On Tuesday we celebrated Founders' Day at Indooroopilly with a focus on Ironbark. This year marks 50 years since the first Ironbark Program. Back in 1974, 34 Year 10 students would pilot an untried program of outdoor education and farm life, living and learning together for nine weeks from mid-April to June of that year. Back in 1974, Pastor Wendal Dahl gifted the College a 73 acre property just outside Crows Nest, and the brain child of Pastor Maurice Fielke, Ironbark was an innovation that was unlike anything that had ever been undertaken in the Australian Educational landscape. It was even a significant departure from Geelong Grammar’s famed Timbertop Program.
When it was first established, the Ironbark Program 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”.
Free from the distractions of technology - whether it was building a fence, learning to ride a horse, hiking 15 kilometres, sleeping in a swag, preparing the evening meal, completing the dunny run, or really getting to know the people in your group - right from that first Pilot Program 50 years ago, Ironbark fused both heart and mind, and became a pivotal moment in the St Peters experience. As one old scholar recalls - Ironbark was "character building, so liberating, a time of immense spiritual and personal growth that epitomises the St Peters experience". I constantly meet Old Scholars who tell me that Ironbark was the making of them as a person – a defining moment in the formation of their character.
The 1982 Review records one of the Ironbark Staff members who was concluding their service at Ironbark at the time as saying, "one of my greatest joys has been to see the relaxation on kids’ faces when they stopped pretending and began to enjoy living and began to make choices as to what kind of person they really could be." That Human Becoming that Ironbark does so well, is central to the identity of a St Peters Education.
Over the past 50 years Ironbark has become the iconic thing about a St Peters Education. It is a true differentiator in the St Peters offering and the embodiment of Plus Ultra, More Beyond. It is central to the St Peters way and the development of our Plus Ultra Mindset.
We owe much to the faith, courage, vision and innovation of the pioneers of Ironbark. They have given us a unique gift – the magic of Ironbark. Owen Ronalds, Class of 1976 who attended that first Pilot Group in 1974 captures this magic well when he wrote – "I have learned a lot, and changed a lot here. I know that it will affect the rest of my life, and my relationship to other people. I hope and pray that I can return here. This phase has been one of the best, most happy times of my life". Long may this continue.
Tim Kotzur Head of College
School Lunches
As we navigate through the school year, it's essential to emphasise the significance of providing our children with nutritious lunches. A well-balanced meal not only fuels their bodies, but also enhances their concentration, mood and overall well-being throughout the day.
Fuel for Learning: Just like a car needs fuel to run smoothly, our bodies require nourishment to function optimally. A balanced lunch provides the energy needed for active participation in classroom activities, sports, and extracurriculars.
Brain Power: Research consistently shows that proper nutrition is directly linked to cognitive function. Nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, supply the brain with essential vitamins and minerals that support memory, focus and learning.
Stable Energy Levels: Avoiding sugary snacks and processed foods can help prevent energy crashes and mood swings. Instead, opting for complex carbohydrates and protein-rich foods promotes sustained energy levels, keeping children alert and attentive throughout the day.
Healthy Habits: Encouraging healthy eating habits early in life sets the foundation for a lifetime of wellness. By providing nutritious lunches, we equip our children with the knowledge and skills to make healthy food choices independently.
Tips for Packing Nutritious Lunches:
Variety is Key: Aim to include a variety of food groups in your child's lunchbox, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy or dairy alternatives.
Colourful Choices: Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are not only visually appealing but also packed with essential nutrients. Encourage your child to "eat the rainbow" by including a colourful assortment of produce in their lunch.
Balance Portions: Pay attention to portion sizes to ensure your child receives adequate nutrition without overeating. Include appropriate serving sizes for each food group to maintain a balanced meal.
Hydration is Essential: Don't forget to pack a water bottle alongside your child's lunch to keep them hydrated throughout the day. Limit sugary drinks and opt for water as the primary beverage choice.
Get Creative: Experiment with different recipes and meal ideas to keep lunchtime exciting. Involve your child in meal planning and preparation to foster their interest in nutritious eating. https://www.thekitchn.com/lunch-box-recipes-22932009
Lia Sabri Head of Primary Years
What's On
Term 1
22 February – Parent Workshop, “Support Your Child’s Reading” HUB 8:15am – 9:15am
28 February – QGSSSA Swimming Championships
28 February – Year 11 Elevate Education Lesson 1
28 February – Year 12 Elevate Education Lesson 2
29 February – Community Focus Day
29 February – Years 11-12, 3-in-1 Conferences 1:40pm – 5:30pm
29 February - Year 6 Parent Information Session (including Canberra Information) 5:00pm – 6:00pm HUB
05 March – AIC Swimming Championship
05 March – P&F General Meeting HUB
06 March – Year 3 Excursion of Robelle Domain 8:30am – 12:00pm
13 – 18 March NAPLAN Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 see Primary / Secondary email communication.
14 March – UQ Showcase Years 11 and 12: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
15 March – Prep Bible Presentation 9:15am
18 March – Year 11 Exam Block
19 – 22 March NAPLAN catch up see Primary / Secondary email communication.
21 March – Harmony Day Prep – Year 6
21 March – Parent Workshop “Friendology: UR Strong Wellbeing Program”
Primary Years
Year 6 Character Builders Leadership Workshop
On Thursday 15 February and Friday 16 February, Year 6 students participated in a two-day incursion facilitated by Character Builders, where they engaged in meaningful and character-building challenges in order to promote responsibility and a growth in character awareness. It was a busy two days of thinking, laughing, collaborating and learning together. The Character Builders staff did an outstanding job preparing challenging activities and supporting students to work together and build their leadership capacities. Whilst it was disappointing that the Kokoda Challenge to Mt Coot-tha had to be cancelled, the program was re-worked to continue at school.
Activities included:
Domino Theory - This activity acknowledged that students are all part of each other’s journey. Each one of them represents, in a symbolic way, the dominos with which they and their peers worked with. Their challenge was to create a 5000-piece domino continuum - a task requiring steady hands, nerves of steel and resilience. While we didn't win the pizza party, it was wonderful to see students working as a team.
Amazing Race - Students were challenged to find and complete a series of challenges within the school grounds. The challenges were designed to build teamwork, respect, communication skills and camaraderie.
Conversation Circles - These placed students in a scenario that encouraged them to spontaneously meet and greet their peers while having meaningful conversations with each other. Positioned in two circles, they rotated around, keeping good conversation going with a new partner every two minutes. The focus was on the importance of respectful communication including turn-taking, eye contact, showing interest and most importantly spending some time with their peers.
Bootcamp - This activity was comprised of basic ‘army’ drills to get the students working together, working in time and communicating as a team. At the end of the activity, there was a feeling of reward for effort and a greater sense of connection with their peers.
Burger Challenge - Students were issued with ration packs and worked together to make delicious burgers for their platoon and teachers. Lunch was enjoyed all together... as well as, the clean-up.
Big Ups - This was a very special time at the end of each day, where they were encouraged to see the strengths in themselves and in others. Students offered positive words of affirmation to peers they admire. This was a great uplifting activity where everyone walked away with a huge smile.
Susan Levitt and Alana Cullen Year 6 Teachers
Secondary Years
Years 11 and 12 Semester 1 - Three-in-One Conferences
This year, we are introducing Years 11 and 12 Semester One, Three-in-One Conferences, to be held on Thursday 29 February from 1:40pm – 5:30pm in the Junior High Precinct. This is in recognition of the fact that Years 11 and 12 QCAA units and assessment take place at a different time to Years 7-10. Therefore, the purpose of Years 11 and 12 Semester One, Three-in-One Conferences is to provide teachers, students and families an opportunity to discuss Unit 1 (Year 11) and Unit 3 (Year 12) learning progress.
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.
Please note that Years 7-10 Three-in-One Conferences will be held at the start of Term Two, following Term One Interim Report distribution. The College will provide notification when Parent Portal bookings for Years 7-10 are open.
Kind Regards,
Sarah Gunn Director of Studies & Pedagogy
Year 10 Welcome to Senior School Dinner
Wednesday, Week Three, our Year 10 students and their families gathered at the Ipswich Turf Club to celebrate our students’ transition to the Senior School. During the evening, the students listened to old scholar and guest speaker Luci Gehrke.
Luci shared her experience as a St Peters School Captain and the importance of hard work. She described her transition from Junior High to Senior School as an adventure, which provided both challenges and opportunities. Luci also encouraged the students to become comfortable with the uncomfortable because that’s where growth occurs.
To conclude the evening the student representatives reflected on their journey thus far. In line with the St Peters tradition, all students were presented with their Senior ties. It was a wonderful evening where students, families and staff celebrated together as a community this rite of passage.
Mrs Michelle Atkins Year 10 Coordinator
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News
The world is a complicated place and there is a great deal of division between people. The performing arts unifies people in a way that nothing else does. David Rubenstein
Staffing
This week the Private Tuition Program had the pleasure of welcoming Ms Yasmin Scott as an additional Speech and Drama Teacher to support our growing program. We know the students will make her feel welcome and hope that she enjoys teaching within the Performing Arts Faculty.
Allegro and Cantabile Strings Rehearsal Adjustment
Allegro Strings will now rehearse in PA 1 from 2:45pm-3:30pm, followed by Cantabile Strings from 3:30pm-4:15pm. Parents of Allegro Strings are requested to collect their child from the PA veranda outside PA1 rather than at Kiss’n’Go, as they will still be supervised by Ms Crellin until they are collected.
Dance Troupe
We are very fortunate to have Mrs Lauren McKean to be directing our Dance Troupe for the next three terms. Rehearsals are held each Monday afternoon in the Junior High Precinct Foyer from 2:45pm-3:25pm. New members are welcome. Please see the Music Ensemble Booklet that can be located on Firefly clicking on the Secondary Springfield - The Arts – Private Tuition and Music Ensemble links. We look forward to welcoming new members.
Lunchtime Concert
The Performing Arts Captains have been in contact with the Private Tuition Tutors to assist them in organising the first lunchtime concert for 2024 to be held on the Concourse on 7 March from 10:45am-11:05am. This event will be for Years 7-12 only with plans for a Primary specific event to be held in Term Two. If your child has been nominated, the Private Tuition Tutor will be in touch during the course of next week once the nominations have been received.
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 this term.
Congratulations to Mia H (Year 12), Jazelle D (Year 12), Leilani F (Year 12) and Ella M (Year 12) who were all selected to be part of the 16-19 Years Met West Netball team. Alexis T (Year 9) has been selected as first shadow for the 13-15 Years Met West Netball team. These ladies now progress to State trials at the end of April.
Congratulations to Jenali B (Year 10) who has been selected to be part of the 12-15 Years Girls Volleyball team. Jenali will travel to Cairns mid April to compete at the State trials.
Congratulations to Jenali B (Year 10) and Macy G (Year 9) who have been selected as part of the QLD U16 Beach Volleyball team. These ladies will compete at the Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships at the end of March.
Mr Brendan Johns Head of Sport
Girls Sport
Congratulations
Congratulations to Jaclyn B (Year 12) on achieving a silver medal and PB in the 200m Backstroke at the 2024 World Aquatic Championships in Doha. This is an incredible achievement, and we look forward to seeing Jaclyn compete for the St Peters Swim team at the QGSSSA Championships next week.
Other results for Jaclyn at the World Championships include:
Gold Medal – 4 x 100 Medley Relay (Heat Swim)
Silver Medal – 4 x 200m Freestyle (Heat Swim)
Bronze Medal – 4 x 100m Freestyle (Heat Swim)
4th Place – 100m Backstroke
QGSSSA Swimming
89th QGSSSA Swimming Championships Wednesday 28 February 2024, 3:30pm – 8:00pm Brisbane Aquatic Centre | The Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler
On Monday 26 February, the 2024 St Peters QGSSSA Swim Team will be posted outside Sports House at Indooroopilly and outside The Hub at Springfield. Information for the Championships will be circulated to all competitors, reserves and parents via email.
Parent spectator tickets are free and must be presented upon arrival to gain entry into the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. We ask that all parent spectators sit in the ‘additional external spectator seating area’ of the Western Grandstand which is next to the St Peters student spectator and athlete seating areas (as per the seating map). If you can no longer attend the Championships, we kindly ask that you release your ticket by ‘requesting a refund’ via the online portal.
Swim meet #5
Swim Meet #5 is compulsory for all girls hoping for selection in the St Peters QGSSSA Swim team.
A reminder that all St Peters girls need to be dressed correctly at both training and fixtures. All uniforms can be purchased from Shop45 or via School locker - please refer to website for opening hours. For Autumn Sports, enclosed footwear must be worn to games, no slides or crocs are to be worn. They are not part of the school uniform and are a risk for Workplace health and safety.
“It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.” Muhammad Ali
fraser’s focus
This week, wild weather wreaked havoc on our sporting schedule, leading to the cancellation of both Australian Rules and Cricket matches. Despite the setback, our teams remain resilient and ready to bounce back stronger in the face of Marist College this weekend for our focus round for both Australian Rules at Coorparoo Football club on Friday night and the annual Pink Stumps tradition on Saturday at Mayer Oval. However, despite the conditions, Volleyball was stronger then ever as St Peters proudly hosted their first home match for our first VI. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to cheer on our players, marking a memorable moment for our school's sports community recording an impressive 10 victories showcasing the hard work, skill and determination of our players after a challenging last weekend.
With each of our First and Open teams putting themselves in a strong position to challenge for the premiership, I extend a message to each boy for the coming weeks ahead. Believe in yourself, your teammates and trust the process. As the quote from Muhammad Ali suggests, the greatest challenge is often not the opposition, but the voice of doubt inside us the erodes away our confidence, be brave and back yourself, great things are for those who dare to dream.
swimming news
Tonight’s AIC Invitational Swimming Meet on Thursday 22 February will be held Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler Pool. The AIC Swimming Championships will be held at Chandler on Tuesday 5 March.
All members of the AIC Swim Teams must be wearing a grey St Peters Swimming Shirt to Friday afternoon meets and the AIC Swimming Championships.
Please ensure you check the St Peters App. for both venue details and schedule of AIC championship next week!
Cricket News
On Saturday 24 February will be hosting for the fourth year in a row, our annual Pink Stumps Day with games against Marist College in all our cricket games at both Colleges on this very special day.
Our Pink Stumps Day event will help fund more McGrath Breast 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.
The SQSRC Boys Rowing Season is off to a great start with all our Junior Shed (Years 8 & 9) and Senior Shed (Years 10-12) crews clocking up some great k’s on the river last week. Unfortunately, the significant rain recently has again filled the river with large debris making it unsafe for crews to train on the water for the next few days.
A strong focus for the land training sessions in rowing this year is developing the core strength and mobility of our athletes to support optimal stroke technique and minimise the risk of injuries. We have implemented an extended warm up prior to on-water and ergo training and added a core strength program to weights gym/ergo training sessions. Most of our athletes would benefit from completing these stretches and core exercises at home, as well as at training. We have also scheduled an additional Friday morning (7:00am-7:30am) stretching and core strength session in the ergo room for any rower who is unable to attend their rowing gym session(s) each week. I strongly encourage parents to enquire with their athlete about this aspect of their training and assist them to make the time and effort to get this done. As our training loads increase running in to Rowing Camp, the boys will reap the benefits of this effort.
REMINDER: St Peters Rowing Season Launch is on Saturday 9 March from 4:00-6:00PM at the Toowong Rowing Club. Please join us to celebrate the start of another great year, welcome our new Rowing Captains and Vice Captains and christen some new additions to our fleet. Please register for your free tickets are available HERE
Rugby League
In 2024, we are proud to offer Rugby League in Term 3 for AIC sport. St Peters will look to enter teams based off nominations for respective Year levels. To register your interest in playing in the inaugural Rugby League competition, please complete the Forms survey here
Further information will be released mid-term 2 regarding trials and trainings. For more information please contact Rugby League Coordinator Mr Nathaniel Bartlett n.bartlett@stpeters.qld.edu.au
this week in sport
After a weekend of wash outs, we turn our attention to our matches against Marist College for our focus rounds for Australian Rules and Cricket respectively. With both teams still undefeated these won’t be matches to miss!
Our Open Australian Rules team will play on Friday 23 February with kick off at 4:45PM at Coorparoo Football Club with a packed bus of spectators already committed to cheer on our team, we would love to see as many Saints there to cheer on our boys! While Mayer Oval hosts the iconic Pink stumps day starting at 9:30AM, we welcome spectators from all sports to join down at the P&F centre for tea, coffee and snacks. Dust off your best pink shirt and see you down there!
Please ensure you check the St Peters App. for both venue details and time of games for Round 4 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 sporting programs to positively develop and grow, it is paramount that our students attend training sessions for their chosen sport, so they can improve and refine sport-specific skills and build cohesion amongst their team mates.
If students are unable to attend some training sessions, it is vital that their absence is communicated to their coaches firstly, and also the respective coordinator/s.
Please also CLICK HERE to access the AIC Sporting Calendar for 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. They are not part of the school uniform and are a risk for Workplace health and safety.
Volleyball
Correct Training and Playing Uniform Requirements
At Training – All St Peters AIC volleyballers are to wear their St Peters Sports Uniform to Volleyball training
At Games – All St Peters AIC volleyballers must be wearing:
St Peters numbered Volleyball shirt (NO sports/PE shirts are to be worn at AIC games)
St Peters maroon PE/Sports Shorts
WHITE SOCKS ONLY are to be worn at AIC Volleyball Games
Joggers MUST be worn at all times – No slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
CRICKET
Correct Training and Playing Uniform Requirements –
At Training – all AIC cricketers must wear their ‘Program Shirt’ to their training session
At Games – All St Peters cricketers are to arrive to their game wearing:
St Peters ‘Program Shirt’ and then get changed into your playing whites just before the start of play
WHITE SOCKS ONLY are to be worn at AIC Cricket Games
Joggers MUST be worn at all times – No slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
Australian Rules
Correct Training and Playing Uniform Requirements –
At Training – all AIC Australian Rules footballers must wear their PE Uniform to training (Year 7 and Year 9) and Seniors can wear their black opens warm up shirt. Students are to be wearing boots and have a mouth guard
At Games – Students must have mouth guards
Joggers MUST be worn at all times before/after games – No slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
ST PETERS STUDENT SPECTATORS ON GAMEDAYS
Should any St Peters student be attending a St Peters sporting event/game outside of normal College hours, it is expected that they are dressed in St Peters Formal Uniform. Should a student not be wearing the correct attire when attending a sporting event/game, they may be asked to leave the venue.
WET WEATHER AND CANCELLATIONS
With regards to wet weather and any unforeseen or potential cancellations of AIC sports, please ensure that you keep an eye out for notifications and alerts via the St Peters App. We will endeavour to keep everyone updated on both training cancellations and game day changes as the week progresses.
