The start of this week was an important day in the history of St Peters. Monday 25 May, marked the return to campus of our students from Years 2 to 10, rejoining their classmates in Prep, Years 1, 11 and 12. It is so good to have your sons and daughters back on campus. Their excitement about resuming their learning face-to-face was palpable.

(As an aside we did do a survey of our Junior High students last week to help us prepare for their return. The thing that they were most looking forward to about returning to face to face learning – ‘seeing their friends and teachers again’. The thing they were going to miss least about At Home Learning – Zoom sessions. And the thing that they were least looking forward to about returning to on campus learning – ‘having to get up early again’. Some things never change!)

Thank you to all parents and caregivers for the support you have given your children and their teachers during the period of At Home Learning. I know that At Home Learning proved challenging at times for families, and I am grateful for the way people preserved with it, and made the best of the situation. I do want to publicly acknowledge the work of the College’s teaching staff, who made the transition to At Home Learning effectively and efficiently. Staff invested considerable effort learning new skills and rethinking how to deliver learning experiences under very short timelines. There a number of wonderful innovative practices that will enhance student learning that have emerged as a result of this period of lockdown.

Our students, and indeed students right across Queensland have only been able to return to on campus learning because of the positive progress that has been made to date in combatting the spread of the virus. This has been made possible because as a community we have done the right thing by following the public health directives in place and listening to the advice of the State’s Chief Health Officer. While positive progress has been made it is important that we continue to do the right thing, and that we do not become complacent. There are a number of measures in place across the College to try and keep people safe and healthy. Two of the key ones that re continually being reinforced are the practicing of good personal hygiene, particularly hand washing and sanitising. The other key one is students not coming to school if they are unwell - even if they are even just a little unwell. I know that our students do not like to miss out on classwork and so in the past have come to school even though they are unwell. In the current circumstances this can no longer occur. If a student presents to school unwell, or becomes unwell during the day, in the interests of keeping everyone safe they will be sent home. These two measures, together with other practices and protocols in place will go a long way to helping our community healthy and well.

Cocurricular is an important part of a St Peters education. Like a number of organisations in broader society we are implementing a staged return to normal life activities. We are progressively reinstating elements of music and sport for example. The College is being guided by the public health directives in place and the Queensland Government’s ‘Roadmap for the Easing of Restrictions’. We are hopeful of Inter-School Sport in some form in Term 3 if things continue to go well in terms of stopping the spread of the virus. You can read the positions of AIC, QGSSSA and BSRA about a 'Return to Sport' on the Sports section of the St Peters App. The College is also doing considerable work around re-commencing our Ironbark Program in Year 9. I can understand our student’s keenness to undertake this important part of our educational program. The College is committed to providing the Ironbark experience to our current group of Year 9s. There is still a restriction in place around the operation of Outdoor Education Centres. It is important we follow this, bearing in mind the greater good of the community. The College appreciates your support and understanding in these matters.

2020 is the 75th Anniversary of the founding of St Peters. Dealing with a pandemic isn’t the way I envisaged marking the College’s 75th year. 2020 was supposed to be a wonderful celebration of all the great things about St Peters….and it still is; just not how we originally envisaged it. This week we get to celebrate the gift of community. Schools, are communities – I often refer to schools as the last bastion of community; and community is best done face to face. So, it’s just wonderful to have our community back together at this moment in time. I am ever so grateful to be a part of our amazing community.

Tim Kotzur
Head of College

“How are you?”

“Fine.”

“Really?”

“Oh, I meant, I’m F.I.N.E. That’s Frantic, Insecure, Neurotic and Exhausted.”

The pace of modern life had left many of us feeling fine in all the wrong ways.  Family, work, school, cocurricular activities, hobbies, recreation, exercise, community service, worship … these are all great things, but they are hard to keep in balance.  And that’s apart from any struggles we are going through.  Sometimes the busyness and the rush to endless activities has made us feel frantic, insecure, neurotic and exhausted. 

And then … Coronavirus!

In my life, it meant some changes for work - no community celebrations, no youth nights, no Sunday Worship but lots of time on Zoom and Teams.  At home it has meant no transporting children to Gymnastics, Parkrun, part-time work, Cross Country, Hockey and Debating. On balance, there has been more time and availability. I’ve started reading books again. I’ve watched some movies, which hadn’t happened since I can’t remember when. I’ve been averaging an extra bike ride each week. 

As we come together again in community God is giving us a new start where we have opportunity to choose just how much of the busyness we bring back.  It’s a new day. It’s a new way. Indeed, God specialises in making things new. 

• “See, I am doing a new thing” Isaiah 43:19
• “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23
• “See, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5

Now as community life returns I don’t want to lose the good things I’ve enjoyed during the restrictions.  I’m looking for the newness of life that God is giving.  It may be the cliché of the moment, but clichés usually describe something true – do we want life to return to 'normal'?  I’ll be more than fine if it doesn’t!

What new thing is God doing in your life right now?

Pastor Matt Wilksch
Springfield Chaplain

'I'm still standing!' Elton John's famous words ring out and the theme for this year's St Peter's You've Got Talent.

This year things are a little different... unfortunately, live auditions are not possible with social distancing and mass gathering rules BUT, WE'RE STILL STANDING!

The SPYGT audition process will occur online with entries due on Friday 5 June. Finalists will then be streamed live on Friday 17 July.

So remember, if you've got talent...ENTER NOW!

Could parents and guardians please take the time to review the medical details of their child/ren on the myStPeters website (myStPeters > Community Portal > My details > Medical). 

Updating details like allergies and asthma (including seasonal) will help alleviate concerns from school staff. For any specific concerns or questions, please contact the nurses in the Health Centre by emailing h.centre@stpeters.qld.edu.au or on 3377 6102.

Embroidered school blazers are ready for collection from Shop 45. Due to physical distancing protocols and limited number of persons in store, you will need to make a time to collect and pay. Cashless payment only.

Blazers are required to be worn to and from school as of Monday 25 May.

Shop 45 Opening Hours

Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays - 7.45am to 4.00pm

Ph:  3377 6209

It is fantastic to have all Year Levels back on campus. Early mornings and travel appear to be the biggest challenge for our returning students, but they relayed this to me with huge smiles on their faces as they reconnect with their friends. Changes to assessment dates, modifications and removal of assessments have all occurred to ensure the students have appropriate access to the teaching and learning prior to completing their assessments. What this looks like is different for each Year Level. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to the best possible teaching and learning and support during At Home Learning. Now it is a time of consolidation for many as they settle back into school routines.

SUBJECT SELECTION

Subject selection and parent information for current Years 8 and 9 students will occur early next term. Information will be sent to families through email and via the Rock.

Year 10 Families - SUBJECT and PATHWAY Selections

Pathway information for students entering Year 11 in 2021 will commence next week. Parents of current Year 10 students will receive and email in coming weeks outlining the key dates, access to Course Planning Guides and SET planning processes.

Whilst restrictions due to COVID-19 will impact the way in which we engage with families, we believe that a collaborative, informative and supportive approach is still vital for our students to select the most appropriate pathway for their Senior years.

SET PLAN TIMELINE

• Remainder of Term 2 through to Week 3, Term 3

Students will be attending virtual subject seminars held by the Curriculum leaders of each subject area over the coming weeks during Pastoral Care time. These seminars will give the students an overview of the subject area, topics, assessments and future pathway.

• Term 3 Week 1

Virtual Parent and Student Information Evening #1 - Overview of IB, QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education system), VET and the St Peters SET Plan process.

Virtual Parent and Student Information Evening #2 covering:

- QCE/QCAA/VET pathway session

- IB Pathway session

• Term 3 Week 4 (3 – 6 August)

Year 10 SET Plan Interviews during this week. SET Plan interviews are available for students and parents if they wish to discuss pathways and subject options. Interviews are not compulsory this year; however, parents and students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. It is compulsory for students to submit a SET Plan by Friday 7 August 5.00pm. SET Plans may be submitted (hardcopy) to Mrs Turnbull at the Academic Hub without an interview if desired. Subjects are not allocated on a ‘first in’ basis, therefore no advantage will be gained by submitting before others.

• 8 August – Web Preferences will be closed at 5.00pm.

More information will be provided in The Rock over the coming weeks and early next term.

Rachael Turnbull
Head of 7-12 Curriculum - Students

It was a sense of excitement and energy that permeated our Primary Years classrooms and playgrounds since Monday when we welcomed all our students back. The students and staff were thrilled to see each other face-to-face, and since then while we have settled into routines, the buzz still exists. In time, we will be looking back and reflecting on what we have learned from our At Home Learning experience meant to us, but for now our focus is ensuring everyone is feeling comfortable and safe returning to our school. A big part of this the time spent in the playground. Children have once again connected with their friends and enjoyed playing imaginatively, whether it is ‘digging for gems', searching for dinosaurs or dragons or simply playing a game of soccer.

Kath Murdoch, Education Consultant, lists the value of a great teacher and lessons learnt in the playground as necessary components to a child’s school. After chatting to our returning children, this is certainly evident in all aspects of their Primary Years’ experience. 

The ‘playground’ can be the greatest teacher.  While we teachers immerse ourselves in the demands of curriculum planning and classroom instruction we can forget that our kids’ heads and hearts are so often somewhere else.  When speaking to our students two things they missed most – their friends and their teachers.  Some of the best moments of a school day have everything to do with the relationships grown, challenged, lost and found in the playground.  This is the learning that will often stick with them for a life time.

It’s all about the teacher. We know the research bears this out but there is nothing like experiencing the phenomenon first hand! Hearing your child talk about their teacher is a reminder of just how much the quality of the teacher – and the relationship they choose to develop with their students – matters. This has been evident when our teachers were embarking on daily ‘Zooms’ with their class and being available to check in during the day.

Reflections of some of our Year 6 leaders on At Home Learning

At Home Learning was a great experience for all of us. I personally thought how lucky we are to have our school - St Peters. Our teachers are here to help is anytime!

I really enjoyed being home even though from time to time it was a bit frustrating. It was really nice to spend quality time with my family.

It was really cool to have more freedom when structuring my day.

At Home Learning was very different to school, my favourite part was being able to finish all of the work faster and in the order in which I wanted.

I enjoyed seeing my class on Zoom and spending time with my family.

The thing I really liked was that I was able to work at my own pace and decide when I wanted to take a break.

I liked being able to have my dog with me while I worked.

I really enjoyed being able to work at my own pace and have no distractions.

…. and how it felt to return

It was amazing to see other people than my family when I came back to school.

Coming back to school was like moving back to home again.

Coming back to school was exciting and I think we all wanted to see our friends and our teachers.

Definitely I see coming back to school as a new start because we have been at home for so long.

I love being back at school because I am able to catch up and be with my friends again.

I think At Home Learning was a great chance to cultivate independence and resilience.

I feel awesome now that I’m back!

I feel really grateful to be back so I can see my friends again and work in a proper classroom.

And finally…..

It was good to be able to learn in my pyjamas but I prefer having peers to bounce ideas off!

REMINDERS FOR DROP OFF AND PICK UP

Lower Primary Parents – If you are dropping off your child through the Pedestrian Kiss and Go at the Grey Umbrellas a reminder the students should be carrying their own bag.  The path is NOT the place to transfer bags to your child.  Parents are requested to kiss their child and keep moving on the pathway to the blue gate.  It is not acceptable or appropriate to linger on the pathway.  We are upholding our requirements to keep staff and adults safe and therefore you are required to move swiftly through the path area when dropping or collecting your child. 

Parents of Years 1 – 4 students – students are not permitted to walk to the blue gate for you to collect them at this point.  We take the safety and security of your child seriously and as such you are required to enter through the main gate to collect your child from the waiting area.  Alternatively please use the Kiss and Go facility for drop off and pick ups.

Lower Primary Students should not be dropped off prior to 8.00am as supervision does not commence until this time.  We understand that parents need to get off to work so if you require your child to be at school earlier they are required to be booked into Outside School Hours Care where a fee will be charged.  Students are required to be enrolled in OSHC for this to occur.  It is a good idea to enrol your child into OSHC even if you feel you will not use the service.  Unexpected delays do pop up and OSHC is a safe and secure facility to assist with looking after your child if you are running late for pickup.

Upper Primary Parents – If you are using the Harts Road to drop off and collect your child please ensure you are using the two minute drop off zone efficiently and respectfully.  This is not an area to wait and take your time, nor park and wait for your child.  Please ensure you only spend the allocated time in this designated area.

Pam Carden
Head of Primary Years

Return to Campus

Junior High was abuzz with excitement early this week with over 700 of our students returning to campus after eight long weeks of community lockdown and At Home Learning this term. For many students it was the first opportunity they have had in two months to catch up with their friends in person, rather than online. Many familiar routines were soon underway, but school ‘as we knew it’ is now not quite the same.  There have been changes in many of the processes and procedures which impact on our students – and in the way they interact with each other and with their teachers both in and out of the classroom. Social distancing requirements, additional hygiene practices (hand washing and sanitising) and changes in relation to locker access, morning tea and lunch breaks and tuckshop facilities have resulted in a steep learning curve for many.

These changes have been communicated to students through emails, as well as signage around the lockers and common areas, and through Zoom or video recordings from the Year Level Coordinators screened in class.  There should be no reason for students not to be aware of the new expectations and requirements. 

Parent Drop offs and Pick ups

An important reminder that parents who are dropping children off in the morning or picking them up after school, are not permitted to do so on school grounds.  These drop-offs and pick-ups must be done outside school grounds and parents/caregivers are to remain in their vehicles. However, parents may drive on campus during the day to collect their child for external appointments (e.g. medical). The collection point is the internal bus stop. Students must sign out at Junior High Reception before heading to the bus stop.  Parents should not leave their vehicles to collect their child.  Parents with a permit to drive on campus (e.g. permits issued on medical grounds or by the Music department) must remain in their vehicle.

Forgotten Something?

If your child has forgotten to bring something to school (e.g. their PE clothes, their homework, their lunch) it is important that parents do not come onto campus to bring the forgotten item. It is an important learning experience for students in this age group to be responsible for remembering what they need to bring to school. Parents or caregivers should not feel they need to ‘come to the rescue’ every time. 

Individual Portrait Photos

Given current social restrictions on group gatherings, the usual annual class photo shoots in the College will look a little different this year.  Only individual photos, and not whole-class photos will be taken.  However, the individual photos will be then be collated into a formal class photo collage.

For Junior High students, the photo sessions are scheduled for next Friday 5 June. On this day, all students in Years 7-9 are expected to be dressed impeccably in their full formal Winter uniform; this includes wearing their ties and blazers.  Shoes must be polished, and hair must be neat and well-groomed.  Girls whose hair reaches their shoulders must have it tied up, using either maroon or hair-coloured bands and either white or maroon ribbons or scrunchies.  Uniform expectations are detailed in the Junior High Student Diary (pages 14A-18A).  Students in 9GH who have HPE in period 1 and 2 on that day, will be expected to change into their formal uniform during the Morning Tea break.

A few reminders

• Students should have their ID cards with them at all times – cards are needed for contactless signing in/out of Junior High Reception, for book borrowing and printing at the Library and so they can make purchases from the Cafés/Tuckshops on campus and from Shop 45.
• For the remainder of the term, on the days that they have a scheduled HPE lesson, students are permitted to wear their PE clothes to/from school and during the day without the need to change into their formal uniform.  If there is a special event for which formal uniforms are required (as in the photo shoot next week) students will be advised.
• Blazer Collection – Shop 45 have advised that more than 80 blazers put in for embroidering last term have yet to be collected.  As the blazer is part of the formal winter uniform and expected to be worn during Terms 2 and 3, it is very important that the students collect their blazers from Shop 45 as soon as possible.  This is especially important for Junior High students, given the photo schedule for next week.

Junior High Parent Support Group Meeting | Term 2 Junior High Parent Support Group Meeting

As advised last week, our Term 2 Junior High Parent Support Group Meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday 3 June. Due to current social restriction protocols, this meeting will be delivered via a video presentation; a link will be provided on the morning of the Meeting for parents to access the session.

Kelly Fox
Acting Head of Junior High

“And that is what I wish for you: to start living today, not tomorrow.” Connor Franta, A Work in Progress

Boys Sport Coordinator: Luke Donatini
Girls Sport Coordinator: Anne-Marie Champion
Primary Sport Coordinator: Peter Dawson

Term 2 – Week 6

A very warm welcome to all St Peters students returning to regular school hours this week. We hope that you all have eased back into the routine and look forward to seeing you all playing sport for St Peters very soon.

The Physical Activity/Fitness Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons continue this week, please remember St Peters Run Club is also running on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

Please note: RUN CLUB MEETING POINT – Harts Road Oval at 3.30pm – 4.45pm.

AIC & QGSSSA STATEMENTS – Please click below for the link to the UPDATED Roadmap to Recovery statements from the QGSSSA & AIC Management Committees in relation to the recommencement of Sporting Activities.

REMINDER - YOU WILL FIND AMAZING SPORT RESOURCES ON THE SPORT FIREFLY PAGE

FIREFLY - RESOURCES – COLLEGE LIFE  > SPORT – AT HOME > SPORT SPECIFIC

If you have any questions about any of sport specific, please email the relevant coordinators of your interested sport.

Primary Sport

It is great to see all the full cohort of Primary Years students back on board this week. As with Years 7-12 Sport, a return to Primary Sport will be dependent on the easing of government restrictions particularly to those relating to; limited gatherings in a facility and outdoor community sport.

During Term 3, AIC sport will go ahead in a revised format. Years 4-6 Boys will be invited to play Basketball, Tennis, Football and Rugby over the course of the term.

First Half of Term 3

• AIC Basketball (Years 5-12)
• AIC Tennis (Years 5-12)

Second Half of Term 3

• AIC Football (Years 5-12)
• AIC Rugby (Years 5-12)
• AIC Chess (Years 5-12)

Sign on information for each sport will be emailed to parents (Years 4-6) and students (Years 5 and 6).

AIC Cross Country (Years 5-12) – Wednesday 12 August

Further information pertaining to the venue and exact formation of the day will be disseminated over the coming weeks of Term 2 and early Term 3, whilst keeping in line with the ever changing COVID-19 government restrictions and guidelines. 

AIC Track & Field (Years 5-12)

It is proposed that the AIC Track & Field Championships will be conducted on Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October.

Western Districts Netball Association

WDNA is hoping to return in Term 3 for a revised Day season. WDNA is governed by Netball Queensland and will be required to follow directives made by the overarching body. Netball Queensland is set to meet on Monday 1 June to plan the remainder of 2020. It is understood that decisions made at the meeting on 1 June will be communicated through to individual clubs and associations. It is hoped that St Peters Netball will have the opportunity to play in the WDNA competition in some capacity this year.

It is hoped that Primary Girls Metro Meets will also go ahead in Term 3 giving St Peters Years 4-6 girls a chance to compete against other girls at the informal events.

Year 7-12 Girls QGSSSA Sport

This week we officially welcomed back our full cohort of students and what a great buzz there is around the College.

Last week Mr Kotzur and all the QGSSSA School Principals met to map out the remainder of the year regarding the return of play for all Sporting Activities. 

Below are some key points from the Roadmap to Recovery statement from the QGSSSA Management Committee.

• Term 3 Winter Fixtures (Hockey, Netball, Tennis and Volleyball) will commence with minor modifications to the schedule. Round 1 fixtures have been cancelled to allow team selections and trainings to occur in Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 3, with the season to officially commence in Round 2. All other Term 1 and 2 sports are confirmed as cancelled for 2020 – this includes Cross Country, Basketball & Football.
• As one of the Association's largest participation sports, QGSSSA will investigate the possibility of competition for Touch Football in Term 4 for Years 7-11.
• The 2020 Rhythmic Gymnastics competition (which was scheduled in Week 4 of Term 3) has been cancelled due to the shortened timeframe for preparation and the safety concerns and associated risks to participants and spectators gathering in large numbers in an indoor facility.
• Track and Field Athletics will run as scheduled in Term 3.
• Term 4 sports of Badminton and Junior Softball will also run as scheduled.

BSRA Rowing

BSRA Heads are meeting this week and we will update you with further information regarding competition in Term 3.

Date Claimer: 24 June – 29 June | Rowing Clinic (at BBC Rowing Sheds) for all BSRA Rowers.

GIRLS SPORT SIGN-ON

Netball | Volleyball | Hockey | Tennis | Rowing

Next Monday June 1 we will be commencing sign-ons for all Term 3 Sports.

Girls will be sent an email with a link to sign-on.

Once girls have registered for their Sport, Coordinators will be in touch with further details of training/trials and venues.

PLEASE NOTE: Trainings will be restricted under the current COVID-19 guidelines.

Years 7-12 Boys AIC Sport

Boys Sport (Years 5-12)

Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) Boys Sport

Great news! We can now confirm that AIC Sport will recommence in Term 3 of 2020. The following structure will take place with regards to individual sports.

First Half of Term 3

• AIC Basketball (Years 5-12)
• AIC Tennis (Years 5-12)

Second Half of Term 3

• AIC Football (Years 5-12)
• AIC Rugby (Years 5-12)
• AIC Chess (Years 5-12)

(There will also be trial games for each sport in the weeks preceding competition games)

AIC Cross Country (Years 5-12) It is proposed that the AIC Cross Country Championship will be conducted on Wednesday 12 August.

Further information pertaining to the venue and exact formation of the day will be disseminated over the coming weeks of Term 2 and early Term 3, whilst keeping in line with the ever changing COVID-19 government restrictions and guidelines. 

AIC Track & Field (Years 5-12) It is proposed that the AIC Track and Field Championships will be conducted on Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October with several lead up meets scheduled prior to the championship dates. Again, as with AIC Cross Country, more information will be provided over the coming months.

St Peters Boys Sport will continue with the current fitness sessions being offered and all boys (Years 7-12) will be advised when individual training will be commencing for each sport.

St Peters Years 7-12 AIC Sports Sign-On

Now that we have certainty surrounding the above-mentioned AIC sports, we will be conducting the following ‘sign-ons’. Boys, please keep out an eye out for emails advising you of the following sign-ons.

1. AIC Basketball and Tennis – Years 7-12
2. AIC Football, Rugby and Chess - Years 7-12
3. AIC Cross Country - Years 7-12
4. AIC Track & Field – Years 7-12

Boys will be sent an email with a link to sign-on for all sports played in Term 3.

Once boys have registered for their sport/s, their Coordinator will be in contact with them regarding training times and venues.

It is important to note that training will be restricted under the current COVID-19 guidelines.

Fatality Free Friday is an annual campaign run by the Australian Road Safety Foundation. It is Australia's largest community-based road safety day to raise awareness of the human cost of careless driving by calling for extra vigilance behind the wheel. In 2020, the national day of action is Friday 29 May. The Department of Transport and Main Roads is proud to support this important campaign, and calls on all Queenslanders to take the pledge to choose road safety, not just on Fatality Free Friday, but every day. 

Take the pledge online at https://arsf.com.au/take-the-pledge-fff/