Ironbark, St Peters iconic Outdoor Education and Working Farm Program celebrates 50 years this year. When Ironbark was established in 1974 it had four goals, chief amongst them “promoting initiative and self-reliance in students, by presenting a challenge beyond that presented in the usual academic areas of school, and to increase the opportunity for students to develop a sense of cooperation, interdependence and community spirit”.
The notion of embracing challenge is pivotal to the Ironbark experience and more broadly to a St Peters education. Challenge is a good thing. Challenge tests us. Challenge teaches us more about ourselves and others. Challenge takes us to our limits. Challenge helps us to grow. Challenge helps us to reach our potential. Challenge helps to become better students, better teachers, better parents, better people. Challenge helps to shape our character.
The College’s Motto Plus Ultra, More Beyond in many respects is a mindset that helps us to embrace challenge, develop resilience, transcend perceived limitations, and reach for extraordinary heights in our endeavours. Plus Ultra is an optimistic mindset that goes beyond traditional academic boundaries, encouraging students to not only excel in their studies but also to explore diverse interests, to seek knowledge, leadership and growth opportunities. It is an abundance mindset that encourages students to go beyond what seems possible – to discover what’s possible, a mindset of exploration and discovery - who they are and their gifts and talents. Ironbark is a lived experience and unique example of this Plus Ultra Mindset.
Throughout their time at St Peters, and indeed in their life beyond the school gates our young people have the opportunity to embrace challenge confidently and become the best versions of themselves because of the Plus Ultra Mindset that they are encouraged to develop as part of programs like Ironbark.
Tim Kotzur Head of College
Secondary Teaching and Learning
Curriculum Leaders
This year, the College is excited to announce the following new and expanded appointments to Secondary Curriculum Leadership positions:
Each of our Curriculum Leaders offer great expertise, experience and knowledge in leading curriculum and pedagogy. We are excited to work together to innovate Secondary teaching and learning.
This year, we have developed teaching & learning priorities aligned to our Strategic Intent, including:
The planning and implementation of Version 9.0 of the Australian National Curriculum.
The development of teacher pedagogical practice based on cognitive science principles through collaborative professional inquiry and ongoing partnership with the University of Queensland’s Learning Lab.
The continued growth of discipline portfolios, including strong pathways from Junior High to Senior School for academic success.
Seeking Academic Support for Your Child
In Secondary, we encourage students to speak directly with their teachers should they have any questions about classroom learning, home learning or assessment. This approach supports students in taking control of their own learning.
Of course, there may be times that, as a parent, you need to contact the school to inquire about your child’s learning. In the first instance, the best person to speak to is the classroom teacher directly. However, should you have questions of a more general nature about the direction of the subject itself, Curriculum Leaders are available to offer support (email addresses provided above).
In Years 7-10, assessment extensions are requested directly of classroom teachers. In Years 11-12, assessment extensions are requested of Sarah Gunn, Director of Studies and Pedagogy.
In Years 7-10, subject changes are requested of Sarah Gunn, Director of Studies and Pedagogy. In Years 11-12, subject changes are requested of Sarah Johnson, Careers Counsellor (and approved by Sarah Gunn).
Academic Portfolio Leaders
In 2024, our Year 12 Academic Portfolio leaders are Nisanth Rakesh, Sritam Vytla and College Captain, Pranay Raniga. This year, the Academic Portfolio are looking forward to supporting all students in developing effective learner behaviours, including self-regulatory skills.
Academic Tuition
General academic tuition is scheduled every Thursday at first break in JH11. Any student from Years 7-12 can attend academic tuition to seek or offer assistance with homework, revision and assignments. Nishanth, Sritam and Pranay attend tuition weekly, as do a rotating roster of Secondary teachers from across disciplines.
Sarah Gunn Director of Studies and Pedagogy
What's On
Term 1
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
New year, new mistakes, new life
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
We've made it four weeks in and, I have to admit, I've had some moments upon reflection which could have been handled differently in my Year 5 class. A lesson which didn't quite land, a lunchtime interaction lacking my full attention or answering a student’s question with information, when what they needed was affirmation. Yes, I have had moments when I feel I have stuffed-it-up.
We all have these moments, all make mistakes in some way, and until the day we die we are going to continue to find ways to get it wrong. I think this might be why people like new weeks, new days and new years. For the first eight hours of my 2024, I managed to keep it together... And then I woke up... This new term I could have tried to convince someone I could teach no wrong, but that evaporated the first lesson delivered. Yes, our lot in life will be one of constantly making mistakes and getting back up.
So what are we going to do about it? Wait till next year to try and sort out our problems? Goodness, we'd never get anything done with all that waiting. Christians, since the beginning, knew we would sin and fail, and that apology and forgiveness would be necessary. Martin Luther spoke about how this meant every day we 'live our baptism’. We die to our old broken self and rise to the new life given from God. All of our failures, sins and wrongdoings are 'drowned' (pretty intense language from him) and a clean, new, unblemished person rises to face the day. Now, of course, we don't stay clean and new and unblemished, which is why Luther says this is a daily task, rinse and repeat.
I love the verse Lamentations 3:22-23 because it reminds us that God's love is steadfast and ceaseless, irrespective of the number of times we find ourselves repenting for our failures. You are going to stuff-up, you are going to yell at your children, take our your frustration on your partner or make a mess of a relationship. It’s just a fact of life. But, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” It’s a brand-new day to live in God’s forgiveness and restoration.
Chaplain Benjamin Lyons
Important Notices
St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Second Hand Uniform Shop
During Term 1, the Second-Hand Uniform Shop will be operating on Tuesday mornings from 7:50am to 8:30am.
If you wish to make any donations, you are welcome to drop them to Reception.
We wish to thank Kylie-Ann from the P&F for running the Second-Hand Uniform Shop.
Secondary Years
Years 11 and 12 Semester 1 - Three-in-One Conferences
This year, we are introducing Years 11 and 12 Semester 1 Three-in-One Conferences, to be held on Thursday 29 February from 1:40pm – 5:30pm in the Junior High Precinct. Accordingly, please note that the school day will finish at 1:20pm on this date for all Secondary students (Years 7-12).
Booking requests are made via your Community Portal account. Bookings open on Tuesday 13 February at 9:00am and close on Wednesday 21 February at 5:00pm.
Should you require assistance logging into or navigating Community Portal, please contact our IT Helpdesk staff on: ITsupport@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
The school will provide supervision during lunchtime and Lesson 5 for all students who elect to remain on campus on Thursday 29 February until the conclusion of the regular school day at 2:40pm.
Should you wish for your child/ren to be supervised, please contact School Reception by Friday 23 February and provide the name/s of your child/ren: springfield@stpeters.qld.edu.au. This will support us to arrange appropriate rooming and supervising staff.
Kind Regards,
Sarah Gunn Director of Studies & Pedagogy
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News Term 1 Week 4 2024
The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live. Barbara Januszkiewicz
Dance Troupe and Drama Troupe
There is still availability for students to be involved in the Dance Troupe (Monday 2:45pm-3:25pm JHP Foyer) and Drama Troupe (Thursday 2:50pm-3:30pm JHP 11). If you are interested in either of these ensembles, please refer to the Ensemble Handbook/Enrolment Form located on Firefly for further details or email Ms Yasmin Powell further information sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Private Tuition
Private Tuition offers all students from Years 1-12 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 and percussion. Please refer to the Handbook found on Firefly or email Ms Yasmin Powell for further information sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Mrs Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Co-ordinator
Sport
Springfield Sport
Representative Sport
A number of students have been trialling for Central Comets and Met West sport so far this term.
Congratulations to Kalista F (Year 6) and Jade H (Year 11) who represented Met West at the State Aquathlon and Triathlon trials in Hervey Bay, 8-10 February.
Kalista raced well and beat her personal best time by over two minutes! Jade raced in the individual and team relay. Jade rode the bike leg in the Team relay with the Met West team finishing 6th.
Congratulations to Leilani F (Year 12) and Ella M (Year 12) who have both been selected in the Under 17 Queensland Netball Team. Leilani and Ella will compete at the Netball Australia National Netball Championships which are being held in Melbourne, 9-14 April.
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 (born 2005 to 2014) 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 within the St Peters Cocurricular Sport program such as orienteering, baseball, etc. In 2024, student nominations will be approved by the Head of Sport, Mr Brendan Johns and submitted through to the appropriate convenor. Nominations for the following sports need to be submitted to Mr Johns via email by Friday 19 February:
Girls Representative Sport Trials
Boys Representative Sport Trials
10-19 Years Squash
10-19 Years Squash
10-19 Years Golf
10-19 Years Golf
16-19 Girls Touch
10-12 Boys Touch
13-15 Girls Touch
10-12 Years Tennis
10-12 Years Tennis
10-12 Years Hockey
10-12 Years Hockey
10-11 Boys Rugby Union
14-15 Boys Rugby Union
Nominations for other sports will be released throughout the term.
Swimming Carnivals
Congratulations to the following students who are our 2024 Age Champions from the Swimming Carnivals:
Year 4: Isabella B & Bernie D
Year 5: Olive D & Ryker A
Year 6: Aaliyah M & Ethan L
Year 7: Amayah H & Ethan S
Year 8: Joce M & Ansel J
Year 9: Ami G & Tevye C
Year 10: Judy Y & Lachlan S
Year 11: Ruby-Jane K & Sunny Z
Year 12: Dom M & Justin P
Congratulations to Leichhardt who were the House Spirit Winners for both carnivals combined.
Congratulations to Leichhardt who are both the 2024 Upper Primary Swimming Carnival Champions and 2024 Secondary Swimming Carnival Champions.
Mr Brendan Johns Head of Sport
Boys Sport
"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records” William Arthur Ward
fraser’s focus
Over the weekend, St Peters teams showcased their prowess across various disciplines. Our Australian Rules teams dominated, remaining undefeated after the first two rounds, with our First XVIII grinding out a nail biting 3-point victory against a spirited St Laurence’s side. On the cricket pitches, despite wet weather challenges, our teams clinched victories with some impressive batting displays, despite the dreaded Duckworth-Lewis system we managed to record some well-earned victories. In Volleyball, although facing tough competition, our players displayed resilience, with several matches going down to the third set, with countless matches being decided by millimetres. Looking ahead, they aim to bounce back stronger. Meanwhile, our swimmers excelled at the meet, combining with QGSSSA for another home meet, achieving personal bests and maintaining early season success. 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
Congratulations to our boys Swim Captains David C and Tom D and Vice-Captains Cael E and Kai G for the successful start to the season, all captains have been fantastic leaders for our Swim Program over their time at St Peters and continue to encourage new swimmers to the program and be a reference point for our young men.
Rugby News
On Thursday afternoon, the St Peters Rugby program hosted its first Come Try Rugby Afternoon with the purpose to invite boys of all experiences levels to come and give Rugby a go to see if they’d be interested in playing AIC Rugby. The afternoon was a huge success with almost 60 boys turning up and over half of these boys had never played Rugby before. Special thanks to the Rugby Support Group who provided pizza for our boys after the session.
Reminder that pre-season training begins this week for Years 4 – 10 on Wednesday afternoon (3:15pm – 5:15pm) and Friday Morning (6:00am – 7:45am). All Junior training will be on Mayer Oval. Please refer to the St Peters app for more information
Australian Rules News
Attention Years 8-9 boys! Our Year 9 Australian Rules team is currently undefeated, but needs your help! We are looking for passionate players to join our team. Whether you've got a Australian Rules, Rugby or League background, or just want to have a kick of the footy, we welcome you to be a part of the team!
Contact Mr Nathaniel Bartlett n.bartlett@stpeters.qld.edu.au or visit Sports house for Details. Junior trainings are on Mayer oval Tuesday afternoon or Thursday morning.
Cricket News
Attention Year 8 boys! St Peters Cricket is looking for passionate players to join our team. Whether you're a seasoned cricketer or new to the sport, we welcome you to be a part of our exciting journey. Contact Mr. Gary Munday at g.munday@stpeters.qld.edu.au or see Mr. Fraser in Sports house for Details. See the App for more information
Swimming News
On Thursday 22 February (Week 5) our male swimmers will compete at the swim meet held at Chandler Pool. This is our last swim meet before the AIC Championships so will be important to record our latest and fullest swimming results. If your student is involved in swimming please keep an eye out for an email from Mr Fraser early in Week 5 regarding a sign up sheet for the event.
NORTHERN EAGLES 10-12YRS (Year 7 BORN IN 2012)
As we embark on an exciting term filled with diverse sporting opportunities, I wanted to bring your attention to the upcoming Northern Eagles District trials. These trials present a competitive pathway for your child to potentially progress through district, regional, and state levels. To streamline communication, I am kindly requesting that you take a moment to complete the below form for Term 1 trials. By doing so, you will be expressing your interest, and I will ensure to reach out exclusively to those who have indicated their interest once trial information becomes available. Please note that these trials are only suitable for students who play and or train regularly. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in this effort to enhance communication efficiency. Please find the form attached HERE and if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me directly.
THIS WEEK IN SPORT – AIC ROUND 3
As mentioned above, this week in AIC Sport, St Peters will compete against St Patrick’s College in Volleyball, Cricket and Australian Rules.
St Peters Years 10-12 teams are playing at home at St Peters Lutheran College venues whilst our Years 7-9 teams away at St Patrick’s venues. Our Open Australian Rules team will play against Padua College on Friday afternoon (1st XVIII) and Saturday morning will see our Year 7 team at Zillmere AFC grounds, with our Year 9s having a bye.
Please ensure you check the St Peters App. for both venue details and time of games for Round 3 of St Peters AIC Boys Sport.
Please CLICK HERE for Volleyball game day schedule
Please CLICK HERE for Australian Rules game day schedule
For our St Peters sports 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.
Should the sport specific information you are looking for cannot be found on the St Peters App, please contact the below sport specific coordinators.
Please also CLICK HERE to access the AIC Sporting Calendar for 2024.
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.
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.
Daniel Fraser Boys Sport Coordinator
Girls Sport
Congratulations
Swim Captains
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to lead the St Peters QGSSSA Swim team in 2024.
Swimming Captains: Jaclyn B & Siena N
Softball Vice Captain: Indi C & Sophie
Communication
Just a reminder to all students that if you cannot make a training session or fixture, it is polite to notify the relevant sports coordinator via email with as much notice as possible. Also, if you have a clash between multiple school Cocurricular activities (eg. Music and Sport) you must contact your relevant coordinators to assist you with managing your commitments. Our coordinators are here to support you.
Sport Contacts Term 1
Before reaching out to one of our lovely coordinators, please first check to see if the information you require is available on the St Peters App.
Congratulations to Eva H (Year 12), Tiare R (Year 12), Poppy Y (Year 11) and Summer P (Year 10) on a successful weekend of racing at the NSW State Rowing Championships at Sydney International Rowing Centre. All these athletes have trained and competed against the best in the country and will be heading to Australian National Rowing Championships in March. Well done ladies!
