Harmony Day epitomises our rich cultural tapestry, advocating for inclusivity, respect, and a shared sense of belonging. The choice of orange as its emblematic colour symbolises social connectivity and meaningful dialogues, highlighting the exchange of diverse ideas and the promotion of mutual esteem.
To commemorate Harmony Day on Tuesday 18 March, students adorned themselves in orange attire or traditional dress of their family's cultural heritage. In our Springfield student community, we proudly celebrate 19 nationalities, including American, Australian, British, Canadian, Chinese, Egyptian, Hungarian, Indian, Indonesian, Iranian, Iraqi, Jordanian, Malaysian, New Zealander, Nigerian, Polish, South African, Sri Lankan and Vietnamese. I am proud of my Italian heritage and understand the importance of my mother tongue and knowing what has influenced me to be the person I am today. On 19 April, we will be celebrating the use of mother tongue with a VIP reading day. If you would like to read a book to a class on this day in your mother tongue, please contact me at l.sabri@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
At St Peters Springfield, let's come together to cherish our differences, embrace cultural richness, and cultivate a spirit of unity and understanding. Join us in honouring diversity, fostering unity, and creating a more inclusive world for all. You can read more about this initiative at https://www.harmony.gov.au/
Lia Sabri Head of Primary 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.
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
26 March – Term 1 concludes
27 March – Student Free Day
28 March – Student Free Day
29 March – Good Friday
30 March – Easter Saturday
31 March – Easter Sunday
1 April – Easter Monday
Term 2
15 April – Student Free Day
16 April – Term 2 commences
16 April – Easter Service (Primary 1:45pm-2:15pm, Secondary 10:15am-10:45am)
17 April – Years 4 – 12 Cross Country
23 April – Resilience Day Years 5 – 12
23 April – 3-in-1 Conferences: Years 7 – 10 JHP
24 April – Year 10 Career Testing
24 April – ANZAC Day service 8:20am
25 April – ANZAC Day public holiday; Dawn Service - Robelle Domain
26 April – Year 9 Science / HPE Incursion all day
Ministry
Prep Bible Presentation
Last Friday, the Prep students were presented with a bible storybook as a gift from Arise Lutheran Church. Arise is the congregation that meets at St Peters Springfield each week, and each year presents our newest students their own copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible. This gift recognises the beginning of their educational journey at St Peters and acknowledges the importance of God’s word. We pray these bibles help our Prep students and their parents learn the wonderful story of salvation as they learn to read.
Pastor Matt Wilksch
The Easter Journey: Endings and Beginnings
This Sunday around the world, Christians begin a pilgrimage that marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the year.
It starts with Jesus riding a donkey down the Mount of Olives, and the Gospel of Mark invites us to see him entering the city of Jerusalem at the head of a great procession of Jewish pilgrims that arrive on the first day of Passover. They shout: “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
The Holy Week and Easter story is not the end of a journey—even though it may feel like that as we approach it almost at the end of term and the end of our southern summer season. For us as a school, we have a sense that we’re almost there, with final academic assessments and final term classes for students and Teachers. For me, it is the final week of chaplaincy at St Peters.
We are reminded again and again in Mark’s Gospel that Jesus called us to become people of ‘the way’. Easter is a story that moves us into and beyond Good Friday into a whole new beginning and new depth of living.
Rather than an ending, the Easter story is pivotal moment of transition.
Jesus entered Jerusalem as an act of storytelling – almost street theatre - where he pitted the powers of the day against his message of ‘the way’. In his land that was occupied by a powerful and sometimes violent regime, he enacted a message of God being present with the dispossessed and on the side of the poor, the weak, the vulnerable. It was and is a message that is both exciting and deeply challenging. Rather than an idealised destination, he called his followers to a journey that was transformational.
I was reminded of this when near the end of a walk. It would be one of my last opportunities to enjoy walking in the warmth of a Brisbane summer evening, for this year at least. I had missed my ferry. As I pulled up and stood gazing longingly across the river in the direction of my destination, a little girl ran past me. With her nose pushed hard up against the ferry terminal fence, the three-year old was enthralled by what she could see. As if dancing upon the water that glimmered in the early evening light, another ferry was approaching. Spinning around on her toes, the little girl turned to look me in the eye. Her face lit up and with sheer delight she shouted as if to the whole world “Are you excited?!”
Like the little girl waiting for the ferry, we can approach life with a sense of wonder and excitement, not alone, but in a community who shares a growing understanding of what it means to journey as children of God.
Robbie Cave Chaplain
Important Notices
New Lockers in Curnow House
Exciting news! We're upgrading lockers in Curnow House! Starting at the beginning of the holidays, old lockers on Orange & Purple levels will be replaced with new ones. If your child has a locker in this area, please remind them to clear out their locker before holidays & take their locks home. Thanks for your help!
Tim Green Operations Manager
Primary Years
Does your child will have Prep amnesia?
"What did you do at school today?"
- "I don't remember."
"What did you get that sticker for?"
- "I've forgotten."
"Who did you play with at lunchtime?"
- "Um ..."
Trying to get information out of your Prep child can be very tricky, particularly this time of the term. My advice, let it come naturally. Ask them what they are grateful for. What was your favourite part about today? The stories will come out, eventually.
It is completely normal for Prep students to be utterly exhausted at this time of term and to be fast asleep in bed by 6:00pm. Our advice, roll with it. Be ready with early dinners, baths and bedtime books. The holidays are close by.
Enjoy your first school holidays with them and allow them to revive and get ready for another term of learning.
Lia Sabri Head of Primary Years
Secondary Years
Rising to the Challenge: Debating Triumphs and Progress
10.2 Debate Team – Ms. Partridge, Lola J, Ali D, Hannah T, Sarah K.
11.1 Debate Team – Nathan T, William V, Vedant D, Alisha D, Riddhi G
The 2024 debate season has kicked off with enthusiasm, marking the participation of all teams in at least one round of competition. Particularly noteworthy is the stellar performance of our Year 7 and 8 teams, many of whom have stepped into the arena for the first time. Their eagerness and adaptability bode well for the future of our debate program. Equally commendable is the dedication exhibited by our seasoned Year 10 teams, whose commitment to honing their skills has been exemplary. Additionally, our Year 11 team has made a formidable debut by securing their first debate victory against Moreton Bay College. They showcased their maturity and grasp of the topic at hand, while also demonstrating adeptness in handling points of information for the first time.
Behind the scenes, the success of our debate program is also owed to the tireless efforts of our coaches, who generously contribute their time and expertise to guide and mentor our debaters. Furthermore, we appreciate the invaluable assistance provided by our teachers, whose encouragement and guidance play a pivotal role in nurturing our debaters' talents. Special mention goes to our student coaches, whose passion for debate and willingness to share their knowledge enriches our program immensely. Moreover, the integration of technology through our OneNote and Teams pages has significantly streamlined communication and organisation, proving to be an invaluable resource for students, coaches, and coordinator alike. As we progress through the season, we wish all our teams the best of luck in their upcoming rounds.
Rachel Partridge Debating Coordinator
Years 6 and 11 Mentor Program: Building Bonds Beyond Grades
The Years 6 and 11 Mentor Program has returned this year with enthusiasm from both Year 11 and Year 6, marking the beginning of a year filled with camaraderie and growth. After being partnered up, students dove into friendly competitions like "Rob the Nest" and three (sometimes six) legged races. Laughter filled the air as connections were forged, setting the tone for future interactions. Throughout the year, these mentorship pairs will meet twice a term, fostering cross Sub-school relationships through various activities. By breaking down age barriers and encouraging collaboration, the program aims to create a more inclusive school environment. Students eagerly anticipate the opportunities for learning and support that lie ahead, recognising the value of these connections in both their academic and personal development. As the program sets sail for another year, it serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.
Lucy Hinchliffe Leichhardt House Coordinator
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News
"Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion." Martha Graham
Classroom Focus
Throughout this term the Year 7 Music students have inquired into the relationship between Art and Music and explored and experimented with the elements that are common to both art forms. They enjoyed a collaborative lesson with Ms Yates and Mrs Campbell in Week 4 discovering texture and how art can reflect a piece of music. They have also been developing their music notation skills by playing scales and tunes on the xylophones and notating a rhythmic dictation. Their thinking skills have been developed using Visible Thinking Routines and collaboration by sharing their ideas through Turn and Talk routines. Creativity opportunities have been presented by creating a graphic notation score to an artwork called The Twitter Machine by Paul Klee painted in 1922. Well done Year 7.
Ipswich Music Eisteddfod
The Ipswich Music Eisteddfod will be held in May. Thank you to the Instrumental Tutors and parents who have encouraged and nominated their students to participate in 2024. We wish all the participants well and look forward to celebrating their success.
Semester 1 Recitals
As per the College calendar, the Semester 1 Recitals will be held in PA during the week 20-23 May. Scheduling is in progress, days and times will be determined by the Ipswich Eisteddfod session dates (when released) and Instrumental Tutor availability. Please check with your child’s Instrumental Music Tutor as to whether they intend to nominate them for a specific recital.
Term 2 Week 1 Music Cocurricular
A reminder that Music Cocurricular rehearsals will resume in Week 1 Term 2 as per the rehearsal schedule. There are several performance opportunities as per the upcoming events listed below, so please ensure students are in attendance and prepared for the rehearsals.
Term 2 Instrumental Tuition
Instrumental Music and Speech lessons will resume on Tuesday 16 April. Please contact the Instrumental Tutor if you have any questions.
Upcoming Events Term 2
Anzac Day Service 24 April (Con Brio and Dolce Voce)
Primary Strings first 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 Coordinator
Sport
Springfield Sport
Term 1 Wrap Up
A very big thank you to all the Springfield students that took part in AIC or QGSSSA sport during Term One. It has been a blessing to see a high number of Springfield students involved in St Peters Sport.
Well done to Sritam V (Year 12) and Isaac K (Year 10) who were part of the AIC First IX Cricket side this term. Our First XI Cricket team finished the season in second place, the highest position a St Peters Firsts IX Cricket team in 26 years. Congratulations Sritam and Isaac.
Over the Easter Holiday period, St Peters Springfield have many students competing in a range of representative sports. For all those students travelling and involved in these sports, please know that the Springfield community is thinking and praying for you as you live out Plus Ultra.
WDNA
More students are required for the WDNA Under 9’s (born 2015, 2016) team that Springfield has entered into the WDNA Netball competition. If you are interested in having your daughter involved, please email Mr Brendan Johns.
Term 2 AIC Sport
There is still opportunity for boys from Years 4-12 to be involved in Term 2 AIC Rugby Union, Football (Soccer) and Chess. If interested please see information posted on the St Peters App.
Term 2 Prep – Year 3 Activities
In Term 2, Springfield will be offering two programs to students in Prep – Year 3. Registration emails will be sent out before end of Term 1 for Basketball on Monday afternoons and Football (Soccer) on Wednesdays. These activities will commence Term 2, Week 2. Further information will be emailed to families with dates and costs.
This week, we are gearing up for a challenge as we prepare to face off against Brisbane State High School, which also marks our Focus Round. We encourage all students and parents to stay and support all rounds of games. Focus Round is allocated to all sports for one round of games where we ask all students to show their support for that respective Sport. It’s a great showcase of St Peters Spirit and we look forward to hosting the Basketball Focus Round this Friday.
We wish the our U14 D2, U13 D3 & U12 D4 Water Polo teams the best of luck as they compete in their BWPI Grand Finals this weekend. Go girls!
SPOSA Basketball Old Scholars Game
Old Scholars Game promises to be a great quality game of Basketball. Our Opens girls play against Old Scholars who are past Opens Players. We encourage a big crowd to show their support of our current Opens team! Join us in the gym on Monday 25 March for a 4:00pm Tip off, we can’t wait to see you there.
Term 1 Sports Coordinators
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.
"Finishing a season isn't just about the wins and losses; it's about the journey, the growth, and the memories created along the way. Reflect on the challenges overcome, the lessons learned, and emerge stronger for the next chapter." – Unknown
BOYS WEEKLY SPORT
Before we bid farewell to this chapter, it's essential to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable performances of individuals and teams, incredible contributions from coaches and coordinators and the tireless dedication of our parents and support groups to provide our school with a platform to showcase their talents and also to contribute to causes that are bigger than Sport. The end of the Sports season at St Peters showcased remarkable achievements across various fronts. Our Swimming team dominated AIC once again recording the eighth straight championship and winning in every single age group bar one, a personal best for the school. The dedication involved was showcased at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre with St Peters breaking 5 AIC records.
The First XI Cricket team clinched a remarkable second place, marking St Peters' best result in 26 years of AIC sport, with a 29 run win over Villanova in testing conditions on Saturday. With five wins and one loss, we congratulate these young men on how they conducted themselves both on and off the field, playing with honour and integrity. This triumph was further celebrated alongside the success of Pink Stumps Day, where the community rallied together to raise over $10,000.00 in support of breast cancer research, with inspiring words from cricket legend Glenn McGrath highlighting the significance of the cause.
Our Australian Rules squads all had commendable seasons, with our teams losing only four games between them, a highlight considering all games were played at neutral or away venues. The spirit that was displayed with our Senior teams attending the Junior games on Saturday morning was a testament to our students character, displaying a willingness to give back and mentor the younger cohorts. While the school spirit was best displayed during the schools focus round against Marist was a sight to behold and certainly set the standard for Future focus rounds!
Meanwhile, Volleyball took centre stage with an electrifying Orange Day event, transforming the mezzanine into a vibrant colosseum of support. This spirited atmosphere spurred the team to a resounding victory against Villanova. Additionally, the Volleyball PSG's efforts, including a BBQ and baked goods sale, raised over $3000.00 to support the Leukaemia Foundation, demonstrating the community's dedication to making a positive impact beyond the playing field and a cause that is close to the hearts of St Peters community!
This term we have witnessed feats of excellence, commendable sportsmanship and community pride, this can only be foreshadowing for what the rest of the sporting story that is 2024.
Volleyball news
The Volleyball support group would like to say a massive thank you to the St Peters and Villanova Volleyball families and the St Peters community for their support for Orange round. There were many beautiful cakes donated and very generous donations made; we are very grateful.
The BBQ and bake sale raised a staggering $3,500.00 for the Leukaemia Foundation, sending a powerful message of hope and direct support to those facing blood cancer today, as well as supporting the Leukaemia Foundation in the amazing work it does.
The fundraising page will be open for a few more weeks for those that would still like to donate and help reach our goal of $2500.00 Click here to show your support
Football news
On the holidays, St Peters will be hosting an Easter Football Clinic on Saturday 13 April for Boys and Girls in Years 4-9. These clinics are run by Remo Buess, former Brisbane Roar player and St Peters Coach, designed to cater for all ability levels and for players to improve their technique and understanding of the game in a fun environment. To register for the clinic click here.
On the same day St Peters will host the David Brown Cup, where our First XI will take on our Old Scholars in a Football match at 11:00am on Harts Road Oval. This match will be the curtain raiser for the AIC season with this being the last match before the official trial round. Food and drinks will be available for spectators. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Pre-season is well and truly underway with students trialling in Week 9 and 10. Please refer to the app for more information regarding the training schedule.
Chess News
Over the past fortnight, Chess has enjoyed a strong start, with strong numbers and enthusiasm on Tuesday afternoons in Dohler House. Last year the St Peters Chess program won three different divisions and were crowned on aggregate the AIC Chess Champions for 2023. This year, our coordinator Mr Bartlett and coaches are aspiring to claim the shield in back-to-back seasons for the first time since St Peters’ last repeat Chess Championship in 2005/06. This Friday night our Chess team will travel to Iona for our first friendly matches playing in groups of four.
this week in sport
At St Peters, Sport never sleeps! Despite finishing up with AIC Term 1 Sport, we turn our attention to a range of pre-season matches to prepare our boys for Chess, Football And Rugby against Iona College (away). Friday night will feature our Chess team travel to Iona College, with thirty-six students from St Peters will be competing in nine teams, aiming to hone their skills and strategies before the official season kicks off in Term 2.
While on Saturday our First and Second teams for Football and Rugby will have friendlies against Iona as well. On Sunday St Peters will also be hosting the 2024 SPOSA Tennis tournament, players and spectators are welcome! See flyer for more information.
We wish our boys the best of luck for their final weekend of Term 1 Sport!
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.
Football
Correct Training and Playing Uniform Requirements
At Training – All St Peters AIC Footballers are to wear their St Peters training uniform to training including shin guards and boots.
At Games – All St Peters AIC Footballers must be wearing:
St Peters numbered Football shirt (NO sports/PE shirts are to be worn at AIC games)
St Peters maroon PE/Sports Shorts
Long socks are to be worn at AIC Volleyball Games with shin guards
Joggers MUST be worn at all times before/after – No slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
Rugby
Correct Training and Playing Uniform Requirements
At Training – students must wear their ‘Program Shirt’ to their training session.
At Games – students are to arrive to their game wearing:
St Peters ‘Program Shirt’ and then get changed into your jersey
Mouthguard is mandatory
Long maroon socks 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
Chess
Students to wear full formal uniform for matches
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.
Daniel Fraser Boys Sport Coordinator
AIC Cricket
AIC CRICKET TEAMS finish 2nd
Last Saturday saw the AIC Cricket season conclude with St Peters finishing 2nd in 1sts / 2nds and 9A teams with those teams only losing one game all season. To see all our teams competing and being successful was amazing, considering most colleges have twice the numbers in their Cricket programs. This is the first time in many years that our teams have finished this high in AIC.
Last Saturday we won 1sts / 2nds / 3rds / 9A / and 9B in dominating performances against the powerhouse of Villanova. To see the transformation of our cricketers has been outstanding in all age groups. It was a very special year for so many reasons that included games v Interstate and overseas teams, a Year 9 and Open tour to Adelaide, and three teams competing in the Australian Schoolboys Championships in the Christmas Holidays.
We had teams from Years 4 - 12 play in the MSW and AIC competitions they made it a very memorable two terms of Cricket.
