You know we are all related, right? Literally, we are related. Basic maths teaches us this. If we trace our ancestry back, we discover two parents, four grandparents and so on. By 40 generations, or roughly 1,000 years, we should have more than one trillion ancestors if none of them were related. The best estimates of the global population at 1,000 AD are less than 300 million people. This month we are due to tick over eight billion people on earth. Clearly our human family tree involves a lot of related people producing new humans. That might gross you out a bit, but it’s undeniably true! Biologically, this is evident by the extremely high amount of DNA shared by all humans, regardless of ethnicity or gender. We are 99.9% the same.
Every human being shares the same humanity. We are all born and we will all die. We have the same needs - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We all share the struggles and joys of life. We know the pain of loss and the delight of love. We need acceptance, forgiveness and purpose.
You’d think if we have so much in common we’d get on well together. Sometimes we do, but tragically, often we don’t. Part of our humanity is our inclination to treat each other badly. Out of fear, jealousy, arrogance and all kinds of evil desires, we are capable of causing so much hurt and pain. Sometimes even to people we say we love.
When we see war in Ukraine we wonder how human beings can be so cruel. When we see the suffering we walk past in our own country in many communities, we wonder how human beings can be so indifferent and uncaring. At school, when we see students make poor choices, we can be disappointed, but we should not be surprised if we understand our human condition.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the story of Jesus is that he would join humanity as one of us. As a flesh and blood human being called Jesus of Nazareth, our God knows the struggles and difficulties we go through. Jesus knew hunger and thirst, grief and loss, joy and laughter. The only difference was Jesus’ behaviour, specifically, his treatment of others. Jesus loved others completely and fully. Jesus loved us to the point he would give up his life for us.
Jesus is the one who puts humanity back together. Jesus unites all people by his sacrifice of love. He forgives us for the things we have done to each other and offers us a new way to live. As we live and grow in Jesus, we learn the way of love. Jesus’ way allows humans to live together in peace and harmony.
The Apostle Paul writes of this new life in Christ:
“It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
May your common humanity with Jesus inspire you to faith in God and love for all human beings.
Pastor Matt Wilksch Springfield Chaplain
Important Notices
Cashless Canteen/Tuckshop facilities from 2023
From the commencement of 2023 all canteen/tuckshop facilities at the College will be cashless. Cash will no longer be accepted for transactions at Café 45, and the external Coffee Shop. The preferred method of payment is still MSA (My Student Account) with EFTPOS available in the coffee shop and in the main dining hall.
Around the College
Celebrating Diwali
Diwali is the Indian 'festival of lights' that celebrates the triumph of light over dark, good over evil and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. Diwali consists of a five-day celebration, but the third day is the height of the festival with families coming together to celebrate. With Diwali being one of the biggest festivals in India, people celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm around the world. Diwali is celebrated with good food, new clothes, exchanges in gifts, fireworks and sparklers, rangoli patterns (coloured sand arranged in patterns on the floor) and the lighting of special candles and lamps called ‘diyas'.
Navya Rattehali was invited to Junior High Assembly to talk about the importance of Diwali to Hindu’s and India’s world of classical dance. Navya started learning Indian classical music and dance from the age of five. She further pursed her passion into career by training at the prestigious institute Kalakshetra in Chennai India. Her passion to work with diverse community especially children led her to conduct regular dance classes, demonstrations, workshops and performances. She has delivered more than 150 workshops and demonstrations across the UK at many schools and community events. Now, living in Brisbane, she has founded her dance school ‘Suprada Academy’ and teaches Indian classical dance to all ages. Aditi Rattehali, her daughter in Year 8, demonstrated a section from Madhura Madhura which is a ‘Padam', a dance type which focuses on expression and storytelling through dance. I demonstrated a section from Ninne Nera Nammi which is a ‘Varnam'. This dance focuses on intricate foot and hand movement at a very fast speed.
Having the opportunity for Navya to come talk to Junior High about Indian culture was very informative and interesting. Teaching culture in an increasing diverse community like St Peters is important and broadens student’s perspectives. We are very thankful for Navya and the Multicultural Committee and Junior High are thankful for the exposure she has given us.
Mahi Kar Ray Year 11
Multicultural Committee Newsletter
Please CLICK HERE to read the latest Multicultural Committee Newsletter.
Academic Matters
IB TOK invitation
RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE - 2022 ICAS TOP PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED
We are again delighted to partner with the world-renowned ICAS Assessments (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) in 2022 to recognise and reward our students' academic effort and excellence. ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics and Science. 61 JH & SS, and 75 Primary students from, Years 3-12, engaged in a total of 132 and 189 tests, respectively.
Many of our students were recognised for performing in the top ranks across the world. High Distinction Awards are earned by students achieving in the top 1% of participants. In the Primary Years, Alex, Wallace and Dylan (Year 4), and Giles and Aochen (Year 5) achieved High Distinctions, with Austin (Year 5) achieving a High Distinction in two competitions. In Junior High, Hudson, Jonah and Leo (Year 7) achieved a High Distinction, while Mulan (Year 9) achieved two High Distinctions. Forty Primary Years students and 34 Junior High students achieved a Distinction which is awarded to the top 11% of participants only.
Congratulations to all students who took the opportunity to extend themselves academically by undertaking the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment program.
Future Problem Solving
Congratulations to the three St Peters Future Problem Solving teams who participated in the 2022 National Finals in Melbourne. Students have been training all year, developing their skills in producing innovative solutions to interesting and topical issues.
The teams competed against over 500 students from across Australia to produce solutions to the global issue of Mining. The Year 10 team (Abbey, Jess, Josie and Ella) performed very admirably and provided wonderful leadership for our junior teams. Our team of Years 7 and 8 boys (Monty, Karl, Ian and Lyndon) were selected to perform their Action Plan Presentation in the final eight teams from Years 7 – 9, while our team of Years 7 - 9 girls (Georgie, Keer, Claire and Tharushi) were awarded seventh place at the awards ceremony and ranked second among teams representing Queensland.
Not only did the teams do very well, but students also enjoyed a wonderful tour of many iconic places in Melbourne city. We'd like to thank the students whose exemplary behaviour made the trip so pleasurable and teachers Mrs Gold, Mr Trethan and Mrs Rankin who gave up their weekend to enable students to have this fantastic experience.
Primary Years
Primary Years News
Social Media and the BeReal app
Social media is undoubtedly a huge part of a young person’s life. Children in the Primary Years, particularly Upper Primary, will be tempted to get involved and download various apps. Popular social media apps amongst teenagers today are Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok. We do strongly recommend in adhering to social media guidelines, and most apps require a minimum age of 13 before creating a social media account.
A new app that has recently become popular amongst some of our Upper Primary students is the BeReal app. The idea of this app is for users to share an authentic, unfiltered photo of themselves at a random time, when notified by the app. 'Every day at a different time, everyone is notified simultaneously to capture and share a photo in two minutes'https://bere.al/en.
Our largest concern regarding social media, including BeReal, is the risk of sharing personal and potentially embarrassing content, distraction (through notifications), connecting with strangers, location sharing, and the sharing of personal information.
Recommendations to parents include:
Do not allow your child to start using social media apps under the age of 13; and then negotiate with your child as to the parameters surrounding a social media app. Have conversations to decide if they’re ready. You don’t need to allow it all at once, or even as soon as they’re 13. All children are developmentally different and will need to be supported in different ways;
When you do allow your child to start using social media, help them set it up safely with location off, no strangers in their contacts, and no identifying information in their profile;
We do not allow the use of social media at school and ask that you check your child’s devices and remove any of these apps. We would also recommend deleting any social media accounts. Please refer to the BYO iPad Program Overview for more information, particularly pages 4 and 5, for instructions on setting up restrictions on the iPad. For more information, please visit our Firefly Cybersafety Page for Parents. You may also find this article on the eSafety Commissioner site useful: Are they old enough?
Rachael Yates eLearning
Reports…not long now!
LEARNING-FOCUSSED NOT GRADES-FOCUSSED
When discussing the report card with your child, keep the conversation learning-focussed not grades-focussed. Ask your child about the types of learning activities they worked on that would have led to their grade - their student portfolio is a good reference point and worth looking at alongside the report card. Many times, a grade may stay the same from one semester to the next, but this does not mean that your child has not progressed. There lies a myriad of variances within each grade bracket. In fact, your child may have moved from the bottom to the very top of the same band across the semester, but it will still appear as the same grade.
ALL STUDENTS ARE DIFFERENT
Students all have different strengths and areas of achievement, as well as areas for growth and improvement. Comparing your child’s report with that of a sibling or family friend is not helpful. Instead, focus on the growth your child has made from the beginning of the year to the end, for example, look at writing samples in their portfolio or talk about improvements you have seen in their reading. Ask them to reflect on where they feel they have grown the most and where they could improve next year. Find the areas where they shine at school and talk about why they think they do so well in that subject.
KEEP IT POSITIVE
Try to focus on the positives in the report, whether it be in the effort grade, something written in a comment or an improvement in a subject grade. Be specific about the praise you offer rather than using words like ‘clever’ and ‘smart’ as these can put unnecessary pressure on a student. For example, I’m really pleased with what your teacher has said about your knowledge of fractions in Maths. I know you have been working hard on that and I can see you have made an improvement. Having open discussions about the report card lets your child know that you are supporting them in their learning and is an important motivator, inspiring them to do their best.
Finally, remember that report cards are a summary of student achievement that sits alongside everything else you know about your child as a learner. Sometimes as parents we are over-invested in the grades our children bring home. Use the report card as a tool for reflection and goal setting in readiness for a fresh start in 2023. We cannot change what is, only what will be. Further information about reporting and standards is also available on Firefly.
Mrs Simone Mitchell Head of Teaching and Learning P-6
Sport
Primary Sport
“No need to hurry, no need to sparkle, no need to be anybody but oneself.” Virginia Woolf
Primary Cocurricular Sport Term 4
The following sports will be on offer in Term 4
Years 4-6 Cricket
BWPI Girls Waterpolo
Years 4-6 Girls Basketball
Term 4 Mini Squad and Group 1 Squad for SPW Swimming – Information regarding training at the 25m pool in Term 4 has been emailed to all Years 2 – 6 parents/caregivers.
Saturday Learn to Swim Private Lessons – Information regarding Learn to Swim Lessons running at St Peters 25m Pool has been emailed to Prep – Year 6 parents/caregivers.
Years 4-6 Girls Basketball
Throughout Term 4 we will be offering weekly Basketball coaching sessions for Years 4-6 Girls. All Years 4-6 girls are welcome to attend the sessions.
To sign on for the Term 4 Basketball Sessions please CLICK HERE
The focus of the Basketball sessions will be to develop fundamental skills and basic gameplay.
Years 4-6 Term 4 Cricket
Please Note that Term 4 Cricket is underway. All cricketers are welcome to attend the training sessions.
Any new St Peters Cricketers will need to complete the following form. Please CLICK HERE to complete the form.
Should you have any question concerning Term 4 Cricket, please contact St Peters Cricket Coordinator, Mr Gary Munday (G.Munday@stpeters.qld.edu.au)
Primary Years HPE
All Prep – Year 6 students will be involved in Swimming during Term 4, Weeks 3 – 9. 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 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.
Please remind students to bring their swimming gear each week for their weekly HPE Lesson for the remainder of the year.
HPE Dates Term 3
HPE Swimming: Weeks 3 – 9
Primary Years Swimming Carnivals
Year 1-3 and Year 4-6 Inter House Swimming Carnival St Peters 25m Pool. Wednesday 23 November Details to follow closer to the date.
Girls Sport
Girls Sport Coordinator – Anne-Marie Champion
“Confidence isn’t walking into a room and thinking you are better than everyone; it’s walking in not having to compare yourself to anyone at all.” ANON
ST PETERS SEMESTER 2 SPORT AWARDS PRESENTATION
In 2022, many students who have represented the College in sport in Semester 2 will be recognised at a special awards evening. This will be held in the Performing Arts Centre next Tuesday 15 November from 5.30 pm.
Semester 2 Sport Award winners will be recognised in front of parents, the wider St Peters community, and their peers. Students, and parents of students receiving an award have been emailed an invitation.
TERM 4 SPORTS
If the girls choose more than one sport, communication is the key, please advise the respective sport coordinator at the start of the season.
Another fantastic morning was enjoyed by our Australian Rules girls last Saturday at Yeronga AFC. With six mini fields pumping the carnival atmosphere is a tremendous way for the girls to continue their learning of the game of Australian Rules and to make some friends along the way.
Our Year 7 team, with no subs due to illness and unavailability, played their hearts out for both games. Game No 1, St Hilda’s were an impressive unit and were too strong coming away with a convincing win. Game No 2 was a much closer affair, the girls gave their all going down by 13 points to Brisbane Girls Grammar.
Our Year 8 team is stacked with many talented girls, they are a joy to watch and their development under Coach Chris (a PE Teacher from our Springfield Campus) has been amazing to watch. Both games against Somerville House & St Margaret’s No 2, the opposition were kept scoreless. We can’t wait to watch the progress of these girls over the next few years.
Our Year 9 team enjoyed a good morning, Coach Mitch was enjoying a weekend away, so Coach Ella led the way. Game No 1 was a close affair with a couple of unlucky calls late in the second half which saw us go down to Somerville House by two points. Game No 2 we could see the girls hard work paying off and they came away enjoying a convincing win against St Margaret’s.
Good luck girls for Gala Day No 4!
Gala Day No 3 Results
Year 7
Round 5 – St Hilda’s 8.7.55 d St Peters 3.0.18
Round 6 – Brisbane Girls Grammar 4.3.27 d St Peters 2.2.14
Year 8
Round 5 – St Peters 6.12.48 d Somerville House 0.0.00
Round 6 – St Peters 7.7.49 d St Margaret’s 2 0.0.00
Year 9
Round 5 – Somerville House 2.4.16 d St Peters 1.8.14
Round 6 – St Peters 5.3.33 d St Margaret’s 2.2.14
2022 Junior Australian Rules Gala Days
Saturday 12 November
Saturday 19 November (Rescheduled Gala Day No 1)
Please CLICK HERE for the Gala Day No 4 Draw, it can also be found on the St Peters App.
Our Open Team absolutely blew AHS out of the water with a 24-2 score line. This game was good to practice our five on six which the girls have been working on at training. Nacole is wanting the girls to move the ball on the hand, wind down the clock and most importantly move the Goalie to allow the shooter to put the ball into the back of the net. Alice H took home the skittles for your huge work rate during the game.
Our U14 D1 team had a tough day in the pool against an extremely physical St Margaret’s Team, I am sure they have learnt a lot from this game. Mackenzie B matched their physicality, won the team award, and finished the game on the bench after receiving three exclusions. Our girls were calm and composed during the match which was great.
Aadya V was on fire shooting most of the goals in the U15 D4 teams narrow loss 9-13 to St Margaret’s. This team is really showing great improvements.
A big shout out to Maddie N for filling in for the U13 D2 team, with girls away she was a super sub and Coach Lara was very happy with her performance. Georgia P who is quarter mermaid, quarter fish (superhuman in the water) had an exceptional game and was awarded the skittles!
Please CLICK HERE for the Round 4 Draw, it can also be found on the St Peters App.
Preseason training for the 2023 Open Basketball team is now complete for 2022, the final session concluded on Monday, it was great to see many new faces and the girls training hard in preparation for the 2023 season.
Training/trials will commence back in Week 2 of Term 1 on Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, please watch the St Peters App for further details.
Preseason training for the 2023 Open Touch team is now complete. Well done to the many girls that attended the sessions offered in Term 4 this year.
Training/trials will commence back in Week 2 of Term 1 next year, please watch the St Peters App for further details.
QGSSSA FOOTBALL
Coordinator: TBA
The final preseason session will be held on the following days on Harts Road Oval, 6.15am – 7.30am.
Friday 11 November
Further detail will be advised re the commencement of training/trials in Term 1 next year.
ST PETERS ROWING
St Peters is excited to offer the 2022 Term 4 Learn to Row Program. St Peters has a rich history in Rowing with a number of highly successful rowers graduating. St Peters prides itself on ensuring that students who participate in Rowing throughout their College life are encouraged and supported to find balance between their academic and Rowing pursuits. Rowing is a unique sport within the College and if you would like to be part of something very special with a rich history, Rowing is certainly the sport for you.
Following the Learn-to-Row Program, the Rowing seasons are as follows.
Term 2 (Preseason) – Playing another QGSSSA sport is highly encouraged.
Term 3 – Regatta’s are held weekly throughout Term 3. Girls cannot play Volleyball, Hockey, Tennis or Netball and row.
The cost for the Term 4 Learn to Row program will be $145. Athletes are expected to wear their St Peters sports uniform to each session with closed in shoes. Learn to Row athletes are not expected to purchase a zootie for this program.
This program will run during Weeks 5, 6 & 7 this term.
If you have any questions in regard to St Peters Rowing, please contact Peter Hicks - p.hicks@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Please CLICK HERE for the Term 4 Athletic Performance & Development Training Schedule. The schedule can also be found on the St Peters App.
SWIMMING FOR FITNESS
Coordinator: Mr Peter Dawson – p.dawson@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Swimming sessions have commenced at the 50m pool for any girl playing Water Polo or wishing to do pre-season QGSSSA swim training. These sessions will be held on:
Monday afternoons 50m pool: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Thursday afternoons 50m pool: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
There is no need for girls to sign on for these sessions, simply turn up to the pool for the sessions you can make.
Boys Sport
"The five S’s of sports training are: stamina, speed, strength, skill, and spirit; but the greatest of these is spirit." Ken Doherty
Walking around and visiting our sporting venues over the past week, it’s been fantastic to witness and see the enthusiasm and energy of the St Peters boys participating in pre-season training and games. Preparations are taking place in readiness for the 2023 St Peters sporting year with boys engaging in Cricket, Volleyball, Australian Rules, Swimming, Rugby development, Football development and various Athletic Development programs with the College Gym.
All of this could not occur without the hard work of our coordinators and coaches who have put these programs together so that our students be well prepared for the 2023 AIC sporting year.
2023 Term 1 AIC Sports – Pre-Season Training
Our 2023 Term 1 Boys Sports pre-season training and preparations are now up and running.
All boys currently in Years 6 to 11 have been emailed information regarding ‘sign on’ and training days and times. We do ask that if a boy is interested in participating and have not yet signed on, please do so as soon as possible.
Training times /schedules are posted up on the St Peters App. We request that both students and parents please check the St Peters App for days and times of their respective sport training.
We do ask all boys to keep checking their emails for more important information pertaining to 2023 Term 1 sport.
St Peters Semester 2 Sport Awards Presentation
In 2022, many students who have represented the College in Sport in Semester 2 will be recognised at a special awards evening. This will be held in the Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday 15 November from 5.00 pm.
Semester 2 Sport Award winners will be recognised in front of parents, the wider St Peters community, and their peers. Students, and parents of students receiving an award will be emailed an invitation in the weeks to follow.
Dress Standards at St Peters AIC Sports Training Sessions
An important reminder to all students about our College’s expectation surrounding correct dress standards at St Peters AIC training sessions:
All students training for Volleyball, Australian Rules and Cricket must be dressed in the correct St Peters Sports/PE uniform (including socks – if Football socks are required, these are to be St Peters Football Socks).
Cold Weather – only the St Peters track top and track pants are to be worn if warm clothing is required.
Footwear – joggers/Football boots are to be worn at all times by those students participating at any St Peters training session. No open footwear (eg. slides or thongs etc) are to be worn at any time.
For further information about what is happening with 2022 Term 1 pre-season sports, please contact one of the below St Peters Coordinators:
With regards to wet weather and any unforeseen or potential cancellations of AIC sports, please ensure that you keep an eye out for notifications and alerts via the St Peters App.
In the first week of the Spring school holidays, the St Peters Cricket program was very honoured to have two of Australia’s best women Cricket players attend our Cricket Clinic at Indooroopilly. Jess Jonassen and Grace Harris, trained and coach the boys in a day they will always remember in so many ways.
Jess and Grace are Commonwealth Games Gold Medalists, and World Cup cricketers, and were outstanding with their interaction and advice to all the boys in the afternoon session. It was an amazing experience having the world’s number one spin bowler, and one of the best batsman at our College. The boys loved every minute of it.
Queensland Cricket Manager for MSW, Nathan Spencer, was also present also helping the boys with their technique and styles. The Clinic was very well attended, with also some Specialist Coaches from former Australian 20/20 Cricketer, Nathan Reardon, along with our own high quality coaching staff led by Andy Richards. Most importantly the boys had fun!
The 13 teams are currently playing in the local MSW Club Cricket competition and after 7 rounds we are enjoying some great results.
Community
Carols Under the Stars
The St Peters P&F are proud to provide a variety of jumping castles and rides at this year's Carols Under the Stars. We encourage families to pre-purchase a wristband for each child to access all the rides before the day on Eventbrite. These can be collected from School Receptions from Wednesday 23 November.
RIDE WRISTBAND - $15pp
Wristbands will also be available for purchase on the day from the Info Tent on Stolz Oval for $20pp.
Rides will operate from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Note: Students performing in the Carols are eligible for a discounted price on ride wristbands (access restricted to after rehearsal 5:00pm-6:00pm) – please get the code from your Director of Music.
