In our Secondary School, the role of Student Portfolio Teams is to provide leadership opportunities that build on strengths within the College, by students, and for students. Each portfolio works under the guidance of a staff mentor.

The three main goals for the leaders in their portfolios are to:

Develop the specific portfolio of St Peters Springfield.
Foster College spirit and embody Care, Dignity and Respect.
Recognise and highlight the achievements of individuals in these portfolios.

Our Leadership Induction Ceremony took place this week. It as a beautiful occasion with deserving students and proud parents.

We know from research that young people want to gradually gain more control in their lives and begin to have more influence of events in their world. Resilience research helps us to identify how resilient youth have the confidence to make life better even in adverse conditions. With the opportunity for autonomy, the young person learns that they have power. Anyone who has worked with adolescents will attest to observing how young people exhibit a heightened desire for autonomy.

As I have stated previously, one of the features of our portfolio leadership structure is that both students and teachers will co-create the vision and expectations within each portfolio. In this sense, teachers and students will share the learning and leadership experiences. As all students in Years 7-12 will have the opportunity to join a portfolio, all students will have an authentic avenue for having their voices heard and validated. Excitingly, we will be adding Junior High positions this year also.

Our goal is for students to develop their sense of agency and begin to have a greater influence on the culture of our College. We are excited to see the influence our new Leaders will have in the coming year.

Mr Dominic Piacun
Head of Secondary Years

Thank you to the Parents and Caregivers who have taken the time to provide feedback on the College. We have extended the closing date to Sunday 20 October.

If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact dhoc@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

Lisa Delaney
Deputy Head of College

17 October
Community Focus Day (Gifts of Grace)

18 October
Year 7 Welcome to Junior High

21 October
Year 12 QCAA External Assessment Block Commences

22 October
2025 Prep Orientation Morning
Year 10T Geography Excursion

24 October
2025 Prep Orientation Morning
Springfield Sports Photos (at Indooroopilly)
Year 1Wolston Farm Excursion

25 October
Prep Ipswich Excursion
World Teacher’s Day
Years 7-10 PAT Testing

28 October
Piano Exams

29 October
Year 11 Biology Excursion
Years 6 and 11 Mentor Day

'Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' – Mary Oliver

Recently, while chatting with Year 12 students about their hopes and dreams post-school, this line from Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day came to mind. As our Year 12s approach the end of their formal schooling and consider their options and paths for the journey ahead, there is much for them to ponder in this space. What is it that they want to do?

As teachers and parents who help to form the character of these young people, day in and day out, we have hopes and dreams for them too. We want them to find careers that give them satisfaction, to find communities they can belong to and contribute to, to experience meaningful relationships. We want nothing but the best for them. But what does that look like? Hugh Mackay addresses this question in The Good Life and poses this question throughout: ‘What makes a life worth living?’

Mackay asserts that ‘the good life’ is actually not the things that society would have us believe are important: chasing after wealth, status, career success and constant happiness. Rather, these pursuits distract us from what is really important—quality relationships, meaningful connections and selflessness—living for others.

As Christians, we believe that all people have innate dignity and therefore, all lives are worthy. There is nothing we need to do for our life to be considered ‘worth living’. That is something to celebrate! We are worthy, despite any inadequacies or limitations we may have. In fact, Ephesians 2:10 states that 'We are God’s handiwork'—other translations use the word ‘masterpiece’. Imagine that! You and I are masterpieces.

But Ephesians 2:10 doesn’t stop there. In its fullness, it reads, 'For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' We don’t do good deeds because it somehow makes us better people; we have innate dignity and worth independent of whatever we do or do not do. Rather, the good works, or service, flows out of hearts that know they are loved and forgiven, out of hearts that see the hurt in the world and want to see injustice end.

Mackay believes that the litmus test for a life well lived, or ‘the good life’, lies in the quality of our responses to the needs of others. This aligns beautifully with the Lutheran understanding of vocation – that sacred space where our gifts intersect with the world’s deepest needs.

Perhaps rather than asking our young people what it is they want to do with their lives, which feels like a lot of pressure for ones still so young, we could ask better questions, like these ones suggested by Jodie Hoff, principal at LORDS (Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School):

“What problems do you want to solve?”
“What do you want to create?”
“Who do you want to serve?”

These questions encourage students to think about others, to be more outward than inward looking, and more selfless than selfish. In fact, imagine how different it would be if we started to ask these questions of each other, rather than the usual “So what do you do for a living?” when we meet someone for the first time? Wouldn’t it change how we thought about our impact and involvement in society?

“So what do you get to create?”
“What problems are you currently trying to solve?”
“Who do you get to serve in the space you are in?”

Finally, if we want the best for our young people, for them to live ‘the good life’, there’s some wisdom worth sharing from Philippians 2:3-5:

'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.'

Now this is ‘the good life’.

Renata Rankin
Director of Identity, Formation and Service

The College is blessed to be experiencing unprecedented growth and interest in enrolment.

Families with children already at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield wishing to enrol a sibling in 2026 or beyond are reminded to submit an online enrolment application for your child, if you have not already done so.

Please note that due to the very high demand for places, applications for siblings commencing in 2026 should be received before the end of Term 1, 2025. A link to our online enrolment application form can be found here - https://EnrolmentApplicationSFD. Sibling interviews are anticipated to commence in Term 1, 2025 and continue through into Term 3, 2025.

For further information, please contact the Enrolments Team via s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au
or phone +61 7 3470 3888.

Enrolments Registrar

This week, as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, we’re highlighting the importance of strong passwords.

Passwords are often the first line of defence against unauthorised access to your accounts. Here are key points to remember:

Length matters: Longer passwords are generally more secure.
Complexity is key: Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Uniqueness is crucial: Use different passwords for different accounts.

Action Item: Make time this week to review and strengthen your passwords, especially for your most important accounts.

Consider using a password manager to help you create and store complex, unique passwords securely.

Learn more about ways to keep you and your family safe online by visiting ‘Cyber Security Awareness Month’ initiatives led by the Australian Signals Directorate.

As we continue our journey as a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP), we are excited to see how the IB Learner Profile attributes are being embraced not only in the classroom but also at home. These attributes - Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, and Reflective - are key components in shaping globally minded, well-rounded students.

To fully develop these attributes, it is important to extend learning beyond the College and integrate them into family life. Here are some practical ways you can nurture the Learner Profile attributes at home:

Inquirers
Encourage curiosity by exploring topics of interest together. Whether it is a nature walk, a science experiment, or reading about a new culture, foster a love for asking questions and discovering answers.

Knowledgeable
Create opportunities for your child to deepen their understanding of subjects they enjoy. Family trivia nights, discussing world events, or visiting museums are great ways to broaden their knowledge across a variety of disciplines.

Thinkers
Challenge your child with puzzles, strategy games, or discussions that require critical thinking. Encourage them to think through problems and come up with creative solutions.

Communicators
Practice communication skills by having meaningful conversations at the dinner table, writing letters or emails to relatives, or reading aloud. Listening is also key - teach the importance of understanding different perspectives.

Principled
Promote honesty, fairness, and integrity by setting clear expectations and discussing the importance of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Simple acts, like sharing and taking responsibility, reinforce being principled.

Open-minded
Encourage an appreciation for diverse cultures and viewpoints. Try new foods from different countries, watch international films, or read books that explore different experiences and backgrounds.

Caring
Model kindness and empathy by participating in community service as a family or simply being there to support friends and neighbours in need. Little gestures of caring go a long way in making a positive impact.

Risk-takers
Support your child in stepping outside of their comfort zone. Whether trying a new sport, performing in front of others, or tackling a challenging project, praise their efforts and celebrate their courage.

Balanced
Help your child understand the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle by prioritising time for schoolwork, play, and rest. Engage in physical activities together, practice mindfulness, and ensure that downtime is valued just as much as achievement.

Reflective
Encourage reflection by discussing daily experiences. Ask questions like “What did you learn today?” or “What would you do differently next time?” This helps children become more self-aware and understand how they can grow from their experiences. When looking through a Lutheran lens, prayer can also provide a great opportunity for our young people to be reflective.

By incorporating these attributes into everyday life, you are helping to create a well-rounded learner who is prepared to thrive, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Let’s work together to cultivate these important skills, fostering a love of learning and a positive, resilient mindset that will serve them for years to come.

Mrs Lia Sabri
Head of Primary Years

On Monday 14 October, the College was joined by a large number of guests for the Official Opening and Dedication of the Junior High Precinct, Stage 3B. Hon Charis Mullen MP, State Member for Jordan and First Assistant Bishop Reverend Ben Hentschke performed the Official Opening and dedicated the building to the glory of God. It has been said that it takes a community to raise a child, and we can see from all those in attended this event, that it also takes a large team of skilled and supportive people to raise a new building. Our community is thankful for all the support and efforts in the provision of this new innovative space that will aid us in continuing to support every child learning every day.

The following day, Tuesday 15 October, we were once again excited to welcome many guests to the College, for the Student Leadership Induction Ceremony. Parents of the new Student Leaders were invited to join them at the front of the Assembly for the pinning of their badges for the first time. Students were then congratulated by Mr Tim Kotzur, Head of College, before stating their pledge to the community. Congratulations to our incoming Student Leadership team. We know you will lead with courage, connect with kindness and serve with purpose

Mr Craig Brown
Head of Springfield

Who? 

All students completing Year 12 in 2024

What? 

The Next Step survey will ask you about your activities since finishing school, like study and work.

How? 

Expect to be contacted by phone, mail or email. To help us reach you, please check your contact details are correct in your learning account by logging into the student portal at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au

When? 

March to June 2025

Why? 

Your answers to the Next Step survey help schools and further education providers improve their services for future students. Plus, go in the draw to win a laptop!

More info at http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep

Have your say … take part in the Next Step survey!

Junior High Precinct Stage 3B Official Opening and Dedication

Thank you to Ms Crellin and Cantabile Strings who performed as part of the Junior High Precinct Stage 3B Official Opening and Dedication on Monday morning.

Performing Arts Showcase

Congratulations to all students who performed at the Performing Art Showcase on Monday evening. These events present opportunities for new and established Ensembles to perform and offer a sense of commitment and purpose to the weekly rehearsals. to all the Private Tuition Tutors and to those who were responsible for conducting Ensembles.

Creative Showcase Number Two

Well done to the 7S and 7T Bucket Drumming groups who performed as part of the Second Creative Showcase evening.

Mater Hospital

Selected Years 5 and 6 students will form part of small Vocal Ensemble to sing at the Mater Hospital Springfield Central on 24 October. Details have been emailed to relevant parents. Thanks to Mrs Schmeider for organising this worthwhile opportunity for St Peters to be present and support the hospital during their pastoral care week.

Christmas Carols

Cantabile Strings, Dolce Voce, Con Brio and the Year 6 Choir will be performing at this event on Friday 8 November from 5:00pm. Each Choir will lead a popular Christmas Carol and perform a selected item. The final item will involve all Choirs, Cantabile Strings and staff members performing Vivaldi’s Gloria. This is an event not to be missed!

ASCA Speech Exams

Good luck to the Speech and Communication students of Mrs Wilson and Mrs Scott who will be sitting their exams tomorrow, Friday 18 October in PA1. We look forward to celebrating the results when they are released.

Upcoming Events

ASCA Speech and Communication Exams: 18 October PA1 (Wilson/Scott)
Mater Hospital Concert: 24 October
ACM Piano Exams: 28 October (Pomerenke)
Christmas Carols: 8 November
Secondary Presentation Evening: 13 November
Valedictory Ceremony: 15 November
Vocal Studio Recital: 18 November (Learning Commons)
Year 5 MEB Performance: 21 November 5pm
Primary Celebration Service: 22 November
SHEP Primary: 23/24 November
Year 3 MES Performance 25 November: 1:30pm

Mrs Geraldine Campbell
Performing Arts Coordinator

Congratulation to the following St Peters Springfield students who represented St Peters and Metropolitan West at the QRSS Track & Field Championships. Results are being finalised, but these students performed incredibly well, and some are now State Champions. More will be in next weeks edition of Cornerstone

• Cooper W (Year 5)
• Emily B (Year 7)
• Ka’Mya D (Year 7)
• Sophie M (Year 7)
• Daniel M (Year 7)
• Diva E (Year 8)
• Lilah H (Year 8)
• Asher B (Year 9)
• Addison F (Year 9)
• Mia K (Year 9)
• Jenali B (Year 10)
• Isaac K (Year 10)
• Indiana P (Year 10)
• Hayden W (Year 11)
• Allira T (Year 11)
• Hayley C (Year 12)

Year 4-6 MSW Cricket

We have had an exciting start to the season with some great team and individual results. St Peters Primary Years are currently fielding three teams in the boys’ competition, and one team in the girls’ competition. The teams are a combination of Springfield and Indooroopilly students. It is great to see more girls in the Primary Years at St Peters Springfield playing Cricket.

The Years 4/5 team had one narrow loss, and one nail biting win last Saturday on the last ball of the match! The Years 5/6 team have come across two very competitive teams, resulting in losses. We look forward to seeing them bounce back this week with a full squad. The Years 6/7 team are undefeated from their first two games and are looking to continue their commanding form from last year. The Years 4-6 girls team play in a non-competitive 20 over game. They have had a lot of fun. It was wonderful to see both Tiana (Year 4) and Stuti (Year 6) take a wicket with their very first ball bowled in MSW Cricket. Naina (Year 4) and Amaanat are also playing an integral role in this team.

We would like to highlight some great individual performances from players already this season.

Thehan (Year 4) – 47 no out, 1/10 (4 overs), and 1/10 (3 overs)
Ronit (Year 4) – 8 not out, 1/16 and a run out with a direct hit from the outfield
Angus (Year 4) – 4 not out and 0/4 (2 overs)
Nihaal (Year 4) – 3 not out and 0/9 (2 overs)
Kendrick (Year 5) – 12 runs, 11 not out and two catches
Aryan (Year 5) – 19 runs and 1/12 (3 overs)
Gurnoor (Year 5) – 31 not out, direct hit run out and one catch
Anish (Year 5) – 18 runs and 1/16 (4 overs)
Cooper (Year 6) – 9 runs, 1/20 (4 overs)
Caleb (Year 6) – 0/2
Zak (Year 6) – 6 not out and 0/8
Lachlan (Year 6) – 25 not out, 8 not out, 1/7 (2 overs) and 1/15 (3 overs)
Louis (Year 6) – 21 not, 14 not out, 2/12 (3 overs) and 0/8 (4 overs)

Boys Weekly Sport

Despite being in Term 4 sport isn’t slowing down with plenty of opportunities across the board! AIC Touch and Water Polo are on this weekend with our students training when the weather permitted in Week 2 to prepare for their respective invitational events. Boys will also begin pre-season training for Australian Rules Football and Volleyball in Week 4 to begin preparation for the 2025 season.

Touch and Rugby Friday FUNdamentals will begin on Week 4 Friday 25 October for boys and girls in Years 4–11 Express your interest for these clinic afternoons where students can engage in a fun community atmosphere learning fundamental skills for Rugby and Touch.
All abilities are welcome, and participants can enjoy a BBQ after the session!

CLICK HERE to express your interest in these afternoons!

2025 Leaders of Sport

Nominations are open for Captain and Vice-captain roles of each sport in 2025 for current Years 10 and 11 students. CLICK HERE to submit your application. Applications close 5:00pm, Friday 25 October.

As always, there are plenty of opportunities for school sport at St Peters!

Cricket News

MSW Cricket is a club competition within our local area known as the MSW Cricket Competition. This competition takes place on Saturdays and includes teams from every age group from Years 4–11. The competition runs over 10 weeks, from Saturday 5 October – Saturday 7 December.

St Peters is looking for any students in Years 10–11 who are interested in playing cricket to sign up as we have places available. Please email Mr Gary Munday G.Munday@stpeters.qld.edu.au (Cricket Coordinator) to express your interest and sign on below:

MSW CRICKET SIGN ON – CLICK HERE

SIGN UP WITH PLAY CRICKET – CLICK HERE

AIC Touch News

With the Invitational Carnival being held at St Laurence’s College Runcorn playing fields with St Peters entering a Years 5/6, 7, 8/9 and 10/11 team. Wishing our boys the best of luck for Saturday for St Peters debut in this competition.

Please see CLICK HERE to see the AIC Invitational Touch Draw.

AIC Water Polo News

On Wednesday night students Trialled for the upcoming AIC Water Polo Tournament for Sunday 20 October.

Please CLICK HERE for the Week 3 Training Schedule.

2025 Pre-season Sport

To prepare for 2025 Sport, in Term 4 the following sports will begin pre-season trials and training to ensure students can hit the ground running when they return from holidays in January.

Please CLICK HERE for Australian Rules Football Pre-season training schedule

Please CLICK HERE for Volleyball Pre-season Training Schedule

Please CLICK HERE for Cricket (MSW) Training Schedule

For our St Peters sporting programs to positively develop and grow, it is paramount that our students attend training sessions for their chosen sport, so they can improve and refine sport-specific skills and build cohesion amongst their team-mates.

If students are unable to attend some training sessions, it is vital that their absence is communicated to their coaches firstly, and also the respective coordinator/s.

ST PETERS ACHIEVEMENTS

To help St Peters celebrate the sporting achievements of students who have competed in a State or National teams please complete the Microsoft form – CLICK HERE

With hundreds of athletes competing in dozens of sports, this will help us ensure your students achievements are not left unnoticed and can be considered for College celebrations.

TERM 4 AIC SPORT COORDINATORS

St Peters AIC Track and Field:
Mr Daniel Fraser - d.fraser@stpeters.qld.edu.au

St Peters AIC Touch Coordinator
Mr Nathaniel Bartlett - n.bartlett@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Please also CLICK HERE to access the AIC Sporting Calendar for 2024.

Matchday expectations 

A reminder that all St Peters boys do need to be dressed correctly at both AIC training and at AIC games. All uniform items can be purchased from Shop45 or via School Locker, please refer to the website for opening hours. For matchdays enclosed footwear must be worn to games, no slides or Crocs are to be worn at St Peters or associated AIC schools.

Track & Field

• Students to wear the Track & Field singlet to all meets

ST PETERS STUDENT SPECTATORS ON GAMEDAYS

Should any St Peters student be attending a St Peters sporting event/game outside of normal College hours, it is expected that they are dressed in St Peters formal uniform. Should a student not be wearing the correct attire when attending a sporting event/game, they may be asked to leave the venue.

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. We will endeavour to keep everyone updated on both training cancellations and game day changes as the week progresses.

Daniel Fraser
Boys Sport Coordinator

QGSSSA Badminton

Well done to our junior teams who represented the College last Saturday at the QGSSSA Badminton Championships. Congratulations to our 7C team, which won a pennant in their division! Thank you to our Coordinator, Miss Moore, for her organisation and support of the girls throughout the season.

Results: 

7A 2nd
7B 3rd
7C 1st
7D 5th
8A 4th
8B 6th
8C 7th
9A 10th
9B 9th

WATER POLO - BRISBANE METROPOLITAN JUNIOR COMPETITION

Coordinator: Miss Hannah Le Sage - H.LeSage@stpeters.qld.edu.au

We have nine teams competing in the Brisbane Junior Metropolitan Competition. It was great to get the season underway last weekend. Well done to all teams!

Last week at the Open team presentation, Mr Kotzur spoke about the honour of representing St Peters at the highest level and the role models they are to our younger students. It was great to have our U12 team in attendance to present the Open team with their caps. Thank you to Miss Le Sage for organising the presentation.

Remember to check the St Peters App for the latest version of the draw.

First Half of the Season | 12th October 2024 – 30th November 2024
Second Half of the Season | 1st February 2025 – 29th March 2025

CBSQ Junior Girls Championship

The CBSQ tournament is the premier school Basketball tournament in Queensland. It was fantastic to see the girls embrace the challenge of this competition, demonstrating remarkable growth in their skills and teamwork over the four-day competition. The team placed 5th in the third division. Thank you to our Coordinator and Coach, Miss Smith for her care and guidance of the girls.

MSW CRICKET

Coordinator: Mr Gary Munday - g.munday@stpeters.qld.edu.au

This competition offers a fantastic opportunity for our players to gain valuable match experience and enhance their skills ahead of the 2025 QGSSSA season. We still have spots available for any girls interested in joining the teams. For more information, please contact our Cricket Coordinator, Mr Gary Munday - g.munday@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

JUNIOR AFL

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

We are looking forward to the upcoming Junior AFL season. Please check the St Peters App for the latest version of the draw.

Girls are reminded that any planned absences should be communicated in advance to Mr Hicks.

Please see the competition dates below:

Week 1 - Saturday, 19 October
Week 2 - Saturday, 26 October
Week 3 - Saturday, 2 November
Week 4 - Saturday, 9 November
Week 5 - Saturday, 16 November

LEARN TO ROW

Coordinator: Ms Helen Allard – h.allard@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Our five-week Learn to Row Program started this week. Students participating in the program will have received direct communication from Mrs Allard with more information. Please wear HPE uniform, sneakers and bring a water bottle.

TOUCH AND RUGBY FRIDAY FUNDAMENTALS

CLICK HERE to see the Touch & Rugby Friday FUNdamentals flyer

Please CLICK HERE to register your interest for the upcoming Touch Football and Rugby Clinics

• All abilities are welcome, Boys and Girls in Years 4–11
• 3:30pm to 4:45pm in Term 4, Weeks 4–7
• Fun drills, modified games and prizes
• Post-training BBQ to build connections
• Free-of-charge

SWIMMING FOR FITNESS

Swimming sessions have commenced at the 50m pool for girls playing Water Polo or wishing to do pre-season QGSSSA swim training.

Wednesday afternoons @ the 50m pool: 3:20pm – 4:00pm

Student Achievements

We would like to acknowledge student sporting achievements throughout the year. If your daughter has competed at a national or international level, please click here to share the details with us.