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“Get back to where you once belonged”.
Paul McCartney

In this ever-changing world in which we live … it’s good to know that you can still get back to the old school and find familiar markers: Ross Roy, the Quadrangle, the Chapel spire are still where we left them.

Llewellyn Jones (1983) SPOSA President

Reminders of past times, old friends, and conversations. A lighthouse from which we have since navigated.

These past few weeks the old school has seen milestone reunions, Old Scholar vs Current Student sporting matches and concert events. Old Scholars have been getting back to where we once belonged (sorry Paul) to reconnect, remember where we came from and who we used to hang out with.

The SPOSA Café has been getting a good workout as a reunion venue in the new Centre for Learning and Innovation. The CLI building is quite the flagship sitting where Luther House once stood. What better location for school reunions than in the heart of the campus? It’s wonderful to see the smiles on faces, shouts, and laughter – and the odd war-cry!

It can get busy on campus. While the class of 2003 were holding their 20th reunion in the SPOSA Café, others of us attended the Gala Concert in the Dron Auditorium. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the St Peters Chorale – we, the Alumni Choir combined with the current Chorale to perform the Faure Requiem, and close out with The Lord Bess You and Keep You. Kathryn Morton (2000) maintained a family tradition from the conductor’s podium. It was a great vibe to be back in the old school choir, and for some of us – performing alongside our kids. Here’s to more Gala Concert opportunities to celebrate milestones and come together.

It was great to see Old Scholar and medical student - Tom Feldmann (2021) get back to the school after representing Australia at the International Triathlon competition in Europe. We are delighted to have been able to sponsor Tom on his massive effort whilst proudly wearing the Green and Gold with a St Peters/SPOSA logo on his race suit! Tom came to the sports lunch and to one of our SPOSA committee meetings to tell us about his exploits.

When it came to reunions – we saw quite a few cohorts “Get Back” with one another in the last few months. Including my own year – almost 100 of us, celebrating 40 years at the Story Bridge Hotel. Amazing to have old friends travel great distances including interstate and from overseas to be with each other again. Thanks, guys, for making the effort. It must be said – I get by with a little help from my friends!

Best wishes to you all.

Warm regards,
Llewellyn Jones (1983)
President of St Peters Old Scholars Association

Nicole Spencer-Scarr's (2018) interest and journey into the aviation industry started at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield.

As a passionate Year 12 student, she aspired to carve out a career in aviation. Fast forward four years, and her unwavering determination has led her to a dream come true.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Aviation, specializing in Aviation Management, Nicole is now an Airline Service Agent at Swissport International AG, stationed at Brisbane Airport.

For Nicole, this graduation is not just a ceremony; it signifies the end of a significant chapter in her life. She reflects on the disruptions brought about by the Covid pandemic in 2020, making her achievement all the more satisfying. “I was very relieved and excited to complete the degree as it was a rocky start when the Covid pandemic hit in 2020,” she said.

During her final year at St Peters, her passion for aviation led her to USQ's Careers Day, where she experienced the thrill of taking control of a Boeing 737-800 simulator on campus. That experience left a lasting mark, as did her participation in the Two-Day Aviation Experience camp later that year.

Inspired by her father, Chris, and grandfather, Rob, both avid aviation enthusiasts, Nicole's solo flight at the age of 16 in early 2018 and the subsequent acquisition of her recreational pilot's licence marked significant milestones. Currently working towards a (Commercial (Pilot's (Licence she aims to soar to new heights in her career. In the meantime, she's content with her feet firmly grounded.

When she joined Swissport International AG in March 2022, her role primarily involved check-in operations. However, her dedication and adaptability over the past 18 months have seen her taking on additional responsibilities. From gate lead to turnaround coordinator, movement coordinator, and flight controller, Nicole has diversified her skills. She cherishes her role in the aviation industry and keeps her passion for flying alive by taking to the skies in her spare time. “I’m thrilled to have a job in the aviation industry and flying on the side for fun.”

The unconventional journey of a recipient of the prestigious Australian Laureate Fellowship.

SPOSA recently had the privilege of talking with Jennifer Smith-Merry, a St Peters Old Scholar from the class of 1992, to learn more about her time at the College and her remarkable journey from a passionate student to a distinguished professor.

During her time at St Peters, Jennifer demonstrated a love for art and music. These subjects provided her with the freedom to explore her interests more freely compared to the structured courses. Her passion for art and music not only allowed her to explore creative pursuits but also laid the foundation for her future endeavours. Actively participating in the Chorale, engaging in drama, and immersing herself in the art department, Jennifer, though admitting she wasn't particularly skilled in art, found these experiences shaping her interests and aspirations.

Jennifer reflects on the impact of attending St Peters, stating “it instilled in me a sense of cultural diversity, emphasizing values and experiences over pure academic achievement”. These core values continue to resonate with her to this day. “The message of Jesus' life, taught at the school, aligns with my commitment to social justice and equity for marginalized communities”.

She goes on to express that during her time at the College, there were several teachers who made a significant impact on her. These included Graeme Morton, who taught music, Bruce Brazier, an English teacher, and the dedicated staff in the Art Department, including Rhana Devonport, who would go on to become the curator of the Art Gallery of South Australia. These teachers not only sparked her interests but also valued her as an individual, despite her sometimes talkative and playful nature.

Today, Jennifer is the Director of the Centre of Disability Research at the University of Sydney. Her work focuses on policy research and collaborating closely with government policymakers to improve support for people with disabilities. She finds her work with people who have disabilities and mental illnesses incredibly rewarding, as it allows her to connect with their experiences and influence government policies to address their needs effectively.

Jennifer's career as a professor was not a predetermined path. She always had a passion for research but did not excel academically during her school years. Her university experience provided her with the opportunity to specialise and explore topics of interest. She initially explored medieval women's religious history but shifted her focus to social policy for her PhD. Her career has since been dedicated to topics driven by her commitment to social justice, with universities offering family-friendly environments and opportunities for global connections.

This year Jennifer was awarded an Australian Laureate Fellowship, the highest social and basic sciences award for Australian academics. This prestigious award, which only a few professors receive each year, comes with substantial funding, and will allow her to focus on her research topic: 'The operation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for people with severe mental illness'. This topic aligns with her long-standing interests in complex policy areas with significant operational challenges, where getting the policy right is crucial for the most marginalized individuals.

For current students at St Peters Jennifer offers valuable advice: "Follow your passion and don't let the number you receive at the end of Year 12 define you and what you are capable of." Her journey from a student passionate about art and music to a distinguished professor in disability research is a testament to the power of determination and following one's passions.

SPOSA is very proud of Jennifer’s dedication to social justice and her remarkable achievements in making a positive impact on society. Her story serves as inspiration to current and future students to follow your passion and stay committed. We wish you all the very best with your future endeavours to making a difference.

Josh Donellan, an Old Scholar graduating in 2000, has embarked on a remarkable literary journey, recently culminating in the launch of his

Josh Donellan (2000)

latest novel, Rumours of Her Death, published by Penguin Random House. Since graduating from the College, Donellan has showcased his diverse experience and talent as a writer, musician, poet, and teacher.

Josh's journey is nothing short of an adventure novel itself. Having narrowly escaped a tiger's grasp in the jungles of Malaysia, survived a lung collapse in the Nepalese Himalayas, and fended off rabid dogs in the mountains of India with nothing but a guitar, his life experiences have

undoubtedly coloured his creative expressions.

His debut novel, A Beginner’s Guide to Dying in India, secured the prestigious 2009 Independent Publishers Picks Best Fiction Award, marking the beginning of his literary career. Not confined to the world of prose, Josh's creative spirit has extended to scripting and voicing the globally popular Pocket Hipster iPhone application, showcasing his versatility beyond traditional writing forms.

The author's foray into theatre has been equally successful. His debut play, We Are All Ghosts, captivated audiences at the Anywhere Theatre Festival in 2014, and the co-written Theory of Everything
enjoyed a sold-out run at the 2015 Brisbane Festival.

Donellan's literary repertoire extends to children's fantasy with Zeb and the Great Ruckus, and his novel Killing Adonis
received a Kirkus Prize nomination and has recently been adapted into an audiobook, further showcasing the author's adaptability across genres.

In 2016, Josh released the poetry collection Stendhal Syndrome, providing yet another glimpse into the depth of his creative reservoir. His latest project, the fiction podcast series Six Cold Feet, features a stellar cast, including Tom Yaxley, Jessica McGaw, and Melanie Zanetti.

With the release of the much-anticipated Rumours of Her Death, the film adaptation of this novel is already in development with Continuance Pictures, adding another dimension to Donellan's diverse artistic portfolio.

His journey from a St Peters Old scholar to a celebrated author is not just a testament to his literary prowess but a captivating narrative that continues to unfold with each new creation.

Meet James Armstrong, St Peters' dedicated Events Coordinator – and a familiar face you've likely encountered on campus if you're a regular here.

James, a key member of the talented events team, operates tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the seamless execution of a diverse and exciting range of events organized by students, staff, the community, and Old Scholars each week. A proud St Peters 2016 Old Scholar, James recently sat down with SPOSA to provide a glimpse into his daily routine. In this interview, he sheds light on everything from adeptly managing event bookings to the valuable insights into his productivity strategies, and the delicate art of maintaining a harmonious balance between work and personal life.

SPOSA: Could you describe your typical morning routine? Are there any specific rituals you follow? Tell us how Doug the Pug is involved in your routines.

James: University-aged me would be horrified about this but I wake up at 6:00am these days, have a coffee and get straight to work. Very different from my 9:00/10:00am wakeups as a music student.

Ritual is a very appropriate description as my morning routine is reminiscent of some necromantic spell in a horror movie, performed to raise the dead from their slumber. In this instance, the magic incantation is an obnoxious alarm that prompts me into a zombie-like walk to the shower. Post-shower I’m decidedly more awake and alive-looking, and then have to wrestle with the task of taking our dog, Doug, out for a walk and giving him breakfast before I leave for work. Believe it or not, he is usually even more sleepy than me!

SPOSA: What does a typical workday look like for you?

James: At my current role as an Events Coordinator, my main responsibilities are managing bookings for the venues in my department’s portfolio and working with the various event owners using our venues to flesh out and deliver their events. Specifically, that can entail a wide range of tasks – from mundane email-answering to tense budgetary discussions and even to very physical days setting up and packing down from functions.

SPOSA: Do you have any strategies for staying focused and productive throughout the day?

James: Personally, finding focus in a sometimes-chaotic work area relies on maintaining a clear list of deadlines and to-dos so that I’m keeping on top of everything and prioritising urgent stuff when necessary. Equally, having a few larger, less urgent projects on the backburner to work on also really helps me maintain productivity even in quieter moments.
I work best in short, intense bursts of productivity that are interspersed with quieter moments of reflection (sometimes while staring at a wall). During these periods of reflection, I’ll think to myself and plan ahead for how I will approach the next issue, before then kicking into high gear to get it done in one focused burst. I call this the cheetah strategy! I’m thankful too that my job has lots of variety, so I often get to intersperse my focus periods with meetings, phone calls or even by fulfilling mundane physical tasks around the venues.

SPOSA: How do you manage work-life balance? Are there specific activities you engage in to unwind after work?

James: Work-life balance is really tricky. I don’t find it to be the kind of thing where quick-fix rituals help sort it out (apart from silencing Outlook notifications when I’m at home), but more requiring me to broadly be more mindful of how I live and what work I do. In the past, I’ve worked for really big organisations in really big roles, and, while that can be fun from a professional perspective, I found the sacrifice of my personal and home life too great. I’ve since deliberately said no to things that tip the scales too much away from home and I’ve also made efforts to live closer to where I work so that I’m able to be at home and engaging with my family as much as possible when I’m not in the office. I’m very privileged to have had the flexibility to curate things so much to make sure work isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of my life, and I make sure to stay very grateful for it at all times.

SPOSA: Could you share any hobbies or activities you participate in during your free time?

James: Most evenings I wind down by relaxing with my partner and our beloved Doug! I try not to fill afternoons and evenings with too many other things but rather give myself the opportunity to rest when I’m tired and, do little things around the house or catch up with family. On the weekends, I’m usually involved in some DIY project or another – currently, we’re sorting out our backyard in a big way! I do still play bass and guitar in a few bands around Brisbane as well so I’m semi-regularly rehearsing or performing with them. None of the people I’m in bands with are trying to chase wealth or fame, but just enjoy making music and playing our instruments with close friends and collaborators. It’s fun!

SPOSA: Can you share any challenges you face during your daily routine, and how you overcome them?

James: One of the challenges that comes up on a day-to-day basis is managing fatigue. Earlier in the year I was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) and, while the prognosis is good thanks to modern treatments, I’m still prone to bouts of fatigue and physical difficulty from time to time. To overcome this, all I really do is maintain a good grasp on myself and look at my energy levels before I leap. Sometimes I have to say no to things and allow myself to rest – and really, it’s what I should have been doing well before the MS diagnosis came along anyway.

SPOSA: Is there a particular moment in your day that you look forward to the most?

James: My favourite part of my day is having dinner with my partner, Tayla. In the past, I’ve found it difficult to find fulfilment and contentment and spent far too much time in my own head, looking towards the future instead of appreciating the present. I’ve worked hard at pulling back from that and noticing the beauty in the mundane and the satisfaction in simple moments. Things like spending time with Tayla, working on projects around our house or patting our very sooky Pug X, Doug, give me immeasurable joy.

SPOSA: Are there any personal or professional goals you're currently working towards that influence your daily routine?

James: My goal is simply to be happy, both personally and professionally. As I mentioned earlier, I’m making a conscious effort these days to stress less and seek out the joy in the everyday moments with my family, home and friends. Professionally, my goal is to do work that I enjoy and that gives me a healthy challenge, and to do it with colleagues that I love. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and develop my career so that I reach my potential, but I’m focused on enjoying the journey rather than rushing to the destination.

Triffid James Armstrong (2016) — Triffid - James Armstrong (2016)

St Peters Old Scholar connections were strong throughout the last quarter of this year as various peer year groups both large and intimate gathered to reconnect with old friends and maintain those cherished connections.

A group of fabulous Old Scholars, who graduated four decades ago, recently celebrated their reunion at the Story Bridge hotel, an event which was nothing short of legendary. Over 80 Old Scholars attended, some coming from as far as Spain and Canada, as well as Melbourne, Sydney and far north Queensland. It was a night (and for some, it continued early into the morning) filled with laughter, hugs and the creation of brand-new memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. The Class of 1983 truly proved that the beauty of lasting friendships is a treasure that only grows with time.

October 30 this year marked the 58th anniversary of the official opening of St Peters 25 metre swimming pool.

25m pool opening — 30 October 1965 - 25-metre pool opening

Back in 1965, it was a day of great anticipation and excitement as Headmaster Mr Bill Lohe, Minister for Works and Housing Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Rev Schmidt, and President of the P&F Association, Mr J. Liley, came together to inaugurate this incredible facility.

The journey to this momentous occasion began in 1951 when the idea of having a swimming pool surfaced in the mind of St Peters first Headmaster, Mr Wilf Schneider. He wrote to the Old Scholars Association, envisioning a project that would be “a real boon to the school and a welcome asset to the students”. Remember, he said “every finished labour once did but begin.”

It was no small feat - raising the necessary funds, setting up committees, receiving tenders, and turning the first sod for excavation in July 1964, but they did it. And what a fantastic addition it has been to the College ever since.

Over the years, the 25m pool has been a hub of activity, hosting swimming lessons, P & F events, inter-house competitions and welcome weekend recreation for boarders. It has been an asset that continues to serve its purpose, shaping countless memories for the students.

Let's celebrate the journey from a visionary dream to a cherished reality. Here's to 58 years of splashing success!

A huge thank you to the Old Scholars who joined us for the Choral Gala Concert on 7 October.

We were delighted to welcome back more than 100 Chorale alumni who joined current choral ensembles – Junior High Song makers, Chorale and Chamber Chorale. There were several alumni parents singing with their children who are current members of Chorale. It was also lovely to see the rekindling of friendships amongst the alumni and the joy that came from singing together again.

The evening’s highlight was the St Peters Chorale and alumni’s combined performance of Gabriel Faure’s ‘Requiem’ accompanied by the Gala Orchestre (which also included several alumni) and pipe organ. This work has become a classic in the repertoire of St Peters Chorale and formed a musical link across the years for the choir.

The evening also celebrated 40 years of St Peters Chorale and its trailblazing role in choral music, particularly Australian choral music, nationally and internationally. Founded in 1983, under the musical leadership of Graeme Morton, Chorale has played an important part in the history of the College and has been a symbol of musical excellence, both within our community and on the wider world stage. His leadership guided the Chorale and its individual members musically and personally to achieve levels of musical understanding and choral performance unique in Australian schools and, in fact, most adult choirs. This leadership is now continued by current Chorale Director, Graeme's daughter, Kathryn Morton (2000).

Beyond these musical achievements, the nurturing and accepting environment of the Chorale has resulted in enduring friendships, spiritual growth and lasting memories. The number of alumni who returned for this concert reflected the impact that this ensemble had on them personally as well as musically.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our St Peters community members who have sadly passed away recently.

Elsie Pocock (Kummerow – Sub Scholarship 1945 – Scholarship, March 1946) - 14 May 1930 - 4 March 2023
A Jondaryan girl, Elsie was a Founding Scholar in 1945 She was the eighth child of eight children. She returned home to the farm in March of her Scholarship year.

Elsie married Harold Mann in 1950 and their seven living children were born between 1952 and 1960. Her husband died in 1976, and she married William Pocock in Biloela. They moved to Charters Towers and William died in 1997. Eventually, Elsie moved back to Toowoomba, to join her two sisters.

Kath Edwards (Katzorke – Sub Junior 1951 – Junior 1950)
9 May 1936 – 2023 (date unknown)
Kath boarded at St Peters for two years. She came from Mundubbera.

Keith Radke (Sub Junior 1950 – Junior 1951)
13 May 1936 – 13 September 2023
According to Keith’s children, his mantra was Carpe Diem – seize the day. Keith was a much-loved SPOSA supporter and usually enthusiastically regaled fellow Old Scholars with hilarious stories. As an eight and a half-year-old young Keith had attended the St Peters Dedication Day ceremony with his mother and brother Doug. When the plate was passed around among the crowd, it was so full, a £1/- (one pound note) had fallen out at his feet. Surreptitiously, Keith snavelled it. Sixty-three years later, he presented it to the Head of College on Founders’ Day – conscience salved – new day seized.

Keith followed his brother Doug to St Peters. His mother, who had been part of the team that designed the Saint Peters college uniform and its highly identifiable maroon and white colours, was very talented musically, and so was Keith. He and Doug established a Music scholarship in her memory.

On leaving school, Keith worked as a labourer, then with the Qld Railways as an apprentice electrician, becoming an electrician with Trans Australian Airlines (TAA). This was to lead to his long career as a pilot, starting in Western Australia in 1961, flying DC3s with MacRobertson Airlines, also obtaining a flight navigators’ licence, before he was accepted into TAA as a pilot. He eventually became a Boeing 747 Jumbo Captain with Singapore Airlines.

Keith was a man of faith, attending a Lutheran church whenever he could and wherever he was, often playing the organ. He was never idle, taught his children to have a good work ethic, and was always there if anything went wrong. As a member of the very large Radke family, the extended family made him feel that he always had people around him who loved him.

Keith, his wife Shirley, and the children lived for many years at Kangaroo Ground in Victoria where he farmed while on call for the airline. He was passionate about flying his whole life, and a dedicated community citizen, giving his time willingly to committees and associations.

Marie Fisher (Erikson – Sub Senior 1953)
24 October 1936 - 26 March 2023

Marie came to St Peters from Tweed Heads. She became a member of The Review Committee and contributed to the magazine with essays and poetry. She attended the University of Queensland in 1955 studying Occupational Therapy.

Rajendra Deoki (1957 - 1958)
20 February 1938 – 10 August 2023
Rajendra attended St Peters for his Sub Senior and Senior years, entering as a boarder from Suva, Fiji. He studied piano, and in 1957 his essay ‘Education in Fiji’ was published in The Review. Rajendra studied Commerce at the University of Queensland and went on to pursue a career in Commerce.

Charles Stevenson (Senior 1958)
25 March 1938 – 6 August 2023
Charles came to St Peters from Malacca in Malaya, to enable him to matriculate into medicine at the University of Queensland. He did his residency at Ipswich General Hospital after which he went on to general practice in 1968 as a solo family physician in Ipswich, Rosewood and Lowood. He spent 40 years in private practice before retiring. Charles remembered his twelve months at St Peters as very happy ones. While here, his essay: ‘My Homeland – Malaya’ was published in The Review.

Charles was a Rotarian and member of the AMA. His other interests were small scale farming, breeding Arabian horses, camping, hiking, travelling, fly-fishing and golf. Some of the highlights of life with his family included travelling to the Americas to visit the land of the Incas, the Galapagos Islands, the source of the Amazon, national parks in the USA and salmon fishing in Alaska. European holidays were very memorable as was the climbing of the highest mountain in SE Asia and walking the Overland Track in Tasmania. He had exciting days fly-fishing in Oregon, New Zealand and Australia. Charles was married to Maria Tapiolas. They had three children and five grandchildren.

We also remember:
Jeanette Rawlinson (Bulley 1965): 19 September 1948 - 20 March 2023
Esther Winter (1968): 20 February 1951 - 2023 (date unknown)
John Pearson (1969): 7 May 1951 - 2023 (date unknown)
Lorraine de Vries (Bailiau 1973): 13 May 2011
Robert Milton Birdwell (1973): 19 June 1956 - 1 September 2021
Shane Wadley (1973): 28 January 1957 - 4 June 2020
Pam Chitts (1973): 18 July 1956 - 2002 (date unknown)

BULLETIN

SPOSA Bulletin - Issue 3 - 2023

In this Bulletin

From the President

President's Report

From the SPOSA Office

SPOSA Office Update

Celebrating our Old Scholars

Mollie O’Callaghan (2022)

Tom Robinson (2016)

Ingrid Richards (1991)

Old Scholar Nicole Spencer-Scarr (2018) spreads her wings

Where are they now?

Jennifer Smith-Merry (1992)

Josh Donellan (2000): A multifaceted journey from St Peters to acclaimed author

A day in the life of.... Old Scholar James Armstrong (2016)

Reunion News

Back to ’83: Celebrating 40 years of friendship and memories.

Class of 2003: Reflecting, reconnecting and reviving the spirit of the past

2013 Reunion: A decade of memories and connection

Springfield 10 Year Reunion

Class of 2022: One Year On

Congratulations to our Class of 2023

Do you remember?

David Woodrow’s visit to SPOSA

58 Years of Making a Splash

Events

Celebrating 40 Years of St Peters Chorale

What's On

Generation Blazer Pockets

2024 Events - Save the Date

2024 Annual Reunion Weekend Program

Save the Date - Class of 1969 - 55th Reunion!

Connect with us

New addition to the family

Tying the Knot!

Old Scholar Birthdays

In Memoriam – We Honour, We Celebrate, We Remember

Reach out and tell us your News!

From the President

From the SPOSA Office

Celebrating our Old Scholars

Where are they now?

Reunion News

Do you remember?

Events

What's On

Connect with us

From the President

From the SPOSA Office

Celebrating our Old Scholars

Where are they now?

Reunion News

Do you remember?

Events

What's On

Connect with us