo K
Isaac K
Ashish N
Jacob T
Jacob M
Austin C
Sritam V
Volleyball – First VI Squad
Harry B
Brayden C
Christian C
Thomas D
Kristian F
Timothy F
Toby F
Elijah K (vC)
Luke K
Jack M
Sebastian T
Isaac W (C)
Mr Tim Kotzur and Mrs Sarah Delaney 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 1 February, with the annual AIC Ecumenical Service being hosted by St Peters. 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 that highlighted the theme of “Grow Together”. Wonderful stories were shared of the growth that occurs everyday in the AIC community. College Captain Jack W presented the senior tie and the relevance it held to him personally, how this aspect of the uniform symbolises how the cohort grows together and represents the college with pride donning the seniors tie.
As part of the liturgy, host school St Peters gifted to each school a white rose bush- symbolic of the Luther Rose. The rose bush will be taken back to each College and planted, acting as a living symbol of growth in each community and as a reminder of each school’s commitment to our Association.
After the Ecumenical Service, special guest Karni Liddell presented to the students on her life journey and the challenges she has faced and overcome. The presentation was inspirational for all, and the messages learnt will be taken back to each school by attendees.
NATIONAL OPEN WATER SWIMMING SUCCESS
Countless dedicated athletes converged on the Western Australian coastal town of Busselton to compete at and contest the 2024 National Open Water Swim Championships from 24 to 27 January. St Peters had 6 boys compete at the championships and recorded fantastic results!
Congratulations to all the above mentioned for their fantastic performances and representing St Peters so proudly.
Samuel T 1st for Boys 18 Years 10k 2nd for Boys 18 Years 5k
William T 1st for Boys 14 Years 5k
Callum B 3rd for Boys 19 Years 10k 1st for Boys 19 Years 5k
Riley M 2nd for Boys 15 Years 5k
Noah A Placed 16th Boys 17 Years 5k
Joel R Placed 12th Boys 15 Years 5k
THIS WEEK IN SPORT – AIC ROUND 2
This week in AIC Sport, St Peters compete against St Laurence’s College in Australian Rules, Cricket and Volleyball.
Round 2 will see our Years 10-12 teams playing at away once more against St Laurence’s. Our Years 5-9 teams are predominantly at St Peters sporting venues. Please ensure you check the St Peters App for both venue details and time of games for Round 2 of St Peters AIC Boys Sport.
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 ideally by the last training session before match day.
Should the sport specific information you are looking for cannot be found on the St Peters App, please contact the below sport specific coordinators.
AIC BOYS INVITATIONAL SWIMMING MEET – FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY
After the success of our first swim meet last Friday, this coming Friday 9 February our boys will again swim at an AIC Invitational Swimming Meet at St Peters 50m Pool. St Peters will host an invitational swim meet for both QGSSSA and AIC for Years 5-12 students. Please see the below flyer for further information. This is another great opportunity for our swimmers to get in some race practice before the up-and-coming AIC Championships, Tuesday 5 March at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
Cross Country and Rowing
Also, this term, we will see the commencement of both St Peters Cross Country and St Peters Rowing training for our boys. St Peters Cross Country training is open to all boys from Years 7 to 12 whilst St Peters Rowing will cater for boys in Years 8 to 12.Cross Country training started last week and our Run club extends an invitation to all runners, experienced and new who are interested in improving their fitness, meeting new friends or competing for St Peters in AIC and QGSSA. All members of the St Peters community are welcome to join the Community Run Club on Friday mornings – meet at 6:30am at the St Peters Bus Stop.
Please also CLICK HERE to access the AIC Sporting Calendar for 2024.
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.
Daniel Fraser Boys Sport Coordinator
Girls Sport
Congratulations
We wish to congratulate Macy and Olivia for their outstanding results, finishing top 3 in their respective age groups at the 2024 Australian Open Water Championships held in Busselton, WA last week.
1st Place - Olivia G (Year 8) 1:05:28, Girls 14 Years 5km Open Water
3rd Place - Macy B (Year 11) 1:41:38, Girls 17 Years 7.5km Open Water
Autumn Fixtures – Basketball, Football & Touch Football
Pre-Season Dates & Old Scholar Games
Basketball
Trial - All teams vs Somerville House, Friday 1 March at Home (T1 Week 6)
Opens vs Old Scholars, Monday 25 March at Home (T1 Week 10)
Football
Trial - Opens vs BSHS, Wednesday 14 February at Home (T1 Week 4)
Opens vs Old Scholars, Wednesday 21 February at Home (T1 Week 5)
Trial - All teams vs Somerville House, Friday 1 March at Home (T1 Week 6)
Touch Football
Trial – All teams vs BGGS, Thursday 22 February Away at Rangakarra (T1 Week 5)
Trial - All teams vs Somerville House, Friday 1 March at Home (T1 Week 6)
Round 1 showcased the Open Team's strength with a 3-0 victory against Somerville House. Despite a close practice match against MBC, the Open Team faced a loss. The Senior A's secured a comfortable win against Somerville House but faced defeat from Brisbane State High School in two practice games. The Senior B's displayed a commendable effort but fell short against BGGS.
Cross Country pre-season training has commenced! All members of the St Peters community are welcome to join the Community Run Club on Friday mornings – meet at 6:30am at the St Peters Bus Stop.
We would like to wish our Australian Rules Footballers all the best for their first round of QGSSSA competition this Saturday.
If you would like to come and support our Australian Rules Footballers, you can find the draw and venue information on the St Peters app. Our Open team will be playing at Springfield Central Sporting Complex, and the Senior A, Senior B i and Senior B ii teams will play at SomerFields, Rocklea.
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to lead the St Peters Australian Rules Football program in 2024.
Australian Rules Football Captain: April F
Australian Rules Football Vice Captain: Indy C
Australian Rules Football Vice Captain: Mackenzie H
Finally, congratulations to the following students on their selection in the 2024 Australian Rules Football Open Team.
