Not taking useless short-cuts. Being there for the long haul.
One of the wonderful ironies about working with students is that when I get frustrated at my own inability to fix something or stay on track I say to myself, "Now, what do we expect our Year 8s to do? Show some resilience and persistence, Michael. Take a deep breath, step back, have a cuppa, then have another go.’
I am not a natural home handyman. In my wife’s chest of drawers most of the thin wooden runners had given up. So, off to my dad’s, for him to cut me some slim hardwood strips. Precise measuring and me do not go together, so it was one runner at a time, constant checking, re-screwing, repositioning, eventually getting the two top drawers to fit – at the same time!
Last day of holidays, but my remaining wooden strips were a few millimetres too thick for the bottom two drawers. I gave up. Said we had to buy another. Started looking on Gumtree. Was informed by my beloved that there was no way she would have whatever I found. Had a grump, had a cuppa. Went and found the shaving tool I had, put the wood in the vice, persisted. By 4pm it was all done, not perfect, but drawers fitted, and the careful piles of clothes on the bedroom floor were able to be repacked.
In Luke 4:1-13 Jesus has just been filled with the Holy Spirit at his baptism but surprisingly is not sent straight into full time preaching. Instead, there is this 40-day time out - fasting and discovering who he really is and the God way he is to do his work. Satan tempts him three times, trying to get him to take short cuts that would never work. Jesus keeps reaffirming his trust in his Father, and his willingness to go his Father’s way. That long and faithful road to the cross brings us hope, forgiveness and new life. It shows that we have a God who is always with us. It shows us the path to joy.
In this time of uncertainty, with COVID-19 spreading in Victoria, we remember that we are all in this together for the long haul. No matter our biological age, some attractive short cuts are plain wrong. Go that way, and we short-circuit maturity, we put off growing in character and reliability, in faith, hope and trust. Keep trusting the invitations to a deeper life that the God of life and love continually sends our way. Don’t give up, even after taking some wrong turnings. Grace, love and mercy always win.
Pastor Michael Mayer
Important Notices
School Photos
As communicated last term, class and group photos will not be taken in 2020 due to group gathering restrictions and social distancing requirements. A composite class photo will instead be produced using student portrait photos.
Your child/ren will be handed their personalised photography envelope in class this week giving full details of ordering and payment.
Simply review the variety of photo packages available and follow the instructions on the back of the envelope.
Envelopes are personalised to each student with name and shoot key. Students will need to present their own envelope to the photographer on photo day, even if payment is in another sibling’s envelope or if you order online. This is to aid in faster and correct processing of student names.
Photographs will be supplied on a pre-paid basis only.
Photo Dates
Tuesday 4 August | The Dron Auditorium
Upper Primary portrait photos Senior School portrait photos Junior High portrait make up day
Wednesday 5 August | Belfield Hall (Lower Primary)
Family (sibling) photos Lower Primary portrait photos
Family Envelopes (Siblings)
Family photos will be taken between 7.00am – 8.00am on Wednesday 5 August in Belfield Hall (located in the Lower Primary precinct, off Lambert Road).
Family/sibling envelopes will be distributed to the eldest sibling. Family/sibling photos only apply to children who currently attend St Peters Lutheran College.
Photo schedule will be available on the app, firefly and in the student notices next week. Click HERE to access more information regarding school photography.
If you have any questions regarding your order, please contact MSP directly on (07) 3865 4291 or email admin.brisbane@msp.com.au.
Around the College
Service Learning
Community Focus Day
We are pleased to announce we will have a Community Focus Day on Tuesday 28 July.
Students 4 Students are raising awareness and funds for The Smith Family. The Smith Family is an independent children's charity helping disadvantaged Australian children to get the most out of their education, so they can create better futures for themselves. One in six Australian children and young people living in poverty need our support to make the most of their education.
This year students at St Peters have been participating in the Smith Family Students2Students reading program to help improve these disadvantaged children’s reading ages. This program matches up with a younger child who is behind in their reading.
Krispy Kreme Fundraiser
Krispy Kreme Donuts will be on sale to raise funds for The Smith Family. Students can order on the portal to pick up on Tuesday 28 July to Junior High Students at the Amphitheatre and Senior Students at the Chapel Forecourt.
The cost per donut will be $5.00 for 2 and $3.00 for one.
Portal pathway: Go to: stpeters.qld.edu.au; select Quick Links/Payments/Activities – Indooroopilly/Drop down to Go Nuts for Donuts
MyStPeters Pathway: Sign in/Online Payments/Activities – Indooroopilly/Drop down to Go Nuts for Donuts
Volunteer Opportunity – Training Buddies
Fight4Balance (F4B) is launching an exciting online exercise & community-participation program adapted for adolescent youth with mild-moderate cognitive & perceptual disabilities called: Fit-4myFightClub (Fit4myFC).
Fit4myFC Program is aimed at connecting and growing our affected community of families and buddy network.
They are seeking to recruit volunteer Training Buddies aged between 15-18yrs to participate in Fit-4myFC Program - Inclusive Youth-Leadership Buddy Program. Training Buddies participate in the weekly exercise program remotely with no face-to-face contact. Training Buddy families are invited to join the exercise program at no cost.
Week 1 and our Australian Children’s Book Week display is up. Based on this year’s slogan – Curious creatures, wild minds – come in and find all the curious creatures. There a few photo opportunities for you - stand in front of Harry, Hermione, Ron and Buckbeak or choose the display of the Angel with the Australian bush plants. There are a few dragons around too. Lots of choices. Send us your photo!
Later in the term, we will focus the BookSurf lessons on the shortlisted novels in the Australian Older Readers section.
Week 3 and Carol Wilkinson, author of Dragonkeeper will zoom in to the Year 7 English classes. That’s just the start of the term - lots more to come…
Academic Matters
From the Academic Hub
Subject Selections for our Years 8, 9 and 10 students are the topic of conversations in Term 3. Whilst our delivery of these information sessions looks a little bit different to normal, engaging with families in a collaborative, informative and supportive way is still vital for our students to select the most appropriate subjects.
REMINDER: Year 11, 2021 Virtual Parent and Student Information Evening #2
Monday 27 July | QCE/QCAA/VET pathway session 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Monday 27 July | IB Pathway session 7.30pm – 8.00pm.
These sessions will be recorded and made available on Firefly. Links will be sent out at the end of this week.
REMINDER: 2020 Semester 2 Subject Changes close TOMORROW Friday 24 July
Please ensure you submit your Change of Subject form to the Academic Hub before the close of business Friday.
There is a lot of communication going home via email and available on Firefly during this very busy time in regard to Subject selection, pathways and Web preferences. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, should you need further assistance.
Rachael Turnbull Head of 7-12 Curriculum - Students
Primary Years
Head of Primary Years
Congratulations to the following students
Year 4 student Chelsea G who very recently received the Age Champion award at the Brisbane Junior Mets Swimming Champs that took place earlier this year. Chelsea is a very talented young swimmer who is a dedicated member of her St Peters Western squad. This award is a very accurate reflection on not only her swimming ability, but her positive attitude and willingness to continue to fulfil her potential. Well done Chelsea!
Griffin C, who is in Year 6, is prime example of how like-minded learners, irrespective of age, can be empowered by following their passion beyond the confines of classroom walls.
As a result of a photograph posted on a Wildlife identification app, a Croatian scientist recently contacted Griffin during At Home Learning. This scientist had been able to access previously unreachable biodiversity through Griffin’s passion and revise some of the classifications of rare Australian pygmy grasshoppers. Subsequently, Griffin and his discovery are now referenced, along with a number of other 'citizen scientists' in the recently published peer reviewed journal article about these insects. Who would have thought a night-time bushwalk in Mt Glorious, aged 9, would result in such an exhilarating outcome, and public acknowledgement within a global community, for this ever-inquisitive mind?
Each IB World School is regularly evaluated to ensure that the standards and practices of its IB programme(s) are being maintained. Evaluation takes place at least once every five years. As part of the process, the school engages in a self-study that is a key element in the school’s continual improvement.
As we enter our first evaluation phase, it is critical that we engage all members of the community in this process. Below is an article written by Mrs Simone Mitchell, our Head of Curriculum P-6. Please feel free to contact Mrs Mitchell or me throughout this process.
Evaluation information for Parents
Earlier this year in February, I wrote about our upcoming PYP Evaluation. We had planned to share further information, however, preparing for COVID took priority. Now that we are back to some sort of normality, we are ready to refocus our energy into this important process.
A recap on Evaluation
As part of the process of being an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, we undertake an evaluation of the implementation of our programs every four or five years. We were authorised as a PYP school at the end of 2016 and for the last four years have been working to bring the mission and values of the IB to life through our Primary Years Programme. As a recently authorised school, we undertake our first evaluation after four years. This involves a period of self-study in the fourth year following evaluation, for us that was to be this year. The staff began this process late last year and had been reflecting on our practice and how we might make our programme better.
When is the evaluation occurring?
The current date for our Evaluation is 17-19 March 2021- COVID permitting. Staff have been undertaking the self-study for the past six months.
What will happen during evaluation?
Evaluation is a three day visit where a team of evaluators assigned by IB come to the school to meet with all stakeholders and look at how we live out the Primary Years Programme in our practice. During the visit, we share the findings our self-study and set an action plan for the next five years, when we undertake the process again. It is an exciting time to reflect on our achievements and identify some areas that we want to develop further in the coming years.
How does this involve parents?
Part of this process is also about including our families as key stakeholders in the program. To this end, I would like to host a series of Coffee and Chat sessions, where I will share more about how we embody the PYP at St Peters and answer any further questions you may have. In the coming months I will also be sharing regular information in The Rock and send out a survey to all parents to get feedback about how you feel about the PYP at St Peters. Certainly, if there is anything specific you would like information about please let me know so that I can share it with the community.
Wednesday 29 July, 8:30-9:30am 'The Primary Years Programme 101'
Wednesday 12 August, 8:30-9:30am 'How does the Australian Curriculum fit in the PYP?'
Thursday 27 August, 2:00-3:00pm 'The Exhibition' - most useful for Year 6 parents but others certainly welcome
Thursday 10 September, 2:00-3:00pm 'The Elements of the PYP- the Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning, Transdisciplinary Learning'
Term 4 sessions to be advised. Please let me know if there is something specific you would like to more information about.
How can I find out more about the PYP at St Peters?
In the if you would like to know more about the PYP please visit the Primary Years Programme for Parents Firefly page where there are many resources.
Simone Mitchell Head of P-6 Curriculum
Junior High
Junior High News
Congratulations to all Junior High students for the way in which they have started the term. It was lovely to hear about their holiday adventures. The students appear well rested and ready for the long term ahead. Whilst the College continues to work within COVID-19 Safe guidelines there is a renewed sense of energy and excitement around the school as some restrictions are eased.
UNIFORM
It appears many of our students have had a growth spurt over the holidays – particularly the boys. Could I please ask that the length of trousers and skirts be checked and adjusted where possible or new items purchased.
IRONBARK 2021
We are about to start the process of organising and preparing Year 8 students for their Ironbark experience in 2021. The first stage in the process is the allocation of students into Ironbark groups.
In coming weeks an information video will be uploaded to Firefly. This video will help families to understand how the process of allocating students to Ironbark groups works. There will also be an online form for parents to complete to assist with the process.
More information will be available in coming weeks.
Patricia Aishford Head of Junior High
Senior School
Senior School News
Head of Senior School
Students are to be commended for the manner in which they have settled into Term 3. Clearly the break has allowed them the opportunity to refresh and reset for the Semester ahead. Pleasingly, it is apparent that many students have reflected on Semester 1 results and have had conversations with parents, teachers and support staff aimed at achieving their academic goals.
Whilst the focus must remain on teaching and learning, there has also been excitement around campus relating to cocurricular offerings and opportunities this term. It was wonderful to see so many Senior students participating in sport over the weekend and I know the music department are doing what they can to engage students whilst following public health regulations.
Last Friday night, SPYGT 2020 was live streamed into households and was a wonderful success. The School Captains, who coordinate this important event on our school calendar, wanted to be able to connect the community and showcase the wonderful talent that exists amongst our students (and staff) despite the restrictions in place. Senior School students were well represented in the final. If you were unable to watch the performance on Friday night, you are still able to enjoy their performance by CLICKING HERE. A sincere thank you to everyone who tuned in to watch in the comfort of their own homes and congratulations to the winners ‘The Pulse’, a band consisting of Senior School students from Years 10 and 11.
The past week has also allowed the opportunity to meet face to face with students in Year Levels. Once a week, students gather in the Dron Auditorium for a combined Chapel service, Year Level Meeting and Senior School Assembly. A number of social distancing, cleaning and personal hygiene measures remain in place to ensure the safety of our students and staff. It has been great to be able to communicate with students in person rather than the pre-recorded videos that have been necessary in recent times.
Planning continues for upcoming events including the Year 12 Valedictory (Formal) and Year 11 Dinner Dance (Semi-Formal). Parents will receive communication in the coming weeks relating to these events and some of the COVID safe considerations that we are required to abide by this year.
Year 12 News - Mr Mark Manson
Last Friday saw the 12’s celebrate 75 school days remaining to make a difference in the St Peters community. A great deal of thought was put into their dress up designs and it definitely brought the cohort closer together. At lunch time they enjoyed the cutting and eating of cake. Recent COVID events made the day even more special and a heightened appreciation for being back together was evidenced.
Year 11 News - Mrs Amanda Huxham
This week Year 11 students will be provided with the Leadership booklet and invitations to attend upcoming leadership breakfasts. Students will discuss the process during Form class with their teachers, and are encouraged to register for the leadership breakfasts to learn more about this important aspect of being a senior student at the College.
In our first Year Level Meeting for the term we will address the topic of Servant Leadership. Additionally, students will hear from Mrs Turnbull on academic matters relevant to Year 11s. I encourage Year 11s to continue working on their academic goals for the semester and making a time to see me if they would like any support in achieving these goals.
Year 10 News - Ms Bronwyn Jamieson
This week the Year 10 cohort has been able to meet for the first time since February! During our hybrid Chapel/YLM/SS Assembly, Year 10s have begun to contemplate the academic decisions they must make in the coming weeks. The PARTY program run by RBWH will be held on campus on August 5. Year 10s are invited to participate in the program which aims to inform students on making better decisions so as to Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth. If you’d like your child to participate in this free program, please contact me asap.
From the Deputy Head of Senior School
Many thanks for the support from all parents regarding improving our uniform and grooming standards this term. A number of young men in particular have taken time to go and get haircuts that meet our required standards and I am truly grateful that they have done so willingly. I understand the desire of young men and women to want to ‘stand out’ or keep up with new trends (although I’m still not sure about the ‘mullet’) however, as a College, we have in place conservative and ‘clean cut’ standards which have in the past contributed to the fine reputation our students enjoy beyond their time at the College. It is important that we continue to support these high standards for our current students to enjoy in the future.
This week, the start of the Year 11 Leadership process will begin. The duration of Term 3 will include many activities that will ultimately lead to the selection of the Prefect group for Term 4 and 2021. Stay tuned for further details, including the specifics of the first 'Leadership Breakfast' on Monday next week (7am in staff common room- all aspiring leaders in Year 11 welcome to attend).
David Rushmore, Joel Butler and The Senior School Year Level Coordinators
The Arts
Visual Art Exhibition
The Visual Art Exhibition for Year 12 will be in the Performing Arts Centre from Friday 24 July.
This is part of the CONTEMPO 42 event on Wednesday 12 August, 6.30pm.
Film screenings, Art and Music
Save the date!
Registration details TBC
Music Department Concerts in Terms 3 & 4 will be performed
We are excited to have ensembles rehearsing together again. The Music Department plans for all ensembles to be able to showcase their achievements this semester by performing in some way. Please keep the performance dates for your relevant ensemble free in your diary. If live performances are not be possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, these performances will occur online.
Further details will be sent closer to each performance date, once a final decision has been made.
Christine Taylor, David Deacon, Grantley Sutch Co-Directors of Music
Music Ensemble Rehearsals Start Again
Chorale rehearsing
It has been wonderful to again hear students making music together in the PAC. Most music ensembles have been able to start rehearsing together again this term whilst applying COVID-19 Safe processes. Staff and students have all enjoyed being together again socially and being able to be part of an ensemble sound world again rather than the solitariness of an individual practice room.
It is, however, exciting to hear how much practice and improvement has been made by many students in our time apart. We look forward to performing together again soon.
Christine Taylor, David Deacon, Grantley Sutch Co-Directors of Music
Boarding
Girls Boarding
Year 12 Boarders enjoy the fun of 75 Days!
Boarders enjoy a night under the stars with a meal of fish and chips and watching the finals of SPYGYT! A big congratulations to one of our own for coming in second, Chloe Wilks!
Sport
RUN CLUB is back
Run club is for everyone in the community. Please come along EVERY FRIDAY MORNING from 6.30am till 7.30am. Meet at the internal bus shelter above Harts Road oval.
“It took me a long time to realise we are not meant to be perfect. We are meant to be whole.” Jane Fonda
The following sports are on offer in Term 1.
Boys Basketball
Boys Tennis
Preseason Football
Preseason Rugby
Girls Club (WDNA) Netball
AIC Cross Country Training
Boys Basketball and Tennis
Years 4/5 and Year 6 AIC Basketball will be played a shortened season in Weeks 1-4. Trials have concluded, and boys will begin Round 1 this week. All Basketball games will be played on Friday afternoons and Tennis on Saturday mornings. Players can find weekly game times and venues on the St Peters APP.
Pre-season Football
Pre-season Football has commenced. Year 6 pre-season Football will be on Friday mornings (6:30am – 7:45am at Harts Road). Years 4/5 pre-season Football will be held on Friday afternoon (During Sport for Life - on Stolz Oval)
Pre-season Rugby
Pre-season Rugby has commenced. Pre-season Rugby will be on Friday afternoons (3:30pm – 4:30pm on Mayer Oval). In Week 2, Rugby will continue, Wednesday afternoons (3:30pm – 5:00pm) and Friday afternoons. All training will be on Mayer Oval.
Girls Club Netball
WDNA Netball returns this weekend. St Peters will play a shortened eight week season throughout Term 3. Training will be held on Wednesday afternoon (3:30pm – 5:00pm at Harts Road Courts). WDNA will be updating the website with the eight week season draws in the near future. Player Season Fee information has been sent to all players. The $150 player fee is due on Wednesday 5 August.
AIC Cross Country Training
Years 5 and 6 who have been selected on the AIC DRAFT Cross Country Team are invited to train on Monday and Wednesday afternoons (3:30pm – 4:15pm). Players are to meet at Lower Primary Undercroft. Training will run Week 1-4 of Term 3.
Field and Court Games: Monday 13 July – Friday 31 July
Athletics: Monday 3 August – Friday 14 August
Hip Hop Dance: Monday 17 August – Monday 14 September
Girls Sport
GIRLS SPORT – Term 3
Girls Sport Coordinator: Anne-Marie Champion
QGSSSA TERM 3 WINTER FIXTURES OPERATIONS UPDATE – PDF attached
Please click on the link to view the latest update from the QGSSSA Association re the ‘Return to Sport’ for Term 3.
CHANGE OF DATE
Winter Fixture Sports – Netball, Volleyball, Tennis & Hockey
Round 5 v St Margaret’s has been moved from Saturday 15 August to Friday 14 August. This change has been made to allow the girls to play their sport on Friday morning and then they are free to enjoy the long weekend with their families.
How fantastic it was to see Sport back on again last weekend. Well done to our Netball, Volleyball & Hockey girls who enjoyed the trial games against St Aidan’s.
Our Rowing girls are working hard to prepare for the four BSRA Rowing Regattas that are now back on the calendar in August – Mr Hicks will advise further details.
QG Track & Field training has commenced this week and our Track & Field Coordinators Mr Nodwell, Mr Donatini and Mr Lohe are excited as they prepare for the QG Track & Field Championship on Thursday 17 September (Student Free Day at the end of this Term) – that is eight weeks away! Well done girls on a great turn out this week!
Run Club / Middle Distance Running continues to draw large numbers of girls enjoying the Mrs Schreiber running sessions. Further details can be found on the St Peters App.
Good luck to our Netball, Volleyball, Hockey and Tennis girls for the Round 2 fixtures v Brisbane Girls Grammar School this Friday afternoon and Saturday.
It has been a huge effort from our Coordinators and Coaches to get the teams sorted in such a short time frame, we thank them all.
DATE CLAIMER – QGSSSA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS – Thursday 17 September
Training has commenced this week – please see the St Peters App for the Training Schedule.
Boys Sport
AIC Boys Sport -TERM 3
Boys Sport Coordinator: Luke Donatini
What a big week of Sport we had last week! For some of our St Peters boys, they participated in four competitive games in seven days plus training. We could not be any prouder of them for their commitment, enthusiasm and resilience and all with a big smile on their face. Thank you, gentlemen your efforts did not go unnoticed!
It has been great to be able to visit training sessions of all our Term 3 sports (both currently in-season and pre-season) and witness the large number of boys involved.
Introducing our Captains of Basketball and Tennis
congratulations to Matt H (St Peters Tennis) and Calvin M (Basketball) for being named as the 2020 Captains of their respective sports. I am certain both Matt and Calvin will do both the College and their sport proud.
AIC Basketball and AIC Tennis Round 2
After some tough games verse Villanova College (Round 1) last weekend, our Basketball and Tennis players will take on St Patrick’s College this coming weekend in Round 2. Congratulations to all of our Boys Tennis teams who were all victorious against Villanova College last weekend.
Once again, we wish every St Peters team the very best and encourage them to represent their college with pride and enthusiasm.
For details on game locations, venues and times please refer to the St Peters App where all details can be found.
Please note that each venue has a COVID Site Map which outlines both drop off and pick up details which should be adhered to.
With reference to Term 3 training for AIC Basketball and Tennis, please refer to the St Peters App. Any further information required, please contact the respective sport coordinators.
AIC Football, AIC Rugby and AIC Chess pre-season training is now also commenced. We encourage all boys who are participating in these sports to ensure they know when their training is on (please check the St Peters App). For all students who are also participating in either Basketball or Tennis, please be reminded that attending Basketball or Tennis training takes priority over Rugby or Football as the are the ‘in-season’ sports.
If you have any questions pertaining to the up and coming Rugby, Football or Chess season (last four weeks of Term 3), please contact the coordinator.
This week has seen the commencement of Term 3 Track & Field (and AIC Cross Country) training. It’s been brilliant to have so many students involved and attending our event training session.
For both Track & Field and Cross Country we ask all students and parents to refer to the St Peters App for training times and locations of specific event group training.
The 2020 AIC Cross Country Championship will be conducted on Wednesday 12 August at Curlew Park, Shorncliffe.
For more specific information pertaining to AIC Track & Field and/or AIC Cross Country, please contact the below coordinators:
However, you can still donate here to the Cancer Council.
Second hand uniform shop
Open every Thursday during Term 3 from 7:45am – 11:30am.
No cash, EFTPOS machine available.
Social Tennis
SOCIAL TENNIS | Sunday 26 July 2:00pm
Social tennis afternoons will be commencing on Sunday 26 July at the Lohe Street courts at 2:00pm. This is an opportunity for parents/guardians and students to play some tennis and have some fun. This will be a regular event run on the last Sunday of each month.
If you are interested in playing social tennis, please contact Robert Barber (Acting President P&F) - Ph 0458 254 488 or email pf.indooroopilly@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
