As the year draws to a close, our College has been filled with significant moments that highlight the growth, achievement and spirit of our community. Last week, we farewelled our Year 12 students as they concluded their time at St Peters and became the newest members of SPOSA. Their final days on campus were marked with pride, reflection and a deep sense of appreciation for the contribution they have made to our College.

In recent days too, we have also celebrated our Kindy Graduation, a milestone that reminds us of where each learning journey begins. This week our Year 6 students present their PYPx Exhibition, a key element of the Primary Years Programme and an opportunity for them to share the depth of their learning from throughout the year. On Friday we gather for the Primary Years Celebration, and next Monday evening we will honour the accomplishments of our Junior High and Senior School students at the Secondary Awards Evening. Each of these events recognises individual achievement, yet together they reflect the commitment, care and shared purpose of our whole community.

While we have been marking the final steps of schooling for some, we have also been welcoming new beginnings. Our Prep and Year 7 Orientation Days have introduced new students and families to St Peters Springfield, and it has been wonderful to see the excitement and anticipation as they prepare to join our College in 2026. This combination of farewelling, welcoming and celebrating reminds us that our community is always growing and building upon our mission of “Excellence in Christian Co-education”.

As we enter the Christmas season, we turn our attention to the birth of Christ who came into the world to save us. Christmas is a time of joy, as we remember that God chose to come to earth, to us, in the humblest of ways. At this time of year, I often find myself reflecting on the hymn “The Servant King”. Its opening verse, “From Heaven you came, helpless babe, entered our world, your glory veiled, not to be served, but to serve…” speaks powerfully to Christ’s humility and the depth of God’s love for humanity. The message of this hymn links to Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord … It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. We are encouraged to respond to Jesus coming down to us through lives of gratitude and service, “to bring our lives, as a daily offering, of worship to, the Servant King.”

As I shared with our graduating Year 12 students last week, it remains my privilege to serve this community, to connect with families, students and staff, and to lead as we continue to pursue our shared vision of being, “A Learning Community where People Flourish.” Thank you for your partnership and trust throughout 2025. May this Christmas season bring you peace and joy, and the holiday period be safe, restful and in the company of those you love.

Craig Brown
Head of St Peters Springfield

Friday 28 November

• Primary Celebration Service on the Concourse | 8:20am start

Monday 1 December

• Year 6 Celebration at Holey Moley
• Years 7-11 Celebration at Indooroopilly PAC | 6:45pm seated
• Secondary Years, Subway Meal Deal closes at 9am

Wednesday 3 December

• Secondary Years, Subway Meal Deal
• Term 4 Concludes

Saturday 6 December

• Report cards available on firefly

Monday 22 December

• College is closed for Christmas break

3I/Atlas, classified by NASA as a comet with unusual features, is visiting our solar system. It is certainly capturing the imagination of many people and stimulating much debate.

Two thousand years ago, something spectacular was happening in the heavens that drew Magi from the East towards Jerusalem.

As we draw closer to Christmas and the end of term, it would be good to focus on the Magi who visited the baby Jesus. You can read the story in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1–12.

Traditionally, these Magi are called the Three Wise Kings. The Bible does not give an exact number, or call them Kings; we only know they gave three costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child. Their names (Melchoir, Caspar, and Balthazar) appear in Western Christianity around the latter part of the second century.

They are men of mystery, and we only know they came from the East to Jerusalem seeking the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1–2).

Who were the Magi? Many interpreters hold that these wise men came from Babylon, and they may have, but we cannot be sure. Their study of the stars had led them to believe that a great leader had been born in Judea[1]. They followed a star and wished to worship this King.

R. T. France explains the various theories about this star.

1. Halley’s Comet 12–11 BC.
2. A planetary conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn 7 BC, representing the birth of a King. Jupiter the royal planet and Saturn thought to be representing the Westland.
3. A nova or supernova is the preferred theory of Johannes Kepler. Chinese astronomers recorded a nova for 70 days in 5/4 BC, a date shortly before the death of King Herod.

France concludes Matthew 2:9 describes not a regular astronomical occurrence but the miraculous provision of what appeared to be a star which uniquely moved and then stopped^[2].

We could call these three Magi 'Sincere Seekers'. Something drew them to another land, and they understood the signs of the times. All the clues were pointing to the birth of someone special. They were open-minded and prepared to leave home and seek out this new King. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him (Matthew 2:10–11).

Rev Dr John Sweetman comments: imagine Mary’s surprise when she opened the door of their one-room cottage in Bethlehem to see a group of dignified Persian philosophers and scientists dismounting from their camels. Imagine her wide-eyed wonder when they prostrated themselves before the toddler in her arms and honoured him with wonderful words of worship (2:11). Imagine her deep gratitude when they offered Jesus expensive gifts that could support her little family for many years.

Jesus is the reason for the season, so I encourage you over the holidays to channel your inner Magi and take some time to learn more about Jesus. Additionally, as Jesus said, it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Let's look to bless those less fortunate than ourselves with gifts and donations.

You can read his birth narrative and Jesus' early life in Matthew 1:17–2:23 and Luke 1:1–2:52.

Finally, I urge you to take some time to reflect on this old hymn. I recall singing it in my Year 7 school musical. Unfortunately, due to my lack of acting and singing ability, I was relegated to the role of Riza, a messenger to the three Kings.

'We Three Kings of Orient Are' by John H. Hopkins.

We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.

Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high.

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies.

^[1]
Leon Morris, The Gospel according to Matthew, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1992), 36.

^[2]
R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publication Co., 2007), 69.

Peter Schmidhauser
Junior High Chaplain

Arise Christmas Worship

You are invited to experience the joy of Christmas by joining the Arise Christmas Services on Christmas Eve (6:00pm) and Christmas Day (9:00am). We will hear again the wonderful story of the birth of a Saviour and sing some Christmas Carols. On Christmas Eve the children will share a Nativity Play, and on Christmas Day we share the Lord’s Supper. Please come and join the celebrations!

Pastor Matt Wilksch
m.wilksch@stpeters.qld.edu.au

This week, our Year 6 students proudly presented their very first PYP Exhibition as an authorised IB World School—an exciting milestone in our journey and a powerful celebration of student agency, inquiry, and action.

The Exhibition showcased the depth of thinking, compassion, and commitment our students have developed throughout their PYP journey. Each group identified real-world issues that mattered to them, explored multiple perspectives, and took meaningful action—advocating, educating, designing solutions to real-world problems, and inspiring others within our community. Their confidence, curiosity, and courage were truly remarkable.

Behind this success was the unwavering guidance of our dedicated Teacher Mentors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Susan Allenspach, whose deep expertise in the PYP shaped, supported, and strengthened every step of the process; Susan Levitt, whose thoughtful questioning and encouragement helped students refine and extend their thinking; and Alana Cullen, whose steady guidance and genuine care empowered students to bring their ideas to life. Their commitment to nurturing learner agency and fostering high-quality inquiry was evident in every display and conversation.

Our first Exhibition as an IB World School stands as a testament to what is possible when students are empowered, teachers are passionate, and learning is purposeful. We are immensely proud of our Year 6 cohort and grateful to our staff and families for their ongoing support.

A wonderful achievement—and an inspiring beginning.

Lia Sabri
Head of Primary Years

Our New Zealand ski trip provider has kindly granted us an extension, which means we are able to offer a small number of additional places on the 2026 tour. The total cost of the trip is expected to be approximately $4,500 per student. Please see the accompanying flyer for itinerary details and inclusions.

Payment schedule

• Due now (2025) - $500 per child
• 18 February 2026 - $400 per child
• 31 March 2026 - Remaining balance (final amount to be confirmed)

For additional information, or to express interest, please email Ms Natasha Banks at n.banks@stpeters.qld.edu.au

The St Peters Springfield community came together today to celebrate the 2025 Year 12 cohort at the Valedictory Service, arguably the most special event on the calendar.

The ceremony started with an acknowledgement of all the Year 12 award winners, congratulations on all your achievements!

We then continued with the graduation, which was a heartfelt ceremony to acknowledge the students’ journey, resilience, and the energy they have brought to the College. As the cohort walked through the College’s traditional guard of honour and out the gates the final time, the St Peters community stands behind them with immense pride.

Good luck to the newest members of SPOSA! We wish you well in your new beginnings, bold futures, and for all that lies ahead.

Wishing all families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thankyou for your support of Performing Arts in 2025 as our profile externally and internally grew as the talents of our students and Performing Arts Staff was recognised and celebrated. 2026 promises to be another great year.

The Wizard of Oz 2026

Congratulations to the cast for our 2026 production of The Wizard of Oz. Cast members are reminded to return the signed Musical Contract by Monday 1 December. Scripts will be distributed to Leads only. The rehearsal schedule for January (Week 1) and February will be emailed to parents and posted on Teams 5 December.

Assembly Certificate Presentations

Congratulations to the students who were awarded Music, Speech and Communication and Practice of Speech Certificates at Assemblies this week.

AMEB Speech Results

Congratulations to the ten students of Mrs Kathy Wilson who recently sat AMEB Speech and Communication/Performance Exams ranging from Grades 1-6, with no result less than a Credit. Well done to all students. Certificates will be presented at an appropriate assembly once they are received.

Con Brio Rehearsal Monday 1 December

Due to the Years 7-11 Presentation Night next Monday 1december, Con Brio rehearsal in the morning will be held from 7:30am-8am only. Please unsure students have blazers with them that day.

Year 5 Presentations

Congratulations to the Year 5 Band students who presented their semester of learning within the Music Education through Band Program on Wednesday. Thanks to Mrs Schmeider, Mr Slater and Mrs Pomerenke for their assistance throughout the program this semester.

Cello Trial Sessions

One more week to go for students in Years 3-6 who are interested in having a play on the cello to join Ms Crellin and Pizzicato Strings at first break next Wednesday. We have six cellos available, so the first students to arrive can take a seat and join in. No experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm! We’ll be playing some cello games and learning a few simple songs together.

Years 7-11 Presentation Evening

Details have been sent to students who will be performing at this event. Students will be transported by bus to the venue after school for a rehearsal and remain there until the start of the ceremony. Dinner will be provided. Ensure you have all necessary equipment, music and be dressed in your formal uniform including blazer with the correct socks, clean shoes and neat and tidy hair. Dance Troupe ensure you have what you require as well.

Draft Performing Arts Rehearsal Schedule 2026

To assist with planning for 2026, please view below the draft PA Rehearsal Schedule. If you require any further details about participation and standards, please contact the ensemble director listed in the schedule. Musical rehearsals will commence Friday Week 1 but all other ensembles will commence in Week 2.

Private Tuition Program 2026

There will be a slight increase in fees for 2026 to keep abreast with Queensland Music Teachers Association. A half hour lesson will cost $43.50. Group of 2 tuition costs will be $23. Continuing students are not required to re-enrol, please speak with your Tutor to confirm the continuation of lessons into 2026.

Primary Celebration

Best wishes to Year 4 students and selected members of Dolce Voce who will perform at the Primary Celebration tomorrow morning. Thanks to Mrs Schmeider for all her work with the Primary Choirs this year.

Primary State Honours Ensemble Program

Good luck to Aaroosha J, Ainsley M, Taneeshka S, Emily S, Sheery S and Queenie W who will be participating in the State Honours Ensemble Primary Program at Griffith University Conservatorium of Music this coming weekend.

Staffing

Our Lower Strings Tutor Mr Michael Gibson has concluded his time at the College to pursue performing opportunities. We wish him well and thank him for his work with our lower string students and Cantabile Strings in 2025.

Upcoming Events 

• 28 November – Primary Presentation
• 29 November – 30 November – SHEP Primary
• 1 December – Secondary Presentation Evening

Mrs Geraldine Campbell

QGSSSA 9A Australian Rules Premiers

Congratulations to our 9A AFL Girls, who were crowned Premiers last Saturday. This team was proudly represented by springfield students Savanna D and Emily H who were both instrumental in St Peters once again tasting Australia Rules success!

2026 Sport at Springfield

Just a reminder for all families to familiarise themselves with the 2026 Primary and Secondary Sport schedules. Next year will be jam-packed with opportunities, beginning with our introduction into the GBC competition.

Primary GBC Sport registrations will open at the start of Term 1. An email will be sent to all families with key information on how to get your child involved.

Secondary students will hit the ground running from Week 1. We encourage all families to speak with their child about participating in one of our teams.

Kale Reed
Head of Sport