National Science Week - Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology
Term 3 is always one of the highlights of the school year for me. It is a time where we celebrate a range of curriculum areas important in our learning. We start the term with our French Celebration Day, move into Science Week, followed by Book Week as well as having annual Sport and Music events.
This week we celebrate National Science Week. It is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Established in 1997, National Science Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge. It also aims to encourage an interest in science pursuits within our community, and to encourage younger people to be fascinated by the world we live in.
How students engage with science learning in the classroom fits in with our inquiry framework as it encourages curiosity allowing students to explore their world and discover new things. We know through research that students learn by being active participants and testing their ideas through hands on materials. Hands on learning whether in the classroom or the Science lab continues to enhance critical thinking in our students where they challenge what is known and test ideas.
Science is and will continue to be one of the core learning areas in the Australian Curriculum. The prominence of the science discipline has been so noticeable with the recent virus outbreak – the dedicated teams of scientists creating the COVID vaccines, the importance of pathology with testing and genomic sequencing and the epidemiologists who are experts in the field of infectious diseases.
Science discovery and exploration is the key to our future as there are not too many areas of our life where science does not have a small to large impact.
This year the theme is Food: Different by Design. Our classes will take part in a range of activities that link to the theme as well as continue with their own science inquiry for the term.
Some of our Primary classes have shared their learning for this term:
Our Prep students are investigating materials and the understanding materials for purpose. They are building houses and testing if they are weatherproof.
Year 1 are researching Australian animals, where they live, what they eat and how they survive. Their culminating activity will be to create their own wildlife park and inquire into how they can care for places. They will be seeing all of the animals they are researching when they go on our excursion later in the term.
Debbie West-McInnes Head of Primary
Year 4 are exploring Chemical Sciences where students are provided opportunities to develop their understanding of the natural and processed materials and how they relate to use. Through investigations, students are exploring how to test the properties of natural and processed materials fairly and how to use this knowledge to choose materials wisely for a particular use.
Year 6 are investigating how electrical energy can be transferred and transformed in electrical circuits. This has involved testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations. Students have enjoyed lots of hands-on experiences with many ‘wow’ moments.
Albert Einstein said ‘The important thing is to never stop questioning!’
What's On
Thursday 19 August - Thursday 26 August, 2021
Thursday 19 August Community Focus Day Ipswich Cares
Tuesday 24 August 2022 Year 7 Parent Information Evening ICAS Science Year 12 QIMR Biology Excursion Parents and Friends Committee Meeting
Wednesday 25 August Book Week Author Visit Year 5 and 6 Debate 1
Thursday 26 August Book Week Parades
Ministry
Who is the masked person?
If you came onto the College campus these past two weeks you would see some great masks around the place. There are masks with flags and colours and logos, as well as the standard blue or white surgical masks. I had to smile at one cloth mast that I saw with the phrase 'I am smiling' printed on it. I count myself privileged to have been gifted a mask with 'SPLC Boarding' on it. (I am an Old Boarder). Our students have really worked hard to maintain the mask wearing requirements of these weeks.
Masks are often used in a sinister way to hide the face, such as a 'masked bandit'. We also commonly think of the mask that hides the real identity of a superhero. Back in the 1950s the popular American television show 'The Lone Ranger' would end with the hero riding away and then the people who had been rescued by the Lone Ranger, would turn to one another and ask the question, "Who is that masked man?”
Masks create an interesting space for our soul. People can’t see if we are smiling or if we are sad. In our everyday language, we often use the image of 'masks' to describe the way we seek to hide ourselves from others. We have probably all heard a friend say, “I have ‘put on’ my happy face today!”
And all the time we yearn to be known for who we are, including with our struggles and uncertainties.
Song writer Robin Mann wrote this yearning into his song, 'Who am I?'
1. Who am I? I'm so calm, they say; confident and cheerful, sure in every way. Ah, but am I really so secure? Whoever I am, dear God, you know I'm yours.
2. Who am I? I'm different than they say — got a restless heart that's aching, so wearily I pray; I'm like a bird that's caged behind closed doors. Whoever I am, dear God, you know I'm yours.
3. Who am I? Am I one or two? Full of strength, or weakness? Am I false or true? Though I never understand my flaws whoever I am, dear God, you know I'm yours.
Robin’s song is based on a poem by German Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer who was imprisoned and executed in 1945 by the Nazi Regime for his involved in a plot against German leader, Adolph Hitler. Bonhoeffer’s poem is included in the publication 'Letters and Papers from Prison', a book which gathers his reflections on his personal journey when he was locked in a cell or at times, walking about with guards and other prisoners.
Our gracious God who formed us, knows us fully. The Lord has known us from our beginnings to this day and the good news of Jesus declares that God knows us fully and loves us whoever we are.
“Whoever I am, dear God, you know I’m yours.”
The writer of Psalm 139 reminds us to pray to the one who knows us fully. Verses 1-3 of this Psalm teaches us to say,
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
God guide your steps through these unusual days of COVID restrictions.
Cheers, Pastor Paul
(Happy Science Week to all the scientists amongst us)
Arise Worship Service
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.
The ‘Partnering with Parents’ event for Term 3, brought about through a collaboration with our Parents and Friends Association, ‘Resilience for Parents’ is being held on Tuesday 7th September, 6.30pm.
Our guest speaker, Ben Pettingill, will share his personal experience of overcoming one of the toughest adversities a person could ever face; losing his eyesight, overnight at age 16.
Places are limited at this special event for both current and future Parents, Guardians and Caregivers of St Peters Lutheran College Springfield. Registration is essential for this ADULTS only event.
2022 Prep Orientation & Year 7 Parent Information Evening
2022 Prep Orientation
All families who are enrolled to start Prep in 2022 have been invited to our Prep Orientation and Parent Information Session on Friday 3 September. This is a great opportunity for parents and students to meet their teachers and fellow students for next year, familiarise themselves with the Prep environment and have fun! Please join us and register attendance by following the links provided in the personal invitation emailed to these families.
2022 Year 7 Parent Information Evening
All families enrolled to start Year 7 in 2022 have been invited to our Year 7 Parent Information Evening. The evening will provide important information, introduce key members of staff and explain how we support students with the transition from Primary to Secondary school. Please join us and register attendance by following the links provided in the personal invitation emailed to these families.
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)
The ICAS competitions are being conducted at school on the following dates:
Science – Tuesday 24 August 2021
Mathematics – Monday 30 August 2021
Each of the sessions will be conducted as follows:
Years 6-10 | 8:30am-9:40am
Years 3-5 | 11:00am – 12:15pm
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
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
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:
Students who have elected to participate will be supervised by Ms Susan Levitt. 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 past papers available to download, can be found on the ICAS website: https://www.icasassessments.com/icas-past-papers/ Please note: there is a cost to purchase past papers.
Susan Levitt Prep-Year 6 Curriculum Leader: Assessment and Reporting
School Holiday's Code Camp
Code Camp will be running an Animation Camp during the next school holidays from Tuesday 28 – Wednesday 29 September. Register between 26 August and 29 August and use the code SPRINGFIELD25 to receive a $25 discount.
The Arts
Music News, Week 6 Term 3
Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod
Congratulations to Ruby W, who performed successfully during the recent Speech and Drama Eisteddfod.
Welcome
We welcome Miss Katelyn Hoffman to our community. Miss Hoffman is a preservice teacher and will be with us for 5 weeks. She is a clarinet player and pianist and is keen to be involved with classes and ensembles.
Music During Lockdown
Sadly, with COVID restrictions still in place, our Music ensembles have been forced to take a break. We are hoping to recommence rehearsals next week, dependent upon health advice.
I recently found this article about a German study that revealed how music has helped people cope with emotional stress during lockdowns.
The influence of music on the brain and body has been a steadily growing field of research. It has long been proven that music can trigger feelings of happiness; it is used in various therapies, and it can slow down the heart rate.
Melanie Wald-Fuhrmann, director of Max Planck Institute of Empirical Aesthetics, remarked, “During the lockdown, it was not the music but the conscious interaction with music that was crucial in coping with the situation.”
More than half of the 5000 participants reported that they listened to music to cope with emotional and social stress. In extreme situations, we usually turn to our dearest people, which was not possible during the lockdown. Music with its comforting quality contributed to filling this emotional void.
Social isolation, the threat of unemployment, and home schooling has been taking a toll on people emotionally and psychologically. Several music groups have begun writing and re-working songs that refer to the difficulties of the pandemic, giving rise to the term “Coronamusic”.
Music’s positive factors are undisputed. Music releases endorphins and has a positive effect on our well-being. It has even been shown to help form antibodies, thus strengthening our immune systems.
So switch on your playlist, tap your toe and sing along – you are doing yourself a favour.
Sport
QGSSSA Girls Sport
Girls Sport Coordinator – Anne-Marie Champion
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." – Henry Ford
It is so great to be back at school for the second week now, we love seeing the students smiles, laughter and general buzz of activity around the College.
Last Thursday we were thrilled to see the recommencement of Sport training sessions for all our Term 3 Girls Sports - Rowing, Track & Field, Netball, Volleyball, Tennis and Hockey. These sessions, though under tight restrictions due to the current guidelines put in place by QLD Health, have been enjoyed by all the girls. We must again thank our coaches for adapting the drills and skills to allow the girls to get back training in preparation for what we hope will be fixtures/regattas/meets commencing very soon.
We can now confirm fixtures will recommence on Saturday 28 August. GREAT NEWS!!
Winter Fixtures – Netball, Volleyball, Hockey & Tennis
Round 7: Saturday 28 August v Moreton Bay College (Away)
Round 8: Saturday 4 September v St Hilda’s (Away)
Round 9: Saturday 11 September v Ipswich Girls Grammar School (Home)
BSRA Rowing Regattas
Saturday 28 August
Head of the River – Sunday 5 September
QGSSSA Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
Wednesday 1 September
QGSSSA Track & Field Championships
Thursday 16 September
With no Winter Fixtures on Saturday morning I made the most of the opportunity to venture to the Rowing sheds to join the Year 9 Rowing 1st Quad on the water for what was a solid session to make up for time off the water. I was so impressed with the girls - Mac B, Laura K, Jess Mc & Yvette M - their coxswain Alexandria C was unfortunately still in quarantine, so Old Scholar Lauren R filled in. I couldn’t help but admire the girls; they worked so hard, their commitment to their sport and the pride in representing St Peters was so great to see. I can’t wait to hear how they go at the next regatta!
I really must make special mention of our Rowing Coordinator Peter Hicks. Pete does an unbelievable job all the time but his work to get the girls rowing again under the tight COVID-19 restrictions was logistically challenging. Well done Pete, St Peters is lucky to have you leading our Rowing Program.
TERM 4 GIRLS SPORT SIGN ON
QGSSSA AFL|QGSSSA BADMINTON |QGSSSA JUNIOR SOFTBALL | BWPI WATER POLO
We are excited to be offering a variety of Girls Sport in Term 4 and we ask parents to please remind your daughters to sign on, an email was sent to all girls on Tuesday morning.
Next term we have the exciting addition of AFL to the list of Girls Sports in Term 4. AFL is one of the fastest growing girls’ sports in the country and with the Brisbane Lions girls winning the premiership this year there is no better time to start this great sport in our schools.
In Term 4, the QGSSSA is introducing AFL Skill Development Sessions and Gala Days in preparation for the introduction of AFL as a competition in 2022.
Also, on offer in Term 4 is Badminton, Junior Softball & Water Polo.
REMINDER – THE GIRLS MUST COMPLETE THEIR COMMITMENTS TO THEIR IN-SEASON SPORTS, THESE TAKE PRIORITY OVER PRE-SEASON SPORTS.
If the girls choose more than one sport, communication is the key, please advise the respective sport coordinator at the start of the season.
The QGSSSA is introducing AFL Skill Development Sessions and Gala Days in preparation for the introduction of AFL as a competition in 2022.
This Term 4 opportunity is open to all girls in Year 7 – Year 11
It is important to note, AFL will be offered for Year 10, 11 & 12 girls in Term 1 next year, The GIRLS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY SOFTBALL & AFL, they will have to choose one.
Year 7, 8 & 9 AFL will be played in Term 4 next year.
Further details will be provided once sign on is complete, but you are committing to the following Skill Development Sessions and Gala Days.
The 2021 – 2022 BWPI Water Polo Season trials will be held during training times in Weeks 9 & 10, further details will be advised (no Sunday trials this year).
It is important for selection that all girls attend all training sessions/trials.
A few key points to consider before signing on to Water Polo
The season runs for Term 4 2021 & Term 1 2022 – THE COMMITMENT IS FOR BOTH TERMS.
Training sessions are held in the 50m pool in the evenings.
There is a fee associated to playing Water Polo for St Peters – further details to follow.
Training details and times to follow once you have signed on
Our GIRLS SPORT Term 3 Sport Coordinators for 2021 are
The past week, whilst challenging, we have been able to experience some positives and it was great to have the St Peters students back at school with some degree of normality. We were also very fortunate to be able to recommence (some training for our Term 3 sports of Tennis, Basketball and Track & Field.
Moving forward, the AIC Term 3 sporting season is set to recommence from this Saturday’s Round 4 (21 August). Under current Covid restrictions, our teams will continue to train this week in readiness for this Saturday’s Round 4 games of Basketball and Tennis verse St Laurence’s College.
Round 4 (Saturday 21 August) verse St Laurence’s College (Seniors Home / Juniors Away)
Round 5 (Saturday 28 August) verse St Patrick’s College (Seniors Away / Juniors Home)
Round 7 (Saturday 11 September) verse Iona College (Seniors Home / Juniors Away)
With regards to St Peters AIC Track & Field, we are hoping that the AIC Track & Field Championship will go ahead as scheduled on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 October. Our track & field athletes are encouraged to maintain their regular training, strength and fitness.
We do ask that all students please check their emails for updates and information. Whilst we have not yet resumed to full normal training at St Peters, we do strongly encourage all students participating in Basketball, Tennis and/or Track & Field to still maintain a high level of training and sport specific exercise.
For more information pertaining to St Peters Boys Sport, especially details about this Saturday’s Round 4 fixtures, please check the St Peters App.
Our AIC Term 3 Boys Sport Coordinators for 2021 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.
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:
