This week, when I met with our Year 7 Coordinator Gwen Hackel, she commented on how resilient our Year 7 cohort is. “They are so adept to change and dealing with things”, she said. This was music to my ears and something that we aim to instil in our young people throughout their journey of growth at St Peters Springfield.
Last week, on Thursday 29 February, St Peters engaged Dr Justin Coulson renowned co-host and parenting expert on Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, to present at the first Symposium for 2024. As the founder of happyfamilies.com.au and the author of nine best-selling books on raising resilient children, Dr Coulson is recognised as one of Australia’s most trusted authorities on parenting, relationships, and wellbeing. The symposium explored the psychological secrets that contribute to a child’s sense of identity, strengths, and growth mindset.
This is such an important issue for our young people as we continue to see declining rates of resilience as students progress through school. According to Dr Coulson, “Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from adversity and adapt to difficulty in positive ways. Research shows that the resilience levels of our children have dropped significantly, putting many at risk. Friendship issues, bullying, physical changes, identity development and parenting styles are just some of the issues that can affect our children’s ability to bounce back. The critical time is before adolescence hardwires our children’s brains into changes that may lead to lifelong habits.”
Our roles as parents and educators occupy a very important space in which our young people need to grow, be parented and educated in such a way to foster their resilience and progression into becoming a strong person. Not an environment where we make them ‘toughen-up’, but one where we ‘build-them-up’. In particular, Dr Coulson refers to the importance of the roles of relationships in building resilience, these could be family, school or the broader community of support. It is in engaging in these relationships that we need to build our young people’s flexibility and autonomy.
Further to the above, Beyond Blue have published 'Building Resilience in Children – Aged 0-12' and this guide supports the theory of Dr Coulson, highlighting the importance of relationships. It also suggests a framework where, through education, we encourage young people to focus on autonomy, managing their emotions and coping with personal challenges. A link to this guide has been included below.
In the coming weeks, I will also share an article about the importance of student wellbeing and its link in developing our young people and their resilience as well. The College community now has open access to School TV, a website and information developed to support parents and caregivers in the challenges we face in modern-day parenting. Please see the link to this resource below.
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.
19 March – Cultural Dress Day Prep – Year 12
21 March – Parent Workshop “Friendology: UR Strong Wellbeing Program” 8:15am – 9:15am
22 March – Primary Disco – Venue TBC Prep-Year 1: 4:30p-5:15pm Years 2-3: 5:15pm-6:00pm Years 4-6: 6:00-7:00pm
23 March – Group 2 Ironbark Graduation
26 March – Year 12 Student Free Day and Formal
26 March – Good Friday Service – JHP (Secondary 8:20am) (Primary 1:20pm)
26 March – 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
30 March – Easter Saturday
31 March – Easter Sunday
Ministry
Appropriate Anger
In the temple courts Jesus found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” John 2:14-16
The first time I remember witnessing a road-rage incident I was a new driver. A soft-top jeep pulled up next to me at traffic lights with two young women in the front. An angry man from the tradie ute behind came stomping towards the car, yelling and hitting the car. He got to the driver’s door and tugged on the mirror until it broke off. He then stomped away behind his ute, and we all exhaled thinking he was gone. But he came back, now brandishing a pick-axe. Just before he reached the jeep to mete out more mayhem, the driver turned sharply to her left and took off through a drive-through bottle-shop. She escaped before the angry man could strike. Phew!
Alas, we are so angry at so many things. Ambulances display signs instructing people not to be aggressive towards paramedics. Supermarkets display signs urging respect for staff. Cafés carry reminders to be kind to the barista and wait-staff. We have become so used to getting what we want we don’t handle things well when we don’t. While the pandemic may have exacerbated the problem, it has always been there.
Being angry is not necessarily a bad thing. Being angry inappropriately is.
Jesus got angry. Numerous times. Thankfully he focused his anger to work for change and did not sin in his anger. On this occasion in the Temple, when he saw merchants selling sheep and livestock for sacrifices, and moneychangers plying their trade supplying the correct currency for the Temple Tax, he got mad! He made a whip and drove out the animals. He flipped the tables of the money-changers and sent their coins flying. It is a remarkable scene, caused by Jesus’ anger at a system ripping people off and, if not stopping them from worshipping God altogether, certainly leaving them with the bitter aftertaste of having been exploited by these traders. Jesus took on the merchants and cleared them out from the Temple precinct.
This was not rampant red-mist rage, but calculated anger at things that kept people away from God, and anger at people who should have known better.
Often, we are angry at the wrong things – a minor traffic disagreement, an out-of-stock product, a coffee that is too hot or too cold, an online opinion different from our own. We find it hard to let these minor things go. Yet we should save our anger for things worthy of our anger – war, exploitation of the poor, domestic violence, injustice of any kind, and anything that keeps people from knowing God’s love. We need to learn to manage our anger appropriately. When we do, it can become a powerful tool for change.
The good news is Jesus used his anger appropriately and he succeeded in his mission to overcome sin and evil. He would give up his life to open a new way for people to live with God. Rather than having to battle the sacrificial system at the Temple, people were to come to God through Jesus. As we trust in Jesus we have new life with God forever.
Pastor Matt Wilksch Springfield Chaplain
Important Notices
2024 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to do the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2023 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes 5 minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.
As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.
We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.
The most exciting rhythms seem unexpected and complex, the most beautiful melodies simple and inevitable. ― W.H. Auden
Morning Tea Concert
Congratulations to all the performers from Years 7-12 who performed at the first break time concert yesterday. All performers played with confidence, clarity and with a sense of expressing meaning to an audience. Thanks to Taashya and Jun the Performing Arts Prefects, Ms Powell, Mrs Pomerenke for her accompaniment, IT for sound support, Instrumental Tutors and Mrs Campbell for all assistance in organising this important performing opportunity. Going forward we would like to include performances at Assembly as students are entering the JHP Foyer. Keep a look out here for the theme for the Term Two Lunchtime Concert!
Cancellation of Private Tuition Lessons
As we approach the end of term, this is a friendly reminder that as a matter of courtesy as per the Instrumental Music Handbook, four week’s term time notice is required in writing to the Instrumental Tutors to cease Instrumental and or Speech and Drama Tutors.
Assembly Performances
Thanks to Taashya who played on Tuesday as the students arrived at the Years 7-12 Assembly. This performance opportunity is something that we would like to see continue. If you are interested, can you please speak with your IM Tutor and send your request and the week you would like to play to the Performing Arts Captains so they can coordinate a roster. Please ensure you are confident and prepared and have a couple of pieces ready in case required to play a little longer.
Teacher Feature – Ms Emma Anstey
Ms Emma Anstey is a professional vocalist, actor and presenter, who has recently toured internationally to Japan, performing in a residency at an exclusive luxury resort. Ms Anstey sings with leading entertainment agencies including Redtie Entertainment, and at Village Roadshow's Australian Outback Spectacular, where she plays the leading role of "Sarah" in the current production, Heartland. Aiming to bring a wealth of professional music experience to her students, Ms Anstey is passionate about encouraging confidence and joy on stage for young singers, with performance craft and correct vocal technique being at the core of her teaching practice.
Primary Music – Instrument Immersion Program
Our excited Year 3 and 5 students have begun learning their instruments through our immersion programs.
The first group of Year 3 students have received their string instrument (Violin, Viola or Cella) and have learnt how to hold their instrument, care for it and play their first song: Big Time on D!
Students in 5S have also received their band instruments and most have already learnt their first three notes.
Both groups learn their instrument for a semester, which will culminate in a small concert in June.
Expressions of Interest Jazz Ensemble
An expression of interest is being called for students from Years 7-12 who would like to be involved in a Jazz Ensemble in Term Two. 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.
External Performances
Instrumental Music / Speech and Drama Tutors are currently looking at performance opportunities for soloists and ensembles to participate in South-East Queensland Eisteddfod’s throughout 2024. The first Eisteddfod is the Ipswich Music Eisteddfod to be held in May at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Please keep an eye out for emails relating to these.
Upcoming Events Term 2
Anzac Day Service 24 April
Primary Strings 1st Break Concert 2 May
Mother’s Day Breakfast 10 May
Ipswich Junior Music Eisteddfod 17-24 May
Semester 1 Recitals 20-23 May
Performing Arts Showcase Concert Semester 1, 29 May
Mrs Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Co-ordinator
Sport
Springfield Sport
QGSSSA Swimming Championships
Congratulations to the QGSSSA Swim team who successfully defended their title last week at the QGSSSA Swimming Championships to make it a record 11 wins in a row. This is a significant moment in the history of the College and is the culmination of many years of dedication by the swimmers, coaches, coordinators and, importantly, parents.
St Peters claimed the win by 91.5 points over St Margaret’s, St Peters also collected Age Champion wins the Opens, 16 years, 15 Years and 12 years.
QGSSSA AFL
Congratulations to the 10A St Peters AFL team, with a resounding victory over Brisbane State High School (BSHS) on Saturday 2 March. Before the game, St Peters and BSHS shared top-spot on the ladder. The St Peters girls started fast and never looked back, scoring 10 goals. With one match remaining this Saturday, they are poised to claim the top prize. Thank you to Mr Chris Cant for his dedication to this team and the development of AFL as a whole.
overall and 14 years 4th Overall.
St Peters Springfield ladies displayed their talents with Amayah H (Year 7) and Sieanna T (Year 7) breaking records in the 12 years 50m Freestyle. Amayah broke the B Division record and Sieanna the C Division. The following Springfield students placed first, second or third in events:
Ruby-Jane K (Year 11): 2nd in 16 Years 4x50m Medley Relay, Division A
Judy Y (Year 10): 1st in 15 Years 4x50m Medley Relay, Division A; 2nd in 15 Years 50m Butterfly, Division A
Zami R (Year 7): 2nd in 13 Years 4x50m Medley Relay, Division A
Dominique M (Year 12): 1st in Opens 200m Freestyle Division A; 1st in Opens 50m Freestyle, Division B; 1st in Opens 100m Freestyle, Division A; 1st in Opens 4x50m Freestyle Relay, Division A.
Sieanna T (Year 7): 1st in 12 Years 50m Freestyle, Division C (RECORD); 1st in 12 Years 50m Backstroke Division A; 1st in 12 Years 4x50m Relay, Division A.
Amayah H (Year 7): 1st in 12 Years 50m Freestyle, Division B (RECORD); 1st in 12 Years 50m Butterfly, Division A; 1st in 12 Years 4x50m Relay, Division A.
Jocelyne M (Year 8): 1st in 13 Years 50m Freestyle, Division A; 1st in 13 Years 100m Freestyle, Division A
Mia K (Year 9): 3rd in 50m Multi-Class Breaststroke Division A; 2nd 50m Multi-Class Backstroke, Division A.
Olivia G (Year 8): 2nd in 14 Years 100m Freestyle, Division A
Elyza S (Year 10): 1st in 15 Years 4x50m Freestyle Relay, Division B.
Jillian F (Year 10): 1st in 15 Years 4x50m Freestyle Relay, Division B.
Alexa S (Year 11): 2nd in 16 Years 4x50m Freestyle Relay, Division B.
St Peters also claimed both the Junior (15 Years &Under) and Senior (16 Years & Open) Brockway Cups, a 4x50m mixed aged Freestyle Relay. This is the 12th consecutive year that St Peters has won the Junior age group. St Peters Springfield was represented by Jocelyne M (Year 8) in the Junior relay and Dominique M (Year 12) in the Senior relay.
AIC Swimming Championships
AIC Swimming Championships were on Tuesday 5 March. A complete article will appear in the Week 8 issue of Cornerstone.
Date Claimers:
A reminder that the College Cross Country events will be held on 17 April 2024. As in 2023, Secondary students will have their event between 8:30am-10:00am. Years 4-6 will then have their event from 11:00am-11:40am. These details may change in the lead up to the event, families will receive more information in the lead up to the event.
Mr Brendan Johns Head of Sport
Girls Sport
QGSSSA Swimming Highlights
Winner of QGSSSA Mollie Gould Aggregate Champions for the 11th consecutive year.
1st Place in Age Group Pennants – 12 Years & Under, 15 Years, 16 Years and 17 Years & Over.
Winner of the Open Brockway Cup for the 11th consecutive year.
Winner of the Junior Brockway Cup for the 12th consecutive year.
New QGSSSA Records
Jaclyn B (Year 12), Open 100m Backstroke 1:00.87.
Sieanna T (Year 7) 12 Years & Under 50m Freestyle Div C 30.51.
Amaya H (Year 7) 12 Years & Under 50m Freestyle Div B 29.56.
Anahira M (Year 9) 15 Years 50m Freestyle Div B 27.23.
17 Years & Over 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div A - Jaclyn B (Year 12), Dominique M (Year 12), Indianna C (Year 11) & Alana R (Year 12), 1:46.67.
1st Place Individual Events (Open & A Divisions)
Amayah H (Year 7), 12 Years & Under 50m Butterfly.
Sieanna T (Year 7), 12 Years & Under 50m Backstroke.
Georgia P (Year 8), 13 years 50m Backstroke.
Jocelyne M (Year 8), 13 Years 50m Freestyle Div A, 13 Years 100m Freestyle.
Anahira M (Year 9), 15 Years 50m Breaststroke.
Jaslyn P (Year 9), 15 Years 100m Freestyle.
Kaci Curtis (Year 10), 16 Years 50m Freestyle Div A.
Dominique M (Year 12), Open 200m Freestyle, 17 Years & Over 100m Freestyle.
Jaclyn B (Year 12), Open 100m Backstroke*Record, 17 Years & Over 50m Freestyle Div A, 17 Years & Over 50m Butterfly.
1st Place Relay Events
12 Years 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div A
15 Years 4 x 50m Medley Relay
15 Years 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div B
15 Years 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div A
16 Years 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div A
17 Years & Over 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div B
17 Years & Over 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div A*Record
THIS INVITATION IS FOR GIRLS IN YEARS 8 TO 12 IN 2024.
Sign on is open for BSRA (Girls) Rowing for season 2024. The rowing season commences in Term 2 (Learn-to-Row + Strength & Conditioning) and is followed in Term 3 with the BSRA regatta season which culminates with the Head of the River.
Please review the Annual Rowing Calendar and the Training Schedule (available on the St Peters App/Rowing) to make sure you are available to attend training, Rowing Camp and the six (6) BSRA regattas. To row, you MUST be available for all six (6) regattas in Term 3 - Please check competition dates don't clash BEFORE signing on. To sign on, please complete the form below.
NOTE: You cannot row and play a QGSSSA Winter Fixture Sport due to clashes of Rowing Regattas and QGSSSA Fixtures (Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Volleyball). Sign on for these sports will occur in Term 2. If you have clashes of training with other QGSSSA programs (eg. Basketball, Football or Touch Football) please reach out to your relevant sport coordinators for assistance to manage your training program.
Sign On will CLOSE AT 12 NOON FRIDAY 15 MARCH (Term 1 Week 8) – See Sign on Flyer.
YEAR 7 GIRLS - Learn-to-Row will be offered in Term 4 ahead of the 2025 BSRA season, and a sign on will occur later in the year.
If you have any questions please reach out to our Rowing Coordinator, Mrs Helen Allard.
Cross Country
Cross Country is a sport best enjoyed together. This year we are trying to encourage as many girls as possible to attend Cross Country on a Wednesday afternoon. We hope that by having lots of students attend on a Wednesday afternoon, we will build team spirit and a positive training atmosphere in preparation for the QGSSSA and AIC Championships. I would encourage all girls hoping to gain selection in the QGSSSA Cross Country team to keep Wednesday afternoons free for Cross Country. If you have any clashes with training for a QGSSSA Autumn fixture sport, please reach out to Ms Schrieber and your Autumn sport coordinator to find a solution that works for you.
In Term 2, QGSSSA meets will be held on Wednesday afternoons and girls will be expected to attend the meet in lieu of the training session.
We will have our first QGSSSA meet on Tuesday 19 March at Yeronga Memorial Park (Week 9). Information will be made available on the app.
The QGSSSA Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday 18 May at John Paul College.
Autumn Fixtures
Round 1 Friday 8 March – Basketball, Football & Touch Football
“The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.” Stephen McCranie
fraser’s focus
In reflecting on our recent weekend against Iona College, it's clear that while the results may not have been what we hoped for, there's a wealth of learning to be gleaned. These setbacks provide valuable insights into areas where we can improve, not only as a team but as individuals to help us to better prepare for the upcoming challenges against Padua and Villanova in the final two rounds. It's important to recognise that success isn't a linear journey defined by seasonal calendars or cumulative trophies, but by the continued pursuit of excellence and lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. As a society we are results driven and are hyper-fixated on outcomes. It is worth remembering why we play the sports we do, not to kick every goal, score every run or win every rally, but for our own personal enjoyment. I ask you to put the question to your son, why do you love (Australian Rules/Cricket/Volleyball?) and remind them that winning is merely the icing on the cake.
As the quote of the week suggests, the journey towards mastery is underpinned with resilience and being able to pick ones self-up after you they fail (first attempt in learning). True character is revealed in the face of adversity, and I back our young men to bounce back this week in training and put their best foot forward on the court, pitch, or field this weekend.
Congratulations
8 IN A ROW
The St Peters 2024 Boys AIC Swimming Team made it 8 on Tuesday taking out the championship. On aggregate points St Peters won the day, ahead of second place Marist College and third Villanova.
AIC Swimming Top 3 Places
St Peters Lutheran College
Marist College
Villanova
This 2024 win makes it eight consecutive years in a row for St Peters Boys Swimming, a magnificent feat and a testament to our swimmers, coaches and parents who continue to support our young men.
I would like to acknowledge all the hard work, guidance and expertise that takes place each day, week and month in the lead up to these events and make special mention of our extensive St Peters Swimming Coaching team, we thank you for the countless hours and dedication to detail.
I would like to extend my thanks to Mr Nodwell and Mr Lohe for helping myself learn what makes St Peters Swimming the pinnacle of school swimming in Australia, with the organisation, knowledge and both men being a constant source of support for all my questions for my first term of swimming at St Peters. Over the years, their knowledge of every swimmer, their swim times and the communication is beyond impressive and a key factor in the schools continued success and sustained excellence.
Eight consecutive AIC Swimming victories is a testament to a successful and growing Swimming program which has been developed by a proud and enthusiastic Swimming community. On behalf of St Peters Boys Sport, I thank everyone involved. Your College is extremely proud of you!
Age Group Placings
Senior AIC Team:
12 Years – 1st
13 Years – 1st
14 Years – 2nd
15 Years – 1st
16 Years – Tied 1st
Opens – 1st
Overall – 1st
Junior AIC Team:
Year 5 – 5th
Year 6 – 5th
Overall – 5th
SPORT CANCELLATIONS & THE ST PETERS APP
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 CLICK HERE to find out how to subscribe to your chosen sports.
This week in sport
This week our Senior teams will travel to Padua College for their final away fixtures, while our juniors will play their last home games. Our Junior Australian Rules teams Year 7 and Year 9 are still undefeated and in the hunt for the premiership, best of luck for what will be a weekend of challenging fixtures!
Please ensure you check the St Peters App. for both venue details and time of games for Round 6 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.
It is my duty to inform the community that our amazing President of Parents and Friends is stepping down, effective Thursday 28 March. Mrs Hansi Kottegoda has served us as part of the committee for seven years, including two years as Treasurer in 2021/2 and one year as President in 2023. We wish Hansi well in her new adventure and pay tribute to her faithful service of St Peters Springfield.
In the interim, from 28 March until our next meeting on 16 April, our Vice President Nidhi Dhuldhoya will act as the President. At the meeting on 16 April, further discussions will take place and a decision made around arrangements for the remainder of 2024.
