Although I have only been within the St Peters Springfield community a short while, I have been impressed, amazed, encouraged, inspired and moved by the achievements of students, the generosity of spirit among students and staff, and the deep fountain of goodness that exists within our College community. The most profound educational statement I heard this year came from a student who said, “I just love learning”. We are all learners. Michelangelo is reputed to have stated when he was well into his eighties, “I am still learning”. I have learned a great deal since joining the St Peters Springfield community at the beginning of Semester Two as the new Head of Secondary Years.
I have learned that we have a unique school culture that is afforded to us by our small size. School culture is built in the moments of each day. We need to work hard to maintain and celebrate our exceptional school culture. Originating from the language of Mission and Values as well as the beckoning call of a great Vision for the future, school culture manifests in the countless interactions between people, the moment-to-moment decisions made by people in our community, and the actions of kindness, grace and justice that characterise our heart and mind. When you join our community, you become a purveyor of this culture. By belonging to this community, we make a solemn commitment to strengthen the St Peters Springfield culture through our words and actions. Culture is what happens when no one makes it so. It binds us together because we know what to expect from one another in any situation. Sociologists refer to it as the plausibility structure of a community - the unspoken observable that informs all of us as to how we conduct ourselves.
This week during assembly I introduced the Bill of Rights. A simple mental model to guide our attitudes and behaviours. The Bill of Rights places the emphasis on the individual to consider their actions and the impact on others. The Bill of Rights will become more visible around our College. The Bill of Rights might be a great conversation starter at home.
Week 7 Events
The 2022 Awards Presentation Evening is an important event in our calendar to recognise and celebrate student achievement within our community. This year the Awards Presentation Evening will take place Thursday 17th November in the Dron Auditorium at Indooroopilly. Student award winners and parents have been invited.
Our Year 12 students officially finish their school this coming Friday 18th November. To celebrate this milestone, we will hold our Valedictory Ceremony and Guard of Honour. The ceremony will take place on our concourse beginning at 8.40am. Light refreshments will be served from 7.30am. Parents need to book a ticket through the Eventbrite invitation sent to families last week.
This coming Tuesday 15 November, students in Year 10 to Year 12 will have the opportunity to represent their House at the Inter-House Swimming Carnival at Waterworx Aquatic Centre. Details have been communicated by our Head of Sport, Jeremy Lohe.
I look forward to celebrating these milestone events for the first time with our students.
Mr Dominic Piacun Head of Secondary Years
What's On
Thursday 10 November - Thursday 30 November 2022
Thursday 10 November – Year 7 Transition Day
Thursday 17 November – Secondary Presentation Night
Friday 18 November – Valedictory Service
Thursday 24 November – Mrs Debbie West-McInnes Celebration Service
Friday 25 November – Primary Celebration Morning
Tuesday 29 November – Last day of school
Please note that Christmas school closure will be from Friday 23 December 2022 at 3.45pm until Monday 9 January 2023, 7.45am
P&F Car Boot Sale
Save the date in your calendars to join us on the 24 November from 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm in the staff carpark for our P&F Car Boot Sale.
Ministry
Our Common Humanity
You know we are all related, right? Literally, we are related. Basic maths teaches us this. If we trace our ancestry back, we discover 2 parents, 4 grandparents and so on. By 40 generations, or roughly 1,000 years, we should have more than 1 trillion ancestors if none of them were related. The best estimates of the global population at 1000AD are less than 300 million people. This month we are due to tick over 8 billion people on earth. Clearly our human family tree involves a lot of related people producing new humans. That might gross you out a bit, but it’s undeniably true!
Biologically, this is evident by the extremely high amount of DNA shared by all humans, regardless of ethnicity or gender. We are 99.9% the same.
Every human being shares the same humanity. We are all born and we will all die. We have the same needs, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We all share the struggles and joys of life. We know the pain of loss and the delight of love. We need acceptance, forgiveness and purpose.
You’d think if we have so much in common we’d get on well together. Sometimes we do, but tragically, often we don’t. Part of our humanity is our inclination to treat each other badly. Out of fear, jealousy, arrogance and all kinds of evil desires, we are capable of causing so much hurt and pain. Sometimes even to people we say we love.
When we see war in Ukraine we wonder how human beings can be so cruel. When we see the suffering we walk past in our own country in many communities, we wonder how human beings can be so indifferent and uncaring. At school, when we see students make poor choices, we can be disappointed, but we should not be surprised if we understand our human condition.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the story of Jesus is that he would join humanity as one of us. As a flesh and blood human being called Jesus of Nazareth, our God knows the struggles and difficulties we go through. Jesus knew hunger and thirst, grief and loss, joy and laughter. The only difference was Jesus’ behaviour, specifically, his treatment of others. Jesus loved others completely and fully. Jesus loved us to the point he would give up his life for us.
Jesus is the one who puts humanity back together. Jesus unites all people by his sacrifice of love. He forgives us for the things we have done to each other and offers us a new way to live. As we live and grow in Jesus, we learn the way of love. Jesus’ way lets humans live together in peace and harmony.
The Apostle Paul writes of this new life in Christ:
“It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
May your common humanity with Jesus inspire you to faith in God and love for all human beings.
Pastor Matt Wilksch Springfield Chaplain
LEQ Summer Camps
Lutheran Youth of Queensland are running a range of Summer Camps in December and January. These Camps are a fabulous way for children to spend their holidays, making new friends in a safe and nurturing Christian environment. All camps are at Luther Heights at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.
Secondary: Check out Blast and a new Summer CLW (Year 7 to 11 in 2022) Primary: Junior Blast and Kid's Camp (Year 3 to 6 in 2022).
Arise Christian Community Church
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.
Each year the College Office is closed for a period of time over the Christmas-New Year Break.
This year the College will be closed from close of business Friday 23 December, and will re-open again on Monday the 9th of January 2023. During this time the College’s switchboard will be closed.
Wellbeing on Wellness Way
Thanksgiving Harvest
On the 24th of November, we will hold our annual ‘Thanksgiving Harvest’.
This is an afternoon of celebration but also, an afternoon of service. Last year we held our first harvest and made $1,600 for the Village in Cambodia.
It is so important to us, each and every day, to give back in ways of Service. It is one of the pillars of not only our Christian Faith but, our wellbeing.
Looking out for others, and the World, is one of the ways that we can boost our own mental health – when you serve others, and have compassion – you feel better about yourself.
Our Year 8 students are taking this opportunity to support the Harvest as part of their Christian Studies unit this term. They are even holding a handball competition that week.
So we encourage all of the students to demonstrate their gifts and talents and make items to sell at the Harvest, and we trust it will be a wonderful afternoon. Many students are baking, some are making jewellery and we’ve had some make Christmas cards as well – we’ve also had a student make a creative guitar to auction too!
So on the 24th, send some coins to support our Village partnership and help us give back, with thanks.
Sarah Johnson Careers/Counselling
Community
Carols Under the Stars - Sunday 27 November
Secondary Years
The Ultimate Plus Ultra
Students in Chemistry and Physics have a 50% Internal and a 50% External assessment component in year 12.
Chemistry
Each year the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (Queensland branch) awards a Certificate for Excellence in Chemistry to students who have achieved 90% or more in the internal assessment. Our congratulations go to our students who have achieved this certificate.
Our outstanding performers are Joel L, Chase W, Hannah K, Lena D, Kayla T, Sankavi T, Matias L and Jessie E.
Physics
The Australian Institute of Physics (Queensland branch) awards a similar certificate. Our congratulations go to our students who have achieved this certificate
Our outstanding performers are Joel L, Anish K, Chase W, Hannah K and Kayla T.
The Arts
Week 6 | Term 4
Five successful Private Tuition Recitals were held in Week 4. Students from Prep to Year 11 performed a variety of items from singing songs such as “The Bare Necessities”, to playing instruments such as piano, strings, guitar, woodwind, as well as speech and drama solos, duos and trios. The audience was even treated to a percussion duet using chairs by Taashya (Year 10) and Ryan (Year 9)!
Congratulations to the students for being so dedicated to practice and performance. It is not easy to perform in front of an audience made up of parents, carers, teachers, and peers! Thank you to all our highly experienced tutors at St Peters Springfield for teaching and preparing students, and to all the parents and carers for supporting your child/children in the Private Tuition Program.
Sport
2022 Queensland All Schools Track & Field Team
Congratulations to the following St Peters students who have worked hard to earn selection to the 2022 Queensland All Schools Track & Field Team to compete at the Australian All Schools Championships in Adelaide from 9 - 11 December: Addy F, Xander P, Theodore H, Isabelle P, Allira T, Hayley C, Brogan T, Jazelle C, Gabrielle S, Toby S, Zoe C, Lachlain R, Tayden T, Aldora T, and Jacob D.
St Peters has also been accepted to the Athletics Australia National Schools Challenge (12 December in Adelaide). The following students will be competing in the Intermediate Girls Division: Allira T, Jazelle C, Hayley C, Isabelle P, Brogan T, Toby S, Zoe C, Addy F, and Gabrielle S.
We wish our athletes the very best for these upcoming events. Go Saints!
QGSSSA Sport
Girls Sport Coordinator – Anne-Marie Champion
“Confidence isn’t walking into a room and thinking you are better than everyone; it’s walking in not having to compare yourself to anyone at all.” ANON
ST PETERS SEMESTER 2 SPORT AWARDS PRESENTATION
In 2022, many students who have represented the College in sport in Semester 2 will be recognised at a special awards evening. This will be held in the Performing Arts Centre next Tuesday 15 November from 5.30 pm.
Semester 2 Sport Award winners will be recognised in front of parents, the wider St Peters community, and their peers. Students, and parents of students receiving an award have been emailed an invitation.
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.
Another fantastic morning was enjoyed by our Australian Rules girls last Saturday at Yeronga AFC. With six mini fields pumping the carnival atmosphere is a tremendous way for the girls to continue their learning of the game of Australian Rules and to make some friends along the way.
Our Year 7 team, with no subs due to illness and unavailability, played their hearts out for both games. Game No 1, St Hilda’s were an impressive unit and were too strong coming away with a convincing win. Game No 2 was a much closer affair, the girls gave their all going down by 13 points to Brisbane Girls Grammar.
Our Year 8 team is stacked with many talented girls, they are a joy to watch and their development under Coach Chris (a PE Teacher from our Springfield Campus) has been amazing to watch. Both games against Somerville House & St Margaret’s No 2, the opposition were kept scoreless. We can’t wait to watch the progress of these girls over the next few years.
Our Year 9 team enjoyed a good morning, Coach Mitch was enjoying a weekend away, so Coach Ella led the way. Game No 1 was a close affair with a couple of unlucky calls late in the second half which saw us go down to Somerville House by two points. Game No 2 we could see the girls hard work paying off and they came away enjoying a convincing win against St Margaret’s.
Good luck girls for Gala Day No 4!
Gala Day No 3 Results
Year 7
Round 5 – St Hilda’s 8.7.55 d St Peters 3.0.18
Round 6 – Brisbane Girls Grammar 4.3.27 d St Peters 2.2.14
Year 8
Round 5 – St Peters 6.12.48 d Somerville House 0.0.00
Round 6 – St Peters 7.7.49 d St Margaret’s 2 0.0.00
Year 9
Round 5 – Somerville House 2.4.16 d St Peters 1.8.14
Round 6 – St Peters 5.3.33 d St Margaret’s 2.2.14
2022 Junior Australian Rules Gala Days
Saturday 12 November
Saturday 19 November (Rescheduled Gala Day No 1)
Please CLICK HERE for the Gala Day No 4 Draw, it can also be found on the St Peters App.
Our Open Team absolutely blew AHS out of the water with a 24-2 score line. This game was good to practice our five on six which the girls have been working on at training. Nacole is wanting the girls to move the ball on the hand, wind down the clock and most importantly move the Goalie to allow the shooter to put the ball into the back of the net. Alice H took home the Skittles for your huge work rate during the game.
Our U14 D1 team had a tough day in the pool against an extremely physical St Margaret’s Team, I am sure they have learnt a lot from this game. Mackenzie B matched their physicality, won the team award, and finished the game on the bench after receiving three exclusions. Our girls were calm and composed during the match which was great.
Aadya V was on fire shooting most of the goals in the U15 D4 teams narrow loss 9-13 to St Margaret’s. This team is really showing great improvements.
A big shout out to Maddie N for filling in for the U13 D2 team, with girls away she was a super sub and Coach Lara was very happy with her performance. Georgia P who is quarter mermaid, quarter fish (superhuman in the water) had an exceptional game and was awarded the skittles!
Please CLICK HERE for the Round 4 Draw, it can also be found on the St Peters App.
Preseason training for the 2023 Open Basketball team is now complete for 2022, the final session concluded on Monday, it was great to see many new faces and the girls training hard in preparation for the 2023 season.
Training/trials will commence back in Week 2 of Term 1 on Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, please watch the St Peters App for further details.
Preseason training for the 2023 Open Touch team is now complete. Well done to the many girls that attended the sessions offered in Term 4 this year.
Training/trials will commence back in Week 2 of Term 1 next year, please watch the St Peters App for further details.
QGSSSA FOOTBALL
Coordinator: TBA
The final preseason session will be held on the following days on Harts Road Oval, 6.15am – 7.30am.
Friday 11 November
Further detail will be advised re the commencement of training/trials in Term 1 next year.
ST PETERS ROWING
St Peters is excited to offer the 2022 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.
Term 2 (Preseason) – 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 $145. 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 during Weeks 5, 6 & 7 this term.
If you have any questions in regard to St Peters Rowing, please contact Peter Hicks - p.hicks@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Please CLICK HERE for the Term 4 Athletic Performance & Development Training Schedule. The schedule can also be found on the St Peters App.
SWIMMING FOR FITNESS
Coordinator: Mr Peter Dawson – p.dawson@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Swimming sessions have commenced 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 afternoons 50m pool: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Thursday afternoons 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.
AIC Boys Sport
"The five S’s of sports training are: stamina, speed, strength, skill, and spirit; but the greatest of these is spirit." Ken Doherty
Walking around and visiting our sporting venues over the past week, it’s been fantastic to witness and see the enthusiasm and energy of the St Peters boys participating in pre-season training and games. Preparations are taking place in readiness for the 2023 St Peters sporting year with boys engaging in Cricket, Volleyball, Australian Rules, Swimming, Rugby development, Football development and various Athletic Development programs with the College Gym.
All of this could not occur without the hard work of our coordinators and coaches who have put these programs together so that our students be well prepared for the 2023 AIC sporting year.
2023 Term 1 AIC Sports – Pre-Season Training
Our 2023 Term 1 Boys Sports pre-season training and preparations are now up and running.
All boys currently in Years 6 to 11 have been emailed information regarding ‘sign on’ and training days and times. We do ask that if a boy is interested in participating and have not yet signed on, please do so as soon as possible.
Training times /schedules are 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 2023 Term 1 sport.
St Peters Semester 2 Sport Awards Presentation
In 2022, many students who have represented the College in Sport in Semester 2 will be recognised at a special awards evening. This will be held in the Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday 15 November from 5.00 pm.
Semester 2 Sport Award winners will be recognised in front of parents, the wider St Peters community, and their peers. Students, and parents of students receiving an award will be emailed an invitation in the weeks to follow.
Dress Standards at St Peters AIC Sports Training Sessions
An important reminder to all students about our College’s expectation surrounding correct dress standards at St Peters AIC training sessions:
All students training for Volleyball, Australian Rules and Cricket must be dressed in the correct St Peters Sports/PE uniform (including socks – if Football socks are required, these are to be St Peters Football Socks).
Cold Weather – only the St Peters track top and track pants are to be worn if warm clothing is required.
Footwear – joggers/Football boots are to be worn at all times by those students participating at any St Peters training session. No open footwear (eg. slides or thongs etc) are to be worn at any time.
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.
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:
