At St Peters Springfield, the Corporate Team plays an essential role in advancing the College’s commitment to excellence in Christian co-education. Working behind the scenes, the team ensures the smooth operation of the College’s services and facilities while driving ongoing improvements that support the needs of students, staff, and families.

Through a strong focus on operational excellence, the team works to maintain high standards across the College and deliver enhancements that contribute to a positive and enriching learning environment.

Student Services

The Student Services team plays an important role in supporting student wellbeing by fostering a safe, caring, and positive environment for all students. The team helps students who are injured or unwell, manages student absenteeism, and supports the broader school community through responsive communication and information services.

By working closely with students, staff, and families, Student Services helps ensure students feel supported and cared for throughout their school experience.

College campus Improvements

A number of significant upgrades were completed across the college during the recent end-of-year school holidays.

To create a more open and functional gathering space, two walls were removed from the concourse area. This enhancement has improved accessibility and increased capacity for school events, including the College’s Anzac Day ceremony and Mother’s Day celebrations.

In partnership with Brookes Blooms, the garden beds near the main office and school entrance were replanted and freshly mulched. As the new plantings establish and mature over time, the gardens will continue to flourish and enhance the presentation of the campus.

During the Easter break, repainting works also commenced in the science laboratories. This project will continue throughout the year, with all science labs being refreshed to provide updated and welcoming learning spaces for students.

Looking Ahead

As the year progresses, the Corporate Team remains committed to the ongoing improvement of the College’s buildings and grounds. Through planned projects and continued maintenance initiatives, the team will further enhance the campus environment.

Kelly Baker
Manager, Administration and Operations

A friendly reminder that St Peters Springfield will be closed tomorrow, Friday 15 May, for the Ipswich Show Holiday.

Twilight Tour

On Wednesday 20 May from 4:45pm - 6:00pm, St Peters Springfield will be hosting a Twilight Tour for prospective families across Primary and Secondary Years.

Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the campus, connect with staff and students, and gain insight into the St Peters Springfield experience and our approach to learning. This is a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to experience our vibrant and welcoming community firsthand.

This tour is suitable for families considering enrolment across all year levels.

We encourage our current families to share this opportunity with friends and extended family who may be exploring schooling options and interested in joining the St Peters Springfield community.

Registrations open from 4:45pm, with tours commencing at 5:00pm.

“Our house, in the middle of our street
Our house, in the middle of our

Our house, it has a crowd
There's always something happening
And it's usually quite loud
Our mum she's so house-proud
Nothing ever slows her down
And a mess is not allowed”

(“Our House” by Madness)

Those of us old enough to remember this classic from the 1980s will recollect its catchy tune, with lyrics capturing the ordinary, everyday life of a family in the suburbs. The world seemed simpler then.

As we go about life’s weekly routines, we may feel like God is so far away from “our house, in the middle of our street”. But is this really the case?

When we explore the life of Jesus, we see he faced a whole array of conventional human experiences.

• His parents lost him when he was twelve.
• At some point, he grew up as the eldest in a single-parent family.
• He attended weddings and feasts.
• He felt hunger and thirst.
• He was popular with the crowds.
• His close friends frustrated him.
• He was abandoned by his friends at his greatest time of need.
• He was misunderstood, rejected, scorned, and maligned.
• He loved and felt deep compassion for the sick, and accepted those who society rejected.
• He wept and groaned deeply at the death of his close friend Lazarus.
• He was angry with the exploitation of the poor.

In addition, he felt the joy and responsibility of a spiritual walk before God.

• He rose early before dawn to pray.
• In the desert he was tempted by Satan and yet he did not sin.
• In deep anxiety, he surrendered to his Father’s will in the garden of Gethsemane.
• He felt abandoned by God the Father while on the cross.

The wonderful message for us today is that Jesus is not removed, aloof, uninterested or indifferent to events of our daily lives. On the contrary, Jesus can genuinely relate to us because he is both fully God and fully human, and he walked through the same everyday situations we do.

We are told that Jesus now sits at the right hand of God, in a place of all authority (1 Peter 3:22). He is always interceding and praying for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to God on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25).

We also know He is a compassionate High Priest who cares for us in times of need.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

To conclude, let me leave you with a quote from the great writer Andrew Murray: “You know Jesus a great deal, but do you know this that His chief, His all-comprehensive work, is to bring you near, oh so near to God? Has He done it for you? If not, ask Him, trust Him for it”.

Peter Schmidhauser
Junior High Chaplain

This week marks National Careers Week, a time when we place a strong focus on the future and support our students in exploring pathways that inspire, challenge and motivate them.

As part of National Careers Week and the Wayfinding Project, Mrs Johnson and Mr Sheppard facilitated a Careers Journey Session with our Year 10 students, encouraging them to think differently about careers and future success. The session focused on helping students understand that careers are not simply a destination or a single decision made at the end of school, but rather a journey shaped over time through informed choices, personal growth, purpose and passion.

Students were encouraged to reflect on their strengths, interests and values, while exploring the idea that career pathways are often flexible and evolving. Through discussion and shared experiences, Mrs Johnson and Mr Sheppard highlighted the importance of remaining open-minded, embracing opportunities and understanding that meaningful careers are built through curiosity, resilience and lifelong learning.

For our Year 11 and 12 students, the future is rapidly approaching, making this an important opportunity to consider their post-school options in greater depth. Our younger students are also encouraged to begin thinking about their aspirations and to have conversations at home about what their futures might look like.

In today’s technological age, there are many conversations about the impact of artificial intelligence on careers and the future workforce. While it is true that AI is transforming industries and changing the nature of work, it is equally important to recognise that uniquely human skills; critical thinking, creativity, communication, empathy and leadership, remain essential. These capabilities continue to sit at the heart of many professions, particularly in fields such as healthcare, education, law, business and community services, where human judgement, ethical decision-making and authentic connection are indispensable.

As industries evolve, so too do the opportunities available through higher education and vocational pathways. Universities and tertiary institutions continue to adapt their programs to reflect emerging trends and workforce demands, offering students pathways into innovative and future-focused careers. Degrees in areas such as technology, data science, engineering, health sciences and the humanities are equipping students not only with specialised knowledge, but also with the adaptable skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

At Springfield, a significant proportion of our students continue to pursue university pathways. Last year, 73% of our cohort progressed to university or other tertiary study, reflecting a strong culture of academic aspiration and a commitment to lifelong learning. Many of our students view tertiary education as a foundation for professional careers, leadership opportunities and meaningful contribution within their communities.

While there are multiple pathways beyond school, including vocational education, apprenticeships and direct employment opportunities, it is clear that tertiary study remains a key avenue for students aiming to enter highly skilled and evolving professions. Importantly, these pathways are not mutually exclusive, and many students successfully transition between them as they refine their goals, discover new passions and gain greater clarity about their future direction.

National Careers Week serves as an important reminder that every student’s journey will look different. There is no single pathway to success, and careers are increasingly shaped by adaptability, continuous learning and a willingness to embrace change. Through initiatives such as the Wayfinding Project, Springfield remains committed to equipping students with the confidence, knowledge and skills to navigate this evolving landscape with purpose and optimism.

As we celebrate Careers Week, we encourage all students to remain curious, informed and open-minded about their futures. With the right preparation, guidance and mindset, they will be well-equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world and pursue meaningful, fulfilling careers that align with both their talents and their purpose.

Sarah Johnson
Pathways and Counselling Leader

It’s that time of year again when our school seriously starts talking about walking! National Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. And although walking all the way to school isn’t realistic for many of us, it’s quite easy to figure out how you can build a walk into your family’s daily routine. You can teach your child the healthy habit of walking more by:

• Walking with them the whole way to school
• If they get the bus or train, walk past your usual stop and get on at the next stop
• If you have to drive, park the car a few blocks away from the school and walk the rest of the way

Regular exercise like walking with your child not only helps them (and you!) beat chronic problems like obesity, heart disease, behavioural and mental health issues and diabetes, it also provides a valuable opportunity to teach safe behaviours around roads and traffic. Remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids—so get planning your own Walk Safely to School Day journey for Friday 22 May 2026.

For more information, visit www.walk.com.au

Last week, our Year 4 students enjoyed a wonderful day of learning and exploration at the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre as part of our Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry. Throughout the excursion, students deepened their understanding of food chains and how animals survive within different environments. Guided by the knowledgeable educators at the centre, students explored how living things depend on one another and their habitat for food, shelter and survival.

One of the highlights of the day was a walk through the woodland forest, where students investigated the natural habitat and discovered many fascinating features of the environment. Students learned how to identify signs that koalas may have visited an area, explored where different animals might make their homes and discovered how kookaburras make suitable hollows for nesting. The excursion provided many opportunities for students to connect their classroom learning with real-world experiences while developing curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

Students also thoroughly enjoyed eating lunch within the peaceful natural environment before exploring the hands-on Discovery Centre. The interactive displays encouraged students to further investigate local ecosystems and native animals through play and inquiry. Nature play was another favourite part of the day, allowing students to climb, explore and engage with the environment in meaningful and active ways. It was a fantastic experience that supported both learning and connection with nature.

Sonya Horrigan and Kelly Stolz
Year 4 Teachers

We’re excited to celebrate Under 8’s Week with our Prep to Year 2 students on Thursday 28 May, from 8:30am – 10:00am on the College oval.

Under 8’s Week is a Queensland initiative that recognises the importance of the early years in a child’s development, celebrating play-based learning, creativity, and the vital role families and communities play in shaping young minds. This year marks a special milestone as we celebrate 70 years of Under 8’s Week.

Students will enjoy a fun-filled morning of activities including arts and crafts, obstacle courses, dancing, science experiments, and more—designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and connection.

Families are warmly invited to attend and share in the experience with their child as we celebrate learning through play in our vibrant College community.

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Thanks to Ms Crellin and Cantabile Strings for their performance at the Mother’s Day Breakfast last Friday as having the lovely music enhanced the occasion. 

Twilight Tours 

Best wishes to Cantabile Strings and Aanya D, Ariya G, Sofia P, Alexa P, and Tobey S, who will play for the 20 May Twilight Tours. Thankyou to the Private Tutors for supporting this additional performing opportunity for our young musicians. 

Ipswich Junior Music Eisteddfod

Dolce Voce and Poco Voce are preparing their pieces to compete at the Ipswich Junior Music Eisteddfod on Tuesday 19 May and Wednesday 20 May respectively. Thanks to Mrs Schmeider, Mrs Pomerenke and Mrs Stolz and Mrs Campbell for working with the choirs. Good luck! 

Performing Arts Showcase 

Concerts Preparations are underway for these two concerts to be held on 27 May and 2 June. Please refer to the table below to know when the ensembles will be performing. Soloists have been nominated by the Private Tutors. Students are to arrive by 4pm in full winter uniform and the concerts will be held from 4:30pm-5:45pm in the JHP Foyer. If any students require Duke of Edinburgh hours, please reach out to Mrs Campbell or Ms Powell as assistance would be greatly appreciated for set-up and throughout the concerts. 

State Honours Ensemble Program 

From Friday 29 May – Sunday 31 May, Chen A, Nethumi E, Aanya D and Ruhika S will be involved in either string, vocal or band ensembles together with students selected from throughout the state as part of the State Honours Ensemble Program to be held at Griffith University, Conservatorium. The three-day program involves workshops with leading national or international conductors and culminates with a concert on Sunday. 

Young Voices Festival 

Poco Voce is excited to have been invited as one of two school choirs to be part of the The Voices of Birralee Young Voices Festival coordinated by Music Educator and Choral Conductor Jenny Moon on Sunday 31 March at Brisbane Boys College. Thanks to Mrs Schmeider, Mrs Stolz, Mrs Campbeel, Ms Powell, Mrs Sabri and Mrs Allenspach who will be in attendance.

Geraldine Campbell
Performing Arts Coordinator

GBC Secondary Sport Round 3 v Redeemer lutheran College (Away)

Best of luck to all our teams who will compete this weekend at Redeemer Lutheran College. All netball games will be played out of the RLC Campus and Football and Touch Football at DG Stolz Fields, 21 Kelly St, Burbank. Students must arrive 30min before scheduled games.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL SECONDARY GBC DRAW & SCHEDULE

GBC Primary Sport Round 2 – Hosted by Sheldon College

Best of luck to our mixed Indoor Cricket and Touch Football teams who will compete in Round 2 this weekend.

Touch Football games will be played at Sheldon College Campus and Indoor Cricket at the Brisbane city Sports Indoor Centre – 8 Castlemaine St, Coorparoo. Please engage with game times on the College app – GBC Sport Primary Springfield.

Running Club Years 6-12

Please note running club begins this Monday from 6:45AM at Springfield Sports Complex Field 3. Any student who is interested in training for Middle Distance Track & Field events or upcoming AIC/regional events are encouraged to attend.

Kale Reed
Head of Sport, Springfield