Educational Disruptors
We are living in a dynamic era where education is undergoing significant transformation to meet the needs of our students in the 21st century. As a community committed to providing the best education for our children, it is important to stay informed about the latest progressive disruptors that are reshaping Foundation to Year 12 education in Australia. In this article, we will explore five transformative trends that are positively impacting the way our students learn and educators teach.
Personalized Learning:
Personalized learning recognizes that every student has unique learning styles, strengths, and areas for improvement. By leveraging technology and data analytics, educators can tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Adaptive learning platforms and personalized assessments enable students to progress at their own pace, focusing on areas requiring attention and exploring their passions. Personalized learning fosters student autonomy, engagement, and academic success.
Project-Based Learning:
Project-based learning (PBL) moves away from traditional memorization and emphasizes real-world applications of knowledge. PBL engages students in hands-on projects, enabling them to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. By integrating various subjects and disciplines, PBL encourages a deeper understanding of concepts and cultivates a love for lifelong learning. Students become active participants in their education, developing skills that are relevant to their future careers.
STEM Education:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has gained prominence in recent years, preparing students for the demands of a rapidly evolving world. By integrating these subjects and promoting experiential learning, STEM education nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation. Students engage in hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that foster creativity and problem-solving skills. STEM education equips students with the skills necessary for success in the digital age.
Coding and Computational Thinking:
With technology becoming increasingly pervasive, coding and computational thinking have become essential skills for students. Australian schools are introducing coding as a core competency from an early age, fostering logical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Computational thinking encourages students to approach complex problems systematically, developing algorithmic thinking and analytical skills. By equipping students with coding skills, educators empower them to become creators, innovators, and active participants in the digital world.
Blended Learning:
Blended learning combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online resources and digital tools. This approach provides students with flexibility, personalization, and access to a vast array of educational resources. Blended learning creates opportunities for interactive and self-paced learning, enabling students to take ownership of their education. It also supports collaboration and the development of digital literacy skills. During times of remote or hybrid learning, blended learning ensures continuity of education and engagement.
In conclusion, education in Australia is undergoing a transformative phase, embracing progressive disruptors to cater to the changing needs of students. Personalized learning, project-based learning, STEM education, coding and computational thinking, and blended learning are all revolutionizing the Foundation to Year 12 education system. By adopting these approaches, educators are equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to thrive in the 21st century.
If you have managed to read to the end of this article, you may have noted that, while interesting, it is perhaps a little too formal and repetitive in nature. It was created with ChatGPT by simply offering up the prompt ‘write a 500-word article on five progressive disruptors in Foundation to Year 12 education in Australia’.
This is unknown, the world our children are heading into. (Previously, the unknown has been innovations like ‘the internet’, before that ‘calculators’!) It can look exciting and terrifying all at once, but critically, it’s our role to help prepare them for it.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our students’ success.
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Simon Hughes
Head of College
College Council
The Prince of Peace Lutheran College is owned and operated by the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District (LCAQD), who delegate authority to the Prince of Peace College Council to oversee the operations of the College. Each year the positions of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are renominated.
David Ebbott has fulfilled the role of Chairperson (and, at times worn many other hats for us), for nine years. Through this time he has helped guide the College through some significant changes. David has stepped down as College Council Chairperson and member, however is still involved in assisting the College at this strategic level through his consultative involvement in some of the committees which sit under the College Council umbrella. I take this opportunity to thank David for all of his efforts over the years in his service to this role.
I am delighted to announce that the following College Council members have been nominated and have accepted the following positions:
Chairperson: Sharryn Cook (previous Vice Chairperson)
Vice Chairperson: Jarrad Oberhardt
Please join me in congratulating and thanking them for their hearts for our College and willingness to serve in these roles.
Pupil Free days
Many blessings for the coming break. We will see all of our students back on Wednesday 12 July (as Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 July are Pupil Free days for Prince of Peace in 2023).
Cookie dough fundraiser results
The total raised from the Cookie dough fundraiser was $2211 with the help and support of families from both the Junior and the Middle & Senior Campuses.
We appreciate the efforts of all that were involved in helping us to achieve this result.
Greetings from Canberra
This week, Prince of Peace Year 6 students are undertaking an education tour of the national capital. They are participating in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. Sites they are visiting include the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, Australian Museum of Democracy, National Electoral Education Centre, together with many other venues and fun activities including the National Dinosaur Museum and indoor rock climbing.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion and has been taken into account when calculating camp charges for families.
After many years of being Deputy and now Head of Campus, this year I have finally had the opportunity to travel along with Year 6 to Canberra; while down here I am being reminded of some key things:
- Canberra is quite cold – we are dressing warm!
- PoP children are the best: caring, curious and filled with interesting questions
- Staff at PoP go above and beyond in working with children. Not only do they give up family time for these camps, but their patience and care is outstanding
- Camps are the most awesome experience
Semester 1 Reports
The staff have been busy finalising reports through the past few weeks. Collating information, writing feedback, and marking, makes for very busy teachers. This year, on the Junior Campus we have included something extra to the report card. It is a section of the particular skills that students have been working on during their Inquiry Units. I’ve included an example from Year 5 and Year 3 for you to see.
Reporting on skills in a report card acknowledges the multifaceted nature of how students develop and highlights the development of skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, creativity and collaboration which are crucial for future success.
With the first Inquiry Unit completed just before our Learning Expo you will see
- One set of Inquiry Unit Skills on the report Card
- Inquiry Unit 2 and Inquiry Unit 3 skills will appear on the report for Semester 2 when units are completed
- Grades for these units of work are in the Australian Curriculum subject areas.
As you receive your child’s report card this week, I encourage you to take a moment to consider what you share with your child and ensure it positively impacts their next steps. These points might help guide your discussions.
- Choose an appropriate time and place to share the report. Don’t rush, and take a moment to work out what and how you want to share.
- Start with the positives and note improvements. Focus on effort and growth too.
- Be specific and future focused. For example, instead of saying, “You’re not good at math,” say, “Mathematics seems to be an area where you could benefit from some extra practice.”
- Offer specific suggestions and strategies to help your child improve in the areas that need attention.
- Listen actively: Encourage your child to express their thoughts, perspectives and feelings about their report card.
- End on a positive note with layers of love, support and confidence in their ability.
As always, you are welcome to reach out to the class teacher and seek clarification to work on ways to support your child. Additionally, early next term there will be parent/teacher/student conversations with bookings opening in the next few weeks.
Happy and Safe Holiday
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe holiday. For the first 3 weeks of Term 3, I will be taking some Long Service Leave and plan to visit my older son, Oscar in Amsterdam.
It is highly likely that I won’t be checking my messages during this time but spending this time reconnecting with family, bike riding through Belgium and France and walking the streets in some small German hamlet.
While I am gone, Mrs Lennon and Mrs Cochrane will be steering the Junior Campus ship in their capacity of Acting Head and Acting Deputy respectively. You are in good hands. If you do have any issues, please ensure that you message Mrs Lennon, Mrs Cochrane or Mrs Molkentin as they will be able to help you.
I look forward to catching up with you all in August when I return.
Thank you, POP community, for all you do.
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
Finishing Well
As our term draws to a close, it is important to emphasise the significance of finishing the term well. It is common for students to ease up or lose focus in the final weeks, and this provides us with an opportunity to reinforce the importance of perseverance and dedication until the very end. Encouraging our children to finish strong can have a profound impact on their academic growth, character development, and future success.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)
There is a certain feeling of great satisfaction with beginning a job and completing it well. Paul was so keen on finishing well, he wanted to finish the task set before him with joy. It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish that matters (Ecclesiastes 7:8). The secret of finishing well is leaning on God and putting our trust in him to see things through to fruition.
An example is the parable of the three servants entrusted with three different amounts of money from the master before going on a journey.
Upon his return he commends the servants who multiplied their talents, while the one who buried his talent out of fear is condemned. The parable encourages individuals to make the most of their abilities and resources, as faithful stewardship is rewarded (Matthew 25:14). Whatever God has put into your heart to do, do it with all your might. So anything you do today, do it with passion and be committed to it, you will get a good result (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Supporting Your Child in Finishing the Term Strong:
Maintain Open Communication: Engage in regular conversations with your child about their progress, goals, and any challenges they may be facing.
Provide encouragement and offer support, discussing the importance of completing the term with dedication and effort.
Set Realistic Expectations: Help your child set realistic goals for the remainder of the term.
Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable milestones, enabling them to feel a sense of progress and accomplishment along the way.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s accomplishments, both big and small.
Recognise their efforts and hard work, reinforcing the positive impact of finishing the term well.
As parents we play a crucial role in guiding and supporting our children academically, socially and emotionally. Encouraging them to finish the term well instils valuable life skills, builds character, and sets them up for future success. By emphasising the importance of perseverance, maximising learning opportunities, and boosting self-confidence, we equip our children with the tools they need to thrive not only academically but also in their personal and professional lives. Let us inspire our children to give their best until the very last day.
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Deputy Head of Campus – Junior
Disco proceeds donated to people in need
Thanks to the efforts of Emma Nicolls and her many helpers. This year’s Fluoro Disco raised a huge $1187.89 which is being donated to people in need through the Rosies – Friends on the Street organisation.
Rosies supports people who are marginalised within our community – especially those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or simply lonely.
Thanks to everyone who supported the evening to help make a difference in our community.
Code Camp is Back for Term 3!
The dates and timings for Term 3 sessions are:
Class Type: Coding – Years 2-6
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: 18 July to 5 September (8 sessions)
Times: 3pm-4:15pm
Please book via the Code Camp website HERE »
We are looking forward to continuing our students’ tech journey with Code Camp!
A time to reflect on student learning and growth
Our staff collaborate to create meaningful and rich learning experiences where the skills that students develop can be transferred across all of their learning areas. As we come to the end of a semester of learning we see the deep connections and growth that our young people are making in their learning journey. At the end of Semester 1, students will receive an end of Semester Report that will have a Pastoral Care Teacher comment, overall grade, and work habit results for each subject. These reports will be available through SEQTA on the final days of Week 10.
As students and parents reflect on the Semester 1 report, results and feedback on assessment tasks on SEQTA, we encourage parents and students to use some of these questions to help guide conversations:
- Can you show me a piece of your learning that you are proud of?
- What concept in your learning did you find makes you think deeply?
- What tasks do you find challenging and why?
- How did you make use of the study time in school and out of school hours? Are there some changes you need to make?
- What goals do you want to set in Term 3? Be specific and make sure they are realistic to achieve.
Parent, Student and Teacher Conversations Term 3
Parent, Student and Teacher Conservations will occur in Term 3 on Thursday 3 August (Week 4) and Wednesday 9 August (Week 5) from 3:30pm-7:30pm. Bookings will be made available through SOBS online booking system and will be communicated via a direct message on SEQTA. These are the last formal interview times for the school year; however, parents are always more than welcome to contact teachers for feedback over the phone or in person.
Semester 2 Timetable
Terms 3 and 4 bring timetable changes for most of our students from Year 7 to 10 with term-by-term specialist subject rotations and semester electives. Please note that there is limited change for elective subjects in Years 9 and 10 due to how the timetable is structured in the previous year and most subjects have wait lists. If you have any questions the first point of contact is Wendy Bowen, Director of Teaching and Learning.
Subject Preferencing process for Year 9, 10 and 11 for 2024 – your possibilities
Subject Preferences for Year 9, 10 and 11 for 2024 are now open on ‘Web Preferences’ and students will have received an email with a login/password and a hard copy of this information. The process and materials outlined below are provided to assist both students and parents in making decisions about subject preferences for 2024 in Years 9-11.
Key dates and materials for Subject Preference Process for 2024
Subject Preference Expression of Interest to be completed on ‘Web Preferences’ by Wednesday 12 July (Week 1 Term 3). Student’s personalised log in details to ‘Web Preferences’ were emailed to the student’s school email account on Friday 16 June (Week 9) and steps on how to complete subject preferences. Please find the links below to subject guides:
- Year 7-12 Curriculum Booklet for Year 9 2024
- Year 10 Subject Selection Guide for 2024
- Year 11 Subject Selection Guide for 2024
Year 9 and 10 students and families will be invited to a Course Counselling Interview that will be held with either the Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of QCE and Careers Coordinator. The Head of Campus (Middle and Senior) and Learning Enrichment Coordinator may be involved in this interview process. Year 10 Course Counselling interviews will begin in Week 5 Term 3 and Year 11 Course Counselling Interviews will begin in Week 6 Term 3. Parents will be informed when SOBS online bookings are available via SEQTA direct message.
We keep both parents and students in our prayers as you consider your child’s passions, strengths, and capabilities in the decisions that you make in forming your emerging pathway with us at Prince of Peace.
Year 11 goes PINK for the Cancer Council
As a wellbeing initiative, Year 11 students wore pink last Thursday to raise awareness for women’s breast cancer.
They also ran a Bake Sale and Sausage Sizzle during break times raising funds for the Cancer Council. Great work Year 11 for your efforts in supporting this important cause.
Holiday blessings
Every blessing as you enter the holiday break and safe travels to families who are travelling afar. May the holiday break be a time of rest, reflection and reconnection to family, friends, and God, as the normal routines of schooling are put on hold. May these words from Ephesians 3:17-18 be a reminder to reconnect with God’s deep love for you. May you experience how wide, long, high, and deep His love is for you.
Sarah Hoff-Zweck
Head of Campus – Middle and Senior
Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
The two Senior Hospitality classes would like to thank the PoP community for their donations to this wonderful cause. They managed to raise $525.00 from the two morning teas and other donations.
Careers @ PoP
Applying for a TAFE course
By now parents and students will have received emails about Subject preferences for 2024. Alongside of this, students may wish to apply for a TAFE course. If your student/s are at all interested in a TAFE course, I would encourage you to apply. The steps to apply are as follows:
1. Peruse the online course book.
TAFE AT SCHOOL COURSE GUIDE 2024 – GREATER BRISBANE by TAFE Queensland – Issuu
2. Select the course or courses of interest.
3. Apply from 17 July at TAFE Application – Pathways (tafeapply.com). How to apply is on page 4 of this guide. You will need to use the course application code that is found on pages 94 – 97 of the guide.
4. You will also need your student’s ‘LUI’ (Year 10 and higher should have this). They should also have a USI number. I will be able to provide the LUI number if your student has forgotten it. The USI needs to be created at https://www.usi.gov.au
5. After an application has been made, I will receive notification to approve it from the school level.
Other institutions such as Brisbane North West Trade Training Centre and Mater Education will be opening up their expressions of interest application throughout next term.
Please contact me via direct message if you have any further questions or concerns.
Julie Grosas
Careers and VET Leader
Junior Campus Sport
Year 3 to Year 6 Athletics Carnival
We are delighted to share with you the tremendous success of our Year 3 to Year 6 Athletics Carnival. It was a day filled with glorious sunshine, vibrant energy, and a remarkable display of sportsmanship from all our students. We are proud to announce the outstanding results achieved by our houses.
In first place, with an impressive total of 731 points, was Jackson House. Coming in a close second, with a commendable 718 points, was Fraser House. Bradman House secured third place with a noteworthy score of 684 points, and in fourth place was Laver House, achieving a commendable 601 points.
We have a Photo Gallery on the College website covering all the events, fun and smiles from the Carnival. If you are unsure of the password, please Direct Message Matthew Noon via SEQTA.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teachers and supportive parents for their invaluable assistance in making this event a resounding success. Your continued involvement and support play an instrumental role in nurturing our students’ athletic talents and fostering a strong sense of community within our school.
Special acknowledgement to our Athletics Age Champions:
Prep – Year 2 Sports Day Carnival
Our Prep – Year 2 Sports Day Carnival will be held at Prince of Peace Junior Campus during Week 2 of Term 3, Monday 17 July.
Please download the program here »
Winter school holiday activities!
Need some tips on budget-friendly school holiday fun?
Moreton Bay Council’s Libraries, Galleries and Museums and Environmental Centres have got you covered with many free and low-cost activities and events over the winter break! Explore the full school holiday program here »
Congratulations Archer
Congratulations Archer Nicol on your impressive softball skills demonstrated and well-deserved selection as a reserve into the North District Softball team.
Jessica Schneider
Junior Campus PE Teacher & Sport Coordinator
Middle & Senior Campus Sport
Senior Campus Inter-House Track and Field Carnival
The Senior Campus Inter-House Track and Field Carnival is on this Friday—please see the important details below.
Date: Friday 23 June
Location: 107 Lade St, Gaythorne
Transport: Students are able to be dropped off and collected at the venue by parents. Buses are available if needed – please ensure you let the office know by Thursday 22 June
Times: 8.45am-2.30pm. Please be aware that events may run up to 30 minutes earlier
Uniform: Full school sports uniform – including house shirts and wide-brimmed school hat. Sunscreen and a water bottle are also needed.
Food: Students are able to bring their own food but there will also be a sausage sizzle/drink stall being operated by our Yr 12 students.
Program:
If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch with me via SEQTA message.
Gabby Collman
Sports Coordinator
HPE, Science and Mathematics Teacher
Semester 1 NISSA Teams — Year 7 – 8
Futsal | Boys Team A
Futsal | Boys Team B
Futsal | Girls Team A
Futsal | Girls Team B
Netball | Boys Team A
Netball | Boys Team B
Netball | Girls Team A
Netball | Girls Team B
Touch | Boys Team A
Touch | Boys Team B
Touch | Girls Team A
Touch | Girls Team B
Volleyball | Boys Team A
Volleyball | Boys Team B
Volleyball | Girls Team A
Volleyball | Girls Team B
Semester 1 NISSA Teams — Year 9 – 10
Futsal | Boys Team A
Futsal | Boys Team B
Futsal | Girls Team
Netball | Boys Team
Netball | Girls Team A
Netball | Girls Team B
Touch | Boys Team
Touch | GirlsTeam
Volleyball | Boys Team A
Volleyball | Boys Team B
Volleyball | Girls Team A
Volleyball | Girls Team B
Middle & Senior Campus Music News
Rhythms Riffs and Refrains
Rhythms Riffs and Refrains was a great night. Thanks to all of you who attended.
Thank you to everyone who came and made the night so special. It is always a treasure not only to hear the wonderful music but also to watch the students enjoying the music of their peers. They sang and waved arcs in the air from the back of the room. There was a tangible buzz.
Upcoming PoP Gala— a celebration of music
Our PoP Gala celebration of music will be held on Thursday 17 August at 6pm in the Chapel on the Junior Campus. And the theme is 90s Music! We are SO excited.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra Excursion
We also had a totally fabulous excursion to hear the Queensland Symphony Orchestra play in the Concert Hall at QPAC. You can see by our faces the anticipation for the event and it did not disappoint.
There was something for everyone and we had some of the best seats in the House. We even saw Mr Jordan Hall in the orchestra! We miss him as a tutor but love that he is getting such good gigs. Thank you all for supporting outings such as this. They raise the bar on all of the work we do in the classroom.
Congratulations Jacob
During the Term Jacob Howard-Taylor entered the UME Composition Competition with a work called “Grapefruit”. He was honoured with a second place finish in the Instrumental Combo 18 and under section. That is an outstanding achievement of international significance. The young people who placed first and third came from Sydney and Singapore respectively. We have always enjoyed Jacob’s effervescent enthusiasm for music and talent, as we saw in his rich characterisation of Lord Farquaad but to see his composition work recognised in such a formal and significant context is a powerful reminder of the rich talent and skill that develops and flourishes right here at Prince of Peace.
Have a good rest
To all of our wonderful students and families, enjoy a blissfully peaceful holiday. Take time to restore. Remember your five points of homework:
- Sleep and Sleep and Sleep and Sleep
- Eat well – not the short cuts we take towards the end of a busy term
- Do something you LOVE every day and consciously be aware of how wonderful it is
- Do something kind for someone else every day – not random – but intentional kindness, something you know they will appreciate
- Tell the people who run around caring for you during term how much you love and appreciate them – EVERY DAY. Because it is true
Appointments will be in SEQTA as normal. Please accept these.
Linda Brady
Middle & Senior Campus Curriculum Leader of Music and Coordinator of Extra-Curricular Music
Worship
Sunday 25 June
9am Worship
5pm Together@5
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.
