Plus Ultra | June 2022 by St Peters Lutheran College

Plus Ultra June 2022 | St Peters Lutheran College Magazine

SAINTS UNITED!

BUILDING THE CULTURE OF ST PETERS RUGBY

EMBRACING OUR TRADITIONAL ROOTS

2021 ACADEMIC RESULTS STEM, eSPORTS AND INNOVATION REGULARS

HEAD OF COLLEGE MINISTRY SPOSA

SERVICE LEARNING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONTENTS

Cover: Embracing St Peters Rugby with a united culture across the year levels (p 36).

Plus Ultra June 2022 incorporating SPOSA Bulletin Published by St Peters Lutheran College Editor / Designer Cassie Twemlow c.twemlow@stpeters.qld.edu.au Writers Cassie Twemlow, Shannon King Photography Anthony Cox Advertising Enquiries Communications 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 stpeters.qld.edu.au facebook.com/stpeterslutherancollege instagram.com/splc.official © 2022 St Peters Lutheran College SPOSA Office 66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068 Telephone: 07 3377 6592 sposa@stpeters.qld.edu.au stpeters.qld.edu.au www.facebook.com/sposa45 instagram.com/splc.sposa

Plus Ultra | June 2022

CONTENTS

CONTENTS REGUL ARS

04 06 07

Head of College Ministry Letter from the Editor

AC ADEMIC

08 10 12 14 16

Indooroopilly 2021 results Springfield class of 2021 academic results Construction | Building our future Teaching: The profession of innovation STEM 2021/2022 report

AROUND C AMPUS

18 20 22 24 25 26 28 29 30

eSports: More than just gaming Langer Library turns 50! Staff Profile: Ms Lisa Challenor National Reconciliation Week Acknowledgement of Country Plaque unveiling Choose kindness Welcome back Mrs Natalie Houston Going above and beyond with Duke of Edinburgh Farewell Mrs Grotherr

THE ARTS

32 33 34

Fenoglio makes the Archibald Annual Music and Art collaboration rocks the PAC The thrill of Kaleidoscope

SPORT

36 38

Rugby spirit is alive at St Peters Saints making the rules

BOARDING

National Boarding Week 2022

SPOSA

42 43 44 46 48 50 52

SPOSA President We farewell Magic in the unknown All drowned out The Governor General's Plus Ultra Dynamic duo serving up aces Quick bites from our Old Scholar community

COMMUNIT Y AND EVENTS

54 55 56 58

St Peters Open Day St Peters Ladies Lunch Jacqui Bell: Pushing the limits Respectful Relationships Symposium

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HEAD OF COLLEGE

LIFEWIDE LEARNING AT ST PETERS The whole child, the whole point. TIM KOT ZUR

Head of College

ne of the things that St Peters does really well is to educate the whole child. It is among the top three reasons why parents choose a St Peters education for their child/ren. We take the provision of a holistic education seriously. Education at St Peters is about educating for whole personhood—the academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of the person. Education at its best is about wholeness that results in empowerment, liberation, transcendence and a renewing of the vitality of life. In educating the whole person, St Peters offers an exceptional cocurricular, outdoor education and service learning program that provides each student with opportunities for participation, growth and personal excellence. Engagement in these learning experiences provides students with experiences to build self-esteem and confidence; learn about commitment, persistence and teamwork; enjoy a healthy approach to life; enhance skills; be creative, imaginative and develop a sense of the aesthetic; assume leadership roles; respond to challenges; be self-disciplined; and develop a sense of service and responsibility towards others. As such, a St Peters education extends well beyond the four walls of the classroom. In our Strategic Intent Plus Ultra 2025 we refer to the learning that occurs beyond the classroom as Lifewide Learning. In pursuing Lifewide Learning as part of this Strategic Pillar it is the College’s intent over the next few years to ‘promote an enriching holistic education and student experience that challenges and nurtures the spiritual, academic, physical, emotional and social character of each student empowering them to lead and serve their communities and make a difference in the world’. St Peters already does this well. In the spirit of Plus Ultra over the coming years we will be seeking to enhance this through Strategic Actions such as:

Plus Ultra | June 2022

St Peters is about educating for whole personhood—the academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of the person."

• implementing coherent developmental pathways and programs in identified activities in order to enhance student engagement, growth and performance; • providing appropriate formation and professional development programs for coaches and tutors to enhance the student experience; and • employing ‘best practice’ instruction, leadership, administration and management practices within our various lifewide learning programs. The tagline of this Strategic Pillar, ‘The Whole Child, the Whole Point’, captures the essence of Lifewide Learning and reminds us why we take educating the whole child seriously. As we realise this Strategic Intent, at St Peters we aspire to offer education at its best—a paideutic education that connects learning with the development of the person, resulting in the development of fine St Peters young people. Enjoy this edition of Plus Ultra—it is filled with examples of the Lifewide Learning of our young people.

REGULARS

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REGULARS

MEET PASTOR TIM JARICK As a newcomer to the St Peters community here are a few words of introduction from our new College Pastor, Tim Jarick.

TIM JARICK

College Senior Pastor

orn in Biloela, raised in Goombungee, civilised at Concordia Toowoomba, uncivilised at university in Armidale, shaped at the seminary in Adelaide, and pastored in particular parishes in Sydney and Ipswich and schools in Wodonga and Caloundra, my journey in life has now led me to St Peters Lutheran College.

Growing up as a pastor’s kid, my family has influenced me in becoming a pastor who loves to work in Lutheran schools. My grandfather and father served on various Lutheran College Councils, including St Peters in its early days. My mum started a Lutheran kindy for me and others to attend in our small country town. My sisters have taught in Lutheran schools as well as brothers who became Lutheran pastors. Family certainly does have a big influence on a person and can shape them spiritually. Over the last twelve years, I have worked fulltime in schools. What I love about working in Lutheran schools is that they are places of grace where people learn and are encouraged to grow spiritually and in faith through the Christian community. Since coming to St Peters I am thankful for the ministry of previous College Pastors, including Paul Smith, Thomas Böhmert, and Peter Bowmer. This is the second time I have followed Paul Smith as a Chaplain in a school. In the short time I have been at St Peters I have enjoyed working with Chaplain Kirstin Munchenberg and look forward to supporting the Ministry at the Springfield campus too, with Pastor Matt Wilksch.

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Pictured (clockwise from top left): Pastor Tim being installed in his new position on Tuesday 19 April; leading prayer at the ANZAC Day service; with his family.

My wife Alison, son Jonah and daughter Ella (pictured above) appreciated the welcome of the St Peters community at my installation service. If you see me around the place please don’t hesitate to say hello, I am interested in everyone’s journey through life and have been told by others that I am a good listener. My office is located in the Theile building behind Senior School Reception. In this second term of the school year, after the celebration of Easter and our country’s acknowledgment of Anzac Day, I’m reminded of the theme of sacrifice that becomes prominent in public events. The sacrifice of those who have served in the defence forces and the sacrifice of Christ who came back from the dead to give life to the world. I pray that as we power through this term we will find strength, meaning, and hope in the God who sacrifices himself for us. God bless!

REGULARS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Editor

e’re often told never look back—you’re not going that way; it might distract you from the now. After all, if Cinderella had returned to retrieve her shoe she would not have become a princess.

Our College community is working hard to offer security and a comforting routine to all within our influence. In this regard, this year we have welcomed a number of new staff and students to St Peters, we are progressing with our expansion works, and we encourage our pupils and staff to roam our lovely campus in safety and relatively carefree.

And there is logic in these opinions. But sometimes, looking back, and taking stock of what has happened and how it has affected our lives can teach us how to deal with the disasters and disruptions which seem to be more One of the most common and coming at us faster than ever impressive elements of before. our St Peters community

Ironbark, Open Day, P&F workshops, music events, and the like, have gone ahead with little, if any disruption from external impacts. Sport, on the other hand, suffered in Term 2 no thanks to floods In the last 24 months is that people are always and constant rain with we’ve seen COVID-19 willing to reach out and fields and courts being cases exceed 500 continually washed help one another..." million worldwide out (or completely (and that’s probably away). And with the a conservative rain comes humidity…and mould, which is an estimate); the Russo–Ukraine conflict ongoing battle in itself! unfold; appalling acts of violence causing For those in our own community who have suffering and displacement in many parts been displaced in your own way—illness, of the world; extraordinary weather events weather, economy, spiritually—we are here impacting millions of people worldwide to support you. One of the most impressive and locally;... and all these events have had elements of our St Peters community is consequences which affect every part of that people are always willing to reach out our lives. Our emotions are unbalanced, and help one another, as we can see in a our finances appear insecure and there is a number of articles in this edition of Plus sense that the future is perilously uncertain. Ultra. Service learning is our ethos and we We are all longing for a period of stable and want to share that with you and offer it to normal life. support you in your daily life. We may never return to pre-2020 ‘normal’ but we have seen that kindness, camaraderie Take care and look after yourselves and your neighbours. and generosity can help keep us balanced.

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ACADEMIC

INDOOROOPILLY 2021 RESULTS PETER MACDONALD

Director of Teaching & Learning Innovation

or the second year in a row, we experienced learning with a difference. The whole school experienced 'At Home Learning' again which was a good opportunity for us to implement what we had learnt from our experience in 2020. Teachers and students very quickly adapted to the unsettling set of circumstances surrounding the Indooroopilly campus. I find myself in the same situation as I was the year earlier; I am proud of the way our students, parents and teachers all worked together to make the best out of a difficult time. Now, some months on from the 'At Home Learning' experience, we are able to reflect on the excellent results achieved by our students. There is no doubt that the community-wide investment and team approach by all has enabled our students to be so academically successful in 2021. Our Year 12 2021 QCAA and International Baccalaureate (IB) students achieved outstanding ATAR results last year. In fact, the results of the 2021 cohort are the strongest we have seen since prior to 2008. Some highlights include: • 19% of our Year 12 students achieved an ATAR of 96 and above; • 41% achieved an ATAR of 90 and above; • 79% achieved an ATAR of 75 and above; and • 95% achieved an ATAR of 60 and above. In previous years we have invited our Academic Scholars back for assembly to recognise their wonderful achievements. Unfortunately, this year the ceremony had to be postponed. Scholars were still provided the opportunity, albeit in small groups, to come to the Academic Hub to brand the walls with their name. This year we welcomed 48 Scholars back. In some respects, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic were a blessing. I had no idea how we would fit 48 Scholars and their families all in the Academic Hub at once. This is a problem I am very happy to work through

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every year! It was wonderful this year to have smaller groups, accompanied by their teachers and parents, come back to realise a goal that the students had been striving to achieve for a number of years. Our IB students were rewarded with outstanding results in 2021. Our fourth perfect score since 2008 was awarded to Grace Sun and nine students received a Diploma score of 43. Another highlight from this year’s cohort was Rio Otake’s perfect score for her Geography Extended Essay. We are extremely proud of the way all of our IB cohort performed. Much of these achievements can equally be attributed to individual hard work and the dedication of the whole group to support each other. This hard work extends to the efforts of Mrs Ros Midgley and Mrs Sarah Thompson. It is clear to see that strong relationships develop between Mrs Midgley and each IB student. Mrs Midgley dedicates a huge amount of time to the IB students to ensure individualised care and attention is provided at precisely the right time. Mrs Thompson assisted Mrs Midgley to run the IB program during 2021 and together they made a wonderfully organised, professional and supportive team. Mrs Susannah Treschman stepped into the new role of IB Core Coordinator in 2021. Mrs Treschman provided significant support to all involved in the IB program. The work she did with staff and students in 2021 positively contributed to the outstanding results of the cohort. 2021 provided us with the second opportunity to run the new QCAA Senior curriculum and assessment system. As you can determine from the cohort’s end of year results, they have managed the challenges of the system extremely well. At the beginning of the year the Curriculum Leaders reviewed the 2020 student results and developed a plan for 2021. The actions as a result of this planning have assisted with the excellent results. Our students continue to attract

ACADEMIC

* The following statistics relate to students at St Peters Indooroopilly only. For statistics that relate to St Peters Springfield students, see page 11.

2021 AC ADEMIC RESULTS (IND)

285 students in the cohort.

Pictured (above): Our newest, and joint, QCAA Dux's, Tom Feldman and Lucy Cai.

100%

students undertook the IB.

were awarded the IB Diploma.

242

very positive feedback from the external examination QCAA invigilators regarding how organised, responsible and prepared they were for their examinations. Mr Simeon Milner and Mrs Rachael Turnbull invested a huge amount of time in planning for these external exams. These two staff members have set up some excellent processes in which many cohorts in the future will benefit. A huge congratulations is to be passed on to the 2021 cohort for all they have done to set a wonderful example for the rest of the school. This group of inspiring young people are excellent role models of hard work, perseverance, adaptability and grit. 2021 was an evaluation year for our Primary Years Program. It was due to be in 2020; however, it was held over to 2021 due to the pandemic. An evaluation year means that the International Baccalaureate (IB) will be making a visit to our school to review our programs. Along with inquiry learning, an underpinning ethos of the IB is teamwork and collaboration for students and staff. During 2020 and early 2021 our primary years staff met as professional learning communities to further develop their understanding and alignment in areas such as assessment, curriculum programming, inquiry learning, contemporary learning spaces and language development. The collaboration and innovation that comes from these learning communities is not only inspiring to witness, they are ensuring we are consistently improving the learning experiences for our students. At all year levels, we are looking forward to the challenges of 2022 and are confident that our amazing learners will once again deliver remarkable achievements throughout the year.

students undertook the QCAA.

(16%) withheld their results or were ineligible for an IB score or ATAR.

(19%) of St Peters 2021 graduates achieved an ATAR of 96.00 and above.

41%

of St Peters 2021 graduates received an ATAR of 90.00 and above.

95%

of St Peters 2021 graduates received an ATAR of 60.00 and above

49%

of IB students received an IB Diploma score of 38-45, an ATAR of 96.00 and above.

96%

of St Peters students who applied for a course through QTAC received an offer.

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ACADEMIC

SPRINGFIELD CLASS OF 2021 ACADEMIC RESULTS NATALIE HOUSTON

Principal, Springfield

t the end of 2021, 56 students graduated from St Peters Springfield. While our Year 12 students faced a challenging twoyear journey through COVID-19 lockdowns and severe hailstorms, they managed the demands placed on them tremendously well and have carved out successful post-school pathways. Our 2021 Year 12 students had a diverse range of gifts and talents and this is clearly evident from the range of pathways that they have chosen. While schools no longer have access to school-specific reports of Year 12 academic outcomes, 66% of our 2021 cohort chose to share their academic results with us. The information reveals that our students are well on their way to achieving their goals and dreams. We are proud of the achievements of our students and that as a result, they have been able to pursue their desired pathways at university, TAFE or in the workforce. 85% of students received a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). 100% of students who applied through Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre to continue their formal learning received place offers – an excellent achievement. 28% of students received their first preference for university.

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that will lead to careers in medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational health and psychology. Empathy and service to others are qualities cultivated at St Peters Springfield through our Pastoral Care Program and academic curriculum. Our students have also explored the theories and practices surrounding wellbeing with a focus on the elements of Dr Martin’s Seligman’s positive psychology framework. Therefore, it is pleasing to see that the learning at St Peters is very much connected to the pathways that many of our students have chosen post-secondary. We know that the health and happiness of our nation are in very good hands. Sport and Exercise Sciences, Law, Science, Aviation, Economics, Urban Planning, the Arts, Education were other university pathways for our most recent Old Scholars. St Peters Springfield is also proud to have provided additional English and Maths short courses that opened up more expansive post-school options to our students.

It is interesting to note that the foremost university destination for our 2021 graduates was Griffith University, with 30% of students selecting the institution. This is a change from previous years and is linked to the increasing health pathways on offer at Griffith University that lead to Medicine. Over 20% of students selected QUT, with UQ and USQ being other tertiary destinations of choice.

It was a privilege to acknowledge the excellent academic achievements of our 2021 Year 12 cohort at the Academic Honours Assembly at the end of Term 1. We congratulated the 2021 Dux, Yash Gor (pictured), who received an ATAR of 95.80. Yash, who has now begun a Bachelor of Law (Honours)/Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film) at QUT, spoke at the special Assembly of the positive impact of his family and his St Peters Springfield teachers on his studies and thanked them for their encouragement, guidance and support.

In a time when our society is facing pandemics in health and mental health and wellbeing, it is heartening that health and psychology were the most popular tertiary pathways that our 2021 graduates are moving into. Students have chosen degrees

We also congratulated our 2021 Proxime Accessit, Emma Collins, who received an ATAR of 95.45. To reward and acknowledge high achievement, Emma was the recipient of the Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship from Griffith University which contributes

ACADEMIC

Pictured (left to right): Yash Gor, 2021 Dux; Yash with fellow graduate, Jacinta Gisler, and teacher, Mr Brendan Wingett; Head of Secondary School, Mrs Sue Grotherr, with 2021 graduates.

a maximum value of $24,000 to fund her studies. Emma is now completing a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Griffith University. Our students’ achievements are testament to not only to their high level of dedication but to the wonderful, supportive families in our community and to the excellent quality of teaching and learning that happens every day at St Peters Springfield. We thank our parents and caregivers for working in partnership with St Peters to bring out the best in their children. We thank our teachers for their expertise, dedication and advocacy for our young people. At St Peters Springfield, our students are reminded through our motto: Plus Ultra – Ever Higher, More Beyond, that they are on a quest for their personal best in all areas of their lives. In doing so, we grow students of great character who will use their unique God-given strengths and abilities to serve and enrich our world. We congratulate our 2021 students, our newest St Peters Old Scholars. What these students have learnt in their Senior Years of schooling is not only reflected in their strong academic outcomes, but in their adaptability, resilience and preparedness for the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world that we live in. May God bless them as they write the next chapter in their lives and make positive impacts in our world. Each of our graduates is ‘A Saint for Life’ and we know that their achievements will provide ongoing inspiration, direction and determination to our current students as they complete their studies.

1111

* The following statistics relate to students at St Peters Springfield only. For statistics that relate to St Peters Indooroopilly students, see page 9.

2021 AC ADEMIC RESULTS (SFD)

54 students in the cohort.

(85%) of students received a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

42%

of St Peters 2021 graduates received an ATAR of 80.00 and above.

53%

of St Peters 2021 graduates received an ATAR of 70.00 and above.

87%

of St Peters 2021 graduates received an ATAR of 60.00 and above.

30%

students received early offers through QTAC

100%

of students who applied for a course through QTAC received an offer.

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ACADEMIC

CONSTRUCTION | BUILDING OUR FUTURE Students entering their Senior Years have the option to chose from various ATAR and/or VET subjects if pursuing the mainstream academic courses. One VET subject offered here at St Peters is Construction. Not only do students learn the basics about the construction industry, they get hands-on experience using tools and acquiring skills they wouldn't otherwise learn in a classroom.

C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

eing part of the St Peters vocational education and training (VET) subject list for the last 24 years, Construction is offered to students in Years 11 and 12 who may seek a more hands-on career. Design & Technology Teacher, Mr Scott McCarthy, has been teaching Construction at St Peters intermittently over the last 17 years. “It’s aimed at being a general introductory course to construction,” Scott explained when I spoke to him in April. “There are 11 competencies— eight core and three elective subjects —and it’s aimed at the carpentry side of the industry, with some welding and concreting,” he clarifies.

“It’s also to do with the nature of the subject,” Scott told me. Because students are regularly using machinery and tools “there needs to be less students for health and safety reasons as well.”

As part of the two-year VET course, students gain a Certificate I in Construction qualification which ‘provides an introduction to the construction industry, its culture, occupations, job Working in a team roles and workplace and showing expectations’ (www. initiative are what training.gov.au).

I really push on the kids because... employers are looking for someone with employability skills and is keen."

The course aims to develop competencies relevant to construction industry practices including introducing students to basic industry knowledge and skills applicable to the three sectors within the Building and Construction Industry (residential, commercial and civil). Most students elect Construction in conjunction with their other five ATAR subjects or as an alternative-type subject to balance their subject load.

Scott explained that St Peters gets both ATAR ineligible and eligible students, the latter of whom, “enjoy the freedom of a practical based course that is not as academically draining on their time,” as mainstream ATAR courses can be.

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The class sizes are on the smaller size – averaging 14 students in each Construction class – so students are offered more one-onone experience.

The course is built around a basic construction project where students cover essential work health and safety requirements, the industrial and work organisation structure, communication skills, work planning, and basic use of tools and materials. One project students work on is a child’s cubby-house. Classmates team up to see through the woodworking project from conception to completion, measuring and constructing the 4m2 weather-proof cubby. This element of “working in a team and showing initiative are what I really push on the kids because if they follow through and want to become apprentices, employers are looking for someone with employability skills and is keen,” said Scott.

ACADEMIC

13 13

Pictured: 2021 Seniors in Mr Scott MCarthy's Construction class working on their cubby-houses.

However, Scott also says that in the last few years school-leavers are less inclined to take up an apprenticeship because they don’t like the thought of starting at the bottom. It’s unfortunate but, “they don’t want to earn the money that first and second year apprentices earn. But, if they can stick out the four years, there are so many opportunities opening up [in the sector] that mean you can go anywhere once you have your certificate.” By ‘anywhere’ Scott isn’t joking. “My cousin works in the mines—he's a plumber by trade—but now he’s got a business purifying water and putting in sewage plants for the defence force and mines,” Scott illustrated. Overseas, into the mines, defence force, big business or sole-trader - there is no limit to what you can do once you are qualified. But if the ‘four years for the rest of your life’ isn’t enough incentive, students can at least leave the Construction course at school with some basic skills and a ‘white card’. “One of the Units of Competency to complete is ‘Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’. Once achieved, students are issued with a general construction induction training card (previously called a white card) so that you can enter a job site,” says Scott. This is a nationally recognised qualification that all engineers, architects and tradesmen are required to have to enter a building site prior to site induction.

And even if you’re not sure what you want to do when you leave school, or have more lofty ambitions, Scott has feedback from other sources. “The Project Manager on the Cross River Rail said to me last term that often their best engineers on the project have done a trade first, then an engineering degree.” The skills on the Construction course are largely acquired through a variety of practical design projects completed in class. However, Scott explains that soft skills like “problem solving, communication, teamwork and being able to work with a broad range of people,” are key to being successful within the industry.

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Book online at www.allsportsphysio.com.au or call 07 3878 9011

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ACADEMIC

TEACHING: THE PROFESSION OF INNOVATION We work with families to provide a flexible and tailored service. Our daily fees include:

As a family owned and operated company, Little Locals prides itself on putting children, families, and staff first in its mission to make a positive impact on the local community.

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No charge for public holidays Flexibility to swap days Bush Kindy Program Weekly Pilates, Art, Music & other extracurricular activities Regular excursions Tasty & nutritious meals cooked by our own in-house chefs Large outdoor playscapes with water features Premium resources including digital interactive screens Contact us today to book a tour on (07) 3390 3158 or visit www.littlelocals.qld.edu.au to discover a Centre near you!

ACADEMIC

MAI THATCHER

Springfield Marketing & Events Officer

t St Peters Lutheran College Springfield we know the wider world is simultaneously one of great continuity and change. It is tempting to believe that because new technologies have been developed that the nature of learning itself has changed, but the cognitive science that underpins the profession of teaching shows that this is not true. No change to the medium of delivery has yet fundamentally altered the truly human endeavour of teaching how to acquire, synthesise and evaluate knowledge in order that a student – like all human beings – may go onto a life of experience which it is hoped teaches wisdom. Those who believe otherwise are naïve to the purpose and practice of the profession of teaching and, occasionally, to the true meaning of what it means to innovate in education. Springfield teachers collaborate daily in their work, combining their ideas, methods, observations, techniques and skills to respond to the needs of its young people in novel ways. In so doing, each teacher’s work is enriched by learning from one another and by contributing to each other’s practice, achieving breakthroughs for the benefit of

Pictured (main): Mr Mason in 'teacher mode'; (inset, from top) Alexander Mason with Richard Mason, Sue Grotherr and Liz Foster; Mr Alexander Mason receiving his Australian Council for Educational Leaders Fellowship, 2021.

Is there another profession that is so challenging yet so rewarding? I cannot think of one."

young people that no single teacher could achieve on their own. In support of this, our Leader of Teaching and Innovation, Mr Alexander Mason, works with colleagues to strengthen this College-wide passion for teaching and learning. Alex joined the Springfield community in July 2018 and has taught in Lutheran Education Queensland schools since 2013, after a successful career as a Corporate and Commercial Lawyer specialising in Construction Law. While the experience

15 15

of working as a lawyer in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane equipped Mr Mason with a diverse set of skills, he is the first to acknowledge that such work is no guarantee a person will make a 'good' teaching professional. When asked why Mr Mason became a teacher he said: “Is there another profession that is so challenging yet so rewarding? I cannot think of one. It requires a commitment to bringing one’s unique traits to a heady mixture of instructional design, adolescent developmental psychology and expert communication; not to mention empathy and compassion. It took me a while to realise an essential social truth and I acted accordingly: those who can teach, should!” During his time at St Peters, Mr Mason has always emphasised collaborative problemsolving. He knows that innovation in teaching and learning is a collaborative endeavour borne of a need to find solutions to local and contextual 'problems'. It is this mindset that he brings to everything he does for the College and the wider profession of teaching. His contributions to the wider profession was recently recognised by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders who awarded him a Queensland Fellowship in 2021 for actively supporting the teaching profession and educational leadership across Queensland. The peer-nominated award was bestowed on Mr Mason (pictured above) – one of the youngest ever recipients of this honour – for having made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of student achievement and organisational effectiveness through his leadership. This was partly due to his contributions to crafting The Statement of Commitment to the Profession of Teaching in 2017 – a statement of deeply-held values of all teachers, akin to the Hippocratic Oath. Upon receipt of his Fellowship Mr Mason noted that his award was, “only one form of acknowledgement of the high level of skill and dedication that is shown by my colleagues and by the truly significant number of accomplished teachers in all education sectors across the State of Queensland.” We acknowledge and thank Mr Mason for all he contributes to the life of the College at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield.

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ACADEMIC

STEM 2021/2022 REPORT

SUE LIC A STRO

STEM Coordinator

t the end of 2021, two Year 7 students —Jonty Benfield and Griffin Town— had the opportunity to attend a two-day program designed to engage and enthuse high achieving students. The program included assessing water quality at Griffith University and learning techniques to work with different microorganisms in biomedical research at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Students gained first hand exposure to researchers who are finding solutions to some of the challenges confronting the environment and health issues facing humankind. On Friday 26 November last year, three Year 9 students —Lara Bellamywells, Jacob McIntosh and Nicola Wolf —attended the Wonders of Science State Conference at The University of Queensland. They had the opportunity to showcase their STEM research investigation on, Changes in temperature of a reaction in a closed system. Students had seven minutes to present their research to an audience and answer questions. It also provided opportunities to network and engage with the Young Science Ambassadors, academics and industry representatives as well as other students from across the State. They are to be congratulated on a noble effort.

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Launching of the 2022 STEM Ambassador Program, by Griffith University, was delayed this year due to COVID restrictions. It was not until early Term 2 that St Peters students had the opportunity to participate. Five student representatives across Years 8-10 attended the annual conference held at Parliament House. Students had the opportunity to engage in leadership activities, listen to guest presenters and develop a strategic action plan tailored to the St Peters community. After lunch students moved over to the Queensland Museum where they had the opportunity to engage in various science activities in the Spark Lab. On Thursday 17 March, 32 Year 10 students participated in the annual Science and Engineering Challenge run by the University of Queensland in conjunction with the University of Newcastle. This challenge helps Year 10 students to foster their interest in STEM. In groups, students are presented with various challenges/problems to solve over the course of the day. These challenges foster development of critical thinking skills which are among the most highly valued attributes that employers seek for jobs candidates. This year St Peters gained third place. They are to be congratulated on a great team effort.

Success starts the night before

Supporting St Peters Lutheran College and their families through a great night’s sleep.

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AROUND CAMPUS

eSPORTS: MORE THAN JUST GAMING eSports is a growing industry giving passionate gamers a competitive arena in which to demonstrate their talents. We chatted with Robotics and eLearning Coordinator Meg Foley about the new eSports program at St Peters and the myriad career paths eSports provides. SHANNON KING

Digital Marketing & Communications Officer

What is eSports and how is it different from gaming? eSports is a formal program run by coaches, with training and competitive game opportunities. eSports is a competition where the athletes are human competitors, but the field is an online arena. Just like ‘sport’, eSports has many different genres of games. eSports gamers are athletes, just like other professional sports people; they need to have the same focus and discipline. The games are the basis for a lot of learning and skill acquisition. As well as collaborative communication, problem solving and improving perspective taking; gaming has been shown to support learning cooperation, navigating social interaction, improvement in selective attention and enhanced functional connectivity in the brain. Physically, it improves dexterity and spatial awareness. Longitudinal studies have shown that spatial reasoning skills are a strong predictor of fluency in STEM subjects. One of the sessions that will be run at lunchtime with Mr Gallagher is a Stories and Strategies workshop, which will take the form of a 'Video Game Book Club'. This will sometimes include a discussion around the narrative and characters in games, themes and gameplay design and perhaps even the game’s status as a work of art. Tell us about the St Peters eSports program. eSports started as a trial in Term 3, 2021 with the help of Computer Alliance, who loaned us 10 gaming PC’s. We started with invitation only to 10 students and have now grown to over 80 students, with six different leagues offered. We are excited to have joined the QUT eSports program this year, as it provides opportunities for face-toface competitions, practice matches with training, eSafety training and access to their labs. QUT is one of the leaders in offering eSports as a diploma (scholarships available).

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St Peters has such enviable opportunities for students interested in Music and Sport; so the introduction of eSports at St Peters allows for students to acquire skills that may help them in their career pathways into a Digital, Gaming, Marketing or Design industry. One of the goals for the St Peters eSports program is for it to cover digital wellbeing, respectful communication and general healthy habits. Why did St Peters join the league? After seeing a number of students in Robotics coding their own games, I realised that there was a gap for students who want to pursue their talents and skills with gaming. It is a multi-billion-dollar, growth industry, with opportunities spanning design, game development, marketing, graphic and audio engineers and many more career areas that will apply the skills learnt through participation in high school leagues. eSports also offers an opportunity for students who may have difficulty in social situations; they are often more confident to interact and communicate; often even becoming captains or team leaders. It has been gratifying being able to offer this opportunity which values students' skills and allows them to have their gaming talents recognised, that they can receive formal training and also connect with other like-minded students. We have some incredibly talented coaches, including teaching staff who are experienced gamers themselves. How many students are currently involved? This year we have signed up over 80 students, and will also offer students from Years 5 and 6 to join in from Term 2. There is always scope to grow, and many students have contacted with requests for new games to be added. We hope that once we are properly established, we can cater for those requests and for more students to be involved.

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What games are the students competing in?

eSports also offers an opportunity for students who may have difficulty in social situations; they are often more confident to interact and communicate..."

Students can compete and take part more informally in Rocket League, Overwatch, Valorant, League of Legends, and a number of games on the Nintendo platform. We are also excited to offer a ‘book club style lunchtime group’ - Stories and Strategies. What learning outcomes will students gain from the eSports program? Students will upskill in the technical side of gaming, develop their strategy and communication skills. Opportunities are also available for students to be commentators, moderators and streamers at Inter-School Competitions. As mentioned previously, we also want students to learn about digital wellbeing, being healthy and respectful in their interactions. What possible career pathways stem from involvement in eSports? The eSports and gaming industry in Australia is growing quickly. It might be small compared to hubs in other parts of the world, but it’s

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still worth over $3 billion to the Australian economy. Just like other professional sports, there are the athletes themselves, coaches, journalists, photographers, commentators, analysts and many other roles. All those careers and more exist in the eSports industry including software engineers, video game artists and designers, competitors, and marketing. What would you say to students thinking about joining up? Come along and give it a go! You don’t have to be good at gaming to start. We have teams that will be competing and others who are learning. We thank the College, the P&F and the Robotics (Digital) Parent Support Group for supporting this initiative. We are so grateful to Computer Alliance for their generous offer of loan computers to get our program started. For more information about the St Peters eSports Program email Meg Foley, Robotics and eLearning Coordinator, at m.foley@ stpeters.qld.edu.au.

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LANGER LIBRARY TURNS 50! This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Langer Library, officially opened by Mr K Cairns, Minister for Housing, on 26 March 1972 when the College's population was approximately 600 students. JAN LEWIS

Senior Librarian Langer Library

nown officially as the Karl Langer Memorial Library, it is named after Dr Karl Langer, the Austrian-born and Queenslandbased architect and town planner, for his significant contribution to the architectural design of the St Peters Indooroopilly campus, the most notable of which is the Chapel. The location of the Chapel and Langer Library, facing each other across the College’s Campus Heart is no coincidence. Part of Dr Langer’s masterplan for the Campus Heart and reflecting a classical Greek influence with a place of worship at one end and a place of learning at the other, these two buildings represent the most essential elements of St Peters Lutheran College – learning and faith. The library building itself has been an amazingly adaptable structure with its open plan design and prominent location. At the time of its opening, a unique collection of resources was established which has since been developed to support over 1,500 students in Years 7 to 12. The library also provides support to students in the Upper and Lower Primary Years and the Springfield campus, as well as to teaching and administration staff, and parents. It has also played a key role with libraries of other Brisbane secondary schools with network meetings, Teacher Librarian professional development, reading competitions and sharing of resources. The Langer Library is a product of over 50 years of planning and implementation and is an inspiration to many. We acknowledge the foresight of its development by the then Head of College, Dr Carson Dron. We also pay tribute to Helen Palmer, the founding Librarian who managed the library until 1992. She developed a wonderful library service and collection. Over the years, we have benefited from many dedicated library staff who shared in the library’s vision to be pivotal in the delivery of St Peters’

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educational objectives and goals, supporting the curriculum and recreational needs. We focus on the development of students as life-long learners who can access and utilise information resources. The facility has seen a few changes over the years, especially physically. It is no longer the old standard of tall book stacks, silent with ‘shushing’ staff. Today, Langer Library is a vibrant and welcoming space with services and resources to cover the current Australian, QCAA and International Baccalaureate curricula. It is a wonderous hive of activity six days a week, open for extended hours to support boarders and day scholars – some days open well before school starts, until 8.30pm at night. On Sundays you will find boarders there for afternoon study. Technology has always played a vital role at the library. On opening in 1972, the Langer Library housed progressive technologies, equipment and resources including audiotape players and recorders, U-matic and then VHS videotapes, filmstrips and 16mm films loaned from the Department of Education’s film library. Library staff were thrilled to be supplied with a memory typewriter producing catalogue cards for the 90-drawercard catalogue system. These were all technological wonders in the 70s and 80s. In 1984 St Peters was one of the first schools to operate a Video Commander distribution system which was based in the library and enabled a collection of over 14,000 videos to be distributed to classrooms across the upper campus. By 2001 the library had 4,700 class bookings for video playbacks. This grew to over 19 VCRs to over 83 classrooms and eight student TV monitors in the library. In 1991 we introduced the automated library catalogue – we had five computers in the library. The library’s book stock was completely online by 1993 and 1996 saw the introduction of the internet and a CDROM network. In 1998

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the library commenced online database and encyclopaedia access and oversaw the College intranet. In 2003, the Masterfile system (CMS) held curriculum information and courses and we grew to 29 computers in the library. Today, we continue to work with multiple databases, eBook platforms, Learning Management Systems, and our own Langer Library internet pages. Students are encouraged to develop research and reading skills in a variety of resource formats including print, eBook, audiobooks, and electronic formats. Many students still prefer to read print fiction. Electronic resources appear in the library’s online catalogue with eBooks and databases available 24/7. One of the library's major focus areas is literacy and reading. Various research studies have shown a strong correlation between reading and academic achievement. The library actively promotes the value of ‘reading for pleasure’ and its influence on a child’s learning –particularly in developing vocabulary, spelling, and even maths skills. At the Langer Library, we play a crucial role in encouraging reading beyond the Primary Years. This involves not just providing the resources but incorporating new ways to develop literacy. It is vital to get the right book or research item into a student’s hand or onto their laptop. In coordination with the English Department, we run fortnightly BookSurf lessons for Years 7- 9 where we promote literature and encourage a love of reading. Literacy support is provided with Year Level programs, discussions, promotional displays such as books adapted to films, classics, graphic novels, easy readers, dyslexic formats, holiday borrowing, ‘shelf talkers’, student book reviews by English classes, read aloud sessions and more. Student discussion and recommendations are also seen as an

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important encouragement for students to pick up, borrow and read a book and recommend it to others. The Langer Library is renowned for its unique annual displays. They are large, vivid, and creative and inspire students and teachers on their entry into the library to engage in the activities. Each year we hold numerous events including the Junior High Literature Event, author visits, InterSchool Readers’ Cup Competition, and Children’s Book Week with its displays and competitions which runs for a month! We were the first school to commence a yearly publisher’s display where teachers look at textbooks for the forthcoming year. We have added book fairs to this event and students are welcomed to select books for the library to purchase. Another important focus for the Langer Library is information literacy development and enhancing research skills throughout the many curriculum areas incorporating Dimensions of Learning. We continue to promote, develop, and revise the Langer Library’s webpages, Assignment Pathfinders, Firefly items etc. We strive to provide quality resources and have seen substantial increases in the number of classes researching and in book loans. We frequently have weeks where class bookings are over 90 classes in per week. Our Langer Library webpages and assignment pathfinders receive tens of thousands of hits per year. The Langer Library is a pivotal focus of the College; it successfully promotes students’ development as life-long learners with a love of reading. The current high usage by the students and staff demonstrates its success in our objectives. It is a vital facility that has enjoyed the support of the College Council, the Heads of College, staff, students, and the community.

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STAFF PROFILE: MS LISA CHALLENOR Beloved Head of Primary Years, Ms Lisa Challenor, has been in her role for almost a full year. With a relaxed attitude, great sense of humour and aura of enthusiasm that she brings to her role, it's no wonder staff and students alike adore her. Here, Lisa shares snippets about herself with me so that we all might get to know her just that little bit better.

C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

What made you want to become a teacher? Did you always want to be one? As a girl, whenever someone asked me the age-old question, What do you want to be when you grow up?, I always said a jockey (a young girls love of horses) or a kindergarten teacher. Well, my healthy German bones and stature kyboshed my career as a jockey, so kindergarten teacher it was! I think that my love of small children first attracted me to teaching, and my own love of learning continues to flame my passion for working in schools and education. I remember teachers in my own schooling who really made a difference—people I will remember for my entire life, long after school was over. I wanted to be the teacher that my students remembered, either as a friend, a mentor, a leader or, at times, a surrogate parent. I still get immense pleasure when I reconnect with young people I taught in the early 90’s and listen as they reminisce about the impact various teachers have had on their life.

What do you love most about being a teacher and now, your current role? I love that no single day at work is the same! Children make me a more knowledgeable person. Children are, by nature, very curious. With all the questions they ask, their wonderings and connections to the world around them, they consistently challenge the way I look at the world and the way I engage with those around me. Each day, I get to be a part of the ‘messy’, amazing learning process and celebrate

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achievements, both big and small. Staff in the Primary Years are in the most privileged position of playing a crucial role in the spiritual, personal, social, and academic development in our students. In partnership with our families, we build character in these young people. I love these children in the Primary Years unconditionally. To work with them and their families, together with College staff, is a pleasure and one that fills my heart with gratitude.

If you weren’t in education, what do you think you would be doing? At various crossroads in my teaching career, I have explored different opportunities to work in the corporate world of adult education, however, the thought of working in an environment without children made the decision an easy one. I think if I were not working in schools, I would still very much be in an environment where children were prioritised, protected and respected… it seems that working in schools is the place for me!

What do you like to do in your free time? I might sound like a dag, but in my free time I like to read. Perhaps a balance of professional reading connected to my work at St Peters and in Primary schooling, to reading novels for pleasure…anything and everything. I am a voracious reader, so hit me up with your best current reads. If I am pressed on the point, I also do not mind comparing our wonderful Australian Rosé with

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those from France, Spain and Portugal with family and friends…good food and good wine.

What is some practical advice you would offer current students?

Oh and shopping, online or otherwise!

Become the author of your own learning and develop a personal agency that allows you to approach both success and challenge with grace, resilience, resourcefulness, and the continued power of ‘yet’. Reframe failure and mistakes as part of the learning process, rather than that which defines you…set personal goals and constantly reflect on your effort and growth. Remain curious about the people around you, ask questions, explore the world, identify problems, and create solutions.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their life? Spend a day with a 4-year-old. Really listen to their thoughts, their questions (oh, so many questions), to feel their energy, their enthusiasm for everything, their conceptual and creative thinking and to remember what it means to wonder without fear of judgement or assumption.

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NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK

SHANNON KING

Digital Marketing & Communications Officer

o commemorate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) and the 30th anniversary of the landmark High Court Mabo decision, Senior School students attended a Reconciliation Week Assembly on Friday 3 June, which was live streamed to Junior High. Students and staff had the extraordinary privilege of hearing from Old Scholar (1982) and current St Peters parent Noel Pearson— lawyer, land rights activist, and Director of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership. In his moving address, Mr Pearson fondly recalled his five years as a St Peters scholar and boarder, describing them as some of the best years of his life. He then spoke of the importance of community, of our multi-layered identities and of Australia having three stories: the story of our Indigenous foundations; the story of our British institutions; and the story of our multicultural migration. “These, our own stories, are indeed staring us in the face. They are our reality. We only need open our eyes and ears, and hearts to them,” Mr Pearson said. He spoke about the possibility of a referendum within the next three years that if successful, would enshrine First Nations voices in our Constitution, as another step towards reconciliation.

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“If we rise to the opportunity that now presents, our three Australian stories will become one. And even as we maintain our diverse individual and group identities, we will be able to speak in the first-person plural. We. The Australian People.” National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to reflect, to learn, and to celebrate our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to consider how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW are the same each year—27 May to 3 June—marking two key milestones in the history of reconciliation in Australia, the first being the successful 1967 referendum in which over 90% of Australians voted to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to recognise them in the Census. The second was the High Court Mabo decision which laid the groundwork for Native Title and paved the way for reconciliation. This year's theme for NRW is 'Be Brave. Make Change'. It calls on all Australians, from individuals to organisations, and government, to Be Brave with our actions in our daily lives to address the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY PLAQUE UNVEILING

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Deputy Head of College, Lisa Delaney, plaque artist and Old Scholar (2021), Tully Button, Lawyer and Old Scholar (1982), Noel Pearson, and Founder of Urban Metal, Debbie Bauer with a mock-up of the acknowledgement plaque; artist, Tully Button, putting the final touches on her design; Noel with current indigenous boarders, including his two children, Ngulunhdhul and Mijili.

C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

he College’s Visible Culture Committee has been working on a number of projects around campus over the last few months. One of these is the dedication of an Acknowledgement of Country plaque which is now displayed at the Harts Road entrance to the College. Following the NRW Assembly on Friday 3 June, the College held a ceremony in the Ross Roy grounds with Lisa Delaney and Noel Pearson unveiling the plaque. The ceremony was attended by several invited guests including students, P&F President, Robert Barber, SPOSA President, Llewellyn Jones, and MP for Maiwar, Michael Berkman. Being recognised as the true custodians of the land through an Acknowledgement of Country, is one way to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of the land. It promotes awareness of the history and

culture of our First Nation’s people and contributes towards reconciliation and a more unified Australia. The St Peters acknowledgement plaque artwork, designed by Old Scholar, Tully Button (2021) and unveiled by Acting Head of College, Mrs Lisa Delaney and Old Scholar, Noel Pearson (1982), sits proudly under our College name for all to see as they enter the campus. An Acknowledgement of Country is one way St Peters can personally appreciate our First Nation’s people in a way which is thoughtful and authentic. The wording on our plaque reads, St Peters Lutheran College, Indooroopilly, acknowledges and pays respect to the Jagera and Turrbul people who are the traditional custodians of the land on which our College is located. We recognise their continuing cultural and spiritual connection to this land and that it has always been a place of teaching and learning.

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CHOOSE KINDNESS With such a whirlwind start to the year, the students at St Peters Springfield have chosen to spread kindness across the College and community.

MAI THATCHER

Springfield Marketing & Events Officer

n Term 2, our Upper Primary students began their ‘Thriving Thursdays’. Students from Years 4 to 6 were given the opportunity during a double lesson every Thursday to undertake activities that tap into their passions and serve others.

were all delighted to receive their pots. This simple act of empathy and generosity helped strengthen bonds across the College. The Kindness Crew is now searching for their next project to help spread more kindness throughout the community.

A group of 15 students decided to create the ‘Kindness Crew’ as part of their Thriving Thursday initiative. The Kindness Crew aims to spread friendship, support and positivity throughout the College through kind deeds and acts of service.

Another group of students participating in Thriving Thursday saw a different opportunity for service. They noticed the need for an ‘Environmental Club’. Their first project was to clean and refresh the Spiritual Garden at St Peters Springfield, originally provided by the Lutheran Laypeople’s League. The club will plant new flowers and herbs. They hope the Spiritual Garden will be a space of relaxation and inspiration.

It was wonderful to see our students being so selfless and generous with their free time, truly reflecting the College’s ethos of showing care, dignity and respect to others around them. The students decided that their first project was to create messages of encouragement for students who were going to sit for their NAPLAN in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The Kindness Crew created ‘Pots of Kindness’. These pots held handwritten notes to help ease students into the testing period. Students in these NAPLAN years

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At St Peters Springfield, the concept of serving others is important to teach our students. Our Year 11 students have recently focused on serving others as they ready themselves for being leaders of the College next year. The students have volunteered their free time to help the

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Pictured: Spreading kindness in the form of Pots of Kindness, Baby Give Back and, the Environmental Club refresh of the Spiritual Garden.

school community in various activities throughout Term 2. We have seen the Year 11 students reaching out to provide assistance to the Hearts Café, help read stories to Lower Primary students, organise games for Primary Students during lunch and, much more. The service they are providing gives them a chance to grow in their character, strengthen their relationships with students, teachers and staff in the College as they prepare to be leaders in 2023. We would also like to applaud the St Peters Springfield community for their incredible response on our Community Focus Day to help provide emergency relief to flood affected families. Our community rallied together to bring in essential items and a gold coin donation for ‘Baby Give Back’, a charity which helps babies and families in crisis which is managed in Brisbane by one of our Founding staff members, Carly Lovell. Mrs Lovell was extremely thankful for St Peters Springfield’s contribution. Together, we were able to raise almost $900 and delivered four car loads of goods (baby wipes, toiletries, baby formula, nappies, clothing and more) to Back Give Back. The money and items will be distributed to many families who have done it tough during the floods. It is truly inspiring to see the kindness and joy that the St Peter Springfield community has provided to others in need this year so far. The College is proud of service initiatives our students have embarked on this year so far and how our St Peters Springfield students are using their heads, hearts and hands to reach outwards to help others and our world.

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WELCOME BACK MRS NATALIE HOUSTON

MAI THATCHER

Springfield Marketing & Events Officer

t the beginning of this year, St Peters Springfield was delighted to welcome Mrs Natalie Houston as its newly appointed Principal. As a Founding Staff member here at the College when it opened its gates back in 2008, Mrs Houston is well known in the St Peters Springfield community and has a strong connection to the College’s mission and values.

Mrs Houston can still remember the day the College opened; there were 14 passionate and driven Founding Staff members who came together to grow a new Lutheran school and create a place that developed children to be the best they could be. Since returning as Principal, Mrs Houston can see that this vision is still held by all the current staff at the College. While the College has grown, the deep sense of community and the empathy for one another has also grown with it. For Mrs Houston, these strong bonds that everyone in the community build with one another is extremely important. “We need to know that each person is unique and a child of God, that people as unique beings will have different ideas and perspectives to bring to the table, and we need to make a commitment to listen to and work with each other to find the most positive and creative ways forward. In doing so, we will make this school the very best it can be.” One of Mrs Houston’s visions for the College is to uphold and grow the tight-knit community feel experience for anyone who enters the grounds. It is something you cannot find at just any school. “It is probably the reason why years later, I see there are still fellow foundation and early

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years staff members here; their light is still as bright as it was in those first exhilarating years. That friendly and nurturing feeling is also why around four of our staff members are past students of St Peters Springfield. Clearly, this is a place that people remain in or come back to.” Similar to four of our St Peters Old Scholars who are currently working at St Peters Springfield within our Outside School Hours Care service, Mrs Houston felt an enduring connection to the College that could not keep her away. The lasting impression and life-changing experiences St Peters Springfield leave on staff and students will continue under Mrs Houston’s leadership. “St Peters Springfield inspires so many of joyfilled, human-centred moments. Moments of impact. I look forward to leading this school so that we can awaken and develop each person’s God-given gifts and talents so that they can make a positive and lasting impact in our world.” Mrs Houston brings with her a wealth of knowledge and pedagogical expertise having held senior leadership roles within Lutheran Education Queensland schools. Along with her vast experience, she also has a diverse list of qualifications which includes a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education from University of Queensland, Graduate Certificate in Religious Education and Master of Education from Australian Lutheran College and Master of Educational Leadership from Australian Catholic University. We wish Mrs Houston many blessings on her leadership journey here at the College and we are sure that under her guidance and leadership, the College will continue to flourish and grow.

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GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH DUKE OF EDINBURGH SHANNON KING

Digital Marketing & Communications Officer

ur young people undertake many worthwhile activities to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Occasionally, they do something extraordinary. Year 11 student, Mahi Kar Ray, is currently completing her Silver Award and, for her Voluntary Service, she has been assisting her father with a suicide prevention podcast. Earlier this year, COVID-19 restrictions made finding voluntary work tricky for Mahi, and the podcast created an opportunity for her to work on something meaningful and tangible with her father. The podcast is aimed at healthcare professionals and Mahi and her father, Manaan Kar Ray, have just finished working on Episode 17. Manaan, a psychiatrist, and Director of Mental Health at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, develops the content and writes the script and Mahi is the podcast host. She also creates the webpages for the podcast blog. Mahi spends up to three hours a week on the podcast. She reads the script first to figure out what is being said and how to say it, then records the podcast in one take with Manaan completing the editing. Mahi admits the process has been a steep learning curve, particularly with developing an understanding of the content. “Getting comfortable around the mic and understanding the context of the podcast and the terminology can be quite difficult,” she said. “Also, it has to be engaging and connect with the audience, so intonation and articulation are important.” As well as helping Mahi to develop new skills such as web design and development fundamentals, the experience has also brought her career options into clearer focus. “I’ve always been very interested in the body and how it works. I remember when I was younger my dad would bring home

books on the human body and I found them fascinating,” Mahi said. “So, I’ve always had my mind set on psychology or something in medicine. But now I’m thinking about voice acting too.” For many students, completing the Duke of Edinburgh is a journey of self-discovery and through this voluntary work, Mahi has discovered that she is more capable than she realised. “I would never have imagined two or three years ago that I would be hosting a mental health podcast as a high school student, with my dad who’s a doctor,” Mahi said. “So, this has helped me to realise I have a lot of potential.” Another benefit of this project has been the opportunity for the father and daughter to spend quality time together. Manaan said working with Mahi has brought a dimension of respect for his daughter. “Watching the transformation from the initial trepidation in week one to quiet confidence in the fourth month has been a privilege. This would never have been possible without the Service Learning aspect of Duke of Ed,” Manaan said. “I am thankful not just for the personal growth and self-belief in Mahi, but also for our time together and all the pre- and post-recording discussions in which I see a teenager who is blossoming.” Mahi has also enjoyed working with her father. “He’s very encouraging and patient with me and I end up having a lot of fun just being with my dad and spending time with him.” When asked what advice she has for students thinking about signing up for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Mahi replies, “Just do it. Grasp every opportunity the school gives you. St Peters has so many opportunities, so take every aspect and step out of your comfort zone”.

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FAREWELL MRS GROTHERR During Term 2, St Peters Springfield Head of Secondary Years, Mrs Sue Grotherr, farewelled staff and students having dedicated over 50 years to the teaching profession. MAI THATCHER

Springfield Marketing & Events Officer

ue’s incredible journey as a teacher began when she contemplated what the big city and university had to offer and left her childhood farm in Bundaberg. She had not planned to be a teacher, but accidentally fell into it. We, at St Peters Springfield, feel that this was no accident at all.

Pictured (from above): Mrs Sue Grotherr, 2022; being presented with her farewell gifts from Senior students and Mrs Natalie Houston; Mrs Grotherr with her first ever class, Bundaberg, 1972.

Mrs Grotherr has brought out the best in thousands of students across every year level from her first schools in Bundaberg to those in the Ipswich/Brisbane area since 1971. Throughout her vast career, Mrs Grotherr has served across State, Anglican and Lutheran schools as a teacher, teacher librarian and in various leadership roles, including Head of Secondary Years and P-12 Curriculum Coordinator at St Peters Springfield. This is an amazing achievement that not many could claim. Mrs Grotherr has worked tremendously hard to guide the hearts and minds of our secondary students and to lead the secondary staff at St Peters Springfield during her time here at the College. In doing so, she has always shown care, dignity and respect and the excellence that defines St Peters both in her work and in her relationships with all community members. The College and the St Peters Springfield community have greatly appreciated everything Mrs Grotherr has done, from guiding students and staff in relation to academic and pastoral matters, organising many College events to creating the College timetable but most importantly, for the way she has gone about it all. Mrs Grotherr has been a role model to us in the way that she has always considered the dignity of a person in every decision she has made and in the way she has strived to bring about the best possible outcome in every situation for our students, staff and families. Mrs Grotherr has been a kind, calm, fair, creative, dedicated and hardworking educator and leader with a can-do attitude.

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We all have a memory of a favourite teacher at school. Someone who listened, encouraged, challenged and inspired us to do our best. Mrs Grotherr will undoubtedly be that memorable teacher for many of our students. Students and staff at St Peters Springfield celebrated Mrs Grotherr’s achievements during a special assembly and staff meeting. Everyone within the St Peters Springfield community thanks Mrs Grotherr for her dedication and commitment. We send her with all our good wishes and God’s blessings as she writes her next chapter.

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THE ARTS

FENOGLIO MAKES THE ARCHIBALD

C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

avid ‘Dave’ Fenoglio (2003), an Old Scholar and artist based in Brisbane, was recently nominated for the Archibald Portrait Prize with his oil on linen submission of Yuriyal Eric Bridgeman.

A 2011 graduate of Queensland College of Art, Fenoglio has exhibited nationally and internationally and says he is, “humbled to have this painting hanging in the Archibald amongst all these incredible painters”. Scan here to visit Fenoglio's Instagram page.

The portrait of Bridgeman, a multidisciplinary artist from Papua New Guinea, depicts Bridgeman sitting calmly, facing us directly, while the colours of the shield paintings he is working on radiate behind him. The tattoos on his arms include the

Pictured (left to right): Dave Fenoglio's submission in the the Archibald Prize; Self-portrait.

name and symbol of two brothers from the Haus Yuriyal collective. On his submission, Fenoglio says, “The contrast between the flat shapes in the background and Eric’s figure in the foreground, painted naturalistically, evokes the way I perceive his complex personality. Eric has a fierce warrior energy and the sensitivity of a poet. I hope I’ve captured that.” This year saw over 800 entries into the Archibald with only 52 being selected. A huge congratulations to Dave on your achievements over the years.

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ANNUAL MUSIC AND ART COLLABORATION ROCKS THE PAC "Music is art to the ear and art is music to the eye," Tanya Frid. CHRISTINE TAYLOR

Co-Director of Cocurricular Music

oundscape - A Night at the PAC, in Term 1, was a collaborative event between the Music Department and Art Department and an extravaganza for the senses.

The two-concert event showcased the wide diversity of Music ensembles in Junior High and Senior School. Still artworks created by Art students in curriculum classes as a response to the music were projected during performances. The strong link between art and music was clearly expressed by the IB Art students who produced a Body/ Floor Drawing in response to the live music performances during a 90 minute period. JULIE SEIDEL

Head of Performing Arts

The intent of the IB Art work was to experience a heightened sense of creative expression using the principles often embedded in Performance Art, generally an ephemeral experience. The concept of using the body to produce marks that are fluid and layered in response to sound enables the artist to move from observation to personal expression. The large format paper requires the artist to assess their physical proportions and start in the centre of the work. The aim is to work across the surface that becomes a visual record of the process of harnessing energy, movement, and sound, using materials to map the interaction of the body and sound. These elements meld together to visually record the immediacy and sensation of engaging in the creative process! The students collaborated to develop layers and build an aesthetically pleasing image for the audience to enjoy. For Alanna, the experience of performing with the ensemble and then drawing offered a significant elevation of the senses! Congratulations to all those students in the music ensembles and to Alanna, Luella, and Lina for their authentic Art performance!

Images: Provided by photographer, Colin Bushell. Plus Ultra | June 2022

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THE ARTS

THE THRILL OF KALEIDOSCOPE CHRISTINE TAYLOR

Co‐Director of Cocurriculuar Music and Producer of Kaleidoscope

n 2007, St Peters began a music/drama project which is designed exclusively for the Year 8 cohort of each year. Early productions were commissioned works from prominent Australian librettists and composers and linked the students to their Australian culture and heritage. In 2012, the change in title to Year 8 Arts Kaleidoscope reflected a change of approach to this event and to works which were directly relevant to the cast’s possible experiences in Junior High and used music chosen from a variety of sources to reflect upon these experiences. Over the years, Kaleidoscope, has become so successful that it is now one of the key events in the Year 8 calendar and has been described by students as a ‘rite of passage’ in Junior High.

We have been fortunate that despite the impact of Covid, Kaleidoscope has still been able to proceed over the last three years. Creative thinking around pandemic social distancing and performance restrictions created the concept of subdividing the large cast of students into three smaller sub‐casts. On the evenings of 27 and 28 May, these sub‐casts each performed one third of the show, whilst combining to open and close the show together.

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In a change of scene from previous Kaleidoscope’s, Camp Fortitude told the story of a week away at a camp before school starts. The talented Arts Professionals team, enthusiastic St Peters staff, excited cast of nearly 100 students, plus 12 very organised backstage crew, worked together collaboratively to create outstanding performances. At Camp Fortitude, students completed a series of challenges and in doing so faced their fears, learn to work together as team, stand up to bullies, make new friends, and build resilience whilst having a great time together. From the upbeat opening song, Best Day of My Life, to the scary dream sequence, Thriller, to the poignant solo in Speechless, and the culminating message of Try Everything, they were great nights of music, dance, and drama. The casts worked with diligence and great collaboration to achieve such a high standard across a short rehearsal season (made even shorter due to lockdowns before Easter). All students cast and the backstage crew—over 100 students in all—should be very proud of all that they have achieved during the rehearsal process, and of the performance of Camp Fortitude.

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SPORT

RUGBY SPIRIT IS ALIVE AT ST PETERS Earlier this term, resident Sports photographer, Anthony Cox, asked Rugby Coordinator, Russell Todd, about his vision and goals ahead of the AIC season. ANTHONY COX

Digital Marketing and Design Officer

Q) Being new to the College last year, what were some things you set out to achieve in the Rugby Season, this year and beyond?

Championships, where we just missed out on winning the Grand Final in both the U13 & U18 divisions.

In Rugby, we are looking to establish clear focus and development areas for our students. We have started by aligning the program into three clear focus areas; Primary (Years 5-6), Junior (Years 7-9) and Senior (Years 10-12) where the focus is on participation, performance, and development, respectively. Future work in this space will be the development of a skills curriculum so that we can ensure our players are able to achieve certain milestones on a time line. This will also help to give our Coaches some direction around their sessions.

Following Rugby 7s, our Opens group began their pre-season preparation where we spent time focusing on core skill development and games-based learning opportunities. This fun training block spends a lot of time playing variants of different games to develop players fundamental skills and decision making.

Beyond this, we hope that we can get back to touring in the coming years so to really bolster our students' St Peters Rugby experience. Q) What are your goals for the 2022 Season?   First and foremost, I want the young men playing to enjoy their experience. Regardless of results, I want them to enjoy learning about the game, developing as players, and creating friendships and memories with their school mates. I would love the growth of Rugby in the school to continue and seeing Mayer Oval packed with Rugby shirts at the start of 2023! Q) Can you tell us what the boys have been doing in the lead up to this year’s season? We have been fortunate that the school have supported our pursuit of beginning to develop a Rugby 7s program. So, the first half of Term 4, 2021, revolved around advancing that, culminating in the State Rugby 7s

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In Term 1 this year, our Opens players came straight back into pre-season training and competed in the Brisbane Junior Rugby Union (BJRU) Lightning Series Club Competition. Participating in this competition was a first for the College and was very important for the Opens to build relationships, experience and become battlehardened ahead of the AIC season. Q) What have been some of the highlights during pre-season? For the Opens it was getting to represent the College in the BJRU Club Competition for the first time. The players represented the College exceptionally well and the results followed, finishing third place overall. For the wider program, we were lucky to welcome Queensland Reds, Jock Campbell and Lawson Creighton, to a training session, which was an engaging experience for our Juniors. Additionally, we have close to 40 more students playing Rugby this year, so we’re starting to build positive interest and engagement in the game. It’s great to see teams supporting each other on. On Round 5 game day at ‘home’, we assigned the Senior players to one of the

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younger age groups to help them warm up and run them on to the field at the start of the game. We hope that this experience helps our younger men see what being in the 1st XV team is like and gets them aspiring to one day be in their shoes and pay it back to the next generation coming through. Q) How does the program vary for different age groups?   2022 is the first year we have approached the program with clearly defined focus areas. Within our Primary program focus of participation, the Coaches make use of a gamesbased learning approach to help engage the students in a fun environment, get them hooked, but also to start their Rugby education. The Junior program focus is on development, so more attention is paid to core skill and athletic development, but importantly maintaining a games-based approach to help develop decision makers. Finally, the Senior program focus of performance is where we start to look at the game in more tactical depth, help give the players more awareness of getting the most out of their bodies as well as maintaining the core skill development and games-based learning approach. It’s still got to be fun whatever the level! Q) What does a typical Rugby week look like from a student’s perspective? To be a 1st XV player there is a fair amount of sacrifice, time management and self-drive required. A typical in-season training week consists of some sort of training or preparation up to six days a week. Sessions are a combination of gym and video game review, high contact field training, and lower energy field training where we work through our tactical adjustments for the weekend’s fixture. Q) Can you tell me a bit about the Coaching staff? When it comes to appointing Coaches, there are three criteria that I look for: 1. they are passionate Rugby people; 2. they are driven to want to be better Coaches; and,

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3. they understand, or can be sympathetic to, the St Peters Rugby journey, being a smaller program. Fortunately, all of our Coaches in 2022 tick these boxes. We actually have 11 of our 14 Coaches who are Old Scholars (ranging from 2009-2021 graduates) who are having a massive positive impact on the Rugby men of St Peters. The Senior Coaching group meet regularly to discuss what’s going well for them, what challenges they have, and discuss video analysis and selections. With the Junior Coaches, we ran formal in-house Coach Education, but we have a Coach Mentor (Mike Rickerby) who works with that group on an on-going basis. Q) Are there any students looking for representative opportunities in Rugby at the present? We currently have three students with the Queensland Reds Junior Academy—Kadin Pritchard, Moe Koroi and Vice Latu. Barney Radel and Kuwanon Dickman were also invited to attend Academy Sessions as guests. In the Opens age group, we have had five students—Liam Macdonald, Jimmy Roberts, Ethan Pass, Moe Koroi and Barney Radel— selected for the Met West 17-18 Years team. With the Junior Met West and Queensland age grade teams not being selected until Term 3, I expect to see a number of our Junior players rewarded with representative honours too. Q) In closing, what would be your advice for students wishing to join the program in future years? Rugby is a unique sport—truly a game for all sizes—where everyone has a role and can feel valued. Whilst it can be a tough game and can be daunting to consider giving it a go, I assure you that the personal growth you will have over the coming years will far outweigh the initial nerves. You will be able to challenge yourself, learn to be resilient, enjoy continually learning about the game, and create friendships and memories that will last you a lifetime. So come and give it a go! Thanks for spending time with us and we look forward to hearing how the season progresses. Best of Luck!

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SAINTS MAKING THE RULES History was made on Saturday 19 February with the first bounce of QGSSSA inaugural Senior Australian Rules competition. With College Senior Leaders and AFL royalty in attendance, the 16-strong team of QG schools was officially launched. ANTHONY COX

Digital Marketing and Design Officer

n the first game of the inaugural competition, St Peters triumphed 9.12.66 defeating Ipswich Girls Grammar 1.3.9. With this win under their belt, Anthony Cox spoke with Head of Girls Sport, Anne-Marie Champion, and St Peters Australian Rules Captains, Ava Turner and Delta Perkins (pictured facing page, centre). What were the initial sign-up numbers like for Australian Rules and did you think you could get the numbers to be involved? Anne-Marie Champion: We had very strong interest from the girls and this we see only increasing as the sport continues to develop within the school program. What were some of the challenges you needed to overcome for introducing Australian Rules into the St Peters sporting fixtures? AMC: Some of the challenges of introducing Australian Rules into the QGSSSA program was scheduling it into what was already a busy year of fixtures.

Years 10 to 12 were in Term 1 and Years 7 to 9 are in Term 4. I think we know our numbers are going to be massive for Juniors moving into Term 4. It did prove challenging for our Senior girls who have played Touch or Basketball for many years to fit in Australian Rules. We did just make it work to get the balance through to give the girls the opportunity to give Australian Rules a go, particularly for our Year 12 girls as this opportunity was a taste for that I can see they're going to go on and play AFL outside of school over the next few years. What was the most rewarding aspect of the introduction of Australian Rules for this year’s sport? Watch: 2022 QGSSSA AFL Launch.

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AMC: It was a huge honour to be involved for me personally and to see how the school has got behind the introduction to girls Australian Rules has been great to see. It

has been a huge success, driven extremely well by Amy Anderton (Executive Officer, QGSSSA). Seeing the girls get an opportunity to play at Metricon Stadium (Home of the Gold Coast Suns), something many Australian Rules participants would love the opportunity to do. Having grown up in the landscape of Australian Rules, what does this mean to you to see women’s Australian Rules firstly, make the National stage, and then, to be introduced into the school level? AMC: The most rewarding aspect of the introduction of Women's Australian Rules (for someone who grew up in country South Australia involved with Australian Rules for my entire life) is that I loved watching the game then and I enjoy seeing how the sport has grown. I'm enjoying seeing how talented our St Peters girls are and how quickly they pick up the skills. And yes, you could see where other sports skills, particularly girls that played ball sports that requires good hand/eye coordination, certainly picked up the skills required very quickly. Anyone that's athletic really took to the game because it involves quite a lot of running which certainly tested everyone's fitness. But, just to see the girls try something new and to see how much they loved it was so rewarding. Did current Brisbane Lions AFL Women’s team member, and Old Scholar, Greta Bodey (2012), have any involvement with the program here at St Peters? AMC: In 2021 Greta and fellow Brisbane Lions player, Gabby Collingwood, were a part of our Coaching team who joined us for the skills sessions that were held at Rangakarra, joined with Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Unfortunately Greta, playing high level football for the Brisbane Lions, was unable to help us in our inaugural season due to

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the clash and fixtures. But yes, Greta certainly enjoyed watching and she was there on game day. Number one, Greta and Gabby came out to watch the Inaugural Day to see the launch of our St Peters Girls Australian Rules and was very quietly impressed with what she saw and the talent of some of our girls out there on the field. Representing your fellow team members what does this mean to you all to be involved in the inaugural season of Girls Australian Rules? Ava - The experience, representing my school and team members, was pretty amazing. Being one of the first Captains of the inaugural girls St Peters footy team was such a privilege. Often you don't find sports being new to a school so to have the opportunity to be a part of something as significant as this was really motivating and inspiring. Delta - I think it was a feeling of privilege and excitement to be part of the beginning of something important for many young women in Queensland. Having the opportunity for girls to finally be able to play in an Australian Rules competition at school opens up a lot of doors for many girls and can encourage more girls to not only play Australian Rules for school but also for club. Have the girls wanted to play Australian Rules at St Peters for some time or was it more of a case that the opportunity presented itself and it was exciting to be involved in it? Do many girls play Australian Rules outside of the school competition? Ava – I know, personally, I've always wished St Peters had girls Australian Rules. I was so keen when I heard they were introducing it—I know a lot of the girls, including myself, leapt at the opportunity to play as all of us have come from either AFL, touch or rugby, so playing this sport came naturally to all of us. Delta - Yes, I think a lot of girls had been waiting for a program for a long while, but the new program definitely encouraged more girls to join just to try it out. How significant is this for women’s sport in general?

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Ava – I would say this is very significant for women's sport. QGSSSA is an impacting sports association and, considering women's professional footy has only just recently become a thing, this is setting girls in school up for those types of opportunities and I think that's great. Delta - I think this new program is more than just a school sport for many of our girls. It's a small contribution to the growing community of women's sport and can definitely help empower more girls and young women across Queensland to pursue sport and slowly balance out women's participation in sport. How many of the girls would have played AFL prior to this season? Ava - Pretty much all of the girls had never played before. I'm really proud of all the efforts we put in and how well we did. Surprisingly, we all worked really well together and because of that, a few of us are playing in a competitive DIV1 club team together with the same coach. What would be your advice to fellow students who are looking to play next year? Ava - My advice to any girls who are looking to play next year is, DO IT! Even though for us, it was a really short season, it was still such a great experience. By playing you're still part of making history and setting St Peters' reputation and standard for Australian Rules. It is such a good opportunity to play a sport with girls you haven't played with before and get into a new sport that you can play for the rest of your life. Australian Rules has a really good community spirit and is the most inviting and supportive sport. I really enjoyed it, I know all the other girls did. If I could play again for St Peters I would. Delta - I would definitely say to just try to have a bit of fun. The best teams with the best attitudes are the ones who get along, bond and have fun together. We are so lucky to have some really good coaches and there is room for a lot of progress and improvement in a small period of time. So, just make the most of it because there is actually a lot you can gain from the program; fun, friendship, skills, experience and much more.

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BOARDING

NATIONAL BOARDING WEEK 2022 X AIRE COMBARNGO AND HUGH DOLLE

Head Boarder Girl and Head Boarder Boy

ational Boarding Week is an annual week where we, as a boarding community, are able to showcase the diversity and culture within both boys and girls boarding along with many other activities we enjoy taking part in on a regular basis. Throughout the week there is usually an activity each day which gives the ‘day bugs’ and other patrons an insight into different aspects of what life is like living away from home as boarders. On Monday, we hosted a free sausage sizzle for the day students in the Chapel Forecourt. This is probably our most popular event each year and the sausages —we cook over 300!—are snapped up in a matter of minutes. This gives the boarders and day students an opportunity to come together as a larger collective—to communicate and enjoy a meal similar to what the boarding students do on a daily basis. On Tuesday, boarder-led tours took day students and their 'adopt-a-parent's through the respective boarding houses. In doing so, day students, as well as staff, were able to gain a true and personal insight on how boarding houses are operated. It was the busiest ever lunch in the boarding houses, with hundreds of students going through both houses doing tours. Day students were able to see the boarders’ rooms as well as common areas in which many of them spend their time bonding and watching movies etc. In doing these tours, boarding students were able to display what ‘life as a boarder’ is truly like. On Wednesday, there were games such as corn hole, table tennis, spike ball and hand ball to emulate activities that boarders partake in almost every night after dinner. These activates initiated further interactions with boarders and day students to build excitement for what was to come later in the week.

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That evening, our brother and sister houses socialised in their family groups. Groups went out and had some fun, getting together outside of the boarding houses under the supervision of staff. This has been a wonderful addition to our Pastoral Care program. Sport is a very sentimental part of boarding’s culture as it gives us a chance to participate in friendly competition. This concept of competition was exhibited on Thursday in the form of a day bugs vs boarders dodgeball match at lunch time. On Friday, we were meant to play the annual day bug vs boarder Touch game on Harts Road Oval. However, after the incessant rain and seasonal sickness, the game was unable to go ahead. This game of Touch is the highlight for many during boarding week and it was a shame to miss out. With usually a large number of participants from both day school and boarding across a variety of Year Levels, the strength of the communities connectivity and camaraderie has been evident throughout the game in previous years.

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SPOSA

SPOSA PRESIDENT What was the most important thing for you about your time at school?

LLEWELLYN JONES

Sposa President and Old Scholar (1983)

t Peters Old Scholars usually rank Ironbark highly as an iconic experience in their school life. And when asked, almost unanimously cite Ironbark as their favourite time. It's hard to beat! What is there not to like about full immersion independent living with school friends in an outdoor adventure setting?

We are very fortunate to have Ironbark. No doubt. But there is so much more to be grateful for in our St Peters upbringing. I’m sure you will be able to reflect, as I do, on friendships and kindnesses, triumphs and celebrations that happened at places on campus and away on tours. One of those places on campus that will now live on in memories is Luther House. That old WWII vintage timber building in the middle of the school heart. Downstairs, the seat of power—the Headmaster’s office. (Were you ever told to wait outside THAT office?). Upstairs, a hall put to many uses—who remembers having dances there at a homespun discotheque and the daggy movie nights for the boarders on weekends? Nothing above an 'M' rating, but nevertheless exciting coeducational times for a young adolescent! Luther House is now no more. The valuable central real estate is being re-imagined with the construction of a cutting edge and purpose-built Centre for Learning and Innovation. It is bound to become a vibrant hub for the next generations of students and

Pictured: Llewellyn (left) seen here playing on an arcade game with fellow students, was also a member of the Madrigal Choir whilst at school.

a place where new memories will be made. SPOSA will be there. We are supporting the building project in our own small way with the funding of a SPOSA Café that will help current Senior students make the best of their time at school and remind each of them that they are already a 'Saint for Life'. It is a token of our gratitude to the school that helped us on our way, and a cup of kindness from Old Scholars to those following in our footsteps. Because we continue to be part of the St Peters diaspora wherever we are, whatever we are doing and no matter how old or how young we are. We are all of us together—Saints for Life. Best wishes to you all.

THANK YOU TO OUR NETBALL SUPPORTERS

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WE FAREWELL Graham Behrendorff (1955) 19/10/35 – 31/08/21 Graham’s grandfather, Carl Behrendorff, had been on the board which established St Peters Lutheran College. This fact was shared proudly among his family. Graham’s mother was keen for her sons to be educated at a high standard Christian boarding school so, Graham was pleased to be able to attend St Peters in 1950 for his Scholarship year. However, Graham never got to sit the scholarship exam, leaving the College early to help out on the family farm. Throughout his life, Graham lived out his Christian faith in words and deeds. His frequent saying was, “We are blessed!”. When the family were young, he would read aloud from the Bible. Even in his last years, Graham would read a few chapters each night. Graham loved his nine grandchildren and said that he was so happy to know that all of them were worshipping in church each Sunday. Graham loved to help and serve other people. He was a good listener, and people would tell him their life stories. Bishop Janadabing Apo (1960) 1935 - 9/12/21 Jana was one of the first three Papua New Guinean Lutheran students sponsored by the Lutheran Church of PNG to study at St Peters. What a cultural and social shock it must have been for this 20-year-old, enrolled in Grade 7 (Sub-Scholarship) with twenty-two 12-and 13-yearolds, and sharing boarding life with a group of boys so much younger than he was. Jana and fellow PNG students became popular additions to the New Guinea cohort of Mission children at St Peters, and like all PNG students were obliged to spend their term holidays with host Lutheran families. Jana recalled being taught the intricacies of farming during these breaks from school. Having completed Sub-Junior (Year 9), Jana returned to PNG, completing his teacher training at Bumayong in 1958. He became a teacher and later a Headmaster. In 1966 he was called to train as a pastor and in 1968 he married Elaine.

Jana worked in PNG up to his retirement in 1990. Retirement, however, was not a notion that Jana willingly embraced. He continued serving the church and in total was a Lutheran pastor for 50 years. An inspiring man of God, Jana’s gentle charm was evident as he caught up with wantoks and old friends and shared his message of how best to make a change in people’s lives, following God’s word. Catherine Frerichs (1963) 21/08/45 – 28/01/22 Catherine Elisabeth Frerichs passed away peacefully on 28 January, 2022 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her brothers, Paul and Jonathan, and Connie Medema, a friend and nurse, were at her bedside. Friends and family have filled her room in recent weeks. She breathed her last at 4:37 am, in Clark Home, the assisted living facility where she has been living since October. The cause of her death was cancer. Dianne Bliesner 25/07/48 - 20/09/21 Her dedication and 27 years of service in Lutheran schools is remembered by the many staff, parents and students of whom Diane's life touched. Whilst at St Peters, Diane was secretary to Head of College, Dr Carson Dron, where she was given a lot of responsibility and variety, and the job was never dull! After working at St Peters for 18 months, Diane became engaged to Dennis Bliesner and they were married on the 28 December, 1968 in the St Peters College Chapel. Their wedding day was beautiful, and Diane often wished that she could repeat this special day. Many people have such fond memories of Diane and their time with her. She worked tirelessly and selflessly serving God and her family. A trip to visit her family earlier this year bought about a shock diagnosis of cancer. Diane had mere months to live, which soon became weeks and then days. Diane has left a legacy of faith, hope, and love. Devoted wife of Dennis Bliesner (deceased) much loved mother and mother-in-law and house/camp mother to many Lutheran school students.

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MAGIC IN THE UNKNOWN From humble beginnings in Normanton, northern Queensland, to travelling the world with Snoop Dogg, Cameron Callope has lived many different lives in his 47 years. Currently embarking on a degree in Medicine, he doesn't seem ready to slow down just yet...just try something new.

C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

ameron Callope (1992) is a softly spoken slightly imposing man. The latter trait played to his favour when he went by the stage name ‘C-Roc’ in Australia’s first aboriginal rap group in the mid-90s. A fierce name for a gentle giant.

“It was a couple of PNG guys, two Indigenous guys, and non-Indigenous Australian guys. I played music back home [in Normanton] but, St Peters all Cameron only attended St Peters for a short of a sudden allowed me access to artists time in the early 90s who came from however, he says his very different time here had a great backgrounds, which impact on him. means they saw music differently. “I believe St Peters gave They played I was building me the platform to differently,” he towards something know how to operate that my heart wanted. explains. in a world where the doors of opportunity Post-school, Cameron And I didn't oppress open and all I had to played in bands but it, I let it go where I do was walk through,” never really ‘made wanted to go..." Cameron told me. it’ until he started his own rap group, “[Whilst at school] we Native Ryme, in 1994. had a band and used to rehearse above Luther House. We’d put on shows and charge people Native Ryme were the first nationally to come and see us and get a full house!". recognised Indigenous rap group in Australia and in 1998 became the first domestic hip ON days leading up to a school show, “It hop group to win a national music award, wasn’t unusual for me to hear, ‘Dr Dron a Deadly Award. From here the band went wants to see you’ and he’d call me into his on to play and tour with The Cruel Sea and, office, annoyed, because I was putting up later, Naughty by Nature, gaining them band posters all around the school. We were international recognition. petrified of him!”

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The band that Cameron was a part of at St Peters consisted of boys from ‘all over’.

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Pictured (clockwise from facing page): Cameron as a toddler in the Gulf of Carpentaria; representing St Peters in Track & Field (circa 1991); with Snoop Dogg in 2014; with his Legend Award from the Australian Independent Music Awards & Music Oz, 2013; Cameron Callope now (image courtesy of Anjanette Webb, UQ); working with remote area Indigenous communities; presenting Urban Artist of the Year at the Australian Independent Music Awards in 2012.

The limelight kept shining as ‘C-Roc’ was soon contacted by Snoop Dogg who then opened up more doors to the Kardashians, Johnny Depp and Justin Bieber, to name a few. However, eventually Cameron felt the need to step back from the limelight. “It was a big chunk of my life and it served its purpose. I had a foundation from St Peters and I built on it. It was strong and that was built up here [points to his head]. But in all honesty, I was building towards something that my heart wanted. And I didn't oppress it, I let it go where I wanted to go … but I always had my essence open to something that would call me.” And something entirely different was calling Cameron. “There was always that inner child saying, ‘hey, don't forget why we did this. Don't forget why we went to St Peters.’ You know, there's always a whisper in my ear.” As a result, Cameron is currently in his third year of Medicine at UQ. He was the first ever first-year student to be offered a place as a Medical Research Scholar at the Child Health Research Centre and has been personally endorsed by the Chancellor of UQ, Peter Varghese, as an Indigenous Medical Students Mentor. “I'm going to do the Doctor Public Health first because,

I think, owing to my life skills, I'm more valuable around a policy table to talk about my life experiences and diversity,” Cameron said. Later this year, Cameron will attend Harvard University in Boston, USA, to further his studies. Cameron took the leap into the unknown after having shoulder surgery and meeting his orthopaedic surgeon with ‘magic hands’. From this point on, he decided he wanted magic hands too. From his humble beginnings to international rap artist to medical student, Cameron really has come full circle. “It was having the courage to be the first; to trailblaze and put a blueprint and system in place. To start from scratch and do it. “I had a video diary and I preached to everybody that you can be anybody you want to be in life. I'm going to prove it. I'm walking out of the music industry, which paid me lots of money, and I'm going to go down a path now that I don't know how it's going to work out, but I'm willing to go.” Cameron is definitely on the road to success and we wish him the best of luck in his years of study ahead of him.

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ALL DROWNED OUT 'Once in a lifetime', they said, 11 years ago and yet, here we were again in February. Flooded. Some were luckier than others but there was help on hand for those whose homes and businesses suffered more serious emotional and water damage.

C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

he recent flooding of south-east Queensland left a lot of people, homes and businesses, including our St Peters community, displaced and devastated by its destruction. Declared one of Australia’s worst ever natural disasters, the ‘rain bomb’ dropped 80% of the region’s annual rainfall on Brisbane in just three days at the tail-end of February.

would coincide with the heavy rainfall so a lot of different places were flooding, than had historically done so. In the 2011 floods, much of Fig Tree Pocket was underwater but since then, they have had a backflow valve installed which reduces the chance of backflow flooding by preventing water from flowing back up stormwater drainage. This meant that there were minimal homes affected by flooding this year as opposed to the hundreds in 2011.

From desperate local drivers trying to escape flooded waters via the new pedestrian-only Indooroopilly Riverwalk, to complaints about “But I don’t want to underestimate the delayed wheelie bin collection, Brisbane City problem because, in parts of Indooroopilly Councillor, James Mackay, has heard, and there were entire homes’ contents on the seen, it all since Friday 25 February. footpath. It was heartbreaking,” James said quite emotionally. “Some of these families Local Councillor, and St Peters Old Scholar, also have small business that have had to James, has lived locally most of his life. deal with Covid for the last two years. Now Growing up, the worst ‘disaster’ (aside this. One guy said to me, ‘I can’t even see my from the 2011 floods) he can recall was shop’.” His business, along with others, was ankle-deep flooding of the UQ campus and underwater in Milton. Indooroopilly Canoe Club in the mid-90s. However, less than four months ago, James The weekend was certainly the worst time saw first-hand the affect the flooding had for the flooding however, the effects didn’t on residents in 4067, 4068 and 4069 where stop immediately. some of the flooding did its worst. On Thursday 3 March, when the rain had “On the Friday night when it started, I went subsided and some schools were back open, down to Munro St [St Lucia] and started door there were local students showing up to knocking and telling people, already standing class without food. James and his team were in water, to move their cars and get out,” stunned and immediately organised meals James told me. for the students as well as rallying parents to bring in spare uniforms for those that didn’t On Saturday morning, many roads in the area have access to them either. were closed and cars were getting towed to higher ground. By this time, residents in highEven so, there are always some wonderful rise riverside apartments were also trapped, if stories to come from the worst situations. they hadn’t managed to escape earlier. Once James talks about one St Lucia man he Sunday arrived, the weather pattern changed met that brought down a generator to from being just rain deluge to being river the Council barbeque so locally affected inundation and the levels started rising. people could charge their phones. He even James explains that SEQ Water released set up a DJ station for some much-needed the Wivenhoe barriers when the high tides entertainment and diversion. Later James

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Pictured (clockwise from far left): Gailey Rd, Indooroopilly, looking towards Sir Fred Schonell Drive; Sir Fred Schonell Drive intersection with Mitre St, St Lucia; Kate St, Indooroopilly, outside Ambrose Treacy College; Cr James Mackay with Old Scholar, Axielle Doddridge (2020), her father, Wayne Doddridge, and Pip Cook, from the Walter Taylor Office; River front apartments on Sandford St, St Lucia.

found out that this ‘local hero’s’ house was under water and he was giving up his own precious time to help others.

James also salutes the tireless effort of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment whose reliability and professionalism meant that welfare checks were done on hundreds of local residents in St Lucia.

“There were some particularly selfless people that would call me up every hour or two and tell me they have a generator, or a pump, or could deliver 30 coffees and where should they bring them. It was just fantastic to see the community come together like that.

“I want to say thank you to the community for being so generous, including the St Peters Community Hub who donated more than 20 school bags with pencil cases and water bottles for Care For Kids Ltd. And thank you to those who weren’t affected, for your patience.”

“We delivered free Meals on Wheels via ‘Canoe-ber Eats’,” James joked. “Some people in flooded-in highrise apartment blocks were in their 70s, or over, and without power for days.”

Unfortunately, these ‘uncommon’ natural disaster events aren’t likely to disappear soon but let’s at least hope that we don’t get to experience another ‘once in a 100 years event’ like this again any time soon.

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THE GOVERNOR GENERAL'S PLUS ULTRA This year's Australia Day honours list included four St Peters Old Scholars. Shannon King honours them here, acknowledging their service to country. Bob Krause OAM (1953) Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Marburg Robert (Bob) Krause has called Marburg home for the better part of nine decades and the retired dairy farmer and father of four has become something of a local identity, having served the community of this rural town for most of his life. Over the years, Bob’s volunteer work has seen him involved with the Junior Farmers’ Organisation (Rural Youth), Marburg Rural Fire Brigade, St Matthews Lutheran Church, Bethany Primary School in Raceview, Ipswich Council City-Country Consultative Group, and as Chair for the Marburg State School Centenary Celebrations. He was also involved with the establishment of Faith Lutheran College in Plainland where he was initially a planning committee member, then College Council member for 10 years. Bob’s work with the Lutheran Church, in particular Lutheran Youth, saw the acquisition of land in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast that then became Luther Heights Youth Camp. But his proudest achievement is his nearly 60 years involvement with the Marburg Show Society where he started as a schoolboy exhibitor and then went on to serve as committee member, steward, vice president, then as president for over a decade. Bob believes his passion for volunteering was sparked by his parents who were always helping at church, school or in the local farming community. He also felt that his two years of boarding at St Peters helped to widen his interests and ‘opened a window’ for him. He is quick to acknowledge the unwavering support of his wife Janet, who looked after their children and kept things running while he was away. Describing his recognition in the 2022 Australia Day Honours list as an ‘absolute honour’, Bob said: “It’s very gratifying to know that some people thought I did something good along the way through life”.

Dr Christine Biggs (Winzour, 1981) Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the international community through diplomatic service Over the past 30-plus years, Dr Christine Biggs’ diplomatic service has taken her to cities around the world from Riyadh, Damascus and Vienna to Ankara, Tehran, and their neighbouring countries. Accompanying her husband on diplomatic postings has seen Christine involved in many community service activities such as distributing hygiene kits in refugee camps, providing mobile library services to primary schools in disadvantaged areas, organising bazaars, exhibitions, and fundraising events, and serving on charitable societies and committees. Christine (pictured with Governor General, David Hurley), describes the opportunity to live and serve in these places as ‘a great privilege’ and believes that acts of kindness and connecting with the local people though volunteering have been key to helping them form great friendships and overcome barriers, be they of language, geography, or politics. Venturing outside of embassy circles and capital cities to explore the country and immerse themselves in the local culture has enabled Christine, her husband Ian (currently Australia’s Ambassador for Arms Control and CounterProliferation) and their children to share many memorable experiences. Christine and her husband have swum the Dardanelles from Eceabat on the European side to Canakkale in Asia, and their children have learned to ski in the Austrian alps, ice skate in Vienna’s Eislauf-Verein and sail on the Danube. Christine says it is highly unusual for the contribution of a diplomatic spouse to be acknowledged in this way, and that she is ‘deeply honoured’ by the recognition of her voluntary service to the international community in this year’s Australia Day Honours List. Diplomacy, Christine says, is all about ‘observing and listening, negotiation and compromise’. “Be prepared to give generously of your time and talents, and your life will be so greatly enriched.”

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Lorraine Pickering (1961) Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Brisbane (awarded 2021) Lorraine Pickering has been involved in her local community for most of her life. Her earliest memory of helping others was when she was in primary school and a neighbouring house burned down. The family had three daughters who all played netball and after the fire they didn’t have a ball to practise with. Lorraine decided to take a collection at school to buy them a new netball. When her mother went into town to Bill Brown’s sports store, they donated the ball and Lorraine and her family were able to give the money raised to their neighbours. While being recognised in the 2021 Australia Day Honours list was a highlight, Lorraine says the most rewarding part of serving the community is the people she has met along the way. When Lorraine was 17, she volunteered in the Blue Nurses’ (now Blue Care) first door knock appeal. She managed to collect the most money in that appeal and was given a painting as a prize. The painting’s artist was William Preston, father of Reverend Arthur Preston, the founder of the Blue Nurses. “I still have that painting to this day. It’s 60 years old and a wonderful reminder of what I did,” said Lorraine. Over the years, Lorraine has volunteered at Indooroopilly State School, Brisbane State High School, St Andrews Anglican Church at Indooroopilly, the Probus Club of Mt Coot-tha and Kenmore and at the Rotary Club of Mt Coot-tha and Toowong. Lorraine has also been involved in SERVAS International, hosting many travellers over the years from European backpackers to an elderly couple from Romania. What is particularly special about Lorraine’s Medal of the Order of Australia is that she received this recognition at the same time as her husband, Howard (both pictured above), who has also dedicated much of his life to serving the Brisbane community. “It was very humbling in a way, because you don’t volunteer to do things for praise and recognition, but because they need to be done,” said Lorraine. “I believe there are a lot of people out there who deserve to be recognised as we were, but it takes someone to pick up their pen and nominate you.”

Ariarne Titmus (2018) Medal of the Order of Australia for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 Swimming superstar, Ariarne ‘The Terminator’ Titmus, has had a very successful few years and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. With her Olympic debut in 2021 and recent world record breaking win in the 400m Freestyle at the Australian Swimming Championships finals, Ariarne says that the recognition she receives out of the pool is equally as special. “I always dreamt of winning Olympic gold, but this recognition [receiving an OAM] is not something I ever thought I would obtain for my swimming achievements. It’s different being recognised by your society and not just your sport for representing our country.” Having been selected to represent Australia for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July/August later this year, Ariarne is working hard to topple more records and has sound advice for those hoping to follow in her footsteps. “Work hard and listen to your instincts. I came from a regional town in Tasmania—many thought I couldn’t make it on the big stage. I always stuck to my guns and believed in myself. I hope young swimmers can do the same. It’s also important to enjoy the ride!!” With such passion for swimming and undisguised determination, it doesn’t take much for Ariarne to stay motivated. “I set big personal goals that I want to achieve. But, I also just love swimming and working alongside my coach, Dean [Boxall]. My love for the sport is the reason I get out of bed every morning to go training.”

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DYNAMIC DUO SERVING UP ACES The Stubbings family have always had a passion for Tennis. They have devoted a large part of their lives to the sport, and still find enjoyment during holidays playing matches with their extended family members. For Matt Stubbings (2016) and his mum Barbara (Penrose, 1989), their love of the game has resulted in a strong and meaningful commitment to the development of Tennis in PNG and the Pacific region. ROWENA LESTER

Alumni Officer

arbara Stubbings is currently the President of the Papua New Guinea Tennis Association and a member of the Executive Board of the Oceania Tennis Federation. In these roles, Barbara’s primary objective is to increase participation numbers as well as increase the number of coaches, by offering player and coach development opportunities. Matt regularly helps his mum in this pursuit, as well as progressing his own career aspirations. He is currently at a Tennis academy in Germany in order to increase his Tennis training and playing intensity to enter the Pro Tour. Matt started unior Tennis at Chapel Hill State School in 2003 with Andrew Grocott. In 2007, the family moved back to PNG where Matt came under the coaching of the late Kwalam Apisah, who guided Matt until he left PNG for St Peters in 2011. At St Peters, Matt was coached by Mark Lewis (current St Peters Head Tennis Coach), who has been his mentor and coach ever since. Impressively, Matt was a member of the St Peters First IV Team from Years 8 – 12 (2012 – 2016). Mark has been one of the most influential male role models in Matt’s life, particularly given Matt was a boarding student. Both Matt and the St Peters Tennis Program have been fortunate to have Mark at the helm, resulting in Tennis being one of the most successful sports in the College. Matt was Head Boarding Boy in his Senior Year at St Peters, and after graduating in 2016, he studied a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting at the University of Queensland. He continued to train with Mark and play Tennis in Queensland, while also assisting Mark in coaching school Tennis teams, and working as a Junior Master and Tutor in Boys Boarding. Matt made his debut for the PNG Men's Tennis Team in 2014 at the Oceania

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Championships in Cairns. Since then, Matt has competed in a number of countries, including Vanuatu, Vietnam, Samoa, and Jordan. In March, he was a part of the Pacific Oceania Davis Cup Team that lost to Estonia in a Group II playoff in Estonia. Matt will compete for PNG at the Saipan Mini Pacific Games in June. In August, he hopes to again represent Pacific Oceania in the Group III Davis Cup playoffs in Vietnam. Matt aims to have some time off in Brisbane, reconnect with Mark and assist with some coaching in September before returning overseas. Matt and Barbara share a number of similarities. They both love a challenge, as well as having a great appreciation for the physical and mental sides of Tennis, and they both love being part of a team. The Tennis teams they have been involved with in St Peters, PNG, and Davis Cup, has fostered a drive to do their best for their team mates in all areas of the sport, including training, fitness, and nutrition. Matt and Barbara work very well together, with Matt delivering Junior School holiday clinics for PNG Tennis, and sharing his love of the sport working with some of the Junior elite development squad players. While Barbara has not played competitive Tennis, she is a dual National Representative for PNG in the sports of Netball and Squash. Barbara represented PNG at the 1995 Netball World Championships in Birmingham, and the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Dehli, India, where she competed in Squash and was also the opening ceremony flag bearer. Both Barbara and Matt have worked extensively with Mark Lewis, which has definitely played a large part in their impressive professional achievements. Mark is Matt’s coach and mentor, while Barbara is Matt’s manager, although as Barbara says, Matt knows that is always

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years of partnership and sports recognition with the PNG Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation. After the staging of the 1991 South Pacific Games in Port Moresby and Lae respectively, the SP Sports Awards was initiated to not only drive sports fraternity to greater heights but recognise the efforts to achieving sporting excellence. The theme for this year’s sports

have evolved. He said together with the support of their sponsors, they have seen the growth of sports in PNG at the Awards night. He said we had many memorable sporting moments over the past 30 years and this year’s awards night will not only celebrate achievements from 2021 but also highlight how far PNG has come in sports. This year’s awards night will be

in 1992 and is grateful for their continued support towards the event. Nominations is open to everyone including national sporting associations, individuals, sportsmen and women, coaches, administrators, clubs, sports officials, the media and the public for any of the categories. This year, 12 categories are on offer for individuals or teams to nominate: The categories include:

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Stubbings tennis career restarts FROM BACK PAGE

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Chancing his arm MATTHEW Stubbings in action during the

2019 Samoa Pacific Games mens singles.

VIPERS NO NEW INCLUSIONS P.34 TENNIS BY SIMON KESLEP PNG international Matthew Stubbings is starting from scratch to regain his Association of Tennis Professional rankings. Stubbings is currently undergoing a tennis academy in Germany and hopes to attach himself with a club where he can coach and play as well. -CONTINUE ON PAGE 34

PICTURE: JOHN PANGKATANA .

PNG number one keen to better ranking

SPONSORSHIP HIRI SPORTS NEED P.33 SUPPORT

36 Post-Courier, Tuesday, February 15, 2022

PNG Tennis president Barbara Stubbings told the Post-Courier, youngMatt’s tennis journey has not been that of a typical tennis player. “He put a hold on tennis in 2020/2021 to complete his University Degree (Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance & Accounting) and then completed a year of employment as a graduate accountant, with Vincents in Brisbane. “During this time Matthew did not compete, however, he maintained his fitness and continued his tennis training and coaching. Matt was also the co-ordinator of Boys Tennis at St Peter’s Lutheran College, in Brisbane, and assisted with the coaching of the Opens Boys and Girls teams,” said Stubbings. She said young Matt at the end of last year decided to focus on his tennis career and started training full time towards the 2022 Rakuten Davis Cup Group II Play-off Tie in Estonia, as a member of the Pacific Oceania Davis Cup Team. “Matt is currently in training in Germany at the Alexander Waske Tennis University in Offenbach to help prepare him physically and mentally for the Davis Cup Play Off, but also tournament play in Tunisia and/or Egypt after Estonia. “Before his departure to Europe, Matt was lucky enough to have a hit up/assessment with Wolf Oswald. Wolf is a former pro tennis player turned Physiotherapist and is also the coach/trainer to US Tennis Stars Taylor Fritz and Riley Opelka. “Wolf is the physiotherapist to the 2022 US Davis Cup Team, where Taylor Fritz is the number 1 ranked American athlete,” said Stubbings. The academy in Germany is highly recommended and hosts a lot of top juniors from around the world. It is also the base for a number of tennis athletes in the top 200-500 in ATP rankings. Stubbings said following the Davis Cup Tie in Estonia, Matt plans to enter tournaments in Tunisia and/or Egypt.

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WOLF Oswald (left), the physiotherapist for US Tennis Stars Taylor Fritz and Riley Opelka gave PNG International Matthew Stubbings a good assessment prior to his (Stubbings) travel to Germany. PICTURE SUPPLIED. “We are all very proud of Matt and his journey. There have been a lot of highs and even more lows along the way, but that is sport (and life in general)! Matt will no doubt experience a lot more tough times and challenges along his way, but if it is what he wants then he will continue to work through these,” said Stubbings. Behind every successful sporting athlete like Matt there is always encouraging messages that guide him to perform. “Enjoy the journey. Make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Concentrate on what is in front of you and work on the things you can control. Be prepared. Take the risk. If you succeed – great and if you don’t then you need to evaluate and restart,” said Stubbings. She said they look forward to see-

Looking forward, the Stubbings dynamic duo are excited to continue their work together in order to grow and promote Tennis in PNG and the Pacific Region. It is a testament to their characters that they find helping others so rewarding. They are very grateful to

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MATTHEW Stubbings in action during the 2019 Samoa Pacific Games mens singles. PICTURE: JOHN PANGKATANA. ing an improved performance in young Matthew’s game and what he can achieve down the track for PNG and himself.

PORT Moresby Vipers head coach Joe Sipa is confident he has enough stock to work around filling the vacuum left by four recently sacked players. The former PNG Kumul forward said he would not consider bringing any new players into the preseason train-and-trail, confirming that he would give as much chance to some of their academy players to prove themselves this season. The Moni-Plus and NCDC backed side top management has decided to cut their ties with four of their current players in the likes of centres

Shalom Bire, Ben Wemin and forwards Abel Rami and Ade Kawa. “It was the board’s decision to suspend the four players for a year,” Sipa told Post-Courier yesterday. “They will not be with us this season but will (hopefully) join next year. We are not looking at bringing in any new players because we have our development squad that needs to get a crack. “We are looking at bringing the development players into the team and it did happen for some young players who had the chance to train with the Vipers main squad last Friday.” Sipa said the Vipers board handed down the decision last Thursday af-

ter the terminated players were involved in a local tournament hosted in a particular Highlands province. He said the players defied directives from the board not to get involved in any local competition while in the preseason camp. “We started our preseason training already and the board cautioned us not to involve in any of such offseason competition. “Our focus was to be on the preseason training; however, these boys have breached that so the board decided accordingly on that,” Sipa said. When this paper asked whether these sacked players had the oppor-

34 Post-Courier, Tuesday, February 15, 2022

second to her most important role as mum. Tennis has been good to the Stubbings family. It has taken them to the Pacific Games in PNG, Vanuatu, Samoa and Saipan, as well as two Youth Commonwealth Games in Samoa and the Bahamas. Tennis has introduced Barbara and Matt to many people around the world and they have formed strong, life long friendships as a result.

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Pictured right: Matthew Stubbings and his mum, Barbara; mentor and coach, Mark Lewis, with Matt and Barbara; UQ graduation day.

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St Peters and the opportunities it has provided to Matt and PNG Tennis. Barbara is particularly grateful, stating, “I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to St Peters Lutheran College for being an integral part of not only Matt’s Tennis, but PNG Tennis, also. We have been fortunate to have hosted a few elite training camps on site [at College], utilising the boarding house, Café, Tennis courts and recovery centre. Much of our PNG Team success is a result of the preparation at these camps, which allowed us to train and compete in Brisbane prior to our major events. So thank you St Peters from PNG Tennis!”.

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QUICK BITES FROM OUR OLD SCHOLAR COMMUNITY C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

THE PENFOLD SISTERS Bonnie (2015), Molly (2017), Jemima (2019) and Matilda Penfold (2021), have been recognised for their resilience and innovative approach to diversifying their family’s beef business taking out the Inaugural Youth Shine Award. Together with their parents, Karen (also an Old Scholar, 1988) and Daniel, they run a 150-day, grain fed Angus beef operation on Queensland’s Western Down, with their own brand, Four Daughters. Originally launched to supply beef to Wuhan, the business lost its export market overnight when China banned Australian abattoirs last year. The girls drummed up domestic demand for their premium beef, delivering meat boxes directly to consumers. Four Daughters has become a thriving business, driven by their passion to deliver high-quality beef to the plates of loyal customers. Their determination, passion and efforts bridging the gap between Australian city and country life have made them the winner of the Shine Youth Award category (The Australian, 24 November 2021). Well done ladies!

BRUCE CLARK

etired former St Peters Senior English teacher, Bruce Clark (2006 – 2020), was awarded third prize, from over 700 entrants, in the 2021 Australian Catholic University’s prestigious National Poetry Prize competition. The chosen theme was Resilience. Bruce’s poem 'Mister Micawber' drew on references to the literary character of that name (from Charles Dickens), and on a background of devastating Australian bushfires, where resilience is the vital ingredient for recovery. Bruce has been an aspiring writer all his life. When he came to St Peters, Bruce had already written over 25 school musicals, earning two Australia Day Community Medals, a Queensland Theatre Regional Musicals Award, one publication, and Third Place in an International Libretto Competition. At St Peters, he contributed to the first five Year 8 Productions, being there from their inception, prior to the PAC, directing four of them, and, in the era when each production was an original work commissioned by St Peters, wrote the libretto to two of them, being lucky enough to work with now internationally-known composer Joe Twist. You can enjoy Mr Micawber in full by scanning this code. Congratulations Bruce!

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DANIEL DUNN

arlier this year, Daniel Dunn (2017), was awarded with a New Colombo Plan scholarship. These scholarships allow students to study and undertake internships in the Indo-Pacific region and is an initiative of the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Dan has been studying a Bachelor of Business (Hons) and Diploma of Languages (Chinese) at UQ and will study at National Chengchi University in Taiwan this year to continue to develop his Chinese language skills while also interning with a global equities firm, LST Capital Partners. "I plan on extending my language studies...learning traditional Chinese so I can engage with a wider range of people and aspects of culture," Daniel said. Daniel plans on using his learned skills to, "practically grow his business capabilities, connections and competencies" to run his of business in the Australia/China space producing great products and services that benefit the community Congratulations Daniel!

GUY EDMONDS

uy Edmonds (2000) has barely stopped to take a breath since graduation. With numerous television and stage acting credits, and an Emmywinning comedy series to his name, he could be forgiven for wanting to take some ‘me time’. Instead, he has recently co-written some children’s books and has a new television series in the works. We caught up with Guy to find out more about his work and how he came to be writing for kids. You can read a full interview with Guy here:

EVE THOMAS St Peters Western swimmer and Old Scholar, Eve Thomas (2018), has qualified to represent New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 800m Freestyle event. Eve, the daughter of Britain Olympic medallist Sarah Hardcastle, trains with Australia’s Ariarne Titmus here at St Peters Western under the guidance of mentor and World Swimming Coach of the Year Dean Boxall and his team of coaches. Eve had a best time of 8:31.86, clocked earlier this year in Sydney. That placed her third best on the Kiwi all-time ranks over 800m free long-course. She had already qualified for the World Championships in Budapest in June but the Commonwealth ticket had a tougher time than the FINA ‘A’ standard tagged to it, at 8:29. Now, Eve will get two shots in international waters at mum’s 1986 soaring best on the clock. Well done Eve and everyone at St Peters wishes you the best of luck for the upcoming major events this year.

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ST PETERS OPEN DAY C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

fter a three year hiatus due to Coronavirus, the 2022 Open Day went ahead on Saturday 12 March with over 2,000 people in attendance. Many people often wonder what lies beyond our gates and Open Day is a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to explore our campus and for us to showcase our College to others. With our academic, extra-curricular and community groups all on display, staff and students alike brought their A-game and did an amazing job the during the four-hour College-wide exhibition. Student-led tours, Senior Staff addresses, performances and lots of hands-on opportunities for our guests make Open Day a highlight of the College calendar. St Peters has a such a great reputation for its holistic Christian co-education, it’s no wonder the likes of Annastacia Palaszczuk and her family were in attendance!

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ST PETERS LADIES LUNCH C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

nother packed ballroom at Hillstone meant another room full of jovial ladies were able to enjoy our annual Ladies Lunch on Friday 25 March. Our intended MC, Rebecca Sparrow (1989), unfortunately came down with COVID-19 days prior to the event but, thankfully, current parent and media personality, Katrina Blowers, stepped in at the last minute and did a fantastic job. Guest speaker and current parent, Shivani Gupta, engaged the 300-strong crowd with her earnest reflections on balancing life, motherhood and a career with some

very funny anecdotes along the way. Her presentation was practical, engaging and fun, defining her purpose to help leaders reduce their stress and increase their wellness when managing people and running teams. All profits from ticket sales, raffle and silent auction will be spent on new outdoor furniture for the Centre for Learning and Innovation when it opens. Thank you to everyone who attended. We hope you had a great time and look forward to seeing you all again next year.

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JACQUI BELL: PUSHING THE LIMITS Jacqui Bell never intended to be a runner, let alone an ultra-marathon runner. But life sometimes throws you a curveball that makes you reassess everything...

SHANNON KING

Digital Marketing & Communications Officer

magine running a marathon in the blazing heat or extreme cold across some of the most rugged landscapes on earth, carrying on your back everything you need for the week except for water and shelter. You collapse, aching and utterly exhausted, into your tent at night, only to wake the next morning to do it all over again. In 2018, at 23 years of age, Jacqui Bell became the youngest female to conquer the four Deserts ultra-marathon series, a multi-stage endurance footrace covering 1,000 kilometres of beautiful, but harsh, desert terrain in Chile, Mongolia, Namibia, and Antarctica. The following year, she made history again, becoming the youngest person in the world to complete ultra-marathons on all seven continents. Jacqui didn’t grow up running. She was a Tennis player with aspirations of going pro, but admits to having a terrible temper on the court. “If something didn’t go my way I’d shout, swear, throw my racquet,” she said. “One day Dad had enough. He packed the balls in the car and drove off.”

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After a while, Jacqui realised he wasn’t coming back, so she had to run home. She discovered that she quite enjoyed running. At age 19, Jacqui competed in her first 50km race and to her surprise, placed third. This led to her entering several events over the years for fun and as a personal challenge. But the story of how Jacqui came to compete in ultra-marathons really started with a run of sports-related injuries and health issues in her early 20s which affected her mentally and triggered self-destructive behaviours such as binge eating. She describes looking back on her behaviours as ‘confronting’. “I was suffering in silence,” she said. “And I didn’t know how to ask for help.” In an attempt to ‘get clean and reset’, she travelled to Bali to become a yoga teacher, but a violent mugging resulting in a fall from a scooter left her in hospital for 10 days with significant injuries. Jacqui returned home to Brisbane, and it was while she was sitting on the couch, eating chocolate and scrolling through social media that she realised she was falling back into old habits. “I was watching other people living their lives, rather than living my own,” she said.

COMMUNITY AND EVENTS

Determined to make a big change in her life, Jacqui decided to sign up for the Big Red Run—a 250km race across the Simpson Desert. But while she was preparing for the event and researching ultramarathons, she stumbled across the 4 Desert Grand Slam and decided to make this her new goal. She smashed it. When asked about the most difficult part of competing in ultra-marathons, Jacqui said it was all about mindset. “It’s always going to be a really, really long day out there, no matter what,” she said. “If you’re feeling positive and good within yourself and how you’re running, then the day will finish quicker, and you’ll feel good about it. But if you’re struggling mentally on the day, everything seems tenfold harder.” Jacqui said now that she’s done so many of these endurance events, she’s becoming better at knowing when she is struggling mentally. “I try to crush the negative words that are coming

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to mind and just focus on staying positive, moving forward and getting it done.” While racing, Jacqui passes the time by listening to music or podcasts. Sometimes she might have company. In Mongolia she raced alongside a 50-year-old woman named Karen. Despite their age difference, they ‘just clicked’ and by chance were running the same pace for most of the race. While running 50 kilometres each day, every day, they had what Jacqui described as some ‘real and raw’ conversations. She admits one of the best things about racing is the connections she forms with the people she encounters. When she isn’t training or competing, Jacqui seeks to inspire others with her story of resilience and determination. She is also a mental health ambassador for the White Cloud Foundation, an organisation that is passionate about and for which she has raised more than $25,000. Her final message? “Question the limits you place on yourself and on others around you,” she says. “And keep on learning. Stay curious.”

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COMMUNITY AND EVENTS

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS SYMPOSIUM

C A SSIE T WEMLOW

Communications & Marketing Officer

n 21 April, over 300 people attended a 'Respectful Relationship' Parent Symposium in the PAC, hosted by Old Scholar, Rebecca Sparrow (1989). Bec spends her time speaking to thousands of tweens and teens every year about friendship, resilience and having a more positive experience online. In 2019, she was invited to be on the Queensland Anti Cyberbullying Taskforce. As well as being an author and podcast host, Bec is an ambassador for The Pyjama Foundation and Suncorp’s #TeamGirls initiative. It’s so important for tweens and teenagers to establish respectful relationships as they

Plus Ultra | June 2022

navigate their high school years. In this talk, Rebecca Sparrow asked students to reflect on what they stand for and how they show up in the St Peters Lutheran College community. They confronted issues such as their own personal values, who they’re choosing to hang around, and how they’re showing up in their cohort. Bec explored tips on finding and nurturing those authentic friendships which align with your own values, understanding personal boundaries and the role each student plays in helping to create a positive cohort. For more information on Bec or her topics, visit rebeccasparrow.com.

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Plus Ultra | June 2022

Articles inside

Respectful Relationships Symposium

Jacqui Bell: Pushing the limits

St Peters Open Day

St Peters Ladies Lunch

Quick bites from our Old Scholar community

The Governor General's Plus Ultra

All drowned out

Dynamic duo serving up aces

Magic in the unknown

We farewell

SPOSA President

Saints making the rules

National Boarding Week 2022

Annual Music and Art collaboration rocks the PAC

The thrill of Kaleidoscope

Rugby spirit is alive at St Peters

Fenoglio makes the Archibald

Farewell Mrs Grotherr

Choose kindness

Welcome back Mrs Natalie Houston

Langer Library turns 50

National Reconciliation Week

Staff Profile: Ms Lisa Challenor

Acknowledgement of Country Plaque unveiling

Going above and beyond with Duke of Edinburgh

eSports: More than just gaming

Construction | Building our future

Head of College

Indooroopilly 2021 results

Teaching: The profession of innovation

Ministry

Letter from the Editor

Springfield class of 2021 academic results

STEM 2021/2022 report