Welcome to Term 4, and a heartfelt welcome to those families who are joining our community this term.
Our Year 12 students, the Class of 2023, are about to complete the final part of their journey at St Peters Springfield. Our Seniors only have a few weeks left of classes before they commence their final exams. They are well-prepared for the experience ahead. We encourage our Year 12 students to finish strong, to maintain a steady, consistent pace and positive and diligent approach to their final studies.
As we start Term 4, we encourage all of our students to undertake a “quest for personal bests” and to finish strongly and positively. This will be a theme in our Assemblies over this term – to put in a consistent and sustained effort until the very end of the year so that we can achieve our very best personal performances, whether that be in academic classes, performing arts, sport or any other domain.
How can our young people produce their personal bests and finish strong? How can you encourage them as parents and caregivers to do so?
Setting goals and applying themselves – encourage your child to set small steps leading to their goals and to participate actively in and concentrate in class and school activities;
Ask questions – encourage your child to reach out and ask questions when they do not understand so that concepts and skills can be explained and shown in different ways;
Revise – ensure your child plans and balances their schedules so that they can complete homework, look over notes from class regularly (not at the last minute) and practise – these are opportunities to consolidate learning;
Getting the little things right – encourage your child to be punctual and wear their uniform correctly each day as well as to eat healthy, hydrate and use technology wisely; this approach can help students to have a positive mindset from the outset of each day;
Maintain good attendance – always ensure your child covers any work missed by seeing the class teacher, coach or tutor;
Strike a balance – encourage your child to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities; helping them ‘be well’ will help them to ‘do well’; and
Recognise accomplishments – commend your child on their resilience in challenging times and celebrate with your child when they improve and achieve.
As we begin Term 4, I encourage all our St Peters students to strive ever higher, Plus Ultra, to set clear goals, to put in a consistent and sustained effort to achieve these and to reach out for help when they need it. I ask our students to make the most of the many excellent opportunities provided at St Peters Springfield this term and I once again thank you, parents and caregivers, for your support as we work in partnership to help our young people to flourish and finish strong.
Natalie Houston Principal
What's On
2023 St Peters Cricket Support Group Lunch
You are invited to the 2023 St Peters Cricket Support Group Lunch which will be held at Wests Rugby Club, Sylvan Road, Toowong on Friday 10 November.
Be entertained by special guests Kerry O’Keefe and Holly Ferling. Kerry O’Keefe requires little introduction. Nicknamed ‘Skull’ Kerry O’Keefe played 24 Tests for Australia during the 1970’s and was part of the infamous World Series Cricket days. Now a Cricket commentator O’Keefe is well known for his laugh and sense of humour.
Holly Ferling, a right-arm fast bowler and punishing right-hand batter, played in both the domestic competition as well as gaining representation in the Australian Women’s Cricket Team.
Purchase a single ticket for $160.00 or a table of 10 for $1500.00.
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.
I pray that although the holidays may already be a distant memory for you, during them you had the chance to experience some stillness –
a chance to stop at some point and be still. To have let go of being busy, of doing things, of appointments and engagements and of actions and jobs to be done. To not be in control or in charge of things but, if only for a moment, be still and quiet, mindful of the environment and people around you. We all need downtimes like this in our holidays. On the AFL Grand Final day, I was able to be still on the water and canoe with my daughter across the corner of Lake Cootharaba and up the Everglades of Noosa River. It was a perfect sunny still day on the water to paddle and experience the beauty of a wilderness area of the Sunshine Coast.
Be still and know that I am.
I pray that although the holidays may be a distant memory for you, you had the chance to experience something of God’s presence in the world. To slow down and connect especially with the deeper things of life. The deeper things of life which can give us meaning and are gifts given to us by God. The God of the Old Testament who is revealed to Moses as the great “I am” and the God of the New Testament who in Jesus claimed to be this “I am”, this special name for the divine. Experiencing that ‘aha’ moment where we connect in a special way with the transcendent, whether that is in the environment, in our relationships or wherever it is, can be viewed as a connection to God.
Be still and know.
I pray that although the holidays may be a distant memory for you, you had the opportunity to be still and know. To know something is to be connected to it in an intimate and real way. To know a person is to have not just knowledge of them but understanding and a deeper connection and meaningful relationship with them. We are all nourished and sustained by relationships with our friends and loved ones who truly know us and care for us.
Be still.
I pray that although the holidays may be a distant memory, you had the opportunity to be still. To be still is to be singularly focused on that which will give us peace. It is a challenge for many people to do this.
Be.
I pray that although the holidays are gone, you were able to just ‘be’. To be free of worries, anxieties, commitments, and problems, to simply ‘be’. As humans, we are not called human doings but human beings. To be fully human is to simply be.
These words from Psalm 46:10; Be still and know that I am God, are a great meditation in which we can take a piece of our holidays with us into this last term of the year. They are a simple way to slow down and reflect on God’s presence with us. May God bless you with moments of stillness this term too.
This week each student will receive a sheet of paper from their PC teacher ‘Results Notification and Login’. This contains their unique TAP-ID and Pin code which must be entered to access results. Please email me if you do not receive this information and I can forward through these details. If students completed ICAS English or Science, you could use the same TAP-ID and Pin to access the Maths results.
In Term Four, ICAS Assessments will send printed copies of certificates to school, which will then be distributed to students.
Kind regards,
Karen O'Neill on behalf of the ICAS Springfield team.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News Week 1
Did you know the benefits of involvement in Co-curricular activities include more positive mental health and reduced risky behaviour?
Guitar Ensemble Term 4
Ms Louise Wasalski will commence a Guitar Ensemble on Tuesdays at first break in PA1. The First rehearsal will be in Week 2. Please contact Ms Wasalski for further details about eligibility.
Festival of Learning
Congratulations to Nina J. who was awarded 2nd Place at the Rising Stars event as part of the Springfield Festival of Learning held on Friday 8th September.
State Honours Ensemble Program
Congratulations to Seo-Jun K. who participated in this wonderful music extension program offered to high school students that had over 4000 students nominated from around the state at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music last week. I had the pleasure of attending the Sunday afternoon concert where Seo-Jun K. was part of the string ensemble directed by Mark Sullivan. He was musically extended by the variety of styles performed ranging from Classical, Pop and 21st Century repertoire. All students were fortunate to work with leading conductors and expand their technical, sight-reading and ensemble skills because of their participation. Well done.
Twilight Group Tours
Twilight Group Tours will be held on Wednesday 18th October and Platinum and Burgundy Band as well as Cantabile Strings and Allegro Strings will perform. All ensembles will present a short program on the Concourse from 3:50pm-4:00pm and then again from 4:50pm-5:00pm as parents arrive for their respective presentations. Students are expected to attend in their full school uniform, with neat and tidy hair, clean shoes and remember to bring their music, music folder, instrument and any other equipment. Students will be required to arrive on the Concourse by 3:20pm and 4:20pm respectively. Staff supervising this event will be Ms Crellin, Ms Kalkaus and Mrs Campbell.
Semester Two Performing Arts Showcase Concert
On Tuesday 24th October from 7pm-8:30pm in the JHP, the Performing Arts Showcase Concert will be held. The concert will include performances from all music ensembles, selected Year 7 drama items and soloists from the Private Tuition Program. Please check emails for further details concerning this event. Thanks to all the Performing Arts Directors of Ensembles and the Private Tuition Tutors for their work with the students throughout this semester. It will be a great night and one not to be missed!
Piano Exams
Mrs Alison Pomerenke will be holding Piano exams on Thursday 9th November in CH19B. Good luck to all the students with your preparations.
Dance Troupe Rehearsals
Please note the following rehearsal & performance times and reminders:
TERM 4 REHEARSALS
Monday, Week 2 3:00-3:30pm – Everyone finishes at 3:30pm
Monday, Week 3 3:00-3:30pm – Everyone finishes at 3:30pm *Last rehearsal for Recreation Troupe for 2023*
Monday, Week 4 3:00-3:30pm – *Performers ONLY*
Monday, Week 5 3:00-3:30pm – *Performers ONLY*
Monday, Week 6 3:00-3:30pm – *Performers ONLY*
Thursday, Week 6 – 16th November 2023 *Performers ONLY* Presentation Night Rehearsals at Indooroopilly during the school day – wait for further information from Mr Piacun Presentation Night Performance at Indooroopilly in the evening – more information to come from Mr Langlands and Mr Piacun
Mrs Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Coordinator
Sport
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:
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.
Boys Sport Update
Boys Sport Update
Welcome back after the September holiday break! I hope all boys are well refreshed and ready to take on Term 4 Sport with enthusiasm and high energy.
As we look to Term 4, we also acknowledge our Tennis award winners from Term 3. Congratulations to our AIC boys on a brilliant season of Tennis. St Peters has come away with 9 premierships this year in the AIC Tennis competition.
The Tennis community came together last Saturday afternoon with our end-of-season break up to congratulate the teams on their achievements this season.
The following students were awarded the MVP (Most Valuable Player) and Coaches award:
Thank you to all the students, coaches and parents for a fantastic 2023 Tennis season.
Over the September break, we saw both our St Peters cricketers and our Track & Field athletes partake in holiday training sessions. It was wonderful to witness such great participation in both sports.
With the upcoming MSW Club Cricket season commencing this weekend, St Peters will enter 11 Cricket teams in this competition in preparation for the 2023 AIC Cricket season.
Our Track & Field athletes have also been busy this week making their final preparations for the 2023 AIC Track & Field Championships which will be conducted at QSAC this Thursday 5 October and Friday 6 October.
We wish all our boys involved in both St Peters Cricket and St Peters Track & Field every success this week.
We will be sure to keep everyone updated on the final result after this week’s AIC Track & Field Championships.
Our St Peters Boys’ Water Polo players are preparing for the commencement of training in readiness for the 2023 AIC Water Polo Gala Day to be held on Sunday 22 October. Any boys seeking more information about getting involved in St Peters Water Polo are asked to contact Mr Alex Lawn (Coordinator) at a.lawn@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Sport Sign On
As our boys completed the Basketball and Tennis seasons at the end of Term 3, we now look forward to Term 4 opportunities for our boys to begin preseason training for Cricket, Volleyball and Australian Rules. Boys can also represent the College in Water Polo in Term 4.
Please see below for each sport and links to Sign On and Preseason Training Schedule:
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.
Girls Sport Update
Term 4 2023 – Week 1
Welcome back, I hope you all enjoyed a restful holiday break and are ready to go for a short but busy Term 4!
“One of my friends asked, "Why do you pay so much money for your kid to play sports”? Well, I have a confession to make; I don't pay for my kid to do sports. Personally, I couldn't care less about what sport they do.
So, if I am not paying for sports, what am I paying for?
I pay for those moments when my kid becomes so tired, they want to quit but don't.
I pay for those days when my kid comes home from school and is "too tired" to go to their training, but they go anyway.
I pay for my kid to learn to be disciplined, focused and dedicated.
I pay for my kid to learn to take care of her body and equipment.
I pay for my kid to learn to work with others and to be a good teammate, gracious in defeat and humble in success.
I pay for my kid to learn to deal with disappointment when she doesn’t get that win or championship she’d hoped for, but still she goes back week after week giving it her best shot.
I pay for my kid to learn to make and accomplish goals.
I pay for my kid to respect not only themselves, but other players, officials and coaches.
I pay for my kid to learn that it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to create a champion and that success does not happen overnight.
I pay for my kid to be proud of small achievements and to work towards long term goals.
I pay for the opportunity my kid has and will have to make life-long friendships, create lifelong memories, to be as proud of her achievements as I am.
I pay so that my kid can be out on the court instead of in front of a screen...
...I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for sports; I pay for the opportunities that sports provide my kid with to develop attributes that will serve her well throughout her life and give her the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far, I think it is a great investment!"
Nikki Jesse, Aug 31 (Dover, Florida)
CONGRATULATIONS
Junior World Swimming Championships
Congratulations to Junior Dolphins Amelia W (Year 12) & Jaclyn B (Year 11) who represented Australia and were part of the 600 strong swimmers from around the world who competed at the Junior World Swimming Championships that were held in Netanya, Israel on 4 – 9 September.
Both Amelia & Jaclyn enjoyed this wonderful experience and continue to work hard to reach their swimming goals. Congratulations girls, we are very proud of your achievements.
1st - 100m Backstroke 10th – 200m Backstroke 1st – 4 x 100m Medley Relay 2nd – 4 x 100m Mixed Medley Relay
Please see Jaclyn (far left) and Amelia (second from the left) pictured with former SPW Coach Richard Sleight and Old Scholar Jamie Perkins (2022).
Japan Junior Olympic Cup
Congratulations also to Hannah M (Year 11), Ainsley T (Year 10) & Kaci C (Year 9) who were part of the 16-strong Queensland team that competed at the Japan Junior Olympic Cup held in Tokyo in August.
Congratulations to Hunter M, Kai G & Randal who were also selected in this team.
Good luck to all our girls playing Badminton and Water Polo for St Peters this weekend and special mention to our Year 12 Girls playing their final games of Badminton.
At the end of Term 3 the QGSSSA Track and Field Championships were held at QSAC. St Peters QGSSSA Track and Field team did an outstanding job on the day to place second, only 10.5 points behind the winning school Moreton Bay College. It was a brilliant result for the girls as St Peters won the 16 years & 17 years age group and placed 2nd in 13 years and 3rd in the 12 years & 14 years age groups. We are sincerely proud of the girl’s team effort on the day!
Congratulations to the following students who broke records on the day:
Isabelle P - 16 years Division A 100m Hurdles
Allira T - 16 years Division A Shot Put
Hayley C - 16 years Division B Shot Put
Claire R - 12 years & under Division A 800m
Brogan T, Lucie B-R, Tayden T and Zoe C - 17 years Division B 4 x 100m Relay
Jazelle C, Kiera Mc, Charlize D and Jess H - 17 years Division A 4 x 100m Relay
We would like to thank the coaching team for your dedication, expertise and tireless effort in preparing the girls – you all did an outstanding job! We also commend the efforts of our Year 12 students who have given so much to QGSSSA Track and Field over their time at St Peters and wish you well as you move into your last term at St Peters. Finally, thank you to all parents for your support through the QGSSSA Track and Field season as without this the girls could not have achieved what they have!
Over the first weekend of September holidays a number of St Peters students travelled to Bundaberg to compete in the 2023 QLD School State Rowing Championships. It was a fantastic weekend with St Peters achieving a number of medals across both the Boys and Girls programs. Congratulations particularly to the following podium place getters.
Mia M & Stephanie P – Bronze in the girl’s Year 9 Double Scull.
Sam M – Silver in the boy’s Year 9 Single Scull.
Poppy Y, Niamh S, Megan B, Robyn M and Olivia A – Silver in the Open Girls Coxed Quad Scull.
Stephanie P – Gold in the girl’s Year 9 Single Scull.
It was particularly exciting to see that the Girls Open Eight, made up of Megan B, Niamh S, Poppy Y, Mac B, Jess M, Bella B, Robyn M, Tiare R and Olivia O achieve a third place in the Girls Open Eight at this event. This is the first time in over 10 years that St Peters has been on the podium at either the School State Titles or the BSRA Head of the River in this event. This is a fantastic achievement and these girls should be exceptionally proud of this outcome.
Congratulations to all girls and boys that participated and a particular thanks to the coaches and parents that attended to support the students throughout the weekend.
TERM 4 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.
After an amazing introduction to the QGSSSA over the last two years, the QGSSSA Junior Australian Rules Competition Days will be held on the following days.
Competition Days
Round 1 - Saturday 21 October
Round 2 - Saturday 28 October
Round 3 - Saturday 4 November
Round 4 - Saturday 11 November
Round 5 – Saturday 18 November
MATCH CONDITIONS SUMMARY
12 a-side on field and 6 interchange players
Half field ground size
15-minute halves, 5-minute break
Modified tackling, bumping permitted
Bouncing the ball (two max)
No kicking off the ground unless accidental
Mouth guards are compulsory
Training has commenced this week and the Term 4 Training schedule can be found on the St Peters App.
Training for the 2023 – 2024 BWPI Water Polo Season has commenced back this week. Girls and parents will be emailed all details for Grading Day No 1 which commences this Saturday.
A few key points..
The season runs for Term 4 2023 & Term 1 2024 – 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.
Please check the St Peters App for the Grading Day Draw.
SOFTBALL
There has been changes to the QGSSSA Softball competition, all Softball will be played in Term 1, 2024.
Sign on and details of the Term 4 pre-season training sessions/trials will be advised very soon.
Training has commenced again for our Year 7 – Year 10 team as they prepare for the CBSQ Junior Secondary Tournament that will be held down the Gold Coast on Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 October.
Further details will be emailed; any questions please contact Mrs Champion.
ALL-SCHOOLS TOUCH COMPETITION
Good luck to our U13, U15 & U18 Touch teams playing in the All-Schools competition down the Gold Coast over the next 4 days. We wish the girls all the best, a full report with results from the tournament will be in next week’s article.
Swimming sessions will commence in Week 3 at the 50m pool for any girls playing Water Polo or wishing to do pre-season QGSSSA swim training. Further details to follow next week.
