Tomorrow the College will be holding its annual Scholars Assembly – an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate those members of the class of 2019 who achieved outstanding individual QCAA OP or IB Diploma results. 

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the class of 2019 on their wonderful academic results. Their achievements continues the tradition of outstanding academic scholarship that St Peters has developed over its 75 year history. 40.25% achieved an OP or Diploma Score equivalent to between 1 and 5, the College’s second best result on this measure since 2008. 78.05% achieved an OP or Diploma Score Equivalent of between 1 and 10, our best result on that measure; while 98.1% of the cohort achieved an OP or equivalent of between 1 and 15, also are best result on that measure. The achievements of the class of 2019 is more meritorious when you consider the very high percentage of OP eligible students we have (in excess of 85%), in comparison to the rest of the state where for the last few years only about 50% of Year 12s have been OP eligible. Pleasingly 99.4% of students who applied to study at a tertiary institution received offers, with 87% receiving their first or second preference, an excellent outcome.   

These results are a credit to our newest Old Scholars and in particular their work and study ethic, their perseverance, their willingness to engage in class, and the way that they used feedback from teachers to help them to get better. It is also a credit to the teachers of our College - their expertise, skill and the quality of relationships that they formed with them. 

We certainly wish each member of the Class of 2019 every blessing for their futures, and look forward to hearing updates about their future endeavours.

The same high expectations that the College held for the Class of 2019, we hold for each one of our current students. At St Peters, as our motto Plus Ultra suggests, we are committed to the ‘Quest for Personal Bests’ in every aspect of College Life, but most particularly in our learning. Personal bests requires three things - hard work, commitment and persistence. Personal bests requires hard work. If you are going to achieve your personal best you need to work hard. Nothing worthwhile in life is ever achieved without hard work. Personal bests requires commitment. When you start something, you need to see it through to the end. Personal bests requires persistence. Personal bests require that you keep going even in the face of setbacks or difficulties.

At St Peters, boundless possibilities and opportunities abound every day for our students to aspire to and achieve excellence. I encourage each of them to grab hold of the possibilities and opportunities presented to them throughout 2020, the College’s 75th anniversary year as they strive to achieve their personal best.

Tim Kotzur
Head of College

Uniform

As we have come to the end of our three-year formal uniform implementation process, I would like to remind all families that the new style formal uniform is compulsory in 2020.  It is an expectation that students will wear the uniform as outlined in previous communications.  Always refer to the relevant student handbook for full uniform requirements and expectations.

Students are not to wear a combination of old and new uniforms.

New style/school branded uniform items introduced are:

BOYS:

• St Peters short sleeve formal shirt with logo (Years 1 to 12)
• St Peters grey shorts with logo (Years 1 to 12)
• St Peters grey trousers with logo (Years 5 to 12)

GIRLS:

• St Peters grey skirt (Years 7 to 12) 
• St Peters blouse with logo (Years 7 to 12)

REMINDER:  The girls skirt and dress length are to fall below the knee.

House Shirts

In 2020, we have introduced House Shirts. These shirts are the same style as our current PE shirt and will be in block House colours.  House Shirts are to be worn at all House Carnivals and Years 7 to 12 House Meetings when advised.   Shirts are compulsory for all year levels and are available for purchase from Shop 45 from Monday 3 February.  Cost of the shirt is $40.  The School Locker at Oxley will have the shirts available for sale at a later date.

Hats

Students are to wear the formal hat to/from school.  On school grounds students are to wear the sports (bucket) hat or formal hat. Hats are to be removed whilst indoors and may be removed in private vehicles or on public transport.

Earrings & Makeup

Earrings – Girls only may wear a pair of small plain gold or silver matching studs/sleepers; only one per ear and in the lower part of the globe.  Pearls, euroballs, diamantes/stones earrings are not permitted.

Makeup – Students are not to wear any make-up unless approval has been granted by the relevant Head of Sub-School. Documentation from a medical practitioner may be required.

School Bags

The St Peters school bag is to be used to and from school.  This can be either the back pack or duffle bag.  The school sports bag is to be used for PE/HPE and when representing St Peters off school grounds.  Non-St Peters bags are not permitted.

Drop off & Pick up within St Peters Lutheran College Grounds

For the safety of all students onsite and with the commencement of building works, I would like to remind you to follow the below guidelines when driving and parking around the College.

Guidelines:

When driving in and around the school, it is important to follow these key safety tips: 

1. Set down and pick up of students on College grounds is not permitted.  Parents and visitors are asked to set down and pick up students outside the College grounds.  These restrictions apply from 7.30am to 8.15am and again between 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
2. The below locations are not set down/ pick up zones at any time: Ross Roy visitors parking, Business Centre visitors parking, Schneider Staff Carpark Chapel Carpark Area beside Boys Boarding, 25m pool Carpark, Primary Years Staff Carpark (near Stolz Oval), At any roundabout.
3. The general speed limit onsite is strictly 25kph.  While driving past the Prep School the speed limit is 20kph.  
4. Inside the grounds, at all times, drivers are to follow the road rules, signs and directions as they would on any public road.  ‘No standing’ and ‘parking’ signs have been placed to treat specific risks. NEVER DOUBLE PARK OR PARK IN ‘NO STOPPING’ ZONES or on yellow lines.  
5. Several areas on the roads throughout the College have been designated as high traffic pedestrian zones.  These areas are indicated by a large painted red area within a yellow border.  When approaching any of these zones, please be very cautious and aware that pedestrians may wish to cross and that they have right of way.
6. Prep Centre and Rainforest Boom Gates are closed during the following periods: 7.30am – 8.30am AND 2.45pm – 3.45pm
7. Prep Carpark – ensure to park in the designated parking bays only.  Double parking is not permitted.
8. Students and Learner Drivers are not permitted to drive through the College grounds at any time.
9. Please remember mobile phones are not to be used whilst driving.

Drop off & Pick up outside St Peters Lutheran College Grounds

As you are aware, child safety and illegal parking around school zones remains a concern for parents, children, local residents and schools alike.  Parking spaces during pick up and set down times are at a premium and subsequently, competition for these spaces can lead to poor driver behaviour and potentially dangerous parking practices. 

While it is certainly not Brisbane City Council's intention to make parking near schools an overly onerous task, regulating parking activities is necessary to promote safe driving during pick up and drop off times. Over the next school term, Council officers will be attending school zones to ensure safe parking. Parking fines may be issued in cases where illegal parking is observed. 

We encourage you to visit Council's website at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/parking-permits/parking-rules to learn more about parking in Brisbane.

We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Extended Day Program (Years 7 to 9)

The Extended Day Program is optional and recognises the busyness of modern family life and is an initiative to offer parents and students increased flexibility allowing them to make the most of the St Peters day.

EDP will operate out of the Langer Library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with dinner being served in Café 45.  

A typical afternoon:
3.10pm  Afternoon tea in Café 45
3.30pm  Organised activities or co-curricular participation (music, sport training etc)
4.30pm  Supervised study
6.00pm  Dinner in Café 45
6.30pm  Supervised study
8.00pm  Student pick up from Library (or any time before)

To make use of this service, please complete the attached Child Details and Booking forms and return to EDP@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

EDP will commence in Week 3 of Term 1.

The other day two students stopped me on campus, and quite excitedly pointed out to me a tiny possum which was sleeping in the bush, hidden by a post and leaves. If they hadn’t told me I would not have seen what filled me with joy and actually made my day!

 “Come and see!" – that was the invitation of disciples to a friend to come along and see with his own eyes what has changed their lives. Their excitement was contagious so that he went along and indeed saw with his own eyes, becoming convinced by what he witnessed. 

There is ‘more beyond’ what we often see with our own eyes. There is ‘more beyond’ when we look at the beauty of nature and observe how everything relates for it all to flourish, to grow and to bear fruit. 

People have hidden stories, that are not obvious and which we only discover if we make time to listen, make time to be with the other person, relate in such a way that trust and friendship evolves.

The stories about Jesus reveal – especially when read in ‘slow motion’ - that when Jesus meets people, he ‘sees’ them; he stops and listens, he is deeply present with the other one, grasping their need, understanding their situation – and responding in a compassionate way that transforms their lives.

Jesus role models for us as members of the St Peters community – knowingly or unknowingly – what we are all about: to learn how to ‘see more beyond’: when we meet other students, staff, people here and everywhere, and stop to listen to their stories, to their longings and dreams it allows us to get to know them, to respect them for who they are and celebrate them as a gift in our lives and for our community.

When we engage in social justice groups, learning ‘to see’ and to understand how we can speak up for those who have been silenced, stand up for justice and promote peace.

When we are passionate about the environment and get involved to further its sustainability, to raise awareness so that others 'see' the threats that destroy habitat and threaten its beauty and longevity.

When we ‘see’ how robotics can enhance the life of people, how theatre sports and music, the arts and sport can teach life lessons and nourish the soul, when we learn how to care for others, ‘to see beyond’ and learn to reach out beyond our own comfort zone.

We all are on the journey of discovery, learning ‘to see what lies beyond’, that together we become a community that is deeply present, learns to listen and to understand in a way that transforms us into compassionate people, who through our way of engagement and ‘seeing’ transform the world.

Silke Moolman
Pastor

On Wednesday 12 February, the first Community Focus Day 2020 will be a College Expo at lunchtime at the Amphitheatre. This will give students an opportunity to find out about all the different groups we have at St Peters. 

The students will be able to talk to students and staff about their experiences in these groups. What they have learnt and enjoyed by participating in a range of activities. They can sign up or just come along to one of the meetings to see if this interests them.

Service Learning At St Peters

The aim of Service Learning at St Peters is primarily educational. Our goal is to send out into the world a generation of young people who understand the role and power of advocacy, who are committed to making ethical and just decisions, and who have a desire to make a difference in transforming our world. Our students engage on local, national and global levels with issues affecting many of our society's marginalised, including the homeless, refugees, aged, sick, disabled, and other vulnerable communities.

The Service Learning team involves the following groups: Environment, Multicultural, Students 4 Students and Social Justice. They meet on a Tuesday lunchtime at SN4 and have a number of projects under the banner Projects 45 that we will be continuing to support. Students can choose one project or introduce an issue or cause that they are passionate about that we may work on together.

On Friday 28 February, the Environment group will be organising Clean Up Day Australia in Junior High and Senior School. We hope to have a number of volunteers come and help with the Clean Up. Schools Clean Up Day is a fun and engaging way to teach young Australians about the responsible disposal of rubbish and resource recovery. 

A.Braby
Coordinator of Service Learning 

Year 7J made fruit kebabs this week in Design. Ali was in charge of ice magic! Everyone enjoyed getting to eat what was made. 

Ingrid Rucinski

A busy start for students and teachers as we settle into the year. Thank you to parents who attended the Years 8 & 9 Parent Information Evening on Monday and Years 10-12 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday. We know that when the school and the parents work in partnership, there is a significant positive impact on student learning. We thank you for your time.

Subject changes close THIS FRIDAY 7 February. Please ensure that if your child has had a change of mind on their subject selection, they have their completed forms to the Academic Hub by tomorrow. 

We are looking forward to the Scholars Assembly held tomorrow, Friday 7 February, in The Dron Auditorium at the PAC starting at 8.05am. This morning is to celebrate the academic excellence of our 2019 Senior School students. If you are unable to attend, you can join in via the live stream link below. https://livestream.com/stp/Scholars2020

Rachael Turnbull
Head of 7-12 Curriculum - Students

Are you looking for real world STEM work experience? Applications are now open for QUT's High School STEM Internships!

The High School STEM Internships offers Years 11 and 12 students an exclusive opportunity to work with researchers and real uni students in QUT's top science, engineering and research facilities. 

The fully-funded program takes place during the Term 1 holidays where students will experience life as a real QUT undergraduate and develop their technical, leadership and critical thinking skills through a suite of hands-on learning opportunities.

Students can apply now for their chance to work alongside QUT researchers in the following areas: 

• Bacterial Pathogenesis (BacPath) Group
• The Genomics Research Centre 
• Institute for Future Environments: Solving Tomorrow's Problems Today
• Cancer and Ageing Research Program  
• Using Virtual Reality in Health Research
• Central Analytical Research Facility: Mass Spectrometry Imaging
• Non-invasive health tests to deliver better human health outcomes 
• Design Robotics: Exploring creative applications of robotic technologies
• Precision Photochemistry
• Cannabidiol treatment of epilepsy in children
• Feeding the future and converting agricultural waste into valuable and renewable materials
• How cancer cells escape and survive therapy
• Natural Minerals in Environmental Remediation 
• CARRS-Q

Applications close 11.59pm, Thursday 13 February. Click here for the link.

Last week the students returned and the College was once again alive with activity. While there was a buzz of anticipation in the air, it quickly became more a sense of calm and eager anticipation for the possibilities the year may hold. Students and staff enjoyed getting to know each other and relationships are being formed. 

Essential Agreements form the backbone of a shared understanding of what we value and therefore agree to our behaviour and attitude to learning. The Primary Years has an essential agreement which overarches everything we do – at specialist lessons, in the playground, at assemblies and Chapels, at OSHC. 

Each class also has created their own Essential Agreement. They display these within the classroom as a way of showing how to work and operate together. Chat to your child about the elements of their essential agreements which have been co-constructed in their classroom.

Routines

Now that the students are settling into their new school year, it is important to establish good routines for the year. Arriving in plenty of time for the beginning of the day allows your child to feel relaxed and comfortable before going to their classes. Please take note of the start times to the day depending on the area of the College your child attends and also the times in which active supervision of students arrival take place.

Assemblies and Chapels are special occasions in the Primary calendar. We have already come together for both last week. Parents are very welcome to attend. 

Our assemblies have moved to a fortnightly format to allow them to be a special occasion to get together, and also allow more time for teaching and learning for students in their school weeks. Please refer to the PY calendar for the dates of these this year.

In our assemblies last week, we celebrated new families to our community. Chaplain Kirstin gave them a special blessing to help them on their journey here at the College. We also acknowledged the families of these students and we hope that you will feel the real sense of community which exists here at St Peters.

Parent Information Sessions 

This week and next, Parent Information Sessions will be held across the College. At these sessions, teachers in the Primary Years will be introduced and you will receive information about the curriculum, routines and pastoral work that is being done in each year level from these teachers. 

The format for each evening is slightly different than in the past, so please take note of the times and venues.

We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the exciting year ahead.

Upper Primary Parent Information Session | Thursday 6 February | 6.30 – 7.30pm

• Year 5 presentation in Theatrette (all classes together)
• Year 6 presentation in Upper Primary Classrooms
• (6A and B – MSW15; 6C MSW1; 6D and E – MSW2)

Lower Primary Parent Information Session | Tuesday 11 February

• 5.30 – 6.30pm  Prep session (in the Prep centre)
• 5.30 - 6.15pm Year 1 to Year 4 Session 1 in class presentations                           
• 6.30-7.15pm  Q & A session designed for parents to chat to specialist staff
  • Music, German, E-learning in Lower Primary Music Room
  • HPE, Library, ELD in Belfield Hall
• 7.15-8.00pm Year 1 to Year 4 Session 2 in class presentations (Please note this is a repeat of Session 1)

Pam Carden
Head of Primary Years

After a busy but successful first week to the school year, Junior High staff and students have begun to settle in to the routine of the term.  A number of our students who had been away since the beginning of term because of quarantine requirements related to the Novel Coronavirus, returned to school this week and were warmly welcomed by their friends and their teachers.  As the 14-day isolation period lapses for other students currently away, we look forward to their return in the coming days and weeks.

YEAR 7 CAMP

The Year 7 students in Classes A-E departed excitedly on their ‘Fun and Friendship’ Camp at Luther Heights on Monday morning.  Wednesday was the ‘changeover’ day – when Classes F-K arrived at Camp and the first group returned to school.  Despite the rain, particularly later in the week, the Year 7 Camp experiences have been both successful and enjoyable – according to the many students I have spoken to. Their challenges while on Camp not only included participating in the many varied and organised activities while at Luther Heights, but also sharing their accommodation, meals and bathroom facilities with dozens of their classmates. "Lots of noise" and "not enough sleep" seemed to be recurring themes mentioned by the students, along with "I had a great time", "I’ve made lots of friends" and "It was really good!". 

Sincere thanks to Mr Bygraves, our Year Level Coordinator, for his overall organisation of the Camp; to Mrs Bolton for the range of organisational support she provided; and to all of our Year 7 Form Teachers and other College staff who volunteered to attend and assist at the Camp during the week. Thanks and appreciation are also extended to our PE, Library and eLearning staff who ran sessions back here on campus for the Year 7 students as part of their Alternative Camp program during the week.

YEARS 8 AND 9 PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

The Years 8 and 9 Parent Information session was held earlier in the week and was attended by more than 250 parents.  The initial ‘Meet-and-Greet’ session provided an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s Form Teacher in an informal social setting. This was followed by the formal proceedings in the Dron Auditorium where parents were given an overview of procedural matters in Junior High, uniform expectations, an introduction to the key staff who work in Junior High and details about our Academic Care and Wellbeing Program and how this is supported through the Student Diary.

For those parents who were unable to attend the formal session, a copy of the PPT presentations from the evening are available on Firefly through the Junior High Parent Information page.

YEAR 9 LEADERSHIP DAY

Our Year 9 students are about to enter the ‘Leadership’ phase of their experience in Junior High – with applications for Leadership positions being processed, interviews being held, and the selections being made in the coming weeks.  On Tuesday, all Year 9 students were engaged in uplifting motivational sessions presented by Ben Pettingill, a young man who lost 98% of his sight overnight while he was still in High School. Ben first addressed our current Year 9 cohort last year and his return visit enabled him to follow up and reinforce the ideas and concepts he had previously presented.  Ben has never regarded his blindness as a disability - and his message to our young people was one of positivity and resilience.  Ben’s message will no doubt have inspired many students to seek to lead others and we look forward to working with them over the coming year.

HOUSE SHIRTS

The ongoing development of the House System at St Peters received a boost last week with the arrival of our new range of coloured House shirts becoming available for sale through Shop45.  All students are expected to purchase a House shirt in their respective House colour - and with the Inter-House Swimming Carnival happening next week, we encourage them to try to do so before next Thursday.  The purpose of having our students wear these House shirts is essentially to help promote a greater sense of identity and spirit within each House.  The shirts will not only be worn for the three main Sports carnivals during the year, but are also expected to be worn when students are participating in the various House activities which form part of our Rotation program each term.  These rotation activities include Academic, Dance, Environment, Music, Sport and Team Building activities. We are encouraged by ways in which these activities will contribute to the ongoing development of a positive House culture here at St Peters, with students in Years 7-12 working together and building relationships within their House groups.

THE WEEK AHEAD in Junior High includes two key events:

Wednesday 12 February | Year 7 Parent information Evening (5.30pm – 7.15pm)

This evening is designed to give our parents further insight into how they can support their Year 7 child as they experience their first year of High School.  Parents will have the opportunity to meet with the Form Class teachers in the informal ‘Meet-and-Greet’ session commencing at 5.30pm, while the formal Information Session begins in the Dron Auditorium at 6.00pm.  Students do not generally attend but may go to the Langer Library if required.

Thursday 13 February | Inter-House Swimming Carnival (8am – 3pm)

The annual Inter-House Swimming Carnival is always a great day, with Junior High students usually leading the way with participation and enthusiasm. This is a compulsory school day and all students are expected to attend and support their House.  If for some reason your child is unable to swim they should still attend but please send a note to their Form Class Teacher to explain why they are unable to participate.  A very small canteen runs on the day but students need to bring their morning tea, lunch and a water bottle.  Students who do not attend are asked to bring a Medical Certificate to explain their absence unless special prior approval has been given by the College.

Kelly Fox
Acting Head of Junior High

The new cohort of Year 9 students got their first unique experience as the eldest students in the Junior High community this week, working with Ben Pettingill to develop their leadership mindset.  Having already shared with students last year the inspirational story of losing 98% of his eyesight overnight as a sixteen-year-old school boy, and then continuing on to such achievements as completing Spartan Races and hiking the Kokoda Trail untethered, Ben’s visit has been perfectly timed to further inspire and empower students ahead of the selection process of Junior High leaders.  Ben’s infectious energy, authentic demeanour and engaging stories challenged students to see themselves and the world around them with True Vision; to think and act authentically, independently and communally to build and leave a positive and meaningful legacy.  We look forward to all of our Year 9 students finding meaningful lessons in their work with Ben and to embracing their inherent capacity to positively influence and lead those around them regardless if they seek a formal leadership position in 2020.

Nick Trethan
Year 9 Coordinator

Last Thursday in a special service held at the College, our newly installed School Captains were honoured and celebrated amongst the Senior School Community.  I would like to offer my personal congratulations to our Captains - Julia B and Ben R, and our Vice-Captains - Alara S and Zac R.  I know this team will be wonderful ambassadors for our College and will lead our Prefects and Seniors, the Graduating Class of 2020 with distinction.

After nearly two weeks back at school, it has been very pleasing to see the manner in which students have found their rhythm and established routines to ensure they are using their time with teachers effectively.  Organisation has been a focus in these early weeks and students have been encouraged to continue to develop habits that enable them to make the most of their opportunities both in the classroom and with their cocurricular pursuits.

Students are encouraged to continue to use their time well both during the day and also of an evening, particularly at this early stage of the term.  This will certainly assist in the coming weeks as the assessment load (and stresses) increase.

At our Senior School Parent Information Evening held last night, parents were provided with some practical tips to promote wellbeing and therefore academic performance. Our guest presenter Mr Glen Gerreyn from the ‘Hopefull Institute’ affirmed the important role that parents play in supporting students through the Senior School journey.  Discussions with Year Level Coordinators occurred around eating, sleeping, exercise, spending time with people you care about and also making time for yourself.  These simple but important concepts will be followed up with Students as part of our Academic Care and Wellbeing program with Form Class Teachers.

Further information provided at the Parent Information Evening will be made available to parents on Firefly in the coming days.  We hope that the program allowed those in attendance to obtain meaningful information relevant to each specific year group and pathway of study.  There was also an opportunity for parents to ‘Meet-and-Greet’ their students form class teacher who will play an integral role in the ongoing care of students as well as holding them accountable on their journey through the Senior School.

This Friday morning our annual Scholars Assembly will be held in the Dron Auditorium (8:05am start) where we recognise the academic excellence that exists within our sub-school.  Parents of students receiving awards would have already received an invitation with relevant details. 

David Rushmore
Head of Senior School

First Art workshop for the year:

Young Archies workshop will begin on Tuesday 18 February from 3.30-5.00pm (5 week series).

Register with Miss Perry e.perry@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Students are welcome to come along and continue their class paintings or create a new entry for 2021.

Junior high students are welcome.

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/young-archie/

Welcome back to a jam packed 2020.

If you love the subject of Drama and want to join the Theatresports Club, be involved in a school production, join a workshop or attend the theatre, check out the Drama noticeboard found in the PAC near the Drama rooms.

Theatre excursion – The Neighbourhood Monday Years 11 and 12 Drama students | Monday (evening) 10 February, La Boite Theatre

On campus 

Theatresports Club meets every Friday lunch from 12.50 – 1.25 Drama rooms in the PAC.  Years 7 -12 students. Any level of experience is welcome. What is it?  Theatresports is a form of improvisational theatre, which uses the format of a competition for dramatic effect. Students play a set of improvisational games based on a time limit and it is totally made-up. If you have watched Whose line is it anyway? You will have some idea how it works.

Selected students can represent the school in the YOUTH Theatresports Competition.  This competition is held in Terms 1 and 2 with teams playing at a variety of school venues in the evening. 

Want to know more – come to the Theatresports stall held at the College Expo on Wednesday 12 February. Talk to our enthusiastic senior players.

The SCENE PROJECT is an exciting new venture with QLD Theatre Company. Students in Years 9-12 and the Director are given a script by late March to read and then work on a 15-minute performance to be performed on Monday 24 August on a professional stage.  At the moment, the Drama department does not have much information but email k.mecklem@stpeters.qld.edu.au to register your interest. Rehearsals will take place one afternoon after school TBA and dependent on student availability. 

VAPAR is a celebration of the Performing Arts on Saturday 10 October and also, when our Senior Drama production (Years 9-12) is held. Students rehearse from mid Term 2, Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4. Any student who is an enthusiastic performer, writer or interested in the technical aspects is welcome to join the production. We normally rehearse on a Sunday afternoon 1-5pm. (this can vary in times dependent on scenes in the beginning rehearsals).

Kerri Mecklem
Drama Teacher

Victor Huang (Year 10) is congratulated on being awarded his AMEB Licentiate of Music (L.Mus.A) for piano performance. To achieve this diploma candidates perform, from memory, for at least 40 minutes and then complete a further ten minutes of testing on musical general knowledge of the pieces presented. As the Licentiate Diploma examination has a national success rate of around 10%, it is a major achievement to be successful and this prestigious award is considered equivalent to achieving an undergraduate tertiary qualification in Music Performance.

On Sunday 1 March, Victor will perform the first movement of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 Op. 102 with the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra.

Christine Taylor
Co-Director of Music/Coordinator of Keyboard

The Music Support Group is a group of parents who are an integral and important part of the Music Department. These wonderful parents support the Music Department, music students and music activities throughout the year. Membership of the MSG is a valuable way in which to support your students’ musical endeavours. It is also a great way to meet other parents of students involved in the Music Program. 

We warmly invite all parents with students involved in the music department to join this support group whether or not you are able to attend meetings, can occasionally assist at a concert or just want to be kept informed. For further information please email MusicSupportGroup@stpeters.qld.edu.au

The St Peters Performing Arts Complex has been a busy place this week. 

Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles

All St Peters choral and instrumental ensembles have commenced rehearsals for 2019. It has been exciting to hear the terrific sounds which are already being produced. It has also been great to see friendships being renewed, new friendships started, and the cross-grade mentoring and leadership being shown by the senior students in the program.  

All St Peters students are welcome to be part of the music ensemble program - it is not too late! Come and join the music making and fun. Please see PAC Reception for more information or contact music@stpeters.qld.edu.au. The Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule is attached here.

Instrumental/Vocal Tuition

The music studios have been filled with the sounds of enthusiastic singing and playing as students had their first lessons for the year. If you would like to learn an instrument at St Peters and have not yet enrolled or re-enrolled for 2020, please enrol at splcinstrumentaltuition2020.eventbrite.com.au.

Music Craft (Preliminary)/Musicianship (AMEB Grades 1-6)

Theory and Aural tuition (Musicianship) small group lessons will commence in Week 3.  Studying music theory is a very helpful support to each students’ progress on their instrument and in curriculum music.

Please visit splctheorytuition2020.eventbrite.com.au to register for Music Craft/Musicianship classes.

Mr Deacon, Mr Sutch and Mrs Taylor
Co-Directors of Cocurricular Music

St Peters Chorale recently returned from their very successful 2019/2020 European Tour. On Saturday 8 February at 7.00pm, the Chorale will perform their Post Tour Concert at St John’s Cathedral, Ann St. Brisbane. The evening will be a musical celebration and will include music by Australian and International composers showcased by the Chorale whilst on their tour.

During their tour, the choir performed at the Cathedrals of St Paul’s, London; Bristol; Wells; Christ Church, Oxford; Coventry and St Albans. Chorale also made their third appearance at the Brandenburg Choral Festival of London in a joint performance with the Tiffin Chamber Choir before continuing their tour on the Continent. Performances were held in Ypres in Belgium; Wurzburg, Coburg, Dresden, Leipzig in Germany; and then finally in Copenhagen in Denmark with the Chamber Choir of the Sankt Annae Gymnasium.

Performances throughout the tour were well received with standing ovations and glowing press reviews and feedback. Comments included, "powerful, fresh voices delighted the listeners with their excellent versatility", "an impressive performance", "everything rhythmically, dynamically and vocal perfectly balanced".

This is a free concert. Please join us for this special night of music and support these talented young musicians. 

Christine Taylor
Co-Director of Cocurricular Music/Head of Choirs

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” Marcus Aurelius

Primary Cocurricular Sport Term 1

The following sports are on offer in Term 1.

• Boys and girls Swimming
• Girls Touch
• Boys Cricket
• Girls Club (WDNA) Netball
• Years 4-6 Run Club

Boys and Girls Swimming

The Primary Swimming Squad (Years 4-6 boys and girls) will have training on Wednesday morning (6:15am - 7:30am) at the St Peters 25m Pool. All confident swimmers are welcome to come to Primary Swimming Training and compete at the lead up meets. A team will be selected to compete at the Inter-Lutheran and AIC Boys Swimming Carnival. Training is on Wednesday mornings, 6:15am – 7:30am (25m Pool) concluding on Wednesday 4 March. A reminder that this is swimming training and all students must be able to comfortably complete and race lengths of the 25m pool. Information concerning the training will be emailed to all parents.

Northern Eagles District Swimming Trials

St Peters is part of the Northern Eagles District in the Brisbane area. The Northern Eagles District Swimming Trials are being held on Monday 10 February at the St Peters 50m Pool. Swimmers need to nominate themselves for the carnival

Girls Touch

Years 4-6 girls will be emailed the information regarding the upcoming Primary Girls Touch Competition. The competition will be played on Monday 24 February at Ambiwerra, Corinda. In preparation for this, training will be on the Lower Primary (Stolz) Oval (Wednesday afternoons 3:30pm-5:00pm). Sign-on forms were emailed to parents in Week 1.

Boys Cricket

Years 5 and 6 boys will be playing in the AIC Cricket Competition. Training will be on Wednesday afternoons (3:30pm-5:00pm) at the Cricket nets and during Sport for Life time on Fridays. All information regarding Saturday morning games can be found on the St Peters App.

Girls Club Netball

St Peters will be entering teams in the Western Districts Netball Association (WDNA) again in 2020. The St Peters WDNA Netball is open to all girls in Years 3-6. Sign-on information will be sent to students and parents in Week 1. This is an exciting prospect for the College and something that all girls are encouraged participate in. It would be great to have as many teams as possible playing in the competition. Girls will be able to play both Primary Touch and Club Netball. WDNA Training begins on Friday 14 February (3:30pm-4:30pm) at Harts Road Courts.

Years 4-6 Run Club

Years 4-6 Run Club will start later in Term 1. Training will be offered twice once a week on Monday afternoons in Term 1 and this will increase to twice a week in Term 2. The sessions will be run by St Peters Running Coaches. More details will follow in coming weeks

Swimming

• 7 February – Boys AIC Years 5-12 Meet (St Peters 50m Pool)
• 10 February – Northern Eagles District Swimming Trials (St Peters 50m Pool)
• 14 February – Boys AIC Years 5-12 Meet (Centenary Aquatic Centre)
• 19 February - Primary Girls Years 4-6 Metro Meet (St Peters 25m Pool)
• 21 February – Boys AIC Years 5-12 Meet (St Peters 50m Pool)
•  26 February – Met West Swimming Trials (Chandler)
• 28 February – Boys AIC Years 5-12 Meet (run as part of QGSSSA meet at St Peters 50m pool)
• 2 March – Boys AIC Years 5-12 Swimming Championships (Chandler)
• 11 March – Primary (Years 4-6) Inter Lutheran Swimming Carnival (St Peters 50m pool)

Training Times

AIC Cricket

• Wednesday afternoons 3:30pm – 5:00pm | Mayer Oval Cricket Nets
• Sport for Life (Periods 7 and 8) 1:50pm – 3:10pm | Mayer Oval Cricket Nets

Primary Girls Touch 

• Wednesday afternoons 3:30pm – 5:00pm | Lower Primary (Stolz) Oval

Primary Boys and Girls Swimming 

• Wednesday morning 6:15am - 7:30am | St Peters 25m pool

Primary Girls WDNA Netball – Training begins on Friday 15 February

• Friday afternoon 3:30pm – 4:30pm | Harts Road Netball Courts

Primary Years HPE

All students will be involved in Swimming during Term 1. Students are required to wear the St Peters swimmers, the St Peters rash shirt, St Peters cap (if required) and goggles. Students have also been asked to bring along fins (flippers). These are required to assist with drill work in developing the stroke of the students. A towel is also required. Any student, for any reason unable to participate in swimming will be required to bring a note. If they are unable to participate for multiple HPE lessons they will require a doctor’s certificate. Students have also been reminded that they are to bring a water bottle and are required to wear their hat to and from lessons.

Following the Swimming Unit, students will begin a Cross Country Unit for the remainder of the Term.

HPE Dates Term 1

• Swimming: Wednesday 29 January – Friday 6 March
• Cross Country: Monday 9 March – Wednesday 1 April

I do hope all our students have had a great first week back at school and are back into the daily routine of both academic studies and cocurricular activities.

Last weekend we saw our Junior and Senior School Boys participate in trial games of AIC Cricket, Volleyball and AFL. Playing St Edmunds College in trial games served extremely beneficial for all our teams and their respective coaches to reflect on what great work they have achieved, what needs to be consolidated and what areas need to be addresses for positive improvement. 

This coming weekend will see St Peters compete against Marist College in Round 1 of Cricket, Volleyball and AFL. Traditionally, games against Marist College have been heavily contested and this weekend will be no different. It is vitally important that all our students strive to exhibit positive traits of enthusiasm and passion together with a resounding level of good sportsmanship whilst both on and off the field of play. 

2020 AIC Ecumenical Service 

At the start of the school year, all member schools of the Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) come together to celebrate the commencement of the AIC sporting year. The annual Ecumenical Service is a gathering of Heads of Colleges, Dean of Students, Student Sporting Leaders and Heads of Sport to celebrate the important sporting values upheld by each college of AIC. The 2020 Ecumenical Service was held at St Patricks College Shorncliffe today.

Congratulations First VI Volleyballers and First XI Cricketers

I would like both acknowledge and congratulate the selected members of the St Peters 1st VI Volleyball team and Cricket 1st XI squad who were presented this week on Senior Assembly.

St Peters First VI Volleyball

Wilson L (C), Jimmy S, Noah S, Max N, Andrew M, Huy T, Daniel W, Sam W

Coach: Kylie Marshell

St Peters First XI Cricket

Tom S(C), Eashan N (VC), Hugo M, Lachlan D, Daniel D, Ben R, Sam B, Ben M, Oscar W, Vedit C, George Y, Eashan R.

Both 1st VI Volleyball and 1st XI Cricket are playing at home this weekend. We encourage all students and parents to attend and offer support to both our cricketers and volleyballers. A large part of our sporting program is also community engagement. It is a great environment to connect and socialise with other students and parents of St Peters Lutheran College.

AIC Sport Round 1 – St Peters Vs Marist College

For full details of times and venues for this weekend’s AIC Round 1 games against Marist College, please refer to the St Peters App.  If the sport specific information you are looking for cannot be found on the App, please contact the below sport specific coordinators.   

If students are unable to attend some training sessions, it is vital that their absence is communicated to their coaches firstly, then their coordinators or myself. 

• St Peters AIC Cricket Coordinator: Mr Josh Singh – j.singh@stpeters.qld.edu.au 
• St Peters AIC Volleyball Coordinator: Mr Luke Donatini & Mr Shaun Nodwell – l.donatini@stpeters.qld.edu.au  
• St Peters AIC Swimming Coordinator: Mr Peter Dawson – p.dawson@stpeters.qld.edu.au    
• St Peters AIC Year 8 & 9 AFL Coordinator: Mr Mark Holman – m.holman@stpeters.qld.edu.au
• St Peters AIC Cross Country Coordinator: Mrs Kerry Schreiber – k.schreiber@stpeters.qld.edu.au  

Luke Donatini 
Boys Sport Coordinator
3377 6234 | l.donatini@stpeters.qld.edu.au 

This week our 2020 QGSSSA Swimming and Senior Softball seasons will get underway with the BGGS Invitational Swimming Meet tomorrow evening, Friday 7 February, and our first round of Softball games on this Saturday morning, 8 February. We wish all girls competing for the first time this season, or the first time for St Peters, the very best of luck and we hope that you enjoy your first sporting experience for the year.

This week our Basketball, Football and Touch seasons commenced with trials/training for all our Open teams. 

Next week all other team trials/training will get underway – all details are on the St Peters App. 

Cross Country training has started also and this Friday morning sees the first Run Club for 2020.

We encourage girls to come in to Sports House if they have any questions regarding the Sports on offer this term. 

At St Peters, we pride ourselves on many things but when it comes to Sport we particularly value commitment and communication. Commitment to a team is something we emphasise in Girls Sport and parents we would appreciate your support in reiterating the importance of honouring a commitment.  When girls sign on for a Sport it is important they consider whether they can uphold this commitment for the season. Each sport will have two training sessions and a game/meet each week in season and it is vital that girls do their best to attend these sessions. If they are unable to attend a session we ask the girls to please communicate this with their coach and the coordinator of the Sport. 

Congratulations to Lara O (Year 11) who has been selected for the second year in the Queensland Thunder squad for the Australian Women’s League Water Polo. This is the highest level of competition in Australian Water Polo and we wish Lara all the best in her endeavours. Lara was also a member of the extended Australian U18 squad.

Congratulations also to Olivia R (Year 11), Marina R (Year 11), Kiara C (Year 11) and Larika M (Year 11) who have this week been selected in the U17 Queensland State Netball team – Congratulations girls and all the best as you prepare for Nationals, we are very proud of your efforts.

Last Saturday saw the Water Polo teams take to the water for the first game of the second half of the season. After an eight-week break from competition, there were some tough games as we came up against teams who had recently participated in the Australian Youth Championships. Our U13B team and U14B team both had great wins on the weekend, well done girls. We hope to see you all at training, working hard to improve your skills.

WET WEATHER - SPORT TRAINING CANCELLATIONS 

If rain is predicted, please keep an eye on student emails and the St Peters App for notifications.

SWIMMING

The first official QGSSSA Swim meet is on this Friday 7 February. This meet is hosted by Brisbane Girls Grammar School at the Centenary Pool, Spring Hill. If you are attending please ensure you sign on. A bus will be provided leaving the St Peters bus stop at 3.30pm. The estimated finish time of the meet is 7.30pm and the bus will return to the St Peters bus stop @ approx. 8.00pm. 

SENIOR SOFTBALL (Year 10 - 12 only)

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

Thank you to all girls who remain committed to our Senior Softball teams. Training sessions will continue every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 6.15am -7.30am.

The first round of games is this Saturday 8 February and continues 15 Feb, 22 Feb, 29 Feb, 7 March and (14 March if wet weather occurs). – GOOD LUCK GIRLS!

WATER POLO (continuation from Term 4, 2019)

Coordinator: Mrs Jenny Pavlides – waterpolo@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Water Polo is well under way, please see the St Peters App for training details.

The draw for this Saturday’s games will be on the App as soon as it is finalised – ALL THE BEST GIRLS!

AUTUMN FIXTURES – BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL & TOUCH

Well done to the girls trialling for our Basketball, Football and Touch Open teams, it is great to see all girls giving their best and trialling with such enthusiasm. 

For all other teams, please see the St Peters App for training details – trials will take place during these training times in the first few weeks.

BASKETBALL

Coordinator: Ms Alex Wilson - a.wilson@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Open Trials began this week and will continue Monday afternoons 3.30pm – 5.30pm and Wednesday mornings 6.15am - 7.30am All other teams begin training next week – Details are on the St Peters App.

FOOTBALL

Coordinator: Mrs Kerry Schreiber – k.schreiber@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Open Trials began this week and will continue Monday afternoons 3.30pm – 5.00pm and Wednesday mornings 6.15am - 7.30am All other teams begin training next week – Details are on the St Peters App.

TOUCH

Coordinator: Ms Anne-Marie George - a.george@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Open Trials began this week and will continue Tuesday & Thursday afternoons 3.30pm – 5.00pm All other teams begin training next week – Details are on the St Peters App.

CROSS COUNTRY

Coordinator: Mrs Kerry Schreiber - k.schreiber@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Cross Country pre-season training has commenced this week. There are many training sessions to choose from – please check the St Peters App for further details.

Do your best to attend as many of these sessions as you can, with Wednesday sessions being a priority.

Run Club starts this week also! Join our Running Community on Friday mornings - meet at 6.15am at the St Peters bus stop. 

ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT 

Coordinator: Mr Trent Hacking – t.hacking@stpeters.qld.edu.au

All girls interested in Athletic development in the Gym with Mr Hacking, please contact him to arrange a meeting.

Anne-Marie Champion
Girls Sport Coordinator

Congratulations to Cailtin L and Giselle L on their respective success at the recent Queensland Club State Championships Regatta held at Wyaralong dam. Giselle competed in a number of events in the Under 17 age groups and won Bronze in the Under 17 Women’s Coxed Quad Sculls.  

Cailtin had a busy weekend and came away from the regatta with a Silver Medal in the Under 19 Women’s Four and Under 21 Women’s Eight and well as achieving first places and Gold Medals in the Under 19 Women’s Pair and Under 19 Women’s Eight.  

Both Giselle and Caitlin are presently continuing to train hard and are now looking forward to competing at the Australian National Rowing Championships which are being held in late March in Sydney.  We look forward to hearing the results from this regatta for these girls. 

If you’re a parent of a three to five-year-old, here’s some news to bring music to your ears…the Pre-Prep Music Program, available at St Peters, has vacancies!

Pre-Prep Music is a Kodály-based, pre-instrumental program focused on the development of beat, rhythm and pitch through singing, moving, playing games and listening to music. Lessons are 30 minutes long and run for eight weeks per Term. Current vacancies exist on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons, but spots are filling fast. Find out more here: http://bit.ly/Pre-Prep-Music or click here for the enrolment pack.

Second Hand Uniform Shop | Community Hub

The second hand uniform shop is open every Thursday during term time from 7:30am – 12:00pm in the Top Level of the P&F Centre.

Please note, that the second level of the P&F centre is no longer occupied by the second hand uniform shop.

The second hand uniform shop is run by the St Peters Community Hub – you can find them on Facebook to keep up-to-date with opening hours throughout the term as they can vary.

P&F Meetings

All meetings are held at 7:00pm in the P&F Centre. All are welcome to attend.

• Term 1 – Monday 3 February
• Term 2 – Monday 27 April
• Term 3 – Monday 31 August
• Term 4 – Monday 26 October (AGM) | Monday 16 November

Registrations for Years 7 & 10 2021 Academic Scholarships are still open. To register go to: http://bit.ly/academic-2021. The cost of registration is $100.00. Registrations close on Friday 7 February. 

The Academic Scholarship Test will be held at Indooroopilly on Saturday 15 February, 2020. 

Important Note for Year 7/2021 candidates. In 2019 the College created a class in Year 7 called the Bonhoeffer Class. Please read the attached flyer regarding the Bonhoeffer class. It is strongly advised that students entering Year 7 in 2021 who wish to be considered for the Bonhoeffer Class sit the 2021 Academic Scholarship Test.

If you would like any further information regarding the 2021 Academic Scholarships please don’t hesitate to contact Ross Thomson, Director of Community Engagement at r.thomson@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

Do you know what your children really get up to on the internet? Are you confident that you can protect them as they navigate life online? There’s no denying that today’s students are part of a digital world. While, for the most part, this means exciting, technology-driven possibilities, it also poses new threats when it comes to cyber security.

To minimise the threats, join us on Thursday 27 February, 2020 at the first St Peters Life Symposium for 2020: Internet Safety for Children – A Parent’s Guide. Hear from former Queensland Police Detective and member of Taskforce Argos (Queensland’s Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group), Mr Brett Lee, and learn a range of simple strategies to prevent online risks in your home. 

Cost of admission is $5.00 with all proceeds from this Symposium to be donated to 2TMAB (To the Moon and Back)—an initiative established by 2019 Old Scholar, Ella Hussey-Simmonite, to raise awareness about online child sexual exploitation and improve the Child Protection System Technology run by the Child Rescue Coalition. 

Students are also welcome to join their parents. 

To secure your spot, or find out more, please register here.

The St Peters Signature Series Concerts are back in 2020, and we have an incredible one to start us off. Mondo Rock will be performing at St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly on Saturday 21 March commencing at 7.00pm. Mondo Rock will be supported by The Undercurrents (a SPOSA band) and the St Peters Rock Bands. 

About Mondo Rock

The band (comprised of Ross Wilson, Eric McCusker, James Black, Paul Christie and Kerry Jacobson) have had an outstanding career spanning five decades. Few have come close to delivering the catalogue of Australian classics that Mondo Rock boast, and they've achieved four top 10 albums, nine top 40 singles (including three top 10 hits) and six studio albums.

Mondo Rock's playlist includes: 

• Come Said The Boy
• Cool World
• State Of The Heart
• Chemistry
• No Time
• The Queen & Me 
• Summer For 81 

Come and join us for a fabulous night! Tickets are $45 and are available from www.mondorockatsplc.eventbrite.com.au  

Co-Director of Cocurricular Music/Head of Bands