Appreciation is a wonderful thing: it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. Voltaire

On Monday night, an email from one of our Year 9 students dropped into my inbox. Nothing unusual about that—I receive emails from students regularly, requesting subject changes, asking for assessment extensions or seeking permission for a uniform variation but this one was a total surprise. The student had taken the time to write, on behalf of his class, about the teaching and learning happening in their classroom and how much they appreciated what their teacher was doing to help them garner a deep understanding of the subject content.

Driving home that night, I reflected on the joy this email had engendered. Mt delight sprang from the sentiment expressed—appreciation. How often do we take the time to write an email, send a card, hold a conversation in which we acknowledge our appreciation of the actions of friends, family, teachers and coaches?

Appreciating or recognising the positive qualities of someone or something flows into gratitude, one of the qualities on our graduate tree. Being grateful for the blessings that enrich our lives leads us to compassion, described by the late British educator, Sir Ken Robinson, as the living expression of the Golden Rule to treat others as you would have them treat you.  (What a wonderful world we would live in if we all adopted that as our guiding principle.)

However, appreciation not only warms the heart of the recipient, it also encircles the one expressing the appreciation. Positive perceptions of the world are strengthened and wellbeing and happiness ensue. God hardwired us to be optimistic, hopeful and empathetic. When we deny those qualities and focus on the perceived injustice and unfairness of life, we default into ‘complain and moan’ mode.

At St Peters, we encourage our students to share their gratitude and appreciation openly and often. Writing notes to classmates, saying thank you to teachers and reflecting on what they have to be grateful for are an integral part of our Pastoral Care and Wellbeing programs. Do these humble acts have an impact? Do students see expressing appreciation and acknowledging gratitude as a ‘normal’ part of life? I think the fact that a Year 9 boy sat down at his computer at eleven minutes past five on a Monday evening answers that question.

Sue Grotherr
Head of Secondary School

Applications for invigilator roles for the upcoming Year 12 external exams are now open.

Invigilators are required to:

• attend allocated assessment sessions at assessment venues
• observe and report on the administration of assessments and the collection, counting and packing of materials at the end of assessments.

To be eligible for a QCAA invigilator role, community members must:

• hold a blue card or an exemption card
• be at least 18 years of age
• be eligible to work in Australia
• have photographic identification
• have a personal email address
• have a mobile phone
• have access to a computer, the internet and a printer
• supply names and contact details of two referees

Before applying, community members should read the Position description: Invigilators and Invigilator frequently asked questions available at:

www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/assessment/external-assessment/qcaa-invigilators

For any further information, please email eainvigilators@qcaa.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3074 7574.

Should you be planning to move your child/ren to another school next year, please remember that it is a requirement of your enrolment contract to give one term’s notice. You can email our Enrolments Officer at s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au to advise if you are planning to leave St Peters Springfield or if you have any queries.

Did you know?

The Blue Card system is changing from 31 August 2020 with a 'No Card, No Start' policy.

This means that paid employees and volunteers must hold a current Blue Card / Exemption Card or be issued with a Blue Card before commencing work at the College.

This does not apply to Teachers with current QCT Registration/Nurses with NMBA Registration.

If you are interested in working at our College, you may wish to consider how your application will affect your suitability for a position as holding a current Blue Card prior to commencing is an inherent requirement of all roles (excluding Teaching/Nursing)

Volunteers in our Community

Further to our last update, we would like to confirm that there is no requirement for parents to hold a Blue Card / Exemption Card while volunteering at the College (with the exception of if you are participating in a homestay, which falls under a separate category and has additional obligations). This extends to volunteering at events that are off site or outside of normal school hours (e.g: sports, a weekend activity) provided that it is connected with the College and your child is a current student.

Other family members (e.g: Grandparent, Aunty/Uncle, Godparent etc) may be required to obtain a volunteer blue card if they are volunteering in a child-related setting for more than 7 days in total in a calendar year (regardless of whether this is in a row or not and regardless of if this is at St Peters or not).

It is a compliance requirement that all employees/volunteers/independent contractors who are required to hold a Blue Card/Exemption Card are linked to the College and this can be done by providing details of their Blue Card / Exemption Card to People & Culture.

Any questions? Please contact Blue Card Services directly or email People & Culture.

In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me (Jonah 2:2). Read Jonah 2:1–10

Recently in Primary Years we’ve been retelling the story of Jonah. It’s a fantastic story and the kids love it, but one bit we often overlook is the prayer Jonah prays, sitting in the belly of a large fish, waiting on the Lord to rescue him. It’s easy to miss the beauty of the words, the strength of Jonah’s relationship with the Lord, and his growth in grace.

Jonah has been asked to take God’s message of repentance and forgiveness to the Ninevites, who are known for their vicious persecution of the Hebrews. He has refused and has gone in the opposite direction.

Now Jonah has seen God intervene. Caught in a supernatural storm, Jonah has claimed responsibility for the tempest and abandoned himself to the waves. And God has sent a huge fish to swallow Jonah. How undignified. How miraculous.

What follows is one of the most beautiful passages of biblical poetry outside the Psalms.

Interestingly, Jonah focuses not on the international incident he is about to become part of, but on his intimate relationship with almighty God. Jonah recognises the desperate nature of his current situation but also trusts in God to save him. He doesn’t know how or when, but he trusts that his deliverance will happen.

Jonah’s movements until now have been leading him deep down: down to Joppa, down into the boat, and down, down into the sea. So, having reached rock bottom, surrounded by digestive juices and fish food, Jonah repents.

Repentance is an ongoing and daily process. We repent, not so that God will accept us, but because he already has, and we want to be in that relationship with him where our will aligns with his. Jonah speaks repeatedly of ‘going down’, both into the belly of the fish and into the world of the dead, and God lifting him out of both situations.

Many in this world sit in isolation right now, either enforced physical isolation or in loneliness. What is the most important thing for us? Big world events, or our relationship with almighty God? We don’t know when we will be rescued or how we will be rescued, but we do know that ‘salvation comes from the Lord,’ (Verse 10).

May we sing a song of hope in God’s salvation, a tune of daily repentance, and a shout of praise to the One who lifts us out of the pit.

God of the seas, sky, and land, you showed Jonah that nothing is more important than a relationship with you. Hold your isolated people close. Show us the gift of your presence, and help us to sing of your salvation to a world in need of hope. In our Saviour’s name, we pray. Amen.

Arise is a Christian Community where people gather each Sunday morning at 9:00am in the St Peters 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 2020 St Peters Golf Day has been given the green light to proceed on Sunday 1 November at Brookwater Golf & Country Club. 

HOLE SPONSORS: We have had a positive response from our 2019 Sponsors but we are looking for additional Hole Sponsors for this year’s event. If you are interested in being a Hole Sponsor at the 2020 Golf Day please contact me for the Sponsorship document. There are some great benefits with being a sponsor.

PLAYERS: Registrations for the Golf Day will be open on Tuesday 08 September at https://www.stpeters.qld.edu.au/indooroopilly/news-events/events. For just $125.00 you receive a game of golf in a motorised buggy, breakfast and the after match function plus the opportunity to win some great prizes. You can register a team of four or individually and we will place you in a team. All players welcome.

Proceeds from the day will go to our many Service Learning Projects operating at the College.

We look forward to your support.

Calling future city builders. Those who dare to dream!

What will the future of Springfield City look like?

Students from schools within the Greater Springfield Learning Coalition are invited to submit their ideas for the Maha Sinnathamby Ideas and Imagination Award.

The Award encourages creativity. Students can submit their ideas their way (written response, illustration, visual presentation, video, etcetera).

To enter, simply answer the following (with your creative hat on!)

For Primary School students

1. If you were a city builder, what three things would you add to the design of the City of Springfield?

2. Springfield in the year 2050. What does your futuristic city look like?

For High School students

1. Dare to dream. What would your City of Springfield look like in 2050?

2. What, in your view, are the missing pieces in the Springfield City puzzle and why?

Email your submission to Sophia on s.arkinstall@springfieldcity.com by Friday 16 October 2020.

Winners will be announced by Friday 30 October 2020 with prizes for the winner and runner up in both categories.

Best of luck!

Many of our students have been working extremely hard on some fantastic Father’s Day presents in preparation for this Sunday. Using their outstanding creative talents students have been making cards, mugs, drawings and collages for dads, granddad’s and those special people in their lives. From all of us here at St Peters Springfield, we wish everyone a safe and happy Father’s Day this Sunday.

Origin’s popular Little Big Idea competition launched today for 2020 which encourages school age children to get involved with STEM and share their great ideas on assisting the community, improving people’s health and wellbeing, and creating a more sustainable future.

Unlike last year, we can’t send our Little Big Idea winners on an innovation adventure to NASA in the USA this year. Instead, the three brightest inventors will each receive $10,000 towards their education or further developing their idea. Plus, the top 12 finalists will receive $1,000 and one-on-one mentoring developed by Engineers Without Borders Australia. 

For more information visit the website:  https://littlebigidea.com.au

Congratulations to our following students for their academic accomplishments in Semester One.  Our students received Academic Achievement Awards earlier this term for significantly improving their Grade Point Averages. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate improvement and personal bests and we commend these students for their diligence and accomplishment. Well done everyone.

Our students seek many pathways into university and beyond school. We would like to congratulate the following students for embracing opportunities and for their accomplishments.  

Nathan J. – completed a Headstart course at USQ in Marketing, and received an A upon completion – which opens the door to direct entry to USQ in Business.

Gabrielle H. – completed a Certificate 2 in Sport and Recreation as well as a Certificate 3 in Fitness.

Emma W. – completed a Certificate 3 in Business.

All three have successfully completed these courses and qualifications alongside their academic programs and while maintaining their ATAR eligibilities.

Last week our Year 2 students took part in a wonderful Wildlife Encounter incursion held by the Wild Rangers. The program, presented by Dionne Rosenbaum, links with the National Australian Curriculum and covered a range of topics including:

• Australian animals
• endangered species
• habitats and adaptations

Students had the opportunity for hands-on learning and interacted with some of Australia’s wonderful and unique animals:

• Squirrel Glider
• Long Neck Turtle
• Carpet Python
• Tawny Frogmouth
• Saltwater Crocodile
• Blue Tongue Lizard

“I love educating children on looking after our habitats, our environment and our wildlife. I think by students touching the animals and seeing them up close it creates that element of empathy for the animals,” says Dionne.

Thank you to Dionne, the incursion was amazing and the students learnt a great deal about our wildlife and the environment.

Year 5T is collecting Mini Treehouse Books to send to children in rural areas who don’t have access to a Coles. We are asking the school community to donate any spare Mini Treehouse Books you don’t need for our Service Learning Project. There will be Green Baskets in The Hub and our classroom (CH11), at Student Services and on the Concourse. We will make a collection of books and post them to children in rural areas. If you have any spare Mini Treehouse Books, please support us.

Hannah and Evie

Some great moments were captured during our Upper Primary students inter-house track-and-field carnival at Springfield. Students participated in a range of activities including shot put, turbo javelin, long and high jump, 100m and relay races. The carnival was all about getting outside, being active, having some friendly competition and fun within their year levels. Thank you to Mr Kelly and the Upper Primary Years staff team for organising the athletics day and to our students for bringing their energy, enthusiasm and house spirit.

Facebook album click here.

Knowing how to play an instrument is a special skill – but putting it in the context of an ensemble serves to amplify that. Being part of an ensemble is so much more than just getting together with other musicians and playing a well-practiced piece.

Here are some key benefits of being involved in a music ensemble:

Developing self-confidence. Playing in a group context helps improve the students’ self-confidence because they are given an avenue to play masterfully as part of a bigger whole. The students’ self-confidence improves with the realisation that they are contributing to something greater and were especially selected to be part of that group due to their special talent for playing a particular instrument.

Improved socio-emotional well-being. Being part of an ensemble includes the special benefit of developing a sense of belongingness. To play well, each member must bond with the rest of the group in order to serve a common purpose – which is to execute their musical pieces to the best of their abilities.

Honing one’s sense of discipline and organisational skills. Balancing rehearsals and performances in an ensemble with the other aspects of a student’s academic and personal life is practically a feat on its own. To become successful in these different areas of life, students will need to hone their sense of discipline and self-organisation in order to manage the workload. These skills become advantageous to them later in life, where it is applicable in so many ways.

Application of learned technique. Before joining an ensemble, students have already had hours practicing their skill through lessons. The exercises might seem tedious or underappreciated in isolation, but the students learn and appreciate its application in a group setting. Being part of an ensemble enables the students to see why perfecting their part matters in the greater scheme of things – a trait that inevitably comes into play in their professional life later on.

Learning how to be in sync with others. Students who are part of an ensemble learn to see beyond themselves and develop an awareness of what is going on around them. Their nonverbal communication skills are developed as they tune in to the rest of the group, playing their parts accordingly, all the while maintaining focus on the conductor who brings everything and everyone together. Becoming a team player is something they will learn in an ensemble – an important and advantageous skill in any and all aspects of life.

(This article has been sourced from: https://www.ltmusic.com.au/news/benefits-of-music-ensembles-for-students)

Flash Mob

Gold Band delighted their audience with an impromptu flash mob on the Concourse during lunch break this week.  After weeks of rehearsal to perfect their repertoire, the band performed with energy and polish.  Congratulations to all students, and thanks to their conductor, Ms Krist-elle Hill, for organising this opportunity. 

Gold Band, and other ensemble, performances will also be uploaded to our Digital Concert, which will be available at the end of the term, for the enjoyment of parents and friends.  More information about this venture soon.

Examination Congratulations

Congratulations to Jun and Ian Kim, who both recently completed piano examinations.

Jun received “A+” for Grade 2 Piano for Leisure and Ian was awarded “A” for Grade 2 Piano for Leisure . Both Jun and Ian are students of Ms Yuting Kao.

Last Saturday I ventured to my first Head of the River Rowing experience. I kept hearing it was very different to normal, but I really enjoyed the experience and watching our girls give their best on the water. It was a tough day, but I saw get comradery amongst our girls, I saw them really supporting each other and life lessons being learnt by all. Well done girls, special mention must go to Giselle G for her first place in the Year 10 single skull and Lilly H for her second place in the Year 11 single skull. Girls your dedication and commitment to Rowing throughout the season has been inspirational for all to see. As we head towards the end of the Rowing season a big thank you to our Rowing Coordinator, Mr Peter Hicks for his efforts this year. Rowing is a very logistical sport and Mr Hicks spends long days at the shed with teaching in between. All his efforts have been greatly appreciated by the girls and the College.

Moving forward to this weekend, our Round 8 of Winter Fixtures, we ask parent to please read carefully the COVID-19 Safety information for each of the IGGS venues as they vary, these can be found on the bottom of the draws which can be found on the St Peters App.

• NETBALL & VOLLEYBALL - NO SPECTATORS (10C Netball, 10B & 7B Volleyball girls playing at Ambiwerra and Centenary SHS are allowed 2 spectators).
• TENNIS – 2 SPECTATORS per player / student are permitted to watch from the fence line outside the Tennis Centre.
• HOCKEY – 2 SPECTATORS per player / student are permitted to attend.

To all girls representing St Peters this weekend we wish you all the best.

QG NETBALL

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

The Netball Round 8 Draw v Ipswich Girls Grammar School for this Saturday 5 September can be found on the St Peters App.

Round 7 Wrap v St Hilda’s

Last Saturday in our Round 7 fixtures v St Hilda’s, once again we saw great improvement across our program. With all teams coming away with a win it was an awesome morning for St Peters Netball. With two rounds left to go in the season and a big round this week against IGGS it is important we finish on a high.

Good luck for this week Girls!

QG VOLLEYBALL

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

The Volleyball Round 8 Draw v Ipswich Girls Grammar School for this Saturday 5 September can be found on the St Peters App.

QG HOCKEY

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

The Hockey Round 8 Draw v Ipswich Girls Grammar School for this Saturday 5 September can be found on the St Peters App.

QG TENNIS

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

The Tennis Round 8 Draw v Ipswich Girls Grammar School for this Saturday 5 September can be found on the St Peters App.

Round 7 Wrap v St Hilda’s

A fun weekend was had by the girls taking away wins for the Opens, Senior A and Senior B teams. Some really great doubles matches across the courts with Maya B and Rio O the epitome of team work, great communication and determination. Also, a special mention to Ting J in the Junior B team who chased down every ball and brought a little fire to Stolz courts on Saturday.

Only two more rounds left of the season - all players have continuously improved throughout the season and I am so excited to see what the last two rounds bring. Good Luck to our Open Team: Sophie J, Hayley J, Zara L and Tahlia K going into the rest of the season UNDEFEATED! These girls are on fire! GO SAINTS!!!!!

BSRA ROWING

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

Congratulations to the Rowing girls for their performances on Saturday at the BSRA Head of the River.  All crews had improved performances and times at this final event of the season. 

Congratulations must be made to Giselle G. who won the Year 10 girls single scull.  This is the first time a St Peters crew has won an event at the Head of The River since 2017.  And also, to Ella H who placed second in the Year 11 girls single scull event. 

QG 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

QGSSSA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS – Thursday 17 September – 2 weeks away!!

Well done to the many girls who ventured to QSAC for the invitational meet on Tuesday night. It was a great night and Mr Nodwell, Mr Donatini and Mr Lohe are very happy with the attendance and the performances from the girls. The third and final Sheldon Meet is on this Friday, girls are asked to please check their emails as details and sign on have been emailed earlier this week.

More information about upcoming meets, events and times of events is also available on the St Peters App.

BWPI WATER POLO

Coordinators: Mrs Elaine Ripamonti & Mrs Tracey Bruce – waterpolo@stpeters.qld.edu.au

St Peters play in the BWPI Water Polo Club Competition - Games are played at various venues around Brisbane on Saturdays in Term 4 2020 & Term 1 2021.

Water Polo Trial Dates – Trial commenced last Sunday and will continue this Sunday 6 September and the following Sunday 13 September – Details can be found on the St Peter App.

Last Sunday was a great start to the 2020 / 2021 Water Polo season but it is not too late to join – please contact Mrs Ripamonti if you require further information.

QG BADMINTON

Coordinator: – Ms Laura Buckby – l.buckby@stpeters.qld.edu.au

• One Day Tournament - (Open, Seniors & Year 10) Competition Day - Saturday 10 October
• One Day Tournament - (Year 7, 8 & 9) Competition Day - Saturday 17 October

Trials continue this week with a full day on Friday (Pupil Free Day).

All details of trials and training sessions can be found on the St Peters App.

QG JUNIOR SOFTBALL

Coordinators: Ms Natalie Holman – n.holman@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Years 7, 8 & 9 Girls Only - St Peters plays in the QGSSSA Junior Softball Competition in Term 4.

There are four game days played in the afternoon at Downey Park - Weeks 3 & 4 (approx. 1.00pm - 5.00pm).

Bus transport will be provided.

Trials have commenced this week and will continue next Tuesday morning 8 September, Thursday morning 10 September and Tuesday morning 15 September @ Hart Road Oval, 6.15am - 7.30am.

Training will then commence after the holidays in Week 1, further details can be found on the St Peters App.

It is not too late to join Junior Softball – please email Ms Holman if you require further information.

AIC RUGBY & FOOTBALL SPECTATOR BEHAVIOUR & COVID PROTOCOLS

Now that we have been able to allow two (2) spectators per player at our AIC venues for Football (Harts Oval & Stolz) and Rugby (Mayer Oval), it is a good time to remind everyone of the expectations of our St Peters supporters and spectators.

Should you be attending this Saturday, we ask that everyone follows the following:

• ALL SPECTATORS MUST sign in / register on entry to the venue they are attending at St Peters. Reminder – only two (2) adult spectators per player allowed.
• ALL SPECTATORS MUST sanitise / wash their hands when entering and then regularly whilst at the venue.
• ALL SPECTATORS MUST abide by the social distancing (1.5m between spectators) guidelines both when moving around and sitting in the allocated and designated areas.
• ALL SPECTATORS and STUDENTS who are attending any St Peters sporting events are representatives of our College and the manner which they conduct themselves is reflective of St Peters Lutheran College. We ask that all attending support and cheer with positive encouragement and abide by both the College’s and the AIC Code of Conduct.

AIC Football, AIC Rugby and AIC Chess Fixtures Vs Villanova College

Chess – Congratulations to St Peters Chess who once again won the day and victorious against St Laurence’s College last Friday afternoon. All the very best to both the players and coaches for this Thursday afternoon, 3 September when they take on Villanova College away at Villanova College.

Rugby – After some tough games last weekend against St Laurence’s College, St Peters Rugby with verse Villanova College in Round 3 of the 2020 AIC competition.

This Saturday 4 September, all our St Peters rugby teams are away at Villanova Playing Fields, Tingalpa. We do request all our Rugby community to check the St Peters App for details of this Saturday’s Rugby games.

Football – It was a memorable day last Saturday for St Peters Football with the College winning the day aggregately across all age divisions against St Laurence’s College. This Saturday our Year 10 to Open Football teams play away at Villanova Playing Fields, Tingalpa whilst our Years 7 to 9 Football teams play at home at St Peters Lutheran College.

We encourage all boys and parents to please check the St Peters App for exact venue details and times of their Football match. 

AIC Track & Field 

With training and competition meets now underway each week, we are extremely excited about the large number of participants and the quality of performances on display by our St Peters athletes.

 After some fantastic work by our girls at an invitational meet on Tuesday night, our boys will step up on Thursday evening at the first of the AIC Lead Up Meets for 2020. Friday both boys and girls will again travel out to Sheldon College Athletics Facility to represent St Peters in multiple events across both track and field.

All St Peters athletes are asked to check their student email account as details and sign on procedure has been emailed directly to each athlete earlier this week.

More information about events available and times of events is also available on the St Peters App.

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. 

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: