Artificial intelligence (AI) is as revolutionary as mobile phones and the Internet – Bill Gates
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, our College community stands at the forefront of an exciting new era of AI in education. With the recent introduction of the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools, we now have further clarity about how we might harness the incredible potential of AI to enhance learning, creativity and innovation in our classrooms. The Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools aligns seamlessly with global standards, including the UNESCO Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research, providing a solid foundation from which we can explore and adapt to these tools.
Generative AI is transforming the way we interact with information, solve problems, and create new content. Its ongoing impact on education is profound, offering tools that can personalise learning, foster critical thinking, and open a world of creative possibilities for every student. As we begin to explore how these technologies can integrate into our curriculum and pedagogy, we are guided by a commitment to ethical use, ensuring that these powerful tools enrich the educational experience while safeguarding our community's values and privacy.
The conversation around AI in education is growing, recently Bill Gates heralded this as the beginning of the "Age of AI," where these technologies can solve complex problems and unlock new opportunities for learning. Similarly, insights from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasise the positive impact of AI on education, highlighting its potential to empower teachers and students alike, making learning more accessible and engaging.
Our approach to integrating Generative AI into our educational framework is twofold:
Innovative Learning: We have formed a student AI think tank, with the intention of exploring the innovations that are occurring in this space and how we can leverage them for the benefit of our community.
Ethical Considerations and Digital Literacy: Equally important is our commitment to teaching our students about the ethical use of AI. This includes understanding the importance of data privacy, the impact of AI on society, and the critical evaluation of AI-generated content. Our goal is to prepare students not just to use AI, but to understand its implications and navigate its challenges with wisdom and responsibility.
As we embark on this journey together, we are excited about the opportunities that Generative AI presents for enhancing education. We are keen to stay at the cutting edge of educational technology, ensuring that our students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding to thrive in the digital age.
We welcome your thoughts, questions, and ideas on how we can collectively make the most of these exciting advancements. Together, let's embrace the future of education with optimism, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence in Christian coeducation.
Dominic Piacun Head of Secondary Years
What's On
Easter Vacation Care Program
To Our Amazing Families,
We have a Fun Filled Easter Vacation Care Program for your children.
Attached are all you need to book your child/ren into Easter Vacation Care, please ensure you have fully read and filled out ALL required documents to book care.
Without ALL required documents your booking can not be confirmed.
A reminder that all of Term 1 fees are due in full before a Vacation care booking can be processed.
Please note all incursions will require a permission form so read all forms carefully.
All bookings (including incomplete bookings) finalised after Tuesday 19 March 2024 will be charged at our casual rate.
We are so excited to bring you this jam packed and engaging program with such a wide range of different experiences that will have your children learning new skills and above all having loads of fun.
Hard copies can also be found on the reception desk located at MBO1.
Some of the exciting days on offer this Vacation Care are:
Willohbee Easter Wood Making
Easter Egg Hunt and Hat Parade
Cricket - with Cube Sports
Tie-Dying Day
Ryori No Tabi – Japanese cooking Journey
Sewing Day
OZ Tag – with Cube Sports
Crazy Hair and Face paint
Lab Kids Gross Science
Get in quick as spots fill up fast!
Please remember to bring with you each day:
Your lunchbox with enough food for the entire day (Please note we are an Allergy Aware Service for nuts, egg, dairy and sesame).
Water bottle with name
Sun Safe Clothing (Shirts that cover the shoulders completely).
Enclosed shoes – NO thongs or sandals
A set of spare clothes for messy play or toileting accidents.
Hat – NO caps (broad brimmed, bucket or legionnaires ONLY).
Named SPF 50+ Sunscreen, only if not using the services.
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 – Location: Junior High Precinct, St Peters Springfield 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
Term 2
16 April – Term 2 Commences
16 April – Easter Service: Secondary 8:20am; Primary 1:20pm
17 April – Cross Country Years 4 - 12
Ministry
The Greatest Love Story
No movie theatre would be complete without some great love story, perhaps the latest Rom Com by Richard Curtis (are you as excited as I am by the possibility of a 'Love Actually' sequel?). Many of us, whether we openly admit it, love the feel-good, hopeful assurance that love is a thing in our lives…that “love actually is all around,” if I can quote Hugh Grant from that movie (yes, Chaplain Kirstin has probably watched that movie too many times)
I’ve been thinking about stories, how they impact us and how various stories weave together into a coherent whole. I began to realise that in many ways, life is like the structure of 'Love Actually,' with many stories weaving in and around and together. These stories finally come together and culminate in the greatest story ever told, perhaps the greatest love story ever told – not exactly a Rom Com, a story in a book that’s perhaps a bit too long to make into a two hour movie.
The Bible can be called God’s story, the story of God’s relationship with all people. The story begins with God’s creation of the universe and people, and how God lives in relationship with his people. The Old Testament goes on to reveal the story of God’s relationship with his chosen people, the Israelites. God’s relationship with people is revealed as God calls the Israelites into relationship and provides them with rules for living with God and each other. The stories also reveal the nature of people as they desire a relationship with God, then break this relationship and fall away from God. Then in times of need, return to their relationship with God. Throughout these stories God’s faithfulness, love for and forgiveness of his people remains.
The New Testament contains the story of God present in the world with people, in Jesus. In Jesus, God reveals the plan for completely restoring the broken relationship between God and people. The New Testament contains the stories about Jesus and letters for Jesus’ followers who live out their relationship with God in lives of love and service.
The Bible links together the way in which God revealed himself to his people in the Old Testament, at the time of Christ, and still reveals himself today. It is the story which enabled our school to be built, and the story that continues to weave through our stories here. This is the story that impacts the way we live here at school and impacts our spiritual lives too.
Kirstin Munchenberg Chaplain
Important Notices
Join Us for the Primary Disco Party!
Date: March 22nd Time:
Prep and Year 1: 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Year 2 and Year 3: 5:15pm – 6:00pm
Year 4 to Year 6: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Get ready to groove and dance the night away! The St Peters Springfield P&F is hosting an exciting Disco Party for our Primary Families.
Location: Junior High Precinct, St Peters Springfield
For Parents: A Coffee Van will be available for parents!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Secondary Years
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a transformative program that offers numerous benefits to young people, encompassing personal development, skills acquisition and community engagement. Divided into three levels - Bronze, Silver, and Gold - participants undertake a series of activities across four key areas: volunteering, physical fitness, skills development and an adventurous expedition.
The DofE fosters personal growth by encouraging participants to step outside their comfort zones, set goals, and overcome challenges. Through volunteering, students contribute to their communities, developing empathy and a sense of social responsibility. Engaging in physical activities promotes health and well-being, while acquiring new skills enhances confidence and competence. The highlight of the DofE experience is the adventurous expedition, where participants navigate the great outdoors, fostering teamwork, resilience, and self-reliance.
Completing each level of the DofE Award equips young people with valuable life skills, enhances their employability, and cultivates a sense of accomplishment and self-belief. If your child/ren are interested in completing the DofE please contact Mrs Lucy Hinchliffe (l.hinchliffe@stpeters.qld.edu.au) to discuss signing up. Overall, the DofE program empowers youth to become well-rounded individuals, ready to tackle the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Lucy Hinchliffe
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News
The only thing better than singing is more singing. Ella Fitzgerald
Assembly Performances
Thanks to Ariya who played on Tuesday as the students arrived at the Years 7-12 Assembly.
Lunchtime Concert
Thanks again to the students who performed at the first performance for 2024 on the Concourse last Thursday. Enjoy the photos included in this week’s edition.
Rebranding Concert Bands and Woodwind Ensemble
To acknowledge the contribution that leading Australian composers have made to the expansion of band repertoire both here and abroad and to reflect the changing instrumentation of our ensembles, from the start of Term Two, Platinum and Burgundy Bands and the Woodwind Ensemble will be known respectively by the following names: Grainger Concert Band, Kats-Chernin Wind Ensemble, and the Edwards Chamber Ensemble. Please read a brief biography of each composer.
Percy Grainger was an Australian-born performer, composer and inventor whose career led to him living and working across various countries internationally. Although he eventually settled in America, he returned to Australia for long stints throughout his career and cited the landscape and culture to be influential to his work. Grainger experienced fame throughout his career for his compositions and is now widely recognised for his contribution in establishing the genre for military band for which his works are considered classics.
Elena Kats-Chernin is an Uzbekistan born composer who immigrated to Australia and has spent the last 35 years becoming Australia’s most prominent female composer. She has composed works for various genres and ensemble combinations, many of which have been performed by professional companies and toured internationally. She has written music for classical performance, dance, drama and television. One of her pieces was even performed at the opening for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Kats-Chernin is an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Ross Edwards is an Australian composer of a wide variety of music including orchestral and chamber music, choral music, children's music, opera, ballet and film music. His music aims to celebrate cultural diversity while connecting with and taking inspiration from nature around us. He is well-known for his chamber music and woodwind music. His works are widely performed and represented at major international music festivals. Edwards is an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Ensemble Rehearsals
A reminder for students to be as prompt as possible to all Performing Arts ensemble rehearsals to gain maximum benefit from the weekly rehearsals. Some ensembles will have performances both internal and external during Term Two, so it is important to be present. Remember to bring all relevant equipment and to notify the staff in advance of known absences.
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
Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Co-ordinator
Sport
Springfield Sport
QGSSSA AFL
Congratulations to Aiyana P (Year 10) and Mr Cant who were officially awarded the inaugural QGSSSA Opens AFL Premiership. Aiyana and her teammates went through the season undefeated, scoring an incredible 419 whilst only conceding 7 points across the season. Thanks to Mr Cant for coaching this team, thank you for all the extra hours you have put in to oversee such a successful season of QGSSSA AFL.
Running Club
Last Thursday saw the return of SFD Running Club. A very big thanks to Head of Springfield, Mr Brown, for making this part of his busy schedule and Mr Kirkham for assisting with this program. There were over 20 students in attendance as they prepare for the College Cross Country, potential representative pathways or simply to gain some extra fitness. Students in Years 5-12 are asked to register before attending to assist Mr Brown and Mr Kirkham with planning. If you have a child below Year 5 wishing to attend, please email Mr Brown and express those interests. Students below Year 5 must have a parent attend with them.
Representative Sport
Congratulation to Olive D (Year 5) who has been selected for the Met West 10-12 Years Girls AFL team. Olive will now compete at the State Championships held in Term Two on the Sunshine Coast.
Macy G (Year 9) and Jillian F (Year 10) teamed up to compete at the QLD Beach Schools Cup for Beach Volleyball. These ladies did so well they’ve now been entered into the Australian Beach schools Cup, congratulations Macy and Jill.
THIS INVITATION IS FOR GIRLS IN YEARS 8-12 IN 2024.
The BSRA (Girls) Rowing Season Launch was a spectacular affair last Saturday afternoon at the Toowong Rowing Club. Mr Tim Kotzur, Head of College, opened the season with inspirational words that the girls will take with them to the start line of their races.
The St Peters fleet was further enhanced with the addition of the ‘PETER HICKS’, a new Sykes ‘Accelerator’ racing shell. It is our first bow coxed shell. We also christened four new WinTech Club Racer single sculls which expands our fleet of singles to provide more opportunity for our girls across the Shed to spend time honing their rowing technique individually, in addition to rowing their crew boats. Thank you to Mr Kotzur for christening ‘LUTHER’S ROSE’, Mr Shaun Nodwell for christening ‘MORE BEYOND’, Mr Matthew Sullivan for christening ‘IRONBARK’ and Mr Peter Hicks for christening the ‘CAMERON KENNEDY’ and his namesake quad.
Our newly installed Rowing Captain, Tiare R and Vice-Captain Sadie H welcomed the new and returning rowers and spoke about their optimism for the 2024 season. We are delighted to welcome Mr John Pettigrew, Head Coach/1st VIII Coach - John spoke about how the stars have aligned this year with all the elements for our most successful season yet. Thank you also to the Rowing PSG for their ongoing support across the rowing programs providing hot, nutritious breakfasts after morning training sessions and fundraising to support our capital acquisitions.
The season ahead looks very bright. Sign on is OPEN for girls in Years 8-12 now for new and returning rowers. Please let me know if you are interested to be part of the Shed this season.
QGSSSA Australian Rules Football
Congratulations to the Open and Senior A QGSSSA Australian Rules Football teams who secured the premierships of their respective QGSSSA divisions. Congratulations must also go to the Senior B teams who finished the season 2nd (StPi) and tied 3rd (St Pii).
Across the entire season, our Open team achieved an impressive for and against score of 419 to 7, and the Senior A achieved a for and against score of 486 to 7. However, what is even more impressive is that these teams played all matches with intensity and integrity, and always treated their opposition with respect no matter the scoreline.
In recognising the key individuals whose dedication shaped our season, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our captains (Captain – April F, Vice Captains – Indy C & Mackenzie H) for their exemplary leadership, and coaches for their tireless efforts in skill development and the fostering of positive team spirit. Finally, a massive thank you to our coordinator, Mr Peter Hicks, whose dedication, organisation, and love of ‘footy’ has been the driving force behind the program’s success this season.
We look forward to seeing our Years 7, 8 and 9 girls play Australian Rules Football in Term 4.
QGSSSA Softball
It is with mixed emotions that we recognise the end of our Softball program following the conclusion of the 2024 season. Throughout its existence, QGSSSA softball has been a source of pride and success for the College, and the 2024 season was no exception with our Open and Division 1 teams placing second in their respective divisions, and our Division 2 team finishing 4th.
Thank you to our captains (Captain - Maddison S & Vice Captain Charlotte A) for their unwavering enthusiasm and dedication throughout the season. And a heartfelt thank you to Ms Smith (coordinator) for her support and care of the girls this season.
We must also take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to our longstanding coach of 14 years, Vaughn, whose dedication and mentorship has been instrumental in shaping not only our athletes’ skills but also their character. As we bid farewell to this beloved sport, we fondly remember the successes it brought to our community, and the countless memories it created on and off the diamond.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” Nelson Mandela.
Boys Sports News
As we look forward to the last round of school Sport, there's more than just victories on the field or the court. This Saturday features a day that is close to many St Peters students and families with Orange Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of blood cancer and supporting the Leukaemia foundation. Although this is my first year at St Peters and don’t have the same shared connection with Orange Day as my St Peters colleagues, I do appreciate the unique ability Sport possesses to unite students, staff and families, making them powerful platforms for contributing to social change and reflecting on something that is More Beyond the game.
Through our collective efforts, we're not just winning sets; we're making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by this disease including those who have been touched personally by this illness at St Peters. Let's continue to harness the transformative power of sports to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Saturday, temporarily trading our maroon garments for a touch of orange.
Volleyball News
The St Peters Volleyball teams are painting their home courts ORANGE for their games against Villanova College this Saturday 16 March from 7:30am. This is a special day for our Volleyball community where we show support and raise awareness for blood cancer. ORANGE is the colour of awareness for Leukaemia.
The Volleyball Support Group (VSG) will be running a BBQ and bake sale; all proceeds will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation to send a powerful message of hope and direct support to those facing blood cancer today. The VSG will be accepting donations of baked goods on Saturday morning if you would like to contribute.
Supporters are encouraged to show their support by wearing ORANGE and students can wear a ‘Touch of ORANGE’ along with their formal uniform.
Please join the volleyball community on this special day and show your support.
Rowing News
The SQSRC (Boys) Rowing Season Launch was a spectacular affair last Saturday afternoon at the Toowong Rowing Club. Mr Tim Kotzur, Head of College, opened the racing season with inspirational words that the boys will take with them to the start line of their races next Term. The St Peters fleet was further enhanced with the addition of the ‘PETER HICKS’, a new Sykes ‘Accelerator’ racing shell, it is our first bow coxed shell.
The Open 1st quad will put this to excellent use as they defend the Jenny Pemberton Challenge Cup for the 4th consecutive year and the Rowing Queensland Percentage Cup for the 2nd consecutive year. We also christened four new WinTech Club Racer single sculls, which expands our fleet of singles to provide more opportunity for our boys across the Shed to spend time honing their rowing technique individually, in addition to rowing their crew boats. Thank you to Mr Kotzur for christening ‘LUTHER’S ROSE’, Mr Shaun Nodwell for christening ‘MORE BEYOND’, Mr Matthew Sullivan for christening ‘IRONBARK’ and Mr Peter Hicks for christening the ‘CAMERON KENNEDY’ and his namesake quad.
Our newly installed Rowing Captain, Fynn G and Vice-Captain Sam M welcomed the new and returning rowers making note that this year is the largest Boys Shed with 45 athletes from Years 8-12 that St Peters has ever entered the regatta season with. The boys head away to their annual rowing camp after Easter in final preparation for regattas which commence in Term 2 Week 2. Thank you also to the Rowing PSG for their ongoing support across the rowing programs providing hot, nutritious breakfasts after morning training sessions and fundraising to support our capital acquisitions. The season ahead looks very bright.
Football News
Last Wednesday our First XI football team tested themselves against Anglican Church School in a friendly hosted at Harts Road Oval. The boys competed admirably and held their own against a Football team, going down 2-0 against a side who will challenge for the GPS premiership this year. For a young team there were plenty of positives and learnings to take away from the match as we look to apply these for our next friendly against Ipswich Grammar School on 14 March as we travel away. We wish the boys the best of luck!
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 for our final round of AIC Sport St Peters will play host for both our senior Cricket and Volleyball teams, while our Juniors will travel to Villanova. Our Australian Rules teams will finalise their season with games at Yeronga (Seniors) and Mt Maria fields (Juniors). This round is particularly significant as not only it is our final sporting fixtures for Term 1, but volleyball will host their focus round where we show support and raise awareness about blood cancer. St Peters will trade in their marron for orange for the day for this cause that has a personal connection with the St Peters community.
All proceeds from the BBQ and bake sale will go to the Leukaemia Foundation to send a powerful message of hope and direct support to those facing blood cancer today. ORANGE is the colour of awareness for Leukaemia.
Students are able to show their support by wearing a ‘Touch of ORANGE’. Sports House will be providing any student who wishes to attend and support this wonderful day orange ribbon to wear and face paint to put on. Students must still be in formal uniform.
Please ensure you check the St Peters App. for both venue details and time of games for Round 7 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.
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.
St Peters Easter Football Clinic - Saturday 13 April 2024
