At St Peters Springfield, we recognise that education is a partnership between the school and families. Research consistently shows that when parents are actively engaged in their child’s learning journey, students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Parent engagement creates a positive learning environment where children feel supported both at home and at school.

Why Parent Engagement Matters?

When families and schools work together, children see that their education is valued and important. Parent engagement helps to:

• Build stronger connections between home and school.
• Encourage positive attitudes towards learning.
• Foster a sense of belonging and confidence in children.
• Model respectful, caring, and responsible behaviours.

How Families Can Support Their Child Through Supporting the School?

There are many ways parents can contribute to the life of the College and, in turn, support their child’s growth:

• Communicate Positively with Staff: Partner with your child’s teacher through open, respectful conversations. This builds trust and ensures we are working together for your child’s wellbeing and success.
• Be Involved in School Life: Attend events, join information sessions, volunteer when possible, or simply take an interest in your child’s daily school experiences. These small acts make a big difference.
• Model Respect and Responsibility: Whether in the carpark, on the sidelines, or in conversation, children learn from the way adults interact. Calm, considerate behaviour shows children how to treat others.
• Support School Initiatives: From participating in parent workshops to encouraging your child’s involvement in co-curricular activities, supporting school programs reinforces their value and impact.

A Shared Journey

Together, families and staff form a strong and caring community that supports every child to thrive. By engaging positively with the school, parents not only strengthen their child’s learning journey but also contribute to the warm, supportive culture that makes St Peters Lutheran College Springfield unique.

Lia Sabri
Head of Primary Years

5 September

• Student Free Day
• Drama Troupe Play, 5:00pm – 6:30pm

8 September

• Springfield Sings Vocal Workshop/Hip Hop Workshop

9 September

• K–2 Athletics Carnival
• Dolce Voce Workshop with Paul Jarman

11 September

• RUOK Day

12 September

• Springfield Festival of Learning Rising Stars Competition 

15 September

• Senior Christian Studies Retreat Day

16 September

• Semester 2 Secondary Sport Photos at Indooroopilly

17 September

• AVEO Secondary Music Performance
• Mini House Olympics

18 September

• Term 3 Concludes
• QGSSSA Track & Field Championships

19 September

• Student Free Day

Tickets for the 2025 St Peters Gala Ball are selling fast. Don't miss out! To book yours, click here.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

It has been quite the year at our place. As the father of four now adult children, I have discovered that the joys and challenges of parenthood don’t finish when our children finish school. In the past 12 months, we have had three university graduations, two engagements, one wedding and another coming this year. I’ve had many a proud Dad moment. Walking my daughter down the aisle to marry her husband was a deep joy and privilege.

Sometimes our kids amaze us and delight us. But sometimes they go through struggles we wish they didn’t have to bear. Health issues, study and career dilemmas, loneliness, the influence of their peers, exposure to things that are dangerous or harmful or both, and sometimes they do things we wish they didn’t. As they grow, we realise we can’t always be there for them, and we need to trust that they will work things out for themselves. These can be moments of grief for fathers as we let go of our children. The best thing we can do is entrust them to God’s care.

The Parable of the Lost Sons (Luke 15:11–32) tells of the challenges and joys of fatherhood, among other things. The father must have been heartbroken when his son asked for his inheritance. He was not dead yet, but the son didn’t care. The listeners would have recognised this son as utterly disrespectful and dishonourable. But the father chose to let go and did not stop his son from leaving. This younger son absconded with his money to a faraway country and wasted it. When he was broke and envious that the pigs he was feeding had more to eat than he did, the son resolved to go back to his father’s house to beg for a job as a servant. He knew he had destroyed his status as a son.

The father may have let go of his son, but he never stopped loving him. He saw his son returning when he was still a long way off, ran to him, kissed him and welcomed him home. The listeners would have been almost as shocked by this behaviour as they were by the son’s rebellion. Surely any self-respecting father would not run, nor would he welcome back such a badly behaved son.

But he does. And he orders the celebrations to begin—fine clothes, feasting, and festivities, because his wayward son had returned.

This is God’s approach to us. He loves us and will not abandon us, even when we rebel against God and disobey Him. God is always waiting for us to return to Him. God looks for us, runs to us so that He might embrace us and welcome us home.

You who are fathers may not have this much patience and compassion, but God does. God is the one who is patient and loving. When we stray from God’s ways, our sin alienates us from God and others. The good news is that, as our loving Father, God is always ready and waiting to welcome us home. And He is always with us and with our children, even when we are not present.

This Father’s Day, may you delight in the Love of your Heavenly Father!

Pastor Matt Wilksch
Springfield Chaplain

At St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, student safety is our highest priority, including in and around our College carparks and surrounding streets. We remind all families to adhere to the 40 km/h School Zone speed limits on surrounding streets during designated times. In the carparks, we ask all drivers to follow the 10 km/h Shared Zone speed limit, follow the directional signage, use the designated Kiss’N’Go zone appropriately and remain vigilant for pedestrians, especially during peak times. A reminder too to please note that the Staff Carpark should not be used for school pickup and drop-off, and that all entrances to the College should not be blocked by vehicles at any time.

We also encourage all members of our community to use designated pedestrian crossings when crossing roads to ensure safety for both pedestrians and drivers. This applies both within the College carparks and also in the surrounding streets.

We will be following up this notice with pastoral conversations with our students over the coming weeks, where we will discuss road safety and doing the right thing.

This issue is very important to us, and by applying our College values of Care, Dignity, and Respect, we can all work together for a safer environment.

The College is blessed to be experiencing unprecedented growth and interest in enrolment.

Families with children currently at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, wishing to enrol a sibling in future years are reminded to submit an online enrolment application for your child as soon as possible, if you have not already done so.

Please note that due to the high demand for places, applications for siblings commencing in 2027 and beyond should be received before the end of Term 3, 2025. A link to our online enrolment application form can be found here – Enrol with Springfield

Sibling interviews for 2026 applicants are anticipated to commence in Term 4, 2025 and continue through into Term 2, 2026. Our Kindergarten is separate from this, and families must ensure that they have registered their interest for a place directly with our on-site Kindergarten.

Families seeking enrolment in 2026 are urged to make immediate contact with the enrolments team to discuss availability. For further information, please contact the Enrolments Team via s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au or phone 07 3470 3888.

Thank you for your support.

Enrolments Registrar

Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,

We would like to assure you that planning is well underway to ensure effective educational programs, staffing and administration at our school in 2026. As part of this process, it is important to confirm our expected student numbers for next year.

For students Continuing at St Peters Springfield in 2026

If your child will continue as a student at the College in 2026, no action is required. Unless the Head of Springfield or our Enrolments Office receive written advice from you indicating otherwise, we will assume your child is returning and their place at the College is secured.

For students Leaving St Peters Springfield at the end of 2025

If you plan for your child to leave the College at the end of 2025, we would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about your decision. While we understand that family circumstances and plans may change, we welcome your feedback and may be able to offer support or explore alternative options that can assist.

Please note that the College requires written notice at least one term in advance for any student withdrawing at the end of the year. The final date to provide notice is Thursday 18 September 2025.

If you have any questions about continuing enrolment or are considering enrolling a sibling, please contact our Enrolments Team at s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au or by phone 3470 3888.

Thank you for your continued support.

Enrolments Registrar

In today's world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the habits they cultivate.

It is essential for students to recognise that good study habits are not merely about spending extra hours hitting the books, but about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.

Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child's ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams.

Here is the link to your Special Report: Link to SchoolTV Special Report

Year 10 Students Take the Wheel on Safety

This term, our Year 10 students took part in the BRAKE Driver Awareness Program, an educational initiative designed to prepare young people for the responsibilities of driving. The aim is to create a long-term change in attitude that is resilient in the face of actual driving experience and peer group pressure.

The program, which aligns with our commitment to student wellbeing and safety, offered a series of interactive sessions focused on:

• Risk management and decision-making
• How young people assess risks in a different way to adults. This means they do not assess dangers accurately.
• Understanding peer influence
• Real-life consequences of unsafe driving
• eScooters and Personal Mobility Vehicles

Students explored these topics through real-world scenarios and discussions, helping them build a strong foundation of knowledge and awareness before they begin their driving journeys.

We are proud of our Year 10 cohort and look forward to continuing our partnership with BRAKE to support safe driving habits in our school community.

Michelle Atkins
Year 10 Coordinator

Students from Year 12 Biology and Year 11 Biology each experienced a 'Day in the Life of a Scientist' at the Clive Berghofer Queensland Institute of Medical Research.

Dr Manuel Santos described the purpose of medical research as a vocation spurred by a desire to improve life for people around the world—a concrete example of how our young people can live a life of purpose guided by values.

The Year 12 students practised using micropipettes to do serial dilutions and used agarose gels to separate DNA fragments from a family where the paternity of one child was in question. Eloise S solved the conundrum even before Dr Manuel had finished explaining it!

The Year 11 Biology students learned how to make blood smears for microscopy, identified diseases that impact blood, and explored how osmosis maintains cell shape and volume.

As a special treat, the classes were given a tour of the mosquito research lab with Dr Elina Panahi, where they learned about the different species of mosquitoes in Australia, the diseases they transmit, and how researchers at the Institute are working to develop better methods of control and prevention of disease spread.

Dr Michelle Thygesen

We are pleased to invite parents of Year 7 students to an information session about Tech-Together, a University of Queensland (UQ) program, designed to empower families in building healthy screen use habits together. This is more relevant than ever, with growing concerns around excessive screen time, social media use, online safety, and the challenges faced by students and their families.

The Parent information session will be conducted online via Zoom on Thursday 4 September from 6:00pm – 6:30pm.

Zoom link: https://uqz.zoom.us/j/86478420200

This session, along with a student information session that has already been conducted, will be delivered by the program team from UQ. We encourage you to attend and bring along any questions you may have. An email was sent to Year 7 parents this week, with the following attachments:

• A flyer with QR code to express your interest
• Schedule of activities
• Participant Information Sheet (PIS)
• Consent forms

You can view the flyer and schedule by clicking this link: Link to flyer and schedule

Following the information sessions, you have until 18 September to decide whether you and your child would like to participate in the program.

You can express your interest in participating in the program by clicking this link: Link to EOI

Why does learning a musical instrument matter? Playing a musical instrument involves the motor, visual, and auditory sections of the brain.

St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Drama Presents A Night At The Theatre 

An evening of drama will be held tomorrow night, Friday 5 September, from 5:00pm – 6:30pm in the JHP Foyer for the Primary and Secondary Drama Troupe Presentations of What a Shambles and excerpts from A Midsummer Night's Dream.  Thanks to Mrs Wilson and Mrs Scott for their work with the drama troupes this year. Seats are limited so reserve your seat by clicking on this link: Book your tickets now! 

Springfield Festival of Learning 

On Monday 8 September, St Peters Lutheran College will host an event as part of this Festival.  The Springfield Sings vocal workshop, facilitated by leading Australian Composer Paul Jarman, will involve primary vocalists from several schools in the area. The following day, Paul will work with Dolce Voce from 8:00am – 9:30am. Some Primary students will be participating in a Hip Hop Workshop to be held at The Springfield Anglican College, also on Monday 8 September. Selected soloists will perform at the Rising Stars Competition at Woodcrest State College from 6:00pm on Friday 12 September. Thanks to Mrs Schmeider, Mrs Hunter, Mrs Campbell, and Ms Powell for their support of these events.

Cocurricular Commitments

A gentle reminder that all Arts cocurricular ensembles have performing commitments in Term 4, and it is an expectation that students attend all rehearsals. As a courtesy, if you know you will be absent for any reason, please email the Director in advance to notify them of your absence so they can plan accordingly. Please also be in the room before the scheduled rehearsal start time, to assist with set-up, tuning, etc, as time is limited.

Upcoming Events 

8 September – Springfield Festival of Learning – Vocal Workshop/Hip Hop Workshop
9 September – Dolce Voce Workshop with Paul Jarman
12 September – Springfield Festival of Learning Rising Stars Competition 
17 September – AVEO Secondary Presentation  

Mrs Geraldine Campbell 
Performing Arts Coordinator

It has been a huge week for sport with our athletes achieving some fantastic results at recent carnivals.

Track & Field 

Congratulations to all students who represented St Peters Lutheran College Springfield at the Greater Brisbane Conference (GBC) Track & Field Championships on Monday 1 September at QSAC.

We look forward to sharing our teams' achievements in next week's Cornerstone and on the St Peters Lutheran College Springfield social media pages.

Go Saints!

Last weekend’s BSRA Head of the River at Wyaralong Dam was a fantastic celebration of schoolgirl Rowing. While it was condensed into a shorter format due to Saturday’s weather postponement, the spirit of competition, resilience, and camaraderie shone through.

For St Peters, there were a number of highlights and proud moments worth noting:

Year 11 Success – A standout performance came from Stephanie P, who claimed 1st place in the Year 11 Single Scull final with a time of 3:55.56, a tremendous individual result that sets a benchmark for the program.

Strong Senior VIII Effort – Our Open First VIII rowed a determined race, finishing 6th overall in 6:44.61. In a highly competitive field, the crew demonstrated commitment, technical improvement, and resilience, closing their season on a strong note.

Building Depth in the Program – Across the age groups, St Peters crews showed grit and steady development:

• Year 10 Quad Scull Div 2 – 5th place (5:51.00), a solid showing in a tough division.
• Year 10 Quad Scull Div 1 – 8th place (5:44.11), demonstrating depth and commitment at the sharp end of competition.
• Year 9 & Year 8 crews competed bravely, with several finishing mid-field, showing encouraging signs for the future as athletes gain more racing experience.

While we celebrated podium finishes, we also acknowledged the tight margins where crews narrowly missed higher placings. These experiences provide invaluable lessons for our athletes and coaches alike, sharpening our focus for the 2026 season.

Above all, the weekend highlighted the dedication of our athletes, the tireless work of our coaches, and the commitment of our parents who make so much possible behind the scenes.

We leave the 2025 Head of the River proud of our results, realistic about where improvements can be made, and motivated to build further success for 2026.

Lachlan Allen
Director of Rowing