Good food, limitless pleasure and life without end.

That is what Odysseus experienced on the island of Ogygia with the nymph Calypso, if you have seen The Odyssey or read Homer’s classic story.

In this ancient Greek epic, Odysseus is trying to return home after the Trojan War. Ten years have passed, and he still has not made it back to Ithaca. His wife, Penelope, waits faithfully for him while 108 suitors compete for her attention. Time is running out for Odysseus to return home.

During his arduous journey, Odysseus encounters the beautiful nymph Calypso. In ancient literature, nymphs are often portrayed as captivating young women who embody the powers of nature.

Odysseus falls under Calypso’s spell and remains on her island for seven years. She prevents him from returning home and even offers him immortality if he will stay and marry her.

But Odysseus chooses to leave. 

He chooses to leave 'Love Island'. 

The island offers everything he could desire: Intimacy. Companionship. Abundant food. Everlasting life. Paradise. Yet Odysseus cannot stay. He feels compelled to return home to his wife, his son and the responsibilities that await him. As enticing as this artificial paradise is, he knows he must return to his calling.

This scene from The Odyssey provides a powerful illustration of the world our students live in today. They are surrounded by multi-billion-dollar companies that constantly compete for their attention, offering stimulation, entertainment, convenience and comfort at every turn. The promise is simple: a life with less struggle and more ease.

Yet every child and young person needs opportunities to experience challenge, tension, responsibility and even hardship. These experiences help shape resilience, character and purpose. They learn not only how to resist the lure of constant comfort, but also how to pursue the calling God has placed before them.

Odysseus is far from a perfect hero. Nevertheless, his decision to leave the island and continue his journey is an example worth considering.

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:3–5: 'We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit'.

As we live in a world of constant enticements and easy comforts, may we embrace the opportunities God gives us to grow in perseverance, character and hope, and faithfully pursue the calling he has placed before us.

May God bless you with perseverance, character, and hope in your challenges!

Tim Jarick
College Pastor

Please CLICK HERE to view the Australian Government Department of Education Census Privacy Collection Notice.

Upcoming School Photos

• Cocurricular/Group Photos
• Music Photos
• 9A & 9B Form Class and Portrait Photos

The following cocurricular/group photos will be taken in Café 45 on Monday 10 August:

• Access Arts (Photography, Painting, Clay, Watercolour)
• Aviation Club
• Chapter One
• Da Vinci (Years 7–9)
• Debating (Years 5–12)
• Digital – Esports, Robotics (times may change)
• Environment Committee
• Ethics Olympiad
• Future Problem Solving
• Multicultural Committee
• Philosothon
• Pipes and Drums
• Social Justice
• Students4Students
• Theatre Sports
• VaPAR

The following photos will be taken in Café 45 on Tuesday 11 August:

• Family/ Sibling Photos (7:30am–8:00am | 9:45am–10:10am)
• 9A and 9B Form Class and Portrait Photos
• Music Photos

How to Order

Cocurricular Photos: Personalised order forms will be distributed to students after the proofing process has been completed. This can take several weeks.

9A & 9B Form Classes: Personalised envelopes will be distributed to students one week before the scheduled photo date. Ordering can be made online — please follow the instructions on the order form.

Schedules

• Please CLICK HERE for Cocurricular and Group Photos
• Please CLICK HERE for Music Photos, 9A/B Form Class & Portraits

For more information regarding photos, please CLICK HERE.

If you have any questions, please email Corrine Hewitt at c.hewitt@stpeters.qld.edu.au.

Get ready for one of the most anticipated events on the St Peters calendar — Trivia Night is back for one night only!

Hosted by St Peters Old Scholars Association and the P&F Committee, this year's event is going digital, with Old Scholar Caleb Greyman from BrisQuiz as our MC. Held just once every two years, it's an evening you won't want to miss.

Date: Saturday 8 August
Time: 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Venue: SPOSA Café, Centre for Learning and Innovation

This year's theme is the letter 'P', so it's the perfect excuse to get creative. Think pink, pirates, princesses, Picasso, pyjamas... Dress up, decorate your table and embrace the theme. We're looking for personality and flair!

There'll be plenty of prizes throughout the night, including Best Dressed Male and Female, plus much more to keep the competition lively.

Gather your smartest friends and compete for trivia glory. The winning table won't just earn bragging rights; they'll also nominate the charity to receive a $1,000.00 donation. That's a feel-good prize worth playing for!

Tickets: $400.00 per table (8 people) or $55.00 per individual

• BYO food
• Food trucks available
• Cash bar

Choose a memorable team name, bring your best general knowledge and enjoy a fantastic night of Puzzles, Prizes and Pure fun.Spots will fill fast, so book your table today!

CLICK HERE to book your Trivia Night tickets.

St Peters Old Scholars Association and P&F Committee

The St Peters You've Got Talent (SPYGT) 2026 Grand Finale is coming, and this year's theme is Pitch Perfect! Our grand finalists have performed to a sold-out audience in recent years, so don't leave it too late to get your tickets...

When: Friday 14 August from 6:30pm
Where: Dron Auditorium, PAC
Tickets: $7.00 (all proceeds go to the Finale Winner's charity of choice)

CLICK HERE to book your SPYGT Grand Finale tickets.

Join us for an inspiring morning celebrating mothers and sons with guest speaker Dr Glen Richards — veterinarian, entrepreneur, business leader and panellist on Channel 10's Shark Tank. Glen will share stories from his remarkable journey and the life lessons that have helped him navigate challenges, embrace opportunities and achieve success.

When: Thursday 20 August, 6:30am to 8:00am
Where: SPOSA Café and Amphitheatre, Centre for Learning and Innovation
Cost: $15.00 adults | $12.50 students
RSVP: By 5:00pm on Friday 14 August

Enjoy a relaxed buffet breakfast and complimentary barista coffee before moving to the Amphitheatre for Glen’s presentation at 7:00am. There will be no allocated seating.

We warmly invite all mothers and sons to share this special morning together.

CLICK HERE to book your tickets.

Exciting New Event – Campus Camp Out

On behalf of your P&F Committee, we’re excited to introduce a brand new event, created in response to your feedback. Introducing Campus Camp Out!

Get ready to enjoy a magical evening under the stars, right here on school grounds. Bring your family, your tent and your sense of adventure as we transform Stolz Oval into a fun-filled camping experience for the St Peters community.

What’s in store?

• BYO tent and camp out together (tent hire available)
• Sausage sizzle
• Activities include a jumping castle, games, silent disco and a movie screening
• A relaxed, social evening
• Plenty of space to unwind under the night sky

Whether you're a seasoned camper or just keen for a unique family night out, this is the perfect chance to connect, relax and create lasting memories.

Event details

When: 5:00pm Saturday 12 September – 7:00am Sunday 13 September
Where: Stolz Oval, St Peters Indooroopilly
What to bring: Your tent, bedding and camping essentials
Tickets: $40.00 per person

CLICK HERE to book your tickets. 

We can’t wait to see our school grounds come alive in a whole new way.

Kind regards
Your P&F Committee

Our Social Justice Committee is proudly taking part in Walk My Way Brisbane on Saturday 8 August, walking in solidarity with refugee girls in Kenya and Somalia who are at risk of child marriage due to poverty and limited opportunities.

In addition to completing the walk, we're raising funds to help girls stay in school. Education provides safety, dignity and hope, helping protect girls from early marriage, delaying early motherhood and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

Every contribution makes a difference. Just $100 can help one refugee girl remain in school, while funds raised also support teachers, safe learning environments and education costs.

We'd love your support. Whether you register to join the walk or make a donation, you'll be helping girls step up into a brighter future.

CLICK HERE to register to join the walk or to donate.

Subject Selection

Thank you to the many students and families who attended our recent 2027 Subject Selection Information Evenings. Updated recordings of each information session are now available, with links distributed via the St Peters App and Firefly. We encourage families who were unable to attend, or who would like to revisit the information, to access these recordings.

Parents of students entering Years 9, 10 and 11 in 2027 will receive a Subject Selection Access Guide email this Friday. The email will include each student's individual login details, access code and instructions for completing their online subject selections.

Year 10 SET Plan Interviews

Year 10 Students and families are invited to attend a SET Plan Interview to discuss subject selections, pathways and future goals. While these interviews are not compulsory, they provide an excellent opportunity to seek personalised advice and ask questions.

When: Monday 3 August – Thursday 6 August, 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Where: CLI Rooms 29 & 30
Bookings: No appointment required – simply join our deli-style queue

Year 11 Exam Block & Year 12 Mock Exam Timetables Released

The Year 11 Exam Block and Year 12 Mock Exam timetables are now available.

Examination Timetables:

• Year 11 Exam Block (7 – 11 September): Click Here
• Year 12 Mock Exams (20 August – 3 September): Click Here

Exam room locations for Year 11 exams will be communicated to students in the coming weeks. We wish all Year 11 and Year 12 students every success as they prepare for their upcoming examinations.

Ben Higgins
Acting Head of Years 7–12 Curriculum – Students

As we begin Term 3, I would like to warmly welcome all students and families back to the College. I hope the holiday break provided an opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy some quality time together. We are looking forward to a busy and exciting term in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) space, with Year 10 subject selections underway and the TAFE at School 2027 intake opening shortly.

A reminder to Year 10 families that subject selections for Year 11, 2027 are due by Monday 10 August. As students consider their senior pathway options, we encourage them to explore the many opportunities available through both school-based and vocational education programs.

To support this process, Year 10 SET Plan interviews will be held after school from Monday 3 August to Thursday 6 August. Families wishing to discuss a VET pathway as part of their Year 10 student's Year 11 studies are welcome to book a dedicated 30-minute appointment via the following link, or email me at vet@stpeters.qld.edu.au to arrange a time.

Book a VET SET Plan Appointment with Amy Sanday

Applications for the TAFE at School 2027 intake open on Monday 3 August. While applications will remain open until the commencement of Term 1 next year, families are encouraged to apply as early as possible. TAFE Queensland establishes classes based on application numbers and trainer availability, meaning early applications provide students with the best opportunity to secure a place in their preferred course.

The TAFE at School program is not only available to current Year 10 students planning their senior studies, but may also be of interest to Year 11 students seeking additional QCE credits or whose career aspirations have changed and who would benefit from undertaking a vocational qualification alongside their school studies.

Information regarding TAFE at School courses and the application process has been distributed to both the Year 10 and Year 11 cohorts via email. Application instructions will take effect from Monday 3 August when the intake officially opens.

Please note that all TAFE at School applications are initially submitted to me for school approval before being forwarded to TAFE Queensland for processing. Applications will only be approved once the student and/or their family has discussed the proposed VET pathway with me, either before or after the application has been submitted.

Families interested in learning more about the TAFE at School program and the range of courses available are encouraged to visit the TAFE Queensland website: TAFE at School | TAFE Queensland

I look forward to working with students and families as they explore the many vocational pathways available and plan for a successful future beyond school.

Amy Sanday
VET Coordinator
vet@stpeters.qld.edu.au

United Nations International Day of Friendship

The Primary Years’ celebration of International Day of Friendship provides a wonderful opportunity to bring the Relationships pathway of the SEARCH framework to life. Through friendship-focused activities, Circle Time conversations, and the whole-class community poster activity, students are encouraged to reflect on what it means to be a good friend, appreciate the positive relationships in their lives, and recognise the importance of kindness, inclusion, and connection.

Within our Visible Wellbeing framework, the Relationships pathway highlights the importance of building strong, positive connections with others. Research shows that feeling connected, supported and valued by peers contributes significantly to wellbeing, belonging and learning. By celebrating friendship and creating opportunities for students to acknowledge and strengthen their relationships, International Day of Friendship helps students develop the relational skills that underpin healthy communities and flourishing lives.

As students share reflections, celebrate their classmates and participate in collaborative friendship activities, they are practising key elements of the Relationships pathway, including empathy, kindness, gratitude, connection and positive communication. The day serves as a meaningful reminder that wellbeing grows through the quality of our relationships and that everyone has a role to play in creating a caring and inclusive school community.

More information on the United Nations International Day of Friendship can be found here.

Working Together When Concerns Arise

A strong partnership between home and school is one of the greatest contributors to a child's success and wellbeing. While we hope every school experience is positive, we recognise that from time to time questions or concerns may arise.

When this happens, we encourage families to follow three simple steps:

1. Pause before posting. Please avoid discussing school concerns on class WhatsApp, WeChat or other parent social media groups. These platforms rarely provide the full picture and can unintentionally increase misunderstanding or anxiety.
2. Reach out with curiosity. Your child's classroom teacher is the best first point of contact. Approaching conversations with curiosity and an open mind allows us to gain a shared understanding of the situation.
3. Work together to find a solution. We value respectful, collaborative partnerships with families. By working together with a shared focus on your child's wellbeing and learning, we are best placed to achieve positive outcomes.

At St Peters, we are committed to listening, communicating openly and working alongside families to resolve concerns in a timely and constructive way. Together, we can model the respectful relationships, empathy and positive communication we seek to nurture in every student.

Lisa Challenor
Head of Primary Years

Junior High Uniform Expectations – New Communication Process

At our College, we place a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards of presentation and wearing the school uniform with pride. A consistent approach to uniform expectations helps foster a positive learning environment and reinforces the values of responsibility, organisation and respect. Our uniform guidelines and Student Dress Code are clearly outlined and explained in the Junior High Student Diary (Pages 21A–25A) and in the 2026 Junior High Handbook available on Firefly.

To support this, we will shortly be introducing a new automated email notification process for uniform infringements. This system is designed to provide clear, consistent communication with both students and families while ensuring every student understands our expectations. This system is already used in the Senior School, and so this will therefore create consistency between the sub-schools.

How the process will work

• First uniform infringement of the term: Students will receive a warning, reminding them of our uniform expectations. This serves as an opportunity to reset and ensure they are aware of the standards expected.
• Second and subsequent uniform infringements: Students and their parents/carers will automatically receive an email at the end of the school day notifying them of the infringement. In addition, students will be required to attend a lunchtime check-in meeting with a member of the Pastoral Team. The date and time of this lunch meeting will be included as part of the automated email. This conversation is intended to be supportive, allowing students to reflect on the infringement, discuss any barriers they may be experiencing, and develop strategies to make positive choices and improve their organisation.
• Third and subsequent uniform infringements within the same term: Students will also be required to attend a Thursday Afternoon Meeting (formerly referred to as detention). This extended meeting provides additional time for staff to work alongside students to reinforce expectations, explore any ongoing challenges and support them in successfully meeting our uniform standards.

The automated email notification is simply intended to keep parents and carers informed. There is no expectation that families respond to these emails. However, parents are always welcome to contact their child's Year Level Coordinator if they would like to discuss the matter further or seek additional support.

We believe this clear and consistent process will provide students with a shared understanding of our expectations and the steps that follow when these expectations are not met. Most importantly, the focus of this process is not on punishment, but on partnering with students to develop the habits, organisation and responsibility needed to consistently meet our College standards. If students are regularly requiring Thursday Afternoon Meetings, our next step will be to invite students and their parents in for a meeting to discuss further.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to work together to uphold the high expectations that contribute to a positive and respectful school community.

Warm regards,

Helena Lambert
Interim Head of Junior High

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of jazz as the St Peters Jazz Festival brings together some of Australia’s finest local and regional jazz musicians, educators and ensembles.

Masterclasses

On Saturday 1 August, participants can immerse themselves in eight specialised Masterclasses covering jazz improvisation, performance and instrumental technique. Bring your instrument and take advantage of the unique opportunity to perform, learn, and receive personalised guidance from our outstanding guest list of professional jazz musicians.

Big Band Workshops

From Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning, school, community, and tertiary ensembles are invited to participate in our Big Band Ensemble Workshop Series. These workshops provide invaluable one-on-one mentoring, allowing bands to work closely with experienced jazz educators and performers in a collaborative and inspiring environment.

Throughout the festival weekend, enjoy performances by the outstanding students of the St Peters Lutheran College Jazz Program, who will provide live entertainment during breaks between sessions and workshops. Festival patrons can also relax and recharge with snacks and refreshments available from the St Peters Music Support Group, whose volunteers will operate food and drink stalls throughout the event.

Jazz Concert

The festival culminates in a spectacular concert on Sunday 2 August at 1:30 pm, showcasing an exceptional lineup of artists, including:

• The Mark Pradella Band
• Galapagos Duck
• Trichotomy
• The Late Shift Big Band
• JMI Jazz Orchestra
• Brisbane Jazz Orchestra featuring Ingrid James
• Special guest headliners John Morrison and Jacki Cooper

Whether you're an aspiring jazz musician, an experienced performer or simply a lover of great music, the St Peters Jazz Festival offers something for everyone. Come and be part of the music, the learning and the excitement. Tickets for Masterclasses, Big Band Workshops and the Festival Concert are on sale now!

CLICK HERE to book your St Peters Jazz Festival tickets.

Grantley Sutch
Head of Bands

St Peters Chorale is delighted to be participating in the inaugural Festival of Australian Music (FOAM), presented by The Australian Voices and Brisbane Chamber Choir on 31 July and 1 August 2026. As a guest choir in the Festival Gala Concert at 7:00pm on Saturday 1 August, Chorale will perform alongside Brisbane Chamber Choir, The Australian Voices and Lumens Chamber Choir in a showcase celebrating the richness and diversity of Australian choral music.

FOAM provides an inspiring opportunity for composers, performers, conductors, educators and audiences to come together through two days of concerts, workshops, presentations and professional learning. The festival provides a rare opportunity for singers to immerse themselves in Australian choral music while working alongside many of the nation's leading composers and conductors.

In addition to their guest performance, Chorale members will join singers from across Queensland as part of the Massed Festival Choir. This specially formed ensemble will rehearse throughout the festival under the direction of three of Australia's most celebrated choral composers, Sarah Hopkins, Joe Twist and Stephen Leek, with each conductor leading the performance of one of their own works. This provides an exceptional opportunity for students to work directly with the composers, gaining unique musical and interpretive insights into contemporary Australian choral repertoire.

Throughout the festival, Chorale members will also attend workshops and presentations led by distinguished Australian music advocates, including Joe Twist and Rob Davidson. These sessions will further enrich students' understanding of Australian music through direct engagement with leading composers, conductors and educators.

Participation in FOAM reflects St Peters Chorale's long-standing commitment to championing Australian composers through the commissioning, performance and promotion of new Australian choral music. The festival promises to be an inspiring and enriching musical experience, providing students with the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding musicians and celebrate the unique stories and voices of Australian music.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for the Gala Concert and other events at the Festival.

Christine Taylor
Head of Choirs

A masterclass is an open lesson where an expert musician mentors selected students before an audience. It is designed to enrich the learning experience of both performers and attendees, with valuable insights gained through observing performances and the expert's guidance. Students of all musical backgrounds can benefit, regardless of whether they play the instrument being featured.

In Week 4, St Peters Music is hosting a free Piano Masterclass by Samuel Mitchell.

Date: Friday 7 August
Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm 
Location: Dron Auditorium, Performing Arts Centre
Cost: Free

Students are requested to arrive on time and remain for the entire session. Parents are also welcome to attend.

Christine Taylor
Co-Director of Cocurricular Music

Contempo Art and Film Exhibition & Screening | Year 12 IA3 Final works

Save the date!
Tuesday 11 August, 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Performing Arts Centre

Year 11 Art Students Explore Industrial Forms with Visiting Artist

Year 11 Visual Art students studying QCAA & IB recently spent an inspiring day working with visiting artist Leigh Schoenheimer, exploring the transformation of two-dimensional designs into 3D sculptural forms and 2D paintings.

Focusing on industrial surfaces, shapes and structures, students created assemblages that will be further developed and refined in class. The workshop encouraged students to investigate themes of industrial impact, drawing inspiration from the textures and sensitivities of rusted metal, and the visual code of cogs, bolts and mechanical forms.

The Artist Workshop Program, held once each term for senior students, is designed to support the development of authentic artistic practice and creative inquiry. Through engagement with practising artists, students gain valuable experiences that contribute to the development of portfolios that will support their transition into future creative pathways.

Julie Seidel
Arts Curriculum Leader