Plus Ultra July 2016

� FEATURE � Road to Rio

� AROUND SCHOOL � Be a Plus Ultra Journalist

St Peters community members selected for Rio Olympics in August

Three senior students interned with the Plus Ultra editorial team, lending articles their unique voice.

� SPOSA � The Hon. Justice Shan Tennent Meet Tasmania’s first female Supreme Court Judge

St Peters Lutheran College Plus Ultra magazine incorporating SPOSA Bulletin

P L U S U LT R A

02 July 2016 ST PETERS LUTHER AN COLLEGE magazine incorporating SPOSA Bulletin | July 2016 #02

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24 Contents INTRO

Head of College 02 Letter from the Editor 03 Ministry 04 SPOSA President 05 FEATUR E: OLYMPICS

The Road to Rio

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A ROUND THE SCHOOL Cover Shai Williams (Year 9) is an up-and-coming diver. Image courtesy of F45 Photography.

Plus Ultra July 2016 incorporating SPOSA Bulletin Published by St Peters Lutheran College Writer/Editor: Angela Gardner Writer/Photographer: Gollisa Thomson Writer/Layout&Design: Kathleen Barker *Photography: F45 Photography Advertising Enquiries Publications Office Telephone: 07 3377 6262 publications@stpeters.qld.edu.au St Peters Lutheran College CRICOS Provider: 00516E 66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068 Telephone: 07 3377 6222 reception@stpeters.qld.edu.au www.stpeters.qld.edu.au www.facebook.com/stpeterslutherancollege © 2016 St Peters Lutheran College SPOSA Office 66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068 Telephone: 07 3377 6592 sposa@stpeters.qld.edu.au www.stpeters.qld.edu.au www.facebook.com/sposa45

Mark Wilsmore: Humble Helper Court Culture ANZAC Day It’s an Honour Kaleidoscope: Supers From the Pool to the Platform Perceptual Motor Program Sandie Fraser: Quiet Achiever Deep Blue Concert Year 5 Coding Club Duke of Edinburgh The Hub

10 24 28 30 40 42 46 50 52 54 56 58

BE A PLUS ULTR A JOUR NA LIST

Kaleidoscope: Look into the Past 34 Bou Meng’s Painting 36 Reaching Out 38 COMMUNITY

Community News

60

OLD SCHOLA RS

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The Hon. Justice Shan Tennent

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Abigail Thomas: Future Problem Solver

22

Q&A with Shaelyn Downing: Filmmaker

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Kate Gildea and Amy Sloan

44

A Generous Community

62

Reunions

STAFF

Meet Matthew Sullivan Meet Joel Butler Meet Lisa Delaney Meet Matthew Wilksch

06 17 18 48

64

Births, Deaths, Marriages

Plus Ultra / Intro

Celebrating the Noble Profession

BY A DR I A N W ILES, HEA D OF COLLEGE

Several years ago, I had the privilege of attending a large conference in Victoria. The theme was ‘Weaving Threads Together – Creating a Tapestry of Lutheran Schooling’. The same theme could easily be applied to the microcosm that is St Peters Lutheran College – the threads are students, teachers, support staff, parents, extended family members, past scholars, past parents and staff, resources, and the list goes on. It is within this context that I publicly acknowledge our staff for their teaching and mentoring in the formal and informal classroom settings.

Importantly, I hold our staff up for the care and concern they show towards students, fellow colleagues and parents. Here is but one instance of where we see our ‘core values’ in action! But occasionally education; like many societal constructs; can tend to lose its way.

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In recent times we have heard our politicians speak about the ‘education revolution’ that we need to have. It is unfortunate that they then proceed to concentrate on ensuring that schools comply with regulations that do very little except intimidate those who need nurturing and support i.e. students and teachers. In those countries that are acknowledged as leading the way in education, there are some common characteristics. These include a valuing of learning and education in the general society, the valuing of teachers, and the provision of properly directed funding. ‘Compliance’ is not high on the list – although it is used in an appropriate manner to identify areas in need of intervention.

Why am I using this publication to highlight what appears to be a political issue? It is self-evident that those activities and achievements that are celebrated in Plus Ultra would not be

IT DOES NOT TAKE MORE THAN A QUICK SCAN OF THIS PUBLICATION TO DISCOVER EXAMPLES OF MEMBERS OF OUR ST PETERS COMMUNITY WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE FREEDOM TO GROW IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IS VALUED.

Plus Ultra / Intro

from the Editor possible if it were not for our teachers and other College staff. As we value our staff, then we need also to celebrate with them – a healthy practice if we are to lift our educational standards to the highest levels. The valuing of teachers is at the core of a successful school – and it is a key to what we do at St Peters Lutheran College.

In an article written by Professor Geoff Masters (published in The Canberra Times 11 January 2008), the author made it clear that contemporary research showed that, while teachers do not necessarily all teach in the same way, those who are best at developing student learning share common characteristics. As an example, “they [teachers] create classroom environments in which there is a belief that all students can learn successfully, where students are motivated by curiosity, value learning for its own sake, and feel supported and safe to take risks”.

Plus Ultra is full of examples highlighting the work of students both present and past – work that is conceived in an environment that values the ‘common characteristics’ needed to promote sustainable and high level learning. The exemplary classroom work, sporting team successes, the excellence shown in the performing arts, and the high level of care and concern shown through the social service programs of the School are all examples of where present and past students have been given the managed freedom to develop learning at the highest level. It does not take more than a quick scan of this publication to discover examples of members of our St Peters community who have been given the freedom to grow in an environment where experiential learning is valued. This is far from the model that emphasises the

LET US CELEBRATE THE FACT THAT AT THE CORE OF THEIR ELABORATION IS A TEACHER WHO GUIDES AND MENTORS, THE PARENT WHO SUPPORTS, AND KNOWLEDGE THAT ALL IS DONE IN THE NAME OF OUR RISEN LORD. mandatory transmission of content – a model that often does little to build the connection between teaching and a students’ passion for lifelong learning.

This is not to say that there should not be boundaries and contexts for learning – but educational growth and development is greatest when teachers give constant and due consideration to a healthy balance between contextual and experiential learning.

During the course of this year, St Peters Lutheran College has celebrated many of those things that are consistent with our Strategic Vision 2016 – 2020, and in particular our mission that is ‘Excellence in Christian Co-education’. It is with the highest level of excitement that we celebrate the growth and development of St Peters students over the decades.

Let us celebrate the fact that at the core of their elaboration is a teacher who guides and mentors, the parent who supports, and knowledge that all is done in the name of our risen Lord.

Someone recently pointed out that all the stories in Plus Ultra are about “exceptional” students and “exceptional” Old Scholars – that we never write about ordinary people who live ordinary lives.

This prompted me to think about what an exceptional person is and why it might appear that the people in this publication are exceptional.

I realised that the people in this publication are like every other member of the St Peters community. They have strengths, weaknesses and dreams. They make mistakes and they sometimes get things right.

No story in a magazine can convey all that any person is or all that they do, think or feel.

It is a snapshot of one aspect of a person, of one success, or one achievement.

The thing that remains consistent through this magazine is Plus Ultra the spirit that drives our community members to excel at what they do, to keep going until they achieve their dreams irrespective of their weaknesses.

It is this spirit that drives ordinary people to represent their country at the Olympics; organise a fundraiser; build a garden bed; or build a school.

Enjoy!

Angela Gardner, on behalf of the

Plus Ultra / Intro

Ministry

BY THOM AS BÖHMERT, SENIOR PASTOR

Service is a key value of our College reflected in the College Strategic Vision which I am sure you have heard about and which you can look up on the St Peters website. We encourage our students to look beyond themselves and use their God-given gifts to help others around them and in the wider world.

Our students encounter Service Learning opportunities in a variety of extra- and co-curricular activities, within the Year 9 Christian Studies curriculum, and through the Cambodia trip and Red Centre Indigenous Immersion journey in Year 11. It is an area we are developing.

COMMUNITIES WHERE PEOPLE ENGAGE ALTRUISTICALLY BEYOND THEIR WORKPLACE AND FAMILY, FUNCTION MUCH BETTER THAN THOSE WHERE EVERYONE LOOKS OUT FOR THEMSELVES. We want the young people who leave this school to go with an understanding of the importance of giving something back, sharing what they have been blessed with, and engaging in the wider community in ways that do not always bring financial 4

rewards. Communities where people engage altruistically beyond their workplace and family, function much better than those where everyone looks out for themselves. We believe that the one who is at the core of our school, Jesus Christ, has shown the way in this area. Jesus, by his very presence among the people of this world, witnessed to God’s self-giving love for all people and gave us the ultimate gift, himself, on the cross. This has had an impact on the world. It should not surprise that often through history it was Christian communities who looked out and cared for those excluded from society. For example, in medieval Europe the first hospitals and places of learning accessible to the wider populace were run by monasteries – Christian communities. While a lot of these functions have over time been taken over by the state, we can thank these communities’ vision for the foundations on which our Western society now rests.

As our Lord inspired people of old to reach out with care and compassion to others, so He inspires us to do the same. One opportunity for our students to give of themselves and experience community with people living in a very different context from them at St Peters is the Year 11 journey to Central Australia. For the second time a group of 16 students travelled to Yulara and, from there, into the Pitjauntjatjara lands to the West to learn about and interact with the local Indigenous communities, visiting schools, traditional sites and

SERVICE LEARNING SEEKS TO ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE ST PETERS STUDENTS TO REFLECT GOD’S LOVE BY SERVING THOSE IN NEED. an aged care facility. They took some items needed by the community as gifts, purchased with funds raised by the group. The journey is a formative experience for our students. It encourages a growing understanding of the gifts Indigenous members of our society bring and the issues they grapple with.

Service Learning seeks to encourage and inspire St Peters students to reflect God’s love by serving those in need and by growing in understanding of the needs around them. It also aims to raise students’ awareness of our global connectedness and responsibility in this world, how even small acts can make a big difference and it seeks to give them the confidence to make that difference. We hope and pray that in this way the love of our God may shine a little brighter in this world.

Plus Ultra / Intro

SPOSA President

BY JA N HOGA RTH, SPOSA PR ESIDENT

The St Peters Old Scholars’ Association is about building our community across generations. This also meshes with the St Peters vision and mission.

AS THE FOUNDING SCHOLARS ARE BECOMING RARER, SPOSA’S ROLE IS INCREASINGLY TO CHERISH AND EXPRESS THE COLLEGE’S INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY. After decades of waiting for our own home on campus, we now have our own archives, and are organising and arranging the thousands of documents and objects in our care, so they can be accessed as a resource. We look forward to creating small displays that can be visited by anyone who is interested in the school community.

Please feel free to drop in for a coffee and chat any school day at the SPOSA Centre, down by Mayer Oval.

Now it is time for SPOSA to look wider. With one major goal complete and the 75th anniversary of the school’s founding in 2020, SPOSA is investigating and evaluating how best and most effectively to connect to the broader alumni, including past teachers, parents and staff. We are

Pictured (from top): **The SPOSA High Tea; and Jan Hogarth (SPOSA President) enjoys the event. **Images courtesy of Sean Wilson (Year 12).

looking for ways to reinforce to current students that they and their friends are part of a larger community. The High Tea (see page 63) was a way for the SPOSA Committee to tap into its ‘brains trust’.

As the founding scholars are becoming rarer, SPOSA’s role is increasingly to cherish and express the College’s institutional memory. We point out

the links through time, for instance how sport at St Peters, has enriched the lives of children and adults. And part of that memory is the drive and enthusiasm of the founding parents to create a new vision for co-education, boarding and high quality education in Queensland. SPOSA welcomes the Foundation’s appeal to provide that same opportunity to future students.

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Meet Matthew Sullivan DIR ECTOR OF IRONBA R K

*Pictured: Matt Sullivan will celebrate 10 years as Director of Ironbark – St Peters’ Outdoor Education Centre at Crows Nest – in January 2017.

“It’s sorghum”. Matthew Sullivan scoops up a handful of rust-red grain, spilt underneath a silo. Behind him, Year 9 students from St Peters Indooroopilly fill buckets from two silos: one storing sorghum; the other barley. They feed the grain, along with cottonseed meal, into a mechanical mixer to produce feed for cattle and sheep.

Matt is no stranger to farm life, having grown up on a cattle property at Jandowae, 259km west of Brisbane. After graduating from boarding school in Toowoomba and completing a Bachelor of Physical Education at Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Matt worked as a HPE teacher for Education Queensland for eight years. He balanced his passion for life on the land with a growing interest in outdoor adventure activities, developing an agricultural studies program at a

“I WAS INTERESTED IN THE FIVE-WEEK PROGRAM… NOT KIDS ARRIVING ON A MONDAY AND GONE AGAIN ON A FRIDAY… YOU CAN GET TO KNOW THEM. YOU CAN HAVE SOME IMPACT THAT WAY.”

Jandowae school and training in outdoor adventure sports, which he worked into HPE lessons. It was while undertaking his canoeing instructors’ qualification that he found out about Ironbark and the vacancy for the Director.

“I was interested in the five-week program. That was the main selling point for me,” Matt said. “Not kids arriving on a Monday and gone again on a Friday but the fact that – Matt Sullivan, Director of they’d be with us Ironbark for five weeks and you can get to know them. You can have some impact that way.”

Continue reading on page 8…

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Plus Ultra / Staff

Since his appointment in 2007, Matt and his family: wife Sue, also a teacher, and children Jack (Year 9); Kealey (Year 6); and Ned (Year 3) have lived onsite so that Matt can oversee Ironbark’s operations: from property development and livestock management to supervision of the Ironbark pastoral care program itself.

Maggie the Labrador helps, keeping a watchful eye over students during outdoor adventure activities, while the Sullivans’ dachshund, Lucy, and an elusive cat guard the house yard.

Meanwhile, Parsley the sheep, a twin rejected by her mother and hand-reared by the Sullivan children, is grown and has returned to the paddock. She remains the only ewe at Ironbark safe from slaughter.

Matt is passionate about helping students develop socially, emotionally and spiritually and says that, while the 8

“GIVING THESE KIDS NEW EXPERIENCES; NEW OPPORTUNITIES; AND HELPING THEM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES THROUGH THE PROCESS. THAT’S THE REAL BENEFIT OF THIS WORK.” activities on offer at Ironbark haven’t changed, he has worked to broaden the pastoral care program. He credits continuity of staff for bringing stability to the program and creating better outcomes for students.

*Pictured: Matt checks on students undertaking their survival challenge. Each group must build a shelter using natural materials to shelter them for two nights.

They will cook their rationed ingredients over a fire they must build themselves.

“The big thing is the opportunity that we have to work in this sort of environment… It’s very different to traditional teaching,” Matt remarked.

“It’s more of a focus on that personal growth and development so that’s a real joy to be part of: giving these kids new experiences; new opportunities; and helping them to learn more about themselves through the process. That’s the real benefit of this work.”

In January, Matthew Sullivan will celebrate 10 years as Director of Ironbark.

Plus Ultra / SPOSA

The Hon. Justic Shan Tennent MEET TASM A NI A’S FIRST FEM A LE SUPR EME COURT JUDGE

When Shan Dunnett graduated from St Peters in 1968 she didn’t plan to become Tasmania’s first female Supreme Court Judge, The Hon. Justice Shan Tennent.

Pictured: The Hon. Justice Shan Tennent (Dunnett 1968) was the first female to be appointed to the Supreme Court in Tasmania.

“Law was not really a conscious choice.

My parents were keen for me to attend university because neither of them had. I was not scientifically inclined and did not want to teach. Law was in those circumstances a good option,” Shan said.

progress through career ranks with the ease men do.”

Shan often speaks to young women law graduates and students.

“What I emphasise is that you don’t necessarily have to plan your career with precision. Opportunities will arise as they did for me. Take a leap of faith and inevitably things will work out.”

Shan commenced her law degree in 1969, married in 1970 and graduated in 1973 after having a year off when her daughter was born in 1971.

Throughout the 1970’s Shan focused on her family, built her legal career, worked part-time in legal practice when her daughter was starting school and relocated to Tasmania for her husband’s job.

In 1998, she was tired of working in the family law area and applied for a magistrate’s position.

“A magistrate’s position came up and so I threw my hat in the ring. I would have to say much to my surprise I was offered the position. I thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said.

In 2005, the then Attorney General of Tasmania was keen to appoint a woman to the Supreme Court. As one of Tasmania’s most senior females in the profession she applied.

“I was a little reluctant because I have never pretended to be an academic lawyer in the sense of being someone with a brilliant analytical mind.

Nevertheless, I threw my hat in the ring once again, and again, much to my surprise was offered the position.”

There were many people who questioned her appointment.

“Over the last 11 years I have worked hard. I don’t suggest that necessarily has overcome doubters. However no-one can complain that I have not done my best to deal with the work I do,” she said.

The public perception of what a judge does is often not accurate. “Much of our work is preparing for cases and then writing judgments after the event, all of which is done in front of a computer and not a court.”

In her ten plus years on the Tasmanian Supreme Court bench, Shan has seen the introduction of working conditions which cater to women’s family commitments and the Tasmanian Attorney-General and Deputy Director of Prosecutions are both women. But there are still relatively few women at the high levels of the legal profession.

Shan goes out of her way to ensure she maintains a normal life outside of being a judge. She enjoys playing golf and maintaining friendships with many people she knew before her appointment.

With one daughter and five grandchildren, Shan says she is most proud of her daughter for the way she cares for and encourages her children.

“Her eldest child is 16. Seeing her develop into a lovely young woman is fantastic. Watching the other four grow and develop as individuals with their own interests is marvellous.”

She lists her greatest achievement as her marriage. “We have been married for almost 46 years and are still friends and enjoy each other’s company. For a cynical family lawyer to remain married to the one person for that long is pretty good.”

“I am still not convinced that women, particularly if they want a family and work in private enterprise, are able to 9

Plus Ultra / Around the School

*Pictured: Mark Wilsmore, parent at St Peters Springfield, is passionate about community service. He recently rallied colleagues to help him re-mulch a garden bed and replenish a sandpit beside the school’s Prep Centre.

Mark Wilsmore: Humble Helper

The St Peters Springfield community enjoyed the fruits of volunteer labour when parent Mark Wilsmore and two colleagues replenished the sandpit at the Prep Centre and re-mulched a nearby garden bed. Mark, who joined the tight-knit St Peters Springfield community in 2013 following his family’s relocation from Far North Queensland, says he is just one of many parents who have given back to the school through community service.

“My personal experience at St Peters has far and away exceeded our expectations in terms of what we hoped a school would provide for our children,” Mark said. “The staff are so very supportive, motivated and giving of themselves to ensure all of the students have the best chance to realise their potential. I really wanted to do something to give a little back.”

Mark and colleagues, Ryan Elwell and Toby Labuc, took advantage of their employer, Cockram Construction’s 10

Community2day program, which offers each employee two days of paid leave per year to undertake volunteer work with a charity or community organisation of their choice. In one day, they replaced approximately three tonnes of sand in the Prep Centre sandpit and five cubic metres of mulch was transferred into an adjacent garden bed.

Ms Jill Lange-Mohr, Principal, says she is grateful for the generosity of family and friends of the school.

“We have been blessed by help from our many parent and grandparent volunteers during our nine-year history. This assistance enables us to deliver a higher level of service to the students and community. We are so very thankful for our volunteers.”

Mark too, is quick to sing the praises of fellow volunteers.

“Every week, countless people get out there and volunteer, from schools

and community groups to charities and sporting clubs. Most of these organisations could not function without the thousands of hours of volunteer support they receive over the course of a year.”

He has this advice to others who wish to serve in their local communities: “Find a cause or charity you’re passionate about and contact them to see if they need any help,” Mark said. “Chances are they will welcome you with open arms. Volunteering is a very rewarding experience… [It] strengthens the bonds of a community, it’s great for you as an individual and it can make a real difference to the person or group you are supporting.”

Mark has plans to return to St Peters in Term 3 to make use of his remaining day of leave. Look out for him in the St Peters Springfield garden beds or on the oval!

Plus Ultra / Feature

Chasing glory at the 2016 Rio Olympics

The Rio Olympics are just over a month away and Australia’s finest athletes are working tirelessly to get themselves ready to take on the world’s best.

We profile ten St Peters community members who will be among them. These talented athletes will represent their country in sports as diverse as Rowing, Swimming, Walking and Taekwondo.

Each of these young athletes have experienced many of the highs and lows of life and sport

but they all talk about commitment and how through being committed to their goals and training they have achieved their goals.

We wish them all the best and can’t wait to cheer them on as they go for gold. In the meantime, you can leave messages of support at www.rio2016.olympics.com.au.

Read more about these talented young sportsmen and women and their journeys to the Olympics on the following pages.

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Plus Ultra / Feature

contested six world titles and is a sixtime Commonwealth Games medallist.

Bronte Barratt 200m Freestyle Women, 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Women

Bronte, 27, says her desire has never waned and is looking forward to Rio being her last international competition.

St Peters Western swimmer, Bronte Barratt, will compete in her third Olympics in Rio in the women’s 200m freestyle and the 4 x 200m relay.

She made her first national team in 2005 and two years later, she broke the oldest record in Australian swimming, eclipsing Tracey Wickham's 29-yearold 400m freestyle mark.

A veteran of the Australian team, she is a three-time Olympic medallist and one of only five swimmers to have been part of the national team for ten straight years.

With team mates, Stephanie Rice, Kylie Palmer and Linda MacKenzie,

Dane Bird-Smith 20km Race Walker

St Peters Old Scholar, Dane Bird-Smith (2009), walked his way onto the Australian Olympic team winning the 2016 Oceania & Australian 20km Race Walking Championships in Adelaide in February. Rio will be his Olympic debut.

A natural athlete, Dane started his athletics career with a focus on the 400m sprint. As a teenager, however, he switched to racewalking and hasn’t looked back.

He had his first national success in 2008 when he won the Australian youth title. Junior level titles followed the next year and he also made his

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*Image courtesy of F45 Photography

Bronte won a gold medal in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay at the Beijing 2008 Games. In 2009, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia, for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

At the London Olympics in 2012, she followed won a silver medal in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay and a bronze in the 200m individual freestyle. She’s

international debut, placing eighth at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Athletics.

Dane began to take part in senior competitions towards the end of 2011, and made his Australian walking debut at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow in 2013 finishing 11th. He won his first ever global gold medal in the 20km walk at the 2015 Universiade in South Korea and placed eighth at the 2015 Worlds in Beijing.

He is coached by his dual Olympian father, David, who competed at the 1980 Games in Moscow and again in 1984 in Los Angeles.

Image courtesy of Athletics Australia.

“There are seven of us now from our squad (St Peters Western) who are on the team. I get to train with them day in, day out, and it’s so motivating,” Bronte said.

“I want to be at the Olympics with them and I’m so glad I get to be a part of that now,” Bronte said after securing her spot on the 2016 Olympic swim team.

Bronte has an athletic pedigree.

Her grandmother was an Olympian in long jump at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.

Plus Ultra / Feature

Georgia Bohl 4 x 100m Medley Relay Women, 100m Breaststroke Women

Georgia’s selection was a special moment for her and her father, Australian Olympic Swim Coach, Michael Bohl, who watched anxiously from the sidelines.

“The stuff he said to me then, I’ve never really heard before, that he’s really proud of me and I work really hard,’’ Georgia said.

But Georgia admitted it wasn’t always this way, speaking of her past struggles with her obvious talent, but lack of commitment to a gruelling training schedule required of elite swimmers.

Image courtesy of Swimming Australia Ltd

Old Scholar and St Peters Western swimmer, Georgia Bohl (2014), will contest her first Olympics in Rio after she won the 100m breaststroke at the Olympic selection trials in April.

Coached by her father for most of her career, Georgia switched coaches after she left St Peters in 2014, but returned to St Peters Western Swim Club after her disappointing results in last year’s Nationals.

100m and 200m Butterfly Women, 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Women

However, Madeline, a St Peters Western swimmer since 2008, is hoping for more podium finishes when she makes her Olympic debut in Rio in three events: 100m and 200m butterfly, and 4 x 200m freestyle relay.

At the Olympic selection trials in April, butterfly specialist Madeline

With a renewed commitment to training, Georgia swam a personal best time in the 100m breaststroke victory at the Olympic selection trials this year, and is looking forward to competing in Rio with fellow “I CAN’T St Peters BELIEVE Western team IT. IT members: FEELS LIKE Madeline A DREAM Groves, Madison COME Wilson and TRUE.” Bronte Barratt.

“I didn’t think I could ever do it to be honest,’’ Georgia said. “I can’t believe it. It feels like a dream come true.”

Since 2012, Madeline has been under the watchful eye of her coach, Michael Bohl, and trains alongside the likes of current World Champion Mitch Larkin, dual Olympic medallist Bronte Barratt and fellow World Championships teammates, Madison Wilson and Grant Irvine.

Madeline Groves

St Peters Old Scholar, Madeline Groves (2012), knows what it takes to be on the swim podium, bagging a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the 200m butterfly and a bronze medal in the 4 x 100m medley at the 2015 World Championships in Kazan.

“I had some disappointments and I walked away from that more hungry I think, which is what you have to do to succeed,’’ she said.

Image courtesy of Swimming Australia Ltd

won the 200m fly in a time that would have won her gold at last year’s World Championships in Kazan. This followed her second place in the 100m behind St Peters Western team mate, Emma McKeon.

In 2014, Madeline was an inaugural recipient of the Georgina Hope Rinehart Swimming Excellence Scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Social Science degree at Bond University on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Madeline has been swimming since she was a baby and started competitive swimming when she was 12 years old.

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Plus Ultra / Feature

Jessica Hall Rower

Jessica Hall started rowing in 2005 as a Year 8 St Peters student. With the support of her family, Jess joined the rowing program, rising at 4.20am each morning for a 5am start on the water.

Jessica soon found her footing and fell in love with the sport under the expert tutelage of then Director of Rowing, Cameron Kennedy.

According to Jessica’s mother, Dawn Hall, Jess was very fortunate to have Mr Kennedy to guide and support the St Peters team. Winning the Head of River in 2008 is still one of her cherished career highlights.

In 2009, in her final year at St Peters, Jessica won a silver medal as part of the

Grant Irvine 200m Butterfly Men

St Peters Western swimmer, Grant Irvine, will make his Olympic debut in the 200m butterfly event in Rio. In a close call at the Olympic selection trials in April, he snuck under the qualifying standard by just 0.02 seconds to book a place on the Australian team.

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Pictured (last rower): Jessica Hall.

Image courtesy of Rowing Australia

quad scull at the Junior World Rowing Championships in France.

Jessica went on to secure many career highlights. In 2011, at age 20, she made the Under 23 squad, winning a bronze medal. In 2012, Jessica was in the quad crew that took out the gold medal in a new world best time at the World Rowing Championships.

“THIS IS A DREAM REALLY, FOUR YEARS AGO WAS HEARTBREAKING TO MISS IT...

IT WASN’T TO BE AND EVERY TRAINING SESSION SINCE THEN HAS BEEN ABOUT REDEMPTION.” Irvine, 25, was shattered four years ago when he narrowly missed the team for London and said he felt an overwhelming sense of relief and satisfaction speaking after the trials.

“This is a dream really, four years ago was heartbreaking to miss it... it wasn’t to be and every training session since then has been about redemption,” Grant said.

JESSICA’S OLYMPIC DREAM CAME TRUE THIS YEAR WHEN SHE WAS NAMED IN THE AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC QUAD SCULL ROWING TEAM. Jessica’s Olympic dream came true this year when she was named in the Australian Olympic quad scull rowing team. She is very proud and grateful to the St Peters Lutheran College community and Mr Cameron Kennedy for giving her the training and support to realise her dream of being an Olympian.

Grant’s career highlights include winning a bronze medal as part of the 4 × 100m medley team at the 2012 FINA World Championships; in 2013, he set a time in the 200m butterfly in which he became the second-fastest Australian ever in that event; and he won an individual silver medal in the 200m butterfly at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

Michael Bohl has been Grant’s coach for the past 13 years.

He could easily have given up swimming for a life of accountancy but, with Bohl in his ear, he kept at it and earned a start in the 200m butterfly at Rio. *Image courtesy of F45 Photography

Plus Ultra / Feature

Mitch Larkin 4 x 100m Medley Relay Men, 100m Backstroke Men, 200m Backstroke Men

Image courtesy of Swimming Australia Ltd

Dual World Champion backstroker, Mitchell (Mitch) Larkin, has a shot at winning gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke when he heads to the Rio

Olympics. Coming off a sensational 2015 season, he has every reason to be confident.

medley, and won gold in the 200m backstroke at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

In 2015, Larkin became only the fourth person in history to win 100m and 200m backstroke at the World Championships in Kazan, Russia; he broke the short course world record in the 200m backstroke; and he was named FINA male swimmer of the year.

For as long as he can remember, the St Peters Western swimmer has never been far from the water.

Mitch, who is coached by Michael Bohl, made his Olympic debut in 2009 at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival, where he competed in five events, winning silver in the 400m individual medley.

He was a competitor at the 2012 London Olympics and in 2014, he bagged three silver medals in 50m and 100m backstroke and 4 x 100m

Emma McKeon 100m Butterfly Women and 200m Freestyle Women

Freestyle and butterfly specialist, Emma McKeon, will make her Olympic debut in Rio after sensational wins in the women’s 100m butterfly and women’s 200m freestyle at the Olympic qualifying trials in April.

Disappointed to miss out on selection for the 2012 Olympics, Emma said watching her brother, David, swim at the London Olympics, gave her the motivation she lacked at the time to realise her dream of also becoming an Olympian.

Emma decided to re-dedicate herself to swimming, and moved from Wollongong to St Peters Western Swim Club, where she trains under Michael Bohl.

Image courtesy of Swimming Australia Ltd

In 2014, she had a breakthrough year, winning six medals from six races: four gold and two bronze at the Commonwealth Games. She followed this up with solid performances at the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia, with a fourth place in the women’s 100m butterfly, seventh in 200m freestyle, gold in the 4 x 100m freestyle and bronze in the 4 x 100m medley.

“I grew up on the Sunshine Coast where we had a creek in our backyard and it was a five-minute drive to the beach. There are lots of photos of me playing in the pool as a kid. I was always in the water,” Mitch explained.

With just a month to go, Mitch and six St Peters Western Swim club team mates, are focused on their final preparations for Rio. “The pressure is certainly on but it is nothing overwhelming. I look forward to standing up to that pressure and seeing what happens,” Mitch said.

EMMA AND [HER BROTHER] DAVID WILL BECOME THE FIRST BROTHER AND SISTER SINCE 1960 TO SWIM FOR AUSTRALIA AT THE SAME OLYMPICS. Swimming is a family business for the McKeon’s. The children of Olympian, Ron McKeon, and Commonwealth Games swimmer, Susie Woodhouse, Emma and David will become the first brother and sister since 1960 to swim for Australia at the same Olympics.

“It’s definitely very special,’’ Emma said.

“It doesn’t happen often.’’

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Plus Ultra / Feature

Pita Taufatofua Taekwondo

St Peters Old Scholar, Pita Taufatofua (2000), is the first Tongan to qualify for the Olympics in Taekwondo. He booked his ticket to Rio winning gold in the Oceania qualifiers in Papua New Guinea in February.

Pita will compete in the +80kg category and will be one of 128 Taekwondo fighters who will be battling for medals in Rio. It’s fourth-time lucky for Pita, 32, who missed the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games qualifications by getting silver medals in the qualifiers when he needed gold.

Madison Wilson 100m Backstroke Women

*Image courtesy of F45 Photography

Rising swim star and St Peters Old Scholar, Madison Wilson (2011), will make her Olympic debut in Rio after qualifying in the 100m backstroke at the Olympic trials in April.

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“WHEN I WENT TO THE QUALIFIERS THIS TIME I WAS READY; NOTHING WAS GOING TO STAND IN MY WAY.” “When I went to the qualifiers this time I was ready; nothing was going to stand in my way,” Pita said.

“I won Gold against the best in the Pacific and 20 years of blood sweat and tears all of a sudden became worth it.

I was happy and relieved beyond belief.”

“The Olympics has been my dream ever since I was a kid. It took 20 years of struggle to finally fulfil that dream,” Pita said.

He said the hardest part of preparation was being self-funded for 20 years, but his passion to become something bigger and inspire others has been his driving force.

“I WENT INTO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LAST YEAR AS AN UNDERDOG AND I’M KEEPING THAT MINDSET.” Born in Yeppoon, Madison, 22, learned to swim at an early age at her grandparents’ pool. In 2010, she snagged two gold medals in 4 x 100m women’s medley relay and bronze in the 4 x 100 mixed medley relay at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Coached by Michael Bohl at St Peters Western Swim Club, Madison’s career took off in 2012, when she qualified for the Junior Pan Pacific Games.

She won two gold medals in the 100 and 200m backstroke events at the 2013 World University Games and was competitor at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

At the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia, Madison won three medals: a gold as a member of the winning Australian team in the women’s 4 × 100m freestyle relay; a silver in the women’s 100m backstroke; and a bronze in the women’s 4 × 100m medley relay.

Out of the pool, Madison is known for her volunteer work at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital and is an Ambassador for MS Queensland. She is studying for a Bachelor of Social Work at Griffith University.

But for now, her focus is firmly on the Rio Olympics.

“I went into the world championships last year as an underdog and I’m keeping that mindset,” Madison said.

Plus Ultra / Staff

*Pictured: Mr Joel Butler has taken up the position of Deputy Head of Senior School.

Meet Joel Butler DEPUTY HEA D OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Joel Butler has been appointed to the position of Deputy Head of Senior School, Indooroopilly and he will commence in this role at the beginning of Term 3.

Joel started at St Peters in 2008, working as a PE and Year 8 form teacher. During this time, he was heavily involved in sport, and was a Cricket Coordinator. For the last four years, he has been the HPE Curriculum Leader.

Prior to St Peters, Joel worked in junior sports development for the AFL and taught in England for two years.

When he returned to Australia, he decided to undertake further study and completed a Masters of Education (Leadership and Management).

Joel said he looks forward to the challenges and responsibilities of his new role, particularly the opportunity

to be more involved in pastoral care and student leadership.

“It’s very exciting,” Joel said enthusiastically. “When I looked at the job description I realised the opportunities to create pastoral programs were too good to pass up,” he explained.

Joel said he also relishes the chance to work closely with Head of Senior School, David Rushmore. Joel and David have worked together in Junior High and in the HPE department.

“David is a fantastic leader,” Joel said.

“He’s very forward-thinking and always looking out for the best interest of our students.”

Joel’s role will encompass student behaviour and looking at ways to identify issues at an early stage.

“One of the things I’m very passionate about is looking at data and trying to

make sure that we’re making informed decisions about our programs,” Joel explained.

“I would like…to identify potential issues before they arise, making sure we have support mechanisms in place to look after our students.”

Joel is also looking forward to being involved in the student leadership program, a key part of the role.

“I did a Masters in Leadership and Management and I’m fascinated by those concepts and how quickly people talk about born leaders,” Joel said thoughtfully. “I don’t necessarily subscribe to that.”

“I like to think we can teach those leadership skills. A pastoral program that promotes leadership and the learning of leadership skills is really valuable,” Joel said.

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*Pictured: Lisa Delaney, Deputy Head of College, in her office in historic Ross Roy House.

Meet Lisa Delaney DEPUTY HEA D OF COLLEGE

Lisa Delaney, Deputy Head of College, has been part of the St Peters community since 2003, when she took up a six-month teaching replacement contract.

“I taught IT in the Senior School and I was a Year 12 form teacher,” Lisa recalled.

Her contract was extended so Lisa continued to teach until she became Year 9 Coordinator from 2005-2006.

In the following years, Lisa took on more senior roles and was appointed to dual roles: Head of Junior High from 2007-2009, and Head of Boarding from 2007-2013.

In 2010, she became the Director of Student Activities, which encompassed numerous responsibilities including supervision of the Senior School.

Sitting with Lisa in her office, her enthusiasm and obvious devotion to serving the school is contagious. She insists her enthusiasm is due to the students and the school community.

“I’ve always said students are our greatest asset. They are lovely to work 18

with,” Lisa says, her face alight with a huge smile.

“The community as a whole is so welcoming, so warm, and so inclusive,” she said.

“I think people sum it up as the spirit of the school and that’s exactly right.

When you go to sporting events or cultural events or Church on Sunday – whatever it is, there is that community spirit there. That culture… it’s beautiful.”

For Lisa, her involvement in the St Peters community goes beyond her work. St Peters is very much a family affair. Her twin boys, Caleb and Tristan, graduated from St Peters in 2014 and her husband, Stuart Delaney, is Head of Boys Boarding.

“St Peters is a community. We wouldn’t have stayed this long if there wasn’t that community here.”

Since her appointment as Deputy Head of College in 2014, Lisa has been closely involved in developing the College’s Vision statement, launched last month.

“I think our vision statement is wellcrafted and essential. Our challenge is how we use that to further develop and grow the school and to make sure it is a living and breathing document,” Lisa said.

Lisa believes the Vision statement will be key to meeting future challenges that lay ahead in terms of curriculum, assessment, and particularly social media and technology.

When she’s not at work, Lisa is an avid shopper and reader, and she loves spending time with her family and attending various school events.

“I get a lot of enjoyment and relaxation out of those things,” Lisa said, her appreciation and love for the school community, clearly evident in her thoughts.

“I’ve loved my years of working with the school and the community, and I truly do look at it as serving,” Lisa said.

“I think there are many people in this community that have many Godgiven gifts. They should always be encouraged to share those. That’s what makes this a great place.”

2016

Signature

ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE

THE

CONCERT SERIES

JAMES

MORRISON

QUINTET featuring Vocalist Hetty Kate Gordon Rytmeister - Drums, Phil Stack - Bass, James Muller - Guitar

supported by St Peters Stage Bands St Peters Performing Arts Centre

7.00pm Saturday 6 August Refreshments served at 6.00pm

Plus Ultra / SPOSA

Abigail Thomas FUTUR E PROBLEM SOLV ER

Imagine a world far into the future, in which neurological reprogramming has stripped away human creativity and individuality; we are rendered a society of perfect, but thoughtless, robots.

When Old Scholar, Abigail Thomas (2015), decided to write a short essay on this concept for the Scenario Writing division at the 2015 National Future Problem Solving Competition, she had no idea just how much her scenario would resonate in a global context.

“I was ecstatic to discover that this idea of mine won the senior division of the Australian National competition, especially since that was my first year in the Scenario Writing program,” Abigail explained.

Entitled Child Snatcher, Abigail explained her essay in more detail.

“It is set in the mid 2080s, when children are forced to have an implant injected into their brain at age 10. This implant compiles a program of how their brain functions and sends it to that district’s group of neurological engineers, who are in charge of editing

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Pictured (this page): Abigail Thomas (2015) is studying advanced science at Australian National University, Canberra.

“I WAS ECSTATIC TO DISCOVER THAT THIS IDEA OF MINE WON THE SENIOR DIVISION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL COMPETITION” that program in order to make the child smarter, less creative, emotional or obstructive….programming the electrical impulses in the brain through this chip.”

Abigail said the concept came to her over the course of a few days and in spite of the futuristic setting, she stressed there are foundations in research today.

“We know very little of how the brain works, but we are starting to look at

modelling it. Even though it’s still very primitive and there’s so much we don’t know, the technology is starting to be there,” Abigail explained.

Following her success at the Nationals, Abigail was invited to the International Future Problem Solving final in America. Although she was unable to attend due to university commitments, her short story was awarded fifth place in the Scenario Writing division, an amazing achievement for her inaugural entry.

Plus Ultra / SPOSA

“DELVING FURTHER INTO THE ISSUES OUR SOCIETY MAY FACE IN THE FUTURE, I WILL GROW AS A WRITER, THINKER, AND PROBLEM SOLVER.” – Abigail Thomas (2015) *Pictured: Abigail Thomas in her final year at St Peters Indooroopilly in 2015.

“I didn’t manage to go to the International Conference but I intend to continue my involvement in Future Problem Solving as an evaluator in the scenario writing section,” Abigail said.

No one is more surprised by the success she’s had in Future Problem Solving than Abigail herself, recalling a time as a student in the Infinity program (students complete Years 5-7 in two years), when she had to do the global issues problem solving booklet.

“I was horrible at it,” Abigail chuckled.

“I just could not fit my mind around the structure of it!”

Abigail confessed she didn’t ever think she would be involved in Future Problem Solving again. However, she decided to give it another crack last year when she was invited by the Exceptional Learners staff to pilot Scenario Writing in the Future Problem Solving competition.

She says Future Problem Solving, offered through the Exceptional Learners program at St Peters, teaches students invaluable skills.

“Future Problem Solving aims to develop futuristic, analytical, and lateral thinking in students, who will use these problem-solving skills in their own lives and potentially to the benefit of our society as a whole,” Abigail reasoned.

“Delving further into the issues our society may face in the future, I will grow as a writer, thinker, and problem solver.”

Involved in Exceptional Learners throughout her schooling at St Peters, Abigail is adamant she has benefitted greatly from extension opportunities and participation in various Robotics and Future Problem Solving competitions.

“The Exceptional Learners program has, in a sense, been at the heart of my education at St Peters, whether it be through extension classes in Junior School, the Infinity Program in Middle School or in extracurricular activities later on,” Abigail said.

every day. These are skills that are useful to anyone in any situation.”

“These experiences have given me a mindset and a world view. It has set me up for what I want to do,” Abigail said, relieved to have just completed her first semester at Australian National University, where she is studying advanced science.

She hopes to transfer into a Bachelor of Philosophy program for next semester and plans to continue with a masters or PhD after she finishes her degree. She said she will consider research in physics, but is keeping her options open.

And why not? Having so many options is surely one of the more exciting future problems Abigail will have to solve!

“It has taught me how to think laterally, how to problem solve and see things from a different angle. I use those skills 21

Plus Ultra / SPOSA

Q&A with Shaelyn Downing FILMM A K ER

This year, Incisor, a short film produced by Old Scholar Shaelyn Downing (2012), was included in the Cannes Short Film Corner – an initiative organised by the prestigious Festival de Cannes on the French Riviera.

Plus Ultra caught up with Shaelyn to find out the latest on her film.

W

H

During my final year at Griffith Film School, I produced Incisor as my graduate short film to implement the knowledge and skills accumulated over three years of study. I was drawn to make the film as I immediately connected to the story and recognised its potential to resonate with audiences. In my role as producer, I oversaw Incisor’s creative team in order to bring the film and its vision to life.

Earlier this year, I began the exciting process of submitting Incisor to international and national film festivals. The film was included in Cannes Short Film Corner. Over the next few months, I will continue to receive festival news and find out where Incisor has been accepted. I feel very confident in the film and its story, and hope it will perform well. After its international run, Incisor will have the chance to screen at local Brisbane film festivals – so, keep an eye out!

hy did you make this film?

Is it a university project or a personal project?

C

an you tell me about the film: what is the genre and the narrative?

Incisor is a short narrative film, probably best described as a drama/ comedy. The story follows Iris and Tash, two young women whose friendship is put to the test as they grapple with the daunting prospect of growing up and finding their own way through life. The story takes inspiration from films like Frances Ha (2013, dir. Noah Baumbach), Ghost World (2001, dir. Terry Zwigoff) and Ginger & Rosa (2013, dir. Sally Porter).

It’s a really authentic, honest and funny story and one I think many of us can relate to.

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as the film been submitted to any festivals and, if so, what has been the outcome?

C

an you tell me about the film’s crowdfunding campaign: what was its purpose and what has been the outcome?

While we were editing the film, I coordinated a crowdfunding campaign through IndieGoGo. The aim was to raise funds for Incisor’s distribution to film festivals. This is a crucial element for the project’s success, albeit expensive. Submissions to festivals can cost anywhere from $10-$100 and so we required the support of friends, family and fans to help us send Incisor to the best festivals around the world. Crowdfunding was very challenging. However, it was a rewarding process knowing that so many people were willing to support the film.

W

hat are your future plans for the film, and for yourself as an individual?

Ultimately, I plan to produce and pursue my passion for filmmaking.

I want to gain as much experience as I can in the industry to expand my skills and network. I am working as a production assistant on The Butterfly Tree, a feature film being shot in South East Queensland. It’s a touching film and a project I am very excited to be a part of. It will be released in 2017, so be sure to look out for it.

W

hat’s your best advice to other creatives trying to get their work out there?

The best advice I can offer fellow creatives is to keep persisting regardless of the challenges you may face. Persistence is key, especially in this industry. I came close to interning in Los Angeles (the last of three candidates). This missed opportunity gave me the chance to work on my first feature film alongside an incredible crew. Despite this setback, I never gave up pursuing my passion and continued searching for the next opportunity.

Check out the Incisor trailer at youtube. com/watch?v=US7KYz51YaM To keep up-to-date with Incisor news, visit the films’ Facebook page: facebook.com/incisorshortfilm/

Plus Ultra / SPOSA

Pictured (this page, clockwise from top): **Stills from Incisor, a short film produced by Old Scholar Shaelyn Downing during her final year at Griffith Film School; and the Incisor official poster. **Stills courtesy of Savannah Van der Niet

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

Court Culture ST PETERS BASK ETBA LL

It’s 4:00pm on an overcast Friday at St Peters Indooroopilly Stolz Courts. Girls in the 7B basketball team finish their warm-up and hit the court for their final game of the season against girls at Brisbane State High School (BSHS). Their coach, St Peters Old Scholar, Georgia Champion (2015), calls out encouragement from the sideline. She gives each of her players a hi-five as they return to the bench and are replaced by their subs.

Georgia is one of several Old Scholars who have returned to the St Peters Basketball Program to help younger players experience the best that the sport has to offer.

Mr David Rushmore, Head of Senior School and Coordinator of Girls Basketball, has been involved in the program for ten years, and says it is unique because it attracts and retains coaches with established histories within the program. Their emphasis on participation and enjoyment are attracting scores of boys and girls to the program each year.

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“We’ve always chosen coaches at St Peters who obviously have the skills, expertise and qualifications to be good coaches,” David said, “but they also understand coaching in a school context. It’s not a win-at-all-costs mindset: it’s about growing through sport and through their [students’] participation and I think we’ve got a good balance among our coaches who foster that.”

*Pictured (this page): Girls in St Peters 7B Basketball team warm up in preparation for their final game of the season.

“IT’S NOT A WINAT-ALL-COSTS MINDSET: IT’S ABOUT GROWING THROUGH SPORT.” – Mr David Rushmore, Coordinator of Girls Basketball

“The best thing about school basketball is it is a great introduction to learn a new sport: it caters for beginners who don’t know the rules or have any experience, all the way through to more established players,” Georgia Georgia, who took up basketball in remarked. “It provides students with Year 8 and played in the Opens team the opportunity to make new friends, from Years 9 -12, credits the popularity some of whom you would never have of the sport to its accessibility to players of all abilities and its social opportunities. met in such a large cohort.”

Plus Ultra / Around the School

*Pictured (anti-clockwise from left): Girls in St Peters Opens Basketball team take on their most formidable rival of the season, Brisbane State High School, for the premiership title; Old Scholar Georgia Champion (2015) supports girls in her 7B Basketball team from the sideline; and Mr Paul Galland, Coordinator of Boys Basketball and coach to the Girls Opens team, rallies his team at half-time.

Mr Paul Galland, Coordinator of Boys Basketball, has been coaching basketball at St Peters since 2014. He says that the sport not only fosters lifetime friendships, but also teaches students life skills.

“It gives students a chance to play with their peers, and build comradery and resilience,” Mr Galland said. “They learn how to win and lose and work with each other.”

He says that, while the program’s emphasis is on participation, there are plenty of opportunities for players who want to take their game to the next level.

Last year, he chaperoned 18 Junior High and Senior School students on the first International Basketball Tour to the United States. They visited Los Angles, San Francisco, New York and Sacramento to take in three

NBA games; one NHL Hockey game; participate in three professional clinics and, of course, experience Disneyland.

However, opportunities for cultural enrichment aren’t the only secret weapon of St Peters’ Basketball program. This year, Brian Kerle has returned to St Peters for a second year as coach mentor. The champion Australian basketballer’s association with St Peters began in 1986, when the team he coached, the Brisbane Bullets, trained at St Peters gymnasium three nights per week. He also runs clinics for passionate players during school holidays.

“Basketball helps students realise the importance of depending on team mates on the basketball court and in life,” Brian said.

For Georgia, life on the sideline is proving rewarding. She revels in her 7B teams’ 20-all draw against BSHS in their final game of the season.

“Mentoring and helping younger students is such a rewarding job.

Not only do you get to meet some awesome kids but, for me, it is such a great experience to help teach a sport I am passionate about,” Georgia said.

“To watch my team’s journey and how much they have improved over a short period of time is fantastic.”

For more information about the St Peters Basketball program contact Mr Shaun Nodwell, Director of Sport s.nodwell@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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Plus Ultra / SPOSA

Kate Gildea and Amy Sloan GLOBA L POW ER HOUSES

Kate Gildea (1996) and Amy Sloan (1996) are Old Scholars, best friends, and successful professionals working for global powerhouses.

*Pictured: In April, Old Scholars Kate Gildea (below right) and Amy Sloan returned to St Peters to participate in the Career Speakers Program.

Not surprisingly, Careers Counsellor, Jacqui Estevao, was thrilled when she received an email from Kate, who had read about the Career Speakers Program in Plus Ultra.

Kate, the National Communications Manager for Estée Lauder Companies, and Amy, a HR Consultant with Ernst and Young, were keen to share their career insights and returned to St Peters on 13 April to a packed theatrette filled with enthusiastic students.

Kate and Amy outlined their study and career paths, which were not always straightforward.

“I studied a psychology degree first and I started working with Autistic children thinking that might be somewhere I wanted my career to go but it was probably a bit challenging for me at that early age,” Amy explained.

“I went back and did a Business Degree and I really enjoyed the HR side of that, so my career just went from there.”

Now in her seventh year at Ernst and Young, Amy was previously the HR State Manager, but decided to make a change about 18 months ago to focus on external consulting for Ernst and Young clients. Amy has also worked for various companies including Rowland Communications, University of Queensland, Griffith University and Kmart.

Like Amy, Kate said she took some time to figure out which career path was right for her.

Two years into a Law degree, Kate switched courses to study Fine Arts and Acting before deciding on a Business Degree majoring in Marketing. However, it was her job on the Cosmetics floor at Myer that was a turning point for Kate.

“I had a job on the cosmetics floor at Myer Indooroopilly and that really shaped my career from there,” Kate explained.

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While working at Myer, Kate was offered a Sales Coordinator role at the Calvin Klein Head Offices in Sydney. After working her way up to Sales Manager, Kate decided to apply for a marketing role at Dior that instead led to a career in Public Relations (PR).

“During the interview, the General Manager said she thought my personality was much more suited to PR. There was a PR role going ….and that was the birth of my PR career,” Kate said.

Kate went on to work for Cosmax as the PR Manager of global luxury brands like Burberry, Gucci, and Dolce and Gabbana, and has managed campaigns for celebrities; Katy Perry, Nicole Ritchie, Andy Roddick, and One Direction.

Three and a half years ago, she was head-hunted for the Communications role at Estée Lauder and Tom Ford Beauty, a role that has special significance for her.

“I remember doing my core skills test in Year 12 and for the English component, I had to write an essay in any style on any topic that we wanted to,” Kate explained to the students.

Plus Ultra / SPOSA

“I REMEMBER DOING MY CORE SKILLS TEST IN YEAR 12… I CHOSE TO WRITE ABOUT THE AMERICAN DESIGNER, TOM FORD… NOW I WORK FOR MR FORD AND I REPRESENT HIS BRAND IN AUSTRALIA!” – Kate Gildea, Old Scholar and National Communications Manager for Estée Lauder Companies

“I chose to write about the American designer, Tom Ford, and his reinvention of the House of Gucci and now I work for Mr Ford and I represent his brand in Australia!” Kate said, still clearly astounded by such a fateful happenstance.

“My advice is to network with the people around you. In my career, networks have helped me every step of the way.

The people you’re in class with now, will be your potential colleagues down the track. Look around you and stay in touch!” Amy said wisely.

Her advice to students is to say “yes” to everything, whether its an educational or social experience or travel.

“We travel a lot for work so we have a lot of opportunities to see each other which is nice,” Kate added.

“By saying yes to everything your passions will find you, and your career path will find you,” Kate assured the students.

“I have spent my career working with some of the best beauty, luxury and celebrity brands in the industry and if someone had told me at the age of 15 what I would be doing now, I probably wouldn’t have believed them!” Kate said.

Amy also had some sage advice of her own.

In spite of their demanding global careers, 20 years on, Amy and Kate are still close, their friendship sealed during their Ironbark experience in Year 10.

“Kate has lived overseas and now lives in Sydney. I live in Brisbane, but our friendship still remains as strong as ever,” Amy says, as she grins warmly at her friend.

They are looking forward to catching up with the 1996 cohort at their 20 year reunion later this year and learning about the journeys and pathways of their classmates.

Please contact Careers Counsellor, Jacqui Estevao, if you wish to participate in the Career Speakers Program j.estevao@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

Lest We Forget A NZAC DAY

Prep to Year 12 students at Indooroopilly and Springfield marked the 101st anniversary of the landing of the ANZAC’s at Gallipoli at commemorations on Friday 22 April.

Students, staff, veterans, community members and representatives from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) assembled at each campus to remember the sacrifices our ANZAC’s, past and present.

In addition to the whole school services, some St Peters students represented the College at the ANZAC Student Commemoration in ANZAC Square, including Ryan Croxford, who attended the service with fellow Springfield School Captains.

“The most memorable part of the service was seeing the catafalque party...that stood there for two hours, in full uniform, completely still. It truly inspired me to see these young individuals so determined to stand tall, despite their crumbling faces and sweat beading down their foreheads,” Ryan explained.

“This reminded me that the ANZAC spirit still lives strongly within us despite the years that have passed.

We were truly honoured to be part of the service and to commemorate the fallen Australians who sacrificed themselves for the safety and protection of our country.”

Lest we forget.

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

It’s An Honour

This year, 50 members from Symphonic Winds and 13 members from Drumline joined together to form the St Peters Marching Band that so proudly represented St Peters at the Brisbane ANZAC Day March. Plus Ultra caught up with Grantley Sutch, Head of Bands, and some of the Band members, who had the honour of representing St Peters at the parade.

Now in its fourth year, St Peters Marching band is setting a proud tradition at the Brisbane ANZAC Day March. In his first year at the March as Head of Bands, Grantley Sutch described it as “a great opportunity to show respect and pay homage to the service men and women that have given so much to protect the lifestyle we enjoy today”.

He believed there were many benefits for the students who participated in the occasion.

“Their involvement in the March gave them a sense of pride in their school, their uniform, their Band program and they learned to understand the significance of the commemoration and how important it is to the community,” Grantley explained.

“TO COMMEMORATE THE LIVES LOST FOR OUR COMFORTABLE WAY OF LIFE - WAS ONE OF THE MOST WORTHWHILE THINGS THAT I’VE EVER TAKEN PART IN.” – James Armstrong, Drum Major for St Peters Marching Band at the 2016 Brisbane ANZAC Day March.

“As Drum Major, I was in charge of the band and had to give them a number of commands to get the band to form up, stop, start, change pieces or change direction,” James said.

Grantley said beyond the music experience, students learned to “Even though at times it was difficult to march in time; to work together deal with the amount of pressure and as a team; follow directions and responsibility I had placed upon me, instructions from the Drum Major; and they benefitted from the discipline, when the day arrived, it was an honour to march, and it was an honour to lead commitment, sacrifice and pride in the band on this important occasion,” their appearance.

James said proudly.

Year 12 student, James Armstrong, James’ fellow Marching band was granted the honour of being the members agree.

Drum Major.

“I have marched once before but my experience this year was vastly different,” James explained.

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Flautists, Brittany Kugel and Sarah Gagen said being in the ANZAC March was an incredible honour they will always cherish.

*Pictured: James Armstrong, Drum Major

“The memorisation of pieces, the hours and effort dedicated to practicing are all worth it for the feeling of pride and gratitude you experience when marching on the day,” Brittany explained.

“The realisation that you are marching down George Street representing St Peters, honouring our ANZAC’s, is quite surreal,” she said.

Sarah said playing the flute in the Marching Band has been one of the highlights of her time at St Peters.

“It is an honour to have been able to participate for the last three years, and will be something that I will always remember as a rare opportunity,” Sarah said.

For the past three years, Laura Davis and Sanha Ramsing have played clarinet in the Marching Band. They are adamant the band members take the honour very seriously.

“ANZAC Day is a very serious day in Australian history and we approached marching for the parade with the same mindset,” Sanha said.

James agreed.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and the reason why we all gathered in the city - to commemorate the lives lost for our comfortable way of life - was one of the most worthwhile things that I’ve ever taken part in,” James said emphatically.

St Peters Marching Band, you have done us proud!

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St Peters Plus Ultra Short Story Writing Competition is back!

The competition is open to Indooroopilly and Springfield students in Years 5–12. Winners will receive Amazon prize packs and have their stories published in the October 2016 issue of Plus Ultra. To enter, check out the guidelines:

Students in Years 5–8 may submit stories no longer than 800 words. The first sentence of the story must be: ‘The phone rang.’ The submission that is most creative will win.

Students in Years 9–12 may submit stories no longer than 1200 words. The first sentence of the story must be: ‘The phone rang.’ The submission that is most creative will win.

Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format. Email to publications@stpeters.qld.edu.au with the subject line ‘Short Story Comp’.

Remember to include your name and student number in your email.

Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format. Email to publications@stpeters.qld.edu.au with the subject line ‘Short Story’ Comp.

Remember to include your name and student number in your email.

Good luck!

Good luck!

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Student Showcase

This issue, the PLUS ULTRA editorial team gave three students at St Peters Indooroopilly and Springfield Senior Schools the opportunity to join the editorial team.

Students had the opportunity to: • Work with PLUS ULTRA editorial staff to write an article each (400–600 words) for the July issue of PLUS ULTRA magazine; • Conduct a maximum of two research interviews supervised by PLUS ULTRA editorial staff; and • Direct a professional photographer in a 30-minute photoshoot for a photo to accompany the article.

Read articles by Bonita Mendel, Megan Smart and Kevin Nguyen on the follorwing pages. Enjoy!

For more information about the Be a PLUS ULTRA Journalist initiative, contact the editoral team publications@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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Kaleidoscope: a Look into the Past

*Written by Bonita Mendel, Year 11 student at St Peters Indooroopilly and Plus Ultra intern.

A highlight of the Junior High calendar, Kaleidoscope allows Year 8 students to make friends, develop skills and perform.

However, ten years ago, the production was just beginning.

In 2007, the school added Junior High as a sub school. The former Head of College, Mr Stephen Rudolph, wanted something special for the first year of high school (Year 8), so that students could assimilate into life at St Peters.

He recalls how he “wanted to provide highlights for student engagement in Junior High… [which] informed students, parents and [the] community about the brilliance and importance of these students, and how well they could prepare and present, when given appropriate opportunities.”

He consulted with music teacher, Christine Taylor, and the Director of Music, Graeme Morton, who came up with a model.

They planned to have a Year 8 production, linking two major components of the curriculum – The Arts and Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE). The Arts would engage the cast, with the physical and mental demands of acting and singing, challenging and developing students’ skills.

SOSE, on the other hand, provided 34

*Pictured (below): **Ms Christine Taylor, Head of Choirs and Producer of all 10 Year 8 Kaleidoscope productions. **Art Direction by Bonita Mendel

students with more cultural awareness of Australia’s history.

St Peters commissioned music and libretto, written exclusively for the production, from two leading figures of the Australian Arts world: Stephen Leek and Vincent Plush.

This was so the production would not be a ‘musical’ as such – the staff specifically wanted to have many shared main roles rather than a few central characters. Furthermore, the commissioned pieces could be tailor-made to fit not only the students, but also the venue. The Chapel, which was used for many productions, was a small space with no curtains or backstage, so the composer and librettist worked around this.

Thus, in 2007, the Year 8 Production was premiered. Under the guidance of professionals, and directed by ABC news producer, William Fitzwater, the production titled Eureka was a success.

There were rave reviews, and magazine articles written about this ‘alternative approach to the school musical’, which detailed events of the Eureka Stockade.

Furthermore, the DVD and libretto were, and still are, featured in the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, Ballarat. The production was re-performed by a number of

different groups, and other schools followed St Peters footsteps.

The Year 8 Production was deemed worthy of becoming an annual event. There were four more SOSE based works, each bringing new experiences. The second, titled The Dawn, told the story of Louisa Lawson and the Australian Suffragette movement. Australian Opera star, Maggie Noonan, was a guest performer, and brought experienced mentoring to the students. This allowed them to develop skills, such as singing, which they would keep for life.

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Pictured (this page from top): Students from the 2013 Year 8 Kaleidoscope production Take the Stage bond during rehearsal; and Students in the first Year 8 Kaleidoscope production (2007) entitled Eureka.

In 2012, the decision was made to change the commissioned music and script to a series of one-act plays, interlinked with music and dance, hence the new name, Arts Kaleidoscope. This was done to make rehearsals more efficient, as having different, short skits meant that several scenes could be rehearsed at once. The focus of SOSE was shifted to ‘coming of age’ pastoral care themes. This was made clearer with pop culture music selected by Christine Taylor and Trish Allen, Head of Junior High and new Director. These themes allowed students to once again develop, however this time more personally.

A decade on, Kaleidoscope continues to grow. With drama teacher, Nick Trethan as new Director and Librettist, and the facilities of the brand new Performing Arts Centre, students will continue to grow and produce amazing productions.

Christine Taylor, Producer of all 10 productions, is quick to point out that “seeing how much [the students] develop, how they become so confident in themselves… through their involvement in Kaleidoscope - that is always one of the highlights”.

“SEEING HOW MUCH [THE STUDENTS] DEVELOP, HOW THEY BECOME SO CONFIDENT IN THEMSELVES… THROUGH THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN KALEIDOSCOPE THAT IS ALWAYS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS”.

– Ms Christine Taylor, Producer of all 10 Year 8 Kaleidoscope productions

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Bou Meng’s Cambodia Tour Painting

*Written by Megan Smart, Year 11 student at St Peters Indooroopilly and Plus Ultra intern.

Pictured (this page): The original photo from which Cambodian artist Bou Meng referenced his painting of the 2010 St Peters Cambodia Service Learning Tour group.

After six years in transit, Bou Meng’s painting of 2010 St Peters students and staff from the Cambodia Service Learning Tour is now available for public view in the St Peters Performing Arts Center (PAC) and demonstrates St Peters growing connections in various countries around the world.

In 2010, St Peters students and Cambodian artist Bou Meng took a photo together in front of the prison block known as Security Prison S-21. This group of St Peters students and staff were the first to go on the Cambodia Tour and meet commended artist Bou Meng, as well as hear his gripping story of survival during the horrors of the S-21 genocide.

This photo was later re-created

by Bou Meng in a painting, of which Indigenous Education Program Coordinator at St Peters Indooroopilly and Cambodia Service Learning Tour Coordinator, Murray Paterson remarked, “We didn’t know he was going to do it. It came as a complete surprise… That photo was taken in December [of 2010] and in January we received an email of him smiling next to the painting”.

Bou Meng has dedicated his life to educating people about the 36

BOU MENG HAS DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT THE HORRORS WHICH OCCURRED DURING THE GENOCIDE… horrors which occurred during the genocide, and how the international community can prevent this from

happening again. Bou Meng uses his confrontational art to get this message across to the general audience.

Murray Paterson summarises the importance of this painting, saying, “Over 20,000 people went through Tuol Sleng and only 12 survived. He survived because he was an artist, he could do pictures of Pol Pot and other communist leaders and he’s recognised as an artist in Cambodia. So to have a piece of his art of our students up - no other school in Australia would have this”.

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*Pictured (this page): **Mr Murray Paterson, St Peters Cambodia Service Learning Tour Coordinator, with Bou Meng’s painting of 2010 students and staff. Mr Paterson did not appear in the painting because he took the photo, which Bou Meng used as a reference. **Art Direction by Megan Smart.

The Cambodia tour works with orphanages, builds houses, and donates to the families of Cambodia. Additionally, this tour gives St Peters students an enriching experience that will last a life time.

“HE SURVIVED BECAUSE HE WAS AN ARTIST, HE COULD DO PICTURES OF POL POT… TO HAVE A PIECE OF HIS ART OF OUR STUDENTS UP NO OTHER SCHOOL IN AUSTRALIA WOULD HAVE THIS”.

To support the Cambodia tour, donations of clothes, stationary, toys, and money are accepted.

Donations are much appreciated and will make a big difference to – Mr Murray Paterson, St Peters Cambodia the lives of people in Cambodia. To Service Learning Tour Coordinator donate contact Mr Murray Paterson, Cambodia Tour Coordinator m.paterson@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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Reaching Out

*Written by Kevin Nguyen, Year 12 student at St Peters Springfield and Plus Ultra intern.

This year, Johanna Lambert, Year 12 student at St Peters Springfield, took the initiative and created Reaching Out: a group of selfless, like-minded students in Years 9-12 who are passionate about serving the greater community.

Reaching Out was created with two main purposes in mind: to serve the community by lending their efforts to those in need, and to educate and inspire others. Johanna hopes that others will learn from the actions of Reaching Out, leading to a greater serving community.

REACHING OUT WAS CREATED WITH TWO MAIN PURPOSES IN MIND: TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY… AND TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE OTHERS.

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From childhood, Johanna has always been inspired to serve others.

“From a pretty young age I was always interested in helping people,” Johanna remarked, “It just came naturally, I always liked doing it.”

With a natural gift for helping others, Johanna wanted to do something to help the community.

“I felt like it [Reaching Out] was a really good thing to start within the school,” Johanna stated. “It was a way of getting the community together, a way to help people and setting a feeling of service within the school.”

Johanna, with the help of Mrs Kerrie Anglin, Year 12 Pastoral Care Teacher and Senior School Legal Studies Teacher, pitched the idea to St Peters Springfield Principal, Ms Jill Lange-Mohr.

It was quickly approved.

Johanna and Mrs Anglin quickly recruited those who wanted to have a positive impact on the community. Having found out that the St Andrews Lutheran College Creative Arts facility had burned down in April, Johanna decided that they would raise money to help resupply the art utensils lost in the fire.

“THE VERY FIRST PROJECT IS THE ONE I’M THE MOST PROUD OF. IT WAS REALLY LOVELY TO SEE THE YOUNGER STUDENTS WHO DIDN’T HAVE ANY MONEY THANK THE OLDER STUDENTS FOR THEIR KINDNESS.” – Mrs Kerrie Anglin, Year 12 Pastoral Care Teacher at St Peters Springfield and Reaching Out Facilitator

Their first project was selling Zooper Doopers (ice blocks) at the Cross Country event. For this project, students were encouraged to ‘pay it forward’, with the option to pay for someone else’s Zooper Dooper instead of receiving change.

This taught many students the value of generosity.

“The very first project is the one I’m the most proud of,” Mrs Anglin commented. “It was really lovely to see the younger students who didn’t have any money thank the older students for their kindness.”

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*Pictured (this page): **Johanna Lambert, Year 12 student at St Peters Springfield, has a gift for helping people.

She joined forces with Mrs Kerrie Anglin, Year 12 Pastoral Care Teacher, to create Reaching Out. The group is dedicated to serving the greater community. **Art Direction by Kevin Nguyen.

After the Zooper Dooper sale, Reaching Out hosted a sausage sizzle to increase their initial donation to $332.

Reaching Out’s most recent initiative was ‘Handbags for Women in Crisis’, which supported women in need at the Mary and Martha’s Refuge. To find out about upcoming projects and to get involved, contact Mrs Kerrie Anglin, Reaching Out Liaison k.anglin@stpeters.qld.edu.au

“FROM A PRETTY YOUNG AGE I WAS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN HELPING PEOPLE. IT JUST CAME NATURALLY.” – Johanna Lambert, Year 12 student at St Peters Springfield and creator of Reaching Out

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

Supers YEA R 8 A RTS K A LEIDOSCOPE

Picture a hero, a sidekick and a villain through the lens of a Superhero narrative and you get the gist of the 2016 Year 8 Kaleidoscope production, Supers.

SUPERS EXPLORED THEMES OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION, CYBER-SAFETY, RESILIENCE AND EMPOWERMENT. Written for the Year 8 cohort by the Director, Mr Nick Trethan, and under Music Director, Benedict Braxton-Smith, Supers explored themes of conflict resolution, cyber-safety, resilience and empowerment in two performances on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May. From the pathos of the haunting, “Say Something” and the spectacular fight routine performed to, “You’re the Voice” with bagpipes and drummers, Supers was a superb night of music, dance and drama, and a powerful reminder of how making good choices makes us “super”.

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

From the Pool to the Platform SH AI W ILLI A MS H AS R EACHED GR EAT HEIGHTS IN DIV ING

Shai Williams, Year 9 student at St Peters Springfield, is grateful to her swimming coach at her local Waterworx Aquatic Lifestyle Centre. Three years ago, she noticed Shai’s growing interest in diving, and suggested she swap the pool for the platform.

*Pictured (opposite): Shai Williams, Year 9 student at St Peters Springfield.

Today, Shai sports four gold medals from a clean sweep at the 2016 Queensland Open and Age State Championships at Queensland’s Gold Coast, and two silver medals from the 2016 Australian Age Diving Championships in Sydney. She has already qualified to represent St Peters for the second time at the School Sport Australia annual Diving Championships at Lightning Ridge, New South Wales.

While Shai trains and competes across all events, including Springboard Diving (one metre and three metres) and Synchronised Diving (three and ten metres), her specialty is Platform Diving (five, seven and ten metres), and it’s taking her in a thrilling new direction.

“I’m getting interested in Cliff Diving,” Shai said, describing her admiration for the athletes who compete at the annual Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, and dive from castles, cliffs, towers and bridges at heights of 26 to 28 metres.

Her coaches are no strangers to the difficult, dangerous and mentally challenging adventure sport: Steve Black is a World Champion High Diver (1999 and 2008), and Jeff Arbon is an Olympic High Diver (Seoul, 1988) and Red Bull Cliff Diving Judge.

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While Shai must wait until she turns 18 to perform the minimum 20 metres high dives required in competition, she has experimented with the basics.

“You have to break up your dives into two separate parts because it’s so high that the only build-ups you can do for it are off 10 metres. So you split the dive in half from 20 metres,” Shai explained. “When you actually get to 20 metres you can… join them together.”

However, she hasn’t ruled herself out as a possible future Olympian, dedicating three hours daily to a combination of pool and dry-land (gymnastics) trainings in pursuit of her goal.

“When you hit the water, it feels like you haven’t hit anything. It’s a really hard feeling to describe,” Shai said. “It feels really free when you’re flying.” *Pictured (this page): Shai took out the 14/15 years Girls division of the 2016 Queensland Open and Age State Championships in March in a clean sweep of four gold medals. She was awarded two silver medals at the 2016 Australian Age Diving Championships in April.

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St Peters Lutheran College – a Generous Community

For many years Queensland’s Lutheran community sent their children to Australia’s only Lutheran College – in Adelaide.

In 1944, a small but enthusiastic group of Queensland-based Lutherans wanted to establish a school for Lutheran children in Brisbane.

A committee known as the Committee of Direction (COD) was formed to establish a school. They were faced with many obstacles, not least of which was a lack of money.

“WE HAVE PULLED DOWN THE OLD GARAGE AND ARE NOW PUTTING IN THE STUMPS AND BEGINNING ON THE REBUILDING OF THE GARAGE AS THE BOYS’ DORMITORY. BRING YOUR CARPENTER’S TOOLS ALONG…”

On 3 September 1944 the financial drive was launched. The results of the – Pastor Gerhard Dohler, College campaign were so overwhelming that by the end of that month, the COD was Committee (College Council) Chair, appealed to fellow pastors for looking for suitable properties. This carpenters, gardeners and labourers appeal went on to raise £18,738 – a to help build the Boys’ Dorm. veritable fortune in the 1940’s.

The generosity of St Peters founders extended beyond financial donations.

In 1945, the Chairman, Pastor Gerhard Dohler, put out the word to other pastors for carpenters, gardeners and labourers to come to Ross Roy for a day or longer and bring farm produce.

He wrote personally to others: Could you please give us some days this week? We have pulled down the old garage and are now putting in the stumps and beginning on the rebuilding of the garage as the boys’ dormitory. Bring your carpenter’s tools along…

Of the many who gave of their time, above all we acknowledge the three 44

Freds. Ludcke, Mutze and Schilling made a wonderful team. Fred Mutze was the carpenter; Fred Schilling was the electrical, plumbing and drainage expert; and Fred Ludcke looked after the ground works and anything else that needed doing.

These three men were members of the College Council. They organised and directed the volunteer gangs and gave almost all their time to this phase of the College’s development.

St Peters was built on generosity and we still rely on our community’s generosity today.

The most recent visible evidence of this is the Performing Arts Centre.

Without the generosity of the St

Pictured (this page): Volunteer labour helped to build the College.

Peters community over many years, our students would not have access to this wonderful building or the Stuart & Sons concert grand piano that is housed within it.

Equally, the College relies on all those people who give of their time to help out in a Junior School classroom, cook a sausage sizzle at a sporting event or prepare a garden bed at Springfield.

This year, the St Peters Future Foundation asked our community to contribute to scholarships for students who otherwise would not be able to attend St Peters and our community has again responded with a generosity that is humbling.

Thank you for all that you give.

Plus Ultra / SPOSA

D

D

C D

D

C

A

Pictured: (A) Pastor Gerhard Dohler; (B) the three Freds (pictured at the opening of the College) volunteered many hours of labour to build St Peters Indooroopilly; (C) the generosity of the St Peters community has afforded the College the Performing Arts Centre and the Stuart & Sons grand piano; and (D) parents and friends still give generously of their time to support College events and initiatives.

B

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

Perceptual Motor Program

With this in mind, the program extends beyond the classroom for students who need extra support.

When Mrs Sally Hannah was appointed Coordinator of the Junior School Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) in 2010, she wasted no time finding a way to impress the importance of motor skills development upon parents. Today, the annual Bush Dance is the most anticipated event in the Indooroopilly Junior School calendar, and it’s all so that students can show their family and friends how well they can move!

PMP works alongside the Junior School’s Health and Physical Education (HPE) program and involves two 30-minute sessions per week for Prep to Year 3 students. It was developed to address the needs of what Sally refers to as ‘a new generation of computerised children’, many of whom have underdeveloped gross motor skills. She believes that a range of lifestyle factors, such as increased computer work; busier family lives; and the realities of modern housing with limited outdoors access, are preventing the development of physical skills needed to sit and concentrate in the classroom.

“We’re fairly unique here at St Peters because… we also identify children who may have difficulties,” Sally remarked. “We do a separate assessment for them using the Dale Ulrich assessment test and then we design individual programs for these students to give them maximum development for motor skills.”

Sally also connects families with external providers such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other support programs to supplement at-home programs she designs.

“There’s always been a big argument that [Perceptual] Motor Skills is the be-all-and-end-all program that improves academics,” Sally said. “It doesn’t improve academics. What it does do is improve the students’ ability to focus and concentrate in class.”

jumping, running and galloping); balance; coordination (hand-eye and foot-eye); and proprioception (spatial awareness). In Term 2, students combine fundamental movement skills to learn movement through sequence, honing their skills through gymnastics (Prep to Year 1) and game play (Years 2 and 3). Term 3’s Multicultural Music Program immerses students in five weeks of multicultural dance before final rehearsals for the Junior School Bush Dance begin. Students learn ten dances, but only showcase three to their family and friends on the night. Finally, a return to fundamental movement skills in Term 4 ensures students continue to develop through constant repetition.

In Term 1, the Fundamental Movement Program familiarises students with the principles of locomotion (hopping, skipping,

“We need to make sure that each child develops at their own rate through constant repetition of the skills,” Sally said.

However, she’s quick to address the misconception that PMP directly enhances academic outcomes.

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While Sally is adamant that improved gross motor skills improve students’ ability to concentrate and participate, she says that students’ joy at achieving new things, from hanging upside-down for the first time to learning to dance, is also reward. She encourages family and friends to get outside and active with students, no matter their ability.

“There is some sport or some motor development for every child that they can do well,” Sally said.

For more information about PMP at St Peters Indooroopilly contact Mrs Sally Hannah, PMP Coordinator s.hannah@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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*Pictured: Prep students at St Peters Indooroopilly participate in the PMP Fundamental Movement Program in Term 1.

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Plus Ultra / Staff

Meet Matthew Wilksch PASTOR – ST PETERS SPR INGFIELD

It’s mid-morning on a balmy Friday in May when Pastor Matthew Wilksch, Chaplain at St Peters Springfield, returns from one of his favourite places: St Peters Springfield Kindergarten.

With his guitar and bible story book in tow, Pastor Matt, as he is affectionately known, enjoys leading the College’s youngest students in story and song and answering hard-hitting questions.

“Everything from ‘I have a cat’,” he chuckles, “to ‘My mum and dad say that God’s not real’.”

Pastor Matt relishes the challenge of answering questions that, he says, require a balance between honouring the beliefs of the Lutheran Church that he represents and respecting the positions of St Peters Springfield’s richly multicultural community. It’s a challenge he was eager to accept when he received the call in 2013.

“It’s been a really rich and stimulating environment and I’ve loved it,” Pastor Matt says. “It’s been a lot of fun. I’m enjoying ministry more than ever.”

“THAT KIND OF OUTWARDLOOKING SPIRIT AND GENEROSITY: THAT’S VERY COMPELLING.” Pastor at Bridgewater in the Adelaide Hills, Pastor Matt received the call to St Peters Springfield.

“The call came along at the right time,” Pastor Matt reflects. “I’d had a series of calls, but that was the one that seemed right.”

Pastor Matt’s decision was influenced by a letter his family had received years prior from the Head of College at St Peters Indooroopilly, Stephen Rudolph, inviting him and his wife to enrol their children. Although they were unable to accept at the time, Pastor Matt says that the letter left a lasting impression.

After graduating from high school, Pastor Matt embarked on a Science Degree at Monash University in Melbourne before deciding to follow in “I thought that was a very interesting, proactive, generous-natured letter,” the footsteps of his father to become a pastor. He switched to an Arts Degree, he said. “That kind of outwardlooking spirit and generosity: that’s undertaking studies in History and Philosophy, before moving to Adelaide very compelling.” to undertake five years of theological When he’s not ministering to the studies, including one year of practical St Peters Springfield community, vicarage. After five years of parish Pastor Matt takes time out to run. ministry at Rosewood, west of Ipswich, and a further eight years as Parish

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On Saturdays, he can often be found at the local park trying to “crack a new PB” and is in training for the Gold Coast full marathon.

“The challenge of running is a mirror for life: ups and downs. Right now I’ve got a little niggle in my leg: it could derail the marathon campaign!” he laughs.

“Running mirrors the life of faith as well. A favourite bible verse is Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not be faint.”

When asked if he has any advice for students who want to pursue ministry, he pauses to reflect.

“Don’t presume to know too much about faith and about life. Approach it with a humble spirit. As soon as you think you’ve got it all figured out, you can bet that something will happen and you’ll have to rethink it all,” Pastor Matt said. “Be respectful of people and be aware that when you’re talking with people, you’re walking on sacred ground.”

Pastor Matt can be contacted at m.wilksch@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Plus Ultra / Staff

“IT’S BEEN A LOT OF FUN. I’M ENJOYING MINISTRY MORE THAN EVER.” – Pastor Matt Wilksch *Pictured: Pastor Matt Wilksch, Pastor at St Peters Springfield.

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

Sandie Fraser: Quiet Achiever

According to an African proverb, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. In a school with over 2,000 children, St Peters could do with an army of helpers. But in today’s world of time-strapped parents, volunteers are hard to find.

Thankfully, St Peters is blessed with parents like Sandie Fraser, an unsung hero, who has willingly given of her time and talents to support the student body and the life of the school for the past eight years.

Sandie, parent to Old Scholars Matthew (2014) and Samantha (2016), is a quiet achiever who prefers to keep a low profile. However, she has made a significant contribution to the life of the school through her involvement in Thursday Drop-In and Community Hub, Tuckshop, P&F, and the Music and Tennis Support Groups.

Sandie said her motivation to become involved in these activities mainly stemmed from her desire to meet people when her family returned to Australia in 2009 after eight years in Canada.

“When we first came back, I became involved to meet people and to be a part of what the kids were doing,” Sandie explained.

“When we first took over, the Drop-In Group did a lot of community support work but was very much thought of as a craft group,” Sandie explained.

Now known as the Community Hub, Sandie said the group has expanded its focus, incorporating craft into community outreach support, student service learning, and providing support for new families.

“Jo and I have worked really hard on this community focus. We attend new parent welcome functions and provide advice on options available to be a part of the social and charitable aspects of life at St Peters. The Hub also works with the school to assist families in need through the provision of meals or other support that may be helpful.”

– Sandie Fraser, St Peters parent and dedicated volunteer

Community Hub also supports various charities.

“I started out with Tuckshop at Middle School and soon also started coming to the Drop-In group on Thursday.”

“Knitting for Brisbane’s Needy and Pillowcases for Oncology Kids are the main ones,” Sandie said. “And we’ve just recently started supporting a foster home in Barcaldine providing pillows and pillow cases and mattress protectors for the kids’ beds.”

In 2012, the Drop-In group’s founders, Kym Textor and Lia Lamplough handed over the reins to Sandie and her good friend, Jo Potts.

“It’s nice to think that everything we do goes out with a gift tag from St Peters, so it’s like we’re helping to grow the sense of community spirit for the

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“FOR ME, VOLUNTEERING IS ABOUT GIVING BACK, PARTICULARLY WHEN WE WORK WITH THE STUDENTS. IT’S LETTING THEM APPRECIATE THAT WHEN YOU STOP GOING TO SCHOOL, IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT YOU STOP SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY.”

College. The fact that people will see something and appreciate the values of the school – that’s the rewarding bit!”

Sandie said.

In addition to charity work, the Community Hub supports the activities of students and the College, and for the past four years, the group has connected with Year 9’s as part of their Service Learning.

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*Pictured: Sandie Fraser, parent at St Peters Indooroopilly, has been involved in Thursday Drop-In and Community Hub, Tuckshop, P&F, and various parent support groups.

“We teach a Year 9 class how to loom hats, which are then donated to Knitting for Brisbane’s Needy,” Sandie explained.

the Jive into June event and Year 12 Music Medallion night, and now also runs the bar service for the Signature Series Concerts.

“We also support students who are doing their Duke of Edinburgh. We have a couple of students looming hats as part of their Community Service component.”

While she’s still involved in the support group, Sandie stepped out of the President’s role to make way for someone new.

In addition to Tuckshop and Community Hub, Sandie has been instrumental – no pun intended – in heading up the Music Support Group.

She spent three years as President and had a significant involvement in the Keys to Success Campaign.

“The biggest thing that happened while I was President was the fundraising for the Stuart & Sons piano. I was heavily involved in driving a lot of the parent fundraising. It’s such a beautiful addition to the school,” Sandie said.

The Music Support Group is multifaceted. The Group fundraises for the Music Group tours, organises

“I chose to step out of that role last year. I am a firm believer that there needs to be change, otherwise groups get set in their ways. I also wanted to have more time to do things with my daughter, Sam, who is in her final year at St Peters,” Sandie explained.

Sandie has also been President of the Tennis Support Group and for the last two years, she has been Treasurer of the P&F. “When you’ve been active, you get an appreciation of how everything ties together so I thought maybe I had something to offer!” Sandie said with her trademark modesty.

“IT’S NICE TO THINK THAT EVERYTHING WE DO GOES OUT WITH A GIFT TAG FROM ST PETERS, SO IT’S LIKE WE’RE HELPING TO GROW THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT FOR THE COLLEGE.” “For me, volunteering is about giving back, particularly when we work with the students. It’s letting them appreciate that when you stop going to school, it doesn’t mean that you stop supporting your community.”

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Plus Ultra / Around the School

Deep Blue Concert ST PETERS SIGNATUR E SER IES

On Saturday 4 June, over 250 string students in eight ensembles, performed with renowned Deep Blue Orchestra in an evening of unique entertainment.

In the second 2016 Signature Series concert, the Ensembles played to a sell-out crowd, wowed by modern instrumental covers of pop and rock tunes favourites: Jailhouse Rock, Billie Jean, Celebration, Shake it Off, Break free, Uptown Funk and AC/DC’s, Thunderstruck.

The Deep Blue ensemble presented an enchanting repertoire and showcased their trademark versatility with a few musical surprises.

Some ensemble members demonstrated amazing skill at playing the violin while walking on stilts!

In a fun segue, the audience grooved their way through the eternal favourite, YMCA, capably led by some enthusiastic parents, who braved the stage. While Head of College, Adrian Wiles, faced off against some students in a friendly Theremin competition.

Congratulations to all performers and a special thank you to the Music Support Group and support crews for their contributions to the evening.

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*Pictured (L–R): William Vanman; Thomas Allan and Ellis Yunker, members of the Year 5 Coding Club.

Year 5 Coding Club BUILDING FUTUR ES A ND FR IENDSHIPS

It’s Thursday lunchtime and Thomas Allan is on his way to the Year 5 Coding Club – his own coding club, actually!

While studying the unit of inquiry, “Who We Are”, coding enthusiast, Thomas saw an opportunity to share his passion and skill for coding with his classmates, and suggested to his teacher, Andrew Robin, that he would like to start a lunchtime coding club in Term 1 this year.

According to Andrew, Year 5 students were encouraged to consider how they might use their gifts and talents to help others, a tangible example of how the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) resonates with students in and out of the classroom.

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“Promoting action is an important part of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), so I was thrilled when Thomas suggested he would like to organise a lunchtime coding club to share his skills with other students,” Andrew explained.

“I spoke to Mr Robin about setting up a coding club and he said that would be a good idea,” Thomas recalled.

“I thought of lunchtimes when we didn’t have anything on and Thursday was the one that came to mind,” Thomas said.

After some initial help from Mr Robin to organise a computer lab and some regular email communication to club members, Thomas got to work on a recruiting strategy.

“I SPOKE TO MR ROBIN ABOUT SETTING UP A CODING CLUB AND HE SAID THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA.” – Thomas Allan, Year 5 “I advertised it on assembly a few times, and now we have an email list set up,” Thomas said.

“I go around every Thursday before it starts and remind everyone coding club is on!” Thomas joked.

Plus Ultra / Around the School

Andrew said he has been very impressed by Thomas’ initiative, commitment and planning skills.

“He plans and leads sessions, chooses projects that he feels will be fun and engaging and reminds me to go every Thursday lunch time!” Andrew mused.

According to Andrew, students who attend regularly quickly learn to code games in Scratch and are now able to assist one another with their programming.

“They are learning the importance of listening carefully to instructions and being precise and careful with their code. At the same time, they are playful in their approach to coding and enjoy experimenting with new ideas to see how it will change their game,” Andrew explained.

“Thomas is passionate about coding games and approaches coding with a great sense of fun and curiosity. He plans activities for club members so they can try coding games themselves and demonstrates the steps required to achieve the finished product.”

Still in its early days, the club has a number of faithful members like William Vanman and Ellis Yunker, who are eager to hone their own coding skills.

“I do non-visual coding so I thought it would be interesting to try visual coding…that is the kind of coding where you drive blocks,” Ellis explained.

William and Ellis are big fans of the Coding Club, proving Thomas’ initiative is helping students to build friendships as well as future coders.

*Pictured: Thomas Allan with Mr Andrew Robin.

“Thomas is the teacher,” William said.

“He comes around to help us if we get stuck!”

light refracting through prisms all modelled in virtual worlds for student presentations,” Andrew said.

In Term 3, Thomas said the club will venture into different programs like Small Basic and he will put a vote to the club members to decide what coding languages they want to learn.

“It isn’t always easy to make sure all the coders are on the same page, however, Thomas’ commitment and perseverance are great assets.”

“Eventually, I would like to have members work on their own projects,” Thomas said.

Andrew said he is looking forward to seeing coding club evolve as the year progresses and hopes to see it continue next year.

Andrew said Thomas has demonstrated a natural aptitude for teaching his classmates within the Coding Club and the Year 5 classroom.

“As a teacher, it is wonderful to see students commit to their ideas and follow through each week, once they have made a commitment like this.”

“Thomas has also shared his coding skills in Minecraft to help other students build virtual models in relation to science content in the curriculum,” Andrew explained.

“We’ve seen scale models of the Both boys were adamant they enjoy solar system, space telescopes, the coming along to support their friend, who helps them out when they get stuck. electromagnetic spectrum and

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Duke of Edinburgh

St Peters students have a unique opportunity to commence the Duke of Edinburgh Award program in Year 9 when they attend Ironbark and it is heartening to see so many taking advantage of this opportunity.

Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Mrs Anne Tetley-Jones, said the program provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they are capable of more than academics.

“Many of our students chose to do the adventurous journey at Ironbark or seek recognition for the community service work they do during their tour of Cambodia. They can gain credit for representing St Peters in a sporting team and for participating in a music ensemble,” she said.

“Through the Duke of Edinburgh program our students are able to formalise what they are already doing and receive an internationally recognised award for the community work they do.”

Year 11 student, Ben Haselgrove said that he embarked on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme because it was readily achievable.

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“FOR MY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM, MY STAY IS IN A TRADITIONAL ENGLISH COLLEGE IN CAMBRIDGE IN JULY, ATTENDING THE CAMBRIDGE CODING SUMMER SCHOOL.” – Ben Haselgrove, Year 11 student at St Peters Indooroopilly and Duke of Edinburgh participant “With the Ironbark Program in Year 9, it is not difficult to complete the Bronze level,” he said. “This year I am in Year 11 and working on my Gold level…. I plan to finish Gold before the end of Year 12.”

For his Gold Adventurous Journey, Ben has gained a berth on a Youth Development Voyage aboard the Young Endeavour in September, sailing from Darwin to Broome!

“For my residential program, my stay is in a traditional English college in Cambridge in July, attending the Cambridge Coding Summer School.

I was successful in gaining a 2016 RSL Youth Development grant to assist with this,” he said.

Year 12 student Lily Kennedy also commenced the program at Ironbark. She has particularly enjoyed the program’s community service requirement.

Plus Ultra / Around the School

“For my service I have been going to the St Peters Prep Centre every Wednesday morning before school to help out with whatever they need. In addition, I am helping to run a deaf youth group at the PCYC so they can achieve their bronze award,” she said.

Fellow Year 12 student, Kelsey Holding said he went into it to meet new people and make more friends.

“Participating in Duke of Edinburgh is a great way to immerse yourself with new people and experiences,” Kelsey said. “The highlight of the entire program so far has been being able to get amongst the wild life of Morton bay like the dugongs, dolphins, turtles, sting rays, manta rays and soldier crabs.”

Mrs Anne Tetley-Jones said that one of the best things about the Duke of Edinburgh Award program is that it can be tailored to suit the individual student.

“PARTICIPATING IN DUKE OF EDINBURGH IS A GREAT WAY TO IMMERSE YOURSELF WITH NEW PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES.” – Kelsey Holding, Year 12 student at St Peters Indooroopilly and Duke of Edinburgh participant The students we spoke to were unanimous in recommending that other students should join the progam but Ben Haselgrove said it all when he said, “The Duke of Edinburgh Award program encourages you to develop your abilities, try new activities, travel and have fun meeting new people. If you like the sound of that, join Duke of Ed at St Peters as Mrs Tetley-Jones and the student team will assist you to plan and succeed in whatever you want to achieve.”

*Pictured (this page): Mrs Anne Tetley-Jones (Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator) with (L–R) Kelsey Holding (Year 12); Lily Kennedy (Year 12); ; and Ben Haselgrove (Year 11); and (opposite page) Duke of Edinburgh students hike the Larapinta trail.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award program is not onerous. Students simply have to document their activities in an online record book.

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award program please email Mrs Anne Tetley-Jones a.tetley-jones@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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The Hub A PLACE TO WOR K, WORSHIP A ND R EST

This year, the St Peters Springfield community celebrated the completion of The Hub: a new library precinct equipped with multi-functional spaces and modern design to engage community members of all ages.

The funding application to the Queensland Independent Schools Block Grant Authority (BGA), stated “The library is the hub of the school.” As such The Hub boasts several zones that cater to the varying needs of Prep-Year 12 students including: window booths for independent reading or group discussions; a Senior Study Centre; a Seminar Room equipped

with audio-visual equipment and colourful, modern furniture; and a large open area backlit by a cross inset into wood panelling for Chapel services and assemblies.

Ms Jill Lange-Mohr, Principal, says the challenge of transforming the 400-square-metre space into a flexible zone has been met.

“The completed Hub has exceeded my expectations,” Ms Lange-Mohr said. “It works beautifully in catering for a wide range of activities for our Prep-Year 12 students.”

Q

&A: What’s your Favourite Thing to do in The Hub?

Kavindi Athuraliya (Year 6): “I like to work on my assessments in The Hub because it’s nice and quiet. Also, there’s a lot of books that you can choose to borrow and read”. Kavindi’s favourite author is Lemony Snicket.

Sam Philip (Year 6): “My favourite thing to do in The Hub is… work on assessments that I need to finish and sometimes just sit in here and help out Mrs Ryan [Librarian] with sorting books.” Sam helps Mrs Ryan two to three times a week.

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Q

&A: What’s your Favourite Thing to do in The Hub?

Oda Baessler (Year 12): “I use it for study. I have study lessons a lot in here. I love the modern furniture. You can go to any space and it’s quiet. I love the booths as well.”

Josh Raphael (Year 12): “I hang out in the study area, and I like the open spaces: it gives a lot of opportunity to study in different quiet spaces. It’s pretty good!”

“I USE IT FOR STUDY. I HAVE STUDY LESSONS A LOT IN HERE. I LOVE THE MODERN FURNITURE.” ­– Oda Baessler, Year 12 student

Q

&A: What’s your Favourite Thing to do in The Hub?

Siobhan Kaczmar-Donaghue (Year 3): “I like reading the books in The Hub.” Her favourite book is Black Beauty. She also enjoys drawing in The Hub. William Varghese (Year 3): William also enjoys reading books and drawing in The Hub. His favourite book series is Captain Underpants.

“I like sitting down on the chairs [booths] and reading by myself.”

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Plus Ultra / Community

Community News FACES, PLACES, SPACES

Representatives from the corporate world had a rare opportunity to swim with Road to Rio swimmers at the St Peters Western (SPW) Invitational Rio Relay Corporate Challenge on Wednesday 15 June at St Peters 50m pool.

// St Peters Western Rio Relay Challenge

The seven SPW swimmers selected for the Australian Olympic Swim Team took part in a 4 x 50m freestyle relay involving seven businesses. Led

by Bronte Barratt, Georgia Bohl, Madeline Groves, Grant Irvine,

Year 9 student, Maya Burgess, recently handed over toiletries and food donations to Richard Condon, Coordinator of the Ipswich Chapter of Helping Hands Queensland.

The items were collected as part of a Year 9 Service Learning outreach project, coordinated by Christian Studies teacher, Evelin Cutts.

Established in 2009 to help meet some of the needs of the homeless

Mitch Larkin, Emma McKeon and Madison Wilson, corporations fielded three team members to compete in the relay including swimming royalty, Libby Trickett and Stephanie Rice.

Bronte Barratt’s team in lane 5 snagged victory in the relay event, which was held in association with Channel 7 and Sunrise to raise funds for swimming development programs for the SPW Club.

and isolated, the aim of the Helping Hands ministry is simple: to reach out to those who struggle with life and lend a helping hand.

The distinct yellow van serves around 250 meals and hot drinks every week to people in need in the Ipswich and Brisbane areas. Volunteers hand out clothes, books, personal items and sleeping gear and offer a prayer ministry.

// Students give to Helping Hands Ministry Congratulations to St Peters Teachers; Katherine Austin, Jo Belchamber, Deborah Batchelor and Simon Canfield, who competed in the Future Problem Solving International competition on 4-5 June with excellent results.

The St Peters team placed third for their Action Plan and second for the booklet on the topic, “Alternative Energies”.

// Teachers Compete on the World Stage

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“We were allowed to compete from Brisbane virtually while the international competition was taking

place in Kentucky, United States,” Simon explained.

Their challenge was to analyse issues with an energy crisis in the Galapagos Islands in the year 2035 and come up with alternative energy creation methods for this scenario.

“We are all very pleased with our excellent results and look forward to passing on our experience to the Future Problem students we teach,” Simon said with pride.

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Congratulations to Old Scholar, Benedict Braxton-Smith (2010), who will undertake a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing Musical Theatre at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in August.

Benedict, an internationally-trained Composer, Music Director, and Orchestrator, received a Tisch School of the Arts Fellowship and an NYU Scholarship for the Graduate Music Theatre Writing Program.

// Benedict Braxton-Smith – Master of Fine Arts

He is passionate about developing the future of the Music Theatre industry

Congratulations to Chris Chapman, 2016 recipient of the Lutheran Education Queensland Rolph Mayer Award for Teacher Excellence.

“This is a wonderful accolade… that takes into consideration the outstanding work of all teachers from across the 27 schools of the Lutheran Church in Queensland,” Head of College, Mr Adrian Wiles said.

// Chris Chapman awarded for Teacher Excellence

// Farewell Dr Monique Beedles – College Council Chair

in Australia and across the world, both in the creation and development of new Australian musicals, and in working with the next generation of performers. Recently, he was Music Director for the 2016 Year 8 Kaleidoscope production. Benedict’s work has been heard in Australia, USA, UK and Off-Broadway.

A passionate history teacher, environmentalist and devoted St Peters Lutheran College staff

member for over 30 years, Chris has made a significant contribution to the school community.

“He is an inspiring teacher who cares deeply for the wellbeing of his students, and takes an interest in their journey at the College,” Mr Wiles said.

“Mr Chapman proactively looks for ways to be involved in the school and always includes students in the rainforest projects, so that they continue to learn together.”

After nine years serving the College dedication, expertise and commitment Council and SPOSA Executive, to SPOSA and the College Council.

Dr Monique Beedles has resigned her “The passion and knowledge position as St Peters Lutheran College Dr Beedles has injected into her role Council Chair. as Chair was exceptional and she Monique graduated from St Peters will be missed,” Head of College, in 1991 and is the Principal Strategy Adrian Wiles said.

Advisor at Teak Yew. She earned her We wish Monique well in her PhD in Strategy from QUT Business future endeavours.

School and she advises boards and senior management and executives working with boards.

Monique has maintained close ties with St Peters, and we thank her for her

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Peer Year

Key Event Details

1951, 1956, 1961 and 1966

Sunday 18 September Graduation Lunch at St Peters Lutheran College AND Evening Canapé event at Toowong Rowing Club

1971, 1976, 1981, Sunday 18 September Evening Canapé event at 2001 Toowong Rowing Club 1986

Saturday 8 October The Catchment Brewing Co

1991

Saturday 10 September Venue to be confirmed.

1996

Saturday 17 September 6:00pm – 11:00pm, Blackbird Bar & Grill: 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane

2006

Venue and date to be confirmed.

2011

Friday 29 July 7:00pm – 10:00pm The Fox Hotel: Dandy’s Rooftop 71-73 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

Find full program details at sposa.stpeters.qld.edu.au or contact SPOSA on 07 3377 6592.

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Plus Ultra / SPOSA

High Tea

BY JA N HOGA RTH, SPOSA PR ESIDENT

Our main focus is reunions. It’s always great to catch up with old friends. The years drop away.

We wanted to find out how our elders see the future of our community; and listen to their reflections and ideas so we recently invited past members of the SPOSA Committee to a High Tea. The ‘Cultural Brains Trust’ of the College told stories and laughed over tea while they discussed St Peters - past, present and future.

What came up was that SPOSA should better connect teachers and parents. These friendships are just as important as the ones made during lunch break.

That’s the SPOSA challenge: to connect old friends and bring more joy.

Images courtesy of Sean Wilson (Year 12).

Hong Kong Alumni Drinks A PR IL 2016

Following on from successful Alumni drinks in Europe and America, we recently hosted our first Hong Kong get together for past students, parents and teaches. The event was attended by Head of College, Adrian Wiles, and coincided with his annual trip to Asia.

St Peters Alumni in Hong Kong and the wider Asia region. To those Alumni living in Hong Kong, Singapore or other Asian cities, please send your updated contact details to Nicky Robinson (Jurkschat 1996) at njurkschat@hotmail.com if you are interested in joining the next event.

In the coming years, the group hopes to increase its numbers and generate an updated database of

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Births, Deaths, Marriages

B

M A R R I AGES

Colin Brayley 1983 13 October 1965 – 23 May 2015 Colin started at St Peters in Years 9 in 1980 and finished in Year 12 in 1983.

He is remembered by his peers as a great sportsman who loved his rugby.

F Kaylea Fallon (Ward) 1950 22 April 1933 – Date Unknown Kaylea was at St Peters for one year in 1947 in the Sub-Junior Class.

Sir Walter Campbell. Andrew’s distinguished legal career lead him to significant work in the fields of public administration and constitutional law. He was a respected expert in state land rights, cultural heritage and land administration, leading to his appointment as the Registrar of the National Native Title Tribunal.

Andrew’s school mates remember him as a gentleman, a thoroughly decent and lovely human being.

He will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences go to all Andrew’s family and friends, in particular his parents Julie and Denis and to his brother Michael and his family.

L

N

Andrew Luttrell 1983

Mervyn Newport 1956

19 May 1966– 7 April 2016

13 May 1935 – 22 April 2008

It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Andrew Luttrell (St Peters: 1978-1983) on 7 April 2016.

Mervyn was a student at St Peters for only a short time. Mervyn came to St Peters in 1949 as a Year 5 student and left in Year 6 in 1950.

Andrew was well liked by fellow students and teachers during his time at St Peters. He was School ViceCaptain in his senior year.

He went on to Queensland University to complete degrees in Economics, Arts and Law as well as a Masters Degree from Griffith University. Whilst studying, he joined Queensland University Regiment and rose to the rank of Major in the corps of Transport. His service included a two year period as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Queensland,

W Anne Watson (Davis) 1957 17 December 1939 – 23 January 2016 Anne passed away peacefully at the Donald Coburn Centre after a long illness. She is sadly missed by her husband Richard and children. Anne was a student at St Peters from Year 9 in 1954 and finished Year 12 in 1957.

Susi Tietze (1994) and Daniel Meyers (1994) were in the same class during Years 11 and 12. Eight years ago, they found each other again through Facebook. Susi was living in Germany, and Daniel visited her. They were married there last August and now live happily in Chapel Hill.

HELLO

Erin Judd (2003) is a secondary teacher specialising in Dance with English second at West Moreton Anglican College, where she has been for eight years. She is also a Senior School House Coordinator… and absolutely loves it.

SEND IN YOUR NEWS TO SPOSA@STPETERS.QLD.EDU.AU 64

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DISCOVER ST PETERS 2016 Kindergarten to Year 12 at Springfield St Peters Lutheran College Springfield is a Christian co-educational school with a focus on academic excellence and community.

Saturday 27 August 9.00am – 12.00noon

Come in costume, cowboys and cowgirls!

Wednesday 26 October 9.00am – 12.00noon

register at www.stpeters.qld.edu.au St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, 42 Wellness Way, Springfield Central FOR FURTHER INFORMATION phone 3470 3888 or email springfield@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Friday 9 September, 5.00–8.30pm Junior School (Stolz) Oval BBQ · Glow Sticks · Baked Treats Fun · Dancing Raffles · Fairy Floss

eco stores

Junior School

� FEATURE � Road to Rio

� AROUND SCHOOL � Be a Plus Ultra Journalist

St Peters community members selected for Rio Olympics in August

Three senior students interned with the Plus Ultra editorial team, lending articles their unique voice.

� SPOSA � The Hon. Justice Shan Tennent Meet Tasmania’s first female Supreme Court Judge

St Peters Lutheran College Plus Ultra magazine incorporating SPOSA Bulletin

P L U S U LT R A

02 July 2016 ST PETERS LUTHER AN COLLEGE magazine incorporating SPOSA Bulletin | July 2016 #02