On 20 February 1945, after years of vision, prayer, sacrifice, and determined effort, St Peters Lutheran College officially came into existence. What began as a bold dream, to establish a Lutheran college in Queensland, became a living reality. Eighty-one years later, we pause with gratitude to honour that beginning.

Last year, our community celebrated the 80th anniversary of the College’s founding, a significant milestone in our history. In 2026, we mark another very special anniversary: 80 years of SPOSA, the St Peters Old Scholars Association.

Founded in 1946, SPOSA has grown into a vibrant and engaged community of approximately 16,000 Old Scholars. Their ongoing connection to the College is a powerful reminder that St Peters is not simply a place of schooling for a season, but a lifelong community, 'A Saint for Life'.

At our Founders Day Assembly, I will remind students that each of us owes a debt of gratitude to those who have gone before us. Alongside staff, parents, and members of the Lutheran Church, our Old Scholars have been instrumental in shaping the College we know today. The traditions we cherish, the reputation we uphold, and the opportunities our students enjoy are built upon the foundations laid by generations past.

Even though our current students may not know their names, they are forever linked to those Old Scholars through their shared St Peters experience. Each generation stands on the shoulders of the last, seeing further and aspiring higher because of the legacy entrusted to them.

Our Old Scholars continue to play an important role in the life of the College. Through their achievements, service, mentorship, and generosity, they strengthen our sense of identity and keep our stories alive. Their lives reflect the enduring impact of a St Peters education.

It is significant that we use the term Old Scholar rather than 'Old Boy' or 'Old Girl'. Eighty years ago, this was a deliberate and thoughtful choice. The word scholar speaks not simply of academic success, but of a well-educated person, one formed in character as well as intellect.

Our world needs well-educated people. People who are kind, caring, and grateful. People who are empathetic and live lives of integrity. People who think critically, solve problems creatively, and serve others with humility. People who are resilient and adaptable. People who live with hope, agency, and purpose.

That is what we seek to nurture at St Peters. That is the St Peters graduate. That is the St Peters Old Scholar.

As we celebrate 80 years of SPOSA, we give thanks for every Old Scholar who has contributed to the story of this College. Your legacy lives on in today’s students, and your continued involvement strengthens our community immeasurably.

On Founders Day, we honour the courage and faith of those who began this journey in 1945. We celebrate the generations who have carried it forward. And we look to the future with confidence, knowing that the spirit of St Peters endures, strong in history, vibrant in the present, and full of hope for what lies ahead.

Lisa Delaney
Acting Head of College

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

Registrations are open for the 2026 Mater Chicks in Pink Fun Run, and the St Peters community is warmly encouraged to take part in our 5K Your Way event at Robertson Park, Indooroopilly, on Sunday 8 March 2026.

Our committed Year 12 IB students are once again leading this important initiative, raising funds for breast cancer research and encouraging a strong sense of community and purpose. This year, we are striving to be recognised as the Top Fundraising School for the fourth consecutive year — and every participant and donation plays a valuable role in achieving this goal.

Whether you choose to walk, run or stroll, this is a wonderful opportunity to come together, represent St Peters and support a cause that impacts so many families. Together, we can make a meaningful difference. We encourage all students, families and staff to take part, support one another and help create lasting impact beyond the event itself.

To get involved, click on the link below to register and join the St Peters Lutheran College team. You can also support the initiative by donating and sharing the fundraising page with family and friends.

Register here.

The ever-popular St Peters Ladies Lunch is back! We warmly invite our mothers and caregivers to join us for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and celebration.

Hosted by the wonderful Bec Sparrow, this year, Ladies Lunch will support a meaningful Service Learning initiative. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to fund a St Peters‑exclusive Red Earth Immersion Tour in 2026 — an extraordinary opportunity for 20 Junior High and Senior School students to connect with more than 65,000 years of Indigenous Australian culture. By joining us and by taking part in the day’s fundraising activities, you’ll help make this life‑changing tour more affordable and accessible to St Peters families who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

In place of a guest speaker, you'll hear from students who have previously taken part in the immersion. Their stories and reflections promise to be inspiring highlights of the day. Future Immersion Tour participants are already hard at work gathering beautiful raffle prizes and will be joining us at the event, and you’ll be helping them take the next step on their journey of a lifetime.

Enjoy delicious food, great company and some well-deserved time to sit back and relax. Tickets include a glass of bubbles on arrival, a two-course meal and a three-hour drinks package. Dress code is formal daytime to cocktail attire. There will also be a silent auction during the event and a terrific range of raffle prizes on offer. Get in quick as tickets for this event always sell out fast!

When: Friday 20 March, 11:45am – 3:00pm
Where: Hillstone, St Lucia
Tickets: $160.00 for singles | $1500.00 for a table of 10

With Thanks to Our Sponsors

We extend our sincere thanks to our generous event sponsors for their support: Alex Jordan McGrath Real Estate (Platinum), Allsports Physiotherapy and Podiatry (Silver), Allclear Print + Signs (Bronze), and The Pet Chalet (Bronze). Their partnership plays an important role in making this event possible and in strengthening the impact of the Service Learning initiative it supports.

Book your tickets now via Eventbrite.

Langer Library was a hive of activity last week as we celebrated Queensland School Libraries Week and Library Lovers’ Day. This year’s theme was School Libraries Light the Way, a celebration of the positive influence that school libraries have on learning outcomes and the daily lives of so many students. Whether engaging with our paper craft sessions, chatting with friends over mindful colouring works or simply spending time with one another in our warm and welcoming spaces, it was a wonderful way to recognise how school libraries positively influence and encourage a lifelong love of learning and reading.

The Community Hub Focus Day last Friday was the perfect setting for Library Lovers’ Day, where our three Year 12 Book Club facilitators promoted Langer Library’s Student Book Club. It was delightful to see so many students sharing their favourite reads, telling us why they love books and libraries and signing up for our Book Club. New members are always welcome to join us at the Langer Library on Tuesdays (Week B), starting at 1:00pm. Our next Book Club is in Week 6.

Until then, happy reading.

Christina Wheeler
Head of Secondary Library Services

Arts 2026 is now well underway. Access Arts workshops have started, and there is a lot of creative buzz happening in the art studios. Students have enjoyed artist workshops with Leigh Schoenheimer and promoted Art workshops at last week's Community Focus Day!

Capture Awards

The following students received Capture Awards for their photography in Semester 2 2025.

• Coco – Year 8 Capture Excellence Award
• Adele – Year 7 Capture Award
• Ella – Year 7 Capture Award
• Hannah – Year 8 Capture Award
• Gilbert – Year 9 Capture Award

The Capture Awards for Semester 1 2026 are now open. Students can upload their entry form on the Access Arts Firefly page. Entries close on Monday 11 May.

Julie Seidel
Curriculum Leader Arts

Last Friday, our Year 11 and Year 12 IB students came together for an IB Community Picnic, organised by two of our Year 12 students, Rachel T and Erica M. Despite the rainy weather and a quick move indoors, the event was a wonderful success.

Students enjoyed a wide range of delicious baked treats (a welcome addition to a rainy afternoon!) while Year 11 students had the opportunity to speak with Year 12 students about their experiences in the Diploma Programme. It was a valuable chance to seek advice, share insights, and begin forming new friendships across year levels.

The afternoon served as a lovely reminder that the IB is about more than academics; it is about building community, fostering connection, and supporting one another throughout the journey.

To learn more about the IB at St Peters, please email the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Cassandra Magar, at c.magar@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

Cassandra Magar
IB Diploma Programme Coordinator

NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are developing through the school curriculum. It provides parents and carers with information about how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards.

NAPLAN is just one part of each school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace the comprehensive, ongoing assessments that teachers make about each student’s learning. Your child’s teacher will always have the most complete understanding of their progress.

NAPLAN is not a test that students can or need to study for. As part of their regular classroom learning, students will complete readiness and familiarisation activities to help them feel comfortable with the test format.

This week, on Thursday February 19, students in Years 3 and 5 will complete a NAPLAN practice test. This is simply to familiarise them with the online platform and tools. No results are recorded from this session.

Students in Years 3 and 5 will sit NAPLAN from 11–13 March.

• Writing – 8:30am Wednesday 11 March
• Reading – 8:30am and Conventions of Language – 10:45am Thursday 12 March
• Numeracy – 8:30am Friday 13 March

We encourage families to support students by checking that all required equipment is working and ready for the testing days. NAPLAN can feel unfamiliar and sometimes a little stressful for students, so helping to normalise the experience and ensuring they have everything they need will support them to feel calm and confident.

Years 3 and 5

• Headphones: Required for the spelling and numeracy tests. Overhead headphones are recommended.

Year 5 only (BYOD)

• Keyboard: A keyboard compatible with your child’s iPad is required for the writing test. Students should be able to use their keyboard and headphones simultaneously.
• Locked Down Browser: This must be installed on student devices to access the familiarisation tests and NAPLAN. As the College operates a BYOD program, installation must be completed at home. Please uninstall any previous versions before installing the current one. The browser can be accessed via the NAPLAN Locked down browser.
• Screen time limiters: Please temporarily remove any screen time or device restrictions during the NAPLAN testing window, as these may prevent students from completing the tests.

A comprehensive list of device requirements is available here.

For further information about NAPLAN, please refer to the information for parents and carers, visit the College NAPLAN page on Firefly, or explore the public demonstration site to view the test format.

If you have any further questions or require more information, please email Simone Mitchell at s.mitchell@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

Simone Mitchell
Head of P–12 Curriculum

Junior High 2025 Academic Excellence and Ironbark Awards Presentation

The Junior High 2025 Academic and Ironbark Awards ceremony was held on Tuesday. Approximately 360 students were acknowledged and congratulated for their efforts and accomplishments during the 2025 school year. They were presented with Silver or Gold Awards for academic achievement, while a number of Year 9 students received Ironbark Gold or Excellence Awards. Students in 9LM who were at Ironbark at the time of the co-curricular Awards Ceremony at the end of last year received acknowledgement for their efforts in the co-curricular sphere.

We also acknowledged the outstanding achievements of those students who were awarded either Dux or Proxime Accessit at each year level. Congratulations to the following students:

Year 7 2025

Dux: Isabela N
Proxime Accessit: Amelia Q

Year 8 2025

Dux: Coco L
Proxime Accessit: Joshua L

Year 9 2025

Joint Dux: Lilja J and Mandi S
Ironbark Excellence 2025: Gisselle T and Callum G

Co-curricular Offerings

Last Friday, the College held its annual Community Focus Expo in the Performing Arts Centre. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to see which Groups and Clubs are on offer to them this year.

A reminder that students are required to participate in two co-curricular activities per year. If your child has yet to sign up for one of the many opportunities on offer across Sport, Music, Service, and Co-curricular, we ask that you speak with them and assist them to do so. The activities are a way of giving back to the College, of learning outside the classroom, and developing their God-given gifts and talents. Please check the schedule to see what is available at lunchtimes and after school.

Founders Day | Friday 20 February

On Friday, we celebrate Founders Day with a whole school Assembly during Period 1, where we will honour the generations who have shaped our College’s story. Together, we will reflect on its past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future with our Old Scholars, students, staff, and wider community. A reminder that students are to wear their formal uniforms and hats.

Parent Information Evenings

Thank you to those who attended last week's Junior High Information Evening. The slides from the presentations are available on Firefly here.

To those of you who were able to attend, I would be grateful if you could complete a brief survey to provide some feedback on the evening so we can continue to improve for next year: Information Evening Feedback – Fill in form

Max Forbes
Head of Junior High

Year 7

The Year 7s have been hard at work in their classes this week, continuing to get used to the routines of Secondary School and all that this entails. They have also been learning to check their emails each day for messages from a variety of groups and activities around the College that they can participate in. Many Year 7s took advantage of our Community Expo last Friday to learn more about the variety of clubs and activities offered at St Peters. On Tuesday in Pastoral Care, we had some special visitors — our Year 12 cohort — who came to meet our Year 7s, offer tips on surviving Year 7, and share their favourite memories from their first year of Secondary School. Students enjoyed Get to Know You activities and had the opportunity to ask the Year 12s questions to help guide their journey throughout Junior High. Thank you to the Class of 2026 for coming and spending time with the Year 7s this week.

Allie Walsh
Year 7 Coordinator

Year 8

Academic Awards

It was a lovely morning on Tuesday as we celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of our cohort from last year. The hard work and dedication of our students is a collaborative effort, so it was a joy to see families gathering to celebrate these successes.

Student Leadership

This week, in our Year Level Assembly, we announced the Year 8 Leadership Programme for this year. Students will nominate to be a Form Class Representative for the Semester via the form (found in class OneNote and at Ms Sutton’s office). Students should complete this form and hand it in by Monday 23 February. After this, there will be an interview process. Student representatives will be responsible for assisting Form classes, helping with roster activities, and assisting with running Year Level Assemblies. Good luck to all those who nominate.

Tegan Sutton
Year 8 Coordinator

Year 9

Our focus on leadership continues to gather momentum in Year 9. Over the past fortnight, students completed the VIA Character Strengths survey as part of their Pastoral Care program. This research-based tool helps students identify their top character strengths and better understand what they naturally bring to a team, classroom, and community. Developing self-awareness is a foundational leadership skill — when students recognise their strengths, they are better equipped to lead with authenticity, build positive relationships, and contribute meaningfully to others. It has been encouraging to see students engaging thoughtfully in this process as they continue to grow in confidence, character, and capability.

Shaun Berman
Acting Year 9 Coordinator

Award Blazer Pocket Embroidery

Academic & Ironbark Awards

Junior High Gold and Silver academic and Ironbark award recipients who wish to have their pocket embroidered are asked to drop their freshly dry-cleaned blazer (with dry-cleaning tags still attached) at Shop 45 with a Pocket Award Authorisation form before Tuesday 24 February. Blazers delivered after this date will not be accepted.

Co-curricular Awards

Junior High Gold and Silver co-curricular award recipients who wish to have their pocket embroidered are asked to drop their freshly dry-cleaned blazer (with dry-cleaning tags still attached) at Shop 45 with a Pocket Award Authorisation form before Tuesday 24 February. Blazers delivered after this date will not be accepted.

Generation Pocket Embroidery (Years 7 to 9)

Eligible recipients who would like to have their pocket embroidered are asked to drop their freshly dry-cleaned blazer (with dry-cleaning tags still attached) at Shop 45 with a Pocket Award Authorisation form before Tuesday 24 February. Blazers delivered after this date will not be accepted.

General Information

• Blazers must be freshly dry-cleaned (a requirement from the embroidery company).
• Blazers can be handed in to Shop 45 during normal trading hours.
• Blazers can only be accepted if they are accompanied by the Pocket Award Authorisation form.
• Blazers must be clearly marked with the CORRECT student’s name.
• Blazers to be dropped off and collected from Shop 45.
• Payment must be made at the time of collection.

Join us for an insightful Pathways to Medicine Information Session featuring representatives from Bond University, Griffith University, James Cook University, University of the Sunshine Coast, and University of Queensland.

Discover the differences in university admission requirements, prerequisites that may be required, and upgrading pathway options.

It’s a great opportunity to increase your awareness of the preparation required to gain entry into Medicine and have your questions answered.

Date: Thursday 26 February
Time: 6:00pm 
Location: Dron Auditorium, St Peters Performing Arts Centre.

Please register via the following link: https://Pathwaystomedicine2026.eventbrite.com.au

Jacquelene Estevao
Careers Counsellor

Our annual St Peters Football vs Old Scholars matches are coming up, and we'd love you to come along and support our players!

The David Brown Cup (Boys) and Fady Ibrahim Cup (Girls) matches will both be played on Monday, 2 March at the Harts Road Oval. See you there from 4:00pm.

Digital Parent Support Group Meeting

This is a notification of the first 2026 meeting of the Digital Parent's Support Group on Tuesday 24 February. All parents and caregivers of students in the St Peters Digital program are welcome.

Date: Tuesday 24 February, 6:30pm
Location: MS07 (Robotics and eSports room, overlooking Harts Road oval)
Purpose:

• Sharing progress of students in Digital programs
• Introduction of office bearers for 2026
• Look forward to upcoming activities for students in Digital Programs
• Fundraising discussion for FTC Robotics event on 23 March in the CLI (seeking event volunteers, snacks and drinks sales)

Participation in the Digital PSG is a great way to support your child's participation in the St Peters Digital programs (Robotics and eSports), meet other parents, and keep up to date with developments and activities of the program. As a member of the PSG, you can get involved in various ways, such as helping at events, attending meetings, or joining our mailing list to stay informed about Digital PSG activities.

For further information or to register your interest in the Digital PSG, please explore the Digital Parent Support Group — St Peters page on Firefly or email the Digital PSG president at DigitalPSG@stpeters.qld.edu.au. We hope to see you there.

Digital Parents Support Group Committee

International Recognition for Jack C (Year 12)

Year 12 student, Jack C has been recognised for his years of participation in Robotics through an international award, the FIRST Dean’s List. Jack is presently up to the semi-finalist stage. This is the first time a St Peters student has been a semi-finalist in any FIRST competition, and Jack has achieved semi-finalist status in two divisions.

The FIRST Dean’s List Award Semi-Finalist honours outstanding student leaders in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) divisions, who exemplify strong character, technical ability, and a passion for spreading STEM in their communities. These students serve as role models for their teams and demonstrate the ideals of FIRST through leadership, teamwork, and outreach. Being named a semi-finalist recognises their significant impact and places them among the top student representatives at their regional or district event.

Jack completed his online Semi-Finalist interview for FTC and will have his in-person interview for FRC at the Southern Cross Regional competition in Sydney next month. We congratulate Jack on this achievement and wish him all the best in his next steps in this competition. If Jack makes it to the finalist stage, he will be invited to the FIRST World Championships in Houston, Texas in April.

FIRST Robotics Competition Progress

The St Peters FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, the Rock Bots, officially kicked off their build season on 11 January — and it has been full steam ahead ever since. This year’s FRC game, REBUILT, is fast, physical, and fiercely competitive. Teams go head-to-head on a basketball-sized field, navigating aggressive gameplay and launching up to 400 balls into goals more than two metres high — all within a three-minute match. Precision, strategy, and teamwork are everything. The Rock Bots’ 2026 robot, Rocky III, is a result of design ingenuity, engineering skill, and collaborative problem-solving. It reflects months of focused effort and countless hours of testing, refining and rebuilding. We wish the Rock Bots every success as they make the most of their final weeks of preparation before heading to the international competition in Sydney this March.

Simon Canfield
Digital (Robotics) Coordinator

Every parent and caregiver at St Peters is automatically a member of the P&F — which means your voice matters.

We’re always looking for new ideas, thoughtful questions, and fresh perspectives to help shape the College experience for our students and families. Whether you have a big idea, a small suggestion, or simply want to understand more about what’s happening across the College, this is your opportunity to be involved.

Join us in the P&F Centre on Monday 23 February from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Come along, meet other parents, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.

For more information, please contact Nicola Britton Community Liaison Officer at community@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

Our Second‑Hand Uniform Shop is now located in shipping containers beside the Mayer Oval Amenities block.

Enter the College via Lohe Street and please park at the P&F Centre (opposite the 50m Pool) and walk down the external stairs to ground floor level. Click here to view the College map to locate the P&F Centre.

The shop is open every Thursday during term time from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.

Payments can be made by cash or card. Please note that no returns or exchanges are available.

Uniform donations are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off at sub‑school receptions (uniform items only — no books, please).

Did you know?  Every dollar raised through the sale of second‑hand uniforms supports charitable work with not‑for‑profit organisations in our local and wider community.

Thank you for your support!

St Peters P&F