Information for Prospective Families

ST PETERS

LUTHERAN COLLEGE

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES INDOOROOPILLY

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WELCOME What is important about any school is what is at its heart. The College’s Mission Statement: ‘Excellence in Christian Co-Education’ has been at the heart of our College since its inception in 1945.

St Peters is a Christian school that seeks to provide an environment where each person is valued and accepted as a loved child of God. In this environment, each person is challenged to discover, develop and use their gifts and talents for personal growth and service to others. St Peters wants each student to flourish and achieve their best, to enjoy school and learning, to learn how to learn, to be challenged, to build resilience and to make a difference in the world.

St Peters strives to provide a high quality holistic education.

As such, we look to stimulate the heart and soul, the body and minds of each of our students. We value a holistic approach, and encourage students to develop values that enrich the intellect, nurture the spirit, develop social responsibility and create healthy lifestyles.

From our clear focus on improving student learning and helping students to be the best learner they can be; an emphasis on global understanding and international mindedness through International Baccalaureates’ Primary Years (PYP) and Diploma (DP) programs; our world class music and performing arts programs; meaningful and varied sporting competitions provided through AIC (boys) and QGSSSA (girls) including our highly acclaimed swimming program; to our iconic Outdoor Education experience at Ironbark, and a variety of Service Learning initiatives, at St Peters we truly seek to educate the ‘hearts, minds and hands’ of our children and young people.

A culture of high expectations permeates St Peters. This is encapsulated in our College’s Motto – ‘Plus Ultra’ or ‘Ever Higher’. This striving for excellence is given practical expression in our encouragement of students to pursue Personal Bests in all they do. Our core business is helping each child to be the best learner they can be. In a rapidly changing world we want our students to be lifelong and life-wide learners – learners who can manage their own learning, who are critical and creative thinkers who are able to work collaboratively together and communicate effectively.

Students are at the heart of our work here at St Peters, and the breadth and depth of St Peters students is extraordinary. As such there is no typical St Peters student – a St Peters boy or girl can be kind, creative, humble, innovative, discerning, sensitive, respectful, caring, honest, quiet, confident, trustworthy and grateful. He or she can be artistic, ‘sporty’, learned, practical, scientific, innovative and in whatever mix that nurtures his or her passions. We hope that each student will as part of a St Peters Education discover their purpose, and become and be the person God intended them to be.

The staff of St Peters are motivated by a genuine sense of helping each child realise his or her potential. As a learning community our staff are engaged in ongoing professional development and refinement of our programs to ensure that we are improving the quality of learning experiences available to our children and young people.

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St Peters is highly regarded as a caring school. A strong sense of community and belonging can be found at St Peters. We place a high priority on pastoral care. Our staff work hard at developing nurturing relationships with students because encouraging and affirming relationships lie at the heart of effective learning. We are a relational community, and so together we seek to honour, motivate and challenge, care for and encourage every student, so that they have every opportunity to flourish.

Why choose co-education for your child?

Much has been written on the subject of coeducation versus single sex education and which option provides the best outcome for students.

The truth of the matter is there is no simple answer. However, making an informed decision is important as are the many benefits coeducation can offer your child.

Co-education is a valuable educational option to help boys and girls interact as equals, and relate to each other as valuable collaborators, worthy opponents and interesting individuals.

We know the school environment is one of the more important influences on students when it comes to gender socialisation.

Therefore, a coeducational learning environment can greatly help to promote diversity and equality amongst our students.

As a co-educational College, St Peters students learn and work together as they will in their adult lives, engaging in both mixed and single gender experiences within and beyond the classroom.

Professional development ensures our staff are alert to gender issues in their teaching styles and their subject matter. St Peters students have hope for the future, they value equity and diversity and enjoy a school environment that allows them to grow physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Governance St Peters Lutheran Colleges are owned and operated by the Lutheran Church of Australia – Queensland District (LCAQD) and governed by a College Council, which is elected by the LCAQD Synod.

College Council meets regularly and receives reports from the Head of College, who oversees the daily management and operation of St Peters.

St Peters two schools – Indooroopilly and Springfield – are a part of an Australia-wide system of Lutheran pre-primary, primary and secondary schools (called Lutheran Education Australia), in which some 40,000 students are enrolled.

St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly is the largest Lutheran School in Australia.

History St Peters Lutheran College was established at Indooroopilly by the Lutheran Church in 1945 with 56 boarding students. Ross Roy was the main building and focus for early College life with Luther House built by voluntary labour soon after the College’s commencement.

St Peters has had seven Heads in its history and is the largest Lutheran school in Australia, today, with an enrolment maintained at approximately 2,200 day and boarding students and 350 teaching and non-teaching staff. Our boarding admissions are maintained at 145 students.

St Peters Lutheran College Ironbark Outdoor Education Centre, via Crows Nest, was established in 1974 as a trial program and in 1976 as an ongoing Outdoor Education Program. This life changing experience is a five-week program for Year 9 students and indicates St Peters positive and strong commitment to ‘growing’ our Junior High students in significant ways. The ‘Ironbark Experience’ is seen by staff, parents and students as a vital part of the St Peters journey, fostering independence, resilience, team work, problem solving, ethical decision making, sustainability and environmental awareness in our young people.

Why choose St Peters?

10 Reasons to Choose St Peters: 1. Our Safe and Nurturing Inclusive Learning Environment – At St Peters we strive to develop a purposeful learning culture that is underpinned by care, dignity and respect where your son or daughter can focus on their learning, grow as an individual and achieve their best.

2. We offer Co-education from Prep to Year 12, with Boarding available from Year 6 – St Peters is unique in that it is the private school in metropolitan Brisbane offering Prep–Year 12 Co-education. At St Peters boys and girls work and learn together. The presence of both genders adds to the richness and diversity of thinking and learning that fills all our classrooms. Outside the classroom, girls and boys stand side-by-side in leadership positions, play sport, engage in outdoor education camps, and share in the performing arts together. In short, girls and boys interact with each other as equals in all aspects of everyday life. In doing so, they build a sound platform for personal growth, peer connectedness, relationships with other people and the development of appropriate value systems. At St Peters we live in the 21st Century, and co-education is education for our time.

3. Our Tradition of Academic Excellence – St Peters has a long tradition of Academic Excellence, and we are consistently among the best performing schools in the State in both NAPLAN Testing and Year 12 Results.

4. Strong Preparation for Post-School Success and Future Learning – Our students are empowered so that they can take control of their lives and learning beyond school. Most of our students go onto further study, and are offered university places across Australia and right round the world.

5. Our Positive School Culture characterised by High Expectations – A culture of high expectations permeates St Peters. This is encapsulated in our College’s Motto: ‘Plus Ultra’ or ‘Ever Higher’. This striving for excellence is given practical expression in our encouragement of students to pursue Personal Bests in all they do.

6. An Emphasis on Values Education and Character Formation with a Focus on Service to Others – At St Peters we share your families’ values and philosophy. As a Christian School we place an important emphasis on forming character and

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specialised careers counselling available students can choose a tailored pathway to meet their post-school aspirations. We don’t only offer pathways for post school but we also offer pathways to cater for individual learning styles and interests whilst at St Peters.

instilling key values so that our students are encouraged to become others centred and make a difference in the world.

7. We Focus on Balanced Holistic Development of each Child through our extensive co-curricular, clubs, groups and societies, and outdoor education programs – A St Peters Education is much more than what happens in the four walls of the classroom. We value a holistic approach, and encourage students to develop values that enrich the intellect, nurture the spirit, develop social responsibility and create healthy lifestyles. The Ironbark experience in Year 9 is a significant contributing factor in the developing of independence in our young people. The development of young people who will contribute to a better world for everyone is paramount in teachings.

8. We Offer Multiple Learning Pathways – St Peters is one of a few schools in Brisbane to offer three learning pathways in the senior years of schooling – QCAA OP, IB Diploma, and Vocational Training. With 40 subjects to choose from and

9. Our Great Teachers – Our teachers are highly qualified and are actively engaged in ongoing professional development so that they are up to date with the latest developments.

They teach in their area of expertise and have a deep and passionate. knowledge about their subjects. They strive to get to know their students well and develop an understanding of how they learn.

10.

We have Happy, Successful Students – You cannot underestimate the value of a happy child as it relates to success, especially during the critical school years. Through our Positive Education approach we are creating a lively student community characterised by gratitude, discovery, connectedness and respect.

Come and see for yourself and experience the St Peters difference.

SUB SCHOOLS

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PRIMARY YEARS: PREP - YEAR 6 ‘Excellence in Christian Co-Education’ is more than just a mission statement to the community of the Primary Years.

For our Primary Years Community this simple, yet powerful statement is lived out each day in all that we do. At St Peters, in the context of a Christian community, we seek to inspire students to learn, lead and serve as we strive for excellence together. We are committed to structured, purposeful inquiry where learning takes place as it connects in relevant contexts, and when we provide connections between prior knowledge and new understandings. The Primary Years provides learning experiences that are engaging, challenging and significant, in learning environments that are stimulating and provocative.

(ACARA) as an alternative curriculum pathway. Combining the expectations of the Australian Curriculum with a global focus of the International Baccalaureate means that our primary curriculum prepares our students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.

As we strive for excellence, we understand that our role is not simply achieving high academic standards but developing and nurturing the young hearts and minds entrusted to us.

• addresses students’ academic, social, and emotional wellbeing.

• encourages students to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own learning.

• supports students’ efforts to gain understanding of the world and to function comfortably within it; and • helps students establish personal values as a foundation upon which international mindedness will develop and flourish.

We are proud of the quality, dedication and enthusiasm of our teaching staff who strive for personal excellence for every child in our care.

Teaching and Learning St Peters is an International Baccalaureate World School authorised to teach the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in Prep to Year 6. The PYP is recognised by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority

The Primary Years Programme is designed for students aged 3 to 12 years of age and aims to inspire a quest for learning throughout life that is marked by enthusiasm and empathy.

The PYP:

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Using six transdisciplinary themes of global significance teachers develop an age-appropriate program of inquiry for learning. These inquiries include content and ideas that relate to the world beyond the school and allow students to see their relevance and to connect with them in an engaging and challenging way. All students in the Primary Years learn a language additional to English and in the Primary Years at St Peters this additional language is German.

Key focuses include building strong literacy and numeracy skills, allowing opportunities for students to think and express themselves creatively, encouraging collaborative and teambased activities, developing critical thinking skills, and providing opportunities for authentic problem solving. The use of technology is embedded into daily activities and programs. We aim to ensure that all students can build a solid foundation in key learning areas while developing the necessary self-esteem and confidence to reach their full potential. Learning is done at a carefully planned and manageable pace that fully prepares them to gently transition into Junior High.

In addition, as a Lutheran school, we follow the Christian Studies Framework, developed by Lutheran Education Australia. Christian Studies is a Key Learning Area (KLA) in the curriculum structure of a Lutheran school. It is an essential part of the Christian education program which is the total life of the school. This is expressed through the culture of the school, all teaching and learning activities, the worship program, pastoral care for students and staff and behaviour management policies and practices.

All students participate in Christian Studies although they may have different faith and spiritual backgrounds. Faith responses or commitment to Christ are not a general expectation of the formal curriculum, though there are areas of the broader framework of Christian education where these can be actively nurtured and expressed.

Students are supported at their personal level of development by the staff who work with them each day: Primary Years leadership, class teachers, specialist teachers, teacher assistants, e-learning teachers, and teachers in the Exceptional Learners Department.

At St Peters, we actively seek out and embrace contemporary best practice, both nationally and internationally, to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students, in the classroom and beyond.

Academic Care and Wellbeing St Peters provides a vibrant, supportive, and nurturing environment for our students which fosters a sense of belonging and security. This allows students to feel supported, encouraged, and prepared to take risks with their learning.

St Peters values Restorative Practices philosophy, in keeping with our Lutheran approach to education and relational management. This philosophy provides St Peters students with the opportunity to develop self-discipline and positive behaviours in a caring, supportive environment with quality relationships between all members of the school community – parent, students, and staff alike – being the number one focus.

The explicit teaching of social and emotional skills occurs from Prep to Year 6 occurs in and out of the classrooms and focusses on a proactive, positive, and age-appropriate approach.

Our pastoral care focus is reinforced and communicated at assemblies, Chapel services, and newsletters.

Music St Peters provides a variety of enriching musical experiences for primary aged students. A rigorous and developmentally appropriate Music program is delivered to all students from Prep to Year 6 including vocal, instrumental and the theoretical application of musical knowledge and skills. Students in Year 2 participate in a term-long String Immersion Program, while Year 5 students receive a semester in our MEBS (Music Education through Band and Strings) Program. Students can extend and enhance their learning through involvement in a wide variety of co-curricular music activities. Offerings include private instrumental lessons, group theory classes and membership in one of our many choral, band and string ensembles.

Physical Education and Sport Sport in the Primary Years includes aspects of physical fitness, participation, and enjoyment. With a focus on swimming, athletics, cross country, game skills and game play skills physical and personal development are integral to our Physical Education program. In addition to regular PE classes which occur every week, the younger students (Prep to Year 3) enjoy a Perceptual Motor Program (PMP). Students from Years 4 - 6 also participate in Sport for Life, a program designed to broaden the exposure to several different sports to enjoy a range of healthy sports options for their future.

Girls in Years 4-6 are involved in the Andrews Cup Association Metro Meets. The Metro Meets offer several competitive afternoons in Term 1, 2 and 3. Additionally, all girls in Years 3-6 are encouraged to participate in the Western Districts Netball club competition and the Brisbane Basketball Summer Season.

Year 4-6 boys are involved in the Primary AIC Competition. Here the focus is on participation and all boys who attend training are placed on teams representing the college in weekly fixtures.

Different sports are offered each term throughout the year.

Students in Years 3–6 are eligible to compete in Inter-School Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country carnivals.

Outside School Hours Care St Peters Lutheran College Outside School Hours Care comes under the governance of the Approved Provider, the Lutheran Church of Australia (Qld District) and is directed by the Queensland Lutheran Early Childhood Service Branch (QLECS).

St Peters Lutheran College Outside School Hours Care is locally managed.

In all our OSHC programs we aim to provide quality care and recreational opportunities for each child, in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Experienced, qualified educators provide students with a variety of supervised, age appropriate activities including art, craft, games, sport, and cooking, designed to cater for students’ individual needs and interests.

All our programs are run from Belfield Hall in Lower Primary, with separate areas for the Older Kidz Club. Before School Care operates from 7:00am to 8:15am and After School Care from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Older Kidz Club (Year 5 and up – any student enrolled at the College) runs from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Vacation Care and Pupil Free Days (all ages, with a separate program for the Older Kidz) operate from 7:00am to 6:00pm.

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JUNIOR HIGH | YEARS 7-9 The transition from Upper Primary into High School is an exciting time in the life of a young person. The College understands the importance of catering for the specific needs of this developmental stage and in 2007 created the Junior High Sub-School structure designed specifically for the care, support, supervision and guidance of young adolescents in Years 7-9.

In Junior High, we believe that young adolescents are at a critical stage in life and in learning; therefore, it becomes imperative to foster their developing intellectual, social, emotional and physical skills with a philosophy and pedagogy that is appropriate for their particular stage in life. By believing that all students can learn when given the opportunity and by providing a caring and secure learning environment, we encourage all students to experience challenges and successes.

At St Peters we value a student-centred environment where God’s love is lived out with hope and all are treated with Care, Dignity and Respect.

Teaching and Learning St Peters understands the importance of the Junior High curriculum. This is where students are forming their opinions, further developing their organisational skills, growing their independence, developing responsibility for their own learning journey, widening their view of the world and starting to make decisions that will shape their future. We embrace this development in each student and provide a diverse range of learning experiences and opportunities that appeal to a young and maturing mind.

The teachers at St Peters prioritise generating a positive relationship with their students. Each young person is viewed as an individual and each learning experience is differentiated to ensure all learners have every opportunity to experience success.

All students follow a core curriculum that places emphasis on continuing the study of the Australian Curriculum Key Learning Areas (KLA’s). At Year 7, students choose the language they would like to study through to the end of Year 8. Also, throughout the first two years of Junior High, students will complete a six-month course in each of the four Arts subjects Drama and Music (Performing Arts), Art and Media (Visual Arts).

Year 9 students may start to specialise in particular subject areas through choosing two elective subjects for each semester.

During this year they will continue to study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Science, Christian Studies and Physical Education.

The curriculum at St Peters is diverse, flexible, well resourced, and engaging. In addition, the curriculum and the pastoral care programs are closely aligned. The list of Junior High subject offerings is as follows.

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Subjects • • • • • • • • • •

Christian Studies English Mathematics Science Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) - History, Geography Health and Physical Education Languages - Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese The Arts -Art, Design, Drama, Media, Music Technology-Design and Technology, Digital Technology, Food Technology, Graphics, Information Technology and Textile Technology Exceptional Learners Programs (Invitation Only) - Academic Skills Development Program, Gifted and Talented, English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Pastoral Care As a College, we aim to foster the personal development of students in a nurturing, vibrant and inclusive environment; a place where relationships based on Christian values, community and family are encouraged and practised so students may grow to be caring, honest, respectful citizens. We want our students to be prepared for life’s challenges, eager to embrace opportunities and be activists for a peaceful world.

In Junior High, the Pastoral Care curriculum promotes student engagement in a ‘positive education and wellbeing’ program.

Students become aware of their individual character strengths, how best to utilise these in their relationships and interactions with others, how to develop their individual skills and how to achieve positive outcomes in their lives.

Outdoor Education Program The value of Outdoor Education programs has long been recognised by Lutheran Education. During their time in Junior High, students participate in three compulsory camping programs: Year 7 ‘Fun & Friendship’ (3 days); Year 8 ‘GREAT lies within’ (5 days) and Year 9 Iron bark (5 weeks). lronbark is a significant ‘rite of passage’ in the life of a St Peters student and attendance is a condition of admission. In Year 9, all students undertake a compulsory five-week residential life­skills program at lronbark, the St Peters Outdoor Education Centre, located near Crows Nest. The lronbark program was established in 1974 and is designed to enable students to learn and experience valuable life skills, including independence, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. This goal is facilitated through students’ participation and contribution to running the farm property, as well as engaging in a range of physical, emotional and social challenges during their stay at Ironbark.

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SENIOR SCHOOL | YEARS 10-12 Curriculum Few schools in Queensland can match the range of subjects and pathways on offer for a Senior School student. On offer is a diverse range of Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) subjects, enabling students to follow a tertiary entry pathway (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, or ATAR) or not. We also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma program for students in Year 11 and 12. St Peters is also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for selected Construction and Fashion certificate courses.

The Year 10 curriculum is designed to help students experience many Senior subjects before having to make subject selections for Year 11. This is done through a semesterised curriculum.

Students may choose two subjects for each of the two Year 10 semesters. Due to timetable constraints, which are only determined each year due to student preferences, some combinations of the subjects listed below may not be possible.

To ensure adequate coverage of key learning areas, the College prescribes core study of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Health and Physical Education, and Religion and Ethics.

Senior School Subjects (Year 10) • • • • • •

Religion and Ethics English – Essential, Mainstream, Enrichment Mathematics – Advanced, General Science Studies of Society and Environment – History, Geography Health and Physical Education – two subjects, HPE (Core subject) and Introduction to Physical Education (Elective subject) • Languages – Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese

• Business Studies – Entrepreneurial Studies, Finance, Justice Studies, Psychology electives • The Arts – elective areas • Technology – elective areas • Exceptional Learners Programs – Academic Skills Development Program, Gifted and Talented, English as an Additional Language (EAL) for selected candidates only.

Year 11 and 12 is where the students are afforded the greatest selection of subjects. St Peters prides itself on the diverse opportunities on offer for students. Along with the range of subjects comes individualised advice and attention for each student beginning with a Natural Abilities program where students learn about their own learning style. This program and the Senior Education Training Plan (SETP) provide a solid framework to assist students when choosing their Senior pathway.

Senior School pathways at St Peters • Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) • General Subjects – these contribute to Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) • Applied Subjects – a maximum of one Applied subject may contribute to a student’s ATAR • Vocational Education and Training (VET) – nationally recognised qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognised by TAFE and industry as meeting required national standards • Combination of the above • International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a standalone program and cannot be combined with the VET or QCAA pathways.

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Senior School Subjects (Years 11 & 12) Due to timetable constraints, which are only determined each year as a result of student preferences, some combinations of the subjects listed below may not be possible.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Accounting Ancient History Biology Business Chemistry Chinese (Mandarin) Design Digital Solutions Drama Economics Engineering English English; Essential (Applied subject) English: Literature Film, Television and New Media French Geography German Information and Communication Technology (Applied subject) Japanese Legal Studies Marine Science Mathematics: Essential (Applied subject) Mathematics: General Mathematics: Methods Mathematics: Specialist Modern History Music Music Extension (Year 12 only) Physical Education Physics Psychology Sport and Recreation Religion and Ethics (Applied subject) Study of Religion Visual Art Exceptional Learners Programs – Academic Skills Development Program, English as an Additional Language (EAL) for selected candidates only.

VET • • • • •

Certificate I and II in Visual Arts – Fashion Certificate I in Construction Certificate I and II in Hospitality Diploma of Business School-based Traineeship

International Baccalaureate

Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature • English A1: Literature (SL/HL) • Other languages – tutorial basis for extra fee Group 2 – Language Acquisition • Spanish ab initio (SL) – for the student without prior experience • Chinese B (Mandarin) (SL/HL) • French B (SL/HL) • German B (SL/HL) • Japanese B (SL/HL) • Other languages – tutorial basis for extra fee • Any Language at HL – negotiated with IB Coordinator Group 3 – Individuals and Societies • • • • • •

Business Management (SL/HL) Economics (SL/HL) Geography (SL/HL) History (SL/HL) Information and Technology in a Global Society (SL/HL) Psychology (SL/HL)

Group 4 – Experimental Sciences • • • •

Biology (SL/HL) Chemistry (SL/HL) Physics (SL/HL) Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SL/HL)

Group 5 – Mathematics • Mathematics: analysis and approached HL (SL) • Mathematics: applications and interpretations HL (SL) Group 6 – Arts (or subject from another group) • Music (SL/HL) • Visual Arts (SL/HL) • Another subject from either group 2, 3 or 4

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Environment The Senior School facilities provide our young adults with very attractive and relevant surroundings. The Senior Study Centre complements the richly resourced Senior Library; Café 45 provides a food court which makes available a variety of healthy and gourmet food choices in a fabulous setting. In 2021 the College commenced building a state-of-the-art Learning and Innovation Centre in our campus heart that will provide flexible and modern learning places.

St Peters is committed to continually upgrading our facilities; a tour of the Senior School illustrates our commitment to providing our students with the best environment possible, to enhance their St Peters experience and to provide safe and attractive places to live and learn.

Pastoral Care The Years 10, 11 and 12 students are placed into Year Level Form Groups under the guidance of a Year Level Coordinator, as well as being part of the vertical (Years 7 – 12) House system.

As students’ progress from Year 10 to Year 11 and finally to Year 12, each Form Group Teacher and the Year Level Coordinator moves with them, enabling a three-year partnership and relationship to be established.

At St Peters, we are committed to knowing your child. We want our students to be confident that there will always be someone nearby who can respond to their needs. Our structures support the form class teacher as being a ‘significant adult’ in students’ lives. They provide guidance and pastoral care through formalised Academic Care and Wellbeing Programs which include careers education, subject planning, academic mentoring and the delivery of a pastoral curriculum, based on principles of Positive Psychology.

As is the case with each of the St Peters sub-schools, the Senior School has chaplaincy and counselling staff. These people play an essential role in the activities and life of the College and provide specialist guidance in personal matters to our students.

Leadership Leadership is valued in all facets of society, therefore, St Peters has always fostered and developed leadership opportunities for our young adults. Every program at St Peters is designed to develop student confidence and sense of responsibility, their organisational skills and commitment to goals, so that all students may experience elements of leadership.

Leadership is an integral part of school life. In the Senior School, a Years 10 and 11 mentoring program provides emerging leaders with guidance and preparation to lead. By Term 4, Year 11 leaders are elected, inducted and begin formal leadership of the Senior School and continue into Year 12 until the end of Term 3 each year.

Behaviour Management and Student Safety St Peters has always had appropriate policies in place concerning student safety and behaviour. These policies stem from a Christian education basis, our commitment to engender learning, respect and care for each person’s dignity, community awareness and responsibility for one’s own behaviour.

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INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA | YEARS 11 & 12 ‘The IB Diploma Program is a leading, internationally recognised and rigorous pre-university qualification and is a symbol of academic excellence worldwide…’

Overview The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is designed to prepare students to be active participants in their global community and is particularly suited to students wanting to pursue tertiary studies and qualifications. Diploma students qualify for entry into both Australian and overseas universities, including some of the world’s best known universities. Students choose to study the diploma programme instead of pursuing studies with the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA).

Recognition The IBDP is a leading, internationally recognised and rigorous pre-university qualification that is a symbol of academic excellence worldwide. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) celebrated its 50th year in 2018 and the uptake of its programmes is increasing exponentially. Research has shown that diploma students are well prepared for university work and have a significantly higher retention rate than non-diploma students.

Aims The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through

intercultural understanding and respect. Students are taught to be active learners, well-rounded individuals, and engaged citizens, who gain practical experience of being part of an international community. The IB programme encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Who is the IB Diploma for?

IB is for students: • aiming to study at university (in Australia or overseas); • interested in studying subjects from a global and local perspective; • wanting a balanced education; • with a dedicated approach to study and who is well organised; • who likes being challenged to think and engage with the learning process; • with good academic ability; and • interested in activities that encourage a sense of adventure, self-discovery and social responsibility.

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Curriculum The IBDP is unique, with a challenging curriculum that fosters high academic standards and international understanding. Courses within the program have a global rather than local perspective, which students find stimulating and outward looking. The program requires the study of six subjects, culminating in assessment after two years, alongside three special features to promote interdisciplinary study and thought. Students do not need to have studied a language prior to starting the IB diploma, with Spanish ab initio offered for the beginner student who has no previous experience of the language.

Curriculum Group Group 1

Subjects Available* • English A1: Literature (SL/HL)

Studies in Language and Literature Group 2 Language Acquistion

Group 3 Individuals and Societies

Group 4 Experimental Sciences Group 5 Mathematics Group 6 Arts (or subject from another group)

• • • • • •

Spanish ab initio (SL) – for the student without prior experience Chinese B (Mandarin) (SL/HL) French B (SL/HL) German B (SL/HL) Japanese B (SL/HL) Other languages – tutorial basis for extra fee

• • • • •

Business Management (SL/HL) Economics (SL/HL) Geography (SL/HL) History (SL/HL) Psychology (SL/HL)

• Biology (SL/HL) • Chemistry (SL/HL) • Physics (SL/HL) • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL/HL) • Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL/HL) • Music (SL/HL) • Visual Arts (SL/HL) • Another subject from either group 2, 3 or 4

* subject availability depends on demand and will be governed by class size policies.

Subject Levels Students complete at least three (and not more than four) subjects at a Higher Level (240 hrs) and the remainder at Standard Level (150 hrs). Students at St Peters will choose six subjects for Year 11 and then decide later in Year 11 which of their subjects will be studied at Higher Level (HL). The choice between two different levels in each subject allows students to pursue an intensive study of their preferred specialties, while still maintaining sufficient exposure to the other fields of knowledge to ensure that balance is achieved.

Compulsory Core Requirements • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – explores the relationships between the various subject disciplines, ensuring that students engage in analysis and critical reflection of the knowledge acquired, within and beyond the classroom. This subject incorporates the Christian Studies requirement of Lutheran Education Australia.

• Extended Essay (EE) – requires students to undertake original research and write an extended essay of some 4,000 words. This offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints the student with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected in university level studies.

• Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) – emphasises the importance of life outside the world of study. Students must spend significant time engaged in activities over the two years with time distributed evenly among the three areas.

The College offers a wide range of activities for students to participate in enabling them to share their special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work co-operatively with others.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM

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IRONBARK I want kids to feel the power of living in a community, of working hard, of having achieved some job of work on which the community depends, and, by facing these challenges in a positive way, building a sense of self-worth, competence and a feeling of the value of service - past Ironbark Staff Member.

Overview

Aims

Ironbark Outdoor Education Centre is owned and operated by St Peters Lutheran College. The centre is located 5 km north east of Crows Nest, a small rural community located on the Darling Downs. Ironbark encompasses over 800ha of heavily timbered, undulating granite country.

Ironbark is a compulsory five-week program for Year 9 students aimed at challenging students physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The Ironbark program focuses on three core aims:

Ironbark is staffed by specialist teaching, residential, administration, nursing, outdoor, catering, maintenance and horse riding staff. All staff work closely with the students in their areas of expertise. Facilities on site include two student dormitories, seven staff residences, administration block and health centre, commercial kitchen, pioneering camp, a wellequipped workshop and a mixed working farm.

Community To create a Christian community that enables the development of skills in relating to others, self, the environment and God. To inspire students to adopt and respect a community minded approach to living and learning.

Commitment To develop a sense of commitment to self, others, faith and place. This will enable students to show respect and assume responsibility while developing initiative and leadership by engaging in challenging situations to achieve their personal best.

Connection To facilitate students in making connections between their Ironbark experience and life. To provide opportunities for students to create connections in character, faith, the environment and community while experiencing purposeful outcomes of their actions.

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Values At Ironbark we explore the PERMA theory of wellbeing by making direct learning links to: • Relationships – focussing optimistically and believing that you and others matter • Engagement – building your connection to yourself and the present moment • Vitality – having a healthy body and a healthy mind • Achievements – building your capabilities to strive, thrive and flourish • Meaning – having passion and reason for what you do • Positive Emotions – being in charge of your emotions through your strengths

The Experiences Ironbark operates four main elements in the program including Outdoor Pursuits, Farm Skills, Environmental Awareness and Community Living. As a result of their Ironbark experience students will have a greater level of awareness, understanding and appreciation of the following: Community Living • Making valuable contributions in order for their community to thrive.

• Participating in regular devotions, community worship and individual quiet times that help to grow character.

• The value of relationships, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and interdependence.

Farm Skills • Understanding the day to day operations of a farm.

• The value of hard work by contributing to tasks.

• The realities of farm life.

Environmental Awareness • Appreciation for the natural environment and respecting through sustainable living practices.

• Understanding the bush as a component of an Australian cultural identity.

• Exploring the natural bush setting to experience a simpler, more relaxed lifestyle.

Outdoor Pursuits • To be challenged through teamwork and co-operation; leadership and initiative; trust and responsibility; • Formation of personal and group goals to encourage achievement; • The value of physical fitness through living an active lifestyle.

Ironbark is best explained in an excerpt of a letter written by a former Ironbark staff member.

“Ironbark is a place for kids. I want kids to be involved in doing everything that you believe is a good thing for them to do. I want kids to work closely with you to see your Christian life in action in all kinds of situations.

“I want kids to feel the power of living in a community, of working hard, of having achieved some job of work on which the community depends, and, by facing these challenges in a positive way, building a sense of self-worth, competence and a feeling of the value of service.

“I want them to feel that sense of awe at the power of God, and that because they have grown as people they have something to offer Him.”

COCURRICULAR PROGRAM

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SPORT St Peters Lutheran College offers a comprehensive co-curricular Sports program with its enviable facilities and expert coaches. St Peters is involved in a number of formal sporting associations and through nomination, students also have the chance to represent District and Metropolitan West Teams. St Peters has a rich history in students being selected to represent Queensland and Australia across a number of sports.

Girls Years 7-12 The College is involved in two prestigious sporting associations, Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA) and Brisbane School Girls’ Rowing Association (BSRA).

Girls also have the opportunity to participate in the Queensland Inter-School Equestrian Association (QISEA) and Brisbane Water Polo Inc (BWPI).

There are ten schools in the formal QGSSSA competition and fixtures are played on a rotational basis whereby all schools compete against each other.

The list below provides a guide to the affiliated association-based sports offered to Years 7–12 girls throughout the school year.

Term 1 • • • • • • • •

Basketball Football Softball (Years 10–12) Swimming Touch BWPI Water Polo Equestrian AFL (Years 10-12)

Term 2 • • • • • •

Basketball Football Cross Country Touch Equestrian Rowing

Term 3 • • • • • • • •

Hockey Netball Tennis Volleyball Rhythmic Gymnastics Track & Field Equestrian Rowing

Term 4 • • • • •

Badminton Softball (Years 7–9) BWPI Water Polo Equestrian AFL (Years 7-9)

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Boys Years 5-12 St Peters is a member of the formal inter-school sporting competition known as AIC (Associated Independent Colleges).

There are eight schools in this formal competition and matches are played on a rotational basis whereby all schools compete against each other throughout the season.

Term 1 • • • • •

Swimming Cricket Volleyball AFL Rowing

Term 2 • • • • • •

Rugby Union Football Cross Country Chess Golf •Rowing

The list below provides a guide to the sports offered to Years 5–12 Boys, throughout the school year.

Boys also have an opportunity to participate in Rowing in Terms 1 and 2.

Term 3 • Basketball • Tennis • Track & Field

Term 4 • Track & Field • Water Polo • MSW Cricket (club)

Primary Sport Years 4-6 The goal of Primary Sport is to equip young students with the skills and knowledge to play a variety of different sports.

All competition is participation based and focuses on skill development in a nurturing environment. Girls and boys in the primary years are involved in the Inter-Lutheran (Southern Lutheran Association Primary Schools) Competition and District carnivals (Northern Eagles) involving Swimming, Cross Country and Track & Field.

Girls in Years 4–6 are involved in the Andrews Cup Association Metro Meets. The Metro Meets offer several competitive afternoons in Term 1, 2 and 3. Additionally, all Year 3 –6 girls are Term 1 • Primary Swimming (Years 4-6) • AIC Swimming (Years 5/6 Boys) • AIC Cricket (Years 4-6 Boys) • Metro Meets Touch (Years 4-6 Girls) • Primary Years Run Club (Years 4-6)

Term 2 • Primary Cross Country (Years 4-6) • AIC Football (Years 4-6 Boys) • AIC Rugby (Years 4-6 Boys) • WDNA Club Netball (Years 3-6 Girls) • Metro Meets Netball (Years 4-6 Girls) • AIC Cross Country (Years 4-6 Boys)

Primary Years Paid Sport Program Across all four Terms, St Peters offers a variety of sport for Primary Years students as part of the Primary Years Paid Sports Program. The sports offered each term will be emailed

encouraged to participate in the Western Districts Netball club competition (Term1/2/3).

Years 4–6 Boys are involved in the Primary Years AIC Competition. Here the focus is on participation and all boys who attend training are placed on teams representing the College in weekly fixtures. Different sports are offered each term throughout the year. There are also Swimming, Cross Country and Track & Field Carnivals in the AIC Competition for Years 5 and 6 B`oys.

The list below provides a guide to the sports offered to Years 4–6 Boys and Girls throughout the year.

Term 3 • Primary Track & Field (Years 4-6) • AIC Basketball (Years 4-6 Boys) • AIC Tennis (Years 4-6 Boys) • WDNA Club Netball (Years 3-6 Girls) • AIC Track & Field (Years 5-6 Boys)

Term 4 • Met South-West Club Cricket (Years 4-6 Boys) • AIC Track & Field (Years 5-6 Boys) • Primary Girls Touch (Years 4-6 Girls) • Primary Girls Basketball (Years 4-6 Girls)

to all Primary Years parents at the start of each term. The purpose of this program is to upskill students in preparation for participation in the AIC and Metropolitan Meets and future QGSSSA sport. Each sport runs for six weeks and take place on Lower Primary Oval and Stolz Oval Courts.

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MUSIC Professional Music education to engage, excite and empower future generations.

Music is an integral part of students’ lives at St Peters Lutheran College, Brisbane, Queensland. As one of the most outstanding music programs in Australia, we are renowned for providing an engaging, exciting and empowering musical journey for all students from Lower Primary to Senior School. Students are encouraged to learn instruments, participate in ensembles and serve the community through their passion for music.

than 750 individual music lessons taught by expert music staff each week. Students are encouraged to explore a vast array of repertoire to develop and excel in their craft. Our senior ensembles frequently win state and national awards and have the opportunity to participate in domestic and international tours. Students who undertake our curriculum music program consistently receive exceptional results.

St Peters Music Department has a nationally and internationally acclaimed reputation and is an inclusive and very active department which has a place for all those that would like to be involved. All students are encouraged to learn instruments and to sing or play in ensembles and therefore, take part in the rich and diverse musical life available to them at St Peters.

Approximately 50% of College students participate in the Cocurricular Music Program, through Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Musicianship (Theory) Tuition and involvement in our extensive range of music ensembles. We encourage all St Peters students to explore the rich and diverse musical opportunities available to them.

The Music Department is based at the state-of-theatre Performing Arts Centre. It features a thousand seat auditorium, theatrette, music studios, as well as music and drama teaching spaces.

Our choral and instrumental ensemble program is all-inclusive, with a place for everyone to be involved. There are over 850 members in instrumental and vocal ensembles and more

The Performing Arts Centre is the artistic and cultural hub for our students and the wider community. This wonderful venue allowed us to launch St Peters Signature Concert Series in 2015.

High profile musicians and ensembles such as James Morrison, Leo Sayer, the Black Sorrows, Ian Moss, Deep Blue, The Australian String Quartet, Grace Knight, Katie Noonan and Idea of North are invited to conduct masterclasses and workshops specifically for our musicians. Our ensembles also have the unique opportunity to share the stage with these industry professionals.

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Individual Instrumental/Vocal Tuition Lessons are offered on an individual and rotational basis by highly qualified teachers who are experts in their field. Lessons are tailored to suit the individual.

Tuition is available on the following instruments: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Piano Pipe Organ Harpsichord Harp Violin Viola Cello Double Bass Electric Bass Flute Oboe Clarinet Bassoon French Horn Trumpet Trombone Tuba Saxophone Euphonium Percussion Voice Composition Classical/Folk Guitar

Music Ensembles St Peters Music Ensemble Program offers over 40 instrumental and vocal ensemble opportunities, including string orchestras, choirs, concert bands, stage bands, percussion ensembles, rock bands, guitar ensembles and chamber music groups. Students are welcome to pursue their musical interests and develop their skills in one or more of these ensembles.

Ensemble Groups Upper Primary (Years 5–6) Bands • Concert Band 2 • Junior Percussion Ensemble • Junior Stage Band

Strings • Chamber Sinfonietta Strings • Sinfonietta Strings Choir • Bella Voce Girls Ensemble • Forte Voce Boys Ensemble Junior High (Years 7–9) & Senior School (Years 10–12) Bands • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Symphonic Winds Wind Ensemble Concert Band 1 Junior Stage Band (Junior High only) Intermediate Stage Band Senior Stage Band Jazz Combo Junior Percussion Ensemble (Junior High only) Intermediate Percussion Ensemble Senior Percussion Ensemble Guitar Ensembles Rock Groups Drumline

Strings • • • • • •

St Peters Chamber Soloists St Peters Soloists Chamber Sinfonia Strings Sinfonia Strings String Quartet Neon-Pulse Electric Strings

Choirs • • • • •

St Peters Chamber Chorale St Peters Chorale Cantique Saints & Singers Junior High Songmakers

Many St Peters alumni have established outstanding national and international music careers. We offer scholarships to aspiring musicians who are dedicated in their artistic pursuit.

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH Duke of Edinburgh Award is a youth development and leadership program for young people aged between 14 and 25 years. Any person can join the award at any age from age 14, or at any time of year.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a youth development and leadership program for young people aged between 14 and 25 years. Any person can join the award at any age from age 14, or at any time of year. Students progress through the sections at their own pace. The award encourages personal development in four key areas: • • • •

Physical recreation/fitness Skills Service/Volunteering Adventurous Journey.

In Queensland alone, over 7,000 participants are enrolled in Bronze, Silver or Gold Award programs in any given year and young people in 143 countries are involved in the program in different formats and with varying names.

The Award was started by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh over 60 years ago to recognise the importance of balance in our lives.

Following the passing of the Duke in April 2020, the importance of the Award throughout all British Commonwealth countries has been highlighted. The Award now has Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex as its Patron.

St Peters supports students through all levels of the Award. Each level has the same four components, with varying length of

time for each level. The College supports students to complete Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards between Year 9 and Year 12, depending on when they start and how committed they are.

The Bronze Award is closely aligned to the Ironbark program.

During the five-week program, students will complete the Bronze Adventurous Journey.

At Silver level, students are able to take up the many opportunities on offer with the support from our Ironbark Outdoor Education Centre. These include hiking and canoeing expeditions, depending on the interests of our students at the time.

At Gold level, students are encouraged to pursue activities on offer outside of the College. Links with Adventurous Journey providers, including Blue Peter Australia and PCYC, make this possible.

The Award is a wonderful opportunity for St Peters students to formalise much of what they are already doing into an internationally recognised award. On any resumé, this will show that each participant is a dedicated, well-rounded, and compassionate member of the wider community. The skills and connections made through the Award last a lifetime.

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ROBOTICS Robotics is a co-curricular activity available to students from Years 5–12. All students are catered for, from beginners to students aiming to compete at an international level.

Students participating in the St Peters Robotics Program are supported to take part a range of robotics competitions, including FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and RoboCup. These competitions give students a clear goal to work towards, whilst also allowing a broad range of ways to achieve a solution, involving a variety of holistic skills (not just digital).

Medal for the Dr Mae Jemison Award for Global Unity. In Mexico (2018), Team Australia were awarded the Silver Disney Award for Innovation and Creativity. Also in 2018, students were invited to compete at the World Robotics Summit in Tokyo, as well as meet software engineers from Softbank to discuss how our program supports students who are interested in the robotics industry.

Robotics has been a very successful co-curricular activity at St Peters. Since 2015 the College have been finalists and award recipients at FIRST Tech Challenges (Regionals, Nationals and Asia Pacific Competitions), FIRST Robotics, and FIRST Global (Washington, Mexico and Dubai). As well as successfully competing in, and at times hosting, the Brisbane RoboCup Regional Competitions for Primary and Secondary Rescue, Soccer and On Stage Competitions. In 2016 the College finished a creditable fifth place at the RoboCup International Competition held in Leipzig in Germany. In 2017 St Peters joined with Grace Lutheran College to represent Australia as ‘Team Australia’ at the inaugural First Global Challenge held in Washington DC. ‘Team Australia’ were awarded the Silver

Robotics at St Peters is supported by the Robotics Parent Support Group, who provide fundraising opportunities, hands on support, professional assistance and industry advice. Their support has allowed Robotics to continue to grow into a program that allows any interested student the opportunity to learn these valuable skills through the provision of equipment and trainers.

Any students who are interesting in collaborating to build and code robots, using complex sensors, moving parts and various functions are encouraged to come along to lunchtime and afterschool sessions; no experience is necessary.

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DEBATING St Peters offers Debating as an extra-curricular activity. There are many benefits in being involved in debating. Debating skills raise children’s confidence and self-esteem, as well as improving higher order and critical thinking skills.

The College competes in a competition, run by the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) across south-east Queensland. QDU Debating is open to students in Years 5 – 12. The QDU

Secondary Schools Competition consists of four preliminary rounds held throughout Terms 1 and 2, followed by a final series held in Term 3. The Year 7 and Primary Schools Competition consists of four rounds of competition (there are no finals for these competitions), held during Terms 2 and 3. St Peters competes against other Independent schools as well as Catholic and State Primary and High Schools.

DA VINCI DECATHLON The Queensland da Vinci Decathlon is an academic inter school, state-wide gala competition operated in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon, with a variety of events of an academic nature. Schools enter teams of eight students into competitions divided into Junior (Years 5 & 6), Middle (Years 7 & 8) and Senior years (Years 9 – 11). St Peters has a long and proud tradition of participation and success in da Vinci Decathlon competitions.

Students compete in the following disciplines: • Mathematics and Chess – emphasis on problem-solving, number patters and logic puzzles • English – spelling, word origins, definitions, textual anasis and writing tasks • Science – students engage with higher level scientific concepts to test their ability to apply them • Code Breaking – students decipher complex codes

• Engineering Challenge – a design task that tests problem solving skills, creativity and ingenuity • Engineering Challenge – a design task that tests problem solving skills, creativity and ingenuity • Ideation – creative and innovative process of generating, developing and communicating new ideas in response to a problem or challenge • Creative Producers – emphasis on creating a 60 second dramatic performance under pressure • Art and Poetry – construction of a poem interconnected with a work of art based on the theme of exploration • Cartography – students decipher maps and apply the principles of map making to represent spatial information in an imaginative way • Legacy – significant people, inventions and events from the past and present.

ETHICS OLYMPIAD The Ethics Olympiad is an opportunity for school aged students to engage in interesting ethical discussions with students statewide. The format is divided into Middle (Years 7 – 9) and Senior (Years 10 – 12). Students love to engage in ethical discourse and do so naturally when given the opportunity. The format of the Ethics Olympiad encourages respectful listening, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. St Peters hosted the Inaugural Senior School Ethics Olympiad (Years 10 – 12) in 2019 and participated in the inaugural Middle School Ethics Olympiad (Years 7 – 9) in 2020.

Students spend time considering and discussing various ethical cases in preparation for the competition. Closer to the competition, teams of five are selected based on their ability to engage in careful and critical ethical discourse. They train for the event and then on competition day students participate in a series of heats in which they engage with other teams to discuss exciting and relevant ethical cases. Teams are scored on criteria which rewards clear, concise, respectful discourse.

Whereas excellence in athletics rewards physical strength and or coordination an Ethics Olympiad rewards excellence in moral and ethical thinking and collaboration. Students are judged

by professional philosophers and ethicists as to how well they have engaged with various facets of arguments related to the question.

Previous Questions which have been considered: 1. Is it ethically appropriate to impose mass quarantine on a population?

2. What obligations, if any, do we have to our parents? What, if anything, is the basis of such an obligation?

3. What say should children have in choosing their adoptive parents? Should children who are up for adoption and of a certain age be allowed to choose the race of their parents?

4. To what extent are people who publicize a demonstrator’s identity responsible for the negative consequences that the demonstrator faces?

5. Belief vs Action? What does it mean to call yourself an environmentalist?

6. Extra! Extra! Don’t read about it! Do we have an ethical imperative to interact with news and current affairs in a democratic society?

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FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING Future Problem Solving (FPS) is a research-based, academic program that teaches problem solving strategies, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and effective communication. The interdisciplinary approach helps develop ethical leadership skills and provides a unique opportunity for students to learn and apply essential life skills in the 21st century.

St Peters currently focuses on the Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) competition and the Scenario Writing competition.

GIPS is a team activity in which participants research a series of global topics and learn a six-step creative problem solving process. Teams of four participants apply their knowledge and

the problem solving process to address an imagined situation set in the future, called a “Future Scene.” From there, they complete a “booklet” (paper or virtual) addressing, critically analysing and solving a major issue in the Future Scene. Of the three problems which students complete each year, the first two are practice only, with the evaluators’ scores and comments serving as a means of helping students improve. The third problem is competitive and must be completed within two hours. The top scoring teams receive invitations to participate in the National Final, held in October. St Peters has a very proud tradition of involvement in the National Finals, with several teams going on to International Finals in the United States.

THINKLINGS WRITERS GROUP A group of passionate writers from Year 11 began this lunchtime group for Years 10 -12 in 2019. Since then it has expanded to include students from Years 7 - 12. Students meet to share,

encourage and feedback on each other’s writing, engage in group writing in response to prompts, to spark creative ideas, and to prepare pieces for external competitions.

OPTI-MINDS The Opti-MINDS Creative Sustainability Challenge is an inclusive team challenge which encourages participants to think and communicate creatively. Teams collaborate over six weeks to solve open-ended Challenge scenarios in Language/Literature, Social Sciences/Humanities or Science/Engineering. Participants are encouraged to explore possibilities & experiment with ideas as they endeavour to produce their best possible solution.

Teams develop creative & original ways to communicate this solution to others, working within strict guidelines such as limited materials, challenge criteria & tight deadlines. They present their Challenge solution to a panel of judges & an

audience. The teams also participate in an unseen Spontaneous Challenge on Challenge Day. This Challenge requires rapid interchange of ideas, the ability to think effectively, creatively, & well-developed group cooperation skills.

Opti-MINDS looks beyond conventional achievement & understands that the pursuit of excellence knows no boundaries. Its aim is to enhance the potential of all participants by developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management & the discipline to work collaboratively within a challenging & demanding environment. St Peters has a strong history of participation and success in Opti-MINDS Challenges.

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CLUBS, GROUPS & SOCIETIES St Peters Lutheran College offers many activities in which students can be involved.

Service Learning The Service Learning at St Peters is integrated into the life and work of the whole College. Students learn by engaging with others on how they can make a real difference.

Service Learning involves formal curriculum-based activities in Year 9 Christian Studies and in Year 11 & 12 International Baccalaureate CAS program in which academic goals are accomplished through community service.

Students work with organisations for example: The Smith Family Foundation on their buddy-reading program, working on physical programs with young people with disabilities, Rosies Outreach Program and with the elderly in aged care centres.

There is also a multitude of extra-curricular opportunities through the Social Justice, Multicultural, Environment and Student 4 Students committees for students from Years 7–12 to apply their gifts and resources in support of others.

There are whole College initiatives including Clean Up Days, Jeans for Genes Day to raise funds for research into Childhood diseases. As well as awareness days for R U OK Day and Day for Daniel promoting Health and Wellbeing and Safety Awareness.

Each year the Social Justice Group runs a Christmas Appeal for Kids in Crisis delivering hundreds of gifts to children in care.

Each term there are two Community Focus Days. Students research the needs for a charity and organise an event on these days. We have raised awareness and funds to research into Brain Cancer, the Homeless, Communities in Need, Doctors Without Borders, and World Wildlife Fund. We have also assisted Project Yumi and donated uniforms and school resources to communities in PNG. The Senior students have had some wonderful experiences to make a real difference and travel to disadvantaged communities and learn about life in remote regions travelling to Central Australia or to Cambodia. Students raise funds for these communities to enable them to take much needed educational resources.

Other activities include creating materials and raising donations for the Guide dogs Queensland, as well participating in the annual Mater Fun Run for Breast Cancer Awareness. Guest speakers visit the College each year to inform students on how they can serve others and foster awareness.

The College also supports the Work & Welcome Program with Multicultural Australia. This program with staff donations focuses on helping refugees find short-term paid work with an opportunity to gather local experience.

The Boardroom The Boardroom is a St Peters Business and Entrepreneurial Club that meets once a week to engage young minds in the world of Business. Students in Years 10 – 12 collaborate and share

ideas ranging from product innovation; marketing techniques; e-commerce; business plans and many more. Guest speakers and workshops are provided to expand their knowledge and time is also spent preparing for competitions like the QUT BlueShift Business Case competition, Generation Innovate challenge and CPA Plan you own Enterprise Competition.

Access Arts Access Arts provides opportunities for students in Years 7 – 12 to work in the Art studios after school and provides additional workshops for students to get involved in the Arts.

Students register their interest at the beginning of each term and then a calendar of dates is published for the term.

Programs available under Access Arts include: • Life drawing: Friday afternoons Terms 2 and 3 for a series of 6 weeks; • Studio Art: Diverse themes and media: Terms 2 and 3 for a series of 6 weeks; • Studio sessions and Film Television and Video editing are organised on a needs / registration basis.

Access Arts also hosts master classes with visiting artists in a diverse range of media including painting and photography.

Information and registration details are available and regularly updated on the Access Arts Firefly page.

Theatresports Theatresports is improvised theatrical entertainment played as a spectator sport. Teams of players invent scenes from suggestions they are given within set structures and rules of individual games. Everything in Theatresports is spontaneous and made up on the spot; the narrative, dialogue, action, music, mime and song. Teams are judged on their ability to follow the rules of each game, deliver a cohesive storyline, and entertain the audience. Theatresports increases students’ confidence, listening skills and teamwork, as well as exercising creative thinking and problem-solving abilities in a hilarious, fun and supportive environment. It also provides valuable opportunities for students to implement, practice and extend the lessons in narrative, play-building and characterisation taught in the drama classroom within a real-world context.

Theatresports at St Peters runs throughout the entire year and is divided into two distinct seasons.

The Development Season runs during Semester 1 and is open to all students interested in exploring what Theatresports has to offer. Basic improvisation and acting skills are explicitly taught, as well as fundamental game structures.

The Competition Season usually runs during Semester 2, in alignment with The Sit- Down Comedy Club’s annual Theatresports competition and is open to students who are selected for the interschool competition or by invitation only.

BOARDING

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STABILITY, CONTINUITY AND TRADITION St Peters has been co-educational since its foundation in 1945 and offers students from Years 6 to 12 the opportunity to board at the College and experience its vast educational, social, sporting and cultural opportunities. All family members may attend the one school, providing an important sense of stability, continuity and tradition.

Boarder Profile

Worship

St Peters began as a co-educational boarding college in 1945, catering for the children of our rural community who could not access suitable secondary education. Today, a significant number of our boarders still come from Queensland’s rural community and regional Australia, with a healthy mix of students from other countries and backgrounds. There are families from areas in Brisbane and close to Brisbane who choose the option of weekly boarding for their children.

The boarding community meets once a fortnight to worship in a variety of formal and informal setting. Whilst attendance at worship is compulsory, individual faith traditions are respected.

Bible study, Confirmation and First Communion classes are also offered to boarders.

Boarding Options • Full-time boarding: Students live in at St Peters and return home during Term vacations, with weekend host leave.

• Weekly boarding: Students live in at St Peters Monday– Friday, returning home for the weekend and during Term vacations.

• Short-term boarding: Available for students engaged in sporting programs, or whose parents may be travelling overseas.

• Overnight boarding: Available for students with busy cocurricular or curriculum programs demanding extensive specialist facilities.

• Long day supervision: Students may be involved in our evening meal and study program by prior arrangement.

Boarding Structure Supervised interaction and appropriate segregation…

Our students are permitted to mingle freely during the school day.

Classes are mixed and boarders eat their meals at mixed tables.

Boarders’ evening study is combined. It is important that the flow on effect in the day school continues for evening study. Boys and Girls do activities together on the weekends. For example, movie night on girls’ side and bonfire on boy’s side. Siblings are great at catching up on birthdays and special occasions.

Boarding provides an opportunity for the growth of lifelong friendships, exposure to other cultures and the development of character, self-discipline, leadership and initiative. The residential section is organised into grade levels. Each student has his/her own personal ‘space’ and is under the care of a number of experienced staff, from house parents and part-time residential staff to Boarding Co-ordinators and nursing staff.

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We have a house structure for friendly rivalry and competitions.

There are four houses. Two on the boys and two on the girls consisting of 40 boarders in each house. We also have family groups. The year 12 are paired with 7 boarders ranging ages from year 7 to year 11. They celebrate birthdays and special occasions along with being in the same unit for house camp. The year 12 is the parent of the family and takes their responsibility quite serious with an understanding that they are there to help with settling the new boarders in and overseeing pastoral care when needed along with a Jr. Staff who has also been paired with that family group. By doing this our year 12 are all seen as leaders and role models to our younger boarder

Recreation Program A wide variety of activities are available to the boarders…

Because St Peters offers a comprehensive co-curricular program, boarders have a wide choice of activities in the sporting, musical, dramatic, cultural, academic, and developmental areas. Boarders have access to the College’s first-class facilities outside of college hours including the tennis courts, 50m and heated 25m pools, outdoor basketball and netball courts, gym, weights room, library and computer labs. Weekend staff organise a variety of supervised social activities and regular entertainment. These activities vary from sporting events to cultural concerts, from skating to playing squash, and from quiz nights to novelty pool games.

Boarder Health and Pastoral Care We take great pride in the food we provide. Students receive five ‘meals’ a day (breakfast, morning tea, lunch, dinner and supper). All the main meals are served in the dining hall in cafeteria style, with no restrictions on the amount of food available (especially important for growing boys). Pasta and salad bars are complementary to the main course at each evening meal (and soup in the winter). Fresh fruit and vegetables are always available. A laundry service is offered to students and included in the boarding fees.

Qualified nursing staff run clinics before and after school and at weekends and are always on call for emergencies.

Physiotherapists visit St Peters Indooroopilly, and appointments are made off campus when required for other specialist services.

All consultations with the registered nurse and visiting doctors are confidential. All boarding staff have first-aid certificates.

Boarders have a Pastoral Care Group teacher and a Year Group coordinator in the day school, both adopting a pastoral care role. St Peters’ pastoral care network includes several chaplains and counsellors on staff who are always available to boarders and their families.

We also run an Adopt a Boarder Program where a boarder is matched with a SPLC staff member, and they can do various activities. It might mean a McDonalds run after school, a catch up in the courtyard, an AFL game on the weekend. This program has been running now for over 12 years and has been very successful with staff and students catching up even after graduation.

Study Tailored to suit individual needs…

Boarding offers intrinsically motivated students the opportunity for developing disciplined, regular study habits. Supervised study time occurs after the evening meal, between 6:30pm to 8:30pm, with boarders in Years 11 and 12 able to continue studying after this time (and other Years with permission). A variety of study support personnel are available to assist with study, dependent on needs.

Boarders also have access to the College’s first-class academic facilities during study times, e.g. the library and study centre. All facilities are supervised.

Security Safety of boarders and their belongings…

The security and safety of boarders and their belongings is of primary concern to all boarding staff. Each student has a bilock security key for their use in the storage of their personal property. The well-lit, secure grounds are monitored by security staff and are situated in one of the most sought-after residential suburbs of Brisbane.

Contact Regular communication with parents is encouraged…

It is important that parents maintain communication with their children and the College. Each student has his or her own email address. They can use their phones before bedtime but hand them in at set times depending on their grade. Regular communication is also maintained through academic reports, the quarterly magazine Plus Ultra, updated emails from Boarding Coordinators, parent social events, and parent/teacher interviews. We encourage contact between parents and staff.

We invite parents to visit St Peters Indooroopilly and tour the boarding houses, dining hall, laundry, and the College’s superior educational and sporting facilities.

ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE INDOOROOPILLY 66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068 p: +61 7 3377 6222 e: admissions@stpeters.qld.edu.au w: stpeters.qld.edu.au CRICOS Provider: 00516E