Our Easter holidays are fast approaching so I thought I would take the opportunity to share ways that learning and growing can continue during the holiday period with ease. The holidays are a great time for your children to take a break from their studies and have some fun. However, it's also an excellent opportunity for them to continue learning by exploring our local and wider community. Here are some tips to help your children learn while having fun during the holidays.
Visit Museums and Galleries
Museums and galleries are a great place to learn about art, history, and science. You can take your children to museums that cater to their interests. Many museums have special holiday events and exhibits that are perfect for families. These experiences can help your child gain knowledge and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives.
Here are some questions that can help children to engage with the artwork, historical artifacts, and scientific exhibits in museums, and encourage them to think more deeply about what they're seeing and learning.
Art:
What was your favourite piece of artwork? Why did you like it?
What colours did the artist use in this painting? What do you think those colours represent?
What do you think the artist was trying to express in this artwork?
How does this piece of art make you feel?
History:
Can you imagine what it would have been like to live during this time? Do you think you would have enjoyed it? Why/Why not?
What types of technology or tools did people use during this time?
Science:
What was the most interesting scientific fact or concept that you learned?
Can you think of any real-life examples of how this scientific concept is used today?
How did the scientist perform their experiment or study?
Take a Nature Walk
Nature walks are a great way to teach your children about the environment and the importance of conservation. You can take your children on a hike, visit a nature reserve, or even go bird watching. These experiences will teach your child about the beauty of nature and how to protect it. We are so lucky in this area to have so many areas to visit within a reasonable distance.
Asking the questions below can help children to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world, and encourage them to observe and think critically about their surroundings:
What plants or animals have you seen so far?
What do you notice about the trees and plants in this area?
What is the weather like today? How does it affect the plants and animals in this area?
What types of sounds can you hear in the forest/park/beach?
How does the landscape change as we move further along the trail?
What do you think the animals in this area might eat? How do they find their food?
Can you find any signs of human impact on this natural environment?
Attend Local Festivals
Attending local festivals/markets is an excellent way for your children to learn about different cultures and traditions. These events often have music, food, and entertainment that are unique to the culture being celebrated. Your child can learn about diversity and gain an appreciation for other cultures.
Questions can help children to reflect on their experiences at the festival and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture and traditions being celebrated. Here are some examples:
What is your favourite part of the festival/markets? Why did you like it?
What types of food are being served? Are you willing to try anything new?
What types of music or performances have you seen? Which one was your favourite?
Have you learned anything new about the cultures in our area?
What types of costumes or outfits are people wearing at the festival?
What types of decorations or displays have you seen at the festival?
Explore the Library
The library is a fantastic resource for learning. You can take your children to the library and encourage them to read books that interest them. Many libraries also have programs and events during the holidays, such as storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and movie screenings.
Here are some other ideas for children to continue their learning and growth during the holidays:
Read books for pleasure - Encourage your children to read books that they enjoy.
Practice writing - Provide opportunities for your children to write creatively or journal about their experiences. Write a recount for the day out you had together.
Play educational games - There are many educational board games that no doubt are in our homes that can help children learn new concepts and skills while having fun.
Learn a new skill - Encourage your children to learn a new skill or hobby.
Watch educational shows or documentaries - There are many educational shows and documentaries available that can teach children about different subjects and throughout the program ask thought provoking questions.
Start a project - Encourage your children to start a project that interests them, such as building a model, creating a website, or designing a board game.
In conclusion, the holidays don't have to be a break from learning. By exploring the community, your children can continue to learn and grow while having fun. So, enjoy going out and exploring the world around you with your children these holidays!
We look forward to hearing all about the holidays from your children when we return in Term 2.
Prueann Browning Head of Primary Years
What's On
St Peters Springfield Outside School Hours Care - Easter Vacation Care Program
27 March – Noumea French Study Tour 2024 Info Night (5pm)
28 March - 4-12 Cross Country Carnival
29 March - Term 1 Concludes
29 March - Easter Bonnet Parade – Concourse (Prep - Year 3, 8.15am)
29 March – Good Friday Service (Secondary 8.20am / Primary 1.20pm)
29 March – Year 12 Formal / Year 12 Student Free Day
30 March – Student Free Day
31 March – Student Free Day
01-17 April – School Holidays
17 April – Student Free Day
18 April – Term 2 Commences
Ministry
The Open Day Cross
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
— 1 Corinthians 2:2
On the College’s recent Open Day, I positioned myself in the Chapel along with the St Peters congregation pastor and members. I watched as numerous people, familiar and new wandered into the Chapel space and took in the ambience. Some parents of little children wanted some quiet time indoors out of the hot sun as their children were entertained by activities the congregation had set up. Other people new to St Peters gingerly walked into the back of the building and asked what happened here. Others more familiar with a school Chapel asked how often students came to the Chapel and undertook Christian Studies classes. What captured me though was watching some young children come up to the front of the chapel and stand in front of the life-size crucifix with an intent and puzzled look. Two of these children were from another culture so I asked them: "Do you know who this person is hanging there?". Both of them replied “No” which provided me with an opportunity to briefly tell them who Jesus is and that students learn about Jesus at St Peters.
But what intrigued me more so was the reaction of one seven to eight-year-old boy. After telling him who Jesus is and how he died for us, he spent several minutes looking at the outstretched painful figure. After furrowed contemplation, he walked away and said repeatedly, “That’s disturbing, that’s disturbing”. This comment became etched into my mind for several reasons. One, we could put it down to a child’s mind thinking in a very practical way about how to grapple with an uncomfortable image. Two, we could also put it down to someone who had not heard the story of Jesus before. Or three, we could attribute it to the talent of the artist who creatively carved the wood. The artist has been able to portray the pain, suffering and ugliness of a human being nailed realistically and vividly to a pole to die. Which was the intended purpose of the Romans and others in crucifying people in ancient times. To make the person suffer and die a horrible death. Truly a disturbing image and central motif for a religion.
But the death of Christ on the cross for us is precisely the place where God most fully shows himself. The presence of God is revealed to us in our times of suffering, pain and death. This is what Lutheran spirituality calls the “theology of the cross”. That God would choose to reveal himself in the greatest of all paradoxes, that in death we find life. That in suffering we find hope and that in pain joy can break through. As we ponder this image and the story of Easter may we too be disturbed positively.
Tim Jarick College Pastor
Arise Lutheran Community Church
Arise is a Lutheran community that meets at St Peters, Springfield. It’s a place where you can come to know God’s love through Jesus, and find light and hope for your life, and connect with other families from St Peters and the wider community.
In our service you will hear God’s word, sing, pray and share in Holy Communion if you want to. There’s a message for the kids too.
There is a lot of evidence that having someone in a young person’s life that is not in their immediate family is a really important element of being resilient. This safe person could be a coach, a teacher, a family friend. It really does take a village.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL COMPENTENCIES
Emotional intelligence, or recently coined, soft skills, are really important when it comes to being a resilient young person. Having empathy, being kind, compassionate and using self-regulation are all an integral part of having capacity to be resilience.
REASONABLE CAPACITY TO REFRAME THOUGHTS (ACT)
There is a wise poem that I deeply resonate with, “God, grant me the serenity to ACCEPT the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things that I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference.” Being able to accept challenging life moments is key to remaining resilient. Questions like “is this going to matter in 5 minutes, or 5 hours…” is helpful in downplaying challenge to move through to hope and optimism.
ISLAND OF COMPETENCE (SPARK)
Another important factor in resilience building is working on a skill, or finding your spark. We are all different, and we have different gifts and talents. Building and mastering a skill is a great buffer to challenges.
SPIRITUALITY (CONCEPT)
It is always important to remember that you never walk alone. As it states in Psalm 23, the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. We never walk alone. This means we ALWAYS have the capacity for resilience.
Sarah Johnson Guidance Counsellor
Secondary Years
Year 6/11 Mentor Program
Off the back of a successful introduction to the school last year, the Year 6/11 mentor program began again last week. The Year 6 and 11 students were buddied up and spent Wednesday morning playing rob the nest on the oval. It was great to see close bonds being formed in such a short period of time. Over the course of the year, the students will engage in activities aimed at fostering connections across secondary and primary schools. The Year 11’s are very excited to host the Year 6’s for an end of term ice cream party at lunchtime on Wednesday 29 March to round off an exciting first term.
Lucy Hinchliffe Year 11 PC teacher
The Arts
Term 1 | Week 9
This week we enjoyed the first lunchtime concert organized by Arts Captain Benafsheh Ghodsi. Supported by members of the Arts Portfolio team, the concert featured performances by Benafsheh and Ariya Ghodsi. An enthusiastic group of students gathered to enjoy the music, and we thank Benafsheh for her efforts in arranging this concert.
Recently a number of music students were nominated by the College to participate in the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) hosted annually by Griffith University. Although the results for all nominations are yet to be received, we congratulate ‘cellist Jano Korf (Year 5) who has been offered a position in this program.
Term 2 Private Lessons
Tutors are currently preparing timetables for lessons next term. These will be sent to students when complete, and lessons recommence in Week 1. Students should check the music noticeboard outside room 19A for their times.
Dr Bradley Voltz Coordinator of Performing Arts (Cocurricular)
Sport
QGSSSA Girls Sport
This Week in Girls Sport
When reflecting on the last week, it has been another busy but very special week in Girls Sport!
What a day it was last Saturday for our Girls Water Polo Program with four teams into the Grand Finals and we came away with four wins. It really was a day I will never forget; our girls certainly made us proud.
Sign on for BSRA Girls Rowing and QGSSSA Rhythmic Gymnastics has now been finalised, and preparations for a Term 2 start for both sports are being finalised.
An early sign-on for our Winter Fixture Sports, Netball, Volleyball, Tennis, and Hockey was emailed to the girls last week. Further details of trials/training for these sports will be advised next term.
We have also celebrated the Softball and Senior Australian Rules season with both breakups being held over the past week. Congratulations to the award winners, they have been announced and will be presented at the Semester One Sports Awards ceremony next term.
It was a pleasing Round 2 of Basketball, Football, and Touch last Friday afternoon/evening against quality opposition in Moreton Bay College. They were our first home games of the season; our amazing campus was a buzz of activity and maroon and white was everywhere you looked. Our Basketball girls showed great improvement on last year’s performances, Football came away with a win, a draw and a loss and it was great to get back to Toowong FC with our Football PSG putting on a parent get-together. There was great excitement for the Touch Focus Round, the first Girls Sport Focus Round for the year. Amazing support was shown by our leaders and the highlight for Touch was an awesome win to the Senior A team.
The first of the 2023 QGSSSA Cross Country meets was held on Tuesday and Mrs Schreiber was thrilled with the turnout, the best first meet of the year we have had for a while with wins in three age groups. Well done to Gabbi S, Sienna B and Claire R.
Good luck to all our girls competing this Friday against Clayfield College, go Saints!
FOUR FROM FOUR GRAND FINAL WINS - WHAT A DAY FOR ST PETERS WATER POLO!
Open Team: St Peters vs Somerville House 7 - 5
U16 D2 Team: St Peters vs All Hallows 10 - 5
U15 D3 Team: St Peters vs River City 6 - 5
U13 D2 Team: St Peters vs All Hallows 7 - 5
What a fairytale ending we have had to the 2022/2023 BWPI Water Polo season. The last two weeks have been absolutely amazing with our four teams (50 girls) getting the opportunity to shine under the pressure situations of the Semi-Finals and Grand Finals.
Winning four of four Grand Finals is no easy feat!
Mr Kotzur always talks about Plus Ultra and our girls certainly lifted the intensity these last two weeks. The way our teams worked under pressure pulling together and fighting in both attack and defence was a credit to the coaches. Our coaches were calm and the trust in the execution of the game plans was excellent to witness.
The first game of the day was our Open Team. Somerville House has been the team to beat all year and I knew this was going to be a tough ask. But Coach Nacole had planned a couple of new tactics for the big game. I listened nervously to the game plan and sat back and watched the girls implement them under extreme pressure. Remaya in goals was so good, her courage to come out and attack the counterattack ball was pure guts. Ida from out long shot the ball into the back of the net with speed and precision. Alice was a defensive machine with her swim fitness giving her the endurance to get up and down the pool with ease. The teamwork from every player was sensational.
Change of pool (Somerville) and Coach Lara and the U13's were on!!! Mrs Champion, Mr Kotzur, and Mr Nodwell witnessed another pressure game. Georgia P was dominating putting a couple of strong shots on the board early and we got away to a 3-1 lead. Emma and Sicily were dogged in defense turning over many balls, All Hallow were not giving up and in the second half it was goal for goal with St Peters holding the lead by one. Every girl when entering the pool gave their all and showed real Plus Ultra grit and determination. Special mention to Chloe in goals, she was awesome and saved many attempts. Coach Lara was super proud and enjoyed the celebrations including a dip in the pool!
Back to the Valley Pool and Jane and the U16 girls danced through the warmup and looked ready to go. They came out firing with the biggest winning margin (5 goals) of all our teams on the day. Every player that Coach Jane subbed in lifted the standard pushing and encouraging each other to be better. Hannah R scored an excellent goal whilst Amelia R also had a hot hand scoring many goals. Amelia was punching the water with excitement after her 2 backhand shots. Grace did a great job setting up many of our plays. This team is full of hard-working young women who love to come together and just play, the backup, communication, and effort by all of them all year have been awesome.
With the pressure of 3 wins from 3 it was time for Coach Rob and the U15 girls to come together. Rob was giving off calm vibes whilst I was secretly feeling the pressure for our girls. With coach Tenealle away playing National League it was up to Rob! At training the girls requested Rob wear a tutu to the game, his reply was ‘NO’ but when we win I will jump into the pool! Before the game the girls gathered around and Coach Rob’s instructions were simple, ‘this is just another game’, stay calm and relaxed and if we play like we did last week we will win! Across the board, all girls excelled and contributed to this win. Willow was great coming under some physical defense even copping a stray elbow, Leela was awesome defensively killing River City's counterattack, and Anni won all (4) swim offs. Romi in Centre Forward displayed strength and power on the shot, Gabi gained the final possession to give us the win. Amelia complimented the performance with a couple of gutsy saves in front of the net. Rob kept his promise and did an unusual side bomb entry into the pool to celebrate the win. Tenealle was super excited for her team post-game when we face timed her to share in the celebrations.
I would like to thank all of our amazing coaches, we have had (11 coaches) working with our 9 teams this year. Nacole, Claudia, Jane, Tenealle, Robert, Sophie B, Lara, Mila, Sophie R, Holly and Ellie, and the season has been successful because of the drive and dedication they have put into our program.
Our Team Managers have been the best. All year double checking me and getting parents to do table duty, washing caps and bringing the kits to games, checking cards and doing all communications with your teams. Kiri P, Jo T, Ian R, Celeste N, Sophie R, Mila, Caroline S, Sean W and Megan W. The season is long, and we can't thank you enough for everything you have done for our program.
Our girls and parents are the best, I love coming to training and having a chat with you all.
Mrs Anne Marie Champion for her support and newsletter every week, the time she puts into our great sport is above and beyond awesome.
Mr Kotzur for being our Number 1 fan. It is so good for our girls to have the support of our Head of College and we love the energy and excitement he brings to our games.
Thanks
Tracey
AUTUMN FIXTURE SPORTS – BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL & TOUCH
Please see the St Peters App for training details.
DATE CLAIMERS:
ROUND 4 v SOMERVILLE HOUSE (H) – Friday 21 April
ROUND 5 v BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR (A) – Friday 28 April
Cross Country pre-season training continues, all details including the St Peters 2023 Cross Country calendar can be found on the St Peters App.
Do your best to attend as many of these sessions as you can, with Wednesday sessions being a priority.
Community Run Club - join our Running Community on Friday mornings - meet at 6:30am at the St Peters Bus Stop.
DATE CLAIMERS:
BGGS Invitation Meet: Wednesday 26 April
Northern Eagles Cross Country Trial – Thursday 27 April
St Aidan’s Invitation Meet: Thursday 4 May
St Peters Cross Country Camp: Saturday 29 April – Monday 1 May
QGSSSA Cross Country Championships – Saturday 20 May
CROSS COUNTRY CAMP
We are seeking expressions of interest for St Peters students attending the 2023 St Peters Cross Country Camp. It is intended to be three (3) days and two (2) nights camp which we are conducting on Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May 2023.
Camp Details:
Venue: Sunshine Coast - Alex Park Conference Centre Depart: Saturday 29 April Return: Monday 1 May approx. 12:00 pm
Cost: approx. $375 per athlete
Please complete the form below if you wish your daughter/son to attend the St Peters Cross Country Preparation Camp. Please understand that the St Peters Cross Country Preparation Camp will involve high-level coaching with students expected to participate in all aspects of the camp.
St Peters is excited to offer the 2023 BSRA (Girls) Rowing Program. St Peters has a rich history in Rowing with a number of highly successful rowers graduating. St Peters prides itself on ensuring that students who participate in Rowing throughout their College life are encouraged and supported to find a balance between their Academic and Rowing pursuits. Rowing is a unique sport within the context of the College and if you would like to be part of something very special, with a rich history that not many people get to take part in, Rowing is certainly the sport for you.
Further information regarding the commencement of training in Term 2 will follow in the coming weeks.
Please click HERE for the Term 1 Athletic Performance & Development Training Schedule.
The schedule can also be found on the St Peters App.
WET WEATHER SPORT CANCELLATIONS
Please keep an eye on the St Peters App for cancellations. We will endeavour to do this by 1:30pm for afternoon training sessions and 5:30am for morning training sessions. Updates for game days will also be provided, students will also receive an email.
Anne-Marie Champion Girls Sport Coordinator
AIC Boys Sport
Last Saturday saw the completion of our Term 1 sports of AIC Cricket, AIC Australian Rules and AIC Volleyball. It certainly was a disruptive and tough season for everyone but, most importantly, all who were involved exhibited resilience, determination, and endless enthusiasm week after week. Despite premiership points being awarded to only ‘First’ teams for Term 1 Boys Sport in 2023, all other age divisions remained equally competitive. We are extremely proud of how all our boys performed, how hard they trained and competed, and above all how they displayed Plus Ultra both on and off the sporting field.
Cricket, Australian Rules and Volleyball Aggregate Results
St Peters Cricket – 5th
St Peters Volleyball – 7th
St Peters Australian Rules – 8th
We congratulate our 1st VI Volleyball team on an undefeated season and premiership. This group of young men worked extremely hard throughout the season and to come away with this result is fantastic. Well done gents! We also recognise the 2nd VI and 11B VI who won premierships in their respective competitions.
Well done to the St Peters Cricket program as they finish an incredible 5th overall in aggregate. This is the College's best result in many years and credit must go to the players, coaches, and coordinator Mr Gary Munday. Our Firsts boys finished 4th overall with 4 wins for the season and many other teams finished in the top half of their competitions.
Finn K (Year 12) – Australian Volleyball
We congratulate Finn on his selection in the Australian U19 Men’s Volleyball team. Finn is a member of our First VI Premiership team and part of the QAS Elite Development program and over the past year he has attended state and national development camps in preparation for international competitions. Finn is a highly valued member of the St Peters Volleyball community and we are immensely proud of his achievement! Well done Finn!
Queensland State Track and Field Championships
Congratulations to the following boys who successfully competed at the State Track and Field Championships a few weeks ago. Many hours of training went into their success and we look forward to seeing them compete for St Peters at AIC Track and Field.
Thomas S (Year 8) – Gold – Javelin, Silver – Shot Put
Lachlan K(Year 11) – Bronze – 400m
Brodie W (Year 12) – Silver - Javelin
St Peters Inter-House Cross Country
On Tuesday 28 March we will be conducting the annual St Peters Inter-House Cross Country Carnivals. Junior High will be held from 9:00am while Senior School will take place from 1:30pm. We look forward once again to high levels of enthusiasm, energy, and enjoyment at both carnivals next week.
AIC Preseason Trials and Training
All boys will have received emails regarding preseason training and trial games for Rugby, Football and Chess respectively. Boys should in the first instance check the St Peters app. Should they require further information, please contact the coordinator for the respective sport.
2023 AIC Cross Country and Runners Club
Earlier this term we emailed every boy from Years 7 to 12 about signing on for Cross Country. We strongly encourage any boy who is looking at participating in a Term 2 sport (AIC Rugby and AIC Football) or a Term 3 sport (AIC Basketball and AIC Tennis) to attend at least one Cross Country/Runners Club session each week. This is a fantastic way to improve their overall fitness and will help them prepare for their up-and-coming team sporting season.
Cross Country at St Peters has traditionally been well received and very competitive at both AIC and QGSSA. Let’s work hard in 2023 to maintain this high standard and consolidate on past years participation and performances. Training times for Cross Country can be found on the St Peters App.
Cross Country Camp
We are seeking expressions of interest for St Peters students attending the 2023 St Peters Cross Country Camp, a three day/ two night camp from Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May 2023.
Camp Details:
Venue: Alexandra Park Conference Centre, Sunshine Coast Depart: Saturday 29 April, departure time TBC Return: Monday 1 May at approximately 12:00pm Cost: approx. $375.00 per athlete
Please complete the form below if you wish your daughter/son to attend the St Peters Cross Country Preparation Camp. Please understand that the St Peters Cross Country Preparation Camp will involve high level coaching with students expected to participate in all aspects of the camp.
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.
Term 2 AIC Sporting Coordinators – St Peters Boys Sport
If the sport specific information you are looking for in relation to Term 2 AIC sports for St Peters cannot be found on the St Peters App, please contact the below sport specific representatives directly:
Information regarding the St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Sport program will be communicated through a range of modes including email, St Peters App and Cornerstone. Students and parents will primarily receive information from the Head of Sport at Springfield but at times may also receive information from the Girls and Boys Sport Coordinators or individual Sport Coordinators. Parents and students are encouraged to download and use the St Peters App for information regarding the Sport program.
St Peters APP
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:
