One of my favourite words is flourish. The round vowel sounds, the rolling rrrr and the soft finish of the sh combine in a magical way to create visual image of a rich, velvety rose in full bloom, its scent sweetening the world around it. The dictionary meaning of the word to grow vigorously, to thrive ignores the implicit beauty and joy of ‘flourishing’.
One of the privileges of teaching is the opportunity to walk alongside our young people as they transform from nervous beginners in a range of endeavours to accomplished and flourishing practitioners.
On Thursday evening last week, I joined parents, grandparents, teachers and music tutors in the audience at recital showcasing the talents of our private music and speech and drama students. Their enthusiasm for their chosen performing art was evident in the bright smiles and eagerness to stand in front of an audience and perform. Some were newcomers performing for the first time while others were veterans of eisteddfods and concerts, but they all gave 100% to their performances.
The Performing Arts Department facilitates private tuition recitals twice a year and one of the delights of these evenings is seeing the progress the students are making. While listening to our Secondary students play complex pieces written by the world’s greatest composers, I remembered them as those nervous beginners tentatively sounding the notes of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. To see them flourishing, nurtured by teachers who gently and wisely lead them was a joy.
There are foundational skills we all need to survive in this world—literacy, numeracy, IT capability, financial common sense—but when we tap into that creative, challenging kernel inside us and find our unique way to express who we are, God smiles as he watches us flourish and become the fulfilled human beings he created us to be.
Sue Grotherr Head of Secondary Years
What's On
Thursday 4 November - Wednesday 10 November
Thursday 4 November Prep S Christmas Party
Saturday 6 November 2022 Year 7 Orientation Morning 9-11am
Monday 8 November Year 6 Camp (Finishes Friday 12 November) 2022 Years 1 – 3 Orientation Session 8.20-9.20am
Tuesday 9 November Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 10 November Year 2 Indigenous Excursion
Ministry
Young, passionate and purposeful: the witness of Muni: George Schwarz
George Schwarz was only 19 years old when he arrived in Far North Queensland to dwell amongst the Guugu Yimidhirr speaking peoples north of Cooktown. The year was 1887 and since then, in September every year, the First Nations People around the township of Hopevale, celebrate 'Muni Day'. Muni is the local people’s name for Schwarz. When the people learned that 'Schwarz' was the German word for the colour 'black', they bestowed upon this European missionary visitor, the Guugu Yimidhirr word for 'black', which was 'Muni'.
'Muni' had done his training at the Lutheran Mission School in Neuendettelsau in Bavaria when he was the same age as our St Peters Senior Students. He then travelled to the 'ends of the earth' to serve the people in the north and to share with them what he knew of the gracious heart of God revealed to us in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the way to the land 'down under', Muni stopped for a few weeks in England to undertake a fast-tracked course in the English language.
He remained with the people for nearly 55 years, until the relocation of the Hopevale people to Woorabinda in 1942 under the threats of invasion in the north during the Second World War.
Why is Muni acknowledged year after year? It is because he was a witness to the gracious heart of God to the people he served. It is also because he struggled on behalf of the First Nations people against injustice and prejudices from all quarters. Throughout those 55 years, George Schwarz was cherished as a champion for the wellbeing of the Guugu Yimidhirr peoples and the peoples of the other northern language groups who were forcibly resettled around him.
All from the heart of man who arrived at 19 years of age.
The Lord has blessed our young people with such diverse gifts. Please join me in a prayer for our Year 12s as their finish this year and prepare for their grand adventure of life beyond College.
Lord, be with our year 12 students as they continue through their final exams; as they await results; and as they plan for life after school. Give them clear minds and good health. Give to them pride in what they do and give them a just return for their work. Finally, give them courage and peace as they face the uncertainties and delights of life after high school. Amen.
Pastor Paul Smith Indooroopilly College
Ks for Cambodia
Students are walking their way to Cambodia! Will you support them as they support the villagers of Somnang Presh Srei to dig a canal to bring life-giving water to their village? Primary Students are walking laps of the oval, Secondary Students are moving in their own time and place.
Sponsors will need to select ‘Activities – Springfield’ and then choose ‘Ks for Cambodia Donation’ from the Drop Down Menu to make the donation.
Together we plan to raise $5000 for this worthy cause.
Lutheran Youth of Queensland Summer Camps
This Summer LYQ are again running a range of camps for kids and teens.
Senior Blast (Year 7 to 12) 12-17 December, Coolum
Junior Blast (Year 3 to 6) 12-17 December, Coolum
Kids Camp Coolum 10-14 January
Kids Camp Darling Downs (Year 3 to 6) 10-14 January
These camps are amazing opportunities for young people to have fun, make friends and grow in faith. Go to www.lyq.org.au/camps-events for more information and registration.
Arise Worship Service
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.
Last week we had the pleasure of a visit from Mrs Natalie Houston, who is taking up the position of Principal at Springfield in the New Year. Mrs Houston comes to Springfield with a wealth of leadership experience in Lutheran schools and was herself a founding member of staff at St Peters Springfield. As part the transition program to her new role, Mrs Houston spent time re-orientating herself with the College, staff and students. We look forward to officially welcoming Mrs Houston in January.
Academic Competitions Results
Throughout the year, a number of students across Years 3-10 participated in the APSMO Maths Olympiad, the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) and the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), in the areas of Mathematics, English and Science. We would like to acknowledge all of these participants who spent time in preparation to achieve commendable results.
APSMO Maths Olympiad
In 2021, St Peters Lutheran College Springfield submitted its first team in the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad (APSMO). This is an annual contest which has been operating since 1987, and every year schools from all over Australia, New Zealand and other neighbouring countries take part. The Olympiad consist of five separate contests held between March and September. The overall aim is to encourage students to develop important mathematical problem solving skills in an enjoyable environment.
Competing in the Junior Division, each week the following students were involved in training sessions; where they worked collaboratively to develop the skills and techniques required to solve complex maths problems.
Year 5
Amani V Jacob T Jake T Jenita C Joshua S Krishna B Sarayu K Shanaya D Tejas B
Year 6
Felipe L Hannah S Harrison B Jaanvi K Madeleine G Nikhila S
These students competed against both other members of their team for individual awards, as well as representing our school for a team award. Congratulations to each of the following students on their achievements:
Highest Individual Score at SPLC SFD: Krishna B and Madeleine G
Top 10% of Competitors Nationwide: Krishna B, Madeleine G and Hannah S
Top 25% of Competitors Nationwide: Tejas B, Nikhila S and Amani V
Australian Mathematics Competition
The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) is one of Australia’s largest school-based mathematics competitions. It features unique problems designed by Australia’s leading educators and academics, with the goal to demonstrate the importance and relevance of mathematics in students’ everyday lives. Congratulations to the following students who achieved in the top 20% percent of Australian competitors:
Osborn W (Year 3) Anvi Dixit (Year 3) Sofia P (Year 5) Amani V (Year 5) Krishna B (Year 5) Ian K (Year 7)
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools
The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in the areas of Mathematics, English and Science. Congratulations to the following students who received Principal Awards for the highest performing student in each sub-school against the Australian percentile:
Science
Primary: David K (Year 4) and Madeleine G (Year 6) Secondary: Vasilios M (Year 7)
English
Primary: Amani V (Year 5) Secondary: Arabella G (Year 9)
Maths
Primary: Krishna B (Year 5) Secondary: Ian K (Year 7)
We look forward to the next round of competitions in 2022.
Susan Levitt
Community
P & F Important Date
Secondary Years
Year 11 Visual Arts Excursion
Year 11 Visual Art students recently participated in their authentic experience stimulus for Unit 3. The group visited the Museum of Brisbane to see The Storytellers and City in the Sun exhibits, and participate in a workshop with conceptual artist, Sebastian Moody. Students raced around the Brisbane CBD to locate public artworks in the urbanscape and utilised the transport network catching buses, trains, and ferries. The group also visited the QUT Art Museum to see the Ex post Triennial exhibition and dined together with views of the Story Bridge before making their way to QGAOMA at night.
2021 Year 12's Have Your Say ....
The Arts
Week 5, Term 4
Private Tuition Recitals
On Thursday 28 October, the Semester Two Private Tuition Recitals were held. A series of 4 recitals were staged, giving P-12 students the opportunity to perform for friends and family, displaying their new skills and repertoire. In total, approximately 120 student performances took place.
Thanks to parents for their support of the recitals, with support shown for each performer. Congratulations to each student and their teacher, for the preparation and diligence shown in the performance of each work.
Special recognition goes to the tutors who attended the recitals to support their students and assist with organisation – Ms Alison Pomerenke, Ms Celine Crellin, Mrs Kathy Wilson, Mrs Mardi Doyle and Ms Sally Grennan.
Sport
Springfield Sport
QLD All Schools Track and Field
St Peters Springfield student continued to excel in Track and Field at the Queensland All Schools Track and Field held last weekend. The following students performed brilliantly:
Lilah H – Gold in U11 Long Jump, Silver in High Jump and 15th 100m
Allira T – Gold in U15 Girls Shot Put and Discus
Hayley C – Silver in U15 Shot Put, 5th in Discus and 8th in Javelin
Jade H – Bronze in U15 1500m and 10th in 800m
Xander P – Bronze in U14 High Jump
Lucy L – 6th U14 Javelin
Tamika R – 4th in U13 Long Jump, 13th 800m, 16th 200m
Overall at Queensland All Schools Track and Field, St Peters Springfield students claimed 7 Gold medals, 5 Silver medals and 5 Bronze medals. Congratulations to all students who competed!
Ipswich Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Congratulations to Ella R in Year 11 who last Friday night was awarded the Ipswich Junior Sportsperson of the Year for 2021. This is wonderful recognition for Ella for the incredibly successful year she has had. Ella most recently was selected in the Australian Junior Swim Team. She also performed exceptionally at the Australian Age Championships winning 6 individual Gold and 2 Silver medals as well as 4 Gold and 2 silver in relays. Well done Ella!
QGSSSA Girls Sport
Girls Sport Coordinator – Anne-Marie Champion
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there” Theodore Roosevelt
Last weekend many of our U12 – U14 Track & Field athletes ventured to the Queensland State All Schools Track & Field Championships at QSAC.
Our St Peters Girls performed extremely well, and some outstanding performances were recorded over the weekend.
Under 15
Allira T – 1st Place/ Gold Medal - Shot Put and Discuss
Hayley C – 2nd Place/Silver Medal - Shot Put | Discuss & Javelin
Jade H – 3rd Place / Bronze Medal – 1500m | 800m
Well done also to Senushi D – 100m, Grace D – Shot Put & Javelin & Sophie S – Javelin.
Under 14
Well done to Veniz P – 100m, Summer P – Long Jump & 400m & Lucy L - Javelin
Under 13
Well done to Tamika R – 100m, 200m, 800m & 4th place in Long Jump & Ava K – 800m & 1500m.
Congratulations girls on your outstanding effort in representing St Peters at this year’s State All Schools Championships.
After a week’s rest, we are off this Friday to the first of the QGSSSA AFL Gala Days at the Springfield Central Sporting Complex, we will be joined by St Hilda’s & Ipswich Girls Grammar.
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.
2021 Gala Days
Friday afternoon/evening 5 November: 4.30pm – 6.30pm @ Springfield Central Sporting Complex
Nothing like a long weekend to take away half of our playing base. A big shout out to all the girls that stayed and played with limited subs you really did St Peters proud. Once again Saturday brought the heat and you could feel the storms building all day!
18B (Open) WIN 5 - 3 v Loreto. Loreto scored the first points of the match but our girls in front of Mr Kotzur rallied. With Coach Millsy still out of action, Peter stepped back into the Open Team Coaches role with great success. Heidi K was great in attack, Ellie S-S and Milly T were super in defense. Early in the game we had a sense of panic in our play but once we settled, we took control. Ella C was her usual calm self in the field. Ruby G-D played a great game in centre forward position and she won ‘The BIG BOSS Award’ for her efforts.
17C game CANCELLED due to storm.
16C WIN 6 - 3 v AHS Blue. A tight game which saw Coach Kyra putting restrictions on our team once again. In the first quarter they had to set up mushroom, second quarter they could only score off a counterattack and if they tried an off the water shot. The second half they had to work on quick passing, the placement of the ball will be something that this team needs to keep working on in training and games. Rose J had a beauty of a game in the net stopping numerous attempts. Lara N won the prize for her great defense and excellent shooting. Thank you to Amelia R for filling in from the U15B’s and playing like a star.
15B DREW 2 – 2 v BGGS Blue. 1-1 at half time tells us what a tough game this was. 2-2 draw at full time tells us that both teams fought really hard. The BGGS Coach is our U17C Coach Lorena and we feel she looks better in maroon than blue!! The U15B competition is very evenly matched with most games going down to the wire. ‘The BIG BOSS Award’ was for someone who took charge and lead from the front, well done to Eva H for winning the prize for her awesome stops in goals. Special mention to this team as up until Thursday after lunch they had a BYE and 10 turned up and played, well done Girls!!
15C WIN 22 - 0 v Stuartholme. Coach Holly & Assistant Coach Claudia were super excited to see everything they have been working on at training starting to transfer into the game play. Charlotte McM had a blinder of a match winning ‘The BIG BOSS Award’. Mackenzie B who is reasonably new to Water Polo was outstanding contributing greatly in defense and her passing was superb. Zoe T played a great game as did Chloe E, Alex W and Ava S. Rose J got out of goals in the last quarter and Ava S went into goals (first time ever). Awesome Ava kept the score to 0!!!! Great team performance U15C’s!
14B BYE.
14C LOST 4 - 10 v Stuartholme. The score was not unlike last week’s game but this time we were on the losing side of it!! Maybe we could blame the home field advantage playing Stuartholme at Stuartholme. Ada McN took out ‘The BIG BOSS award’ for her never give up attitude and hard work. A big thank you to Jane for coaching whilst Tenealle was doing an exam this morning.
13B LOST 5 - 10 v River City. Down to no subs, a big thank you to Chloe R from the U12B’s for stepping in to help out giving us one sub. This team gave their absolute all in a really brave performance, they were super tight in defense and the communication was great. At training this week Sophie will be working on a few structures especially the mushroom, spreading out in attack and the delivery of safe passes. Congrats to Nyssa R who had an awesome game winning ‘The BIG BOSS Award’.
13C WIN 9 - 3 to Stuartholme. This team is on fire with another good win! The winner of ‘The BIG BOSS Award’ was Julia S who is playing in her first year of Water Polo. She is a sensational competitor with a great outside shot, Coach Nacole is enjoying watching this team grow each week. The girls playing up from the U12B’s are getting a more physical game and they are handling the pressure and the double game very well.
12B LOST 14 - 6 v River City. With no subs this little team played some awesome Water Polo. The goalie role was shared between Chloe R, Eliza C, Chloe M & Emma W. Georgia P was outstanding putting 5 cracking shots into the back of the net, Emma W also scored a great goal. Coach Ellie had Alexis A back in defense and when River City went on a counterattack Alexis was there swimming towards them, it was because of her great defense she was awarded ‘The BIG BOSS Award’. Eliza C stole a few sneaky balls whilst Emma W and Chloe R showed great fight even when they were super tired. Chloe M and Kay S delivered some great passes.
2022 QGSSSA OPEN TEAM TRIALS
OPEN BASKETBALL PRE-SEASON TRIALS continue on the following days in the St Peters Indoor Gym, 3.30pm - 5.00pm.
Monday 8 November
Monday 15 November
OPEN TOUCH PRE-SEASON TRIALS – the second and final trial for 2021 will be held on Harts Road Oval, 3.30pm - 5.00pm.
· Thursday 11 November
2022 OPEN / SENIOR SOFTBALL TRIALS (Girls in Year 9 – 11 in 2021)
Trials will continue on Harts Road Oval 6.15am - 7.30am on the following days:
Tuesday 9 November
Thursday 11 November
Please note that these trials are for our Open and Senior teams, including Senior B teams, all teams will be selected by the end of Term 4, so it is very important that girls attend these trials.
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.
ST PETERS ROWING
St Peters is excited to offer the 2021 Term 4 Learn to Row Program. St Peters has a rich history in Rowing with a number of highly successful rowers graduating. St Peters prides itself on ensuring that students who participate in Rowing throughout their College life are encouraged and supported to find balance between their academic and Rowing pursuits. Rowing is a unique sport within the College and if you would like to be part of something very special with a rich history, Rowing is certainly the sport for you.
Following the Learn-to-Row Program, the Rowing seasons are as follows.
Girls –
Term 2 (Pre-Season) – Playing another QGSSSA sport is highly encouraged.
Term 3 – Regatta’s are held weekly throughout Term 3. Girls cannot play Volleyball, Hockey, Tennis or Netball AND row.
The cost for the Term 4 Learn to Row program will be $120. Athletes are expected to wear their St Peters sports uniform to each session with closed in shoes. Learn to Row athletes are not expected to purchase a zootie for this program.
This program will run weekly throughout this term on a Tuesday afternoon (Indooroopilly Students) and Thursday afternoon (Springfield Students).
To sign up or if you have any questions in regards to Rowing, please contact Peter Hicks (Head of Rowing) - p.hicks@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
SWIMMING FOR FITNESS
Coordinator: Mr Peter Dawson
Swimming sessions are offered 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 girls interested in Athletic development in the Gym with Mr Hacking, please contact him to arrange a meeting.
Have a great week in Sport!
AIC Boys Sport
It is always tremendous to recognise the success of St Peters students who compete at a state and/or national level competition. This week we would like to recognise Alexander G (Year 10) who competed at the Queensland Cycling Team Time Trials (Under 17). His team was victorious and crowned State Champions. Congratulations Alexander, well done!
Last weekend saw Queensland Athletics host the State All Schools Track & Field Championships at QSAC, Nathan for Under 12 to Under 14 year old athletes.
St Peters were again well represented in both boys and girls at these championships. Some outstanding performances were recorded from our younger students who competed.
Luca V (Year 8) Under 15
100m
200m
Theo H (Year 8) Under 14
100m
Long Jump (4th)
Triple Jump (1st -Gold)
Xander P (Year 8) Under 14
High Jump (3rd – Bronze)
Tristan B (Year 8) Under 14
Javelin,
Long Jump
Triple Jump
High Jump (1st – Gold)
Alex De V (Year 7) Under 13
800m
1500m
Congratulations to the above mentioned boys on an outstanding effort in representing St Peters at this year’s State All Schools Championships.
2022 Term 1 Pre-Season Training Has Commenced
As previously mentioned last week, we have seen the commencement of training for our 2022 Term 1 sports of Cricket, Volleyball, Swimming and AFL. All our age groups and year levels are now underway in readiness for their respective 2022 Term 1 seasons.
Last Monday we also welcomed our existing St Peters Year 6 students and ‘new’ students to the College to become involved in our 2022 pre-season preparations. It was wonderful to meet both the boys and parents at our annual introduction to St Peters Boys Sport (Years 7 to 12).
All boys from Years 7 to 11 have now been emailed information regarding ‘sign on’ and training days and times.
Training times /schedules are also posted up on the St Peters App. We request that both students and parents please check the St Peters App for days and times of their respective sport training.
We do ask all boys to keep checking their emails for more 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:
With regards to wet weather and any unforeseen or potential cancellations of AIC sports, please ensure that you keep an eye out for notifications and alerts via the St Peters App.
Communication of Sport Information
Information regarding the St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Sport program will be communicated through a range of modes including email, St Peters App and Cornerstone. Students and parents will primarily receive information from the Head of Sport at Springfield but at times may also receive information from the Girls and Boys Sport Coordinators or individual Sport Coordinators. Parents and students are encouraged to download and use the St Peters App for information regarding the Sport program.
St Peters APP
Please download the St Peters ‘app’ today!!
All information regarding the St Peters Lutheran College Sport program including sport training times and venues, draws, coordinator details and wet weather arrangements can be found on the St Peters App.
*Please ensure that you update your preferences in the Settings> Subscriptions section of the app so that you only receive information from your appointed Campus or area of interest that are relevant to your family e.g. Springfield or Sports.
The app can be downloaded free through iTunes or Google Play, please search for St Peters: