MMG Survey
We are grateful that MMG were able to extend our survey deadline to this Friday 17 September, providing families that extra bit of time to be able to complete their survey. The data we receive from these surveys assists the College greatly in future planning and direction. We are in the process of updating our strategic intent, and the information we collect will provide vital insight. We have had a great response rate so far, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents, students and staff for taking the time and effort to complete the survey, which is greatly appreciated.
College Staffing Update
This is usually the time of year when staff indicate any changes they would like to make to their teaching career for the following year, or moving forwards. Grace Gillions, one of our Business Studies teachers has resigned her position at the College and will leave at the end of the year to return to study. Samantha Davids, HPE teacher (Middle/Senior), has been on leave and notified the College this week of her resignation to enable her to expand herself via other teaching opportunities. We wish both Grace and Samm all the very best for their future and thank them for what they have done during their time at the College.
Joel Scott, one of our Middle & Senior Campus Mathematics teachers will take leave from the College in 2022 to undertake some university level research and tertiary teaching. As a College, it is encouraging to be able to accommodate these opportunities for staff, working with them in both their personal and professional growth. We look forward to welcoming Joel back into the classroom in 2023.
Earlier this week, I messaged all families the exciting news that Mrs Anne-Marie Schmidt has been appointed as the Head of Campus-Junior, commencing in 2022. Anne-Marie will continue to lead our Junior School to build on the strong foundations we already have in place. Term 4 will be very busy as we advertise for a Deputy Head of Campus-Junior and Anne-Marie prepares to step into her new role at the beginning of next year.
Thanksgiving
The College has made the decision again not to proceed with our annual end of year Thanksgiving Service in its former format. Unfortunately this is due to the high levels of uncertainty of not being able to run a service with hundreds of people in attendance, and the level of risk still around an extended lockdown. We will instead run smaller events at the end of the year for the presentation of awards and recognition—these will not change.
Finally, I’d like to wish all students and families a restful holiday, and we look forward to welcoming our students back for Term 4 and the final chapters of a very eventful 2021.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:30-31
Blessings,
Simon Hughes
Head of College
Intention to Leave Notifications
To assist with our 2022 planning, if your child will not be attending the College in 2022, please notify us in writing before Tuesday 5 October 2021. In doing so, it will ensure that you meet your contractual obligations. Please contact your Head of Campus or Donna Cook, Community Development and Enrolments Manager, if you have any questions.
Notifications can be sent to dcook@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au or school@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
Who is the Greatest?
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:30-35
Do you want to be great?
Jesus’ disciples got into a bit of an argument we are told, over who the greatest was among them. Just like us in life, we are often tempted to compare ourselves to others. We are tempted to want to be better than the person next to us or to be the greatest of the group, the community or even the nation.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be the best at something, to be the best version of yourself. There is nothing wrong with wanting to achieve or excel in life. The problem lies within our human hearts however. When we focus only on self—to be the best or the greatest—we often put others down in our actions or words while striving to be the best.
Sometimes we even forget why we are doing what we do in the pursuit of greatness, as greatness itself becomes the focus—the ‘me’ focus.
Jesus challenges His disciples and us today also, reminding us all that to be the greatest or the first, we must be last and servant of all. So in using the gifts God has first given us we serve each other. The focus is on others and blessing them, rather than me selfishly wanting to be the greatest. You see, when you give yourself up in all you do, you are the greatest. Your selfless attitude to bless others is simply God’s love in action that happens when Jesus lives in you through His word by His spirit.
Jesus Himself as the son of God could easily have put Himself above all others on earth and in heaven, yet He humbly died on a cross for the sin of the whole world. The sin of self-centredness, the sin of jealousy, the sin of hatred or judgement or gossip. Jesus died for all people for all sin, and that by believing in this gift of grace, Jesus, we receive forgiveness, eternal life and salvation—or being saved from sin, death and the power of the devil.
So if you have forgotten what it is like to put others first, give it a try. Use the gifts you have first been given to bless and serve others around you. Your life will continue to change as you ask Jesus to show you how. You were made to bless others in community, to be the greatest by humbly serving others. This can be as simple as checking in on a friend, someone at work or family members. In every word or action lives are changed as you serve others around you. Go in peace and serve the Lord through serving others .
Pastor Mark Gierus
College Pastor
Bookings now open for Term 4 Tennis Lessons at PoP
Students aged 5 – 7 can register for Tennis Lessons before school on Tuesday mornings on the Junior Campus at 7:30am in Term 4. Lessons are run by coaches from Pure Tennis Academy, Ferny Hills. Visit their website for further information.
Class Placements—2022
Most families across the College are aware of the cautious stance taken when inviting class placement requests from families. I have children of my own and understand how much they would love to be placed with their best friend, or a preferred teacher that a sibling may have had. I also realise how important it is for them to grow as individuals and not be reliant on others for their academic and social successes.
I encourage all families, as we enter the final term of the 2021 school year, to allow their children to grow spiritually, emotionally, academically, socially and independently as they transition to their new 2022 class. I strongly encourage parents to place faith in the judgments and insights that our teaching staff have into individual students and their school persona.
I have the highest regard for the insights that our teachers offer into the placement of students for the following year. I also have the highest regard for the quality and competency of each of our teaching staff in their professional capacity as educators. Each classroom teacher also seeks feedback from their students on their friends from this year. This assists with the construction of class lists for the following year.
As in previous years, any request for a specific classroom teacher will not be considered. As you can appreciate, staff movement amongst year levels is inevitable, and therefore specific teacher requests often become redundant. However, if you believe there is an important consideration (that sits outside of friendship and teacher requests) that needs to be taken into account when placing your child for 2022, please submit this request in writing to the attention of Mrs Katrina Valencia. My commitment to you is that such requests will be considered, however, please understand that no guarantees can be made.
Ultimately, I will be guided by our teaching staff and their knowledge of your child, as well as any pertinent information you may be able to provide in relation to your child’s specific learning needs. Please ensure that these requests are submitted in writing by Friday 15 October, 2021. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring the complex process of class placements for the 2022 school year is attended to in the most equitable and professional manner possible. Please be aware that once class placements have been allocated, there will be no further movement of class arrangements except in exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances.
Katrina Valencia
Head of Junior Campus
Term 3
Another term has come to an end. I know the students and staff are looking forward to the holidays so they can recharge their batteries and come back refreshed for the final term. I wish all parents, students and staff a relaxing and healthy two weeks of school holidays.
Thank you to all the students for their efforts in Term 3. It has been a challenging term, but the students have demonstrated great grit and resilience. Thank you to our staff. The senior assessment demands of Term 3 have been significant, and we thank them for their efforts. We affirm the Year 12 students for the way they approached mock exams last week. Year 11 students are currently completing exams in readiness for the start of Unit 3.
Last week, we had the joy of welcoming the Year 6 students on to the Senior Campus to engage in some extension activities to support their current learning. Students engaged in food technology, science and some hands-on humanities learning. It was a great opportunity for the students to familiarise themselves with the campus and some of the staff.
Over the weekend, our Year 8 students participated in the Year 8 Musical. This is an example of a real-life application of learning. The students, after seven weeks of preparation, performed in a musical, putting into action their music and drama learning. The idea is that it is a large group effort, where the contribution of each member of the group is vital for success. The students and staff involved demonstrated great flexibility, perseverance, and collaboration to put on the show. Both nights had a different cast, which allowed a range of students to shine. On reflection, both performances were different due to the character the students brought to their role. The opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zone and take a risk cannot be underestimated, plus the natural high of performing and the affirmation from their loved ones. Congratulations to all involved. Thanks to Mrs Brady, Mrs Rachow, Mrs Grimes, Mrs Saunders and Mr Stevens.
We thank you Lord, for this term. For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt. Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends. Give us strength and courage to do what is right; to be witnesses of our faith. Help us to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others, to be peacemakers in our family. Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun. Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term. We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us. May we always be conscious of you in our lives. Amen
Stay Safe
Michelle Nisbet
Head of Senior Campus
Arana Touch Round 2-3
The five PoP Junior Campus teams continue to show rapidly improving form in their Wednesday evening games.
After three rounds, the 10yrs Girls ‘PoP Plovers’ remain undefeated, while the 12yrs Boys ‘PoPenhuyzen’ have had two wins.
‘PoP Rabbitohs emerged triumphant in the derby clash against PoP Storm.’ 10yrs Boys ‘PoPasaurus’ are battling hard against strong opposition and had a well-deserved draw last week.
This Friday, our 12yrs Boys and Girls Touch Teams will contest the Sunshine Coast Regional Allschools Tournament at Caboolture. This will be another great learning experience for our players.
Kaelan Harvey—Hockey Success
Kaelan plays in the Norths U11 hockey team each week. He also plays up each week into the U13/2 team as well. Two weeks ago, Kaelan was invited to join the U13/1 side to help them with their semi-finals effort. The game was a hard fought draw that finished in a shootout, with the winner progressing to the Grand Final. This video shows Kaelan scoring the winning goal in the last shootout before entering “sudden death”. He has been invited back to play the Grand Final with them.
Well done to all PoP sporting achievers.
Darren Lawrance
Junior Campus PE and Sport
Senior Campus Music News
POP GALA CELEBRATION OF MUSIC
Wednesday 15 September 6.30pm
Thank you all for your support of the Gala Celebration of Music!
All of our ensembles will be represented on this night, and we are so excited to be sharing the pinnacle of a year’s work with you.
If you haven’t already made a plan to come, it will be a great night out. Join us on the Senior Campus in the Pavilion from 6.30pm.
Wear your favourite mask and remember to register with the COVID-Safe app when you arrive.
Next Term our Ensembles will roll over as we lose our Year 12 students into external exams. Most of the ensembles will begin looking at Christmas repertoire for a combined activity at the end of the year. It is a joyous celebratory way to finish our musical year which I am looking forward to.
Stay safe and keep on singing / playing / humming / bopping along…
Thanks always for your support, and stay tuned for more fun!
Linda Brady
Senior Campus Curriculum Leader of Music and Coordinator of Extra-Curricular Music
Worship 19 September
9am Worship
5PM Together@5
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.
