Welcome to Week 10
Acting Head of College – Term Four
I recently communicated my upcoming long service and sabbatical leave for Term Four and that in order to keep any day-to-day impact on both the Junior and Middle/Senior Campus to a minimum, we will be seconding (borrowing!) a local Lutheran educator as Acting Head of College for Term Four.
We welcome Mr Warren Irvine to the Prince of Peace Community. Warren currently serves as the Deputy Head of Grace Lutheran College, working across both campuses at Rothwell and Caboolture. We are very excited that Warren will be able to join us for Term Four and thankful to Grace Lutheran College for allowing him to do so.
Business Manager
Another of my recent communications was that after three years with us, we are farewelling our Business Manager, Stephen Greener, at the end of the term. Stephen and his wife are heading out towards Gatton for a ‘tree change’ and life in a more rural setting which they have been longing for and previously enjoyed, where Stephen will be taking up the role of Business Manager at Peace Lutheran Primary School.
We are very pleased to announce that Mrs Donna Appelman has been appointed into this role, and she will be officially commencing on Monday 9 October. Donna is currently the Business Manager at the Mt Maria Petrie campus and has worked in other schools within the Catholic system before that. She is very excited to be joining our College and team at Prince of Peace and we look forward to welcoming her in October.
Updated Parent & Student Codes of Conduct
We have recently updated both our Parent and Student Codes of Conduct, which are available on our College Website and SEQTA portal. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with these.
We know that in a community of 800 students we are going to have days and events where students don’t see eye to eye. Students have disagreements, arguments, sometimes say the wrong thing, sometimes do the wrong thing. (I’m sure this happens even in all families from time to time with far less than 800 members!) This is a natural and expected occurrence in any school.
Just a reminder, also, to always bring any concerns to the College directly. Please don’t ever assume that we know about something. If you feel like perhaps nothing has been done – it is most likely because the College does not know, so please just let your child’s class teacher know in the first instance. It is never okay to approach a child (that is not your own) about something that may have happened, nor the family of a child.
PoP Celebrates
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College held its Thanksgiving service in the last week of November at a local church in Bridgeman Downs.
This year, we are very excited, not only to be able to run this event again, but to do so on site in our new Auditorium on the Middle & Senior Campus. This will be held on Thursday 23 November 2023.
We have also given the event a “face-lift”, with a rebranding to “PoP Celebrates” and plan to run two back-to-back sessions, hosting the Junior Campus in the first session and the Middle & Senior Campus in the second. More detail with relation to session times will be communicated in a future edition of Popcorn.
Building Opening
Last week we took ownership of the Auditorium and, now with the keys in hand (several weeks ahead of time), we can start to utilise this College space. The timing couldn’t be better and as a great trial run of the space, the building will host its first event on Wednesday and Thursday evening this week where our Year 8 students will bring to life ‘Circus’, which forms part of their academic studies. The construction of this wonderful asset was assisted through being partially funded by the State Government, and an official opening of the building will occur early in 2024.
Happy Holidays
I wish all of our students, families and staff a restful break over the coming fortnight, and we look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday 3 October for a busy final term of 2023.
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Simon Hughes
Head of College
Grace
We have been invited to embrace and extend the GRACE of our Heavenly Father!
Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son shows us the reckless ways of a younger son. This is as much a story about a prodigal son, as it is about a father who was literally reckless. It’s a story about a father who would do anything to be restored to his kid and allow them to experience prodigal, recklessly spendthrift love- the grace of God.
The younger brother’s recklessness allowed him to get his wealth and do what he wanted with it. The older brother’s righteousness was motivated by the same thing. He needed a place of home and his father’s love just as much as his younger brother. The older brother was lost up in himself, and still the father’s love is extended.
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” – Luke 15:31-32
God doesn’t want good people. Jesus shows us that He wants new people. This is not a matter of “the good are saved and the bad are lost”. We can’t save ourselves from our mistakes and brokenness. Yet, God sees us as we are, loves us as we are, and accepts us as we are. But by His grace, He does not leave us as we are. We have been invited to lead and live a forgiven life in Jesus.
We don’t need to question whether we are enough. Even when the church was birthed, the mission of the church was to make God’s grace, this good news, as easily accessible to people as possible. God’s grace is humbling and restorative and is available to all. He is a forgiving God. He listens and waits patiently for us to bring our messy self to Him. Redemption is reckless because it costs us nothing, but cost God everything.
Reilly Brown
College Chaplain
The School Locker Campus Store Reopening on the Junior Campus
Our School Locker Campus Store is reopening on Thursday 5 October, 2pm – 4pm. The store will open twice a week during the school terms as follows:
- Mondays 7:30am – 9:30am
- Thursday 2:00pm – 4:00pm
It is now located in G Block on the Junior Campus (in the same building as the JC Library). If you are entering from the front of the campus, simply walk past the library and take the staircase down to the lower classrooms. The campus store is situated in the last classroom on your right. If you are coming from the back of the College, G block is the middle block on the campus (between our Year 1 and our Year 3 classrooms). It is situated in the first classroom on your left at the top of the stairs. Signage will be installed to help all families find the new store.
Our campus store will carry all uniform items for Prep – Year 12. The earlier start on Mondays and the later finish on Thursdays have been chosen to help Middle & Senior Campus families with accessing uniform items around school pick up or drop off. The Junior Campus is located at 20 Rogers Parade West, Everton Park. Parking is available outside Reception and near the Church.
We thank the School Locker for helping make the return to a campus store possible.
Thank to Father’s Day Stall Volunteers
Our Father’s Day Stalls ran on 22 August at the Middle & Senior Campus, and on 28/29 August at the Junior Campus. Lots of fun was had by students picking gifts for the special men and father figures in their lives.
Thank you to our bakers for their generous food donations: Maree Grindrod, Ainsley Hellen, Emma Nicolls, Emma Schmalkuche and Emma Watson.
Also thank you to our lovely volunteers who gave of their time to assist on the days: Blaise Webster, Emma Nicolls, Emma Watson, Kylie O’Flynn, Maria Katergaris, Michelle Faragher and College students (Bianca Rhind and Gazal Sheth).
Andrea Rhind and Rebecca Hitchenson — Father’s Day Stall Coordinators
URGENT — VOLUNTARY PRODUCT RECALL NOTICE
The College has been notified that that the USB cable supplied by the manufacturer for the LED Flashlight Rechargeable Strobe Torch with strap purchased by some of our students as Father’s Day gifts, is defective in that it is unable to handle charging currents higher than 1A.
This means that if the USB cable is used in common third-party fast chargers, or high-power chargers, there is a risk that the USB cable could overheat and catch fire.
Moon & Back have decided to take urgent recall action to recall the USB Cable component of the product.
If your child purchased this product from the recent Father’s Day stall, we request that you contact Andrea Rhind or Rebecca Hitchenson.
Notifying the College Regarding Withdrawing a Student
If your child will not be attending the College in 2024, and is currently in Prep – Year 11, please let us know by Tuesday 3 October 2023 (first day of Term 4, 2023).
Sharing this information will help us prepare for 2024 and ensure we finalise your account at the end of the year.
Withdrawal emails can be sent to your Head of Campus or Donna Cook at dcook@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au.
Code Camp — Term 4
The Code Camp Team are excited to be back at Prince of Peace Lutheran College for Term 4, attendance can be booked HERE.
The dates and time for Term 4 sessions are as follows:
Class Type: Coding (Years 2-6)
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: 10 OCT to 28 NOV
Times: 3:00pm – 4:15pm
Appreciating the Journey of Term 3
As we bid farewell to Term 3, we can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in the progress we’ve made together. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to look back on the highlights that have made this term, one to remember.
- Our first Junior Campus Spanish Day
- Year 2, Year 3 and Year 5 Camps
- Book Week Celebrations
- Numerous sporting and Athletics competitions
- Parent Teacher Student Conversations
- Father’s Day Celebration in Prep and the P&F Father’s Day Stall
- Arts and Culture Night for Kindy to Year 6
- Grandparents and Special Friends Day
While the list is not exhaustive, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride as our community has gathered together, learned and celebrated. Thank you everyone who has been involved, in big or small ways, this is part of what makes PoP special.
Don’t forget our final Term 3 bit of fun with a purpose that our Junior Campus School Captains and Ministry and Outreach Captains are organising.
Help the Homeless – Splash for Orange Sky Laundry
Homelessness is a problem that has been on the hearts and minds of our young leaders for some time now. They see how simple things that we take for granted like cooking food, having a place to store belongings, sleeping under shelter, being comfortable and staying clean are so challenging when homeless. Their heart for helping others to understand and then do something practical to help has led to the development of this event. Orange Sky laundry, an organisation that listens, uses mobile washing machines and driers to wash the clothes of homeless people and families. But this costs money – about $26 per wash. They are asking the Junior Campus to join in with Splash for Orange Sky Laundry.
When: Last Friday of Term 3
Cost: Exchange a gold coin for two water balloons
Action: Watch the fun and see our teachers dodge the water balloons.
I’ve ordered plenty of water balloons. The students are excited, and the teachers have been practicing their dodging skills because together we can make a difference in the lives of people who need it most.
Junior School Arts & Culture Night
Reminder about Change to BYOD for 2024 on Junior Campus
This is just a quick reminder about the changes for BYOD on the Junior Campus next year. In brief these changes are:
- In 2024, Year 3 students are asked to supply an iPad, keyboard, headphones that connect to the iPad and sturdy case. IPads will be the only BYOD device for Year 3, please do not supply a laptop. Further information is contained in our BYOD iPad Only Program document and our BYOD laptop program document.
- Other families on the Junior Campus in Years 4 to Year 6 will continue with the current BYOD – laptop program. However, if you are finding that your child’s current laptop is broken, the battery is dying, needs replacing or believe that your child’s learning would be best suited to using an iPad with keyboard, headphones then this will be an option for your child too. Families are asked to be mindful of the iPad specifications as part of this option. Please refer to the document in the link above.
- If you are finding that your family is needing to make a decision about updating a device in the next term, and you wish to action the iPad option earlier than 2024, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher to discuss.
As my Christmas loving friend shared her excitement that we are nearly less than 100 days until Christmas I hope this reminder helps with any planning you need to implement for your family.
I want to wish you all a happy and safe holiday. I pray that it is a time where you can reconnect with your family, rest, recuperate and spend some time with God, who restores our weary hearts and minds.
Thank you, PoP community, for all you do.
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
Taking Care of Our Mental Health
Earlier this week, I was fortunate to listen to a webinar run by The Resilience Project which discussed the importance of taking care of our mental wellbeing. We know that we need to take care of our physical health but often our mental health does not take priority in our busy lives. We often overlook ways in which to care for our mental health and that of our children.
Mental health in Australia is at a crisis point and young people are suffering the most. 1 in 5 Australians suffer from mental ill health and 75% of people that develop mental ill health, have their first experience under the age of 25 years. [1]
A recent study undertaken by the Resilience Project team, showed 32% of primary school aged children reported symptoms of anxiety and 29% reported symptoms of depression. This is a staggering statistic and one that needs to be addressed.
At PoP we actively teach our students The Five Habits of Happiness- gratitude, kindness, empathy, service and positive reflection – to encourage greater resilience and contentment. As a College, we are continually looking for evidence-based approaches for supporting the mental wellbeing of our students. We have dedicated staff who are researching and discussing programs and initiatives to enhance our students’ wellbeing.
It is important that as care givers, we create a safe and open environment where our children feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings. When they come home at the end of the day, encourage them to talk about their day, concerns, and emotions. When your child does open up, listen attentively without judgment and validate their feelings and let them know you understand and care about what they’re going through.
Proper nutrition and physical activity are essential for mental wellbeing. Encourage a balanced diet and regular exercise to help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also important to be vigilant for signs of mental health issues such as changes in behaviour, mood swings, withdrawal from friends and activities, changes in sleep patterns, and declining academic performance. Seek professional help if needed.
Remember that each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. We need to pay attention to our child’s individual needs and adjust our approach accordingly. Regularly checking in with your child and maintaining an open and supportive relationship is key to promoting their mental health.
[1] 1. (Productivity Commission inquiry into Mental Health, ‘Overview and Recommendations- Mental Health Draft Report’, Pg 2, October 2019).
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Deputy Head of Campus – Junior
Transforming Hands, Hearts, and Minds
The last fortnight has seen the transformation of rich learning experiences of when the heart, hand and mind come together as audiences come to watch the Year 8 Musical and seeing the Year 9 students celebrate their Mt Binga Outdoor Camp experience with their families. These two experiences remind us of living life in process. These practical and real-world learning experiences empowers our young people to problem solve together, be creative with the resources they have and overcome personal challenges for the betterment of their community.
Year 8 Musical – The Circus
As we see each student in Year 8 take the stage, they courageously own each moment that they are on the stage for. This took the teamwork of their peers and teachers to coach them to this moment and the encouragement of parents and special friends in their lives who were in the audience. We thank Mrs Linda Brady, Mrs Lisa Rachow, and Mr Tim Arnold for co-creating the Year 8 musical for 2023 and giving our young people this important rite of passage into their final year of Middle School. It is in the beginning of finding who they are as a community of learners that leads them into the Ubuntu Program in Year 9.
Year 9 Mt Binga Experience
We are so proud of our Year 9 students in the way that they have lived in community with each other, and the Mt Binga staff this last month. From campfire conversations and singing to reflection journal time in God’s creation to cooking their meals to doing daily chores around the farm to participating in circle time to the 4-day hike and camp expedition to high rope challenges to the final solo camp out challenge.
There have many photos that have been shared on Mt Binga’s Facebook page over the last four weeks, but one that has stayed with me is this moment on one starry night on the boy’s camp out expedition.
May this image inspire you to make time in your life to relate to God in nature, away from technology, the routines of working life and be present in living in relationship with others. What a gift Mt Binga is to our young people which remain in their hearts and mind.
Goal Setting for Term 4
At the end of Term 3, students will receive feedback on assessment throughout the term. This feedback is given progressively, and results can be viewed on SEQTA under Assessment. Parents are encouraged to view these results and feedback and seek clarification with their child on how they feel they can progress into Term 4 in setting learning goals.
Closing Reflections
I shared this story with staff in a devotion in Week 9 after Father’s Day as a reminder of the importance of Father figures in our lives and the role of our Heavenly Father; ‘Look Up’;
“How do you do it?” asked the Rabbit.
“Do what?” replied the Sunflower.
“Stand tall and strong after all you have faced.”
“I don’t know what you mean!” the Sunflower exclaimed. “Will you explain?”
“Well, you’ve endured the birds pecking at your seeds and being trampled on when you were small. You’ve fought off all sorts of things that would ravage your leaves and faced the harshest of storms. Yet, here you are, tall, strong, and beautiful. I do admire you. What’s your secret?”
“Ah, now that I do understand! Just turn your face towards the light that shines hope and love, then you can face anything life throws at you.”
“How often must I do this?” enquired the Rabbit.
“Every single day,” the Sunflower replied, and lifted his head towards the sun.
May the hope and light of Christ give you strength as we work through the final days of Term 3 together in community. May this holiday break provide our young people, parents, teachers, and support staff with time to connect with place and people. May we be reminded of the gifts that each of us bring to each other in our school community and personal lives, as we seek to continue to nurture the God given potential, hope and light in our community.
Every blessing for the week ahead,
Sarah Hoff-Zweck
Head of Campus – Middle and Senior
Junior Campus Sport
Term 3 Comes to a Close
This term has been an exciting journey, with students participating wholeheartedly in various sporting events, including; K-2 Junior Sports Day, North District & NISSA Athletics competitions, as well as NISSA Gala Days. We applaud the dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed by our students throughout these events. It’s truly heartwarming to witness their growth and enthusiasm for sports.
The support and encouragement from parents, teachers, and the wider community have been instrumental in making this term a resounding success. Together, we have fostered an environment where our students can thrive not only academically but also in the world of sports.
As we head into the next term, let us carry forward the spirit of unity and enthusiasm that sports bring to our school. Together, we can continue to nurture our students’ passion for sports and help them reach new heights of achievement.
Be sure to check out the Moreton Bay and Brisbane City Council – Active Spring Holiday Programs available during this holiday break.
NISSA Gala Day — Junior Netball
Jessica Schneider
Junior Campus PE Teacher & Sport Coordinator
Middle & Senior Campus Sport
Australian Cross Country Championships
Congratulations to Jonas Forbes-Schutz (Yr 12) who participated in the Australian Cross Country Championships held in Canberra on 26 August.
Jonas was up against the best 18 year old runners in the country and was able to secure 42nd position in the 8km race.
Well done Jonas!
NISSA Finals
We are entering into our Finals week of the NISSA Secondary competition. We have a number of teams playing off for 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions. We will provide an update in early Term 4 with all the results for the season. Good luck to all teams involved!
Gabrielle Collman
Middle & Senior Campus Teacher – Sports Coordinator
Junior Campus Music News
Junior Campus Arts & Culture Night
Congratulations to all the students who performed at the Junior School Arts & Culture Night last week. A fantastic display of all the hard work the students had created.
Thank you to Ms Gayler and Mrs Arribas for their endless and tireless help.
Thank you also to the P&F for their yummy snacks.
Classroom Music
Year 4 have begun to share their recycled instruments this week. I look forward to sharing some photo’s with you.
Should you have any questions about the instrumental, choral or classroom music program on the Junior Campus, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sherree Cudney
Junior Campus Music
Middle & Senior Campus Music News
Thank You
Thank you all for your dedication to the music program in 2023. As we close Term 3 we farewell our seniors into External Exams. Our younger leaders are stepping up now and this is a good time for us to build proficiency and skills for next year. All of our Ensemble rehearsals will proceed as normal.
So many of our year 8 students will shine in this weeks Year 8 Musical – The Circus. It is so good to hear this young talent coming through.
We are currently in planning for a Combined Christmas Event with both the Middle & Senior and Junior Campus music ensembles and the Prince of Peace Church. The date is Saturday November 25. Please put this into your diaries. As many students as possible will be involved with many of the older students who will actually have finished the day before offering their service. This is a true statement of who they are and the depth of commitment of these young people.
Please note that Term 4 is no longer the wind down time that it might once have been. At least not on the Middle & Senior Campus. Many Year 11 students will begin their senior programs and some have their first assessment pieces at the end of term. This is the way to think about our ensemble work too. We will welcome back our year 9s from Binga with renewed energy. The year 10 and 8 students will have camps but I ask that you maintain your focus and the routines which have served you so well throughout the year. Ensemble rehearsals will be on every week regardless.
Please also note that Contemporary Band, 101 Special is not meeting on a Monday morning before school, Celadon is at 12.30 – 1.30 on a Monday, (starting in week 2 because of the King’s Birthday), Jazz Ensemble is on Tuesday morning before school on Week 1. We will also have a new Percussion Tutor starting in Term 4. They will be appointed this week and I will let the relevant parties know a plan as soon as I have the details confirmed.
Keep saying yes to those appointment reminders!
Stay tuned!
Linda Brady
Middle & Senior Campus Curriculum Leader of Music and Coordinator of Extra-Curricular Music
Worship
Sunday 17 September
9am Worship
5pm Together@5
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.
Job Opportunity – Pastoral Wellbeing Worker
Applications for the role of Pastoral Wellbeing Worker are invited.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church’s vision is to be an oasis of wellbeing connection for young and the old, the seen and unseen. The Pastoral Wellbeing Worker is to grow and lead the wellbeing of Prince of Peace Church through connections between multi-generational groups and individuals found in our Church, College, and community.
This ministry role will have two core areas:
- Youth and Young Adult Connector – Lead and organise effective youth and young adult programs and empower congregational members to be wellbeing connection points to those youth & young adults.
- Discipleship Groups and Events Connector– Lead and organise effective intergenerational connection groups that foster spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
The successful candidate will:
- Be a practicing Christian who supports a Lutheran understanding of the Gospel.
- Have a passionate pastoral heart for people of all generations.
- Is well-organised and proactive.
- Is a team player.
Ideally commencing in late 2023, the Pastoral Wellbeing Worker reports directly to the congregational pastor, Pastor Nick Mullen. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is in Everton Park, in the northern suburbs of Brisbane.
A competitive, flexible salary package will be negotiated based on the capability of the successful candidate, and will be based on the Social, SHADS Award.
Interested applicants should first contact the Pastor Nick Mullen at nmullen@princeofpeace.org.au to discuss their application and receive a copy of the Job Description.
Applications for this position close COB Monday 18th September 2023.
Prince of Peace is committed the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, and as part of the application process will undertake rigorous screening, including referee checks, criminal record checks and working with children checks, where applicable.
OSHC September Holiday Program
Please download the OSHC September Holiday Program here »
Please download the program booking form here »
OSHC September Newsletter
LCAQD Christmas Card Art Competition for Students
Students are invited to design a Christmas card that can be sent by Bishop Mark Vainikka to all the congregations, aged care facilities and schools of the Queensland District.
- The cards can be in relation to any aspect of Christmas. A religious theme would be preferred, but not a pre-requisite.
- The closing date for submission of entries is the new date of 6 October 2023.
- All entries should be sent to:Bronagh Quinn
EA to Bishop Mark Vainikka
Level 3, 24 McDougall Street
Milton, QLD 4064
- Entries can also be scanned and sent to quinn@qld.lca.org.au
- Please ensure that each picture has the artist’s first name, first initial of surname, age, class and school on the reverse of the picture.
- The Christmas card that tells the best story, as chosen by the District Office and the Bishop will be used as the Bishop’s Christmas card 2023. It will be printed and sent out across the Queensland District and beyond!
