Our College vision is to create a learning community where people flourish. This vision is informed by our mission of excellence in Christian Co-education. Our mission and vision are our guiding lights so that every child learns every day. Everything we do at St Peters is driven by our mission and vision, underpinned by numerous factors including but not limited to significant research, relevant policy and government guidelines.
A set of guidelines underpin our strategic intent for wellbeing and care, so that every person matters everyday — these are part of the National Child Safe Principles. The Child Safe Principles were drafted in response to the 2013 Royal Commission into institutional responses to Child Abuse. The National Principles draw on the work of the Royal Commission, Australia’s Children’s Commissioners and Guardians and the 2005 National Framework for Creating Safe Environments for Children. They provide a national approach to embedding a child safe culture across all sectors of Australian society in which children are involved. These are underpinned by a child-rights approach and based on the standards recommended by the Royal Commission. The National Principles are designed to build capacity, deliver child safety and wellbeing in organisations, families and communities and to prevent future harm. To allow flexibility in implementation and in recognition of the variety of organisational types, sizes and capacities, the National Principles outline at a high level the 10 elements that are fundamental for making an organisation safe for children.
The National Principles are listed below –
These principles are fundamental to our approach to student wellbeing and safety. According to Australia’s leading Child Psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg: "The wellbeing of today's youth has never been more challenging."
At St Peters we work hard to create a safe, supportive learning community. There are multiple avenues for students to be able to reach out to a trusted person at school at any point. We have our Student Protection Officers listed in every classroom. Our wellbeing programs are underpinned by research and time, privileged each week to develop our students' wellbeing inside and outside of the classroom. We utilise restorative practice to inform our approach to relationships and expectations. We encourage our parents to utilise SchoolTV, an excellent resource that provides a wealth of knowledge and proven strategies to assist with modern day parenting.
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.
Never has the significance of change been more apparent than when we farewelled our Year 12 cohort for their last day of lessons at St Peters. They had a grand day recalling the events of their years together, celebrating their achievements and enjoying their final moments together as they prepare for exams and look forward to their Valedictory.
Farewelling can be a time when people give you a lot of support. Your friends let you know that you are loved and appreciated. Farewells can be a lovely time, but it can also be a lonely time. There’s the realisation that things will never be the same again, that friends who were with you every day will no longer be there in the same way. There is a grief that goes along with the change in friendships.
Isn't it nice to know that there is someone who never changes? Someone who is always loving, just and dependable? Jesus never changes: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb 13:8).
When relationships, studies, jobs and situations in our lives seem overwhelming, seem to swirl over us like a big wave; we can turn to God and know that he is always there. He will never let us down. As the Psalmist said: He alone is my Rock and my salvation; He is my Fortress, I will never be shaken (Psa 62:2). Being human as we are, we will try to depend on ourselves or on others. Then we can be shaken. But if we access his strength and his resources, we will never be shaken.
God works through our friends; he never meant for us to live our lives alone without fellowship. But even the very best of friends cannot always be there, especially in a time of change and leave-taking. But God will. So when we face the changes in our lives, may we remember the unchanging Lord who is always there for each and every one of us.
God bless.
Chaplain Kirstin
Important Notices
Continuing Enrolment 2024
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
We wish to assure you that planning at the College is well underway to ensure effective educational programs, staffing and administration at our College in 2024. To assist us with finalising details, it is important that the College is aware of our expected student numbers. My child will continue as a student at St Peters Springfield in 2024
There is no requirement for the families of students who will remain at the College in 2024 to contact us. Unless the Principal or Enrolments Office receives specific written advice from you that your child is leaving at the end of 2023, we will assume your child’s enrolment will continue and as such, their place at school in 2024 is secured. Families who will remain at St Peters into 2024, therefore, do not need to take any action. My child will leave St Peters Springfield at the end of 2023
We do wish to remind families that, as per the terms of your enrolment contract, if you do not intend for your child to remain a student of St Peters in 2024, you need to advise us in writing prior to Monday 23 October 2023. The final date for acceptance of notice without penalty (term’s fees in lieu of notice) will be Monday 23 October 2023. Please note that there can be no flexibility with regards to this contractual requirement due to the high demand for places at the College.
If you have any questions regarding continuing or a new enrolment with St Peters Springfield, please contact the Enrolments Team by email at s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au or by phone at 3470 3814. Enrolments Registrar
Wellbeing on Wellness Way
Positive Wellbeing Strategies
Welcome to Week 3. Here are some tools while we navigate our own lives and current world issues. You can use these strategies to support your children at home, as we do here at St Peters.
Cultivate Cheer
When times are hard, and joy is difficult to see, cultivate cheer. Cheer is micro joy, it’s the silver lining, it’s the daily things that bring little moments of light. Have a cup of tea when you can sit down for a moment, think of eating something when you’re hungry, or breathing in the trees and fresh air when walking to the car. Cheer builds, it is the little moments that lead to us feeling more gratitude and joy, cheer is essential when times are hard.
Celebrate and make more time for Cheer.
Back to Basics
Eat. Sleep. Hydrate. Exercise. Connect. REPEAT.
Become habitual about what you need. AND pay attention to the habits of your young people. When times are tough, I tell the students to ‘go to ground’, a little like ‘survival mode’. It is a short term solution but if you build positive and healthy habits they go a long way building in long term resilience.
Love and Kindness
It will be ok.
It is ok.
In counterbalance to any sad and unkind news in our world, fill your own mind with thoughts of loving kindness, talk nicely to your SELF, and talk nicely to the people you LOVE. Lean into the love being offered.
We can’t control everything. The good news is that we can control what we say, what we do and our actions. Show up with love, in all the ways you can control and it will be ok.
If you or your young person need any more support, you know you can always lean on us too.
Sarah Johnson Counsellor
Primary Years
Year 4 Camp
Blessed with blue skies and beautiful weather, on Monday 9 October Year 4 set off for camp at QCCC Brookfield.
Students were very excited to find out who was in their units and begin setting up their beds. After lunch, they were put into their activity groups for the remainder of the camp. Students participated in team challenges such as orienteering, and physical activities such as climbing wall, archery, bush skills and circus skills.
They quickly discovered the power of teamwork to overcome challenges big and small, and encouraged each other to be confident, positive and courageous. It was a time of great relationship building, where students were able to connect as a group, test their comfort limits and most of all - have fun! The students must be commended on their behaviour at the camp, which was also noted by each of their instructors.
Year 4 would like to thank all St Peters Lutheran College and QCCC Brookfield staff, who helped make the camp such a wonderful success.
Please note: all of the photos taken at camp are available for Year 4 parents and students to access via the weekly Firefly blog. Susan Levitt and Alana Cullen Year 4 Pastoral Care Teachers
New Formal Uniforms for Girls
We are excited to announce an addition to the Primary Years formal uniform for girls, starting in 2024. In addition to the traditional white formal dress, parents now have the option to purchase grey shorts and a white St Peters blouse for their daughters.
Please note, that these items are introduced as an alternative to the white dress and the formal dress remains a part of our formal uniform.
We believe that offering this choice allows families to tailor the uniform to their preferences while maintaining the school's distinctive formal uniform standards. The shorts and blouse combination will be available for purchase, providing flexibility for the upcoming 2024 college year.
It is essential to understand that these new pieces, the shorts and blouse, are designed to be worn together as a set. No other alternatives will be considered as part of the formal uniform. Additionally, please ensure that formal uniform pieces are not combined with any elements of the sports uniform.
In summary, starting in 2024, our girls will have the choice to wear either the classic white formal dress or the new shorts and blouse combination on formal uniform days. This change reflects our commitment to providing options that suit the preferences of our school community while preserving the dignity and tradition of our formal uniform. We look forward to seeing our students embrace these choices and continue to represent our school with pride and distinction.
Students in both Upper Primary and Lower Primary will be shown images of these uniform additions in the coming week and then they will be placed on the blogs.
Secondary Years
New Leaders Induction Ceremony
On Tuesday 17 October, we held our new Student Leader Induction Ceremony. This was a special event to induct and recognise our new Student Leaders.
Our new leadership team is very keen to begin their work with each portfolio. The Student Leadership Team's guiding light is to grow our diverse community.
We are super excited to see the positive impact of our Student Leaders across our College.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts News
Did you know:
Learning an instrument can help children of all ages dramatically improve their ability to focus on schoolwork, enhance their memory and improve behaviour.
Twilight Group Tours
Thanks and appreciation to Platinum and Burgundy Bands as well as Cantabile and Allegro Strings who presented a short program on the Concourse as parents arrived for the Twilight Tours on Wednesday evening. This was a wonderful opportunity for current parents to engage with prospective parents and enjoy the musical efforts of our young musicians. Thanks to Ms Crellin and Ms Kalkaus for the leadership of these ensembles and to Ms Powell for her assistance with the set-up.
Semester Two Performing Arts Showcase Concert
Next Tuesday night the 24 October from 7:00pm-8:30pm the Semester 2 Performing Arts Showcase Concert will be held in the JHP foyer. The concert has a music focus this time and will include performances from all music ensembles across the College and soloists from the Private Tuition Program as well as some students who learn externally. Emails have been sent out concerning the details, so please check. All students are to wear their full summer uniform with neat and tidy hair and clean shoes. Thanks to all the Performing Arts Directors of Ensembles and the Private Tuition Tutors for their work with the students throughout this semester. We look forward to celebrating their achievements next Tuesday.
AMEB Speech and Drama Exams
Best wishes to several students of Mrs Wilson who will be sitting their external AMEB Speech and Drama exams from Years 1-8 this weekend in the city. We look forward to celebrating your achievements in due course.
Upcoming Events
Performing Arts Showcase Concert – Tuesday 24 October
Piano Exams - Mrs Alison Pomerenke’s students - Thursday 9 November CH19B.
ASCA (Australian Speech Communication Association) – 28-29 October
Secondary Presentation Evening – 16 November
Primary State Honour Ensemble Program – 25-26 November
Dance Troupe Rehearsals
Please note the following rehearsal & performance times and reminders:
TERM 4 REHEARSALS
Monday, Week 4 3:00pm-3:30pm – *Performers ONLY*
Monday, Week 5 3:00pm-3:30pm – *Performers ONLY*
Monday, Week 6 3:00-3:30pm – *Performers ONLY*
Thursday, Week 6 16 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 Co-ordinator
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:
Year 6 Cricket
Last Saturday, Stoltz Oval hosted a terrific game of Cricket. Our Year 6 mixed team, comprising current students from both St Peters Indooroopilly and Springfield, as well as new students who will join us in 2024, took on the formidable Wests Stars. What unfolded was an exciting match that earned applause from spectators on both sides. St Peters, despite a tremendous effort, narrowly fell short in the final overs. While victory was not ours, this match embodied the spirit of St Peters. It was a moment embraced not only by our visiting parents but also by the players from Wests Cricket Club, reminding us of what makes our college truly special.
Well done to our Year 6 Team: Lachlan G, Max M, Millie H, Toby G, Rubin S, Atticus W, Jonty M, Srish G, Hannah J, Abdurahman S and Andrew Crothers (Coach)
Scorers: Rubin S (27), Hannah J (18) and Millie H (not out 33)
Gary Munday St Peters Cricket Coordinator
Girls Sport Update
QUEENSLAND SCHOOL SPORT TRACK & FIELD STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Last week the Queensland School Sport Track & Field Championships were held at QSAC, St Peters had many athletes compete over the two days of fierce competition, with some fantastic results.
ST PETERS GIRLS RESULT
Addison F (14 Years): 3rd 400m & 2nd 200m Hurdles
Milla R (16 Years): 1st 800m & 1st 400m Hurdles
Gabby S (17 Years): 1st 3000m
Toby S (17 Years): 2nd High Jump & 2nd 100m Hurdles
Sadie D (13 Years): 1st High Jump
Lilja J (13 Years): 3rd Pole Vault
Sophie S (16 Years): 2nd Pole Vault
Zoe C (17 Years): 1st Triple Jump
Allira T (16 Years): 1st Shot Put & 2nd Discus
Hayley C (16 years): 3rd Shot Put
Aldora T (18 Years): 1st Discus, 1st Shot Put & 2nd Hammer Throw
Congratulations and well done to all our athletes and thank you to our coaches for their support.
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.
Year 7, 8 & 9 Girls Only - St Peters will take part in the QGSSSA Junior Australian Rules competition in Term 4.
With amazing growth in the numbers participating in Australian Rules, our five teams are excited for Game Day No 1 this Saturday. Our 9A, 7i & 7ii teams will play at SomerFields and our 8A and Junior B teams will be at Moreton Bay College.
Good luck girls!
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
Please check the St Peters App for the 2023 Season and the weekly draws.
Maps of the venues can also be found on the St Peters App.
BADMINTON
Congratulations and well done to all our Badminton girls who have competed in the QGSSSA Junior and Senior Badminton Competitions over the past two weekend. With four venues pumping with Badminton, the girls enjoyed the competition with special congratulations to our 7B team who place second, a fantastic result. Well done to Ruby C-P, Zoe T, Giselle C, Shanaya D, Olivia L and Sasha W.
Thank you to our great team of coaches who worked hard to prepare the girls in a short space of time, well done.
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.
BWPI WATER POLO
Coordinators: Tracey Bruce and Hannah Le Sage – waterpolo@stpeters.qld.edu.au Over the last two Saturdays our teams have played in mini trial games (2 x 4-minute halves) with some teams playing 2 games and others 3 depending on the number of teams registered in each division.
St Peters have entered 10 teams into the BWPI competition, and these mini games determine the division they will play in for the season. With this done and dusted, we are now eagerly awaiting the 2023/2024 Round 1 draw.
The grading games have been a great way for our new players to start to learn the game and for our teams to bond together.
It has been pleasing to see the improvement in our teams. Please keep an eye on the St Peters App for the Round 1 draw, this will be uploaded each week as soon as it is available.
The Learn to Row program for our Year 7-8 students got off to an enthusiastic start in the ergo gym yesterday. Students new to rowing started their session learning our DYNAMIC SHED WARM UP from a number of our experienced rowers before jumping on the rowing ergometers and learning the basics of the rowing stroke. Rowing has a language all it’s own – so our new students were also schooled in how to “come to the catch”, how to “sit at the finish”, what we mean when we talk about “the drive” and “the recovery”.
Students also had the opportunity to use our swingulator (our rowing machine that operates much more like a boat with oars) and finished their session with some team relay challenges. It was a high energy, physically and mentally stimulating 90 minutes and there were lots of red, smiling faces heading home looking forward to next week when they get out in a boat for the first time on the Brisbane River.
Learn to Row sessions run on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoon for 5 weeks this term. There are still a few spaces available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for anyone who would like to try rowing.
Please contact Mrs Helen Allard for more information.
Swimming sessions have commenced in at the 50m pool for any girls playing Water Polo or wishing to do pre-season QGSSSA swim training.
Wednesday afternoons at the 50m pool: 3:20pm-4:00pm
Anne-Marie Champion Girls Sport Coordinator
Boys Sport Update
We congratulate our AIC Track and Field team on their 3rd place at the AIC Track and Field Championships held a few weeks ago. The team should be congratulated on their efforts and standing up in the face of many challenges.
A number of students gained individual success on the day including in Division A events:
Tom S (13 yrs) – 1st Javelin, 1st Discus
Isaac K (14 yrs) – 1st 800m
Tristan B (15 yrs) – 1st High Jump
Theo H (15 yrs) – 1st 100m, 1st Long Jump, 1st Triple Jump
Brodie W (Open) – 1st Discus, 1st Javelin
St Peters also placed in the following age groups:
12 Years – 6th
13 Years – 4th
14 Years – 3rd
15 Years – 5th
16 Years – 6th
Open - 4th
Well done to all boys on their season!
QLD Schools Track and Field Championships
Congratulations to all boys who competed last week at the Queensland Track and Field Championships. A number of student competed over the 6 days of competition with the following students placing in their respective events:
Theodore H (15 Years) – 1st – Triple Jump
Tom S – (13 Years) – 1st - Javelin
Well done to these athletes!!
QLD Open Water Swimming
St Peters were well represented at the recent Queensland Open Water Championships which was held at Coolum, Sunshine Coast. It was fantastic to see so many great performances from our St Peters swimmers.
There were some fantastic performances including:
Thomas B (12 Years) – 2nd
William T (13 years) – 2nd
Luke A (13 years) – 3rd
Kai G (15 Years) – 2nd
Samuel T (17 years) – 1st
Callum B (17 Years) – 2nd
AIC Water Polo
Our St Peters Boys Water Polo players are training hard in readiness for the 2023 AIC Water Polo Gala Day to be held on Sunday 22 October.
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
2024 Sport Sign On
As our boys look to complete the Basketball and Tennis seasons in Term 3, we look forward to Term 4 opportunities for our boys to begin preseason training for Cricket, Volleyball and Australian Rules.
Please see below for each sport and links to Sign On and Preseason Training Schedule:
Preseason training for AIC Volleyball in Term 1 2024
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. Jeremy Lohe Assistant Director of Sport
Celebrating Sports Achievements
Congratulations to Diva E (Year 7) who placed 2nd in 12 Years High Jump at the 10-12 Years State Track & Field Championships. Diva cleared a height of 1.55m and now progresses to the 10-12 Years National Championships being held in Tasmania in November.
Congratulations also to the following Springfield students who placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in events at the 13-19 Years State Track & Field Championships.
Allira T (Year 10) who won the 16 Years Shot Put event at the 13-19 Years State Track & Field Championships. Not only did Allira win this event, but she broke the record by over a metre! Allira also placed 2nd in her Discus event. Addison F (Year 8) placed 3rd in 14 years 400, 2nd in 14 Years 90m Hurdles and 2nd in 14 Years 200m.
Toby S (Year 12) came 2nd in the 17 Years 100m Hurdles and 2nd in 17 Years High Jump.
Hayley C (Year 11) came 3rd in 16 Years Shot Put.
Aldora T (Year 12) came 2nd in 18-19 Years Shot Put, 1st in 18-19 Years Discus and 2nd in 18-19 Years Hammer Throw.
Primary Sport
On Friday 13 October, a number of students from Years 4-6 participated in a Soccer and Netball Gala day with a number of other Lutheran Primary schools. St Peters entered three soccer teams and three netball team. Students had a great time and didn’t let the warm weather affect their efforts, those who went were excellent representatives for the college.
Well done to the Year 4 Netball team who finished runners up in their competition. Further congratulations to the Year 4 and Year 5 soccer teams who also finished the day as runners up, with the Year 6 team placing third. Teams that placed runner up all receive a medallion, the netball team received their medallions on Friday, soccer medallions will be distributed at an Upper Primary assembly at a later date.
QGSSSA Girls 7 – 12 Sport
QGSSSA Junior AFL matches commence this week. Please ensure that students and families involved are checking the St Peters app for information regarding fixtures.
Mr Brendan Johns Head of Sport
Community
TOYOTA GOOD FOR CRICKET RAFFLE
Football Parents Support Group Meet and Greet 2024
