One of the subjects I studied in Years 11 and 12 was Chemistry. I certainly wasn’t the shining star of the class and definitely wasn’t on a trajectory to join a glittering research team making ground-breaking scientific discoveries. But I did okay in the subject which was taught by a young Science teacher starting out in her career. She talked to us before lessons, laughed at our teenage jokes and encouraged us when we struggled.
Towards the end of Year 11, she moved to another school and the head of the Science faculty became our teacher. He was a teacher brimming with experience and knowledge. He wrote textbooks, contributed to scientific journals and chaired the regional Science in Education committee. But my results, plummeted. I went from being an A- student to being delighted if I scrapped a C.
My second Chemistry teacher knew his subject inside out but his passion for teaching existed only as far as the curriculum content. Students were little more than vessels in which to pour his vast repository of knowledge. My first teacher, on the other hand, enjoyed her students and was interested in them. When I asked her a question, she explained slowly and carefully; when I asked him a question, his exasperated sigh told me I was wasting his time. She was teaching students; he was teaching Chemistry. My experience as a student taught me an invaluable lesson. Teaching is about people. Over the last few weeks, this has become very evident. If ever there was a time when content could have triumphed over people it has been during the period of at-home learning. How easy to upload the content and forget about the students on the other side of the screen! But our teachers are ‘people’ teachers, whose priority has been to stay connected to their students.
Sadly though, video-conferencing, emails and Microsoft Teams cannot replace living, breathing human contact which is why we celebrated the return of some of our students at the beginning of last week and why we are counting down the days until Monday when we will once again have students from all year levels gathering on the Concourse and the verandas of Curnow House (albeit at an appropriate physical distance).
Years 2 to 10, your rooms are ready and your teachers are waiting. We can’t wait to see you on Monday.
Please see the Government advice by clicking here. This suggests at Stage 3 we may be able to resume public worship, subject to certain conditions, potentially from 10 July.
Please note our current circumstances:
Sunday Worship physical services are closed until further notice
A pre-recorded service will be available on Facebook on the Arise page on Sunday morning: @ariselc
This week we celebrate 'National Boarder Week' - the one community that is still in different places, some isolated, some separated with their communities or families from those who have returned.
It highlights, that even if it is called 'National Boarder Week' its members represent not only different states but also different countries; the community that lives and studies together here at St Peters is made up of national and international students. We are and belong to the ONE St Peters community – yet people from across the world are being part of it. We all bring different traditions and world views, singing different songs yet all of us 'Go to the Rock', singing our school song together and celebrating the One who grants us to be one community.
Boarding and the St Peters community reflect the world in which we live. The last couple of weeks have clearly highlighted how interconnected the world community has become: the virus travelling unseen and unnoticed to all corners of the world, crossing borders, making a difference in people’s lives regardless of place, of social or economic status, irrespective of conviction, or anything that serves ‘in normal times’ as building block to differentiate, discriminate, and divide. It was and is a great reminder that we all belong to the one human family. The impact of the pandemic challenges any ‘them and us’ mentality. All of a sudden people realise that what they need most to combat the virus is produced in a part of the world that had previously been a competitor. It calls for creative ways to bridge the gap, to strengthen communication and ways of supporting one another.
With restrictions being eased, Prep and Years 1, 11 and 12 students – and some Boarders - have returned. The latter, a constant reminder that their sisters and brothers from interstate and across the world still long to be back, and still belong to the one community. We have learned to 'zoom in and out’, to keep contact, to reach out to one another – yet are longing for the day we will all be together again. Word has it that a big celebration is being prepared for the times everyone will be reunited :)
… and who knows? God willing, the world will look on, turn around and celebrate the community, that has been granted through being members of the one human family. God willing, the global community will become a more caring one, recognising, respecting and supporting ‘the other’, recognising that only together, as sisters and brothers of the human family, we will make this world a better one for all. God willing, the end of the pandemic may be the dawn of a new tomorrow.
Pastor Silke Moolman Indooroopilly Campus
Important Notices
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)
St Peters offers students in Years 3-12 the opportunity to participate in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) in English, Mathematics and Science. The competitions are conducted at school on the following dates, which have been set by the UNSW Educational Testing Centre:
Science – Wednesday 19 August 2020
English – Wednesday 26 August 2020
Mathematics – Tuesday 1 September 2020
All ICAS competitions will be undertaken online. The participation cost for each competition is $15.95 (incl GST).
Payment
If you would like your child to participate in any of the competitions, please visit the new online Parent Payment System to make a direct payment to UNSW Global.
Once here, you will need to enter the SPLC SFD unique access code: ERX223
Payments are not able to be accepted by the college. Registrations are now open. The online payment closes Tuesday 22 June 2020, after which time no registrations are able to be accepted.
IMPORTANT: Please enter your child’s name accurately into the system as it will appear on their ICAS certificate.
In the event of further school closures due to COVID-19 and cancellation of the competitions, UNSW will refund payments. However outside of this, no other refunds are able to be given, including for student absence due to illness.
Susan Levitt Prep – Year 6 Curriculum Leader: Assessment and Reporting
Winter Uniform
Tuckshop Notice
Community
Springfield celebrates cultural diversity in the community
This week our Cultural Fest Team will be involving our school community in celebrating cultural diversity.
Year 12 School Captain, Minna H, says “in lieu of our Cultural Festival, which would have been held this week from Tuesday to Thursday, we are doing little things around the school to remind people about multiculturalism.” This morning in assembly Minna moderated a panel with School Captains, asking questions about multiculturalism. “We asked ‘Why should we educate ourselves on different cultures and how has multiculturalism connected you to other people?’, explains Minna.
The team have also put together St Peters snaps for people in the school community to upload cultural pictures. Students are encouraged to upload pictures of themselves wearing cultural dress, eating cultural foods, dancing to different songs and uploading cultural artworks.
“Anything related to culture—we’re celebrating it all this week,” says Minna. “We’re trying to get as many people involved as possible.” The cultural fest team are pioneering this so that’s myself, Zac H. (School Captain), Mikayla B. (Music Captain), Jershon JT. (Sport Captain) and Renieke VJ. (Faith Captain).
This week the cultural fest team will be out in the school community asking students, teachers and staff about why multiculturalism is important to them, how it’s involved in their lives and a little about their cultural backgrounds. “All those great things,” says Minna. “We will put together a video and hopefully have it posted across our social media channels in time for this Thursday for the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.”
The team are also open to any and all ideas for their special cultural event they are starting to plan for in Term 3.
Around the College
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2020
The Premier’s Reading Challenge has begun for 2020 with the reading program running from May 11 until August 28.
Every Primary student who completes the challenge will receive a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier. Mrs West-McInnes will present these certificates during the Premier’s Reading Challenge celebration weeks of 2 – 13 November 2020. There is a prize for one student in each sub-school (Lower Primary and Upper Primary) who reads the most books during this time.
Prep to Year 2 should read or experience at least 20 books,
Years 3 and 4 should read at least 20 books, and
Years 5 to 6 should read at least 15 books.
Our Primary School also uses this reading challenge for a Inter-House Competition. The house that reads the most books in this challenge has their house name added to the Premier’s Reading Challenge book. Leichhardt has won the past two years! Which house will win this year??
Primary Years
Year 1 students and teachers spreading joy throughout the Springfield community
Year 1 students and staff recently worked on a fun and inspiring task during their online learning program. The ‘The Joy Project’ became a positive, community building, activity involving creative hands-on learning experiences through a variety of mediums.
The purpose of the Joy Project was for students to explore concepts that brought them joy. They selected joyful ideas or interests and worked independently towards sharing and creating these. The task involved identifying experiences that brought them joy and how they can share joy with others. In this student-led activity students would share their Joy Projects every morning during class meetings.
Head of Primary School, Mrs Debbie West-McInnes says, “As educators we must continue to give children opportunities to be creatively involved in their own learning which builds on what they already know and can do, their interests and what they understand.”
Students explored a variety of concepts including nature and their love of the outdoors. Some created artwork on rocks and then placed them in community locations to spread positive messages. Others enjoyed constructing with many students building, and designing, cities and towers. Creating artwork and expressing their feeling through painting also proved to be a popular joyful experience. “We witnessed wonderful performances such as puppet shows, dances and singing concerts. There were lots of busy bakers at home too,” says Mrs West-McInnes.
The Joy Project provoked lots of constructive conversations about how our joy can be shared with others. Students enjoyed reflecting on the impact they are having on people around them when they share their performances, positive messages or creations.
“At St Peters we know children are more likely to become engaged in an activity if they are interested in it, which then increases their opportunities for learning,” explains Mrs West-McInnes. “If they feel connected to the learning they are also more confident, persistent and resilient which brings better outcomes for the student. The Joy Project enabled Year 1 students to follow their individual interests, develop their ideas and then present their projects to their classmates. From the videos and photos sent in—each student was engaged in the project and were very happy to share what they had accomplished. Our Year 1 staff and myself were proud of what the students achieved through this project.”
Sport
Sport
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb
Boys Sport Coordinator: Luke Donatini Girls Sport Coordinator: Anne-Marie Champion Primary Sport Coordinator: Peter Dawson
As we approach the halfway mark of Term 2, we are enjoying the vibe of having our Preps, Year 1, Year 11 and Year 12 students back on campus. The students and the energy they bring to the College is why we continue to work hard for the continued growth of Sport at St Peters.
The Physical Activity/Fitness Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are continuing to gain momentum and this week we have recommenced the St Peters Run Club on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Please note: NEW VENUE TO MEET – Harts Road Oval at 3.30pm – 4.45pm.
Next week we are looking forward to welcoming back all Years 2 - 10 students. It will be wonderful to have the full cohort of students back on campus and the vibrancy of our fantastic school start to return to the place we know and love.
AIC & QGSSSA STATEMENTS – Please click for the link to the UPDATED Roadmap to Recovery statements from the QGSSSA & AIC Management Committees in relation to the recommencement of Sporting Activities.
REMINDER - YOU WILL FIND AMAZING SPORT RESOURCES ON THE SPORT FIREFLY PAGE
FIREFLY - RESOURCES – COLLEGE LIFE > SPORT – AT HOME > SPORT SPECIFIC
If you have any questions about any of sport specific, please email the relevant coordinators of your interested sport.
PAST SCHOLARS SPORTING HIGHTLIGHTS
1986 was a great year for Sport at St Peters, this was the year our ‘A Grade’ Netball girls and our ‘A Grade’ Basketball boys won premierships.
This week we are honoured to showcase two wonderful past scholars who to this day have remained great friends and have gone on to excel in their respective sports; Tracey Bruce and Luke Gribble.
Name: Tracey Bruce (nee Foran) Graduated from St Peters: 1986 Sport: Netball Achievements:
1981 - First Queensland team - Primary School Team
1984 - Queensland U15 Years School Girls Team
1984, 1985 & 1986 - Australian School Girls Team
1984 - Queensland Open School Girls Team
1985 - Queensland U17 Years Team
1985, 1986 & 1987 - Australian U17 Years Team
1986 & 1987 - Queensland U19 Years Team
1986, 1987, 1988 & 1989 - Australian U19 Years Team
1990 – 1997 - Queensland Open State Team
1990 - Australian U21 Team
1991 & 1992 - Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship
1991 - 1997 - Australian squad member & invitee
1992 & 1993 - All Stars team member
Tracey Bruce is a home-grown girl from Oxley in Brisbane’s Western Suburbs. Infamously, in her first game of Netball at Western Districts, she was sent off for ‘Tackling’. Not to be discouraged following this early misdemeanour Trace went on to achieve amazing feats as a Netball player and in her later years as an outstanding coach.
After attending Primary School at Corinda State School, Tracey commenced her St Peters journey in Year 8, 1982. The St Peters Netball Program was, at the time lead by highly respected HPE teacher Joy Tobiano (nee Munro) and with great support from Principal Dr Dron who did not miss a game. Matches were played on the Outside Gym courts and large crowds attended each home game. In Trace’s final year (1986) her speed and athleticism in the centre court lead to an undefeated ‘A Grade’ premiership to complete an outstanding season. Other current St Peters Netball Mums who were a part of the Netball program include Louise Staunton Smith (Nee Ellingham) Ellie and Jaimie’s Mum and Karen Penfold (nee Downes) Bonnie, Molly, Jemima and Matilda’s Mum. Current Junior High staff member Sharman Bolton (nee Blaik) was also an outstanding player and her Mum Anne Blaik coached at St Peters for many years.
From 1993 – 1995 Trace was the Administration assistant in Sports House working alongside Mr Mark Manson, the Director of Sport at the time.
Trace went on to complete her ‘High-Performance Coaching Accreditation’ in 1999 and has since filled many coaching roles from Queensland State teams to Year 3 school teams.
Over the past two seasons the St Peters Netball program has continue to grow and improve under the guidance of our much love Mentor Coach Tracey.
Tracey’s passion is development of young athletes.
Name: Luke Gribble Graduated from St Peters: 1986 Sport: Basketball Achievements:
1985 - Queensland U18 State Team
1986 - Member of the St Peters team – TAS Champions, Champion School of QLD (Championships in Rockhampton) & Champion School of Australia (Championships in Adelaide)
1986 Queensland School Boys and U20 State team
1986 Signed with Brisbane Bullets
1987 Ipswich Eagles Queensland State League
1987 Queensland U20 State Team – Captain
1988 Gold Coast Cougars Queensland State League Champions
1988 Queensland State Basketball League- All Star 5 and Youth Player of the Year
1989 Hobart Devils National Basketball League – Runner Up Rookie of the Year
1990 Hobart Devils NBL – Runner Up Most Improved Player Award
1991 Hobart Devils NBL
1991 Australian Boomers Basketball Squad (Barcelona Olympics)
1997 Brisbane Brewers MVP – Queensland State Basketball League (QBL)
1997 Started Teaching / Coaching at St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
Now Dean of Waterford Place (Year 10 campus)
Luke Gribble, who grew up in Beenleigh and moulded his Basketball skills in Logan, commenced at St Peters as a Mutze House boarder. His entry to the College began after winning the ‘Ian Watson Bursary Scholarship’ which opened the door for him to complete his Year 12 studies at St Peters. What a year it proved to be for the Richard Stokes coached ‘A Grade’ team! After winning the TAS premiership, the group went on to win the QLD School Championship & then the Champions School of Australia. After a breakout year, Luke was signed to the Brisbane Bullets who at the time regularly utilised the St Peters gym for training.
Luke, a strong, powerful shooting guard was a great leader on the court and went on to play NBL from 1989-1991 with the Hobart Devils and from 1992 – 1996 with the Brisbane Bullets.
Luke has two children, Lily an outstanding Netballer who has played with Moreton Bay College in the QGSSSA for many years and Zac who has making it to the top in the AFL set firmly in his sights.
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:
