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There is something comforting in the knowledge that some things just carry on.
The Class of 2025 have thrown their hats in the air for their final dismissal by the Head of College. Their valedictory night the previous evening was characterised by wonderful, heartfelt expressions of gratitude and affirmation between the graduating students.
One of those valedictory speeches included a quote by A. A. Milne: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” How fitting to hear a graduate quoting Winnie the Pooh to their childhood friends as they close a chapter and look back on happy times together.
In a year from now, the wheel will have turned, and it will be 2026 graduates making farewell speeches. In the meantime, those 2025’ers will be celebrating their first anniversary and reconnecting. Well, at least some of them will; others will take longer.
Have you been to a school reunion? If you haven’t, maybe you’ve wondered what it would be like. Perhaps the tyranny of distance, or the busyness of modern life, has kept you from it. I didn’t get to one until the 25th anniversary. I was glad when I finally made it and haven’t missed one since.
In the past four months, we’ve seen no less than 14 peer-year reunions (that we know of). They covered graduates from the 1960s to the Class of 2024. It is a booming activity!
Reunions are different things to different people, of course. In this bulletin, you’ll find a thoughtful and eloquent reflection by Lars Bang Madsen (1990) on his recent 35-year reunion, titled “The Shortness of Life: The School Reunion”.
Reunions can be an instrument for self-reflection, as much as they are an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the ups and downs of our fellow classmates. There can be a kind of safety in sharing life experiences with those who have gone through the joys and trials of the schoolyard. We are an extended family in that sense — we come together to celebrate each other in good times and support each other in challenging ones.
Please don’t wait 25 years, as I did. Use these opportunities to connect and reconnect with the people in your life. Share stories, laugh, and cry together. It’s all part of the human condition — celebrating the continuity of the lives we began together, before going on our separate yet intersecting paths. It is the enduring power of what we have in common.
As we say goodbye and, hopefully, come back to say hello again, it is good to know that, in our hearts at least, some things continue, even in our physical absence.
In the words of A.A. Milne: “But wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.” Llewellyn Jones
President St Peters Old Scholars Association
If you wish to update your contact details or know someone who is not receiving communications from the SPOSA office and would like to, please use this link: stpeters.qld.edu.au/indooroopilly/update-your-details
Lead
Editor: Shannon King
Designer(s): Clarissa Szepski Photographer(s): Anthony Cox
Office 66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068 | 07 3377 6592
66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068 | 07 3377 6222 reception@stpeters.qld.edu.au stpeters.qld.edu.au facebook.com/stpeterslutherancollege instagram.com/splc .official
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s been a whirlwind year for our Old Scholars community. We enjoyed another successful SPOSA Week earlier in the year that is now embedded into the College calendar, celebrated 80 years of St Peters on Founders’ Day, welcomed a fantastic turnout for Reunion Weekend in June, and supported countless individual reunions throughout the year. We’ve also proudly shared the outstanding achievements of Old Scholars across a wide range of fields — an inspiring reminder of the talent within our community.
A massive thank you to the SPOSA Committee for their dedication, time, and enthusiasm. Their commitment to volunteering and nurturing connections makes everything we do possible. One thing that’s become evident over the last year is the strength of the St Peters Old Scholar network. We love staying connected and engaging with you.
Looking ahead, 2026 marks a major milestone — SPOSA’s 80th anniversary. I look forward to celebrating this special year with you all.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a relaxing holiday season spent with loved ones. See you in 2026!
Best Wishes
Amanda Osborne Alumni and Archives Officer
Old Scholars who wish to enrol their children or grandchildren in the following year levels are reminded to submit an online application by the end of Term 4, 2025.
• Prep 2027
• Year 5 2028
• Year 7 2029
Due to the high demand for College places, applications from Old Scholars must be received by Wednesday 3 December 2025.
Submit an Online Application https://bit.ly/StP-enrol
2026 SPOSA Committee Meeting Dates
Boardroom, Centre for Learning and Innovation (CLI) 6:00 pm
• Monday 9 February 2026
• Monday 9 March 2026
Monday 11 May 2026
• Sunday 14 June 2026 (AGM)
• Monday 10 August 2026
• Monday 14 September 2026
• Monday 19 October 2026
• Monday 16 November 2026
14 June SPOSA AGM
31 July St Peters You’ve Got Talent finals
16 August SPOSA Tennis Tournament (TBC)
5 September P&F and SPOSA Trivia Night
23
29
2026
Reunion Events
50 Years – Class of 1976 | Ironbark reunion
Save the Date: 25–27 September 2026 Coordinator
Contact Marie-Louise Trusler (1978) ironbark2026@outlook.com
Founders’ Day – 20 February 2026
Each year on 20 February, we celebrate the College’s founding with gratitude and reflection. In 2026, SPOSA will mark its 80th year, and we’d love you to be part of the occasion. All St Peters Old Scholars are invited to attend the Founders’ Day ceremony, followed by morning tea. Full program details will be shared early next year. We look forward seeing you there.
Friday 12 June
5:00 pm SPOSA President’s canapés and drinks
SPOSA Café, Centre for Learning and Innovation (CLI) 6:30 pm All Choirs Concert | Dron Auditorium, PAC
Saturday 13 June
9:00 am Morning Tea | Ross Roy 10:30 am Songs of Praise | Chapel 11:15 am Tour of the College | Meet at Chapel 12:15 pm Old Scholar Group Photo | Front of Chapel 12:30 pm Reunion Lunch | Café 45, Refectory
Sunday 14 June
9:00 am Sunday Service | Chapel 11:30 am AGM | Boardroom, CLI
Ariarne Titmus Hangs up her Swim Cap
Ariarne Titmus (2018, pictured top right) has announced her retirement from competitive swimming.
Ariarne’s achievements speak for themselves: four Olympic gold medals, two Olympic campaigns, multiple world records and countless unforgettable races. She remains the reigning Olympic 400m Freestyle champion and the current 200m Freestyle World Record holder (1:52.23). From her historic double world records at the 2024 Australian Selection trials to her record-breaking 2022 Commonwealth Games treble in Birmingham, Ariarne has inspired us all.
A true role model for young swimmers and athletes everywhere, Ariarne’s determination, humility, and resilience, especially in overcoming surgery to return to Olympic glory, reflect the very best of sport and spirit.
Ariarne will forever be a legend of the College — the greatest sportsperson St Peters has ever produced.
Congratulations from SPOSA, Ariarne, on an incredible career. We can’t wait to see what comes next!
Shaun Nodwell Director of Sport
We are thrilled to highlight the outstanding achievements of Track & Field athlete Torrie Lewis (2022, pictured top left), who has gone on to represent Australia on the global stage. As a dedicated and accomplished Old Scholar, Torrie often returns to check in at her alma mater, inspiring current students with her commitment and humility.
At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Torrie smashed her own 100m national record, posting a blistering time of 11.08 seconds in the heats, a performance that sent her into the semi-finals. She also recorded a personal best of 22.56 seconds in the 200m, finishing among the elite sprinters of the event, and represented Australia in the 4×100m relay.
Torrie’s journey from school athlete to world competitor embodies the values we hold dear at St Peters, those of perseverance, excellence, and community. Her continued engagement with the College, sharing stories, offering support, and mentoring younger athletes, strengthens our culture and reminds us that success can grow from the very tracks and fields where it all began.
Congratulations, Torrie, your achievements make the St Peters community immensely proud. We look forward to following your journey as you continue to break barriers and motivate future students to dream big.
Jeremy Lohe Assistant Director of Sport
St Peters celebrates and congratulates the achievements of three Old Scholars who are excelling in professional Rugby. Each of these young men embodies the College motto, Plus Ultra, demonstrating that determination, hard work, and grit pave the way for success.
Kadin Pritchard (2022, pictured bottom right) made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the ACT Brumbies in Round 1 earlier this year, following an impressive campaign with the Australian U20s in South Africa in 2023. During the St Peters First XV’s Canberra tour, Kadin met with the squad to share his experiences, an inspiring highlight for the boys as he spoke about the value of perseverance and commitment.
Vaiuta Latu (2023, pictured top middle) has continued his rise through the Rugby ranks, becoming a standout performer in the Premier Rugby competition throughout 2025. His consistent form was rewarded with selection for the Queensland Reds, where he debuted in the opening round of Super Rugby Australia, facing none other than Kadin and the Brumbies in his first professional match!
Wallace Charlie (2024, pictured bottom left) has also achieved remarkable success, debuting for the Australian Men’s Sevens team at the Los Angeles leg of the World Sevens Series. His selection followed outstanding performances for the Australian U18 Sevens. He recently played for the Western Force U19s, and he will now progress to the Force’s senior Super Rugby squad.
Despite their growing reputations on the national and international Rugby stage, Kadin, Vaiuta, and Wallace remain grounded and deeply connected to their roots at St Peters. They speak fondly of their time at the College and the lessons learned while wearing the butcher stripe.
Reunions mean something different to everyone, and the past four to six months have shown just how meaningful they can be. This year, more than 600 St Peters Old Scholars have gathered on campus and beyond to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate their shared history. Many of you have even stepped up to plan and host these occasions, and SPOSA has loved collaborating with classmates and former teachers to bring them to life. For a thoughtful reflection on what reunions truly represent, don’t miss Lars Bang Madsen’s (1990) heartfelt account of his recent 35-year reunion, featured in this newsletter.
If you know someone who isn’t receiving updates from SPOSA but would like to, please encourage them to share their details with us so we can keep them in the loop for reunions and other news. Help us track down those missing Old Scholars so they can join the celebrations in 2026.
stpeters.qld.edu.au/indooroopilly/update-your-details
Ten years on, and the Class of 2015 still know how to celebrate in style! After missing their 5-year reunion due to COVID-19, this group made up for lost time — and then some. Nearly 60 Old Scholars returned to St Peters, some travelling up from Sydney, to join the fun. The afternoon kicked off with a campus tour followed by a gathering in the Centre for Learning and Innovation to reconnect over canapés, drinks, and plenty of laughter.
The celebrations didn’t stop there as the group continued on at the Regatta Hotel, picking up right where they left off a decade ago. It was wonderful to see familiar faces, including Head of Senior School, David Rushmore and Senior School Year Level Coordinator Rachael Turnbull, who stopped by to catch up with their former students.
A big thank you to Patrick Andrews and Hannah Wilson for coordinating the reunion and to Simon Gideon (1994), SPOSA Treasurer, for assisting on the night.
We loved having you back, Class of 2015, here’s to many more memories together.
In early October, the Class of 2000 had one of our biggest reunions yet with nearly 50 Old Scholars returning to relive their school days on a College tour, followed by 80 classmates catching up over canapés and drinks in the SPOSA Café, at the Centre for Learning and Innovation (formerly Luther House).
Adding to the fun, much-loved past teacher Chris Chapman dropped by to share his trademark humour and a few memorable stories from the classroom.
Festivities continued at the Pig & Whistle in Indooroopilly keeping the reunion spirit alive well into the night.
Thank you to Majella Christensen for rounding up the troops and organising such a successful reunion.
Here’s to 25 years of memories, laughter, and lifelong friendships. We can’t wait to see you all again for the big 3-0.
Rain, hail, or shine — nothing could stop the Class of 1995!
Thirty years on, and this crew proved they’ve still got the St Peters spirit. The Class of 1995 weekend reunion kicked off with a campus tour down memory lane, followed by canapés and drinks in the Centre for Learning and Innovation, sharing laughs, stories and friendships that’ve clearly stood the test of time.
The 1994, 1995, and 1996 boarders then relived old times with a buffet dinner in Café 45, or as they knew it, the Refectory, before the celebrations continued late into the night at the Regatta Hotel.
Between a round of golf, plenty of laughter, and even more stories shared over Sunday night, it was the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun. Here’s to 30 years of friendship, memories, and that unmistakable Class of ’95 energy. Thank you to Andrew Corkery, Melinda Beier (who travelled from London), and Simone Seeto for rounding everyone up and organising such a successful gathering.
Oh what a night! Another reunion in October saw around 40 Old Scholars from the Class of 1990 reunite at St Peters to celebrate 35 years since their school days together. Some hadn’t been back to campus or seen their classmates since graduation.
They toured the College and then caught up in the SPOSA Café over canapes and drinks while classic ‘90s hits played in the background. The reunion was full of laughter, stories, and plenty of “Do you remember when…?” moments. Adding to the nostalgia, ever popular English teacher Jane Greenwood joined in the celebrations to reconnect with her former students proving that great teachers really do leave a lasting impression.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to relive the best of the ‘90s spirit and to the coordinators Jacqueline Nave, Jane Iszlaub, and Rob Barber for helping to reach out to everyone. See you again for your 40th reunion!
Big hair, fluro, and even bigger tunes! Our Class of 1985 embraced the spirit of the ’80s as they returned to campus to celebrate 40 years since graduation.
A small group toured the College in the afternoon, reminiscing about school days and spotting a few familiar corners that haven’t changed a bit. From 6:30 pm, more than 70 Old Scholars kept the good times rolling at the Royal Exchange Hotel sharing laughs, stories, and friendship that’s clearly stood the test of time (and fashion trends!).
Here’s to a class that still knows how to have a great time! Thank you to coordinators Robyn Hamilton and Suzi Woodrow-Read for organising a very memorable reunion.
Some of our longest-standing Old Scholars have been keeping the St Peters spirit alive with a series of intimate reunions this year.
In August and November, members of the Classes of 1969, 1973 and 1975 gathered in the Centre for Learning and Innovation, bringing along their own delicious plates and plenty of stories to share. These groups of 50-year-plus graduates cherished the chance to reconnect, laugh, and reminisce in the place where it all began.
What started as occasional meet-ups has become a meaningful tradition, with many eager to make these catch ups even more regular. A beautiful reminder that the St Peters community truly is for life.
What a wonderful afternoon it was for our Old Scholars living across the Darling Downs! On 11 October, over 30 St Peters alumni across generations gathered at Margaret Curnow’s (1960) home to reconnect and share a delicious lunch. Everyone brought a plate to enjoy while reminiscing with great company. Some hadn’t seen each other for decades, with a few even travelling from as far as Chinchilla to be part of the day.
A huge thank you to Margaret for opening her home and to Garry Hauser (1967) for organising such a memorable reunion. The catch-up was such a success that plans are already underway to meet twice a year!
If you’re an Old Scholar living in Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, Crow’s Nest, Fernvale or surrounding areas, keep an eye out for the next gathering. It’s the perfect way to reconnect and share in the St Peters spirit. See you at the next one!
Florence Miller-Metzner (2023)
For many years, St Peters has been well known in the wider community for its high standard in music performance. This was again highlighted when Old Scholar Florence MillerMetzner (Class of 2023 and a third generation St Peters Old Scholar) was awarded top of State in Music Extension (Performance) for 2023 by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).
Florence recently resigned from Queensland Youth Symphony and joined newly formed Symphoria, an orchestra under the baton of David Deacon, comprising of approximately 20 St Peters Old Scholars (graduates from 2018–2024). Supported by SPOSA, this opportunity allows young musicians of the St Peters community to continue their musical journey with their friends beyond graduation.
“Being a founding member of Symphoria has truly been a wonderful experience - it has been great to connect with old friends and other scholars who also have a love for music and want to continue their musical journey beyond their schooling at St Peters. I love the opportunity to play alongside my passionate and talented colleagues, already playing a wide variety of repertoire at our first two concerts, and I am beyond excited to see what is in store in our 2026 season;” said Florence.
Symphoria held its inaugural performance at the St Peters Performing Arts Centre on 26 July 2025, followed by a performance on 18 October in collaboration with JAMBO, another Old Scholar music ensemble.
Congratulations to Florence on this outstanding achievement, and Symphoria on their exciting beginning!
The College also celebrates 20 years of the Performer of the Year competition. With many past winners going on to pursue professional music careers, the competition is a testament to the enduring strength of the St Peters Cocurricular Music Program. A list of winners from 2005 to 2015 is featured in the accompanying table , a proud record of excellence and dedication. Together, they form a living legacy that continues to define the vibrant musical culture of St Peters.
This year, our Year 9 students proudly hosted three SPOSA Morning Teas, in May, September, and November, welcoming around a dozen guests at each gathering from both the St Peters Congregation and our Old Scholar community.
These mornings have become a wonderful opportunity for older members of the St Peters family to connect with the next generation. With interesting conversations, shared stories, and plenty of encouragement exchanged across the table, each morning tea has reinforced the power of community across ages.
A warm thank you to the Old Scholars who generously
gave their time to be part of these valuable mornings: Reini Mayer (1950), Julie Ross (1969), Nicky Bricknell (1960), Margaret Curnow (1960), Gwen Lewerissa (1973), John Findlay (former staff member), and Karel Baum (1976). Your presence has helped make these intergenerational connections truly meaningful.
We look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition in 2026.
St Peters You’ve Got Talent (SPYGT) 2025 was a colourful celebration of all things Grease, featuring our prefects, staff, boarder boys, 2024 winner Jazzi P and, of course, show stopping performances by five finalists.
SPOSA sponsors the prizes each year for this event and congratulates 2025 winner Ella K (Year 11), along with Annika S (Year 10), and Guerilla Radio (Year 12), who took out second and third place.
Lars Bang Madsen (1990)
There’s a quiet melancholy that settles in when you step back into the echoes of your past.
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself at my high school reunion, an event I’d approached with a mix of curiosity and that familiar knot of apprehension in my stomach. It’s strange, isn’t it? How the mere act of walking through those old gates—or in this case, a new hall dressed up to mimic them—can strip away the layers of adulthood you’ve so carefully built.
Suddenly, you’re not the 50-something therapist who’s spent decades helping others untangle their inner worlds; you’re that awkward 16- or 17-year-old again, navigating the invisible hierarchies of the classroom, the playground whispers, the unrequited crushes that felt like the end of the world.
I remember pulling into the parking lot, the evening light fading into a soft dusk, and feeling a wave of hesitation. Would anyone recognise me? Had I changed too much, or not enough? But as I stepped inside, the room buzzed
with warmth. There were 42 of us in total, a surprisingly robust turnout from our year group. Faces I’d last seen in grainy yearbook photos now lined with the subtle etchings of time—laugh lines, greying temples, the occasional weary glance that spoke of battles fought and won or lost. And there, amid the crowd, was one of our old teachers, Mrs Greenwood, whose kindness and wisdom had been a beacon during those turbulent years. She hadn’t changed much; her eyes still held that gentle spark, the one that made you feel seen, truly seen, even when you were trying to hide behind adolescent bravado.
It was lovely, of course, reconnecting over plates of finger foods and glasses of wine. Laughter echoed as stories spilled out—tales of pranks pulled in the science lab, cramming sessions that seemed life-or-death at the time, the petty dramas that now felt comically insignificant. Yet, beneath the surface merriment, a deeper current ran through the evening. As the night wore on, I caught myself reflecting on the sheer expanse of time that had slipped by. Decades. It was as if we’d all been suspended in some illusion of stasis,
convinced that life stretched out infinitely ahead of us. But the truth hit hard: five from our group had already departed this world, taken by tragedies that no one could have foreseen—accidents, illnesses, the cruel randomness of fate. Their absences hung like unspoken shadows in the room, a reminder that time isn’t the boundless resource we pretend it to be.
We chatted as if no years had passed, slipping back into the easy banter of teenagers. “Remember the things that happened at Ironbark?” someone would say, and the group would erupt in nods and chuckles. People shared their journeys: marriages that blossomed and others that withered into divorce, careers that soared to unexpected heights only to crash in spectacular failures, children grown and flown, dreams deferred or reinvented. In these stories, I saw the intricate tapestries of human experience—the triumphs and the tumbles, the ways we’ve all been shaped by choices, chance, and the relentless march forward.
At one point, I found myself in a corner conversation with a friend from those school days. We hadn’t spoken in years, but there was a comfortable familiarity, like picking up a book you’d set aside long ago. Inevitably, the questions turned introspective, the kind that reunions seem to invite: “Looking back over these decades, what would you change?” It’s an impossible query, really. Our lives are webs of interconnected decisions; tug at one thread, and the whole pattern unravels. Change a single choice—say, the university I attended or the first job I took—and I might not be standing here now, with the family I cherish, the patients I’ve guided, the quiet satisfactions that define my days. Who knows where that alternate path would lead? Perhaps to joys unforeseen, or to sorrows I’d rather not imagine. So, I don’t dwell on “what ifs” as a roadmap for regret; they’re more like mirrors, reflecting not just the past but the present self.
But the question lingered, stirring something deeper within me—a meditation on the shortness of life, that ancient theme echoed by philosophers like Seneca, who warned us not to squander our fleeting hours as if they were endless. In schema therapy, we often explore how early patterns—those “schemas” formed in youth—shape our adult behaviours, trapping us in cycles of avoidance, perfectionism, or emotional detachment.
Reflecting on my own 17-year-old self, I realised what I might whisper to that boy if I could bridge the years: Appreciate the people in your life while they’re there. Tell them you like them, love them, enjoy their presence. Don’t hold back those words, thinking there’s always tomorrow. Life’s brevity demands we express affection generously, before the chance slips away.
I would urge him to take himself less seriously, to shed the weight of envy and jealousy that so often poisoned my teenage interactions. Why compare your path to others’ when each journey is uniquely fraught? Be less mean, too—those cutting remarks born of insecurity only erode connections. Instead, embrace more fun, more spontaneity.
Say yes to the impromptu adventure, the late-night drive with friends, the silly risk that might lead to a cherished memory. And care less about getting things wrong or failing spectacularly. Failure isn’t the enemy; it’s the forge where resilience is hammered out. In my practice, I see clients paralysed by fear of imperfection, their schemas whispering that vulnerability equals weakness. But looking back, I know now that the real tragedy is the unlived life, the moments muted by caution.
Much of this advice feels trite, I suppose—like platitudes from a self-help book. Yet, there’s a profound simplicity in it, unpretentious wisdom born from lived experience rather than abstract theory. As a therapist, I’ve witnessed how unaddressed regrets can fester, fueling depression or anxiety. One patient, a man in his sixties, came to me haunted by unspoken words to a deceased parent; another, a young woman, grappled with the jealousy that had alienated friends. These insights aren’t just for my younger self; they’re a call to action for today, right now. The reunion reminded me that time’s illusion of abundance is a dangerous comfort. We assume we’ll have endless opportunities to mend fences, pursue passions, savor joys—but the clock ticks indifferently.
In the melancholic glow of that evening, as hugs were exchanged and promises made to “stay in touch,” I felt a quiet resolve. Life’s shortness isn’t a curse; it’s an invitation to live more fully, more authentically. To integrate these lessons into my daily rhythm: a quick text to a friend expressing gratitude, a spontaneous outing with my kids, a moment of self-compassion when I stumble. Schema therapy teaches us to challenge those old narratives, to nurture the healthy adult within who can guide us toward fulfillment. Perhaps that’s the true gift of reunions—not just nostalgia, but a poignant nudge to course-correct while we still can.
As I drove home under a starlit sky, Brisbane’s lights blurring past, I carried that sense of transience with me. We’re all travellers on this brief voyage, bound by shared humanity and the inevitable farewells. So, let’s honour the time we have—loving fiercely, laughing freely, forgiving readily. After all, in the grand scheme, what else truly matters?
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 SPOSA Educational Bursary Awards
Last week, our Senior School students’ outstanding achievements in Sport, Music, and Service were recognised at the Years 10 & 11 Cocurricular Awards presentation. SPOSA President Llewelyn Jones (1983) had the honour of presenting the 2025 SPOSA Educational Bursary Awards.
Since 1958, SPOSA Bursaries have supported students at St Peters, recognising outstanding contributions across College life, not just in academics. These awards celebrate students in Years 10–12 who embody our motto, Plus Ultra — always striving to go more beyond.
The Year 12 SPOSA Bursary, dedicated to St Peters’ first student, Neville Stallman (1948), honours his legacy and distinguished career in microbiology.
This year we congratulate:
• Year 10 – Desmond N and Emily R
• Year 11 – Gabriella F and Joshua P Year 12 – Indigo J and Owen P
From Springfield Campus;
• Year 10 – Tobey S
• Year 11 – Hannah T
• Year 12 – Elsa M
Wishing the Class of 2025 every success beyond graduation, and best of luck to all bursary recipients for the years ahead!
Congratulations to our newest Old Scholars – the class of 2025! SPOSA wishes you all the very best with the next chapter of your lives. Remember, you are Saints for Life and always welcome back to the College. Do keep in touch via our socials as well;
SPOSA Facebook – @SPOSA45
SPOSA Instagram – @splc.sposa
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/st-peters-lutheran-college or email us on SPOSA@stpeters.qld.edu.au
We hope to see you again for your one-year reunion in October 2026.
The annual Boys 1st V Basketball team took on Old Scholars from the classes of 2021 to 2024 in a fast-paced match. It was non-stop action, as the boys darted from one end of the court to the other, keeping up the friendly rivalry. In the end, the Old Scholars secured an 82-58 victory.
Congratulations to Old Scholars Cooper Rowlings (2023), Lachlain Rollison (2023), Tom Graetz (2023), Hugh Dolle (2022), Isaac Wanandi (2024), Cooper Lewis (2021), Harry Boegheim (2024), Sadushan Yoganathan (2021), and Noah Johnson (2024). We appreciated you taking time out of your busy schedules to come back to the College.
Thank you to all involved in the day, including the players, coaches and Georgia Smith from Sports House for coordinating this fun event.
See you next year!
SPOSA is excited to share our brand-new range of merchandise — perfect for showing your College pride or gifting to a fellow Old Scholar. Each item has been thoughtfully created so you can take a little piece of St Peters memorabilia home with you.
Browse the collection, with prices listed alongside each item, and find something special to celebrate your connection to the College. Whether it’s for yourself or someone you know, we hope you enjoy these new additions as much as we’ve enjoyed creating them.
$95.00 Jersey
$12.00 Sports Towel
$20.00 Cap
$20.00 Portable Powerbank
$6.00 Pen
$7.00 Key chain with bottle opener
$1.00 Tote
Email sposa@stpeters.qld.edu.au to place an order
Did you know that St Peters Old Scholars Association offers blazer pockets to current St Peters students who are second or third generation scholars? In 2026 we will again be offering the children/grandchildren of Old Scholars the opportunity to acknowledge the tradition of returning generations.
If you are an Old Scholar of St Peters, and have children/ grandchildren at the school, please contact the SPOSA office to obtain the required paperwork. This applies to all students of Old Scholars from Year 7–12. The deadline to submit blazers to Shop 45 is 13 February for Senior School and 24 February for Junior School.
Please contact Amanda Osborne on sposa@stpeters.qld.edu.au if you are interested in participating in this program.
John Harold Larsen was born in Kingaroy on 11 June 1937, the eldest child of Harold and Agnes Larsen. He was baptised in St Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church on the first of August in the same year, by Pastor F.G. Kleinig.
John started school at Taabinga Village, making the journey on horseback with his Uncle Ray. When his brother Peter started school, they rode to school on bicycles. When a bus run commenced to the Coolabunia State School, John went there. That bus was an old army truck. John left home to go to St Peters when he was fourteen. He spent two years there and completed his Junior. John loved cricket and often talked about being in the cricket team at St Peters.
John was confirmed at St Peters on November 23, 1952, by Pastor M.R.Stolz . His confirmation text was 1 Corinthians 16:13. “Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” John followed the Lord faithfully all his life, regularly attending church at St John’s Lutheran Church, Kingaroy.
After school, John started work on the family farm. He married Audrey, whom he met at a church social, and together they had four children. John purchased the property across the road from his parent’s farm and later purchased neighbouring properties. He was a loving husband and father. On his farms he grew soya beans, peanuts, and corn, and wheat as a winter crop. John was passionate about farming and told Audrey that his goal in life was to leave his farm better than he found it. His work was his way of serving the Lord. John was always genuinely interested in how his neighbours were doing. After rain, he would do a ring around to see how much rain everyone had received. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbours. John would make time to visit or phone those having a hard time. He was a very generous man, donating to many charities.
John was a humble man, he never big-noted himself. His children grew up unaware of the high esteem other farmers held him in. When journalist Trent Dalton looked for a
farmer to feature in his series on Working Lives in The Weekend Australian, people pointed him to “The Miracle Farmer”, John Larsen. He wrote that John considered himself a “caretaker of the land”. Trent Dalton’s article was an eye-opener to his children. They learnt a lot about their dad from that article.
John was very active in the community. He became a reluctant political activist when coal mining companies threatened the land that he loved. He joined the Kingaroy Concerned Citizens group and in his John Deere hat, red soil-stained clothes and Dunlop Volleys, became the farming face of their campaign. John carried himself with dignity through good times and bad. He kept farming until physically, he could no longer, at around 85 years of age. He passed away peacefully on the 9 June 2025, two days before his 88th birthday, surrounded by the family he loved.
On 12 March 2025, John received a diagnosis of advanced cancer. Throughout his illness he remained remarkably stoic, rarely asking for anything and meeting each day with quiet strength. When the palliative care doctor asked if he had any worries about what lay ahead, John simply replied, “No, it is all in God’s hands.”
John hoped to spend his final days at home, and his family worked hard to honour that wish. When his health declined on Saturday 7 June, he chose to go to hospital. The caring ambulance officers who came for him gently asked if there was anywhere on the farm he wished to see once more. “The bunyas,” he said. They paused along the driveway and sat his stretcher up so he could take in the land he loved the sunshine warm around him and two of his family beside him.
He passed away peacefully two days later, on Monday 9 June 2025, just before his 88th birthday, surrounded by those who loved him.
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
Dominick Sweeney (1977)
Heidrun Stoeckl (1973)
Alice Vujanovic (1990)
Gavin Maslen (1990)
John Hughes (1975)
Lynette Cameron (Stehbens, 1958)
Ashton Peters (2027)
1960 – 2025
1954 – 2025
1972 – 2024
1972 – 2019
1978– 2025
1940 – 2025
2009 – 2025
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Patron: Margaret Curnow OAM (Neumann 1960)
President: Llewelyn Jones (1983)
Vice President: Rowena Lester (Fulton 1991)
Vice President: Rob Barber (1990)
Treasurer: Simon Gideon (Mafi 1994)
Secretary: Anne Fulton (1988)
Committee Members 2025–2026:
Julie Ross (Hillman 19 69)
David Jones (1969)
Gwendoline Lewerissa (1973)
Phillip Woo (1975)
Bradley Porter (1975)
Karel Baum (1976)
Cassandra Sun (1991)
Jennifer White (Dalrymple, 1996)
Zoe Truesdell (Wihardjo, 1998)
Ailsa Wood (Patterson, 1992)
Andrew Corkery (1995)