This week our Year 11 and 12 students had further opportunity to explore their post-school pathways when a universities roadshow visited organised by our Student Counsellor and Careers Adviser, Mrs Johnson.  Of our 2018 graduates, 80% have gone on directly to university (UQ 18%, QUT 29%, GU 29%, USQ 12%, Other 12%).  They are pursuing studies in diverse areas including: Engineering, Mathematics, Aviation, Design, Biomedical Science, Exercise Science, Forensic Science, Psychology, Nursing, Justice, Law, Psychology, Teaching, Architecture, Construction, Information Technology, Computer Science, Film and Media, Arts, Business, Commerce, Economics, International Tourism, Hotel Management, Finance.  Of these, 28% are enrolled in honours programs.  

The end of 2018 also brought another round of St Peters Old Scholars graduating from university among which were founding students Katie (SPOSA 2014) and Dana (SPOSA 2016).  Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science with First Class Honours (UQ) and Dana with a Bachelor of Architectural Design (UQ).  Katie is continuing on with her PhD and Dana works for a successful architectural firm and has commenced her Masters. 

In 2018, 23% of St Peters Springfield eligible students received an OP 1-5 - the highest result in the Springfield area.  This is particularly noteworthy given the consistently extremely high percentage of St Peters Springfield students who complete an academic program and graduate with an Overall Position (OP).  In 2018, 97.5% of Year 12 students were awarded an OP.  The 2018 Ipswich area average was 40%, the lowest at 7% and no other school being above 80%.  

The preferred post-school pathway for 20% of our 2018 graduates was through education and training providers such as TAFE (Nursing) or All Trades (Electrotechnology) or otherwise pursuing apprenticeships or work.  

I was delighted, together with Mrs Grotherr, Mrs Johnson and Mrs Anglin, to recently attend the graduation of one of our Old Scholars, Sharlea (SPOSA 2016), from TAFE Queensland, Ipswich Campus having completed her hairdressing apprenticeship.  Sharlea commenced her apprenticeship while at St Peters alongside an academic program through which she also obtained an OP.  

Jana (SPOSA 2016) spoke to our Secondary students recently about the TAFE nursing program. Like Sharlea, Jana maintained an academic program at St Peters alongside vocational studies and training in nursing. Jana is now progressing through a Bachelor of Nursing while she works in the trauma ward at Ipswich Hospital.  

We continue to develop personalised learning pathways for all of our students as they progress through the Secondary School at St Peters to best meet their individual goals, giftings and aspirations and we diligently journey with our young people to do all that we can to prepare them well for life, see them flourish and support them in pursuit of their dreams.  What a joy and privilege it is.

Craig Schmidt
Principal

It is hard to know what to write in the aftermath of the distressing events in Christchurch last Friday. Like most Australians my initial reaction was one of shock, distress and disbelief. How could this happen in country so similar to our own, and so closely connected to us? I struggle to understand why someone would commit such an atrocity, particularly against people when they are at their most vulnerable. I cannot conceive of what the survivors or the families of the victims are going through, and can only pray that our loving God will draw near to them and give them healing, strength and comfort. 

At the same time in amongst my helplessness, confusion, fear, and anger I am heartened by the response of people. We have seen the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 12:21 ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’ being lived out. The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has provided comfort and direction to her fellow New Zealanders as she has lead them through these dark days. Her description of the victims that ‘they are us’, that is, not a ‘them’ as the gunman sought to portray them, was particularly powerful and spoke deeply into the lives of all. We have also seen the love, courage, hope, care and compassion as ordinary people reached out to Muslim friends and strangers to offer them sympathy and support. People have been united as one. The words of the School Captain at Christ College, an Anglican school in the heart of Christchurch resonates in my heart and mind:

‘You are not any bigger or any smaller than the person next to you. We are all human beings no matter what race, gender, sexuality, skin colour or beliefs we have. We are equal….I pray we all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts, to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We are all in this life together…. The love that is being shown at the moment is overwhelming. People are uniting as one. The ongoing legacy will be measured if we as a community all have the same love, trust and respect for each other not next week, not next year, but in 10 and 20 years’ time. Let’s not forget this and ensure our community remains as strong as it has been after this atrocity.’

Some of you will have your children asking about the events in Christchurch and so the following link may give parents some advice about how to approach discussing what has happened with your children.

Tim Kotzur
Head of College

If you’ve been around the school for any length of time, you’ve probably become aware of our name-sake, St Peter. We are often reminded that Jesus named his disciple Peter – Petrus – “The rock on which I will build my church.” But did you know there is so much more to St Peter than just being the rock of the church? We know that Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples, often seen as their spokesperson. He was not always rock-steady, but he was instrumental in spreading the word about Jesus and forming the early church. 

Did you also know that amongst other things St Peter is the patron saint of bridge builders? I’m not sure how he came to be the saint of bridge builders – probably something to do with the stone workers building all of the old bridges. But I think there is more to it than that. Jesus was the original bridge builder. By his death and resurrection, he rebuilt the bridge between us and God, allowing us to join with him. St Peter was commissioned to continue that work, to help build those bridges between people, that our broken relationships can be restored. And that is our calling too. We can be bridge builders in our community and beyond, helping others to know and worship Jesus, our original bridge builder.

This week we celebrate Harmony Day - a day that focusses on building bridges with people who are different from us. It’s about committing ourselves to show courtesy and hospitality to people of other racial, cultural, ideological and religious backgrounds. It’s about getting to know them, hearing their stories over food and drink, and for children it’s about playing together. It’s about discovering shared values and growing in understanding, trust and respect. It’s also about standing with and supporting each other in times of need—such as in the aftermath of last Friday’s terrible shootings in Christchurch.

For us, setting aside such a day in the calendar reminds us to be the good neighbours Jesus teaches us about in Mark 12:31. Loving our neighbour, he said, is second only to the love of God. In Matthew 5:43-48 he assures us that our love and kindness will reach out, not just to our personal friends, but to everyone, even those we struggle with. That’s what God’s children do, just as God himself does. As people of St Peters, we can be as he was – builders of bridges.

St Peters offers students in Years 3-12 the opportunity to participate in a range of academic competitions throughout the year. Participation is voluntary and students may enter one or more of the competitions being offered. 

International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) 
Students in Years 3-12 may participate in the English, Mathematics and Science competitions. Each student receives a certificate acknowledging their participation and recording their level of achievement. They also receive an analysis of their responses. 

The competitions are conducted at school on the following dates, which have been set by the UNSW Educational Testing Centre:

• Science – Monday September 2nd 2019
• English – Tuesday September 17th 2019
• Mathematics – Wednesday September 18th 2019

In 2019, all ICAS competitions will be undertaken online. Students in Years 4 – 12 will access the web-based platform using their devices, while Year 3 will be provided with access to a device. Please note, the iPad mini is not supported by the ICAS testing platform. 

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)
The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) is an Australia-wide mathematics competition that allows students to attempt the same tasks on the same day in over 30 countries around the globe. Students are asked to solve 30 problems in 60 minutes (Years 3–6) or 75 minutes (Years 7–12). The problems are designed to test mathematical thinking rather than focus on calculations, therefore questions are designed to be answered just as quickly without a calculator as with one. Each student receives a certificate acknowledging their participation and recording their level of achievement . The competition is held on Thursday August 1st 2019, and the cost of participation is $6.50 (incl GST).

Payment

• Payment and registration can be made via the St Peters website (select ‘Payment’ on the menu at the top right of the screen) 
• Registrations and payment must be completed by 5:00 pm Thursday April 4th 2019. 
• Registrations cannot be accepted after this date.
• Entry fees cannot be refunded if the student does not undertake a competition.

Please contact Susan Levitt (Prep – Year 6 Curriculum Leader) for further information.

On the mornings of Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 May, Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will be involved in National Testing for literacy and numeracy as part of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).

On Tuesday 14 May, students will complete the Language Conventions Test and the Writing Test.  Reading skills will be tested on Wednesday 15 May with Numeracy skills being tested on Thursday 16 May. The timetable for NAPLAN is below.

Language Conventions includes spelling, grammar and punctuation. Numeracy includes number, space, algebra, function and pattern, measurement, chance and data. Calculators are NOT permitted in the Numeracy test. 

NAPLAN is aligned to the Australian Curriculum: English and the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics. Questions are multiple choice or require a short written response. This year, the Writing task will require students to write either a narrative or a persuasive text. This will be evident from the stimulus they are given and we will not know what it is until the day of the Writing test. There will be one Writing prompt for students in Years 3 and 5, and a second, different prompt for students in Years 7 and 9.

National Testing provides information on how students are developing in the specified areas in relation to national benchmarks.  The tests also useful provide useful information which assists in improving teaching and learning. 

Teachers will expose students to similar test formats and question types through an integrated approach in the lead-up to national testing. NAPLAN tests are one aspect of the school’s assessment and reporting process, and do not replace the extensive, school-based assessments of student performance.

Parents, guardians and caregivers can support their children by making them feel comfortable about the purpose and nature of the tests and encouraging them to do their best.  They can also assure students that the tests will give them an opportunity to show the knowledge and skills learned in class.

All students are encouraged to participate in NAPLAN tests. Students with a disability may qualify for adjustments that reflect the support normally provided in the classroom. Mrs Stephanie Wise, the Exceptional Learners teacher, will contact you if your child is eligible for special provisions for the tests.

A formal exemption may be granted for a student with significant intellectual disability and/or significant coexisting conditions, or for a student who has recently arrived in Australia and has a non-English speaking background. Parents or carers may withdraw their child from the tests to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing.

For more information, please visit: NAPLAN website and NAPLAN on Paper: Information for Parents and Carers

For further information regarding NAPLAN or the processes for adjustments, exemption and withdrawal, please contact Susan Levitt (Prep – Year 6 Curriculum Leader).

This year we have continued to promote mentoring throughout the school as part of embedding our culture of positive relationships.

Girls – Breakfast Club

On Tuesday 12 March we hosted our first Breakfast Club for 2019. This event was for girls in Years 5 – 12 to come together to share breakfast and build relationships, with a focus on girls building each other up. In this current age we see a major problem with social media and shame making havoc for young women online and in personal relationships. 

At Breakfast Club we had a panel of Year 11 and 12 students discuss themes: navigating social situations and friendships; talking about the future and the joys of developing into a young woman. 

It is our hope by continuing to offer these mentoring opportunities that we can guide our young women to be informed, cared for and guided through their time at school to enhance their wellbeing and support them on their journey.

Boys – Mentor Bowling 

On Friday 15 March, our male students from Years 6, 7, 11 and 12 attended a Male Mentor afternoon at Richlands Ten Pin Bowling. Our Year 11 and 12 male role models were paired up with our Year 6 and 7 male students, through an informal relationship building experience, which provided an opportunity to deliver positive leadership and an extra source of support and encouragement.

Our senior male students have been tasked with delivering support, guidance and mentorship for our younger male students during their journeys through the middle years of schooling. Male staff members from across the school are guiding our male leaders through this process of supporting the growth of our students towards being mature and responsible young men. 

The afternoon at Zone bowling was filled with joy and laughter, enjoyed by all of the staff and students in attendance. We look forward to monitoring the progress of this initiative throughout the course of the year.

Sarah Johnson and Matthew Knight

POCO VOCE
As part of the Choral Programme at St Peters Springfield, every student in Years 2 and 3 participates in Poco Voce choir. During rehearsals, students are introduced to choral warm-ups, vocal production techniques, and choral repertoire (tailored to this age group).

At last week’s Group Tours, Poco Voce showcased their learning in front of current and prospective parents. The choir performed four songs from their repertoire – “Scoo Be Doo”, “I’ve Got a Car”, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Fruity Samba”. This was the choir’s first public appearance this year, and each student is to be commended on their performance.

MEN’S VOCAL ENSEMBLE
Under the guidance of Mr Alexander Mason, our young men are producing a rich and vibrant choral sound. They are preparing for their debut performance at the school’s ANZAC Service. Congratulations gentlemen – it is a joy to hear you sing.

BELLA VOCE
Bella Voce rehearsals are continuing every Wednesday morning, and all Yr 4-12 singers are welcome. Students are preparing a variety of songs, with a popular flavour, such as “God Help the Outcasts” and the Bob Dylan Protest song, “Blowin’ in the Wind”. Singers are handling the part-work capably, and creating a beautiful vocal blend of voices.  Fabulous effort, choristers!

Ms Sally Grennan
Music Teacher

2019 has been an extremely successful season for the SPLC Swim team. Both our QGSSSA Girls and AIC Boys defended their titles from last year. This is an outstanding effort by our swimmers with our QGSSSA Girls claiming the titles for the 6th year in a row and our AIC Boys for the 3rd year in a row. 

QGSSSA Swimming
Our girls did an outstanding job on the night, especially out SPLC Springfield girls:

• SPLC won by 68 points on their way to a huge total of 630 points
• Won 5 out of the 6 age groups – winning the 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 Years age groups
• Won 12 out of the 18 relays swum on the night as well as the Junior (Record Time) and Senior Brockway Relays
• 7 SPLC Springfield Girls swam on the night:

AIC Swimming
Not to be outdone our boys also did a great job at AIC Swimming:

• SPLC won by 55.5 points with an overall total of 557 points
• SPLC won 4 of the 6 Age groups – winning the 14, 15, 16 and Opens Age Group and placed 2nd in the 12 Years Age Group
• SPLC placed 5th in the Year 5 Aggregate and 6th in the Year 6 Aggregate with 4th Overall in the Primary Boys competition beating out much bigger schools. 
• 6 SPLC Springfield Boys swam on the day:

Congratulations to our students who represented the College at Lutheran Primary Swimming last Tuesday. It was a fantastic effort by our swimmers who were up against tough competition. For many of our students this was the first time they had attended a Lutheran Primary Swimming Carnival.

Congratulations to Siobhan K-D and Thomas G who were awarded the Most Outstanding Swimmer Medals from the day. Thank you to all the parents who came to support throughout the day. 

Term 1:
Year 4 – 12 Inter House Cross Country: Wednesday 3rd April (last day of Term 1)

Term 2:
Central District Cross Country: Friday 26th April
Met West Cross Country: Tuesday 7th May
QGSSSA Cross Country Championships: Saturday 11th May
AIC Cross Country Championships: Monday 13th May
Primary Sport Photos: Monday 20th May @ SPLC Indooroopilly
Central District Track and Field: Wednesday 22nd May and Thursday 23rd May
Secondary Sport Photos: Friday 24th May @ SPLC Indooroopilly
Kindy to Year 3 Cross Country: Friday 7th June
Met West Track and Field: Monday 17th June and Tuesday 18th June

Please download the St Peters ‘app’ today!! 

All information regarding the St Peters Lutheran College Sport program including sport training times and venues, draws, coordinator details and wet weather arrangements can be found on the St Peters App. 

*Please ensure that you update your preferences in the Settings> Subscriptions section of the app so that you only receive information from your appointed Campus or area of interest that are relevant to your family e.g. Springfield or Sports.

The app can be downloaded free through iTunes or Google Play, please search for St Peters: