What a busy term we have had! It never ceases to amaze me just how much we manage to fit into our school calendar. From the sporting field to the stage, from classrooms to camps, there has been an incredible energy across our College, and so many opportunities for our young people to learn, grow, contribute and flourish.

Our school sporting season came to a close with the grand finals last weekend, and I could not have been more proud of our students. Across the season, they have demonstrated exceptional sporting character, teamwork and sportsmanship both on and off the field. Our students are living proof of our Plus Ultra mindset – giving their best, supporting one another and striving together to go ever higher.

Congratulations to all students who made a valuable contribution to our sporting teams and programs this term. It is wonderful to see so many of our students getting involved, having a go and embracing the opportunities that sport provides.

Our Performing Arts program continues to shine, and I have thoroughly enjoyed attending the various performances and presentations throughout the term. There is so much talent in our midst here at Springfield, and it is wonderful to see our students developing confidence, creativity and a willingness to share their talents with others.

There have also been some significant academic milestones. Our Year 11 students have completed Units 1 and 2 and are now heading into the final two units of their senior studies. This is an important milestone, and I am sure they are looking forward to a well-earned break before taking on the final stages of their journey.

Our Year 12 students have completed their mock examinations and will now have opportunities to engage with feedback and use this to strengthen their preparation for their upcoming external examinations. I know that, while the countdown is well and truly underway, our Year 12 students are digging deep and demonstrating the resilience and determination required for the weeks ahead. We are incredibly proud of them and will continue to support them every step of the way.

Our Year 6 PYPx exhibitions were absolutely outstanding. The depth of research, the quality of the presentations and, most importantly, the confidence and ownership demonstrated by our students were exceptional. These young people have shown us that they are already curious thinkers, capable communicators and thoughtful contributors – and I have no doubt they have very bright futures ahead of them.

Our camps have also provided rich, life-wide learning experiences this term. From all accounts, they were thoroughly enjoyed by both students and staff. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to visit some of the camps and spend time with our students outside the classroom. These experiences remind us that some of the most powerful learning happens when young people are challenged, encouraged to step outside their comfort zones.

For our younger students, the Primary Disco was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the term. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm, energy and joy – and I was particularly pleased to discover that our younger generation has also developed an appreciation for Dancing Queen by ABBA! Some things, it seems, really are timeless.

Book Week was another highlight for many across the College. I must congratulate our students for their enthusiasm and creativity, but also our parents and carers for the incredible effort that went into costumes and supporting this wonderful celebration of reading.

As I reflect on my first term at St Peters Springfield, I feel incredibly grateful. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our students, staff and families and experiencing the wonderful spirit of this community. I have been struck by the generosity, energy and commitment of our people and by the many ways in which our students are embracing the opportunities around them. There is a wonderful sense of possibility at Springfield.

As we head into the Spring break, I wish all our families a safe, enjoyable and restful holiday.

Thank you for your ongoing support of St Peters Springfield. I look forward to reconnecting with everyone for our final term of 2026 as we continue to go Plus Ultra – Ever Higher, together.

Mrs Helen Jamieson
Head of St Peters Springfield

"How Good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

On Monday, we celebrated Multicultural Day at Indooroopilly, with the Multicultural Assembly and Parade of Nations in the morning and an International Food Fair at lunchtime. It was a fantastic celebration of many cultures, and a beautiful display of unity and strength in diversity. Many staff told me this is their favourite day of the year, which doesn’t surprise me. There were traditional costumes, joyful flag bearers, musical items, cultural dance, guest speakers from Multicultural Australia and Australian Lutheran World Service, and plenty of delicious cuisine to enjoy. The day was full of life and colour, joy and community.

St Peters has a rich history of cultural diversity, and it is an important part of who we are. We have always been a boarding community, welcoming students from international and regional locations, becoming their 'home away from home'. As a school of the Lutheran Church of Australia, we welcome the stranger just as Jesus encouraged us to. This year we had 46 flags in the Parade of Nations. People come together in this place of learning from different backgrounds, with different languages and cultural lenses that enrich our community. We come as guests to their different stories and lived experiences, just as they do to ours.

As a Christian school, we believe that all people have been created in the image of God and are therefore God’s image bearers. This impacts how we behave toward each other. Everyone holds innate dignity, no matter who they are or where they are from, and it is our divine task to care for one another, upholding and honouring that dignity. When we celebrate days like Multicultural Day, we enable members of our community to share more of themselves with us — giving us glimpses into different ways of being than we might otherwise know and enriching our lives along the way.

Lord God,

We thank you for creating each one of us as unique individuals, and for bringing us together in this diverse community. We thank you for our students and staff who willingly share their cultures and stories with us, so that we can grow in compassion, empathy and love. Give us generous hearts to see the best in each other and be open to learning and growing as we connect in different ways.

Amen.

Renata Rankin
Director of Identity, Formation and Service

A reminder to families that, in accordance with the College’s enrolment policy, one full term’s written notice is required when withdrawing a student from St Peters Lutheran College.

Families intending for their child to leave St Peters Springfield at the end of Term 4, 2026 must provide written notice to the College by Thursday 17 September 2026.

If your child will be continuing at St Peters Springfield in 2027, no action is required.

If you are considering withdrawing your child, we would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about your decision. We understand that family circumstances can change and welcome the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

For withdrawal notifications, continuing enrolment enquiries or sibling applications, please contact our Enrolments Team at s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au

Enrolments Registrar

Our Lost Property collection is growing, with a number of unnamed water bottles, lunch boxes and items of school uniform currently waiting to be reunited with their owners.

Lost Property is located in the waiting area of Student Services in Curnow House, along the Concourse just before the HUB. If your child has misplaced an item, please encourage them to check the Lost Property area as soon as possible.

Families are also reminded to clearly label all uniform items and personal belongings with their child’s name, making it much easier for found items to be returned directly to students.

As storage space is limited, any items remaining unclaimed at the end of this term will be disposed of or donated to charity.

Student Services

St Peters Springfield students have impressed at the 2026 Maha Sinnathamby Ideas & Imagination Award, with Year 7 student Arpan S., named the Category 3 winner for Years 7–9.

Arpan was one of seven St Peters Springfield students selected as finalists in this year’s competition, alongside Abinisha J (Year 1), Maalvika S (Year 2), Aditi B (Year 4), Jalicia A (Year 7), Aanya D (Year 7) and Ruchika S (Year 8).

The award challenges young people to reimagine Springfield as a city of the future, developing an original idea or sustainable solution across one of four areas: Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing, Smart Economy or Innovation.

To reach the finalist stage, students developed and submitted a creative pitch outlining their idea, with entries assessed on originality, relevance, practicality, potential for lasting positive impact on Springfield and the overall quality of the submission.

On Thursday 10 September, the finalists took their ideas to the UniSQ Springfield Auditorium, where they delivered a four-minute pitch to a panel of judges before participating in a question-and-answer session.

Arpan was subsequently named the winner of the Years 7–9 category, receiving a $400 prize for his achievement.

Beyond the competition results, the experience gave students the opportunity to take an idea from initial concept through to a formal pitch, developing valuable skills in innovation, critical thinking, communication and presenting with confidence.

Congratulations to Arpan on this outstanding achievement, and to all seven finalists for representing St Peters Springfield and demonstrating how young people can use creativity and problem-solving to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

Our September/October Vacation Care Program is packed with opportunities for children to have fun, get creative, try new activities and enjoy time with friends during the school holidays.

The program includes a range of incursions, excursions, cooking, games and hands-on activities, with highlights including:

• White Ridge Farm excursion
• Bully Busters Martial Arts incursion
• Disney/Pixar Day
• Messy Science Day
• Bricks 4 Kidz incursion
• Junior Chef Academy
• Artists Corner
• Teddy Bears Picnic
• Carnival Day
• Yogamigos Dance Program

Bookings

Families are asked to carefully read the Vacation Care program and booking information and complete all required documentation. Bookings cannot be confirmed until all required forms have been received.

Please note that all Term 3 fees must be paid in full before a Vacation Care booking can be processed.

Completed booking and permission forms should be emailed to sfdoshcbookings@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

Not all activities require a permission form, so families are encouraged to check the program and booking information carefully. Hard copies of the program and booking information are also available from the reception desk at MB01.

What to Bring Each Day

Children should bring:

• a lunchbox with enough food for the entire day. Please remember that OSHC is an Allergy Aware Service
• a named water bottle
• sun-safe clothing, with shirts that completely cover the shoulders
• enclosed shoes. Thongs and sandals are not permitted
• a set of spare clothes for messy play or toileting accidents
• a College sport or broad-brimmed hat. Caps are not permitted
• named SPF 50+ sunscreen if your child will not be using the sunscreen provided by the service.

White Ridge Farm Excursion

Families booking the White Ridge Farm excursion are reminded that:

• the bus will depart at 8:30am
• children must wear their full school sports uniform
• a completed permission form is required.
  
  

Places can fill quickly, so families are encouraged to submit their bookings early to avoid missing out.

If you have any questions or require assistance with the booking process, please contact the OSHC team.

We look forward to another fun-filled Vacation Care program of creating, exploring and making memories together.

Jennie Awcock
OSHC Service Leader

Upper Primary Debating has launched this year for our Year 5 and 6 students, providing an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen critical thinking and develop persuasive communication skills through the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Brisbane Upper Primary Competition.

Training began at the start of Term 3, with students meeting each Thursday afternoon to prepare for competition. Working collaboratively in teams, they explore topical issues, construct arguments, anticipate opposing viewpoints and practise respectful rebuttal and public speaking.

Last Thursday, our five Upper Primary Debating teams travelled to the Islamic College of Brisbane at Karawatha for Round 2 of the four-round competition.

The topic for the evening was, “That all Australians should have to holiday in Australia before being granted a passport to travel overseas.” Students embraced the challenge, presenting arguments on both sides of the topic while listening carefully to their opponents and responding thoughtfully under pressure.

For many of our debaters, the competition has provided their first experience of formal public speaking. It has been encouraging to see students become more assured in presenting their ideas, thinking on their feet and contributing as part of a team.

Now halfway through the competition, our students are to be commended for the dedication and enthusiasm they have shown in both training and competition. We look forward to seeing them continue to develop across the remaining rounds.

Families of current Year 4 and 5 students who may be interested in Upper Primary Debating in 2027 are invited to register their interest. Completing the Expression of Interest – Year 5 and 6 Debating 2027 will allow families to receive further information when planning begins for next year’s teams.

Mr Benjamin Lyons
Chaplain, Primary Teacher, Debating Coordinator

Last week, our Year 4 students embarked on an exciting three-day camp at Somerset Camp. It was a wonderful experience filled with fun, friendship, laughter and plenty of new challenges!

Throughout the three days, students took part in a variety of activities designed to develop teamwork, resilience, confidence and independence. They scaled heights during the Koala Climb, aimed for the target in archery, built trust on the Burma Trail and tested their bush skills during shelter building. Team-building challenges, including team initiatives and orienteering, encouraged students to communicate, problem-solve and work together towards a common goal.

The camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. It was fantastic to see students encouraging one another, persevering when activities became challenging and celebrating each other's achievements.

Some student reflections are: 

Students returned home tired but proud, bringing with them stories of courage, friendship and achievement. We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 4 students approached camp with enthusiasm, resilience and a willingness to have a go. What a memorable three days! 

Mrs Kelly Stolz and Mrs Sonya Horrigan 
Year 4 Teachers

Our youngest students enjoyed a day filled with discovery, movement, music and a little magic last Thursday as Prep and Year 1 came together for their Day Camp.

Designed to give students an age-appropriate introduction to the camp experience, the day provided plenty of opportunities to step outside their usual classroom routines, try something new and enjoy learning alongside their peers.

Across five sessions, students rotated through a diverse program of hands-on experiences. Street Science brought learning to life with an action-packed Rocket Science session, while the Star Lab Cosmodome transformed The Hub into a mobile planetarium where students explored the wonders of space.

Students also discovered rhythm and culture through an interactive African drumming experience before heading outdoors for HPE obstacle courses and games, where teamwork, movement and plenty of encouragement were on display.

To finish the day, everyone gathered together in The Hub for a special illusionist show, providing an exciting finale to a memorable day.

Day Camp is an important milestone for our Prep and Year 1 students, helping them build confidence, independence and resilience in a familiar and supportive school environment. It also encourages students to embrace new experiences, strengthen friendships and discover that learning can happen in many different ways.

There were plenty of smiles throughout the day as students experimented, explored, moved, listened, laughed and challenged themselves, creating some wonderful memories together.

At this week’s Primary Years Assembly, a number of students were recognised with a Head, Hands and Heart Ambassadorship Certificate, celebrating the positive way they contribute to life at St Peters.

Presented at the end of each term, these awards recognise students who consistently model the College values of care, dignity and respect, and who use their individual strengths and God-given talents to positively influence the people and community around them.

The Head, Hands and Heart Ambassadorship acknowledges more than what students achieve. It celebrates how they approach their learning, relationships and responsibilities. Recipients demonstrate qualities such as kindness, thoughtfulness, perseverance, respect for others and a willingness to continue learning and growing.

Through their everyday actions, these students show what it means to be a positive ambassador for St Peters, whether through supporting a classmate, approaching their learning with dedication, demonstrating leadership or contributing to a welcoming and caring community.

Congratulations to our Term 3 recipients, as well as all students who have received a Head, Hands and Heart Ambassadorship throughout 2026.

Our Term 1–3 Head, Hands and Heart Ambassadors are recognised below.

At the end of Term 3, families across all Primary year levels were welcomed into our learning environments for our Student-Led Conferences, a special opportunity for students to share their school experience through their own eyes.

Students took the lead during these sessions, guiding their families through classrooms and specialist learning areas, including French, HPE and Music. Families were invited to experience the spaces, activities and learning experiences that form part of everyday life at St Peters Springfield, while hearing directly from students about what they are learning, how they learn and how they are growing as learners.

The conferences reflected the strong emphasis we place on student agency, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning, communicate their thinking and reflect on their progress. As students shared their learning journeys, families gained a deeper understanding of the skills, strategies and dispositions that support their growth both inside and outside the classroom.

Highlights from the conferences included Year 2 students proudly demonstrating how to use the sound communication devices they constructed. As Alessia explained, "When my mum came, I liked showing her my device and how it worked." Year 5 students showcased their inquiry-based learning through hands-on experiences using light boxes. Across the Primary School, families engaged in a range of learning activities, including students and parents enthusiastically competing in running races together during HPE sessions.

These experiences highlight the depth of relationships and connections that are central to life at St Peters Springfield. By welcoming families into our learning environments, we celebrate each student's unique story and strengthen the partnership between home and school. It is through these meaningful connections that students develop the confidence to share their ideas, showcase their achievements and reflect on their growth.

Student-Led Conferences also reflect our commitment to preparing students for a life of purpose. As students guided their families through their learning, they demonstrated the Plus Ultra mindset in action, striving ever higher as they develop the knowledge, skills and values that will prepare them for life.

We thank our families for embracing this opportunity and allowing their children to take the lead. It was a wonderful celebration of learning, growth and community, and a reminder that some of the most powerful insights into a child's education come when they are given the opportunity to tell their own story.

Ms Susan Allenspach and Ms Susan Levitt
Primary Years Curriculum Coordinator | Year 2 Teacher

Upper Primary students will have the opportunity to take centre stage in Term 4 with the launch of Upper Primary’s Got Talent, a student talent showcase for Years 3–6.

The event is designed to give students the chance to share their talents, interests and creativity with their peers in a fun and encouraging environment. Performances can include singing, dancing, instrumental music, comedy, magic, drama or another special skill students would like to showcase.

Beginning in Week 3 of Term 4, performances will take place during lunch breaks in CH08.

The focus of Upper Primary’s Got Talent is on having a go, building confidence and celebrating the wide range of talents within our Upper Primary community. It will also provide a wonderful opportunity for students across Years 3–6 to support and encourage one another.

Students interested in participating will receive further information from Mrs Cullen early next term about auditions and how to get involved.

Alana Cullen
Year 6 Primary Teacher
Pastoral Care Coordinator (Years 3-6)

As part of the Year 10 Ignite program, students are challenged to identify real-world problems and develop creative, entrepreneurial solutions.

For Olivia Q, Georgia B, Jenita C and Danika Z, that process led to ForGirls, an idea born from their own experiences of trying to continue sport through high school. Some had found themselves in male-dominated sporting environments, others felt hesitant about joining a sport when their peers had years more experience, while others struggled to balance sport with the increasing demands of secondary school.

Together, they identified a common challenge: girls can sometimes feel there is no comfortable entry point into sport unless they are already experienced or confident.

ForGirls aims to change that by creating opportunities where girls can try sport, have fun and connect with others without pressure or fear of judgement.

What began as an Ignite project soon gained interest from external sporting organisations, giving the students the confidence to continue developing their idea beyond the classroom. Rather than stopping at a business proposal, Olivia, Georgia, Jenita and Danika began working with Queensland Cricket, NetSetGo and College staff to turn their concept into a real event.

Their first ForGirls sports morning will bring together approximately 130 girls from Years 7–9 for introductory cricket and netball activities. Designed as a trial for a larger gala day concept, the event will allow the students to see how their idea works in practice, gather feedback and identify how future events could be improved.

Their longer-term vision extends beyond gala days. They hope to eventually develop a website and app connecting girls with sporting clubs, events and other young people who may also be looking for someone to participate alongside.

As Georgia B explained, her own experiences helped shape the idea: “As someone who has competed in very male dominated sports like cricket and motorbikes, I understand the struggle that every girl goes through to try to fit in.”

At the heart of ForGirls is a simple goal: “All we want is for these girls to feel comfortable in themselves and the sport they wish to play.”

Congratulations to Olivia Q, Georgia B, Jenita C and Danika Z for the initiative, commitment and considerable work they have put into bringing ForGirls to life. We wish them every success as they continue to develop the idea and explore where ForGirls may lead next.

Follow the girls’ journey and the development of ForGirls via @4girls_bygirls.

Term 4 Activities

Please refer to the Term 4 schedule for upcoming events and details of the groups involved. Students are reminded of the importance of attending rehearsals and private tuition lessons throughout the term. Some ensembles will continue rehearsing until Presentation Evening on Monday 30 November or the Primary end-of-year celebrations. Unless otherwise advised, rehearsals will resume as usual from Wednesday 7 October.

Several students will also undertake external Music and Speech and Communication examinations in October. These students are encouraged to use the holiday break to consolidate their repertoire and maintain regular, purposeful practice.

Save the Date – Jacaranda Festival

Members of Dolce Voce and Cantabile Strings, together with auxiliary players, will perform at the Jacaranda Festival in Goodna on Saturday 24 October. Parents and caregivers will be notified once the performance time has been confirmed. In the meantime, please save the date.

State Honours Ensemble Program

Best wishes to Carter S, who will participate in the State Honours Ensemble Program at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University during the final weekend of the school holidays. 

Grainger Concert Band and Woodwind Tuition

Grainger Concert Band will continue rehearsing with Ms Palafox in preparation for the Performing Arts Showcase on Wednesday 14 October. Students are reminded that a rehearsal will be held on the first day of Term 4.

Term 3 Wrap-Up

Term 3 has been filled with wonderful performance opportunities, with the College’s inaugural Years 5–12 musical, The Wizard of Oz, a particular highlight. Students also shared their talents at Twilight Tours, Lunchtime Concerts and Studio Recitals. Thank you to our students, families and staff for their commitment and support throughout a busy and rewarding term. We wish all families a safe and restful break and look forward to seeing our students shine on the Springfield stage once again in Term 4.

Geraldine Campbell 
Performing Arts Co-ordinator

Celebrating National HPE Week

Primary students celebrated ACHPER’s National HPE Week last week, with a range of activities designed to promote movement, teamwork, healthy habits and wellbeing. Classes took on a HPE Bingo Challenge, working together to complete activities involving movement, teamwork, mindfulness, sportsmanship and healthy choices throughout the week. Year 6 students also helped lead a range of lunchtime activities, including dodgeball, dancing, tennis, badminton, cricket, netball and basketball, giving students even more opportunities to get active and connect with their peers. Congratulations to 2S, 5S and 6S, who completed the most Bingo activities as a class. It was fantastic to see students across the Primary Years embracing the spirit of HPE by moving, connecting, challenging themselves and having fun together.

 Kindy to Year 2 Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday 15 September, our youngest athletes took to the oval for the Kindy to Year 2 Athletics Carnival. Students enjoyed a fun-filled morning of movement, rotating through a range of track and field activities including sprints, hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put and vortex throw. The morning was all about encouraging students to have a go, develop new skills, celebrate movement and cheer on their classmates. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm, encouragement and participation from our youngest students as they experienced the fun of an athletics carnival.

Term 4 Little Saints – Primary Afterschool Sport Program 

Program registrations are now open for our Prep to year 6 Students for Term 4 (This does not include GBC). Please engage with the Term 4 timetable and Flyers to register. 

Please see all key information on program offerings:

Golf (Prep – Year 6) – Delivered by Brookwater Golf Club
When: Monday, 12 October – 16 November
Time: 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: St Peters Springfield – Bottom Field
Fee: $120 for 6 sessions
Registration: Activities - Golf Registration
Contact: St Peters Sport Dept. sfd.sport@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Meeting point: High Jump Mats – Bottom Oval

Voyager Tennis (Formally Baseline – Under new management)
When: Tuesdays & Thursday: Starting 8 October – 1 December
Time: 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: Springfield Central Sports Complex Tennis courts (Staff to transfer students across the road by Voyager Staff)
Fee: $26 per session
Registration: Register for Tuesday HERE or Register for Thursday HERE 
Contact : Mr Tim Walter springfield@voyagertennis.com

Volleyball (Prep – Year 6) – Delivered by Spike Volleyball Springfield
When: Thursday, 15 October – 19 November
Time: 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: St Peters Springfield – Bottom Field
Fee: $60 for 6 Sessions ($10 a session)
Registration: Activities - Volleyball Registration
Contact: St Peters Sport Dept. sfd.sport@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Meeting point: High Jump Mats

Superkick AFL (Years 3 – 6 Only)
When: Friday, 16 October – 20 November
Time: 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: St Peters Springfield – Bottom Field
Fee: $80 for 6 sessions
Registration: Register HERE
Contact Mr Josh Smart – Joshua.smart@AFL.com.au
Meeting point: High Jump Mats

Western District Netball Association Grand Final – U11 Girls 

Congratulations to our U11 WDNA team who won the Division 3 Grand Final on Saturday. In what was an amazing game, our girls powered ahead in the second half with great skill and teamwork. Our girls finished the year undefeated even after being elevated from Division 4 after grading. We are extremely proud of the girls and our Coaches for the season.

GBC Open Football Grand Final 

Congratulations to our Open Boys Football team who competed in the GBC Grand Final on Saturday. The boys unfortunately went down 3-2; however, displayed an amazing level of spirit and determination right until the end.

Registration for Term 1 GBC Sport will be open shortly.

Term 3 GBC Awards

As the Term 3 GBC season came to a close, students across Girls Volleyball, Girls Touch Football, Boys Basketball and Boys Football were recognised with the Ever Higher Award.

The Ever Higher Award recognises students whose contribution to their team extends beyond individual performance. Recipients are acknowledged for their commitment, sportsmanship, encouragement of others and willingness to put the team first, while consistently demonstrating a Plus Ultra mindset.

Congratulations to our Term 3 recipients.

Mr Kale Reed
Head of Sport, Springfield