On the morning I sat to write, I had two doses of good news which I briefly share here. The first was the good news that all the staff at the Peak Thai Restaurant at Springfield have been cleared of COVID-19 including family members. I am thankful that burden has been lifted from the restaurant staff and the College family most directly involved, though the significant consequences of the irresponsible actions of a couple young adults continues to be deeply and widely felt. It has provided a keen reminder to us all as to how precarious our situation is and the importance that we are aware, responsible and discerning (to pick three highly relevant qualities off our Graduate Tree).  

I do thank the parent community, once again, for your understanding and support. I have had contact with many families in the past week and without exception, while driven out of fear, worry or concern, there has been a right spirit and heart ultimately committed to discerning the best actions in light of the responsibilities of their vocations as parents, community members and workers for which I am grateful.

A second dose of good news received today is that we have another Year 11 student seeking immediate enrolment at
St Peters Springfield, joining the seven Year 11 students who commenced this semester who have come from a range of independent and state schools including the Queensland Academy at Toowong.

We are delighted to see families and senior students choosing to change to St Peters knowing they will be supported to achieve their academic and educational goals and well prepared for post-school pathways regardless of whether that be to university, into the workforce or onto vocational training. 

Another common decision driver is the desire for a healthily balanced, holistic education that values the student for who they are as a person, and who they are becoming. As a Lutheran school, the formation of the whole person for the whole of life is something that we are deeply committed to. 

I have three adult sons – they have all chosen different pathways and have different capabilities, academic and otherwise, but the real test is who they are as young men, the character and qualities they demonstrate daily through their vocations – in the work place, in the community, in their relationships and with family. It is their character, typically revealed in their decision making and attitudes, that will help them to flourish in life. It also gives me the greatest pride as a parent and ultimately drives what they accomplish and the regard they are held in by others. 

I conclude with the words of Sir Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica from ‘You, Your Child and School’: ‘What makes a good school? It should create the best conditions for your children to learn and develop: cognitive, affective, social and spiritual. It should bring out the best in them as individuals and help to develop the competencies they need to make their way in the world’.

What is it that we value most?

Craig Schmidt
Principal

Over the weekend I was privileged enough to head back to South Australia for my brother’s 50th birthday, very thankful that I was able to travel given the restrictions starting up again. While I’m proud to say I’m a true Queenslander (having been born just outside of Ironbark at Crows Nest), I spent most of my formative years in South Australia. All of my family are still down South, and as soon as I head out of Adelaide Airport, I feel like I’m coming home.

Home for me always meant noisy chatter, a fair bit of chaos, pets and children running around the house like mad things, friends and family stopping by, and the smell of good home cooking. Things have quieted down a fair bit at my mother’s place now, but that enduring memory can often become reality again. The first thing mum organised was a big family dinner. All the siblings, partners, grandkid (and the odd pet or two) filled the house, bringing food, lending a hand to peel veggies and mix dessert, to share a bottle of wine or three, to sympathise over illnesses and to celebrate achievements and milestones. The house was filled with chatter, laughter, good-natured teasing…all the chaos of home that I remembered as a young girl. Then we sat down around the big family table, and as we shared the meal and I knew that I was truly home.

That ritual of sharing time together, of working together to prepare the food, and finally coming together to eat the meal is such an important one. In the food and fellowship we are strengthened and nurtured – food for the body as well as the soul. When I think of those family meals, I start to understand why Jesus instituted the meal that we call Holy Communion – the Eucharistic meal. We come together as a Christian family when we eat together, we talk and celebrate as a community around that meal.

In this day and age, where larger gatherings and restrictions come and go, it is sometimes difficult to gather together as we would like. But just as my family still manages to gather around zoom and Facetime when we are apart, so we find ways of being community, of sharing time together, and even sharing the meal (carefully) on a Sunday morning. God’s Spirit still moves through our community building us up and bringing us together whatever the future may bring.

Chaplain Kirsten
St Peters Indooroopilly College

Arise is a Christian Community where people gather each Sunday morning at 9am in the St Peter’s Hub, to meet Jesus the Light of the World. "Arise, shine, your light has come!" Isaiah 60:1

All are welcome.

The video on Facebook is of the complete worship service.

View video of worship service

The ICAS competitions are being conducted at school on the following dates:

• Science – Wednesday 19 August  2020
• English – Wednesday 26 August  2020
• Mathematics – Tuesday 1 September 2020

Each of the sessions will be conducted as follows:

• Years 3 – 4  - 8:15am - 9:35am
• Years 5 – 10 - 11:00am – 12:35pm

Science

ICAS Science does not test knowledge of science although the questions may assume some knowledge appropriate to the students’ age. All the information that the students need to respond to the question is provided in the stimulus. The papers cover content on:

• Earth and Beyond
• Energy and Change
• Life and Living
• Natural and Processed Materials

Students are assessed across the key scientific areas of:

• Observing and measuring: Noting and measuring features of items and phenomena
• Interpreting: Interpreting data in diagrams, tables and graphs
• Predicting and concluding: Inferring information from data
• Investigating: Experimental design, use of controls and notion of ‘fair test’
• Reasoning and problem solving

English

ICAS English assesses reading and language skills in a range of contexts. The following aspects of texts are assessed and reported:

• Text comprehension
• The writer’s craft in selecting particular text types, vocabulary and techniques
• Vocabulary

The questions require students to locate, identify, sequence, explain, interpret, analyse and infer information in and about texts. Students read a variety of texts which narrate, describe, explain, argue, persuade and review. These include extracts from picture books, novels, poems, play scripts, transcripts of interviews, letters, diary entries, advertisements, web pages, feature articles, opinion pieces and comic strips. These texts cover a range of topics and may include tables, diagrams, maps and other visual information.

Mathematics

Students are assessed across five key skill areas:

• Algebra and patterns: Patterns of numbers, relationships between numbers and the use of symbols to stand for unknown or variable numbers
• Chance and data: Mathematical treatment of data and statistics
• Measures and units: Properties of the physical world that can be measured, the units used to measure them and the process of measurement
• Number and arithmetic: Types of numbers, their properties and number operations
• Space and geometry: Properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional space

In 2020, ICAS competitions will be undertaken online. Students in Years 4 – 10 will access the web-based platform using their devices, while Year 3 will be provided with access to a device. Please note, the iPad mini is not supported by the ICAS testing platform. Prior to testing, compliance tests will be conducted on devices. Students may find it helpful to familiarise themselves with the testing platform using the Practice Interaction Test: https://unswglobal.janisoninsights.com/auth/onetimecode?sessionCode=HFBFCTWG&otc=KXPRWMDH&isSampleTest=true

Students who have elected to participate will be supervised by Ms Susan Levitt and Ms Lauren Head. They are to bring the following to each of the competition sessions:

• * A compatible device
• * Pen/pencil for working out

Please note, students are not to bring a calculator or other electronic devices, such as translators or dictionaries. If a calculator is permitted, students must use the online calculator provided within the testing platform.

Further information, including practice tests, can be found at the UNSW Educational Testing Centre website: https://www.unswglobal.unsw.edu.au/educational-assessments/products/icas-assessments/

Susan Levitt
Prep-Year 6 Curriculum Leader: Assessment and Reporting

The Springfield St Peters Parents & Friends Committee worked hard to raise money for our new amazing educational STEM kits. These LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 kits have been an invaluable contribution for our students in the classroom and also in helping them to prepare for their future.

Our Year 9 students have been applying their developing Python programming skills and learning about Robotics and Autonomous Systems using LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 kits. Extending students from the well-known ‘block programming’ methods typically used with LEGO Robotics, LEGO has recently released the ability to program with MicroPython which has presented our students the opportunity to learn a useful object-oriented programming language which can be used not only in the context of robotics here at school but in many other endeavours into the future.

Year 9 Technologies teacher Mr Nathan Beveridge says, “the need for students to engage with computational thinking and programming is a priority for teachers addressing the requirements of Australian Curriculum – Technologies." He also believes teachers must prepare students for jobs of the future and to be active citizens in a world in which robotics and automated systems feature across many aspects of day-to-day life and work.

In 2015 the Committee for Economic Development of Australia released data indicating there is high probability that 40 per cent of Australia’s workforce, more than five million people, could be replaced by automation within the next 10 to 20 years…that was five years ago. Australian Government research also suggests around 70% of young Australians get their start in the world of work in occupations that will be highly affected by automation.

“Not everybody needs to become a programmer or roboticist,” says Mr Beveridge. “However, preparing students with fundamental knowledge and skills in computer science, problem solving, design thinking and engineering skills along with an understanding of the possibilities of STEM careers and tertiary study is, in my view, vital for preparing our students for a future in a post-industrial age.”

A special thank you to our Parents & Friends Committee for raising money for these amazing educational STEM kits, this has been an invaluable contribution for our students in the classroom and also in helping them to prepare for their future.

How much DNA is in a strawberry? Ask any Year 10 student and they will tell you it is a lot and that it looks like wet cotton wool. As part of their studies on genetics 10T extracted DNA from a strawberry and collected the genomic strands with a hook. The methodology they used of lysis and extraction mirrors the same technique used in laboratories world-wide, albeit with more precise solutions and equipment.

A quest to learn more about the nervous system sent Year 11 Biology students thigh deep into a chicken maryland. After skinning their portion, they carefully detached muscles and tendons from the bone to reveal the sought after nerves.  In the process they learned that nerves are very soft and fragile and are closely associated with the muscles.  This helped them extrapolate how motor nerves control movement in the human body (as well as in a chicken).

This week, our Year 6 students were extremely excited to receive their 2020 Leadership shirts. They will wear these commemorative shirts on sports uniform days so that they are recognisable on the playground, as leaders and helpers for the Primary years.

Each of the shirts has ‘Leader 2020’ and the St Peters school crest embroided on the front. Students were  are also able to personalise their shirts by nominating their own special nickname for the back.  

Year 3 students were very excited to investigate the past, by exploring Beenleigh Historical Village during the week. They participated in four different demonstrations including an old printing shop with a push-pedal printer, an old school with a very strict teacher, a talented blacksmith and a brave woodcutter. After the demonstrations, students explored the village, where they discovered many old objects, houses and machinery. Our Year 3 students thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They will be looking forward to using this new information in class discussions and to support their history tasks during the term.

Music educators know that music learning helps to develop a wide range of executive functions, such as impulse control, attention, memory and creativity. You’ll understand why music learning is considered a full body work out for the brain after watching this video by psychologist, Deborah Phillips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdo0h3DQQmw

Arts Events for Semester Two

The Creative Arts Department has been continuing to work on repertoire, while being careful to maintain physical distancing and hygienic practices. Conductors and ensembles are working towards performances for uploading to be enjoyed by families  and friends at a safe distance.  

Congratulations to all students from Years 3 – 12 who represented the College over the weekend. From our WDNA Primary Girls Netball, QGSSSA Winter Fixtures to the final pool games for AIC Basketball and Tennis. We have over 200 students training and representing the College at the moment which is fantastic to see.

A reminder to parents and students that we continue to operate in uncertain times and need to maintain vigilance in our approach to Sport by following COVID safe practices. We would like to remind you of the importance of good health hygiene practices to help keep our community safe and well. These include:

• Hand washing;
• Social distancing;
• Covering noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing; and
• Staying home if unwell.
• Following COVID Site plans for any venues that you visit at St Peters or opposition schools

We look forward to another great week of sport.

Inter House Track and Field Carnivals

With the traditional Inter House Track and Field Carnivals cancelled for 2020, we are aiming to provide students with a modified Inter House Carnival for this year.

To provide all students will an opportunity to represent their House, the following will take place:

• Monday 10th August – Junior High (Year 7 – 9) Inter House Track and Field
• Monday 17th – August - Senior School (Year 10 – 12) Inter House Track and Field
• Thursday 27th – August - Upper Primary (Year 4 – 6) Inter House Track and Field
• Tuesday 15th – September - Lower Primary (Prep – 3) Inter House Track and Field

Events and activities will be run throughout the day ensuring all COVID Safe practices are followed with students competing in year groups NOT age groups. Students may wear their house coloured t-shirts for the duration of their respective days. We look forward to these days of colour, fun and participation.

Girls Sport Coordinator: Anne-Marie Champion

QGSSSA STATEMENT – COVID UPDATE: Rounds 4 & 5 Winter Fixtures – Released Tuesday 4 August 2020

Please see attached for the latest update from the QGSSSA re ‘NO SPECTATORS’ for Rounds 4 & 5.

CHANGE OF DATE

Winter Fixture Sports – Netball, Volleyball, Tennis & Hockey

Round 5 v St Margaret’s has been moved from Saturday 15 August to Friday 14 August. This change has been made to allow the girls to play their sport on Friday morning and then they are free to enjoy the long weekend with their families.

Round 3 v Somerville House was a great day for St Peters Girls Sport. It was so good to see all Winter Fixture Sports get underway, well done to all involved, great results across all age groups and wins to all Open teams in Netball, Volleyball, Hockey & Tennis.

Congratulations to our St Peters QGSSSA Open Tennis team who won the Brisbane West Teams event last Friday at the Queensland Tennis Centre. Our Open team of Zara L, Tahlia K, Sophie J & Hayley J will now progress to the State Final later in the year – well done girls. 

Our Rowing girls are ready to go for the first Regatta of the 2020 season this Saturday at Wyaralong Dam. Well done on all your hard work in the preseason - good luck girls!

QG Track & Field training continues this week and our T & F Coordinators Mr Nodwell, Mr Donatini and Mr Lohe are excited as they prepare for the QG Track & Field Championship on Thursday 17 September (Student Free Day at the end of this Term) – that is six weeks away! 

Please Note: QGSSSA UQ Track & Field Meets for Friday 7/8, 14/8 & 21/8 have been cancelled.

Please watch for further details of Track & Field Meets at Sheldon College on Friday 21/8, 28/8 & 4/9.

Run Club / Middle Distance Running continues to draw large numbers of girls enjoying the Mrs Schreiber running sessions. Further details can be found on the St Peters App.

Good luck to our Netball, Volleyball, Hockey, Tennis for the Round 4 fixtures v Brisbane State High School this Saturday.

Go Saints!

QG NETBALL

Coordinator: Mrs Anne-Marie Champion – a.champion@stpeters.qld.edu.au

The Netball Round 4 Draw v BSHS for this Saturday 8 August can be found on the St Peters App

Round 3 Wrap v Somerville House

What a great day for St Peters Netball! Last Saturday, a home game round at our Harts Road Courts, our girls not only looked amazing in their new dresses but delivered on the court. With wins in 10 from the 15 games, an improvement from 2019 which is a credit to our amazing coaches and hard work from the girls.

Trainings are going well with great attendance across all year levels which is pleasing to see – well done girls and thank you to all our Parents for your support.

Saint Challenge Cup continued Friday afternoon with courts pumping with games of Netball. Thank you to our Boarders who came in great numbers with so much enthusiasm which created an amazing atmosphere. Year 7 Development girls - wow the improvement has been huge and their dedication to training has been so rewarding for myself and our coaches – Well done Girls.

We look forward to more of our Senior Development Girls getting down to the courts this Friday afternoon as we are playing for the ‘Mentos Cup’ – thanks to our Head Coach Tracey for creating our weekly trophies.

We look forward to a full draw of games this Saturday as we take on the powerhouse of Brisbane State High School – good luck girls!

QG VOLLEYBALL

Coordinator: Mr Josh Singh – j.singh@stpeters.qld.edu.au

The Volleyball Round 4 Draw v BSHS for this Saturday 8 August can be found on the St Peters App.

Round 3 Wrap v Somerville House

Round 3 saw St Peters Volleyball Girls come up against a strong Somerville House. Overall, it was great to see our girls working hard to set up plays with 3 touches, rather than putting the ball over. The run continues for the undefeated teams (7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 10B, Senior A, Senior B1 and Opens), it is great to see them enjoying their training during the week with great attendance and its clearly showing on the weekends. Congratulations also goes to the 7C, 8B who have registered their first win for the season. We look forward to seeing all teams in action this weekend against Brisbane State High School or internal games this Friday afternoon at the St Peters Gym.

QGSSSA Volleyball Team of the Week:

• 7A - Holly V
• 7B - Louise M
• 7C - Seraya K
• 8A - Emilia M
• 8B - Brienna G
• 9A - Helena B
• 9B - Grace E
• 10A - Paige F
• 10B - Emilia M
• 10C - Kate N
• Snr A - Jess P
• Snr B1 - Laura S
• Opens - Charlotte G

QG HOCKEY

Coordinator: Mr Cameron Glass – c.glass@stpeters.qld.edu.au

The Hockey Round 4 Draw v BSHS for this Saturday 8 August can be found on the St Peters App.

Round 3 Wrap v Somerville House

Last Saturday we had a very successful hockey fixture against Somerville, coming away with wins for Seniors and Opens and a draw in the Juniors. It was great to be back on turf and playing at a venue familiar to all. Improvements to our defending were evident and it was great to see us score some goals. Moving forward we will continue to work on passing with a slightly raised ball to bypass flat sticks and we also need to work on our short corner variations to ensure we capitalise on these opportunities during the game. Great debut game at SPLC for Lucie and good luck to Bianca who leaves us for Ironbark.

QG TENNIS

Coordinator: Mrs Renata Franco – r.franco@stpeters.qld.edu.au

The Tennis Round 4 Draw v BSHS for this Saturday 8 August can be found on the St Peters App.

Round 3 Wrap v Somerville House

Saturday morning provided a sunny start to the QG Tennis season. All players were in high spirits and keen to hit the courts following a delayed start to the season. For a number of our players this was their very first game with our QG Tennis team and it was great to see these players take the courts and use their new skills. Well done to our Opens and Senior A teams for winning their divisions and congratulations to all players for their hard work and dedication to their teams so far this season.

BSRA ROWING

Coordinator: Mr Peter Hicks – p.hicks@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Good luck to the Rowing girls at the first Regatta of the 2020 season out at Wyaralong Dam this Saturday. 

The girls have been training exceptionally hard on the water and in the gym over the past two months to be ready for this season.   

Girls are required to be at the Indooroopilly internal bus stop at 5.20am in preparation for a 5.30am departure via bus. 

Reminder - Please contact Mr Hicks if you are unable to attend training, preferably the night before to allow the coaches to plan the session.

QGSSSA TRACK & FIELD

Coordinators: Mr Luke Donatini – L.Donatini@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Mr Shaun Nodwell – s.nodwell@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Mr Jeremy Lohe – J.Lohe@stpeters.qld.edu.au

DATE CLAIMER – QGSSSA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS – Thursday 17 September

Please Note: QGSSSA UQ Track & Field Meets for Friday 7/8, 14/8 & 21/8 have been cancelled.

Please watch for further details of Track & Field Meets at Sheldon College on Friday 21/8, 28/8 & 4/9.

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. 

Boys Sport Coordinator: Luke Donatini

AIC Basketball and AIC Tennis Finals Round – This Friday evening and Saturday will see all our AIC Basketball and Tennis teams compete in their Finals round. It is extremely important that all players of both sports know exactly where and when they are playing. As each AIC college is hosting a year level, all our teams and games are spread across multiple venues.

Please ensure that all players, coaches and parents carefully check this weekend’s Finals Draws on the St Peters App.

As we are still operating under the AIC guidelines with regards to COVID management, this weekend once again there will be no spectators at AIC Basketball and Tennis – Years 5 to 11. All students playing in Open Teams (1st, 2nds, 3rds) may have one (1) spectator/parent attend.

Please also be aware of the various drop off and pick up areas allocated at each sporting venue.

St Peters Sports House wishes every St Peters Basketball and Tennis team the very best of success as they represent their college with pride and enthusiasm in the Finals Round.

Any further information required, please contact the respective sport coordinators.

AIC Tennis Coordinator:
Mr Matt Stubbings – M.Stubbings@stpeters.qld.edu.au

AIC Basketball Coordinator:
Mr Orhan Memedovski – O.Memedovski@stpeters.qld.edu.au

AIC Football, AIC Rugby and AIC Chess – It was great to have some of our Rugby and Football teams compete on Saturday afternoon/evening verse St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe.

Overall, it was a very successful start to what should be a competitive season of Football and Rugby.

Football – Firsts drew (2 -2), 2nds won (3-0), 10A won (2-0)

Rugby – First won (14 -7), 2nds lost (14-5), 10A won (29-20)

We encourage all boys who are participating in these sports to ensure they know when their training is on (please check the St Peters App). For all students who are also participating in either Basketball or Tennis Finals this Saturday, please be reminded that attending Basketball or Tennis training takes priority over Rugby or Football as they are the ‘In-Season’ sports.

This coming Saturday 8 August, our 10A, 2nds and 1st Rugby teams will compete against Ambrose Treacy College away at Ambrose Treacy College.

Our St Peters 1st Football team will take on the St Peters Old Scholars in their annual pre-season match up this Saturday afternoon at St Peters.

If you have any questions pertaining to the up and coming Rugby, Football or Chess season (last 4 weeks of Term 3), please contact the coordinator.

AIC Football Coordinator:
Mr Nathan Edwards – N.Edwards@stpeters.qld.edu.au

AIC Rugby Coordinators:
Mr Juan Gouws –  J.Gouws@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Mr Trent Hacking – T.Hacking@stpeters.qld.edu.au

AIC Chess Coordinator:
Mr Gil Bygraves – G.Bygraves@stpeters.qld.edu.au

AIC Cross Country – Next week St Peters Boys Cross Country Team will compete at Curlew Park, Shorncliffe at the annual AIC Cross Country Championships on Wednesday 12 August. 

This Friday 7 August Mr Tim Hotzur (Head of College) and Mrs Lisa Delany (Deputy Head of College) will assist Mrs Schreiber in presenting all our Open Runners (and Captains James Davies and Lachy Mather) with their St Peters Cross Country Opens Shirts. It is an honour for these boys to be running for our College as our Opens and leaders of St Peters Cross Country.

Please refer to the St Peters App for further details pertaining to training times and the schedule of races of Wednesday 12 August.

We wish every competing St Peters runner the best of success in the last preparations and at the AIC Cross Country Championships.

For more specific information pertaining to AIC Cross Country, please contact the below coordinator:

AIC Cross Country Coordinator:
Mrs Kerry Schreiber – K.Schreiber@stpeters.qld.edu.au

AIC Track & Field – Great news, in these uncertain COVID times of larger gatherings, we have been able to potentially secure some invitational meets with other Colleges. Currently we are anticipating the following:

Sheldon College Invitational Meets

• Friday Afternoon / Evening 21 August – Distance & Jumps (Years 7-12)
• Friday Afternoon / Evening 28 August – Sprints & Throws (Years 7-12)

Please note - these are still in ‘draft’ format and may change. Full details will be published on the St Peters App and all Track & Field athletes alerted when final details are available.

Added to above, we are working had to secure more competitive opportunities for our St Peters Track & Field Squad.

For specific training details we ask all students and parents to refer to the St Peters App for times and locations of event group training.

For more specific information pertaining to AIC Track & Field, please contact the below coordinators:

AIC Track & Field Coordinators:
Mr Luke Donatini – L.Donatini@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Mr Jeremy Lohe – J.Lohe@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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: