Resilience and Study
However we feel about exams as an assessment tool, the current model of QCAA is currently built around this model and, as such, we need to support our QCE students in navigating their study and revision time to make it as productive as possible for their own learning style.
Of course, this is true for all people, at all times. We have been working with all students across the College in resilience this year, and in many ways this is initially tied to getting our brain ready to work and learn. When we are in a ‘good mood’, our brain is more open to creativity and new ideas. We feel safe, secure and willing to take risks (i.e. learn!). So, first of all, finding ways to enhance our resilience and happiness can set the scene. Four regular keys can work here:
Gratitude trains the brain to focus on the positive so we filter out negative thoughts.
Mindfulness teaches the brain to be calm and focused, giving our brain time and space for new thoughts and ideas. Take some time to be alone, with all devices switched off, spending quiet time.
Exercise lowers stress levels, increasing feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine. This lowers anxiety and improves our good mood.
A good night’s rest increases energy levels, giving us the ability to meet challenges. When we sleep, the brain has time to find all sorts of hidden connections between ideas.
As an aside, I’m sure we can see the links in several of these to limiting technology! Speak with a student who has just recently returned from their four-week Mt Binga camp, and I’m sure all of the above were a strong focus on their time away – and play a part in any mindset shifts as a result.
But, for our Year 11 and Year 12 students, they now have to take that good mood and apply it as best they can to study. Below are some regular questions and answers that can be helpful – though everybody is unique.
How important is routine, like having a dedicated study area?
Not at all. The more environments in which you rehearse, the sharper and more lasting the memory of that material becomes. Â Most people learn better by studying in different locations, using different methods, at different times of the day, constantly changing the way they store material in memory.
Is there an optimal amount of time to study or practise?
More important than how long you study is how you use the study time you have. Ideally, break up study time into chunks over two or three days, each time re-engaging with the material, retrieving it, and re-storing it in memory.
How much does it help to review notes from a class or lesson?
While everyone is different, looking over highlighted material is one of the least effective ways to study; the same goes for verbatim copying. That’s because both are fairly passive and don’t engage the brain in the kind of work that will make learning sink in. What’s more, passive review can cause what cognitive scientists call the ‘fluency illusion’ – unwarranted confidence that you’ll remember it for good.
Is cramming a bad idea?
Not always. It can be okay if you’re behind and have no choice. But the downside is that you won’t remember much afterwards.
What does work?
Self-testing is one of the strongest study techniques. Old-fashioned flashcards work fine; so does a friend putting you through the paces. As does reciting a passage from memory, or explaining a concept in writing. Testing yourself does two things: it forces you to retrieve information from memory, and it gives you immediate feedback if you couldn’t remember it so you know what you don’t know and need to work on.
Is it best to practise one skill at a time until it becomes automatic, or to work on many things all at once?
Working on just one thing (free throws, a musical scale, the quadratic equation) improves skill. But over time, such focused practice actually limits our development of each skill. Mixed practice helps review material from several areas, sharpens differentiating among them, and trains the brain to match the problem types with appropriate strategies. This is especially helpful in a subject like mathematics.
How does sleep affect learning?
The deep sleep that occurs in the first half of the night is most important for consolidating and retaining hard facts – names, dates, formulas and concepts. So if you need to remember that kind of information, go to bed at your regular time to maximise deep sleep.
Are distractions from smartphones a bad thing?
When you’re struggling to solve a problem, a short study break – ten minutes to check in on social media – can be an effective technique. Distracting yourself from the task at hand allows you to come back fresh. But, the distraction of a phone while you are studying is not at all going to make for an optimal environment. Leave it in the kitchen!
Acknowledgement: From How We Learn by Benedict Carey
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Simon Hughes
Head of College
We are proud to announce that the College has ranked in the Top 40 Schools in Queensland based on our Class of 2023 ATAR results. Allowing our students to start engaging in their future careers while still at school and personalising their study journey through our MyPoP Pathway Program helped our students remain engaged, inspired and focused.
Congratulations to our Class of 2023.
Appreciation for Your Winter Carnival Contribution
All members of College Council would like to express their sincere appreciation for your invaluable contributions to our recent Winter Carnival.
Your generous donations, practical support, and hard work were core to the success of the Carnival.
The enthusiasm and energy that each of you brought on the day helped create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all who attended.
The Winter Carnival provided our staff, students, and families with the opportunity to laugh, have fun and enjoy the strong sense of belonging to our community.
From setting up stalls to managing activities, and ensuring everything ran smoothly, your efforts did not go unnoticed.
To our donors, your generosity was invaluable. Your contributions enabled us to offer a wide range of activities making the day enjoyable for everyone.
Our beautifully decorated 40th Birthday cake was also very special.
The funds raised will support the College in areas such as school programs, facilities, and specific initiatives, directly benefiting our students and enhancing their educational experience.
The success of the Winter Carnival highlights what we can achieve when we work together as a community.
Again, we express our sincere appreciation for your time, effort, and support. We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated staff, students, families, volunteers, and donors.
Sharryn Cook
Chair, College Council
Junior Campus
Open Morning
Middle & Senior Campus
Open Morning
Grandparents and Special Friends Day – This Friday!
Not long now until one of our favourite days of the year – Grandparents and Special Friends Day!
Grandparents and special friends hold a special place in our hearts and lives. These relationships are rich, ladened with wisdom, emotional support and often heaped in unconditional love and fun that can’t be underestimated in building social and emotional connectedness and resilience in children.
The morning on the Junior Campus is usually busy and crowded.
- Thank you to those who have provided an RSVP to help us with catering and organisation.
- Please follow staff directions so parking can be arranged safely. This year we are unable to park on the oval due to the recent rains. We have asked staff to carpool or to park off site for the day but we know there will be a shortage of car parking. We would suggest allowing some extra time for dropping off special guests and then parking.
- Join us in the chapel at the start of the day for Performances by our choirs and bands.
- Year 6 student leaders will be available at entry points to the campus to direct guests to classrooms or the performances in the chapel.
- Morning tea will be provided for Grandparents and Special guests in The Green Room and on the Hard Court.
- Students will be encouraged to take their own morning tea and accompany guests during this time.
In the past, some parents and carers have allowed children to leave school after the morning with their Grandparents and special guests. We will have a staffed sign out table in The Green Room at the morning tea area to facilitate this process.
Finally, to every Grandparent and Special friend that enriches the lives of another –  we honour you for your time, your patience, your wisdom, your stories and your willingness to be connected to a child in our community.
The National Day of Action (NDA) Against Bullying and Violence
In an already busy week, we are also taking the time to join together in this key prevention event for schools. During the week, staff and students will be involved in a number of learning and fun activities that provide clear messages about how we interact with each other.
The week gives schools the opportunity to:
- promote initiatives
- raise awareness of how to prevent and respond to bullying and violence
- showcase bullying and violence prevention work
- highlight steps taken to create inclusive and safe school communities
- share how they take action and empower children and young people, staff, families and the community to be part of the solution
- send a clear message that bullying and violence are not accepted.
Our Amazing Year 3 Students – Look at them Thrive on Year 3 Camp
This week our Year 3 students headed off on their first off campus camping experience. The excited faces say it all. These times of collaboration, growth and connection are priceless. Even though the weather has been wet, the Year 3 students and staff have tackled camp with resilience and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to hear more of your amazing camp stories.
Safety around the College
A huge thank you to the many families that drive carefully in and around the Campus. Our students and families are precious, and we all know that accidents can occur so quickly and unexpectedly.  No amount of needing to rush is worth an accident and with this in mind, please note the following points.
- Avoid doing u-turns on Rodgers Parade or skipping over the lined up traffic.
- Be patient when waiting in the pick up lines, especially when driving down the ramp to the Lower Car Park. Over taking during this time is more often than not unsafe to oncoming vehicles.
- If you are using the Kiss and Go Zone at the front of Reception in the morning or the Pick up Zone in the Lower Car Park at the end of the day, parents are asked to please remain in their cars to assist with the smooth flow of traffic. Parking is a better option for families that need to get out of cars to assist their children.
- Do not use the Hard Court area adjacent to the Green Room for drop off in the morning as this is a staff car park.
Thank you everyone for your assistance in keeping everyone safe.
Be Blessed
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
What is Emotional Literacy?
Did you know …
- There are 27 main human emotions.
- We experience at least 1 emotion 90% of the time.
- And frequently experience positive & negative emotions at the same time.
Emotional literacy is crucial for our children’s overall well-being and success. By understanding and expressing their emotions, children build stronger relationships, develop empathy, and handle challenges with resilience. Encouraging emotional literacy helps them navigate life’s ups and downs, fostering a positive self-image and healthier social interactions. Let’s work together to support our children in becoming emotionally aware and confident individuals.
If you’re interested in learning more about Emotional Literacy check out ‘The Imperfects podcast’. In the below episode, Dr Emily talks about the concept of Emotional Awareness and explains why it’s not only important to identify your unpleasant emotions, but why it’s even more important to express them when they arise.
‘The Imperfects’ podcast episodes are available here on The Resilience Project website, or you can subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Deputy Head of Campus – Junior
So much to celebrate and be grateful for…
Mt Binga Family Morning
Love and joy filled Mt Binga this on Saturday morning as Group 1 students, parents and siblings reunited. We give thanks to the Mt Binga staff for giving our young people this transformational experience of the heart, hand and mind of connection to country, people and God’s creation.
We are proud of these young people in who they have become through this experience and the light and story they will shine brightly back in their communities. We keep in our prayers Group 2 students, parents and siblings as they embark on the next four-week journey with courage, hope, determination, grit and resilience.
We encourage community members to connect via the Mt Binga Outdoor Education Centre Facebook page.
Chess Tournament @ PoP
This week Prince of Peace were honoured to host the Gardiner Chess Tournament, welcoming over 200 participants from surrounding schools. The format was Swiss rounds, allowing each participant to play up to seven games against opponents matched to a similar skill level.
We have a highly enthusiastic team of over 20 students who participate in the M&SC Chess Club, meeting each Friday at second lunch. Junior Campus clubs also meet at first break each Monday (Yrs 1-3), and each Thursday after school 3.00–3:45pm (Yrs 4-6). All students are welcome to join these clubs.
Thanks for the spirited competition from visiting students from schools including:
- St Joseph’s College Nudgee
- Brisbane Boys Grammar
- Kelvin Grove State College
- Marist College
- Mitchelton High School
- Wavell High School
- SMT (Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology)
We thank Pak Halim and Mr Norm Russell for their service to see chess grow and thrive at Prince of Peace for our young people.
Battle of the Bands 2024
Flashback to the Winter Carnival, where our Middle and Senior Campus musicians played in the Grand Final of Battle of the Bands for 2024. Noted, Denim Dreamers and Celadon performed their well-known tunes and original compositions to a packed audience of friends and families.
Congratulations goes to Celadon who took home the trophy on the day.
We thank our College Captains 2023/2024 Miles and Jasmine, Mrs Lindy Brady (Music Coordinator), Mr Richard Stevens (Year 12 Coordinator) and PoP Productions for their vision and commitment to giving our musicians the opportunity to shine.
Upcoming dates for Term 3
Please find the remaining dates for Term 3 events to assist in your planning. The dates are also recorded on the Calendar which is located on here our website.
16 August: P-12 Grandparents Day – MSC 11:00am-12:30pm
20 August: Book Week Parade
21 August: Year 12 Mock Exams begin
23 August: Middle and Senior Campus Open Morning
30 August: Middle and Senior Campus Father’s Day Breakfast 7:30am-8:30am
4 & 5 September: Year 8 Musical
We look forward to welcoming Grandparents and Special Friends to the Middle and Senior Campus on Friday 16 August and celebrating the special relationships that they bring to our young people’s lives.
Sarah Hoff-Zweck
Head of Campus – Middle and Senior
Australian Brain Bee Challenge
Brain Bee Finalists
Congratulations to Year 10 Psychology students Georgia and Olivia for successfully advancing to the State Final of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge after achieving Top 40 status across Queensland in round one. They proudly represented Prince of Peace Lutheran College at the Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland.
The day was filled with exciting experiences. Georgia and Olivia attended lectures by leading research neuroscientists, explored research labs, and even observed a real human brain. They also participated in a challenging team competition, showcasing their impressive knowledge and teamwork skills.
Georgia and Olivia’s hard work and enthusiasm for science have made us incredibly proud.
Congratulations to both of them for their outstanding achievement! We thank Mr Robert Smith, Year 10 Psychology teacher for giving our young people this opportunity and supporting Georgia and Olivia through to the State Finals.
Robert Smith
Teacher – Middle & Senior Campus
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Our 2024/25 Senior Student Leaders have chosen the theme for their leadership year: Building Unity in Community, inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:11. The current Year 11 students were installed in Week 4 as 2024/25 leaders, and special congratulations to our Senior Captains who were installed into their official leadership roles during the ceremony:
CAPTAINS: Hannes Forbes-Schutz & Sienna Gardner
MINSITRY AND MISSION CAPTAINS: Nicholas Horsington & Shaylee Godbolt
BRADMAN CAPTAINS:Â Gracie Lee & Chloe Beasley
FRASER CAPTAINS:Â Liam Bell & Chelsea Pfeffer
JACKSON CAPTAINS:Â Keely Fraser & Sophie Glentworth
LAVER CAPTAINS:Â Bianca Rhind & Lara Savaille
Building Unity in Community matches with the 2024 Bullying No Way! National Week of Action Against Violence and Bullying: Everyone Belongs. Using The Resilience Project program to build empathy amongst our students on the Middle and Senior Campus, we can understand what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes. Bullying behaviours towards others undermine positive relationships and show disrespect through actions and words. We strive to be a respectful and inclusive community where everyone belongs, and students can seek support to restore relationships. Our Week 6 Worship, led by our Year 7 students with Chaplain Reilly and Miss Bianca Stewart, will promote everyone belonging on the Middle & Senior Campus. In Week 10, as their first leadership assignment, the 2024/25 Senior Students will be developing lunch time Wellbeing activities in conjunction with R U Ok? Day to continue to build unity in our community.
Melissa Graham
Director of Wellbeing – Middle & Senior Campus
Careers @ PoP
Help your high school students get a head start on Uni
Study Uni subjects in Year 10,11 and 12
Want to help your students get ahead of the pack and experience uni while they’re still in high school? Come along to UniSC’s Headstart Information Evening to have a guided campus tour and find out everything you need to know about our Headstart program.
Headstart gives Year 10–12 students the chance to access university-level learning in an area they’re interested in. Students can study up to four first-year UniSC subjects and gain credit towards a future university degree.
Headstart students can reduce the cost of their full uni degree, as UniSC will cover the cost of their first Headstart course and any additional courses are only $400.
Help your students and parents access this great opportunity by telling them about our Headstart Information Evenings below.
Event details
UniSC Moreton Bay | Wednesday 4 September
Campus tour: 4.30pm‒4.50pm
Headstart presentation: 5pm‒6pm
UniSC Sunshine Coast | Thursday 5 September
Campus tour: 4.30pm‒4.50pm
Headstart presentation: 5pm‒6pm
Online via Zoom | Tuesday 10 September
5.30pm‒6.30pm
Who should attend
Students in Years 10 – 12, parents and secondary school staff.
Julie Grosas
Careers and VET Leader
Junior Campus Sport
NISSA Athletics and North Districts
Congratulations to all the athletes who gave their all recently at the NISSA Athletics and North Districts Athletics competitions! Your dedication and determination were truly inspiring. We are proud of your efforts and the spirit you displayed on the track and field. Special mention to our North District qualifiers: Katie Richardson 3rd 12 Year Old Girls 800m event, Maddie Baker 2nd 12 Year Old Girls Shot Put event.
Good luck to all the NISSA Gala Day teams competing next Friday! We believe in your skills, and let’s make teamwork a strong focus. Go out there and give it your best!
Jessica Schneider
Junior Campus PE Teacher & Sport Coordinator
Worship
Sunday 18 August:
9am Worship
Sunday 25 August:
9am Worship
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.
