Reading role models help encourage children not just to read, but to have fun while reading!
It is a joy to share my love of reading with my grandchildren. Each visit we have special book time often choosing their favourites when they visit our house. Books are often included in their birthday and Christmas surprises as you can never have too many books. Recently my daughter had a Baby Sprinkle (an event for your second baby) and I gave my 2 year old granddaughter a big sister book. It was one of my favourites ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’ by Michael Rosen. I was delighted when during a recent FaceTime catch up she went to get this book and with her mum's help joined in the storytelling. Precious moments especially with the actions too.
It is this love of books that we encourage at St Peters and Book Week is one event that brings excitement to reading. Having role models to share the love of reading is so important.
We shared in Cornerstone last week about Stig Weymss presentation to our students focusing on storytelling. Encouraging students to join the Ipswich Library and borrow audible books especially as he is a narrator for the Andy Griffiths TreeHouse series.
Throughout the Book Week, students were thrilled to have special guest readers from around the College, who read a special book to each year level. Thank you to Tim Kotzur, Natalie Houston, Charis Mullen MP, Pastor Matthew Wilksch, Debbie West-McInnes, Dominic Piacun and Sarah Johnson for taking their time to read to our primary school students.
Thank you to our families for their involvement and role modelling of the importance of books. There was a festive atmosphere as our students joined in the parade on Friday 26 August, showing off their creative costumes. We were delighted to have our Kindy students join with their Year 4 buddies as well.
We finished off our Book Week celebrations with a special guest. Students and staff were excited to have Dr Cameron Stelzer, the Story Doctor, visit St Peters Springfield to celebrate Book Week 2022 with our Primary classes. Over the day Dr Cameron engaged students in a range of workshops that linked with the stories and characters in his books. Students delved in his series of books: Scallywags, Super Outstanding Stories, Pie Rats, bringing them to life for our students. They were hands on workshops where students were encouraged to use their imagination. Dr Cameron also provided the opportunity for students to purchase signed copies of his books and merchandise.
A big thank to Mrs Lythall who organised a fabulous Book Fair, selling $3000 worth of books and stationery. What a wonderful effort and it is so wonderful to see students with a love for buying new books and continue their reading journeys.
Book Week also saw the end of our 2022 Premiers Reading Challenge where students were encouraged to read a number of books depending on their year level. Each year we have a House Challenge and at the end of the 4 months Mitchell house was a clear winner with over 3000 books read. We will celebrate with our student winners early in Term 4.
The theme this year was “Dreaming with eyes open” and our students immersed themselves in exploring their imaginations and appreciating literature.
Until Book Week 2023, happy reading!
Debbie West-McInnes Head of Primary
What's On
Friday 9 September - Tuesday 4 October
Friday 9 September
Year 12 Mock Exam Block Year 11 Exam Block Year 10 Ignite Year 6 Canberra Year 1 – 3 Swimming
Tuesday 13 September
LP Athletics Across Day Semester 2 Sports Photos at Indooroopilly Year 3 Exhibition Event
Wednesday 14 September
Debating Year 5/6, Intra-School, 3-4.30 pm
Thursday 15 September
Term 3 Concludes Year 2 Lessons in the Gardens Ex All Day QGSSSA Track & Field Year 12 Formal
Friday 16 September
Student Free
Monday 19 September
Code Camp
Tuesday 20 September
Code Camp
Tuesday 4 October
Term 4 commences
St Peters Spring Lunch | Friday 14 October
Tickets are on sale now for the inaugural St Peters Spring Lunch.
Surround yourself with your friends at this lunch and fashion parade on Friday 14 October at Hillstone. Hosted by Rebecca Sparrow and featuring local designer market stalls, the lunch is an opportunity to sip French champagne, mingle, shop and relax.
Featuring raffles from over 40 of our St Peters Community - including jewellery, millinery, beauty, entertaining packages and LOTS more - and clothing paraded by our own St Peters mums, this is your chance to have a last hurrah for 2022.
Get in quick - ticket sales close Tuesday 13 September.
Ministry
The Love of the Father
At first the barbecue was just a bit smoky. The marinade on the chicken was dripping onto the gas burner and causing flare-ups. But the flare-ups became flames and the fire kept growing. We realised we'd better move the barbie away from the wall so the house didn't catch alight. Dad was getting flustered - this wasn't going to plan. We positioned the flaming barbecue in the middle of the lawn and attempted to smother the flames with the barbecue lid. Thankfully, the flames died down and lunch was saved. It was very well done but most of it was still edible. It turned out that the absorption kibble Dad had put in the drip tray was made from recycled cardboard, which when soaked in oil and set alight burns beautifully!
This episode sticks in my mind as one of the few times Dad didn't seem to be in control. He was always calm and knew what to do. At least, that's what I thought as a child. When I was 5 and slashed my leg on a barbed-wire fence he calmly packed me into the car and took me to hospital to be stitched up. He was also a great gardener, made furniture, played the organ, towed a caravan, sang in choirs, played tennis, taught us children to drive, was dedicated as a husband and father, and worked faithfully as a pastor in the church. All of this he would do in his quiet, unassuming and capable manner. But this day the barbecue got the better of him. In a way it was refreshing to see Dad not have it all together. It made me appreciate him all the more.
It's been a lonely couple of years since Dad died. The shock of his sudden death has given way to the emptiness of not being able to talk with him. I miss sharing news about his grandchildren and seeking his counsel on pastoral work. But mostly I miss the easy conversation and his deep love. So the memories are precious. I've kept a few items that remind me of him - his Home Communion set, his Akubra, and a couple of ties. I don't even mind if I suddenly shed a tear or two when I remember him wearing that tie at a family wedding.
Whatever our experience of our earthly Father, whether good or bad, we know there will be a time when he won't be around to help us, or to haunt us! This is another reason knowing God as Father is so precious. He is always with us. He loves it when we talk to him. His love and compassion never fail us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13
We are always in God's heart, always in God's care. And God never stops loving his children. God's love has remained constant since the beginning when he created humanity. We bear his image, and he’s our doting father, overwhelmed with joy at his creations. Not even humanity's rebellion and disobedience could extinguish God's love. God continued to love us enough to send his own Son to bridge the gap between us and to reunite us with him. God's Son became our brother, so we can be restored as children of God.
I trust on Father’s Day you had opportunity to give thanks for the good things you have received from your Father. Whether you did or not, if you lift your eyes a little higher you’ll recognise the love of your Heavenly Father through his Son Jesus, and see in Jesus the perfect love of our perfect Father. He’s always there for you, all year round.
Blessings
Pastor Matt
Arise Christian 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.
Please click here to download the Vacation Program as a PDF.
Please click here to download the Vacation Booking Form in PDF.
Wellbeing on Wellness Way
R U Ok?
R U OK? Day is today Thursday 8 September. It is our National Day of Action when we remind Australians to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation to support those in their world through life’s ups and downs.
As a College this is a special part of our year of wellbeing celebration. We encourage all students to wear a touch of yellow and our Wellbeing Warriors meet and greet our students at the start of the day with a lolly and a cheery smile. At Morning Tea we will also have a couple of activities for our Primary students in order to promote positive conversations around mental health.
Let's remind everyone that you don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation, because listening and giving your time to family, friends and colleagues might be just what they need to help them through a tough time.
Sarah Johnson Careers/Counselling
Primary Years
Donation to Indigenous Literacy Foundation
Each year in Book Week, the funds made from our Photo Booth are donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Their aim is to make a positive and measurable difference in the early literacy levels of Indigenous Australian children in order to raise their prospects in schools. This year we donated more than $130.
Wednesday 7 September is Indigenous Literacy Day It celebrates and promotes the revitalisation and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages now and for future generations of Indigenous children.
Debbie West-McInnes Head of Primary Years
Year 1 Excursion
On Tuesday 30th of August, the Year 1 students became wildlife explorers on their excursion to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. They were able to see their chosen inquiry animal that they have been researching about all term. Students will use this information to build a model of their chosen animal’s habitat and culminate their understanding of the food, shelter, water and other elements their animal requires to survive.
Students watched the ‘Free Flight Raptor Show’ and the ‘Sheepdog Show’, learning new information about these animals’ natural instincts and abilities. They then participated in a ’Backyard Explorers’ session, where they used clues to figure out which animal lives in which habitat. The highlight was feeding the kangaroos and emus, as well as patting a koala and a carpet snake…yikes! It was an engaging and fun day had by all.
Samantha Fulcher and Chelsea Ryan Year 1 Teachers
The Arts
Year 12 Visual Art Showcase Exhibition
To mark the conclusion of the Year 12 Visual Art course, St Peters Lutheran College Springfield invites you to the showcase exhibition, Resolved Revealed, on Tuesday, 4 October from 6.00 pm. Student work will be exhibited at the heart of the Precinct at St Peters Springfield, in the gallery space.
Ms Elizabeth Perry Visual Art and Film, Television and New Media Teacher
Sport
Springfield Sport
QGSSSA and AIC Term 3 Sport
As we move into the final round of QGSSSA and AIC Term 3 fixtures, we wish all students who have represented the College well in their final games of Netball, Volleyball, Hockey, Tennis, and Basketball. We thank our Year 12 students who will be representing the College for the final time on Saturday for their service to the College in Sport and the contribution they have made over many years.
We congratulate our WDNA Primary Girls Netballers who have finished their club season over the last few weeks and wish Miss Fulcher and the 12 years team well as they play their Grand Final this Saturday. It has been a long season for the girls who should be very proud of their efforts throughout the season. Well done to Gabby, Chloe, and Miss Fulcher for their support, guidance, and encouragement of the girls. Finally, thank you to parents for your support of the girls throughout the season.
QGSSSA Track and Field Championships
With less than a week to go, we look forward to seeing all girls attend the final QG Track and Field meet this Friday night at UQ. All girls aspiring to make the QG Track and Field team should be at the final compulsory meet. Please check emails for sign-on details. We expect to see all girls at training over the next week to fine tune preparations for next Thursday.
Details for the QGSSSA Track and Field Championship will be emailed to selected girls next week once final team selections have been made. It is important that all girls check emails carefully so they have all relevant information. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Donatini or Mr. Lohe.
Head of the River Rowing
Congratulations to Tiare R and Lilly K who represented St Peters at the BSRA Head of the River. Tiare rowed with the 10A Quad while Lilly rowed with the Senior A Quad. Both girls have been training since the beginning of Term 2 and have competed in regattas throughout Term 3 on a Saturday. Tiare and Lilly both came away the Gold Medal wins on the day with their crews which was a fantastic result and reward for the many hours they have spent traveling, training, and competing.
We also thank the efforts of their coaches and especially Mr. Peter Hicks the Rowing Coordinator for the many hours he has given to the program this year in providing a wonderful environment for the girls to row in. Well done Mr. Hicks, Tiare, and Lilly!
Australian Swimming Championships
Congratulations to Olivia G, Broc S, and Ethan S who recently competed at the Australian School Swimming Championships in Brisbane. Olivia, Broc, and Ethan had outstanding meets with all three students making the final in every event they swam in. Individually they achieved the following results:
We are proud of their achievements and look forward to following their progress in the future.
Met West Track and Field
Congratulations to all students who competed last week at the Met West Track and Field Trials. With over 30 students competing it was fantastic to see so many excelling at a high level. The following students have been selected to represent Met West at the State Championships next term:
Lilah H
Diva E
Addy F
Tamika R
Allira T
Jade H
Hayley C
Toby S
Aldora T
We wish all students well for the State Championships in October.
Jeremy Lohe Sports Coordinator
QGSSSA Girls Sport
Girls Sport Coordinator – Anne-Marie Champion
“Happiness is based on what is happening AROUND us. Joy is based on what is happening WITHIN us”. Margaret Minnicks
CONGRATULATIONS
Fina World Water Polo Championships
This week we have seen the return of Harrison C & Sienna O who have been away representing Australia at the recent FINA U16 World Water Polo Championships in Greece.
Sienna who was named Captain was beaming when she spoke of the experience of leading her team, going down by two in a tight semi-final, an incredible effort to finish fourth from 13 teams. Sienna spoke of her journey, firstly getting through the tough selection process to make the team, then to Hungary for the pre-tournament, and then on to Greece to take on some incredibly tough teams from around the world. Sienna’s goal is to continue working hard to make further National teams and to go on to represent Australia at the Olympic games.
Well done Sienna, we are very proud of you.
Congratulations also to Harrison, how amazing to have two St Peters students representing Australia in Water Polo!
Fina World Short Course Swimming Championships
Congratulations to Jamie P who had an outstanding meet at the recent Junior Pan Pacific Championship in Hawaii. In recognition of Jamie’s fantastic performances, she has been selected in the Australian Dolphin Team for the Fina World Short Course Championships to be held in Melbourne in December.
Well done Jamie, we are very proud of you and all your hard work is being rewarded.
WINTER FIXTURES - NETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, HOCKEY & TENNIS
One Round to go!
Saturday 10 September - Round 9 v St Hilda’s (Please note, St Hilda’s do not have any Hockey teams).
Round 8 was a mixed morning with Netball & Tennis fixtures cancelled due to the rain. These rounds have been declared abandoned by the QGSSSA and will not be rescheduled.
Our Hockey teams enjoyed the challenge of taking on MBC on the wet pitch, going down in both games but their efforts were fantastic to see.
Our Volleyball teams journeyed to Nissan Arena where both schools put on awesome display of Volleyball. The day finished with results evenly shared, our Open Team going down in 4 sets in a very high standard game.
Round 9 this Saturday we take on St Hilda’s at our home venues, we are looking forward to the challenge. All the best to our Year 12 girls who will be playing their last games for St Peters in their chosen sports.
‘FOCUS ROUND’ is this week for our Netball and Tennis girls. We look forward to our students, led by our 2022 College & Sport Captains, continuing to build on the amazing spirit. Students must either wear their playing uniform or formal uniform.
Please watch for communication from your respective sport coordinators and keep an eye on the St Peters App for the weekly draws. Please ensure you arrive on time and in the correct uniform to prepare for your games. Good luck girls!
With less than a week to go, we look forward to seeing all girls attend the final QG Track and Field meet this Friday night at UQ. All girls aspiring to make the QG Track and Field team should be at the final compulsory meet. Please check emails for sign on details. We expect to see all girls at training over the next week to fine tune preparations for next Thursday.
Details for the QGSSSA Track and Field Championship will be emailed to selected girls next week once final team selections have been made. It is important that all girls check emails carefully, so they have all relevant information. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Donatini or Mr Lohe.
QGSSSA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS – Thursday 15 September (1 weeks to go!)
TERM 4 SPORTS
REMINDER – 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.
Years 7 - 9 Girls Only - St Peters play in the QGSSSA Junior Softball Competition in Term 4.
There are four game days played in the afternoon at Downey Park in Weeks 3 & 4 next term (game times are approx. 1.00pm - 5.00pm). Bus transport will be provided.
Trials have commenced and will continue on the following days @ Hart Road Oval | 6.15am - 7.30am
Tuesday morning 13 September
Game Days in Term 4
Round 1 – Tuesday 18 October
Round 2 – Thursday 20 October
Round 3 – Monday 24 October
Round 4 – Wednesday 26 October
Training will continue after the holidays commencing Term 4, Week 1 - further details to follow.
The 2022 – 2023 BWPI Water Polo Season trials have commenced, details have been emailed to all girls who have signed on and the Term 3 trials schedule can be found on the St Peters App. It is important for selection that all girls attend all training sessions/trials.
Year 5 (born in 2011 only) & Year 6 girls are invited to trial, please check for an email from Mr Dawson.
A few key points to consider before signing on to Water Polo
The season runs for Term 4 2022 & Term 1 2023 – 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
To follow on from last year, St Peters will again be entering an U13 and U15 teams into the ALL-SCHOOLS TOUCH COMPETITION to be held in Term 4 down the Gold Coast.
The next training session for all girls competing will be this Monday 3 October (Queens Birthday Public Holiday) @ Harts Road Oval, 2.00pm – 4.00pm.
DRESS CODE FOR WEEKEND SPORTING FIXTURES
When attending/watching other 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
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.
AIC Boys Sport
Luke Donatini, Boys Sport Coordinator l.donatini@stpeters.qld.edu.au
“Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan
As we move into the last round of AIC Basketball and Tennis St Peters will verse Iona College this coming weekend. On the back of another great win, our 1st V Basketball are ready and well prepared to take on Iona away at Iona College. Unfortunately, due to poor weather, all AIC Tennis last Saturday was cancelled. Despite last weekend’s disappointment, all our St Peters Tennis teams are keen to finish off their competitive AIC Tennis season with determination and enthusiasm. With many of our Tennis teams playing for undefeated status, this Saturday will prove to be an important and challenging round of tennis.
This coming Saturday, all St Peters Boys’ Basketball and Tennis teams will verse Iona College in Round 7 of AIC Term 3 sport. Our Junior teams will play ‘home’ in both Basketball and Tennis whilst our Senior teams will play ‘away’ at Iona College venues.
We request all boys playing Basketball or Tennis for St Peters to please check the St Peters App for this weekend’s times and venues
The third of our AIC Track & Field Lead Up meets is scheduled for today at The State Athletics Facility (SAF), Nathan. It is a great opportunity for all boys in Years 7 to 12 to get out and compete with their mates and enjoy some great fun whilst running, jumping or throwing. We encourage all students who wish to improve their fitness, speed and strength to get involved in St Peters Track & Field in 2022.
The AIC Track & Field Championships will be held in Term 4, Week 1. We strongly encourage all Years 7 to 12 boys to get involved and attend any of the Track & Field training sessions that they can as well as attending these AIC Lead Up Meets.
Please CLICK HERE for Thursday’s AIC Track & Field Schedule of Events
Congratulations on Great Success at National and International Championships
A few weeks ago, we acknowledge Harrison C (Year 10) for his selection into the Australian Water Polo Team. Since then, Harrison recently competed at the Water Polo World Championships in Volos, Greece where his team finished in overall eleventh place at the Championships. Harrison was one of the Australian goalkeepers. As goalkeeper, this opportunity has allowed him to compete for Australia in Serbia, Hungary, and then at the World Championships in Greece. What a fantastic experience and we at St Peters are extremely proud of what Harrison has achieved. Well done and again, congratulations!
Also achieving some sensational results in the pool is Finn M (Year 7) who recently competed at the Australian National Schools Swimming Championships, Nathan, Brisbane. Representing Queensland at these championships, Finn gained podium finishes in the following events:
50m Freestyle – Gold (and Australian Champion)
100m Freestyle – Gold (and Australian Champion)
200m Backstroke – Silver
Freestyle Relay – Bronze
Congratulations Finn on an amazing result at the 2022 National Schools Swimming Championships. Well done!
St Peters Track & Field Lead Up Meets
St Peters Track & Field training is now underway. We are extremely excited for the 2022 AIC Track & Field season, and we are sure it will not disappoint.
Our 2022 AIC Lead Up Meets for Track & Field are on the following days, please mark these dates off in your calendar:
AIC T&F Lead Up Meet 3 – Thursday 8 September at SAF, Nathan (4.00pm to 7.30pm)
AIC T&F Lead Up Meet 4 – Wednesday 14 September at SAF, Nathan (4.00pm to 7.30pm)
AIC T&F Championships – Thursday 6 October & Friday 7 October at SAF, Nathan
For further information about training and upcoming AIC Track & Field meets, please refer to the St Peters App.
Please CLICK HERE for 2022 T&F Calendar and Training Schedule
Dress Standards at AIC Sporting Fixtures
An important reminder to all students about our College’s expectation surrounding correct dress standards at AIC fixture games for both players and student spectators:
All students playing Basketball and Tennis must be dressed in the correct playing attire (including socks). If weather is cool, only the St Peters track top and track pants are to be worn.
Footwear – joggers are to be worn at all times by those students participating in AIC Sport. No open footwear (eg. Slides or thongs etc) are to be worn at any time.
All student spectators are to be dressed in St Peters winter formal uniform. Students who have played earlier in the day can be dressed in the sports uniform to support. Students attending AIC games who are not dressed in the correct St Peters attire will be asked to leave.
Term 3 Coordinator Contact Details
The below named Coordinators have already been communicating via email with all boys who have sign 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 2022 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:
