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At a recent SPOSA meeting held on the Springfield Campus – one of our committee members remarked: “It feels like St Peters.” What a great quote!
This comment was a compliment to Craig Brown and the team at Springfield. They have managed to capture the essence of our school and make it flourish in another corner of Queensland. The comment also prompts one to consider, what does St Peters feel like? What is the vibe?
The tone of any place is usually determined by the people there and the people who came before. I can think of few people who set the tone more, than Dr Carson Dron. He certainly was the boss-man when many of us were at St Peters. He has been the longest serving ‘Prime Minister’ of the school and even for those who came after his tenure as Headmaster – there are many reminders of his time. Whether you look at extra-curricular program, Ironbark, the buildings and grounds or even the course curriculum – much of what we take for granted now, were pioneered under the watch of Dr Dron and his team. Dr Dron also gave a very good impression of knowing everyone by name. This caught me by surprise one day when I was in grade 10 and he called me out by name, for some (very minor) infraction. That personalised things a bit for me. I mean, how could he possibly have known my name out of the thousand on campus at that time!
It was a good vibe then, and it is a good vibe now. I can say this with confidence because a taxi driver once told me, when he was dropping me off at the boarding house that ‘this is a good school.’ Something I’d never previously thought deeply about – but I believed him. Taxi Drivers and Hair Dressers can be relied on as authorities about these things...
We owe a debt of gratitude to Carson Dron for being a good custodian of the vibe. A true believer in Plus Ultra and making the place better than before. It felt like St Peters then and it still feels like St Peters now. It’s a good feeling. Thank you Dr Dron.
Llewellyn Jones President St Peters Old Scholars Association
This year marks a significant milestone in the history of St Peters as we celebrate 80 years since the College was founded in 1945. As such, the first term has been a busy one for our Old Scholar community. We commemorated St Peters’ history on Founders’ Day, where many Old Scholars returned to take part in the celebrations, and a special fashion parade showcased uniforms from across the decades. It was a wonderful way to reflect on the past while celebrating how far the College has come.
SPOSA Week was another highlight, filled with opportunities for reconnection and engagement, from sporting events and panel discussions to activities for the little ones in the Lower Primary library. We welcomed past boarders who shared a meal with our current boarders, creating a meaningful bridge between generations. Our Wine and Cheese Night brought together Old Scholars who are now current parents, reinforcing the strong, multi-generational ties within our community. Open Day also provided a fantastic chance to
meet more of our Old Scholars and hear about their incredible journeys since their time at St Peters.
I am always amazed at how interesting and generous our Old Scholars are, and it is a privilege to hear their stories and connect with their overwhelming sense of gratitude for receiving an education at St Peters and how this has set them up both personally and professionally in life.
As we continue to celebrate the College’s 80th year, I look forward to sharing more stories, hosting more opportunities for connection, and welcoming you back to the College.
Best Wishes
Amanda
Osborne Alumni and Archives Officer
Reunion Weekend 13–15 June
St Peters You’ve Got Talent 1 August (SPYGT)
SPOSA Tennis Tournament 17 August Volunteers Thank You 22
Boardroom, Centre for Learning and Innovation (CLI) 6:00pm
• Monday 10 February
• Monday 17 March
• Monday 12 May
• Sunday 15 June | AGM Monday 28 July | Springfield campus
• Tuesday 26 August
• Monday 20 October
• Monday 17 November | incl. Christmas party
Reunion Events
50 Years – 1975 14 June 2025 | Reunion Weekend Coordinators
Bradley Porter | bradley.porter58@gmail.com
Phillip Woo | woophillip46@hotmail.com Cameron Quinn | camfquinn@gmail.com
40 Years – 1985
Date TBD, contact the coordinator
Suzi Woodrow-Reed | suzi.wr@bigpond.net.au
25 Years – 2000 11 October, SPOSA Café Centre for Learning and Innovation (CLI) Coordinator Majella Christensen majella.christensen@gmail.com
10 Years – 2015 Coordinator
Patrick Andrews | patrickandrews@gmail.com
Facebook group: ‘Seniors #2015’
Coordinators needed for the following reunion years:
• 2020 - 5 year
• 1965 - 60
From leaving St Peters boarding to the Rio Tinto Paid School Leavers Program, Old Scholar and boarder Grayson Gibson (2024), is making the most of every opportunity. The threemonth program designed for Year 12 graduates, helps build work readiness skills and explore career pathways with Rio Tinto Weipa.
Grayson was originally hosted with the Land and Rehab team, contributing to the rehabilitation mining areas. Program leader Matthew Wallace was quick to recognise his strong work ethic:
“Right from the beginning, I noticed that Grayson’s positive attitude towards our work and processes, which goes a long way. Our team embraces Grayson and appreciates his hard work. He is always asking questions and getting involved, and with all tasks, exceeds expectations. I would employ him 100%.”
Grayson has also taken the initiative to shadow professional in the Light Vehicle Workshop, gaining hands-on experience that aligns with his career aspirations. “I aspire to embark on an Electrical/Auto Electrical Apprenticeship and eventually start my own business,” he said.
It’s inspiring to see Grayson seizing opportunities and paving his own path in the industry. SPOSA can’t wait to see what the future holds for him!
Old Scholar and new mum Madi Wilson (2011) OAM has called time on her decade-long Dolphins career.
Madi, who is married to Australian cricketer Matthew Short, welcomed baby Austin in August last year. Following this life-changing milestone, she announced her retirement from professional swimming via Instagram in January, writing:
“Swimming has been the biggest part of my life and my identity for the better part of nearly two decades. It’s been the most incredible yet challenging and rewarding journey and I feel incredibly proud of the woman I’ve become and what I achieved throughout my time representing Australia.”
A two-time Olympian, Madi competed in backstroke and freestyle events at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the World Aquatics championships. As a Dolphin’s team leader and a key figure in Australia’s successful relay teams, she amassed an impressive four Olympic medals, five Commonwealth Games medals (including four gold), and 17 World Championships medals.
Swimming Australia has thanked Madi for her dedication to the sport and recognised her as a model athlete and an inspirational team leader.
SPOSA congratulates Madi on an incredible career and wishes her and her family all the best in this exciting new chapter.
Brenton Kanowski’s (2011) New Appointment as Consul-General
Congratulations to Brenton Kanowski (2011) on his appointment earlier this year as Australia’s next Consul-General in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Appointed by Senator Penny Wong, Brenton takes on this important diplomatic role following a distinguished career in public service.
Brenton has most recently served at the Australian High Commission in Tarawa, Kiribati in Micronesia where he played a key role in strengthening Australia’s engagement in the Pacific. His extensive experience in government includes positions within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Commonwealth Treasury, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Office of the Pacific, where he contributed to strategic policy initiatives aimed at fostering regional stability and development.
After graduating from St Peters, Brenton pursued a Bachelor of Arts/ Law degree at the University of Queensland, during which he undertook an exchange program in Germany, further broadening his international perspective. Beyond his public service career, Brenton also served as a Lieutenant in the Army Reserve, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and national service.
Brenton’s connection to Papua New Guinea runs deep, spanning three generations of his family. His mother spent her early years in Lae, where his grandfather was the founding principal of Balob Teachers College, making this appointment particularly significant on both a personal and professional level.
SPOSA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Brenton on this remarkable achievement and wishes him every success in his new role in Lae.
Jamie Perkins (2022) honoured with an OAM
Old Scholar and Olympic champion
Gold medal triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 4x200m freestyle relay
Jamie Perkins (2011) was honoured on Australia Day this year with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). The award recognises her outstanding contributions to Australian Sport, highlighted by her gold medal triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 4x200m freestyle relay. Jamie’s Australia Day OAM recognition is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and contributions to Australian sport.
SPOSA is very proud of Jamie’s achievements and wish her all the best.
Congratulations to St Peters Springfield Old Scholar Kadin Pritchard (2022) on earning his spot in the Brumbies Super Rugby team. This selection marks an exciting milestone in Kadin’s Rugby career and exemplifies our College’s motto of Plus Ultra. Best of luck to Kadin on his Super Rugby debut.
St Peters recently celebrated a milestone as our new Girls Open Cricket team received pink caps from Old Scholar Dr Monique Beedles (1991) at their first-ever Pink Stumps match. The event, dedicated to raising awareness and funds supporting families affected by cancer, saw Mayer and Stolz Ovals awash in pink. Players donned pink caps and socks, with Pink Stumps and creases adding to the vibrant display of colour.
Monique, an internationally recognised thought leader, speaker, and best-selling author, has been passionate about Cricket since childhood. As a student at St Peters in the late 1980s, she longed to play but was unable to, as there was no girls’ team at the time. Determined, she trained with the 3rd XI boys’ team under the guidance of Pastor Mayer and later
became the scorer for the 1st XI, who won the TAS (The Associated Schools) Premiership in 1991. Her lifelong love for Cricket has seen her continue scoring at high levels, including for Men’s Premier Grade Club Cricket and Cricket Australia tournaments.
Returning to St Peters for Pink Stumps Day was a full-circle moment for Monique. Presenting the inaugural Girls Open team with their caps symbolised the progress made in women’s Cricket and fulfilled a dream she once had as a student.
The Opens, in their debut season, faced off against Brisbane Girls Grammar, a school with years of experience. Undeterred, they displayed remarkable confidence and skill, securing a resounding victory with a score of 4-62, defeating BGG who finished at 8-38.
Reflecting on the occasion, Monique expressed her joy in seeing the next
generation of St Peters girls proudly taking to the field. “Better late than never,” she remarked.
St Peters and SPOSA is immensely proud of its trailblazing female cricketers and the legacy they are creating for future generations.
The event symbolised the progress made in women’s Cricket and fulfilled a dream she once had as a student
SPOSA’s engagement week proved to be a great success, bringing together Old Scholars and current students across various age groups in a series of interesting activities. SPOSA Week is designed to highlight the significance of becoming A Saint for Life and a lifelong member of the Association. It was a busy week filled with activities and events, celebrating our shared history, reinforcing SPOSA’s presence within the College community, and building meaningful connections.
The week began with a special morning tea for the Year 12 students, where over 300 SPOSA-branded cupcakes were distributed. This small but effective initiative provided an opportunity to engage with the senior students and remind them of the significance of SPOSA. Special thanks go to Row Lester (1991), Cassandra Sun (1991), and Gwen Lewerissa (1973) for their assistance on the day.
The Monday afternoon’s activities provided a fun competition between St Peters Open Girls and Old Scholars
in the annual SPOSA Week Football match. With a strong turnout from our Old Scholars and a game played in great spirit, it was a thrilling contest from start to finish. A huge thank you to our Old Scholars who gave up their afternoon to take part.
On Tuesday, Megan Daley (1993) hosted a library activity for Lower Primary students, creating an engaging display of SPOSA photos and memorabilia that highlighted the history of the College. Around 20 young students took part in the activity, crafting paper dolls that were later displayed on the wall in the library. This initiative not only introduced the primary students to the legacy of St Peters but also brought SPOSA’s history to life in a creative and interactive way.
Wednesday’s panel discussion in the PAC Theatrette was another highlight of the week. Moderated by Rob Barber (1990), the panel featured James Armstrong (2016), Rupert Hoare (2019), Isabella Barber (2022), and Maddie Rushmore (2021), who shared their insights on preparing for life after school. Thank you to all who participated and attended.
That same evening, the Four Colours Boarder Dinner provided a valuable connection between past and current students. Old Scholar boarders from 1958 to 1994 joined current boarders for an evening of storytelling and shared experiences, including Llew Jones (1983), Gwen Lewerissa (1973), Alice Whetton (1985), Scott Keefer (1990), Julie Ross (1969), Noel Haug (1958), Naomi Radke (1981), Nicky Boynton-Bricknell (1960) and Simon Gideon (1994). Each Old Scholar was invited to share a memory from their time at the College, promoting a strong sense of tradition and community among the attendees. The Head of College, Tim Kotzur; Director of Boarding, Stuart Delaney; Head of Senior School, David Rushmore; Head of Junior High, Max Forbes, and Pastor Tim Jarrick also attended.
Founders’ Day on Thursday was a particularly special occasion as we celebrated 80 years of St Peters, featuring a full assembly held in the Campus Heart which hasn’t been possible for the last five years due to various restrictions. The program included a fashion parade showcasing old uniforms, a display of portraits of past Heads of College, and musical performances, including the national anthem sung by Anne Fulton (1988). Key moments included a presentation from David Radke (1978) and the attendance of several Old Scholars from
different generations. Following the assembly, around 20 guests toured Ross Roy before joining the P&F for morning tea, where over 40 attendees shared stories and memories. One of the most touching moments of the day came when Gloria Curtis (Lieschke 1948), one of the College’s founding students, visited Ross Roy with her daughter. During the tour, she discovered her name on the Founding Scholar board, marking a sentimental and historic moment for both her and SPOSA.
The week concluded on Friday with the Old Scholar Current Parents Wine & Cheese Night. The evening provided
a valuable opportunity for Old Scholars who are now parents within the College community to connect. A special thank you goes to Llew Jones (1983), Rob Barber (1990), and Simon Gideon (1994) for their support in ensuring the night’s success.
Students and visitors could also peruse a two week-long display in the PAC foyer which showcased historical treasures and information from the archives. Overall, the week was an outstanding success, achieving SPOSA’s goal of engaging with students of all ages while strengthening ties between the College’s past and present, ensuring SPOSA’s legacy continues to be relevant and thrive.
Monday 17 February saw a fantastic clash between St Peters Open Girls and Old Scholars in the annual SPOSA Week Football match. With a strong turnout from our Old Scholars and a game played in great spirit, it was a thrilling contest from start to finish.
This year, the Old Scholars reclaimed the Fady Ibrahim Cup with a 3-1 victory. A huge thank to our Old Scholars who gave up their afternoon to take part:
Class of 2024 – Rose Jolly, Emmy McLeod, Lila Falchetti, April Fischer, Halle Perkins, Isla Muir
Class of 2023 – Gabby Spence, Annabel Woods
Class of 2021 – Georgie Hine, Kate Edwards, Sophie Allen, Hilal Durmaz
Class of 2020 – Tahlia Piccirillo
Congratulations to both teams on a competitive and entertaining match. Until next year!
Thursday 27 Match, St Peters hosted the much-anticipated annual Football Match, with our Boys 1st XI taking on the seasoned Old Scholars in a game played under relentless rain. Despite a determined effort from the 1st XI, experience prevailed, and the Old Scholars claimed a 6-0 victory, once again lifting the David Brown Cup!
Congratulations to the Old Scholars and a massive thank you to all involved, including the teams, coaches, coordinators, and Football parent support group.
See you again next year!
Our annual tours of Ross Roy kicked off again this term with the Year 2 and Year 7 students visiting the building as part of their ‘Where we are in place and time’ Unit of Inquiry and Christian Studies. Ross Roy’s hallways were abuzz with chatter and excitement as they explored the building, learning about interesting artifacts and the historical significance of each room, then finishing off with a visit to Head of College, Mr Kotzur, in his office.
SPOSA and the College love these regular visits from the students as it’s a wonderful way to connect with our past.
At the recent St Peters Open Day, SPOSA had the pleasure of hosting a stand and connecting with many Old Scholars who dropped by with their families. It was wonderful to hear stories from their time at the College, watch as they showed their children photos of themselves from past copies of The Review and Plus Ultra and see their amazement at the evolving campus. The excitement of welcoming a second or third-generation St Peters Old Scholar is truly special. Thank you to Briany McNeil (1998) and Peter Kowald (1998); Michael Beier (1999); Bettina Toth (2001); Tass Maniatis (2002); Ryan Seeto (2005); Alicia Madigan (Lowry 2006); Timbi Poon (2002); Felicity Rose and Sam Chenoweth (1998); Sandra Behne (1985); Kirsty Heymink (2000) and Laura Truss (Heymink 2007); Gloria Cheong and Kevin Shih (2006); and Stuart McKay (1997) for stopping by. Thank you to Margaret Curnow (1960), Gwen Lewerissa (1973), and Zoe Truesdell (1998) for helping on the day.
Day, with the next generation
Powerpoint
St Peters Lutheran College from 1974 to 1978 as a Boarding student.
boarding student, I commenced as a PNG Boarder, but graduated as a Western Boarder, being blessed with the then dual roles of Head Boarder Boy and School
Athletics, Rugby, the Chapel Choir and the Musicals and its fair to say I enjoyed
working life has been in Lutheran Education, serving in 3 States and six schools; including St Peters in the early 2000 s, leaving St Peters as the Head of Indooroopilly Campus in 2008.
currently the Head of College at Grace Lutheran College.
David Radke (1978), the second youngest of six children, has deep family ties to St Peters. As part of the 80th Anniversary celebrations, he returned to speak at Founders’ Day, sharing his reflections on the College, “During the years that I attended here (1974–1978), St Peters was a unique school with lots happening.”
He recalled a period of significant change during his school years, particularly the late 1970s, when the College saw a shift from a predominantly boarding student body to one primarily made up of day scholars. “Much was changing right across the world, and so St Peters went through a period of tremendous change as well,” he said. “Independence movements or the outcomes of independence in Papua New Guinea meant that St Peters changed from a school dominated by boarding students
to a school where most students by far were Day Scholars.”
During this time, an interesting fact he noted was that Lohe House operated as a German School, funded by the West German Government, offering students a curriculum based on the German Gymnasium system. He also witnessed the College continuing to evolve its programs, with 1976 marking the introduction of compulsory attendance at Ironbark—an initiative that has since become a defining part of the St Peters experience. “During my time, it wasn’t just about new programs or subjects,” David recalled. “There was a real push to improve academics at St Peters. The teachers were brilliant, and to this day, St Peters’ academic reputation remains excellent.”
Beyond academics, David talked about immersing himself in the cocurricular life at the College. He was an active member of the Chapel Choir, which evolved into the renowned St Peters Chorale and had the privilege of performing for Queen Elizabeth II during her 1977 visit to Brisbane. David also took every opportunity to participate in the College musicals.
Sport played a significant role in his student life as he recalled, “My memories are that St Peters students in my time were sport mad, best seen in the competition between Houses. I was in Mitchell and our competition with Cunningham was intense, and you know, Leichhardt, they were nice people,” he joked. Boys’ sports saw remarkable improvements over the years, with David sharing, “From a challenging Rugby match in Year 8 against Marist Brothers Rosalie, where the team faced a 92-0 defeat, to Year
12, where most A Division Rugby Teams secured second place in the TAS (The Associated Schools) competition, a massive improvement.”
Throughout his time at St Peters, the College’s motto, Plus Ultra–Ever Higher, resonated deeply with him. “Go beyond what you think is your best, go ever higher,” he said, a lesson that would shape his future.
He also candidly shared his personal journey on his early struggles as a student, “From Year 8 to Year 10, I was a poor academic student, at least in terms of my attitude. I didn’t do homework, often I didn’t take my books to class, I was certain that I could leave St Peters at the end of Year 10 and through earning money as an apprentice, work my way to becoming a pilot, because that’s what I wanted to be.” However, after discovering a disability that prevented him from pursuing this dream, he returned to St Peters to complete Years 11 and 12.
“This unexpected change was a huge struggle for me, and it also meant that I had missed the subject selection process in Year 10. So, I started Year 11 with several subjects I did not like, nor was I good at them. Thanks to
two staff members, who realised what had happened, I was able to change subjects. They pointed out that my gifts and talents were very clear in Humanities subjects, but I also had to acknowledge, that I was lazy. Based on this honest feedback, he embraced the Plus Ultra motto, leading to a successful Year 12 graduation and a fulfilling career in teaching.
David mentioned his St Peters teachers were not the only guides and that the spiritual life, led by the School Chaplains, was also integral to his development during his high school years, shaping his values and outlook on life.
He ended his address with a message to current students: “If you look either side of you, you may very well be sitting with fellow students who will in the future become distinguished Old Scholars, exceptional professionals, political leaders, or Olympians. St Peters is truly a great school. Plus Ultra.
On Saturday 22 February, SPOSA welcomed Old Scholars from 2014 and 2015 back to the College to celebrate St Peters Springfield’s third ever 10 Year Reunion. It was wonderful to share the event with SPOSA Patron, Mrs Margaret Curnow (1960) and SPOSA Treasurer, Mr Simon Gideon (1994). After campus tours and visits to the Founders Wall, we celebrated on the newly named SPOSA Outlook at the Junior High Precinct. While our buildings have changed, our mission remains the same: growing exceptional young people of character and purpose, while paying tribute to our shared Lutheran and St Peters heritage.
This year, St Peters’ Ministry Team and Social Justice Committee is proud to join the Walk My Way event on Saturday, 10 May 2025. Our community will take part in this meaningful initiative to raise funds for children impacted by war.
The goal is to raise $5,000.00 to support children in Ukraine, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Burundi, Bangladesh, and Nepal, providing them with access to health, education, and safety.
Participants can choose between a 3km walk or a 12.5km walk or run, making it
an event for all fitness levels. We’d love for you to be part of the St Peters team and walk for a cause!
Find out more via: Brisbane Walk My Way 2025 Event Info
Register here: Brisbane - ALWS75 | St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly (Scroll down to ‘Join team’.)
Let’s step up and make a difference—see you there!
The St Peters community recently bid farewell to Dr Carson Dron, a distinguished educator and leader whose impact on the College spanned decades.
Dr Carson Dron served as the third Headmaster of St Peters Lutheran College from 1970–1994. Appointed at just 31 years of age, he became the College’s longest-tenured Head, guiding St Peters through a period of profound change and development.
Arriving at St Peters in 1960 as a Science and Mathematics teacher, Dr Dron quickly became an integral part of the College community, serving as a Senior Housemaster, Sportsmaster, and 1st XV Rugby coach. His passion for education
led him to pursue further study and research in Illinois, USA, before returning to St Peters to assume the role of Headmaster.
Dr Dron was a visionary leader who embraced contemporary educational thinking. With boldness of vision and an ability to turn obstacles into opportunities, he strengthened the College’s reputation at local, state, and national levels. During his time, the College was at the forefront of innovation, pioneering the introduction of Computers and Computer Education in schools nationwide. He also implemented Social Education (Soc Ed), which included Human Relationship Education—an initiative well ahead of its time in Queensland.
One of Dr Dron’s most enduring legacies is the Ironbark outdoor education program, which remains a defining experience for St Peters students. He also strengthened Pastoral Care within the Boarding Program through the introduction of the Pastoral Houses system. His tenure saw extensive campus development, with the construction of Lohe House, the Schneider Building, the Technology Building, Langer Library, the Gymnasium, and the 50m Pool.
Dr Dron’s influence extended beyond academics. Success in Sport was a feature of his leadership with St Peters securing numerous TAS and QGSSSA Premierships during his Headmastership. Through his support
and passion, the College’s strong musical traditions flourished, particularly the Chorale, which gained national and international acclaim.
Everything Dr Dron did was framed by a relentless pursuit of excellence— Plus Ultra. His impact on St Peters is immeasurable, shaping the College’s identity and educational philosophy for generations to come. The St Peters community of the past, present, and future has much to be grateful for, and Dr Dron’s legacy will continue to live on in the fabric of the College. His name is forever honoured in the Dron Auditorium, a fitting tribute to a leader whose vision and dedication shaped St Peters into the institution it is today.
His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from Old Scholars, many of whom have shared heartfelt memories of his guidance, kindness, and influence. Among them, Gwen Lewerissa (1973) recalls how Dr Dron’s generosity helped her family through a difficult time following the passing of her father. “It’s an honour and a privilege to have this opportunity to recognise the huge impact that Dr Dron had on the Lewerissa family through his kindness and generosity,” she writes. Gwen shares a letter written by Dr Dron to her brother, Merv (1971), three days after their loss, in which he assured them:
“We are all concerned about how your father’s death will affect the plans of yourself, Gwen and Ian. I hope that it will be possible for all three of you to complete your education at St Peters. I can assure you that the school is prepared to extend financial assistance to all three of you, at least until the end of this year. Through negotiations with my mother, Hank and Debbie were able to complete part of their secondary education at St Peters as well.”
Dr Dron’s commitment to supporting students extended beyond words. Gwen continues, “My brother, Hank (1977) relates of a meeting he and my mother had with Dr Dron in 1974. During that meeting, he offered Hank a partial sports scholarship (football) to keep him at St Peters. To add context, Hank was in Year 9 and a member of the U15A Rugby Union team at the time. He vividly recalls proudly sitting on the reserve bench of a First XV home game late in the season of that year waiting to run on, a rare opportunity for someone so young.”
Reflecting on his generosity, Gwen acknowledges, “Dr Dron will always be fondly remembered by the Lewerissa family for his very generous offers of financial assistance following the death of my father. To be given such special opportunities to continue our education at St Peters will never be lost on us.”
“For mine, to be treated as a person of value is a gift. My experiences as a boarder at St Peters for six years helped shape my identity and future, so much so that I’m now grateful to be able to give back in my capacity as a committee member of SPOSA.”
Thank you, Dr Dron.
Gwen Lewerissa (1973) on behalf of Merv (1971), Ian (1974), Hank (1977) and Debbie (1979)
Others remember Dr Dron not only as an educator but as a visionary. Roslyn Keay (Taudevin) 1971, a Year 11 student in 1970 during Dr Dron’s early years as Headmaster, recalls, “I remember his energy, drive and enthusiasm for St Peters then.
Years later as a parent of three St Peters students, she saw firsthand the lasting impact of his leadership. “However, it was when I became the parent of three students attending St Peters between 1999 and 2008, Dr Dron’s vision for St Peters to offer a broader education encompassing much more than academic subjects was evident. The introduction of the Ironbark program was the highlight of many students’ years at St Peters. Computer Education, Technology, the Arts, Music, particularly the Chorale and Sport expanded under Dr
vision and legacy improved education and the opportunities at
Dron’s leadership. The development of facilities and buildings also expanded to facilitate the ability of St Peters to provide a broader education. My children were among those who enjoyed these aspects of their education at St Peters and benefited from Dr Dron’s legacy, one of foresight and a vision for a College that provided a high standard of education and opportunities for their future life.”
For many, Dr Dron’s leadership extended beyond the classroom, shaping students’ experiences in sport and personal development. Simon Foo (1971) fondly remembers Dr Dron’s passion for athletics and his hands-on approach to coaching. “I remember Dr Dron returning from the States with fresh and innovative ideas. There’s an iconic photo of him in The Review magazine, around 1970–71, which showed him pointing to something. He must have been saying, ‘Go out there and give it your best shot.’ That saying would have applied on the football oval or in the business arena.
Simon also recalls how Dr Dron led by example, training alongside the First XV Rugby team. “Dr Dron also used to run with the First XV team to Mt Coot-tha, and he had a very fit dog which led the way. So, he didn’t just tell us what to do— he did it himself! On Sunday afternoons we ran to Mt Coot-tha and back. On a weekday afternoon, we would run to the Grey Bridge on the city outskirts and back—I often wonder if I could walk it these days!”
The many tributes received from Old Scholars serve as a testament to Dr Dron’s profound influence—both in the lives of individual students and in shaping St Peters into the institution it is today. His legacy of leadership, generosity, and dedication to education will be remembered for generations to come.
21 October 1933 – January 2025
Owen Edward Dahms was born in Mackay Hospital and baptised on the same day. He was confirmed by Pastor Held at St Peters Lutheran College Chapel in Luther House on 7 November 1948.
Owen attended Dundulla School and when the family moved to Mackay, he attended Mackay School followed by his Sub Junior year at St Peters. An enthusiastic athlete he played football and was the Runner-up for the Junior Cup in the Inter-House athletics carnival. Owen had fond memories of his time as a boarder at St Peters: building crystal radio sets and having to stoke the boiler for hot water for showers. In those days the boys lived in the army huts brought up from the AWAS camp. He also earned himself the nickname ‘Lizard’ because he was always catching lizards.
After College, Owen undertook an apprenticeship in panel beating in Mackay and finished it at Coachcraft when the family moved to Brisbane.
He did his National Service stint in 1952 and total military training liability in 1957. He met Nancy Elizabeth Turner in 1953 at a dance in the Caledonian, Elizabeth Street, Brisbane. They were married by Pastor F H Schmidt at Nazareth Lutheran
Church on 18 June 1955 and were blessed with four children (Ronald, Julie, Cheryl and Helen) and two granddaughters, Old Scholars Elizabeth (2020) and Victoria Holland (2021).
They moved to Nambour where Owen operated a Panel Beating Shop for two years and enjoyed many days fishing on the beaches there. He and Nancy moved back to Brisbane in 1961. Owen then joined the insurance industry and served as an Insurance Loss Assessor.
Their next family move was to Redland Bay in 1979 and they were still residing in the same home. When in 1990 ill health forced him to retire. They joined the Grey Nomads and enjoyed touring Australia in their caravan. Owen enjoyed spending time tending his vegetable garden and fishing in the bay. He also spent many holidays at Brunswick Heads and Pottsville where he was always either pumping yabbies or fishing.
Owen and Nancy spent many holidays travelling in NZ and also England and throughout Europe. 2016 saw them start cruising holidays and they have enjoyed many cruises. Owen has left his wife Nancy, son Ronald, three daughters – Julie Cornelius, Cheryl McSorile and Helen Holland, five grandchildren – Andrew, Ursula, Wade, Elizabeth and Victoria and one great-grandchild, Eleanor.
30 December 1946 – 1 July 2024
Paul attended St Peters Lutheran College from 1961 to 1964 as a boarder.
Paul was a high academic achiever (Latin, Greek, German) and a school prefect. After completing his Senior at St Peters he attended university in Adelaide and became a language teacher with the South Australian Education Department. He and his wife Anda travelled overseas extensively (often back-packing) and spent time teaching in Germany. Paul became Head of Languages at Nurioopta High School where he organized many overseas excursions for his students. He and Anda retired in Nuriootpa, South Australia.
25 January 1944 – 20 February 2025
We remember Karl, an Old Scholar (1961) and past maths teacher at the College.
Karl was born in a German/Austrian civilian and POW camp in Tatura, Victoria, on 25 January 1944. He was the youngest child of Pastor Heinrich and Marie Bergmann, German missionaries who had lived in New Guinea. His siblings were Frieda (1950, deceased), Hilda (1952, deceased), Agnes (1952), Gerhard (1953, deceased), and Irmgard. During WWII, many German nationals in New Guinea were interned for “security reasons.” After the war, when Karl’s parents were released, the family returned to Chimbu in the New Guinea Highlands, where his father was a Lutheran missionary. Chimbu natives were thought to be headhunters, known for their unpredictable nature. Karl lived there until he was 11, receiving his education through NSW correspondence, which he found easy, leaving him with plenty of free time. He enjoyed helping his father, assisting in building a new school, and later driving the mission’s Land Rover.
In 1955, the family took furlough to Germany, travelling by ship. Upon their return, Karl attended St Peters as a boarder, completing his senior years there. Every year, the highlight was travelling back to PNG for the Christmas holidays, with government-paid fares. After St Peters, Karl completed two years of an Engineering degree but decided to switch to teaching. He joined the teaching staff at St Peters, eventually becoming the Head of the Mathematics Department. Karl’s emphasis on students’ general well-being resonated with his own boarding experience at St Peters. While working at St Peters, Karl married his first wife, Laurel. Together, they had three children: Tania, Katrina, and Christoph. Karl’s sense of humour occasionally showed, such as when he asked the secretaries how to remove a texta mark from his degree certificate, leading them to believe he was headed to a pharmacy.
In the mid-70s, Karl left teaching to take over the family property at Miriam Vale. Seeking a change, the family moved there, and to facilitate the children’s education, Laurel and the kids lived in Bundaberg during the week while Laurel taught at a local school. By the late 1980s, it became clear that the grazing business needed to change to meet the family’s needs, and so they moved back to Brisbane to prioritise the children’s education. In 1991, Karl began teaching Maths and IT at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, specialising in Apple computers. In this environment, Karl felt at home, as the school used primarily Apple computers.
While teaching, Karl met Elaine, a new teacher. After separating from Laurel, Karl and Elaine married, blending their families with Elaine’s daughters, Laura and Lisa. Karl retired in 2003, and he and Elaine spent a year travelling around Australia. After their travels, they settled on a 1-acre property in Thagoona, where they enjoyed renovating, gardening, and cultivating Elaine’s love for Australian plants. They also took several overseas trips to Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and Alaska, while exploring more of Australia. Elaine and Karl were blessed with five grandchildren: Summer, Milla, Rafael, Alexandra, and Lewis.
As Karl’s health began to decline, they sold their Thagoona property and moved to a “Over 50s” village in Highfields. In the village, Karl found joy in the community garden, spending many hours tending to vegetable crops with like-minded friends. Sadly, illness caught up with Karl, and he passed away peacefully on 20 February 2025.
2 December 1939 – 15 January 2025
His resilience, dedication, and generosity left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Born in Beaudesert in 1939, Norm faced early adversity after contracting polio as an infant. Despite the challenges, he embraced life with determination, never allowing his condition to define him. In 1955, he joined St Peters Lutheran College as a boarder, where he excelled academically and made his mark on the Cricket field, captaining the B team in 1957 before moving up to the A team the following year. His strong work ethic and perseverance set the foundation for a remarkable career and a life of service to others.
After graduating in 1958, Norm embarked on a 40-year career in the Queensland Public Service, holding various roles across multiple government departments. Beyond his professional achievements, he found another passion—community service. A lifelong Hockey enthusiast, Norm dedicated himself to the Valley Hockey Club, serving in numerous leadership roles, including Senior President for an incredible 25 years. His commitment and contributions were recognised with life membership at both Valley Hockey and Brisbane Hockey. Whether as a club president, treasurer, or even ‘Chief Chip Cooker’ at the canteen, Norm’s presence was an integral part of the Hockey community, where he was widely respected and admired.
We respectfully acknowledge the passing of the following Old Scholars.
Help us honour and remember members of our St Peters community.
If you know of an Old Scholar who has passed, please contact us at 3377 6592 or sposa@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Norm was known for his quick wit, strong principles, and a love of good conversation—often using elaborate vocabulary to make his point in meetings or debates. Despite his strong opinions, he was a true gentleman at heart, always ready to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbours. He valued tradition, loyalty, and the simple pleasures of life, enjoying a well-brewed cup of tea, a classic comedy like The Benny Hill Show, and, of course, his favourite Chinese dishes.
Above all, Norm was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. His love for his family was evident in his unwavering support and frequent unannounced visits, always preferring to ‘just drop by’ rather than call ahead. His presence, wisdom, and humour will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched.
The St Peters community extends its heartfelt condolences to Norm’s family and honours his remarkable life and contributions.
Joan Gosden (Vonhoff, 1949)
August 1930 – 30 October 2024
Robert Krause (1953, OAM) 23 January 1936 – 22 March 2025
Mervyn Otto (1961) 3 November 1943 – 20 March 2025
21 January 1939 – 22 January 2025
The St Peters community remembers Justine Anne Wilkie (Prenzler), a cherished Old Scholar whose kindness, resilience, and unwavering dedication to family and community left a lasting impact.
Born in Toowoomba in 1939, Justine grew up in various parts of Queensland before attending St Peters Lutheran College as a boarder. She excelled both academically and socially, forming lifelong friendships and discovering her passion for sewing. She remained a proud Old Scholar, attending reunions where stories of school days (and the infamous porridge) were always shared with laughter.
After school, Justine worked at Downs Printing Company before meeting the love of her life, Terry Wilkie. The two married in 1964 and built a life together in Toowoomba, founding a successful panel repair business while raising their two children, Christine and Mark. A devoted mother, Justine encouraged her children in sports, ballet, and wrestling, always present to cheer them on.
Beyond her family, Justine had many passions. A talented seamstress, she spent countless hours sewing and later developed a deep love for quilting and Japanese embroidery. She travelled to craft fairs across Australia and even to Japan on a quilting tour. Justine was also an avid golfer, competing in local competitions, and a keen traveller, visiting Europe, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Bali, and Japan with Terry.
Christmas was a special time for Justine, filled with family traditions, Carols by Candlelight, and joyful gatherings. She was a devoted grandmother to Holly, Grace, and Frazer, cherishing time spent babysitting, attending school events, and hosting sleepovers filled with love and laughter.
After Terry’s passing in 2014, Justine moved into Infin8 Care Mt Lofty, where she quickly became a beloved resident. Her warmth, humour, and cheeky spirit endeared her to staff and fellow residents. She passed away peacefully on 22 January 2025, just one day before her 86th birthday.
Justine’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will be fondly remembered by her family, friends, and the St Peters community.