This week is Under Eights Week in Queensland and the theme for this year is “PLAY - You, Me and our Communities”. Play is such a brilliant tool for learning and in this article, I am going to discuss the benefits of play not only in the early years but in learning in general.
The importance of play in early childhood is widely recognised by researchers, educators and organisations involved in child development.
Play is not just a form of entertainment or a way for children to pass the time; it is a crucial aspect of their development. As a parent, understanding the importance of play and being equipped with relevant information can greatly benefit your child's growth and wellbeing. Here are some key reasons why play is significant and how it supports the development of the whole child.
Cognitive Development
Play contributes to the development of essential cognitive skills such as problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking and decision making. Through imaginative play, children explore new ideas and experiment with different solutions.
Social and Emotional Development
Play provides a platform for children to interact with others, negotiate, cooperate and develop social skills. It helps them understand emotions, build empathy, practice self-regulation and develop resilience. By engaging in play, children learn how to navigate social situations and form relationships.
Physical Development
Play encourages physical activity and the development of gross and fine motor skills. Whether it's running, jumping, climbing, or playing with objects that require hand-eye coordination, physical play helps children build strength, coordination and overall physical fitness.
Language and Communication Skills
Play supports the development of language and communication abilities. Children engage in conversation, express their ideas and practice listening skills. They learn to articulate their thoughts, expand their vocabulary and develop narrative skills through imaginative play and storytelling.
Problem-Solving and Creativity
Play allows children to explore their imaginations, experiment with different scenarios and find creative solutions. It fosters innovation, flexible thinking and the ability to think outside the box. Playful activities stimulate curiosity and help children develop a lifelong love for learning.
Stress Relief and Wellbeing
Play is an outlet for children to release stress, relax and have fun. It helps reduce anxiety, improves mood and promotes overall wellbeing. In a world where children face various pressures, playtime offers a much-needed respite and allows them to recharge.
To make the most of play at home some suggestions are:
Provide a safe and supportive play environment.
Offer a variety of play materials, including toys, games and art supplies.
Encourage unstructured play, where your child/ren has the freedom to explore and create their own rules.
Participate in play activities with your child/ren and let them take the lead.
Balance screen time with active, hands-on play.
Recognise the value of play and allow sufficient time for it in children's daily routines.
Be observant and responsive to their child's interests and needs during play.
By understanding the importance of play and actively engaging with your child during playtime, you can help foster your child/ren’s holistic development and create a positive and enriching environment for their growth.
Karen O'Neill Primary Years Curriculum Coordinator
What's On
15 May - 11 July
15 May – 19 May - Under Eights Week (Prep and Year 1)
16 May - Semester 1 Showcase (7:00pm Performing Arts Building)
19 May – Ipswich Show public holiday – normal school day
19 May - Semester 1 Primary Sport Photos at Indooroopilly
21 May - Evolution Dance Comp (9:00pm)
20 May - QGSSSA Cross Country Champions
23 May - Parent Workshop: The New Learning Reality (2 sessions: 8:15am - 9:15am and 6:00pm - 7:00 pm)
23 May - Year 3 Beenleigh Historical Village Excursion
24 May - Met West Cross Country
24 May - Primary National Simultaneous Story time 11:00am
25 May - Community Focus Day
26 May – Fit Education Excursion (Year 11 and Year 12 Cert 3 Students)
26 May – Sustainability Design Thinking Workshop - Year 5 (Lesson 5-7)
31 May - AIC Cross Country Championship
06 June - Year 8/9 Entrepreneurial Studies Market Day
07June - 09 June - Year 7 Camp
08 June - Year 9 Science Field Trip Toohey Forest (all day)
08 June - Readers Cup - selected Year 6 students - Blair State School
12 June - 14 June – Year 11 Leadership Camp
12 June – 16 June - Year 10 Ignite
13 June - P&F General Meeting (6:00pm HUB)
13 June - Year 7 Wearable Art Event (5:00pm - 5:45pm JHP)
14 June - APSMO Olympiad 2 Year 5 and Year 6
15 June - Primary Track and Field Carnival
16 June - Leukaemia Foundation Shave (12:35pm JHP)
16 June - Term 2 Concludes
19 June – 23 June – Student Free Days
10 July – Student Free Day
11 July – Term 3 Commences
Ministry
Flying Kites – The Life-line
God will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care. (Psalm 91:4)
Kites are wonderful to watch in flight. When did you last go out to fly a kite? Have you done it recently?
Isn’t it fun to watch the kite leap and dive as they dip down really low until they almost ram into the ground, before suddenly swooping and climbing up higher than ever before. But have you thought about what restrains them? Rather remarkably, all that keeps them under control is a thin cord. Think of how it feels when you’re the one holding the cord. You can feel the enormous pressure that is exerted on the kite, as the cord jerks around in your hand you realise the kite is being buffeted around by all sorts of strong and maybe even destructive winds.
Sometimes, we’re a little bit like a kite. We too bravely strive to fly high and fast and as beautifully as we can. But large pressures can be exerted on us by all sorts of destructive or difficult situations. We can feel worried or unable to cope with the things that are thrown at us and the situations that buffet us. Are we like a kite in that we too have a control line that we can rely on?
God’s love for us is in Jesus Christ. God’s promise to us is that he has our safety line firmly in his hand and he will keep a strong hold even in the dips and high swoops of our life. No matter what happens, he promises to keep a hold of us and protect us and we know we can go to him if we’re feeling down or unable to cope.
If you feel down and unable to “bounce back” (or swoop back up like a kite), talk to God and let him know how you feel. Because as you talk to him, you realise that he has you safely in his hand helping you to get up again.
Dear Jesus, your promise to be with us is truly amazing. Thank you for always keeping a hold of us and helping us when we’re feeling down. Please help us to talk to you when things aren’t going well and help us to look out for others around us too.
Amen
Kirstin Munchenberg Chaplain
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.
2023 International Competitions And Assessment For Schools (ICAS)
The college will be offering the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) academic competitions in August this year for Years 2 – 10 in the areas of English, Mathematics and Science. ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills. Participation is voluntary and students may enter one or more of the competitions being offered. Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals. Learn more about ICAS HERE.
ICAS Dates
The competitions will be conducted before school on the following dates:
Please arrive at 7:15am to ensure we have devices ready to start the tests promptly at 7:30am.
All ICAS competitions will be undertaken online, which allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results. Students in Years 4 – 12 will access the web-based platforms using their BYOT devices, while Year 2 and 3 will be provided with access to their school-owned device. Please note, the iPad mini is not supported by the testing platforms. Students also require headphones.
ICAS Payment
If you would like your child to participate in any of the competitions, please visit the online Parent Payment System to make a direct payment to the provider of ICAS. The Parent Payment System is a simple and secure online payment service specifically for parents to purchase ICAS Assessments. The participation cost is $19.25 (incl GST) per competition.
Parent Page link St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Access Code: RDD965
Payments are not able to be accepted by the college. Registrations are now open. The online payment system will close on Monday July 17 2023, after which time no registrations are able to be accepted. This information is for students enrolled at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield only.
IMPORTANT: Please enter your child’s name accurately into the system as it will appear on their ICAS certificate.
In the event of student absence, the following catch-up sessions will be offered during school time. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be given for missing both the test date or the catch-up test.
Catch up dates below:
English and Science – Friday 25th August
Mathematics – Friday 1st September
Privacy Collection Statement
The following information is a privacy notification about how your child’s data is kept private and secure.
Janison is aware of our responsibility to protect the identity of, and all information relating to, children, and students in general, from disclosure and consequently Janison does not:
collect any personal information or data of children other than as required for the purposes of completion of theassessment, test or exam;
transfer any personal information or data obtained during the delivery of assessments, tests or exams conducted inAustralia to any jurisdiction outside of Australia other than with the specific consent of the person, or his or her parentor guardian;
transfer any personal information or data obtained during the delivery of assessments, tests or exams conducted inother international regions out of the child’s jurisdiction other than with the specific consent of the person, or his orher parent or guardian;
share any personal information or data relating to children or students with any third parties (other than a third partywhose services are necessary for servicing our products, e.g. print/distribution companies, medal engraving, etc.)except with the specific consent of the person, or his or her parent or guardian;
use any personal information or data relating to children or students for marketing purposes.
Janison may retain personal information and data relevant to a child for their future purposes or for research purposes by Janison for the duration of the school life cycle of the child. However, if you or your child at any time wish to have their personal information or data removed from our systems, they or you may opt out by simply contacting our Privacy Officer at privacy@janison.com.
If you have questions regarding ICAS please contact Samantha Jones s.jones@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Sport
Springfield Sport
Date Claimers – Term 2
Saturday 20 May: QGSSSA Cross Country Championships at John Paul College Wednesday 24 May: Met West Cross Country at John Paul College Wednesday 31 May: AIC Cross County at Curlew Park, Shorncliffe
AIC Boys Sport
As we now approach the midway mark of our Term 2 AIC sports, it has been pleasing to see our boys showing such resilience given all the poor weather we've experienced and so many cancelled training sessions and games. St Peters has achieved some great success across all our sports to date and it's vitally important that all teams remain focused on completing the next four rounds of AIC sport strongly and with commitment and enthusiasm.
For most of our teams, this Saturday we will play Marist College at Home at St Peters Lutheran College. Traditionally, competing against Marist College has always been very competitive, displaying a high level of energy from both Colleges. This weekend will be no different.
We encourage all our St Peters community to come along and support our sporting teams this weekend as we are confident that there will be some exciting games of AIC Chess (Friday evening 19 May), AIC Rugby and AIC Football.
Saturday will also be Focus Round for Rugby led by our Sport Leaders.
We wish all our teams and students every success this coming weekend as they don the St Peters maroon, white and gold to uphold our Plus Ultra!
AIC Chess Round 4 Games Friday 19 May
This coming Friday, St Peters Chess will compete Away to Marist College in their fourth fixture of the 2023 AIC Chess season. All Chess games verse Marist College will commence from 4:00pm at St Peters Lutheran College. Please refer to the St Peters App for details about training times and games for Term 2 AIC Chess.
This Saturday St Peters Football teams will compete against Marist College in Round 4 of AIC Football. Years 9 - 12 (Open) teams will be ‘Home’ at St Peters whilst our Years 7 and 8 teams will play ‘Away’ at Marist College. We request everyone to please check the St Peters App for game times and details. Please also check the app for any cancellations.
This coming Saturday our St Peters Rugby teams will also compete in rugby games against Marist College with Seniors Home at St Peters Lutheran College and Juniors Away at Marist College. We request everyone to please check the St Peters App for game times and details. Please also check the App for any cancellations.
The 2023 AIC Championships will be held on Wednesday 31 June at Curlew Park, Sandgate. St Peters will be attending one AIC Lead Up Cross Country meet in the final weeks preceding the AIC Championships. This final preparation Lead Up Meet will be conducted on Wednesday 24 May at St Patrick’s College Playing Fields, Curlew Park, Sandgate.
We request that all boys ensure they are fully committed to attending both training and the one lead up race prior to the AIC Cross Country Championships on 31 June 2023.
We still welcome all boys from Years 7 - 12 to get involved in our Cross Country program or the social Runners Club.
Training times and our Cross Country calendar can be found on the St Peters App.
Term 3 AIC Sports – Basketball, Tennis and Track & Field
All boys from Years 7 - 12 have now received emails about signing on for the AIC Term 3 sports of AIC Basketball, AIC Tennis and AIC Track & Field. We strongly encourage any boy in Years 7 - 12 who has not signed up for a Term 3 sport and wishes to participate to do so ASAP. Term 2 preseason training for boys’ Basketball and Tennis is set to commence in the coming weeks. Boys involved will be notified and the training schedules placed on the app.
Term 2 Track & Field pre-season skill development has already commenced, please check the St Peters App for times and venues.
Wet Weather and Cancellations
With regard 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.
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 sports representatives directly:
The AIC Sporting Calendar for 2023 can be found on the St Peters App.
QGSSSA Girls Sport
Congratulations to the following girls on their outstanding achievements.
Australian National Rowing Championships – Champion Lakes, Perth WA
Congratulations to Eva H (Year 11) and Poppy Y (Year 10) who competed in the Australian Rowing Nationals in Perth late in Term 1.
Eva competed in the U17 double scull winning a silver medal, in the U17 quad scull placing fifth in the A Final and in the U17 single scull placing 9th.
Poppy competed in the U17 quad scull finishing 10th and the U17 double scull finishing 11th.
The girls competed in some of the worst weather conditions at a Rowing Nationals in living memory, with enormous head wind conditions which halted racing on numerous days. We are so proud of their achievements and are delighted to have them both back in the SPLC shed preparing to race the BSRA season in Term 3.
AUTUMN FIXTURE SPORTS – BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL & TOUCH
As we approach the end of the season, it is important to finish strong and complete all commitments to our in-season sports.
Rescheduled Games
Round 7: Football, rescheduled Open Team game v BSHS - Wednesday 24 May, 4:00pm at BSHS Playing Fields, Fursden Road, Carina.
Round 9: Junior Football, 8A, 8B Touch & 8A, 8B Basketballv v St Hilda’s - Monday 22 May at St Hilda’s, families have been emailed details.
Date Claimers: Round 9 v St Hilda's (Gold Coast) - Friday 26 May.
Two sleeps to go! Let's go girls we know you'll do us proud!
The big day of competition for the 2023 QGSSSA Cross Country season is this Saturday. Mrs Schreiber has emailed all the girls in the team, buses will leave the St Peters Bus Stop at 6:30am to take the girls to John Paul College, Daisy Hill. It is important the girls travel together to the event as a team. Parents can take girls home after their race or buses will return to school at the completion of the competition at approximately 1:00pm. The QGSSSA Cross Country Championships are always a fun filled morning where every member of the team supports each other in running 3km. Please support our 2023 QGSSSA Cross Country runners, we look forward to cheering you on.
QGSSSA Cross Country breakfast break up – This Friday morning, 19 May, 7:00am at the P & F Centre.
Run Club is on every week! Join our running community on Friday mornings, meet at 6:30am at the St Peters Bus Stop.
Winter Fixtures - Netball, Volleyball, Hockey & Tennis
Pre-season training sessions for all our Winter fixture sports have commenced this week. Numbers are amazing in Netball, Volleyball and Tennis, Hockey is looking for a few extra sign ons so they can make 3 teams, please contact Mr Glass for further details.
All pre-season training schedules can be found on the St Peters App.
It continues to be fantastic to see all the girls on the water both in the mornings and afternoons, as well as in the gym. As we approach the middle of the term, can I please remind families that consistency of attendance both on the water and in the gym is crucial in preparation for the upcoming rowing camp and the regattas next term. More information is coming later this week by email so stay tuned. The more time the girls can spend on the water as crews and individuals in single sculls, the better and more prepared they are going to become for the regattas and the more fun they have in the long run!
BSRA Indoor Rowing Championships
Next Tuesday evening, 23 of May, we see the first Rowing competition for the 2023 year, the BSRA Indoor Rowing Championships at Somerville House.
All girls are required to attend this competition as supporters for the College, though not all will be participating.
The College will be providing a bus to and from Somerville house for all girls. Girls are required to be on this bus together, details below.
Departing the St Peters Bus Stop - 3:45pm
Returning to the St Peters Bus Stop - 8:30pm
Ergometer and Sculling Trials
Trials, within the context of the Rowing program, are undertaken based on three factors: ergometer times, sculling times and attendance/attitude to training. These trials are completed at the BSRA regattas, which are held on a Saturday in Term 3, each age group are divided into divisions (i.e. Year 8, Division 1, 2,3 etc). The goal of these trials is to place each girl into appropriate crews that will be competitive within these divisions at regattas.
Selection trials:
Round 1 – completed in Week 3
Round 2 – completed in Week 6
Round 3 – completed in Week 9 and the first day at Rowing Camp
If girls are absent and do not complete these trials, it makes it impossible to correctly place girls into appropriate crews. As always, if there are unforeseen circumstances, these will be taken into account and alternate opportunities provided to the maximum extent possible.
Girls Rowing Camp
The Rowing Camp is an integral event for the girls in a number of ways. Firstly, as a shed and community building event, the time spent away at these camps is a highlight as it is a fantastic team bonding time where girls are able to spend time and develop lifelong friendships, not only within their year level but from all year levels. Secondly, as an important fitness and technical foundation for the crews which leads into the BSRA regattas which start a few weeks after.
Camp this year is 17 - 23 June in Bundaberg. More information and sign on forms will be out next week.
All transport, accommodation and food will be organised for the girls with forms and costs are currently being finalised. Could I please ask families to put these dates in the diary for the girls to attend.
Thank you girls, it’s been another successful week of RG training. A fun filled, jam-packed afternoon!
This week we continued to work on choreography for all group divisions including body work and collaborations. The girls are progressing along beautifully.
Remember strong attendance for all students means stronger team performances on QGSSSA Competition Day.
Date Claimer: QGSSSA Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition Day - Friday 4 August
As always, keep up the great work, keep practising and of course keep smiling.
I look forward to seeing you all next Wednesday at training.
Please CLICK HERE for the Term 2 Athletic Performance & Development Training Schedule.
The schedule can also be found on the St Peters App.
If you would like further information on this wonderful opportunity to improve your fitness, please email Mr Leigh Smith.
DRESS CODE FOR WEEKEND SPORTING FIXTURES
When attending/watching other sporting fixtures (eg Basketball, Football or Touch), girls are asked to ensure they are wearing their St Peters Formal uniform or if they are playing, their St Peters playing uniform is allowed (PE Uniform or casual clothing is not allowed).
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.
Focus Round
Communication of Sport Information
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:
SPOSA
A Surprise Visit From Old Scholars
We were surprised by four of our wonderful 2022 graduates on Monday this week!
It was such a joy to hear about their new adventures and nice to see them!
Starting from the left of the picture is Carmen Labuschagne. She is now living on campus at UQ! She is studying Nutrition and loving it!
Noah Duncan, is an electrical apprentice with QBuild. He recently had his five minutes of fame having lunch with Anastasia Palaschuck and featuring on her Instagram!
Sidney Debnam is studying Nursing at UQ. After our visit she was headed off to her prac placement at an aged care facility.
And Luci Gehrke, our wonderful school captain, who is joining us as a prac teacher. She is studying Education at QUT and we will be employing her asap.
Seeing our young people flourish when they leave us is bittersweet, for we miss their daily presence but are so happy to hear about all their exciting adventures. Keep Visiting!
