This year St Peters Springfield is embarking on an extremely exciting journey as we implement the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Part of this worldwide programme is The Year 6 PYP (Primary Years Programme) Exhibition, which serves as a platform for students to highlight their comprehension of a chosen issue or passion.
This year, we want to super charge our experience of the PYP Exhibition by creating a Human Library in partnership with our SPOSA (St Peters Old Scholars Association) network. This type of innovative and community-connected learning offers our students unique and engaging opportunities.
Last year, while I was teaching at St Peters at Indooroopilly, we started to create our St Peters at Indooroopilly Human Library by connecting with our parent community and our teacher network of professionals. The aim was to “spark the inquiry” prior to Year 6 students beginning their journey PYP Exhibition. We wanted to get students thinking about their passions and interests, and how they may direct their inquiries for their exhibition journey. An additional focus was for students to recognise the significance of the process journey of the exhibition itself. In the Year 6 PYP exhibition, students demonstrate their understanding of an issue or opportunity they have chosen to explore in-depth.
These TedTalk style presentation sessions from our special guest speakers included learning about how different people have found their passions and the different paths that led them to where they are today. We were able to create a bank of experts that students could make connections with on issues that were of both global and local significance, according to their individual passion and interests.
This framework is unique because it encourages learners to view community experts such as business owners, high profile public figures, and professionals from all sectors, as well as our own staff members as value resources of knowledge and experience. Hosting sessions on a weekly basis offers the opportunity for different individuals to share their experiences from their diverse cultural backgrounds. In this way they can genuinely share both the successes and challenges of their personal journey to finding and cultivating their passions.
We will be sending out invitations to the whole school community via the Head of Primary communications, so please consider joining us in the coming weeks. Volunteering to be part of our ‘Human Library’ at St Peters Springfield is a wonderful way for us to work in partnership as a community.
"It is an opportunity to focus on the ‘human side’ of information."
The Human Library is an innovative and interactive program that provides a safe and welcoming environment in which participants can learn more about the individuals in their community. Human Books are volunteers that may be affiliated with a marginalised group or who have special talents or life experiences to share. Readers have the opportunity to borrow a Human Book, participating in one-on-one or small group conversations with the volunteer. Human Libraries provide an opportunity for real and authentic discussion, provoking thinking, reducing prejudices and encouraging understanding. It is an opportunity to focus on the ‘human side’ of information. The Human Library has its roots in Denmark where in 2000 a group of youth activists got together at northern Europe’s largest summer festival to raise awareness of youth violence. The program is now taking place in over 45 countries worldwide so far and continues to grow. Visit www.humanlibrary.org for more details of the program’s history.
Source: S.Quan-D’Eramo, Bill Crothers S.S., York Region District School Board, 2011
Susan Allenspach Primary Years Coordinator
What's On
Term 1
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” 8:15am – 9:15am
26 March – Year 12 Student Free Day and Formal
26 March – Good Friday Service – JHP (Secondary 8:20am) (Primary 1:20pm)
26 MAR – Easter Bonnet Parade – Concourse (Prep – Year 3: 8:15am) (Years 4 – 6: 9:45am
27 March – Student Free Day
28 March – Student Free Day
29 March – Good Friday
Ministry
Leaders crossed with Followers
Jesus said; If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Mark 8:34
Do you consider yourself to be a follower or a leader? Followers are often defined by their behaviour, they are seen as doing what others want them to do. A follower is epitomised by the saying that many of our parents might have said to us; “If so and so jumped off a cliff would you follow?” Following in this context is interpreted in terms of behaviour and is viewed negatively.
Whereas a leader is usually presented as being willing to step up and take control of a project or task. They are seen as proactive, taking the lead, especially with a group of people. Being a leader is often presented as a positive trait to aspire to. It is certainly what we encourage students to view themselves as here at St Peters, leaders who have the potential to influence others.
But what’s curious in this text from Mark’s gospel is that Jesus is asking us not to be leaders, but to be followers. If anyone wants to come after me, Jesus says, deny yourself pick up your cross and follow me. Jesus is calling us to be followers, not leaders. But how is he defining this following?
For Jesus, we follow not by jumping off a cliff with him but by denying ourselves and picking up or taking up our crosses. Notice, this is not the cross Jesus had to carry before he died on it. No, Jesus says we each have a cross to carry and bear. What is the cross that you have to carry at this moment in your life? Is it pain, exhaustion, illness, grief, or any of the other ‘little deaths’ we all have to encounter throughout our earthly journeys?
Martin Luther picked up on this point from Jesus and other passages in the bible to develop what he called a ‘theology of the cross’. That the cross happens to the Christian every day as they live their lives as disciples who willingly bear their sufferings. The follower of Jesus surrenders to the crosses that they bear because through the lens of the cross, they see God present and active in their brokenness. They have a different relationship to suffering as they see God showing his heart for us in Jesus' hanging on the cross. With the blessing of perspective and time, we can see our suffering in a different light.
We share in Jesus' death and resurrection to be cruciform people. People who are shaped and formed by our cross experiences in this life. And by travelling through the cross God’s Holy Spirit uses our suffering to show us that we are not alone or powerless. We have strength through faith and trust in him who died for us.
Blessings and comfort as you bear your crosses.
Tim Jarick College Pastor
Primary Years
Creating community and a positive culture in the Primary Years
Our parent workshops have been a hit this term. Susan Allenspach with an Introduction to the PYP and Louise Gale with Assisting your child with reading have been interactive, informative and well received. Our next Parent workshop will be on Understanding Assessment on 7 March at 8:15am in the Hub. Should you have any ideas for a parent workshop topic please email me at l.sabri@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Keep an eye out for a letter regarding Parent Teacher Interviews that will come out next week. The Parent-teacher interviews will be held on 26 and 27 March 2024.
Lia Sabri Head of Primary Years
Secondary Years
Empowering Excellence: Professional Learning in the Secondary Years
At St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, we believe that investing in the growth and development of our teachers is paramount to providing the highest quality education for our students. That's why we place a strong emphasis on professional learning, offering a range of innovative programs and partnerships designed to support our teachers in their journey towards excellence.
One of the cornerstones of our approach to professional learning is our Professional Learning Teams initiative. Through collaborative teams, our teachers engage in ongoing professional development, sharing best practices, analysing student data and refining their teaching strategies to better meet the diverse needs of our learners.
In partnership with the UQ Learning Lab, we have established a dynamic collaboration aimed at fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This partnership provides our educators with access to cutting-edge research, resources, and training opportunities, empowering them to stay abreast of the latest advancements in educational theory and practice.
Recognising the crucial role of middle leaders in driving school improvement, we are investing in our middle leaders. These programs equip our them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively lead their teams, inspire excellence and drive positive change within our school community.
Supporting our early career teachers is also a top priority. Our Early Career Teacher Development Program offers tailored support, mentorship and professional learning opportunities to ensure that our newest educators have the tools and support they need to thrive in their roles.
Furthermore, we regularly host workshops and seminars led by various experts in education and related fields. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from pedagogical approaches to wellbeing strategies, providing our teachers with valuable insights and tools to enhance their professional practice.
At St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, we firmly believe that investing in our teachers is an investment in the future of our students. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, we are committed to empowering our educators to deliver the highest quality education and support to every student in our care. Together, we are shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Dominic Piacun Head of Secondary Years.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News Term 1 Week 6 2024
Creativity Takes Courage – Henri Matisse
Private Tuition Program
There is still availability for students to undertake lessons in our Private Tuition Program learning Speech and Drama, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Voice and Percussion. Woodwind, Speech and Drama and Voice lessons are available in groups of 2-3 students. Enrolment Forms and additional information can be found on Firefly.
Expressions of Interest Jazz Ensemble
An expression of interest is being called for students who would like to be involved in a Jazz Ensemble in Term 2. Students need to be recommended by their Private Tuition Teacher or email your interest to Mrs Campbell if learning externally, as some experience is essential because Jazz Music requires solid rhythmic and sightreading skills and at least a couple of years playing the instrument. Instruments required are piano, electric bass guitar, electric lead guitar, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone and drums.
Assembly Performance
Thanks to Mrs Schmeider and members of Dolce Voce who have performed at Primary Assemblies during the last two weeks. It was lovely to see and hear the students sing with such energy and commitment to their musical development.
Lunchtime Concert
The Performers for the above event have been finalised and Private Tuition Tutors should have by now notified students on their involvement. The lunchtime concert will be held on the Concourse on 7 March from 10:45am-11:05am. Performers are required to meet the PA Captains and Mrs Campbell at 10:20am on the Concourse outside the HUB with their music, instruments, lunch and any relevant essentials.
Mrs Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Coordinator
Sport
Springfield Sport
Representative Sport
Last Wednesday were the Met West Swimming trials held at Sleeman Aquatic Centre. 16 students from St Peters Springfield have been invited to take part at the QLD state trials at the end of March. 16 students from one College is an incredible achievement and the most of any Central Comets schools.
Congratulations to the following: Aaliyah M (Year 6), Sieanna T (Year 7), Rumi L (Year 7), Ethan S (Year 7), Jill F (Year 10), Olivia G (Year 8), Ruby-Jane K (Year 11), Mia K (Year 9), Jocelyn M (Year 8), Zami R (Year 7), Elyza S (Year 10), Judy Y (Year 10), Angeline Y (Year 12) and Riley Z (Year 10).
A further congratulations to Amayah H (Year 7) and Lachlan S (Year 10) who also made the Met West Swimming team and broke Met West records as well. Amayah broke the 12 Years Girls 50m Butterfly record and Lachlan broke the 15 Years Boys 100m Backstroke record.
Running Club
Separate information regarding Running Club will be communicated to families shortly.
Brendan Johns Head of Sport
Girls Sport
QGSSSA Swimming
Congratulations to the 2024 St Peters Swim Team for winning the 89th Annual QGSSSA Swimming Championships. This marks the 11th consecutive win for St Peters Lutheran College, which is the longest standing record of consecutive wins for any school at the QGSSSA Swimming Championships.
Thank you to our captains Jaclyn B and Siena N (Year 12) and our Vice Captains Indi C and Sophie L (Year 11) for their superb leadership and their support and care for the younger swimmers.
Finally, a big thank you to our Coaches and Coordinators for all their hard work preparing the team.
Further details of individual achievements will be recognised next week along with a photo gallery.
Mollie Gould Aggregate Cup Final Standings (Top 3)
1. St Peters – 622.5 points
2. St Margaret’s – 531
3. Brisbane State High School – 509.5
St Peters Girls also secured the following:
Age Pennants - 12 Years, 15 Years , 16 Years and 17+ Years
Last week the Open Football team invited the Old Scholars back to Harts Rd Oval to contest the Fady Ibrahim Cup. The Cup is named in honour of previous St Peters staff member, Fady, in recognition of his passion and contribution to girls football from 1998 to 2017. The game ended in a thrilling three-all draw, pushing it into extra time, and finally to a penalty shootout. Finally, the Open team clinched the win with a 4-2 score with many heroic saves from Millie H (Year 7). Many thanks to our Football Coordinator, Mr David Mulligan, the Football Support Group and SPOSA for organising and supporting this event.
Autumn Fixture Trials
Friday 1 March – Basketball, Football & Touch Football
Our community are informed of sport cancellations through the St Peters App. However, only those who are ‘subscribed’ to the relevant sports will be notified via a push notification or alert. It is important that you are ‘subscribed’ with your chosen sports to ensure that you receive notification of any cancellations relevant to you.
Please see the instructions below on how to subscribe to your chosen sports.
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.
The St Peters Netball Parents Support Group (NPSG) warmly encourages parents of Netballers from Years 3-12 to join the NPSG and to be involved in any way that they can – attending meetings, helping on a sausage sizzle or morning tea stall.
Membership of the NPSG is a valuable way in which parents can support their daughter’s netball endeavours whilst meeting other parents of students involved.
To express interest in being involved in the NPSG, please email - netballpsg@stpeters.qld.edu.au or join our Whats App Group here. You can also learn more about the NPSG here.
The NPSG’s Annual General Meeting is coming up on Monday 4 March, commencing at 6:00pm in the Schneider Building. All Committee positions will be open for nominations. These are: President, Secretary & Treasurer. If you’re interested in attending or nominating for a role on the NPSG Committee this year, please get in touch and we can send you more information.
Also, calling for 2024 Netball Sponsors!
Due to some of our very generous Sponsors from previous years leaving the College, we are looking for new Sponsors to support the 300 girl strong Netball Program. If you would like to be a Netball Sponsor, please contact Ross Thomson at r.thomson@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Boys Sport
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.”
fraser’s focus
With a weekend packed full of fantastic sporting results, I was spoilt with choice to write about this week. I pondered whether to highlight our Pink Stumps Day recognising the importance of contributing to something that goes beyond sport, our diligent Volleyball team who had to relocate fixtures to Marist College at the last minute and showed incredible poise and leadership when I was in the midst of cheering the Australian Rules team on or for supporters who came out in droves to support their friends, the sport or just the school.
Instead, one conversation caught my attention between a coach and a player before they took the field. The coaches message was simple: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.” The importance of mindset was not lost on me or the young man who took stock of these wise words and considered the impact of his thoughts and how they can manifest into positive sporting, but lifelong outcomes. This resonated with my message from last week as I challenged the students to be brave and believe in themselves and that they did. The motto of ‘Plus Ultra’ rung true on each of the sporting fields and will continue into this weekend and life.
Congratulations
Bravo to the young men who dared to dream this weekend and accomplished some incredible results. Our Australian Rules Open team recorded a 67-10 victory, First XI cricket winning by 17 runs, bowling all 10 batsmen out in a 50 run period and our First VI coming back from a difficult start to close out a close game and show extreme composure. With all AIC First and Open teams still in the hunt for a premiership, and all Australian Rules teams all being undefeated it is an exciting time to be involved in Boys Sport
Furthermore, the weekend was a spectacular showcase of school spirit with Australian Rules, Cricket and Volleyball Open and First teams being supported by hundreds of students. From Coorparoo to Cricket the Saints brought the noise and gave them the extra boost to get the boys over the line with a convincing win over Marist in Australian Rules, coming back from 1-0 down in volleyball and for defeating Marist in Cricket for the first time in AIC cricket history!
pink stumps
Last weekend St Peters celebrated the success of its fourth Pink Stumps day, raising over $9000 in collaboration with Marist College to support the McGrath Foundation and provide fundraising towards the essential work of breast cancer nurses. I would like to thank Mr Gary Munday for his coordination of the Pink Stumps Day, providing a platform for our boys to showcase their talents against a spirited Marist side.
An incredible achievement, complimenting a terrific day. To the Parent Support Group for adorning the P&F Centre, with vibrant pink decorations to compliment the incredible spread of food and drinks, the day served as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support. Lastly to Mrs Sarah Delaney, Director of Lifelong Learning who shared how breast cancer touches us all and the significant role young men play in shaping our society, emphasising the power of unity and empathy in driving positive change. St Peters looks forward to continuing efforts in making a positive impact in the fight against breast cancer. If you would like to still donate, please click here!
AIC Swim meet and championship
The final AIC Swim trial will take place this Friday afternoon at the 50m Pool, Indooroopilly. This is a compulsory session for all members of the Swim Team. The team will be finalised at the conclusion of the meet so boys pushing for places on the team need to be in attendance. The meet will run from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. We look forward to seeing all boys there!
We wish the 2024 AIC Boys Swim team all the best for next Tuesday 5 March as they strive for eight in a row. The boys have put in countless hours, and we are excited to see what they can achieve. Best of luck to all boys! GO SAINTS|
Football News
Our First XI football team will be playing a pre-season friendly match vs Anglican Grammar School (Churchie) on Wednesday 6 March at 4:15pm kick off at Harts Rd Oval. This match marks the start of the Boys Football season, with students starting pre-season training in Term 4 and attending the football camp at Sunshine Coast on the school holidays in January. Come on down and support the boys for their first game in 2024!
Term 2 AIC Chess, Cross Country, Football and rugby sign on
All boys in Years 7 to 12 have now been emailed on several occasions regarding signing on for AIC Term 2 Boys sport. We ask all boys who wish to participate in one or more of the above-mentioned sports please sign on ASAP.
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
This week our Senior teams will travel to IONA College for a round of testing fixtures. IONA presents challenges in Cricket, Australian Rules and Volleyball recording numerous victories in recent weeks for all age groups. We wish you well! While our juniors return home after a fortnight. Best of luck for Round 5!
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.
