Nurturing Our Future
As you may be aware, “Nurturing Our Future” is the title of the current Strategic Directions for Prince of Peace, for 2023-2025. Of course, nurturing God-given potential in our students, is part of a long-standing commitment and mission of the College.
What is new and in particular focus for the next three years and beyond are the 3 strategic objectives of:
- Identity and Communication Connection
- Future Focused Education
- Spaces and Resources for a Sustainable Future
The belief and hope is, that we are making good progress in positioning the College for sustainable growth, while continuing to develop a thriving and dynamic learning environment.
And as far as Spaces and Resources are concerned, the PoP community are loving the opportunities and possibilities being presented by the new Auditorium and adjoining facilities.
A premium quality space such as this, underscores and gives practical expression to the first two strategic objectives relating to Community and Future Focused Education.
I think it says we take education seriously!
For example, worship services, assemblies, Open Mornings and the recent Year 7 Transition Day are all afforded the value and honour they deserve.
In short, the PoP community can and should feel proud of such a fine space, knowing the blessing it will be to the quality education of our young people.
Please take a moment to absorb the 3 Strategic Objectives and in the spirit of the triangular partnership I mentioned last week, please consider how you might join us in working towards these important goals.
”For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:8
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Warren Irvine
Acting Head of College
Building on Jesus’ Example
One of my greatest joys involves talking with new families about the College. Open Mornings, tours and enrolment interviews provide opportunities to share the great things that are happening at PoP. It is a chance to reflect on who we are and speak key messages. Recently I was asked;
What does Christ-centred look like?
Some aspects of Christ Centred-ness are easy to describe like class devotions, teaching Christian Studies lessons, attending chapel, Christian songs, restorative practices however others are less obvious. I like to explain it as how we live out and respond to Christ’s love for us and acknowledge His presence in the everyday. This aspect of life at PoP appears in how we build relationships with each other, accept differences, forgive, work together, share, and encourage. It is shown in the generous heart that helps others, the willingness to serve, and make a difference to the PoP community and other communities too.
As we grapple with this notation of being Christ-centred, I am encouraged by the simple saying “Let Christ be the compass that guides your heart.”
Gifts of Grace – Christmas Community Challenge
For many of us, the Christmas season involves a focus on gifts as a way to bless others. This year, it is our intention as a PoP community to look outwards to the needs of others, particularly in different parts of the world. Australian Lutheran World Service – Gifts of Grace provides resources and opportunity for our students to learn, understand and develop empathy for those less fortunate. But we don’t want to just listen and know facts, we want to do something to help.
We’ve challenged our staff to develop activities with their classes that will help raise money for Australian Lutheran World Service—Gifts of Grace.
Last year we saw water games, cupcake icing, staff baby photo competitions and much much more. I do wonder what exciting adventures will be developed this year!
How does it work?
- Students are asked to bring $1/gold coin to participate in each activity
- It is not compulsory
- Children might want to do only one or two activities depending on their interests
- A schedule of the activities will be sent out via SEQTA soon
- Once money has been raised, staff will work with classes to decide which Gifts of Grace they want to purchase; a chicken farm, a drop loo, some irrigation equipment or there are so many other options.
Gifts of Grace is a great way to bless someone who really needs it. My extended family often give these gifts at Christmas time with the gift of chickens, water pipe and fishing kits matched to my outdoor loving in-laws.
For more information about Gifts of Grace and how it works, I encourage you to look at their website.
I know our community is wonderfully generous and has a heart for helping others who are less fortunate.
Remembering their Sacrifice
This Friday, the Junior School will take a moment to consider the meaning of Remembrance Day. Year 5AG has prepared a special chapel that will help us to “Remember to Remember” those that gave their lives prior to the weekend’s Remembrance Day commemorations.
Parents are welcome to join us in the chapel at the regular time of 8:35am.
Congratulations to our 2024 Junior School Leaders
Last week, the Junior School finalised the 2024 student leadership positions. For a student to nominate shows a strong sense of courage and a heart to serve. I want to thank every student who embarked on this process.
I am pleased to announce that the following students from Year 5 will be our Junior School Leaders. Next year, these students and other Year 6 students will be installed as our Junior School Leaders. These young people along with their teachers have the opportunity to lead and serve our community throughout 2024.
Junior School Captains
Junior School Captains
Sophie Attinger
Sebastian Green
Emma Spargo
Oskar Tuer
Ministry and Outreach Captains
Bethany Franklin
Jeremiah Rees
Jackson
House Captains
Elijah Etherington
Archer Nicol
William Russell
Micah Shaw
Laver
House Captains
Isla Anthonisz
Astin Peterkin
Sebastian Potter
Milla Ullman
Bradman
House Captains
Jennifer Labuschagne
Lillian Moseray
James Stedman
Max Taylor
Fraser
House Captains
Laura Larder
Nicolas Pedreros Cardona
Annalise Richardson
Katie Richardson
Thank you PoP community for all you do.
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
Day for Daniel
Held annually on the last Friday of October, Day for Daniel honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe. On this very special day, all Australians are asked to Wear Red, Educate and Donate.
Parents, carers, and educators are encouraged to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety.
This year at PoP JC, our Year 6 students coordinated a scavenger hunt for our Prep to Year 5 students to have fun while raising awareness of child safety.
This year, our College raised $653 across both campuses. This money will help the Morcombe Foundation to continue developing free resources and programs for parents, carers, and educators to teach children how to stay safe. Funds also contribute to supporting young victims of crime.
The importance of this ongoing message for our children can not be understated. As carers, we have a prerogative to ensure our children understand the importance of safety and the signs to look out for when there is danger. The Daniel Morcombe Foundation website has information to assist parents and carers when discussing these matters with their children. To find resources and support material, please go to https://danielmorcombe.com.au/#
Thank you to all our wonderful families who contributed to this day to promote child safety.
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Deputy Head of Campus – Junior
ICAS Results
Each year at Prince of Peace students from Years 2-10 are given the opportunity to complete the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, or ICAS for short. ICAS is an independent, skills-based assessment program and recognises and rewards student achievement in areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, Spelling, Writing and Digital Technologies.
The questions are engaging and fun and have been designed by psychometricians, education measurement experts and experienced teachers to push students to their academic limits, as well as test higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Students who undertake the ICAS test are ranked based on their percentile in each year level across every participating state (Australia) and country:
- Top 1% of students receive a High Distinction
- The next 10% of students receive a Distinction
- The following 25% of students receive a Credit
- The next 10% of students receive a Merit Certificate
- All other students receive a Participation Certificate
This year we had students from Years 2-8 participating in the ICAS assessments and we are so proud of their participation and achievement. We would particularly like to acknowledge the efforts of the following students who received High Distinctions and Distinctions.
Digital Technologies Distinction
- Ally Griffin Year 2
- Amelie Cuicas Year 4
- Isabella Sirman Year 4
Writing Distinction
- Camille Coote Year 4
English
Student names have not been confirmed yet, however we have been notified that a Year 4 student received a High Distinction, and a Year 2 and Year 7 student received Distinctions.
Science Distinction
- Matilda Burrows Year 2
- Amelie Cuicas Year 4
- Isabella Sirman Year 4
- Oliver Burrows Year 5
Maths Distinction
- Matilda Burrows Year 2
- Isabella Sirman Year 4
Maths High Distinction
- Edward Burrows Year 7
Congratulations to all students who participated in these challenging assessments, you should all be very proud of your efforts.
Happy learning!
Rebekah Bruyn
Learning Coach
A time to give thanks and celebrate!
There has been a shared sense of pride and joy across the campus this last week as our Year 12 graduates for 2023 were ringing the brass bell that signified their last exam had been completed. This is a special ritual that occurs each year at Prince of Peace and in many Secondary Schools. The spontaneous applause from classrooms and offices around the Campus on the ringing of the bell, signifies the support that each student has had in their Year 12 journey. We wish our final Year 12 students who have one more exam to complete every blessing and will share in the joy when they ring the brass bell for the first and final time.
Upcoming Events
We look forward to the many Year 12 celebrations and rites of passage that will occur in our community over the coming weeks, the following key events seek to recognise and celebrate each young person’s journey at Prince of Peace and the milestone they have reached in their graduation.
Year 12 Awards Assembly
Please be aware that all the Year 12 Awards will now be distributed at the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 16 November.
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner – Thursday 16 November
The Valedictory Dinner is the graduation ritual where our Year 12 graduates will receive their graduation certificates. Reflections, prayers, and blessings will be given from staff, students, and parents. Key signature College awards will be presented on this evening.
Year 12 Farewell Service – Friday 17 November
This is the final farewell to Year 12 students and families which will occur in the College’s new auditorium and begins at 8:20am. We look forward to gathering together for this community celebration as we wish God’s richest blessing to our graduating class of Year 12 for 2023.
Year 12 2024 Jersey Presentation – Tuesday 21 November
The Year 11s will receive their Year 12 Jerseys in a Worship service with the Prep students joining us in the new auditorium for this special celebration. Parents and special friends are welcome to attend.
PoP Celebrates – Thursday 23 November
On Thursday 23 November there will be the Middle and Senior Campus PoP Celebrates Service which will start at 6:30am in the new auditorium. This is where College Awards from Years 7 to 11 for Service, Cultural and Sporting will be presented. This is a special time for our community as we celebrate the growth of learning and service of our young people. Parents and students will be informed if they are receiving an award prior to the event.
Year 9 Ubuntu Ceremony – Tuesday 28 November
Parents are invited to the Year 9 Ubuntu Ceremony which will be held at the College in the evening after the students and staff complete their final journey during the day. More details will be sent via direct message regarding times and venue.
It is our hope and prayer that these events recognise the significant milestones that makes an education at Prince of Peace an honour and joy to have. May each student, parent, grandparent, special friend and staff member feel a sense of purpose, accomplishment, community and faith through being a part of these community rituals and events.
Every blessing for the week ahead,
Sarah Hoff-Zweck
Head of Campus – Middle and Senior
Junior Campus Sport
Touch Football Trials
10-12 Year Old Boys and Girls North District Touch Football trials (for the 2024 team) will be held next Tuesday 14 November, 2023—early trial due to early competition upon return in Term 1, 2024.
Relevant information and forms were sent home this week to Year 3-5 families. Please contact Mrs Schneider via SEQTA if you require more information.
Thank you in advance!
Year 3 – Year 6 Inter-House Swimming Carnival
Jessica Schneider
Junior Campus PE Teacher & Sport Coordinator
Middle & Senior Campus Sport
Congratulations Monte
A few weeks ago Monte in Year 7 competed in the 2023 Zhik Youth Sail Qld Regatta in Yeppoon placing 2nd overall in the Open Division. Racing was cut short due to strong winds… and a crocodile sighting!
Monte then returned to Brisbane and took out first place in the Queensland Opti State Championships, which involves 11 separate races spread over three days. What a tremendous effort and we commend Monte for the hard work leading to his success in his chosen sport, and we wish him well for the next major regatta he will be competing in—the Nationals in South Australia to be held in January.
National Youth Touch Football Championships
Congratulations to Indianna Horgan who competed in the National Youth Touch Football Championships these past holidays. She had a wonderful competition resulting in her gaining selection to the Broncos Touch Academy! Well done Indi!
Swimming Carnival – Tuesday 14 November
Our Swimming Carnival is less than a week away! The carnival will take place on Tuesday 14 November at Albany Creek Leisure Centre, Explorer Drive, Albany Creek. Students are required to be dropped off by parents at the venue from 8.00am, for a 8.40am start. The carnival will finish at approximately 2.30pm. Please be aware that there is very limited parking at the venue. Families should arrange pick-up of students between 2.30pm and 2.45pm from the leisure centre.
Students who travel to school via College bus and those students unable to arrange private transportation to the venue can catch a College bus from the Middle and Senior Campus. Registration for bus transport to or from the Swimming Carnival is required at Student Reception by Friday 10 November. Students will need to be at the Henderson Road bus bay at 8.00am on the day of the carnival and will return to the Middle and Senior Campus at approximately 2.45pm.
Students should wear their house T-shirts and arrive in swim gear and a school hat. They should bring plenty of sunscreen, goggles, swim cap, a towel, water and a packed lunch. Food and drink will also be available for purchase at the venue. All students are required to sign in with their Pastoral Care Teacher on arrival. For all competitive swimming, girls are required to wear full one-piece swimwear or a two-piece covered with a swim shirt. Boys are required to wear swimming shorts or speedo type swimwear. Board shorts and swim shirts are acceptable for the novelty events.
Please see the program attached. The program has slightly changed this year to include more events where all students can participate. While we do our best to keep to this schedule, please be aware that events can run up to 30 minutes before the listed start time.
The Swimming Carnival is a significant community event that promotes a belonging to House culture and promotes positive health and wellbeing. This is why it is a part of the compulsory programs that we offer at Prince of Peace and students are expected to attend. Rolls will be taken and those students who are not present and have not provided a reason for their absence will be spoken to by Year Level Coordinators. If your child is not able to attend on the day, please ensure you let Reception staff know why this is the case.
Families and members of the wider PoP community are more than welcome to attend and spectate at this event.
If you need any more information, please contact myself via SEQTA or the Senior Campus via email receptionsc@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
Gabrielle Collman
Middle & Senior Campus Teacher – Sports Coordinator
Junior Campus Music News
Classroom Music
Remembrance Day Service – Friday 10 November
The Junior Campus Upper Primary Choir will present an item at the JC service on Friday. Students should wear normal uniform for Friday please.
Instrumental Solo Night
The final “Music Room Concert” for 2023 will be held on Tuesday 14 November (Wk 7) for students in Guitar, Strings and Piano. Tutors should have sent a permission form, but if not, please let me know. Would love to hear from you asap if your child is intending to perform.
Junior Campus Choirs – Rehearsals
As per SEQTA message, rehearsals for both choirs will be held on Wednesday mornings for weeks 6-8. If your child is unable to attend Wednesday morning’s, please ask them to come see me to discuss how to work around this.
JC Choirs performances
Term 4 is shaping up to be a busy time for the Junior Campus Choirs. Performances include:
PoP Celebrates – Thursday 23 November
PoP Carols – Saturday 25 November
Hills Community Carols by Candlelight – Saturday 2 December.
A SEQTA message has been sent to parents regarding attendance at these events.
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
Worship
Sunday 12 November
9am Worship
5pm Together@5
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.
