This week provides a valuable opportunity to acknowledge several significant milestones and initiatives that continue to enrich and strengthen our College community. Together, they reflect our enduring commitment to connection, belonging, and equipping our students to lead purposeful and meaningful lives.

We warmly congratulate the graduating Class of 2025 on their outstanding academic achievements. An impressive 72% of our Year 12 cohort received offers for their first university preference, with 57% securing early tertiary placements. Engineering emerged as the leading field of study, followed by Health, Management, and Law — a wonderful reflection of the diverse aspirations and talents within this group.

At our Founders' Day Service, we were proud to recognise our College Dux, Varun Ajith, and Proxime Accessit, Ryan Zhou, celebrating their exceptional dedication and achievement. It is always inspiring to see our St Peters Old Scholars step confidently into their futures, supported by the strong foundation of character, faith, and learning cultivated during their time at the College.

As the 2026 academic year unfolds, we remain deeply committed to partnering with families to support each student’s unique learning journey. In the Secondary Years, recent information evenings and the upcoming Senior Conferences continue to foster the collaborative relationships that underpin both academic growth and student wellbeing.

Excellence in Christian co-education remains central to our mission. The ongoing development of our Secondary elective program reflects our dedication to innovation and breadth of opportunity. Year 11 Engineering is now well underway in the Senior Years, while students in the Junior Years will delve into new and creative subjects such as Discovering Animation and Environomics. Our commitment to personalised support is further demonstrated through the Year 12 Academic Coaching program, where each student is partnered with a staff coach to set goals, monitor progress, and receive tailored guidance throughout this pivotal year.

Term 1 is always a meaningful time to reconnect with students, families, and the wider College community as we reaffirm our shared commitment to learning at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield. It is a privilege to serve as Acting Head of Learning and Innovation and to walk alongside our students as they strive for excellence.

Ms Lauren Head 
Acting Head of Learning and Innovation

Thursday 19 February

Prep and Year 12 Senior Jersey Presentation | Collaborative Courtyard 8:30am
Secondary Chapel | 10:15am 
Welcome to Secondary Years | Brighton Homes Arena 5:30pm

Friday 20 February

Lower Primary Chapel | HUB 8:30am
Upper Primary Chapel | HUB 9:15am
Bespoke Primary Years Tour | 9:05am 
Bespoke Secondary Years Tour | 9:15am  
Secondary Years House Meetings | House PE Uniform required | 10:15am

Saturday 21 February

GBC Primary Round 2 Away | RLC
GBC Secondary Round 3 Away | FLCP
Ironbark Group 1 Graduation | Ironbark

Monday 23 February

Years 3–6 Swimming | Waterworx 8:30am – 12:45pm
Year 9 Student Free Day

Tuesday 24 February

Ironbark Group 2 Departure
Year 10 Scholarship Exams
Secondary Assembly | 10:15am 

Wednesday 25 February

Debating Year 10, Round 1
Met West Swimming Years 5–12

Thursday 26 February

Debating Year 8, Round 1
Secondary Chapel 10:15am
LP Assembly 1:30pm – 2:00pm HUB
UP Assembly 2:00pm – 2:30pm HUB

Friday 27 February 

Lower Primary Chapel | HUB 8:30am
Upper Primary Chapel | HUB 9:15am

Saturday 28 February

GBC Primary Round 3 | Home
GBC Secondary Round 4 | Home 

Most Lutherans know the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God” (words and music by Dr Martin Luther). People often refer to Luther’s hymn as “the hymn of the Reformation”, and it’s also the hymn of our school, St Peters.

But for us who are living through unsettled times nearly 500 years later, there is a profound message for us, not only in its message, but in the actual origin of Luther’s most famous hymn.

In 1527, the plague hit Luther’s hometown of Wittenberg, and people fled the city, including pastors and students at Wittenberg University. It was during this time that Luther wrote his famous paper, 'Should a Christian Flee the Plague'. Martin and his wife, Katie, also opened their home to many sick and dying people, turning it into a hospice and a refuge for those needing care. At the end of that same year, Martin and Katie were blessed with a little daughter, Elizabeth, who was very sick from birth and sadly died only months later, in May 1528. This was a time of great difficulty for Luther, and it was in this struggle that he wrote 'A Mighty Fortress', giving it the title 'A Hymn of Comfort'.

This famous 'Hymn of the Reformation' could be called a battle hymn, but not in the sense of fighting human enemies. It was a battle hymn in the sense of the struggle we all know too well — against suffering and doubt in the midst of uncertain times.

At the heart of Luther’s hymn is the Christ focus:

Christ Jesus, who is the 'valiant one' who fights for us. Christ Jesus, who stands with us, when we are isolated or unsure. Christ Jesus, who holds fast to us, in his 'fortress' embrace. Christ Jesus, who is not far but present with us.

With our St Peters Founders Day we are given words of faith to sing from Luther’s own journey and the journey of St Peters Old Scholars as well — bold words of the comfort of the love of God, showered upon us in the life our Lord: Jesus Christ: “A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon, Our faithful helper in all need, our stay, whate’er may happen.”

Chaplain Kirstin
Primary Years Chaplain

Arise is a community made up of families from St Peters College and from the wider community. It is a place to worship God, to receive encouragement in faith, and to serve one another as we share life's journey together. You are invited to join this community of faith, love, and service.

Arise holds a weekly worship service in the Junior High Foyer each Sunday at 9:00 am. Worship includes a message for children, a main message for the whole gathering, singing, prayers, and celebration of Holy Communion. Please contact Pastor Matt Wilksch (0447 656 793 / m.wilksch@stpeters.qld.edu.au) for more information. If you're seeking a baptism, confirmation, wedding, or funeral, please speak with Pastor Matt.

On the last Sunday of the month, Arise Live is an event for high school students and young adults. The music is performed by the youth band, and the message is delivered by a visiting speaker on topics related to growing faith among young people. Food and friendship follow the worship time at this event. Arise Live is in the Junior High Precinct at 6:00 pm, and the young and young at heart are invited to attend.   

Pastor Matt Wilksch
St Peters Springfield Chaplain

Reminder | Formal Hat Colour Fade Issue (selected batches only)

We would like to inform families of an issue affecting a small number of boys’ formal hats sold through The School Locker and the Indooroopilly Uniform Shop (Shop 45). A specific batch of hats was found to fade significantly over time, resulting in a pinkish or brownish discolouration.

Only hats from the following two purchase order batches may be affected:

PO 271965 | PO 301062

If your child’s formal hat matches one of these purchase order numbers (found on the inside tag), it may be eligible for a free replacement.

What Families Need to Do Next

• Check the inside label of your child’s formal hat for the purchase order (PO) number.
• If the number is PO 271965 or PO 301062, the hat can be replaced.
• Families may take the affected hat to either The School Locker – Shop 45, St Peters Indooroopilly, or St Peters Springfield Reception, where staff have been fully briefed on the recall and replacement process.

If your child’s hat has a different PO number but is showing similar colour fading, you may still wish to contact Shop 45 directly to discuss your options.

Who to Contact for Assistance

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact Jade Cooper on j.cooper@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Reminder | Shop 45 | Opening Hours

Following the recent closure of the School Locker store at Oxley, parents wishing to purchase uniform items can do so at Shop 45 at St Peters Indooroopilly. During this transition period, Shop 45 will be open from Monday to Friday, starting from Monday 9 February, and every second Saturday starting 21 February. Additional uniform stock will be transferred to Shop 45 to support increased demand.

Please click here to view their opening hours.

Uniform items can also be purchased via the School Locker online store, and they are currently offering free shipping. Please click here for further information.

Thank you for your support during this transition.

Building Strength Through Adversity

On Wednesday 11 February, our Year 11 and Year 12 students had the privilege of spending a powerful and energising day with Ben Pettingill, an internationally recognised resilience speaker whose story of courage, adaptability, and grit left a profound impact on our senior cohort.

Ben is known for his remarkable ability to connect with young people. After losing 98% of his eyesight overnight at age 16 due to a rare genetic condition, he was forced to rebuild his world from the ground up. Instead of letting adversity define him, Ben developed what he calls True Sight — a mindset focused on clarity, purpose, and inner strength. His message is not about what happens to us, but about how we choose to respond.

A Day of Honesty, Humour, and Hard‑Won Wisdom

Throughout the session, Ben shared the realities of navigating life‑changing challenges, weaving together humour, vulnerability, and practical strategies to overcome obstacles. He spoke openly about frustration, fear, and uncertainty — experiences our students could deeply relate to as they approach the final stretch of their schooling journey.

Ben guided students through:

• Resilience skills for high‑pressure situations,
• Decision‑making strategies for stressful academic and personal moments,
• Confidence‑building techniques to help them shift from self‑doubt to action,
• The power of perspective, and how to reframe setbacks as opportunities.

Interactive activities encouraged students to reflect on their own habits, strengths, and support systems. Many commented on how refreshing it was to hear real, unfiltered experiences rather than abstract advice.

Empowering Our Senior Students

For students preparing for exams, transitions, and major life choices, Ben’s message arrived at the perfect time. He reminded them that resilience is not about being unbreakable; it’s about learning how to rebuild, reset, and carry on with purpose.

Teachers also noted how engaged and responsive the students were throughout the day, with many staying afterwards to ask questions and thank Ben personally.

Looking Forward

We are incredibly grateful to have hosted Ben and to have provided our Year 11 and 12 students with a day devoted to strengthening their wellbeing, confidence, and sense of direction. His words will no doubt echo throughout the year as students tackle challenges big and small.

Our hope is that the lessons they learned about mindset, courage, and possibility continue to guide them well beyond the classroom.

Our message to all of our students is MAKE THE MOST! Each moment, each day, each step we make the most of these opportunities and challenge ourselves to do and be better.

Sarah Johnson
Counselling and Pathways Leader

Development Rock Band

Auditions for the Development Rock Band Program were held on Wednesday afternoons and thank you to the students who auditioned. The Music Ensemble Enrolment Handbook is available on Firefly and includes an enrolment form. Please email your completed form to sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au or fill out the online form to Join an Ensemble

Private Tuition Program

Currently, 187 students are undertaking a Private Tuition Program, and the program has grown this year with the introduction of dance tuition and an additional day for Guitar tuition. There are still vacancies for string, voice, brass, woodwind, dance, speech and communication. We now have a waiting list for Piano and Percussion. For new students, please complete the form, scan and email it to sfd.performingarts@stpeters.qld.edu.au or fill out the online form to Sign Up for Private Lessons! 

The Wizard of OZ

Thanks to all cast members who have been attending the Musical rehearsals on Friday mornings and afternoons. Continue to consult the Teams page for any updated information, as well as the rehearsal schedule for the remainder of February. Towards the end of last Friday’s rehearsal, we had a run-through of Scenes 1–4 so all cast members could witness how the musical is coming together. A reminder that no students are permitted to leave the Friday afternoon rehearsal early without a parental email received prior to the rehearsal. If students are to be absent on a Friday, if possible, please email Ms Powell in advance. Opportunities still exist for students to be part of this production as backstage crew, make-up, hair and costume assistants, Front of House and props making at Art Club. If you think you would like to be involved, please email Mrs Campbell at g.campbell@stpeters.qld.edu.au or Ms Powell at y.powell@stpeters.qld.edu.au. Please be prepared for your rehearsals and know your lyrics and script before you arrive to work on your scenes. Please listen to the songs, which are all available with backing tracks on Teams, prior to attending a rehearsal.

SPOSA Reunion Event

On Saturday 7 March, Mia B, Tobey S and Elijah A will perform at the SPOSA Reunion Event to be held from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Thank you for giving your time and talents to make this event special for our Old Scholars.

Upcoming Events

• Lunchtime Concert: 4 March | Rock Band, Soloists
• SPOSA Reunion: 7 March | Soloists
• Strings Lunchtime Concert: 16 March | String Ensembles/Soloists
• Mega Band: 30 March | Grainger Concert Band

Mrs Geraldine Campbell 
Performing Arts Coordinator

Secondary Swimming Carnival Results

Congratulations to Leichhardt House for taking out the 2026 Secondary Swimming Championships. Age Champions were acknowledged at assembly on Tuesday. Congratulations to all award winners!

Student Success

Congratulations to the following student who was recently recognised for his dedication to his chosen sport.

Boden R (Year 10) – Recently competed at the National U14 Boys Futsal Team in Sydney for QLD, where the team won the Grand Final. As a result of a great performance, Boden was also selected to represent Australia in Belgium.

Fixtures

Central Comets Trials

Students who wish to trial for any Central Comets Trails must email sfd.sport@stpeters.qld.edu.au or see Sports Staff in the Hub. Please see the 2026 Central Comets Calendar.

Sports Bus | Indooroopilly

All students now have access to book the Sports bus to and from Indooroopilly for SPW and other sports training. Please access the Sports Bus manifest from the 2026 SFD Sports Bus Team.

Mr Kale Reed
Head of Sport