2024 Term Dates – A New Model for Prince of Peace
Every year, we run four terms of 10 weeks of school. Within that current format, week 10 of the fourth term is a pupil free week, with staff Professional Development and training programmed for the final week of the year. The College then breaks for the Christmas and New Year holidays, and our teaching staff then return in the new year with another week for Professional Development, training, meetings, etc. Effectively, we push all of our significant Professional development time into a two-week block, once a yearly cycle.
We have been monitoring this for some time now and believe that a better model, already found in a number of local schools, would allow the College to space the Professional Development across the year.
- The end of year pupil free week/staff Professional Development week will be repositioned to the middle of the year – Term 2 Week 10.
- Term 3 would start on a Monday
- The two pupil free days that traditionally began Term 3 would be moved to the last two days of Term 4.
These changes will allow a week of PD-related work for teaching staff every 6 months, rather than two follow-on weeks once a year.
Effectively, we have simply swapped three weeks within the year around. The amount of teaching time does not change. Every year, our students have 190 days of school in the year, minus those public holidays that move and shift (Australia Day, Easter and ANZAC Day) – so the number could be 187 (this year the number is 188, as Easter was in the centre of the holiday break).
2024 will be no different and have 187 days (with Good Friday finishing Term One). However, our layout of term dates will alter slightly.
| Term | Wks | Beginning | Finishing | Change to 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | 10 | Mon 22 Jan | Thu 28 Mar | -nil- |
| Two | 9* | Mon 15 Apr | Fri 14 Jun | Week 10 will be a pupil-free week (previously Week 10 in Term Four) |
| Three | 10* | Mon 8 Jul | Fri 13 Sep | Students will start back on Monday (not Wednesday) |
| Four | 10* | Mon 30 Sep | Wed 4 Dec | Week 10 a short, 3-day week (previously the first week of Term Three) |
Looking at the alignment with public schools in 2024, their final day will be Friday 13 December.
We believe this will allow for better use, across the year, of the time allocated to teaching staff for training, planning and upskilling, resulting in better outcomes for our students.
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Simon Hughes
Head of College
Calling expressions of interest for the Arana Touch Football Season. Any caregivers wishing to register their PoP U8-13 child/children for the upcoming season, please contact Jess Schneider VIA SEQTA as soon as possible.
Approximate cost is $144. Prince of Peace students have participated in past years with multiple teams and thoroughly enjoyed this excellent extracurricular opportunity.
Billy G’s Cookie Dough Fundraiser—THANK YOU!
Thank you to all the families that supported our cookie dough fundraiser. We appreciate all of your efforts.
The preliminary number of orders is 328 tubs sold at the Junior Campus and 147 at the Middle & Senior Campus.
Junior Campus delivery date: Friday 9 June
Middle & Campus delivery date: Monday 12 June
Orders are required to be collected between 3-4pm at respective campuses as we do not have cold storage available. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Andrea on 0412 597 644 or Rebecca on 0418 193 030.
Our Community – Opportunity, Engagement and Growth
The past few weeks at the College have been busy and I could not be prouder of our whole community. Our students with their enthusiasm and willingness to be involved, our parents who support, encourage and willingly help, and our staff who go above and beyond with their time, skill and love for the people here. Opportunity, engagement and growth have been hallmarks of many moments and I have briefly listed some highlights:
- The sense of pride and accomplishment as audiences applauded those involved at Shrek, The Musical. Our Junior Campus crew, both students and staff, did themselves proud throughout the experience showing enthusiasm, dedication, and skill.
- Our Year 4 campers returned from Luther Heights, tired but happy with how they had approached the challenges of camp. The sense of excitement and fun couldn’t be hidden as they tried new things, challenged themselves and were supported by staff and two brave parent campers.
- The proud and excited learners sharing with their families at the recent Learning Expo. The PoP Cross Country Team who braved the damp conditions for the NISSA Primary Cross Country with PoP finishing 2nd overall and taking home the Percentage Trophy.
Then I look ahead at the week and see:
- Some of our Chess Club students are participating in a Chess Tournament – our first one after the COVID years. Certainly not possible without the dedication of Mr Russell or Miss Burke.
- The PoP e-Sports team is off to compete against other teams, this time, in the highly competitive and collaborative world of Mario Kart. It is a small contingent but enthusiastic group as they venture to a new experience.
- Student leaders are attending the local Sorry Day Ceremony, on Friday 26th May at Teralba Park.
- And finally, we round out the week with the P&F Disco which will no doubt be a highlight of gathering, fun and laughter.
When students, staff and families actively participate in their school community, they not only enhance and strengthen educational journey, they contribute to a positive and vibrant learning atmosphere for everyone involved.
We all contribute to the personal growth and the opportunities for students to explore talents, interests and passions that can expand knowledge skills and experiences that foster personal development.
We invest in confidence and empowerment to build and strengthen self-belief and a sense of agency.
We encourage individuals to make choices and pursue goals leading to increased self-esteem and well being.
And finally, it is in these opportunities we can foster social cohesion, build community, making space for diverse individuals to come together for collaboration, understanding, mutual respect and a sense of belonging.
These words are simple but are written with a sincere heart.
Year 4 Camp—Luther Heights
Thank you, POP community, for all you do.
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
R.E.S.P.E.C.T – Find out what it means at PoP
At PoP we value and model our 4R’s in the playground and classroom. In past Popcorn editions, we have looked at Relationship and the importance of being in community with one another. An important part of being in positive relationships with others is respect. As parents, we want our children to be successful, productive, and happy in life. But how do we achieve this goal? Teaching our children about respect is a key part of any good parenting strategy. Respect is an important value for children to learn – it’s much more than simply obeying parents or teachers. Respect allows people to relate to one another with consideration and understanding and sets a foundation for a lifetime of healthy relationships.
When children learn to respect their parents, siblings, peers, and teachers, they learn to make better behaviour choices. This helps them succeed in school, at home, and outside the home. Showing respect for others encourages children to take responsibility for their actions, build self-confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. In addition, respect makes it easier for children to stay out of trouble. Knowing that their peers and teachers hold them in respect keeps them from taking rash actions or joining in risky behaviours.
Many parents have found that teaching their children respect starts with modelling respect in their own behaviour. Demonstrating good manners, apologising when appropriate, and treating people with dignity and respect give children an excellent example to follow. This is also an important part of our Lutheran ethos and Service-Learning concepts.
Respect remains a valuable lesson throughout our lives. Teaching children about respect is an essential aspect of their upbringing and contributes to their social and emotional development. Here are some key points that we could all consider when teaching our children about respect:
- Be a role model: Children learn primarily by observing and imitating their parents’ behaviour. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to model respectful behaviour in their interactions with others, including their children, partners, family members, and friends. Children are more likely to adopt respectful attitudes and behaviours if they consistently witness respectful actions from their parents.
- Teach empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Help your child develop empathy by encouraging them to consider how their actions and words may impact others. Teach them to recognise and validate different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, fostering an understanding and appreciation for diversity.
- Establish clear expectations: Set clear and age-appropriate expectations regarding respectful behaviour. Explain to your child what respect means and provide examples of respectful actions in different situations, such as using polite language, listening attentively, and treating others kindly. Consistency is key in reinforcing these expectations.
- Encourage active listening: Teach your child the importance of active listening, which involves paying attention, maintaining eye contact (if able), and showing genuine interest in what others are saying. Help them develop good listening skills by modelling active listening yourself and engaging in conversations where they have the opportunity to practice this skill.
- Promote conflict resolution: Teach your child effective strategies for resolving conflicts in a respectful manner. Encourage them to express their opinions and emotions calmly and assertively, while also teaching them to listen to others’ perspectives. Help them understand that compromise and finding mutually agreeable solutions are key to respectful conflict resolution.
- Teach boundaries: Respecting others’ boundaries is an important aspect of respect. Teach your child to ask for consent before entering someone’s personal space, touching their belongings, or engaging in activities that may affect others. Similarly, guide them in recognising and respecting their own boundaries, empowering them to assert themselves when needed.
- Foster gratitude and appreciation: Cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation in your child by encouraging them to express thanks and acknowledge acts of kindness from others. Help them develop an understanding of the effort and consideration behind gestures of goodwill, promoting a culture of respect and gratitude.
- Address disrespectful behaviour: If your child displays disrespectful behaviour, address it promptly and constructively. Use these instances as teachable moments to discuss why their behaviour was disrespectful, the impact it may have had on others, and alternative, respectful ways to express themselves or handle similar situations in the future. Encourage self-reflection and responsibility for their actions.
- Encourage positive relationships: Guide your child in building positive relationships with peers, siblings, and adults. Emphasise the importance of treating others with respect, kindness, and empathy. Encourage them to seek out friendships based on mutual respect and shared values.
- Maintain open communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their thoughts, experiences, and questions related to respect. Regularly engage in conversations about respect, reinforcing its importance and addressing any concerns or challenges they may encounter.
Remember, teaching respect is an ongoing process that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By instilling these values early on and reinforcing them consistently, parents can help their children develop into respectful individuals who value and appreciate others.
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Deputy Head of Campus – Junior
Junior Campus Mother’s Day Stall—thanks to volunteers
The P&F hosted the annual Mother’s Day Stall at the Junior Campus on 10-11 May, the students thoroughly enjoyed their shopping time, picking out gifts for the special ladies in their lives.
Thanks to the many volunteers who made the days run so smoothly: Ainsley Helen, Emma Watson, Michelle Faragher, Samantha Everington, Sean Hitchenson, Stephen Isles, Jess Buys, Julie Freeman and Shonel Susan Hall. A special thanks to Emma Watson, Michelle Faragher and Sean Hitchenson who volunteered significant hours and were instrumental in the running and pack down of the event.
Finally thanks to our Junior Campus bakers: Ainsley Helen, Emma Schmalkuche, Ari McKinnon, Maree Stevenson and Jess Buys who made scrumptious treats to take home for mum.
Andrea Rhind & Rebecca Hitchenson
Mother’s Day Stall Coordinators
The joy of living in community
This last week has seen much excitement and joy amongst the Middle & Senior Campus as we celebrate the success of the Shrek Musical at Kedron-Wavell Services Club and see many teams in the Year 7-10 NISSA Sport reach finals and finish in improved positions on the ladder. The learning, positive risk taking and growth that happens through these experiences that are outside of the classroom, enriches the lives of our young people.
We are thankful to the dedication of our staff in making these experiences happen for our young people and building a compassionate community. There was a final song called ‘This is our story’ in Shrek where the fairy tale characters sing; We are different and united, You are us and we are you, This is our story, this is our story, This is our story. These lyrics are a beautiful reminder that God made us all with a special talents and gifts and when we use these in service to others the heart of a community grows and strengthens.
We would like to acknowledge the many staff and students for their service in the production and creative aspects of the musical, a full list of names are credited on the back page of the musical program here. We would also like to acknowledge thank the support of parents who supported their children in being involved and the many students, families, friends, past students, staff, and community members who came to watch one of the performances. However you became connected to the Musical, it is a reminder that you are a part of the Prince of Peace story.
Sarah Hoff-Zweck
Head of Campus – Middle and Senior
Find your passions and enriching pathway with us at Prince of Peace
We invite students and parents from Years 4 to 10 to come to the Subject Offering Expo on Tuesday 30 May to learn more about the subjects and pathways that we offer from Years 9 to 12 at the Middle and Senior Campus.
The Subject Offering Expo will be open from in between the year level presentations to speak with staff from a variety of learning areas to know more about the pathways and subject offerings. We ask that if you are intending to come please RSVP via SOBS bookings to the specific year level session/s you will be attending.
Upcoming webinar for parents—’Ask Elevate Anything’
At Prince of Peace, we have commenced a learning partnership with Elevate to support our Middle and Secondary students. Elevate is a company that provides students with effective study skills and strategies. This year students in Year 11 and 12 have been led in a session on Time Management. In our partnership with Elevate the company offers our parents free workshops to provide advice and support based on current research. Prince of Peace are excited to announce that Elevate Education’s next free webinar will be taking place on 6:30pm Wed 24 May, titled ‘Ask Elevate Anything’. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you feel have been unanswered by Elevate in their webinars so far, whether that relates to your child’s study space, their motivation levels, the way they study – sign up to their webinar for an opportunity to have your question answered! I would encourage you to register for the next free event.
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.
Register to the Webinar here for free »
Peace to you,
Wendy Bowen
Director of Teaching and Learning
Careers @ PoP
Year 10s
This week we see Year 10’s off to the Careers Expo at the Convention Centre. They will have the opportunity to research not only for their assessment tasks, but also can get ideas of post-school options. There are many different exhibiters to explore and ask questions of.
Students will be leaving at the start of morning tea and returning for Lesson 6. Please return permission forms if you haven’t already.
Year 11 & 12
Universities and other providers are starting to advertise their open days and expos. I encourage anyone in Years 11 or 12 to start going to open days to gain knowledge about institutions and the courses that they offer. A starting point would be https://www.qtac.edu.au/open-days-expos/
Individual university websites will also provide online webinars for prospective students and their carers.
Please contact me via direct message if you have any further questions or concerns.
Julie Grosas
Careers and VET Leader
Calling for non-perishable food items donations
Year 7 and Year 8 Food Technology students are continuing to learn about sustainability and using up waste in the home.
Once again we are collecting non-perishable food items. This food will be used in our Food Technology classes with the students writing recipe cards so that others in need can then use up the foods donated.
If you can find time to donate some non-perishable food items, baskets are in the Year 7 Pastoral care rooms as well as at front reception.
The hampers will be donated to Ozharvest at the end of the term.
Thank you for the support.
Mrs Julie Grosas
Food Technology Teacher
The Biggest Morning Tea
This week Year 11 and 12 will be completing their major projects for the term.
They are hosting Morning Teas for staff. All money raised will be going towards The Cancer Council.
If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause please follow the link below.
https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/juliegrosas
Regards,
Year 11 &12 Hospitality classes
Junior Campus Sport
NISSA Cross Country Team
Congratulations to our NISSA Cross Country Team, braving competition in the cold and miserable weather last Monday. All runners gave their best efforts in representing themselves and the College, as a result were awarded 2nd overall and 1st percentage trophy. Special acknowledgment to our place-getters; Hannah M (2), Laura L (3), Rosezen J (1) & Aaron C (3).
Congratulations to Lachlan Ireland for being selected in the North District Tennis Team and compete at the Metropolitan North Regional Trials in June. Best of luck in your preparation and trainings Lachlan.
Congratulations on her tremendous sporting ability and efforts Hannah McKinnon, representing the College at both North District Touch Football Championships in Cairns last week, as well as North District Cross Country with Laura Larder & Rosezen Johnston this week.
We wish Joel Ng best wishes in his performance in the Australian Skipping Rope Championships, next month. Best of luck Joel!
Pure Tennis Hot Shots before School Program, information available here or sign up here.
Important Upcoming Carnival Dates:
Year 3 – 6 Senior Athletics Carnival Term 2, Week 8, Friday 9 June 9am-2:45pm @ PoP Junior Oval
Kindy – Prep Sports Day Term 3, Week 2, Monday 17 July 9am-12:30pm.
Jessica Schneider
Junior Campus PE Teacher & Sport Coordinator
Middle & Senior Campus Sport
NISSA Season 1
A massive congratulations to all our NISSA teams this season. We have performed above and beyond expectations across the board, coming up against established sporting schools. We had some amazing results throughout the season, with a number of top 4 finishes.
A special mention to our 3 teams that made it into the Grand Finals.
Our Yr 9/10 Volleyball Boys A team came up against Grace Lutheran College in their final last Thursday. The boys came out of the gates quickly to nab the first set. Unfortunately, the Grace boys came back in the second and took that set to force a decider. The final set was a close tussle, with our boys just being edged out 15-11. The boys played exceptionally well and should be pleased with their 2nd place.
The Yr 7/8 Touch Football Boys A team played their final on Wednesday afternoon. The boys had a very shaky first half performance to be 3-0 down at the break. The boys finally calmed the nerves and were able to hold onto the ball for longer periods in the 2nd half to roar back into contention. With scores at 4-4 going into the last few minutes of the game, they were in with a chance. Unfortunately, they weren’t quite able to hold out and went down 5-4. They had a great season, only recording 2 losses. They were particularly impressive as they fought a lot of injuries throughout the season and often only had 5-6 boys each week.
Our Yrs 7/8 Touch Football Girls A team had been undefeated throughout the season and came in to the final game as favourites. The girls played with composure throughout, putting some great team play together to take an early lead. They were never really threatened, taking the game 4-2 over Grace Lutheran College. It was a wonderful achievement for the girls and thoroughly deserved after their performances over the past 11 weeks.
NISSA Season 1 results:
Season 2 begins in Week 1, Term 3. Students have the choice of Basketball, OzTag, 9-a-side Football (Soccer) and Beach Volleyball. As we did for Season 1, all students will be given the opportunity to trial but they may not necessarily make the team. If that occurs, they will be given the chance to choose another sport to participate in.
Any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with me via SEQTA message.
StreetSmarts Cricket
The Senior Boys cricket team competed in the Streetsmart Cricket competition a few weeks ago against Kelvin Grove State College. The boys had participated in this competition last year and were keen to be involved in it again. The team consisted of Elijah Walsh, Lucas Cantarella, Dylan Turley, Ryan Eaglestone, Toby Kenyon, Ryan Pustolla, Tom Lefevre, Raggy Nagpul, Leon Fletcher, Jeremy Schofield and Aidan Gardso. The boys were put into bat first with Elijah and Lucas getting the team off to a solid start, putting 22 runs on the board. Lucas scored 22 off 27 before being bowled out. We lost a few wickets in the middle overs of the game before Toby and Ryan Pustolla came in and produced a wonderful knock. Toby started off quickly and ended up scoring 20 of 37 balls to stabilise the game for us. Ryan P took a while to get going (0 runs of his first 15 balls faced) but then found his range, sending the KG bowlers all around the ground. Ryan played some lovely strokes on his way to scoring 40 of 32 balls. The boys were able to get to a respectful total of 7/116.
In response, KG lost a few early wickets but found a few batters in their middle order that helped to turn things around for them. In the final over of the game, KG needed 5 to win and were able to get the runs with 2 balls to spare. It was a good effort from our bowlers with Elijah Walsh picking up 3/28, Ryan Pustolla took 2/11, Dylan Turley took 1/22 and Toby Kenyon nabbed 1/34.
A wonderful effort from all boys involved and a special mention to Aidan Gardso and Leon Fletcher who filled in at the last minute.
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
Middle & Senior Campus Music News
SHREK the MUSICAL!
Congratulations to all involved in SHREK the MUSICAL! Over 1000 members of our school community came along to enjoy the show! What a great statement that is about the quality of the performances and the confidence, skill and talent of the students involved. It takes a lot to be a “Musical” school, but it returns a lot too. Seeing these students around the campus this week, reflecting the rich afterglow of all that they have learned and become in the last week, warms the cockles of my heart. It makes it all worthwhile.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
We are going to hear the Queensland Symphony Orchestra play in a special education performance of The Lost Thing! on Friday 9 June. This is a daytime excursion to QPAC Concert Hall to hear the orchestra play LIVE! Students from the elective music classroom and Extra Curricular Ensembles Program will depart and return to Prince of Peace Middle & Senior Campus within the school day. If you have received an invitation to join us on this excursion via direct message remember that you have to REPLY to secure your ticket. Numbers are limited. Last year we had a fantastic time – you don’t want to miss out!
Rhythms Riffs and Refrains
Rhythms Riffs and Refrains is now only 2 weeks away, on Wednesday 7 June 6 – 8pm. Put this date in your diary as it will be a great night out. Many of the students involved in these ensembles are not in the musical and they have been working diligently since the beginning of the year. I am excited that we will hear the work of two of our new tutors: Sharon Nobs – who will conduct the Concert Band and Royce Jenner – who has been working with 101 Special and the Jazz Ensemble. We will also have our Senior String Ensemble with conductor Johanne Leask and Vocalese who have some little treats to share. The concert will be in M1 on the Senior Campus and we look forward to seeing you all there.
Please ensure that you have organised your Music Uniforms so that you look as good as you sound! Please note that long pants and socks are a part of the music uniform and take care that these are done correctly. When you are on stage you do not want attention drawn to anything but the wonderful music.
Also please note that the Senior Choir is about to start again!!! This ensemble paused during the rehearsals for the musical, and will resume again at the beginning of Term 3. Their rehearsals will be on Wednesday afternoons starting on 12 July 2023.
Let’s make music!
Linda Brady
Middle & Senior Campus Curriculum Leader of Music and Coordinator of Extra-Curricular Music
Worship
Sunday 28 May
9am Worship
5pm Together@5
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.