Book Week is always a much-loved celebration at St Peters Springfield, bringing our community together through the joy and wonder of reading. The 2026 Children’s Book Week theme, Symphony of Stories, reminds us that every story has its own voice, rhythm and message—and that together, these stories create something truly special.

A highlight of our celebrations is the Book Character Parade, where students from Kindy to Year 6, our Year 12 students and staff also proudly dress as favourite literary characters. From classic characters to contemporary favourites, our campus comes alive as stories step from the pages and into our school. The participation of our Year 12 students alongside our youngest learners reflects the strong connections across our Springfield community and reminds us that a love of reading can continue throughout our lives.

Throughout the week, members of our Senior Leadership Team will visit the Primary Years classes and share a favourite book. These special moments demonstrate that reading is valued across our College and provide another wonderful opportunity for students to connect through stories.

Reading aloud to children is a joy at every age. While it is often associated with younger children, older children also benefit from sharing a book with a parent, caregiver, teacher or family member. Reading together creates time to pause, connect and enjoy a shared experience. It can spark meaningful conversations, build vocabulary and deepen children’s understanding of characters, ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, it creates treasured memories and helps nurture a lifelong love of reading.

As an IB World School, we recognise that books encourage students to become knowledgeable, open-minded, caring and reflective learners. Through stories, children encounter experiences beyond their own, develop empathy and deepen their understanding of the world.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for embracing our Book Week celebrations. We hope the excitement of the week inspires everyone in our community to continue discovering the wonder, adventure and joy found within the pages of a book.



Lia Sabri
Head of Primary Years

“I will never forget you…I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15–16)

God the Tattooist. What a surprising image the Old Testament prophet Isaiah uses! God has written, or you could say tattooed, your name on His hands.

For many people today, tattoos are extremely popular, from footballers and mums to teenage girls. From butterflies on ankles, words in different languages, and symbols on wrists, to full arm sleeves, tattoos are everywhere. They can be found on shoulders, chests, faces, limbs and other parts of the body. Sometimes I jokingly boast that, as a 'cleanskin', I stand out from the crowd.

The idea of a permanent tattoo inked under my skin does not appeal to me. The permanence of a tattoo, especially as my skin ages and my body sags, is not particularly attractive. At times, I have jokingly thought that perhaps I should change professions and move into the tattoo-removal business, as I am sure it is a growth industry.

Whatever my personal feelings about tattoos, it is not surprising that this image of something written on our skin is used in connection with God. The point of the image is that God's love and care for his people are more than permanent. They are personal and will never be forgotten. Our names are written on God's hands, meaning that he knows each of us personally. He is permanently reminded of us as he sees our names written on his hands.

At the same time, while God the Father does not literally have hands, God's Son, Jesus, does. His hands have been marked for us, not with names, but with nail wounds.

In Jesus, the hands of God have been pierced for you, and he has taken your name upon himself. He has risen from the dead and continues to hold you in his loving care. You are not forgotten. His love for you is that great!

Prayer: Jesus, you love us. You died for us. You have written our names on your hands. Give us this same strong love in all our relationships. In your name we pray. Amen.

Tim Jarick
College Pastor

Arise Live is a gathering for youth, young adults and those who are simply young at heart, held in the Junior High Precinct at St Peters Springfield on Sunday 30 August. Featuring live music, a message from God's Word, great food and meaningful connection, Arise Live provides an opportunity to come together in faith and community.

Our guest speaker for the evening is St Peters Springfield teacher Mr Nick Brayne, who will share what it means to have a servant heart and how our lives can reflect God's grace.

We invite you to join us for an evening of faith, friendship and fellowship as we connect with one another and hear a message of encouragement from God's Word.

Pastor Matt Wilksch
College Chaplain

We warmly invite all fathers and father figures to join us for our St Peters Springfield Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday 3 September.

Join us on the Concourse from 7:15am–8:00am for breakfast and an opportunity to spend time together as we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers and special people who play an important role in the lives of our students.

Adding to the morning, our Year 10 Barista students will be putting their skills into practice at Hearts Café, serving barista-made coffee for families to purchase.

Coffee prices: Small $3.80 | Medium $4.80 | Large $5.80

Following breakfast, fathers, father figures and families are invited to stay and join our College community for a special Father’s Day Chapel Service.

Thursday 3 September

7:15am–8:00am

The Concourse, St Peters Springfield

Places for breakfast are limited and RSVP is essential, so families are encouraged to register early to secure their place.

Register for the Father’s Day Breakfast

At St Peters Springfield, student wellbeing begins with ensuring every young person feels known, valued, supported and heard.

This commitment is at the heart of Safe2B Here, an initiative introduced to Secondary students in Term 1. Developed by Secondary Counsellor Mrs Amy Logan and Pathways and Counselling Leader Mrs Sarah Johnson, Safe2B Here gives students another simple and accessible way to reach out when they need support, whether for themselves or someone else.

Since its introduction, students have already used Safe2B Here to share concerns about bullying, general wellbeing and safety, both for themselves and for their peers. Reports have been made both anonymously and with students identifying themselves, showing the value of providing different ways for young people to reach out.

Safe2B Here does not replace the trusted relationships students have with their teachers, Pastoral Care staff, counsellors, chaplains and families. Instead, it offers another way to connect students with those people when they need them.

The College's counselling service also provides a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space where students can seek support with challenges including friendships, family difficulties, school-related stress, grief and change, changes in mood and other ongoing concerns.

Together, these different avenues of support help create a community where students are encouraged to care for one another, seek help when they need it and know there are people ready to listen.

Students and families can visit the Wellbeing, Counselling and Chaplaincy page to learn more about Safe2B Here, make a report or book a future session for counselling, chaplaincy or careers support.

Students needing more immediate support during the school day are encouraged to speak with their Pastoral Care teacher or another trusted staff member.

Sarah Johnson
Pathways and Counselling Leader

Our Year 6 students are preparing to reach an important milestone in their Primary Years journey, with families invited to join us for the Year 6 PYP Exhibition (PYPx) Showcase Evening on Wednesday 2 September.

The PYP Exhibition is the culminating learning experience of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). More than a presentation of what students have learned, it provides an opportunity for them to demonstrate how they have grown as curious, capable and independent learners.

Throughout their PYPx journey, students have identified issues that matter to them, developed questions to guide their inquiry, explored different perspectives and considered how their learning can lead to meaningful action. Working collaboratively and with the guidance of their teachers and mentors, they have been challenged to think critically, communicate their ideas and take increasing ownership of their learning.

The Showcase Evening is an opportunity for our College community to see this journey come together and, importantly, to hear directly from our Year 6 students.

PYPx represents an important transition for our Year 6 students as they prepare to move from the Primary Years into Secondary School. It celebrates not only what they know, but the confidence, agency and sense of purpose they have developed along the way.

We warmly invite our families to join us in celebrating the learning and achievements of our Year 6 students.

Wednesday 2 September 2026
5:00pm–7:00pm
Curnow House | Orange Level and The HUB

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

Book Week came to a colourful close at St Peters Springfield with one of our favourite annual traditions, the Primary Years Book Character Parade.

Students and teachers from Kindergarten to Year 6 embraced the opportunity to step into the pages of their favourite stories, making their way through the Concourse in an impressive display of creativity and imagination.

There were plenty of standout costumes along the way, from It’s Raining Cats and Dogs and Saucepan Man from The Magic Faraway Tree, to Bin Chicken and Stick Man. With much-loved characters, clever interpretations and plenty of homemade creations on show, the parade was a wonderful reminder of the many ways stories can capture young imaginations.

It was wonderful to see students, staff and families come together to celebrate the stories that entertain us, challenge us and help us see the world in new ways.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Book Week such an enjoyable celebration across St Peters Springfield, and congratulations to our students and staff for bringing this year’s Symphony of Stories to life.

Lunchtime Concerts 

Congratulations to Ms Palafox and Grainger Concert Band, who performed at yesterday’s lunchtime concert on the Concourse for our Primary students. Best wishes to the Rock Bands, who will perform tomorrow for our Secondary students.

Twilight Tours

Thank you to Mrs Steele, Con Brio Choir and Alyssa B, Elijah A and Tobey S, who performed at Twilight Tours for prospective families. The tours provide another opportunity to showcase the talents of our students and the many opportunities available to our young musicians here at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield.

Drama Night

On Friday 4 September, students involved in both the Primary and Secondary Drama Troupes will present A Night at the Theatre 2026 in the JHP Foyer from 5:00pm–6:30pm. Thank you to Mrs Wilson and Mrs Tong for their leadership of the Drama Troupes.

Studio Recitals 

Please enjoy the photos from last Thursday’s Studio Recitals, where it was wonderful to witness the growth of students within the Private Tuition Program this year. The achievements of our students would not have been possible without the support and dedication of our Private Tuition Tutors.

Geraldine Campbell 
Performing Arts Co-ordinator

GBC Track & Field Championships

We wish all our students the best of luck as they compete in the 2026 GBC Track & Field Championships on Monday. Families are reminded that the bus will depart St Peters Springfield at 6:15am sharp from the Drop and Go Zone. Please ensure your child arrives 10 minutes prior to departure.

SLAPS Track & Field 

Congratulations to our Primary students who competed at the Southern Lutheran Associated Primary Schools (SLAPS) Track & Field Carnival on Monday.

Our students competed extremely well, finishing second overall in Division 2. A special mention goes to our 9 Years Boys team, who were crowned Age Champions.

Primary and Secondary GBC – Round 6, Term 3. 

Basketball
Training: Wednesdays | 2:45pm
Meeting Point: Concourse
Weekly Fixture Schedule: Primary Basketball Fixtures | Secondary Basketball Fixtures

Touch Football
Training: Mondays | 2:45pm
Meeting Point: Concourse
Weekly Fixture Schedule: Secondary Touch Football Fixtures

Football
Training: Mondays | 2:45pm (Meet on the Concourse) Thursdays | 6:15am (Meet on the Oval)
Weekly Fixture Schedule: Primary Football Fixtures | Secondary Football Fixtures 

Volleyball
Training: Wednesdays | 2:45pm
Meeting Point: Concourse
Weekly Fixture Schedule:  Secondary Volleyball Fixtures

Please note: Students are required to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled game time. Fixture times and venues are also available via the College App.

Term 3 Secondary Athletic Development

Athletic Development Program Schedule

Term 3 Secondary Track & Field 

Track & Field Training Schedule

College app - Subscriptions 

All families are encouraged to set their College app subscriptions and notifications for the term ahead. This is the only communication tool for all sport information. 

Kale Reed
Head of Sport, Springfield

St Peters Springfield families are warmly invited to a free community event with award-winning journalist, parenting commentator and bestselling author Madonna King, hosted by the Greater Springfield Learning Coalition.

As one of the local schools represented within the Coalition, St Peters Springfield is pleased to support this opportunity for parents, carers, educators and community members to come together for an important conversation about children and technology.

Madonna King will share insights from her newly released book, Screen Wise, exploring how families can help children navigate technology safely and confidently while developing a healthy balance.

With social media and AI rapidly changing the way young people learn, socialise and consume information, many families are navigating questions around screen use, online safety and how best to support their children in an increasingly digital world. The evening will offer practical guidance that goes beyond screen-time limits and simple rules, helping parents consider how they can approach these challenges with greater confidence.

We encourage St Peters Springfield parents and carers to take advantage of this free opportunity to hear from Madonna and gain practical insights to support conversations about technology and wellbeing at home.

Event details

Date: Tuesday 15 September

Time: 6.00pm

Venue: Springfield Central State School Hall, 257 Grande Avenue, Springfield Central

Cost: Free

Places can be reserved via TryBooking

Manisha Bhisekar
President, P&F Committee