A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. Henry Adams

Normally a trip to Toowoomba for me involves driving straight up the highway to a family event and then after a lovely catch-up head home the same way.  There was no time for sightseeing or enjoying all that this lovely town had to offer.

With a change in holiday plans, my husband and I decided to be tourists in Toowoomba.  It coincided with the month-long Carnival of Flowers program so a visit to the two main gardens were on the list.  I had not visited the garden displays since I was a child, and it was exactly as I remembered all those years ago -garden beds full of colourful perennial and annual flowers.

I was so appreciative of the planning, design process and hours of work it took to create row upon row of patterned flower garden beds.   In viewing you could see that the flowers were the right height, width, foliage and colour for the designs. In one garden you had to climb up to a viewing platform to see the visual design – garden beds full of dinosaurs.  You needed to get the height perspective as at ground level you could only see colourful patterns.  The gardeners knew their subject for the creative designs to work and then importantly needed to care and tend the flowers to ensure they were ready for the enjoyment of the many visitors.

Each expert in their field knows their subject but more importantly they understand the needs of each part to ensure successful outcomes.  Education follows this pattern as well.

Each teacher plans and designs lessons based on the Australian Curriculum standards for their year level and considers each student’s individual learning needs.  They use a range of strategies to bring the students together as a class cohort to bring strength and unity to the learning process.  Throughout the school day the pastoral care of each student matters to the teacher and they work in a team to support the emotional health and wellbeing of each student.

Research suggests that among school related factors teachers matter most. Teachers are estimated to have two to three times the effect on any other school factor, including services, facilities and leadership.  It is through their holistic understanding of each student that growth happens.

In an Edutopia article (2017) it identified ‘6 Traits of Life-Changing Teachers’ through a community survey.  They identified that the standout qualities of teacher life changers were making their students feel safe, possess a contagious passion for their material – creating engaging lessons, modelling patience, knowing when to change gears and get tough, believing in their students and helping them to believe in themselves.  The final trait was showing love to their students by being kind, caring and respectful.

Which teacher will make that life changing difference in your child’s life? Which one will your child remember in the future as bringing out the best in them?  Which teacher could see the possibilities? Which teacher took the time to get to know your child to truly understand them?   At St Peters our teachers work exceptionally hard to make a difference in the lives of their students.  They are experienced, passionate and dedicated to providing a holistic education for each child in their care.  They want to be teacher life changers in the lives of their students.

Debbie West-McInnes
Acting Principal

Friday 8 October

Prep Community Focus Day Cerebral Palsy
Year 5 Gold Rush Excursion
AIC Track and Field

Saturday 9 October

AIC Track and Field

Monday 11 October

Year 4 Camp

Tuesday 12 October

Year 4 Camp
Year 7 – Year 11 3-in-1 Conferences

Wednesday 13 October

Southern Lutheran Primary Schools Association Athletics

Thursday 14 October

Community Focus Day Gifts of Grace and Village Partnership
Queensland Debating Union Year 7 6-9pm Junior High Precinct

Friday 15 October

Year 1 White Cane Day
Primary Years Disco 3.30pm
Year 11 Leadership Preparation Day
Year 12 Life Education

Holidays are a great time for getting out and about – I hope that many of you managed to enjoy day trips like I did, or perhaps even longer get-aways. I used to live less than five minutes from the beach, and I miss it! So, it’s lovely when I have time for day trips to the lovely waters at Maroochydore.

As those who have grown up around Queensland-type beaches would know, there are times when the tide can be very treacherous. I’m always thankful to see that there are lifesavers on duty. They put up the red and yellow flags showing where it is safe to swim and, as well as warning flags, they write on a notice board where the rips are, as the rip currents are the major cause of swimmer difficulties.

Even with all the warnings, people still do silly things, like swimming outside the safe flag zone. Then when they get caught in a rip, they have to be rescued by the lifesavers. Despite being rescued once, some people still ignore the warnings and may need to be rescued again and even again!

Regardless of the foolishness of some people, lifesavers just keep on rescuing them, because that’s what lifesavers do. And I’m sure that they rejoice every time they save a life.

This is a bit like some of the stories Jesus told. A sheep wanders away (maybe stupidly) and a coin is lost (maybe carelessly), but just as the shepherd rescues the sheep and the woman searches till she finds the coin, so God seeks us out.

When we feel lost and rejected, or perhaps when we’ve done stupid or careless things which we believe would put us outside Jesus’ love, these stories say that God cares for us so much that God doesn’t rest until we are enfolded once more in Jesus’ love.

And when that happens, there is much rejoicing. And our happiness over being rescued from feeling lost, or doing any more stupid or careless things makes us want to look out for others, who may be feeling lonely or lost, unloved or unheard, so that we can help them to feel as cared for as we do.

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

All are welcome.

The video on Facebook is of the complete worship service.

View video of worship service

What an adventurous two weeks the children who attend Vacation Care have had. The theme for this Vacation Care was community involvement where we spent our time looking at ways to connect with our friends, families, and our wider community.

During the first week of Vacation Care, we had a visit from some wildlife friends. When we asked the children what their favourite animal was, they all agreed collectively, that the python had to be the best visitor as he spent most of his time slithering around on shoulders and wrapping himself around children’s hands.

We also became mini master chefs on Friday and ‘chowed’ down on pizzas with many topping options and enjoyed an ice block during our day.  Making our own pizzas was ‘Bellissima’ and then being able to all sit together and enjoy them made the end of the first week one to remember.

As the second week of holidays approached, we engaged in giving back to the community by writing letters to children in the hospital.  We also looked at various cities around the world with activities that engaged our OSHC vacation care children to investigate various languages and facts about each country. Coming to the end of the second week we had an online quiz challenge where we participated with 20 other schools in a knowledge-based trivia game.

The highlight of the two weeks was our visit to the movies on the last day of Vacation Care. We caught the bus to Orion with a stop at the playground to stretch our legs and practice some gross motor skills.  As we weaved, ducked, and climbed our way around the playground we caught up with another school friend who happened to be at the playground at the same time.

Once we had walked through Orion to the cinemas it was time to grab some popcorn and a drink, sit back, and enjoy ‘Airabo the Spirit of the Amazon’. We all agreed that this was the best way to finish a busy and interactive Vacation Care.

We plan many exciting and engaging activities for each Vacation Care, so we encourage our school families to contact OSHC to inquire about our December and January programs.

Adrienne Tie
Acting Educational Leader

In the final week of Term 3 the entire year 10 cohort were given the opportunity to participate in the Future Anything IGNITE program.

Future Anything is a company that aims in transforming young people’s passion and curiosity into innovative ideas that make their world a better place. Future Anything programs encourage young people to embark on their own journey of self-discovery; using entrepreneurship as a vehicle to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, support, and partnerships to develop innovative ideas that solve problems.

Future Anything’s IGNITE program was a high energy, five-day workshop that culminated in students pitching their own innovative, scalable and sustainable business solutions to a panel of judges in a showcase event.

Students look inward at personal passions and lived experiences to form teams that were united in tackling a common problem. They used design thinking methodology and cutting-edge entrepreneurial tools to ideate, prototype and business model their own innovative, scalable and sustainable business solution.

All groups presented their innovative idea in a preliminary pitching event. Students were pushed out of their comfort zones and thrived in this spotlight. Whilst all teams were impressive, we could only take five through to the finals.

At the final event a great crowd formed and all the 10’s were really excited and nervous all at the same time. All five teams that presented changed their initial pitch and took on all the feedback that they received from the judges in the previous round.

Sproutful were our eventual winners with their sustainable idea of transform recycled paper/cardboard into sturdy, reusable shopping bags, that are imbedded with native Australian seeds that can be planted and grown.

Anixbox came a close second, they tackled the ever-increasing issue of teenage mental health, in particular low self-esteem caused by anxiety, by selling customisable self-care packages.

Overall, the program was a success with all students loving the challenge that the program presented. It was another clear example of St Peters student’s going ‘ever-higher’ and ‘more-beyond’, whilst being exposed to and increasing their 21st century skills that are so critical for future success.

QGSSSA Track and Field Championships

At the end of Term 3 the QGSSSA Track and Field Championships were held at QSAC. St Peters girls did an outstanding job on the day to place 2nd overall by just 49 points. It was a brilliant result for the girls and the College. St Peters also claimed the 15 years and Open Age groups while also placing 2nd in the 12 years, 13 years and 16 years with the 14 years placing 4th. Congratulations also to Aldora T, Allira T and Hayley C who all broke records in Shot Put for their respective events as well as Ella-Jaye H-L who was part of the 15 year Div A Relay team which also broke the record.

St Peters Springfield girls did themselves proud with the following results:

Tamika R – 5th Div A 100m, 3rd Div A 200m, 3rd Div A Long Jump, 2nd Div A Relay
Jillian F – 1st Div B Shot Put, 2nd Div A Discus
Aiyana P – 1st 100m, 2nd Div A 200m, 3rd Div A Relay
Catherin T– 2nd Div A Hurdles, 2nd Div B Long Jump, 3rd Div A Relay
Allira T– 1st Div A Shot Put (Record), 1st Div A Discus
Lucy L – 6th Div A Javelin
Kali T – 1st Div A High Jump, 3rd Div A Long Jump
Jade H – 7th Div A 400m, 4th Div A 800, 5th Div B Relay
Jazelle D – 5th Div B Relay, 9th Div D 100m
Hayley C – 1st Shot P Div B ut (Record), 1st Div B Discus, 6th Div A Javelin
Ella-Jaye H-L – 1st Div D 100m, 4 Div A Long Jump, 1st Div A Relay (Record)
Toby S – 1st Div A High Jump 1.80m, 1st Div B Javelin, 2nd Div A Hurdles, 1st Div B Relay
Aldora T – 1st Div B Shot Put (Record), 1st Div B Discus, 3rd Div B Javelin and Relay
Erin G – 2nd Div A Shot Put, 2nd Div A Discus, 2nd 100m
Kiara C – 3rd Div A Hurdles, 1st Div A Shot Put, 7th Div A High Jump, 2nd Relay
Laylani V – 1st Div B Long Jump, 2nd Div A Discus, 5th Div B 100m, 2nd Div A Relay
Shanteal H – 6th Div A 400m, 7th Div A Triple Jump
Hayley G-S H – 2nd Div B Relay

Congratulations to Shanteal H on her leadership of the St Peters QGSSSA Track and Field team. Shanteal has been part of St Peters Track and Field since Year 7 and was a Track and Field Captain for 2021. Well done Shanteal!!

AIC Track and Field Championships

This coming Friday and Saturday boys from St Peters will compete at the AIC Track and Field Championships at QSAC. With boys from Year 5 – 12 representing the College throughout the 2 days, we look forward to seeing how they go later this week! Good luck to all boys!

Australian Netball Selection

Congratulations to Kiara C in Year 12 who has been selected in the U17 Australian Netball squad. This represents many hours of hard work and dedication for Kiara. We could not be prouder of Kiara! Well done!

Lutheran Primary Track and Field Championships

The Lutheran Primary Track and Field Championships will be held next Wednesday 13th October at QSAC. Parents will have already received communication earlier in the week if their child has been selected to represent the College. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Mr Lohe via email.

Girls Sport Coordinator – Anne-Marie Champion

"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 provides 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)

Girls Sport in the holidays!

Welcome back, I hope you all enjoyed a restful holiday break and are ready to go for a short but busy Term 4!

Over the holiday break both our Touch and Volleyball Programs enjoyed participating in tournaments.

On the first weekend a selected U13 Touch Team played in the Brisbane All School Tournament which proved to be a great lead up to the Queensland All School Tournament which is being played as I write. A full update of both these tournaments and how our U13 & U15 teams go will be in next weeks newsletter. Good luck Girls!

Over the long weekend our 9A & Open Volleyball teams ventured to the Gold Coast to participate in the rescheduled Queensland Volleyball Schools Cup & Club State Championships.

The Open Girls competed in the Year 12 Division 1 competition which started well with two 3-0 wins against Harristown and Calvary. Then in our last pool match we were a little inconsistent and thus lost 1-2 against The Gap. After this match the girls rallied and brought their best against a strong Shailer Park team. It was an epic match with both teams attacking strongly, but our serve and block game kept them under too much pressure, and we won 2-0.

We then had another high-level game of Volleyball but unbelievably it ended in a draw against St Benedicts as time ran out and both teams were locked at the same number of points. Due to this draw, there was a point count back and by the smallest of margins we were placed in the bronze medal match against the Gap.

In the bronze medal match the girls brought great focus and energy and never gave The Gap a chance to get into the game. We secured the bronze medal with a convincing 2-0 victory. It was a fantastic finish with excellent performances from every player and a great team atmosphere. All players represented themselves and St Peters proudly on and off court.

Our 9A team played in the U17 Club State Championships and did amazingly well in a tough division. The girls gave their all against some high-level teams and came away in sixth place, this was a great way to cap off a successful QGSSSA season. Well done girls, you represented St Peters with pride, we are very proud of you.

A massive thank you to Matt Young, Shane Van Beest & Phil Alexander who did an incredible job coaching over the weekend. Thanks also to all the parents for giving the girls this opportunity with special mention to Lisa Smith for everything she does for the Volleyball program.

Lastly there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to get the girls to these tournaments, thank you to Nat Holman for everything she did to give the girls this amazing opportunity.

Well done all!      

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.

ROWING

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

Please find attached a flyer for an off season, on water, Rowing program which is being run by the University of QLD Boat Club, which families may be interested in joining.  

Please contact Luciano, via the contact details in the attached flyer for further information.

TRACK & FIELD

Coordinators: Mr Shaun Nodwell, Mr Luke Donatini & Mr Jeremy Lohe – s.nodwell@stpeters.qld.edu.au, l.donatini@stpeters.qld.edu.au & j.lohe@stpeters.qld.edu.au

At the end of Term 3 the QGSSSA Track & Field Championships were held at QSAC. St Peters QGSSSA Track & Field team did an outstanding job on the day to place second overall by just 49 points to MBC. It was a brilliant result for the girls as St Peters claimed the 15 years and Open Age groups while also placing second in the 12 years, 13 years and 16 years with the 14 years placing fourth. We are sincerely proud of the girls team effort on the day!

Congratulations to Torrie L who broke the 16 Years 400m record as well as Aldora T (16 Years Div B), Allira T (14 years Div A) and Hayley C (14 years Div B) who all broke records in Shot Put for their respective events. The 15 years Div A Relay team comprising Keira M, Jess H, Charlize D and Ella-Jaye H-L broke the Div A Relay record while Ash S also broke the Open Div B Discus record only for the eventual winner to also break the record.

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 & 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 & Field season as without this the girls could not have achieved what they have!

TERM 4 SPORTS

AFL

All enquiries - Mrs Anne-Marie Champion – a.champion@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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 Years 7 – 11

It is important to note, AFL will be offered for Years 10-12 girls in Term 1 next year, The GIRLS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY SOFTBALL & AFL, they will have to choose one.

Years 7-9 AFL will be played in Term 4 next year.

Further details will be emailed on Friday, please note you are committing to the following Skill Development Sessions and Gala Days.

Skill Development Sessions

• Friday afternoon/evening 15 October
• Friday afternoon/evening 22 October

Gala Days

• Friday afternoon/evening 5 November
• Friday afternoon/evening 12 November

JUNIOR SOFTBALL

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

Years 7- 9 Girls Only - St Peters play in the QGSSSA Junior Softball Competition in Term 4.

There are three 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.

Training has commenced this week @ Hart Road Oval | 6.15am - 7.30am.

Selections of teams will be finalised this week and girls will be notified.

Game Days:

• Round 1 – Tuesday 19 October
• Round 2 – Thursday 21 October
• Round 3 – Monday 25 October
• Wet Weather Day – Wednesday 27 October

BADMINTON

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

Training has commenced again this week in preparation for the Tournament Days.

Trial games were held this week on Wednesday for the Years 10 – 12 girls and next week for the Years 7 – 9 girls.

• One Day Tournament - Open, Seniors & Year 10 – Saturday 9 October
• One Day Tournament - Year 7, 8 & 9 – Saturday 16 October  

Further details can be found on the St Peters App.

BWPI WATER POLO

Coordinator: Mrs Tracey Bruce – waterpolo@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Training for the 2021 – 2022 BWPI Water Polo Season has commenced back this week. Girls and parents will be emailed all details for Round 1 which commences this Saturday.  

A few key points...

• 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.

Please click here for the UPDATED Round 1 Draw.

SWIMMING FOR FITNESS

Coordinator: Mr Peter Dawson – p.dawson@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Swimming sessions commence today at the 50m pool for any girl playing Water Polo or wishing to do pre-season QGSSSA swim training. These sessions will be held on:

• Monday afternoon 50m pool: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
• Thursday afternoon 50m pool: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
• There is no need for girls to sign on for these sessions, simply turn up to the pool for the sessions you can make.

All the best for Term 4 😊

Welcome back after the September holiday break! I hope all boys are well refreshed and ready to take on Term 4 with enthusiasm and high energy.

Over the September break we saw both our St Peters Cricketers and our Track & Field athletes partake in holiday training camps. It was wonderful to witness such great participation within 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 2022 AIC Cricket season.

Our Track & Field athletes have also been busy this week making their final preparations for the 2021 AIC Track & Field Championships which will be conducted the QSAC, Nathan this Friday 8 October and Saturday 9 October.

We wish all our boys involved in both St Peters Cricket and St Peters Track & Field every success this coming weekend. We will be sure to keep everyone update on the final result after this weekend’s AIC Track & Field Championships.

Our St Peters Boys Water Polo are preparing for commencement of training in readiness for the 2021 AIC Water Polo Gala Day to be held on Sunday 24 October at Somerville College Aquatic Facility, South Brisbane.

Should any boy wishing more information about getting involved in St Peters Water Polo, we ask that you please contact Mr Alex Lawn (Coordinator) – a.lawn@stpeters.qld.edu.au

This term, we will also see the commencement of our preparations for our 2022 Term 1 Sports of Cricket, Volleyball, Swimming and AFL. Over the coming weeks all boys from Years 7 to 11 will have the opportunity to ‘sign on’ for one or more of the above mentioned 2022 Term 1 AIC sports. We do ask all boys to keep checking their emails for important information pertaining to 2022 Term 1 sport and when all specific pre-season training will commence over the course of Term 4 this year.

For further information about what is happening with 2022 Term 1 pre-season sports, please contact one of the below St Peters Coordinators:

• AIC Cricket – Mr Gary Munday g.munday@Stpeters.qld.edu.au   
• AIC AFL – Mr Mark Holman m.holman@stpetes.qld.edu.au
• AIC Volleyball – Mr Luke Donatini l.donatini@stpeters.qld.edu.au
• AIC Swimming – Mr Peter Dawson p.dawson@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Wet Weather and Cancellations

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.

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: