Last Saturday night in the PAC, we saw the culmination for the year of our Band and Ensemble Program with the ‘All Bands Concert’. It really was a wonderful celebration of our musicians and of this rich part of College life. Earlier in the day, I had the opportunity to cheer on a couple of our Girls Water Polo teams, including the 1sts as they participated in the BWPI competition. For both those experiences, it has been interesting watching the growth of our young people over the years as they’ve journeyed through those activities. For those students involved, these activities have played an important part in their education and development. The same could be said of any aspect of our cocurricular program – be it Music, Sport, the Arts, Debating, Robotics, Service Learning, Clubs or Outdoor Education. St Peters offers an exceptional cocurricular program.
In our Strategic Intent ‘Plus Ultra 2025’, we refer to the Learning that goes on within the cocurricular program as ‘Lifewide Learning’. Lifewide Learning is a carefully chosen term and reflects the fact that the College values and takes seriously the development of the whole child, the whole person. (Incidentally, we know that you, as parents, take it seriously too – from the Parent Satisfaction survey you completed in Term 2 the data indicates that the provision of a holistic or balanced education was the second most important reason for choosing St Peters to educate your child/ren). This means that Lifewide Learning is not something that the College offers because you as parents pay fees. Nor do we view our cocurricular program as the frosting or icing on the cake of a St Peters education. Lifewide Learning is core to a St Peters education. Our commitment to Lifewide Learning reflects a vision for an education that educates towards an enlarged and multidimensional humanity, not toward a narrowed and flattened one. It reflects a vision for education that connects academic scholarship to the personal growth of the student.
Lifewide Learning reflects our vision for an education that integrates the acquisition of knowledge and skills with the development of the student as a person – human becoming. In many respects, this is nothing new. St Peters has always sought to connect learning with the development of the student as a person. A look through the 76-year history of the College reveals that. Lifewide Learning has always been an essential part of the St Peters experience. Our Old Scholars would attest to this - in the process of studying English, Maths, History, Geography; or participating in Music or Sport; or undertaking the Ironbark experience; or learning to serve by using their gifts and talents they didn’t just become knowledgeable doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers and entrepreneurs – they also became significant human beings – fine St Peters men and women.
And so, in educating the whole person, St Peters offers an exceptional Lifewide Learning program that provides each student with opportunities for participation, growth and personal excellence. The St Peters experience provides your sons and daughters with opportunities to build self-esteem and confidence; learn about commitment, persistence and teamwork; enjoy a healthy approach to life; enhance skills; be creative, imaginative and develop a sense of the aesthetic; assume leadership roles; respond to challenges; be self-disciplined and develop a sense of service and responsibility towards others. In short, we offer a balanced education so that our young people are empowered to take control of their lives and become the person they were created to be.
Tim Kotzur Head of College
Ministry
Young, passionate and purposeful: the witness of Muni: George Schwarz.
George Schwarz was only 19 years old when he arrived in Far North Queensland to dwell amongst the Guugu Yimidhirr speaking peoples north of Cooktown. The year was 1887 and since then, in September every year, the First Nations People around the township of Hopevale, celebrate 'Muni Day'. Muni is the local people’s name for Schwarz. When the people learned that 'Schwarz' was the German word for the colour 'black', they bestowed upon this European missionary visitor, the Guugu Yimidhirr word for 'black', which was 'Muni'.
'Muni' had done his training at the Lutheran Mission School in Neuendettelsau in Bavaria when he was the same age as our St Peters Senior Students. He then travelled to the 'ends of the earth' to serve the people in the north and to share with them what he knew of the gracious heart of God revealed to us in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the way to the land 'down under', Muni stopped for a few weeks in England to undertake a fast-tracked course in the English language.
He remained with the people for nearly 55 years, until the relocation of the Hopevale people to Woorabinda in 1942 under the threats of invasion in the north during the Second World War.
Why is Muni acknowledged year after year? It is because he was a witness to the gracious heart of God to the people he served. It is also because he struggled on behalf of the First Nations people against injustice and prejudices from all quarters. Throughout those 55 years, George Schwarz was cherished as a champion for the wellbeing of the Guugu Yimidhirr peoples and the peoples of the other northern language groups who were forcibly resettled around him.
All from the heart of man who arrived at 19 years of age.
The Lord has blessed our young people with such diverse gifts. Please join me in a prayer for our Year 12s as their finish this year and prepare for their grand adventure of life beyond College.
Lord, be with our year 12 students as they continue through their final exams; as they await results; and as they plan for life after school. Give them clear minds and good health. Give to them pride in what they do and give them a just return for their work. Finally, give them courage and peace as they face the uncertainties and delights of life after high school. Amen.
Pastor Paul Smith
Around the College
READERS CUP
Shout out to our Year 9 BrisNET TL Inter-School Readers’ Cup participants who competed in this year’s event on Wednesday 20 October: Lily J, Douwe de J, Mathilda R, Benjamin S and Emily S
Hosted online by St Peters, the tournament involved teams of Year 9 students from an array of regional schools: St Aidan’s, Stuartholme, Brisbane SHS, Brigidine, Kenmore SHS, Brisbane Boys' College, Hillbrook and Padua College.
The competition was fierce and the trivia demanding. Bursts of laughs and happy shouts could be heard coming from the Langer Library classroom during the trivia and our students had a good time.
This year, our Year 9 team placed 8th. Congratulations to all the participants.
The following week, on Thursday 28 October, the Year 7 Readers Cup competition took place, with eight of our Year 7 students throwing their hat in the ring for the first time.
Ava R, Maxine S, Rachel T, Isabella N-N, Anna F, Isabella W, Emily T and Matilda W met regularly at the Langer Library on lunchtime during Terms 3 and 4 to organising their reading, questioning each other and having fun while undergoing preparation.
The 'St Peters Team 1' won the competition! The Year 7 Trophy is coming back to St Peters!
To top it up, our second Year 7 team placed 4th!
Warm congratulations to all our Readers Cup competitors we are proud of you and delighted to hear that you are looking forward to participating in next year Readers Cup!
Community Focus Day
Last Wednesday was the last Community Focus Day for 2021. We had a variety of stalls supporting organisations that the students are keen to help.
Ms George and her fantastic helpers who donated so many baked goods to sell and raised approximately $1,000 funds for the Brain Cancer Research Foundation. Ms George organised an obstacle course on the Oval for Yr 7 to understand some of the issues related to brain injuries. Cadburys also donated chocolates and Ms George had a fun chocolate game -eating lots of chocolate in the Chapel Forecourt. We hope this helps with researching a Cure for Brain Cancer.
Ms Benfield does a great job in the College raising awareness and funds for Guide Dogs. This month we have some merchandise on sale. Ms Benfield and students had a stall to display and sell the gifts and raised over $400. We also had a special guest on the day. A beautiful black Labrador guide dog who received lots of attention and sat quietly watching the Community Focus Day events.
Finally, the Social Justice Group launched the Kids In Crisis Appeal. They were delighted to see so many students pick up tags to buy a gift for Christmas for a disadvantaged child. There are still plenty of tags to pick up from any of the reception areas. Please bring the gifts back to the reception in a gift bag (not wrapped) by Friday 19 November. Thank you so much for all your support.
Angela Braby Coordinator Service Learning
Primary Years
Primary Years news
Year 3 Camp – Alexandra Headlands
Students in Year 3 recently enjoyed their very first school camp as they spent an evening away from home at Alexandra Headlands. This camp provided opportunity for students to further develop both their leadership skills and the continued growth of the PYP Learner Profile. Activities such as beach walks, team challenges and spending a night away from home with friends, provided opportunities for students to be open-minded, persistent, courageous, risk-takers, caring towards others, positive communicators and, perhaps most importantly, to try new adventures! I have no doubt that bedtime was very early as they returned on Tuesday afternoon…for staff and students alike!
I take this opportunity to thank the Year 3 teaching team, along with Mr Cam Glass, Mrs Jodi Dew Mrs Belinda Coleman and Miss Mackenzie Kane for organising and attending this special time with our Year 3 students.
Prep 2021– Our youngest Environmental Champions
Our Prep Centre was recently gifted a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant for our project, 'Bee Aware of Bush Tucker'. St Peters Prep was one of 1,609 primary schools receiving a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant to help grow our next generation of environmental champions.
In addition to worm farms and beehives, Prep also purchased some fantastic, raised garden beds from Vegepod.
Having continued problems with their garden beds as they were visited by possums, crows and bush turkeys, they had tried a few different ways to solve the problem, including building a scarecrow and making towers out of old CDs (to catch the light and keep away the crows). These solutions were not entirely successful, so they decided to try Vegepods, with special protection canopies.
Preps have learnt about all the great features of Vegepods including:
Raised garden beds on a stand - so we can see our plants growing better!
Protection canopy - to keep away the possums, bush turkeys, crows and bugs from eating our plants before we do!
Self-watering - the base of the pod holds 32L of water, which is great as we can't water on the weekends and it is getting very hot!
Nutrient recycling - the water reservoir under the soil captures and recycles the nutrients from the potting mix and gives them back to the plants.
Similarly, our Prep students have spent a good amount of time inquiring into Australian native bees (they have their own hives in the Prep Centre!), how honey is produced, the very special role that bees play in our environment and our responsibility in keeping our native bees safe. Mariella L took her learning a step further as she propagated seedlings of Australian native plants (bees LOVE these!) to sell so she could raise money for continued research into sustaining our native bees. Establishing a lunchtime club where sales posters were created, Mariella hopes that the proceeds of her native plant sale will go to either ‘Save the Bees’ or ‘Hive Aid’.
An important element of our International Baccalaureate Primary Year Programme (PYP) is that of ACTION. A belief that learning should extend beyond the classroom, developing in our students the power to choose, act and reflect on their place in the wider community. The future is in good hands as our Prep programme continues to grow responsible global citizens and change agents in our ever-changing world.
Senior School
2022 Next Step survey
The Queensland Government will conduct its annual statewide survey of Year 12 completers in 2022. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.
Between March and June next year, our current Year 12 students will receive a letter from the Minister for Education or an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office inviting you to complete the survey. To enable them to reach you, please ensure your contact details are correct in your learning account by logging into the student portal at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/
Further information on Next Step and results from previous surveys are available online at www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.
The Arts
Year 11 Visual Art AAE (Authentic Artist experience)
Students Spent the day working with Artist Simone Eisler on her property and in her shed/studio at Kin Kin.
They experimented with creating organic forms, hybrids, and responding to the natural environment by recording the scape using handmade brushes and a large format.
The Botanica images are the work ‘Museum of Our Lost World (2021)' installed by Simone in the Brisbane Botanic gardens during the festival in May 2021.
Students will now further develop their responses and devise inquiry questions to inform their art making.
Music Captains 2022
Congratulations to Oona B, Lachlan B, Zoe W, Sophie M, Kaden K and Emily R for their selection as Year 12 Music Captains for 2022.
We look forward to the Music Captains working together as a team, and with terrific group of Year 12’s (2022) involved in Music, to provide excellent leadership and proactive mentoring throughout the program.
Mrs Deacon, Mr Sutch and Mrs Taylor Co-Directors of Music
Auditions for St Peters Chorale 2022
St Peters Chorale has a national and international reputation as one of Australia’s most outstanding youth choirs. This choir is renowned for its championing of Australian choral composers as well as having a focus on performing works from the great European tradition of choral music.
Auditions for students in Years 8 – 11 (2021) who would like to join St Peters Chorale in 2022 will be held on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 November. The material which needs to be prepared and memorised prior to the audition can be collected now from PAC Reception.
It is always tremendous to recognise the success of St Peters students who compete at a State and/or National level competition. This week we would like to recognise Alexander G (Year 10) who competed at the Queensland Cycling Team Time Trials (Under 17). His team was victorious and crowned State Champions. Congratulations Alexander, well done!
Last weekend saw Queensland Athletics host the State All Schools Track & Field Championships at QSAC, Nathan for Under 12 to Under 14 year old athletes.
St Peters were again well represented in both boys and girls at these championships. Some outstanding performances were recorded from our younger students who competed.
Luca V (Year 8) Under 15
100m
200m
Theo H (Year 8) Under 14
100m
Long Jump (4th)
Triple Jump (1st -Gold)
Xander P (Year 8) Under 14
High Jump (3rd – Bronze)
Tristan B (Year 8) Under 14
Javelin,
Long Jump
Triple Jump
High Jump (1st – Gold)
Alex De V (Year 7) Under 13
800m
1500m
Congratulations to the above mentioned boys on an outstanding effort in representing St Peters at this year’s State All Schools Championships.
2022 Term 1 Pre-Season Training Has Commenced
As previously mentioned last week, we have seen the commencement of training for our 2022 Term 1 sports of Cricket, Volleyball, Swimming and AFL. All our age groups and year levels are now underway in readiness for their respective 2022 Term 1 seasons.
Last Monday we also welcomed our existing St Peters Year 6 students and ‘new’ students to the College to become involved in our 2022 pre-season preparations. It was wonderful to meet both the boys and parents at our annual introduction to St Peters Boys Sport (Years 7 to 12).
All boys from Years 7 to 11 have now been emailed information regarding ‘sign on’ and training days and times.
Training times /schedules are also posted up on the St Peters App. We request that both students and parents please check the St Peters App for days and times of their respective sport training.
We do ask all boys to keep checking their emails for more important information pertaining to 2022 Term 1 sport and when all specific pre-season training will commence over the course of Term 4 this year.
For further information about what is happening with 2022 Term 1 pre-season sports, please contact one of the below St Peters Coordinators:
With regards to wet weather and any unforeseen or potential cancellations of AIC sports, please ensure that you keep an eye out for notifications and alerts via the St Peters App.
Girls Sport
Girls Sport Coordinator – Anne-Marie Champion
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there” Theodore Roosevelt
Last weekend many of our U12 – U14 Track & Field athletes ventured to the Queensland State All Schools Track & Field Championships at QSAC.
Our St Peters Girls performed extremely well, and some outstanding performances were recorded over the weekend.
Under 15
Allira T – 1st Place/ Gold Medal - Shot Put and Discuss
Hayley C – 2nd Place/Silver Medal - Shot Put | Discuss & Javelin
Jade H – 3rd Place / Bronze Medal – 1500m | 800m
Well done also to Senushi D – 100m, Grace D – Shot Put & Javelin & Sophie S – Javelin.
Under 14
Well done to Veniz P – 100m, Summer P – Long Jump & 400m & Lucy L - Javelin
Under 13
Well done to Tamika R – 100m, 200m, 800m & 4th place in Long Jump & Ava K – 800m & 1500m.
Congratulations girls on your outstanding effort in representing St Peters at this year’s State All Schools Championships.
After a week’s rest, we are off this Friday to the first of the QGSSSA AFL Gala Days at the Springfield Central Sporting Complex, we will be joined by St Hilda’s & Ipswich Girls Grammar.
It is important to note, AFL will be offered for Years 10-12 girls in Term 1 next year, The GIRLS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY SOFTBALL & AFL, they will have to choose one.
Years 7-9 AFL will be played in Term 4 next year.
2021 Gala Days
Friday afternoon/evening 5 November: 4.30pm – 6.30pm @ Springfield Central Sporting Complex
Nothing like a long weekend to take away half of our playing base. A big shout out to all the girls that stayed and played with limited subs - you really did St Peters proud. Once again Saturday brought the heat and you could feel the storms building all day!
18B (Open) WIN 5 - 3 v Loreto. Loreto scored the first points of the match but our girls in front of Mr Kotzur rallied. With Coach Millsy still out of action, Peter stepped back into the Open Team Coaches role with great success. Heidi K was great in attack, Ellie S-S and Milly T were super in defense. Early in the game we had a sense of panic in our play but once we settled, we took control. Ella C was her usual calm self in the field. Ruby G-D played a great game in centre forward position and she won ‘The BIG BOSS Award’ for her efforts.
17C game CANCELLED due to storm.
16C WIN 6 - 3 v AHS Blue. A tight game which saw Coach Kyra putting restrictions on our team once again. In the first quarter they had to set up mushroom, second quarter they could only score off a counterattack and if they tried an off the water shot. The second half they had to work on quick passing, the placement of the ball will be something that this team needs to keep working on in training and games. Rose J had a beauty of a game in the net stopping numerous attempts. Lara N won the prize for her great defense and excellent shooting. Thank you to Amelia R for filling in from the U15B’s and playing like a star.
15B DREW 2 – 2 v BGGS Blue. 1-1 at half time tells us what a tough game this was. 2-2 draw at full time tells us that both teams fought really hard. The BGGS Coach is our U17C Coach Lorena and we feel she looks better in maroon than blue!! The U15B competition is very evenly matched with most games going down to the wire. ‘The BIG BOSS Award’ was for someone who took charge and lead from the front, well done to Eva H for winning the prize for her awesome stops in goals. Special mention to this team as up until Thursday after lunch they had a BYE and 10 turned up and played, well done Girls!!
15C WIN 22 - 0 v Stuartholme. Coach Holly & Assistant Coach Claudia were super excited to see everything they have been working on at training starting to transfer into the game play. Charlotte McM had a blinder of a match winning ‘The BIG BOSS Award’. Mackenzie B who is reasonably new to Water Polo was outstanding contributing greatly in defense and her passing was superb. Zoe T played a great game as did Chloe E, Alex W and Ava S. Rose J got out of goals in the last quarter and Ava S went into goals (first time ever). Awesome Ava kept the score to 0!!!! Great team performance U15C’s!
14B BYE.
14C LOST 4 - 10 v Stuartholme. The score was not unlike last week’s game but this time we were on the losing side of it!! Maybe we could blame the home field advantage playing Stuartholme at Stuartholme. Ada McN took out ‘The BIG BOSS award’ for her never give up attitude and hard work. A big thank you to Jane for coaching whilst Tenealle was doing an exam this morning.
13B LOST 5 - 10 v River City. Down to no subs, a big thank you to Chloe R from the U12B’s for stepping in to help out giving us one sub. This team gave their absolute all in a really brave performance, they were super tight in defense and the communication was great. At training this week Sophie will be working on a few structures especially the mushroom, spreading out in attack and the delivery of safe passes. Congrats to Nyssa R who had an awesome game winning ‘The BIG BOSS Award’.
13C WIN 9 - 3 to Stuartholme. This team is on fire with another good win! The winner of ‘The BIG BOSS Award’ was Julia S who is playing in her first year of Water Polo. She is a sensational competitor with a great outside shot, Coach Nacole is enjoying watching this team grow each week. The girls playing up from the U12B’s are getting a more physical game and they are handling the pressure and the double game very well.
12B LOST 14 - 6 v River City. With no subs this little team played some awesome Water Polo. The goalie role was shared between Chloe R, Eliza C, Chloe M & Emma W. Georgia P was outstanding putting 5 cracking shots into the back of the net, Emma W also scored a great goal. Coach Ellie had Alexis A back in defense and when River City went on a counterattack Alexis was there swimming towards them, it was because of her great defense she was awarded ‘The BIG BOSS Award’. Eliza C stole a few sneaky balls whilst Emma W and Chloe R showed great fight even when they were super tired. Chloe M and Kay S delivered some great passes.
2022 QGSSSA OPEN TEAM TRIALS
OPEN BASKETBALL PRE-SEASON TRIALS continue on the following days in the St Peters Indoor Gym, 3.30pm - 5.00pm.
Monday 8 November
Monday 15 November
OPEN TOUCH PRE-SEASON TRIALS – the second and final trial for 2021 will be held on Harts Road Oval, 3.30pm - 5.00pm.
· Thursday 11 November
2022 OPEN / SENIOR SOFTBALL TRIALS (Girls in Year 9 – 11 in 2021)
Trials will continue on Harts Road Oval 6.15am - 7.30am on the following days:
Tuesday 9 November
Thursday 11 November
Please note that these trials are for our Open and Senior teams, including Senior B teams, all teams will be selected by the end of Term 4, so it is very important that girls attend these trials.
It is important to note, AFL will be offered for Years 10-12 girls in Term 1 next year, The GIRLS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY SOFTBALL & AFL, they will have to choose one.
ST PETERS ROWING
St Peters is excited to offer the 2021 Term 4 Learn to Row Program. St Peters has a rich history in Rowing with a number of highly successful rowers graduating. St Peters prides itself on ensuring that students who participate in Rowing throughout their College life are encouraged and supported to find balance between their academic and Rowing pursuits. Rowing is a unique sport within the College and if you would like to be part of something very special with a rich history, Rowing is certainly the sport for you.
Following the Learn-to-Row Program, the Rowing seasons are as follows.
Girls –
Term 2 (Pre-Season) – Playing another QGSSSA sport is highly encouraged.
Term 3 – Regatta’s are held weekly throughout Term 3. Girls cannot play Volleyball, Hockey, Tennis or Netball AND row.
The cost for the Term 4 Learn to Row program will be $120. Athletes are expected to wear their St Peters sports uniform to each session with closed in shoes. Learn to Row athletes are not expected to purchase a zootie for this program.
This program will run weekly throughout this term on a Tuesday afternoon (Indooroopilly Students) and Thursday afternoon (Springfield Students).
To sign up or if you have any questions in regards to Rowing, please contact Peter Hicks (Head of Rowing) - p.hicks@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
SWIMMING FOR FITNESS
Coordinator: Mr Peter Dawson
Swimming sessions are offered at the 50m pool for any girl playing Water Polo or wishing to do pre-season QGSSSA swim training. These sessions will be held on:
Monday afternoon 50m pool: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Thursday afternoon 50m pool: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
There is no need for girls to sign on for these sessions, simply turn up to the pool for the sessions you can make.
All girls interested in Athletic development in the Gym with Mr Hacking, please contact him to arrange a meeting.
Have a great week in Sport!
Community
Lutheran Youth of Queensland (LYQ) Holiday Camps
Lutheran Youth of Queensland (LYQ) have been privileged to run Holiday Camps for young people for over 60 years offering students fun-packed camps that encourage personal and spiritual growth. This summer they've got four camps lined up covering Years 3-12...
Senior Blast (Years 7-12) and Junior Blast (Years 3-6)
12-17 December 2021 | Lutheran Heights Youth Camp, Coolum
The LYQ Blast Camps are a chance for young people to experience growth and development in a multitude of ways. Whether it's stepping outside their comfort zone, trying something new, making new friends, or spending time in the great outdoors, camp is the place where young people can learn something new about themselves and about God. It provides a great opportunity for your community to encourage young people who are unsure about faith to learn in a fun and honest environment.
In the second week of January LYQ will be kicking off their camping ministry for 2022 with their Summer Kids Camps. These fun filled camps are a week of activities, games and bible-studies for children in Years 3-6 (in 2021). Kids Camp is an intentional space where children can explore God and learn more about Him and each other.
