Smartphones are an incredible invention. These supercomputers have put a world of information at our fingertips, facilitate communication faster than ever before and act as a safety net in a variety of situations.
However, the impact of smartphones is not all positive. Many of us are addicted to the supercomputer in our pocket. All schools are facing challenges about the best path forward to manage the use of smartphones by the young people in their care.
Mounting evidence suggests that the use of smartphones in schools is associated with:
Poor quality sleep (as demonstrated by sleep professor, Dr Matt Walker).
Reduced reaction times, task performance, task enjoyment, retention of learning and academic outcomes. Many of these are exacerbated by the first point.
Increased disruptive behaviour, academic dishonesty, depression, stress, anxiety and cyberbullying.
One major cause of these effects rests in how phones influence attention. We all have limited attentional capacity, and over time, digital devices through exposure to information abundance, task switching and quick interactions driven by immediate rewards increasingly eat a portion of this precious cognitive resource. In short, they incur a tax on our attention due to task switching. Johan Hari’s book, Stolen Focus, is a good entry into this important area of our lives.
Our college policy of ‘see it, hear it, lose it’, is designed to help students maintain focus by limiting task switching, reduce anxiety and increase the personal connection between students. Under the revised policy, students are allowed to bring their mobile phones to school; however, they cannot use them during school hours. Should students need to make a phone call, they are required to visit our Student Services office. Students who choose to use their phones around campus without express permission will have their phones held at Student Services for collection at the end of the day. Continued use of mobile phones will result in a discussion with the Head of Secondary Years.
The data is showing that the negative impacts of mobile phone use may force the government to place further restrictions on phone use for young people. The Queensland government is banning smartphones from 2024. The Netherlands is planning to ban smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches later this year (except for digital skills classes and students with special needs), and Finland, France and the UK considering similar moves.
Request for Parent Support
We kindly request parents to support our decision to have all mobile phones kept in lockers during school hours. Your support is crucial in helping us create an environment that encourages academic focus and prioritises the wellbeing of our students. We encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your children about the importance of setting boundaries for healthy technology usage.
Managing Screen Time Resource
To further assist you in navigating the topic of managing screen time, we invite you to visit our SchoolTV website HERE.
This resource provides valuable information and expert advice on managing screen time and promoting a healthy relationship with technology.
Dominic Piacun
What's On
20 July - 11 August
20 July – MultiLit Parent Presentation: InitiaLit 8:15am
21 July - P&F Star Gazing Night 6:00pm - 9:00pm
24 July - Upper Primary French Puppet Show HUB (L6 & 7)
26 July – APSMO Olympiad No.3, Years 5 & 6
27-28 July – Central District Track and Field
28 July - A Night on Wellness Way - Performance JHP 6:00pm - 8:00pm
1 August - Subject Selection Evening Year 9 into Year 10 and Year 10 into Year 11
1 August – Primary Main Photo Day
3 August - Year 1 Lone Pine Excursion
3 August - Year 10 French Excursion
4 August - Secondary Main Photo Day / Sibling
7 August - Shoe lace tying workshop – Prep (TBC)
8 August - P&F General Meeting (HUB)
8 August - Year 6 Parent Information Night 6:00pm - 7:00pm (HUB)
9 August - Year 5 Camp
10 August - 100 Day Year 12 Celebration
11 August - Year 5 Camp
11 August - Year 3 Excursion Ipswich Little Theatre Society
Ministry
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.
We wish to assure you that planning at the College is well underway to ensure effective educational programs, staffing and administration at our school in 2024. To assist us with finalising details it is important that the College is aware of our expected student numbers.
My child will continue as a student at St Peters Springfield in 2024
There is no requirement for the families of students who will remain at the College in 2024 to contact us. Unless the Principal or Enrolments Office receives specific written advice from you that your child is leaving at the end of 2023, we will assume your child’s enrolment will continue and as such, their place at school in 2024 is secured. Therefore, families who will remain at St Peters into 2024 do not need to take any action.
My child will leave St Peters Springfield at the end of 2023
We do wish to remind families that, as per the terms of your enrolment contract, if you do not intend for your child to remain a student of St Peters in 2024, you need to advise us in writing before the start of Term 4 2023. Whilst we would very much appreciate your advice as soon as you are able, the final date for acceptance of notice without penalty (term’s fees in lieu of notice) will be Monday 23 October 2023. Please note that there can be no flexibility with regard to this contractual requirement due to the high demand for places at the College.
If you have any questions regarding continuing or new enrolment with St Peters, please contact the Enrolments Team by email at s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au, or by phone at 3470 3888.
Enrolments Registrar
School Photos 2023
Around the College
French Week
What an incredible French Week we have just celebrated! Our students explored their artistic sides with the 'Roll a Picasso' activity, delighted in the photo booth with French themed dress-ups, and savoured the tastes of France at the tuckshop. The primary students donned berets and the tricolour of blue, white and red for their French inspired free dress day.
Our Pétanque tournament was a smashing success, and the screening of 'Miraculous Ladybug' was met with much joy. Uniquely, our school bell transformed, filling the air with the winning song from the Manie Musicale event, Keen'V's 'Outété'.
Madame Banks, Madame Hackel, Madame Cutcliffe and Madame Carey were overjoyed with the tremendous support shown by students, families and fellow teaching staff. A special mention to the students who gave up their time to create posters and volunteer to run the activities which made the week such a success. Indeed, sharing French culture with the school has been an absolute pleasure. Thank you for embracing this celebration of French life and language.
Natasha Banks
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Screening
Sport
AIC Boys Sport
After a successful trial round of Boy’s Sport last Saturday against Villanova College, St Peters are ready and eager to commence the competitive season for AIC Basketball and Tennis.
Round 1 of AIC Basketball and Tennis will see our College verse St Edmund’s College with our Senior Teams playing at Home venues and our Junior Teams playing ‘Away’ at St Edmund’s College.
For more information pertaining to game times and venues of all Boy’s Sport fixtures for this coming weekend, please check the St Peters App.
1st Team Basketball and Tennis
Congratulations to all boys who have been selected to represent the College in 1st V Basketball and 1st IV Tennis this weekend against St Edmund’s. These young men were presented with their 1st team attire on Wednesday. For many of these boys this is the culmination of years of representing St Peters. We congratulate them and wish them well for the season ahead.
For Round 1 Basketball Draw vs St Edmunds CLICK HERE For Round 1 Tennis Draw vs St Edmunds CLICK HERE
Lions Academy Success
Congratulations to Tom J who over the past few months has been representing the Lions Academy team playing against other AFL and State teams from across the country. Tom’s Lions team finished on top after winning all their games. Congratulations Tom!
St Peters Track & Field Up and Running
St Peters Track & Field is also now well and truly underway and we are already seeing really good participation numbers at training. Similar to last year, we are really excited for the 2023 Track & Field season and we are sure it will not disappoint.
This week St Peters had more than 90 students compete at the Northern Eagles District Track & Field Trials on Wednesday and Thursday. We are confident that our athletes are preparing well and in good shape to do many more special things in 2023. We wish them continued success and encourage any students wanting to get involved to do so with great enthusiasm.
For further information about training and upcoming Track & Field meets, please refer to the St Peters App or the links below.
For the 2023 Track & Field Calendar CLICK HERE For the 2023 Track & Field Training Schedule CLICK HERE
Term 3 Coordinator Contact Details
The below named Coordinators have already been communicating via email with all boys who have signed on and who have been attending training. We do ask that all boys please open and read these informational emails which pertain to their chosen sport for Term 3.
Our AIC Term 3 Boys Sport Coordinators for 2023 are:
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.
Jeremy Lohe Assistant Director of Sport
QGSSA Girls Sport
CONGRATULATIONS – GIRLS SPORT TERM 3 OPEN TEAMS & CAPTAINS
To continue our Girls Sport tradition, last week Mr Kotzur and Mrs Delaney joined us to present the Open Uniforms to our 2023 QGSSSA Open Netball, Volleyball, Tennis and Hockey teams as well as our 1st VIII Rowers. It was great to have parents attend the presentation as we celebrated the wonderful achievement of the girls, and it was also an opportunity to come together before the season begins.
When presenting the girls their uniforms, Mr Kotzur spoke about the honour of representing St Peters at the highest level and the role models they are to our younger students. He also spoke about our motto, ’Plus Ultra’ and striving to go ever higher and give their all to inspire others in their respective sports.
We thank Mr Kotzur and Mrs Delaney for joining us and inspiring our girls.
QGSSSA NETBALL
Ainsley T, Tia M, Charlotta E, Amelia R, Mia H, Leilani F, Makayla C, Ella M and Issy P
Congratulations to our Netball Captains: Zara F and Annie W Vice-Captains: Alice H and Annie I
QGSSSA VOLLEYBALL
Helena B, Maisie P, Remaya B, Elkie G, Juliet W, Chloe B, Daisy M, Millie B, Ophelia T and Savannah N
Congratulations to our Volleyball Captains: Ophelia T and Chloe B Vice-Captains: Maisie P and Daisy M
QGSSSA TENNIS
Maddie S, Amy S, Emily L, Maddy J, Sankeerthi C and Nikhilia C
Congratulations to our Tennis Captain: Maddie S Vice-Captains: Emily L and Elizabeth M
QGSSSA HOCKEY
Ella-Jaye H-L, Zoe T, Niamh d- J, Ella Y, Amelie P, Brogan T, Tayden T, Caitlin M, Jazelle C, Charlotte P, Marcelle T, Lucy F, Josie B, & Isabelle G
Congratulations to our Hockey Captain: Tayden T Vice-Captains: Niamh d J, Amelie P and Zoe T
ST PETERS ROWING OPEN 1st VIII CREW
Megan B, Niamh S, Poppy Y, Mac B, Jess M, Laura K, Robyn M, Tiare R and Olivia A
Congratulations to our Rowing Captains: Megan B and Robyn M Vice-Captain: Tiare R and Jess M
WINTER FIXTURES - NETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, HOCKEY & TENNIS
Congratulations to all girls on the way they represented St Peters last Saturday in the first round of QGSSSA Winter Fixtures. It’s always great to get the first games played so our teams and coaches can move forward with their training plans for the season. It was a successful round for all sports against opponents St Margaret’s which was pleasing to see.
Round 2 this Saturday we take on Moreton Bay College which is always a great contest across the sports. Please watch for communication from your respective sport coordinators and keep an eye on the St Peters App for the weekly draw. Please ensure you arrive on time and in the correct St Peters uniform to prepare for your games. Please ensure you wear St Peters Senior Jerseys or tracksuit tops, no hoodies please. No crocs and slides also. Good luck to all teams.
Date Claimers:
Round 2: Saturday 22 July v Moreton Bay College (Away) Round 3: Saturday 29 July v Clayfield College (Home) Round 4: Saturday 5 August v Somerville House (Away) Round 5: Saturday 12 August v Brisbane Girls Grammar School (Home) Round 6: Saturday 19 August v St Aidan’s (Away) Round 7: Saturday 26 August v Brisbane State High School (Home) Round 8: Saturday 2 September v Ipswich Girls Grammar School (Away) Round 9: Saturday 9 September v St Hilda’s (Home)
With balloon arrangements in full display and seemingly bottomless morning tea, the Netball Support Group certainly did their best to help launch the 2023 QGSSSA Netball season. In what was a double celebration it was great to welcome back some St Peters Netball Old Scholars, they enjoyed the SPOSA sponsored morning tea and were impressed with the on court action and the atmosphere of game day.
In the first round of fixtures, the 8A team were able to capitalise on the pre-season preparation and post a big win. The Year 7 teams were not so fortunate and although they put in a good effort it was not enough to overcome the determined St Margaret’s teams.
St Peters warmed up for the Second Round led by a courageous Open team who fought back from a seven goal deficit at one stage to narrowly scrape home with a one goal win. It was an exciting and hard-fought game, and the girls should take some confidence from their performance. The 9A team posted the biggest winning margin of the day and the 9B team capitalised on their defensive strength and kept the opposition to only two goals. Although the result was a little closer, the 10A team posted a win ensuring St Peters achieved a clean sweep of the round.
Round 3 continued in good form with the Senior A team dominating their opponent and posting a big win. The Senior B team also secured a win; however, the Senior C1 team went down fighting. The 10B1 team played a tough match which ended in a well deserved draw.
In a solo effort in Round 4 the 10B2 team posted a good win to finish off a successful day.
There is certainly room for improvement, however, a solid performance overall was enough for St Peters to secure the opening round and provide confidence for the season ahead.
Nicki Bygraves ; Game Day Manager
Round 2 Draw v Moreton Bay College: Saturday 22 July – Please CLICK HERE for the draw
Last week our Junior and Open teams commenced the season with victories against St Margaret’s. Opens were down early but fought back to post a 4-1 victory. It was a good test for us leading into much tougher opposition in Moreton Bay College. Juniors had a resounding victory with some experience absent from the team. An 11-2 victory was not expected but our next batch of Year 7 girls have injected some high levels of skill and energy. Big kudos to Aadya for being goalie in the absence of any volunteers.
Round 2 Draw v Moreton Bay College: Saturday 22 July – Please CLICK HERE for the draw
This past Saturday 15 July, the QGSSSA Winter Fixture Sports began their first round of the season against St Margaret’s. We kicked off the season with a great start, with five of our six teams having a win. It was wonderful to see everyone out on the court giving it their all. The results are shown below.
QGSSSA Round 1 Results - St Peters v St Margaret's
Opens - 36 to 6
Senior A - 30 to 16
Senior B - 33 to 19
Junior A - 16 to 30
Junior B - 32 to 30
Junior C - 35 to 26
Congratulations to everyone who played last Saturday, and good luck to the Open, Senior A and Junior A teams for Round 2, this Friday 21 July against Moreton Bay College.
Emily Lester Vice Captain
Round 2 Draw v Moreton Bay College Friday 21 July – Please CLICK HERE for the draw
Our Girls Senior Rowing Shed had their first hit out of the season last weekend at the South Queensland Schools Championships. Congratulations to our 1st VIII (Megan B, Niamh S, Poppy Y, Mac B, Laura K, Jess O, Robyn M, Tiare R and Olivia A) on their bronze medal in the Open VIII. Our Year 10 1st quad (Andie F, Maya M, Alex W, Sofia B and Ady W) did us proud to finish in fifth position in the Quad and congratulations to Maya M for making the final in the Year 10 single scull. We now turn our attention to the first BSRA regatta this Saturday 22 July with all out crews training well this week ahead of their first races.
BSRA Regatta 3# – St Peters Hosting Saturday 5 August
The 2023 BSRA Regatta #3 is on Saturday 5 August and is being hosted by the St Peters Rowing Parent Support Group.
Hosting this event is a large undertaking where the St Peters Rowing program organises and takes all profits from the catering of this event. It is anticipated that more than 2500 people attend this regatta. The hosting of this event is a large logistical undertaking facilitated by the Rowing Parent Support Group to ensure we take full advantage of this fundraising opportunity. Please could I ask all families to make themselves available to assist with bake sale items, lolly bags and drink donations the week before the Regatta and to plan to be at the regatta on Saturday 5 August to help.
I want to congratulate the girls on their amazing commitment at training this week. Fabulous work!
The coaches are all looking forward to seeing the routines come to fruition and are proud of the effort the girls are putting into their performances. Well done girls and great work everyone!
Please look out for further information regarding full-dress rehearsal and Rhythmic Gymnastics QGSSSA Competition. Details will be emailed by the end of this week. Remember it is important to email me if you’re unable to attend training.
Date Claimers:
St Margaret’s Anglican School lead up meet – Friday 21 July (Week 2) Full Dress Rehearsal – Wednesday 26 July (Week 3) QGSSSA Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships - Friday 4 August (Week 4).
I look forward to seeing you all on Friday for the St Margaret’s lead up meet!
Well done to all girls who have attended training over the first two weeks of Term 3. We need all girls who intend on representing the College at the QGSSSA Track & Field Championships to attend training regularly. It is important that you are consistently at training in the lead up to the first meet on Friday 4 August. Please check the St Peter App to ensure you know when sessions are on for Sprints, Middle Distance, Throws and Jumps. If you have any questions about the QGSSSA Track & Field program, please see Mr Lohe!
Date claimer – QGSSSA Track & Field Championships Thursday 14 September
TOUCH ALL SCHOOLS
To continue building the Touch Program, St Peters will be entering an U13, U15 & U18 teams into the All Schools Touch Competition to be held in Term 4 down the Gold Coast.
This exciting opportunity will give many of our girls the opportunity to continue to develop their Touch game.
Details have been emailed to the girls invited to play; any questions please contact Mr Bygraves – g.bygraves@stpeters.qld.edu.au
AFLQ SCHOOLS CUP
As we go to print, 21 Years 7 - 9 Australian Rules girls are representing St Peters at the Junior AFLQ Schools Cup Regional Finals held at Moreton Bay Central Sporting Complex.
After a fantastic qualifying round late last term, our girls will be competing in the six team competition where the top two teams will progress to the Quarter Finals.
Good luck girls and a big thank you to Mr Hicks, Mr Cant and Coach Dean for giving the girls this amazing opportunity.
DRESS CODE FOR WEEKEND SPORTING FIXTURES
When attending/watching any other St Peters sporting fixtures, 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.
Athletics Carnival
The athletics carnival has always been my favourite school event. The atmosphere, events, friendly competition and overall enjoyment make it a standout for me. This year, being my last, was no exception. Going out to UQ and utilising their facilities was a privilege that allowed me to take a break from the stress of Year 12 and enjoy sports. Competing and having fun with friends created unforgettable moments. Whether it was the intense sprints, house run or witnessing incredible performances in high and long jump, it's difficult to pick a favourite event. However, the turbo javelin event stands out in my mind. Another reason I love the athletics carnival is the inclusivity and support among participants. It was a perfect end to my house carnivals and I'm grateful to Mr Lohe for organising the event and providing us with the opportunity to visit UQ. Thank you to UQ for hosting us. Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to the Years 7-12 cohorts for their enthusiastic participation. The level of involvement made me incredibly happy.
Harry Barrat 2023 Sports Co-Captain
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:
