Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Being mid-way through the first semester, we are also mid-way through the first round of Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences – with Middle and Senior classes nearly complete and Junior taking place on the return after the break.
Thank you to all our families who have come along so far to support, celebrate and nurture their children through conversation, and I am certain that plenty more of this will be happening in the first few weeks of Term Two. Where it is possible, I would always encourage the student to be part of these conversations, regardless of age, as having our students taking greater ownership of their learning – being responsible and accountable, is a powerful tool for their own learning.
A big thank you as always to the PoP teaching staff for their time in preparing and running so many meetings to support our students’ learning, as well as quite a number of our operational staff who assist with setting up spaces, organising tea and coffee and dinners, packing up and helping in many other ways.
Official Multipurpose Building/Auditorium Opening – Middle & Senior Campus
We have been enjoying the use of our wonderful new space for a few months now. As part of receiving grant monies to assist us in the build of this project, we are required to have an official opening. We have been able to secure attendance from representatives of the Minister for Education, Executive Director of LEQ and the Bishop’s office and are excited to confirm the opening will occur on Tuesday 14 May 2024 at 8.45am.
ANZAC Day March & Service – Gaythorne RSL – 6am – Thursday 25 April 2024
As a College, we have been invited to march and lay a wreath at the Gaythorne RSL ANZAC Day service on Thursday 25 April 2024, commencing at 6.00am.
We are very proud, as a College, to accept the invitation to support this important commemoration.
This year, there has been a change to the order of events and only 20 representatives from each group (school) have been invited to march, however there is no limit on the number of people who can attend the morning/service.
I warmly invite all our Prince of Peace community to join us at this event (no RSVP required), and students will need to be accompanied and supervised by their parent/caregiver. Those students who will march, will do so with supervising staff from the College, for the duration of the march only.
We will meet at Sid Loder Park, Tel-El-Kebir Street, Mitchelton at 6:00am.
Students who would like to take part in the march are asked to complete this expression of interest form by Monday 15 April. A priority will be given to student leaders, followed by a selection of students across year levels to reach the quota of 20 that we have been provided by the organisers of the event.
Students selected to march will be notified by the beginning of week two. The march will commence at 6.15am.
We ask that students please attend in their formal school uniform.
Our Year 12 College Captains will lay a wreath on behalf of the College during the service, which will be held immediately following the march.
As a sign of respect, attending students will be expected to stand for the duration of the service and be engaged in the proceedings of the morning.
College staff will be supervising students during the march and within our designated zone during the service.  We ask that younger students who attend are picked up by parents from that zone at the end of the service.
The morning will conclude at approximately 7:15am–7:30am.
Happy Easter
All too quickly, it seems, we have reached the end of the first term of the year. As we head into Easter and a time for reflecting on the forgiveness offered to us through the death and resurrection of our saviour Jesus and the gracious gift of life that ensues, I pray every blessing on your family and trust that you enjoy the time you are able to spend together as a family.
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Simon Hughes
Head of College
PoP Winter Carnival — Class Stalls
Nothing says you are at a school carnival like a good, ole fashion class stall! To ensure we set the scene for all visitors at this year’s Winter Carnival, we will be holding class stalls for all year levels.
Call out for Class Stall Convenors (Prep – Year 10)
Each stall will require a parent convenor to set up and/ or oversee the stall on the day. Some stalls will be run by students and will only require minimal help/ supervision/ money handling. To volunteer to be a Class Stall Coordinator, please contact Donna Cook at dcook@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au.
Please note:
- Some stalls will be run by students, however, they will still require a parent to oversee them
- The Class Stall Convenor role can be shared amongst a small group of parents
- The stalls have been deliberately set up to ensure the Stall Convenor’s role is easily managed, enjoyable and supported by other year level volunteers.
- The volunteer roster for the class stalls will be managed online which means the Convenors are not required to chase people up to fill the places. However, any gaps left in the roster, or vacancies on the day caused by ‘no-shows’ will need to be managed by the Convenor.
- Year Level teachers will be available to support Class Stall Convenors as needed.
Operating hours
Class stalls will be open from 11:00am – 5:00pm or until sold out.
Class stalls will need to be fully set up by 10:45am (with the exception of the Glow Sticks Stand which won’t start trading until 3pm).
Who’s doing what? Class Stall Allocation
Carnival Stalls
Aside from the Class Stalls, we will also need some volunteers to help with our Carnival Stalls. Baking, packing, serving…. the opportunities are endless! Feel free to grab a friend, organise a group or simply volunteer yourself. All hands are needed for:
Baking & Sweets Stall
Volunteers can:
- Bake cakes, slices, fudge etc
- Make lollies (eg toffees)
- Packaged cooked items (Friday 26 July)
- Help on the stall at the Carnival (30 min time slots). Volunteers will be able to register online like the class stall volunteers.
Silent Auction *Convenor needed*
Volunteers can:
- Secure donations for the silent auction
- Convene the stall (set up each donated item for the bidding)
- Help on the stall at the Carnival (30 min time slots). Volunteers will be able to register online like the class stall volunteers.
2nd hand Uniforms *Convenor needed*
Volunteers can:
- Sort donated items
- Set up the stall/ convene the stall
- Help on the stall at the Carnival (30 min time slots). Volunteers will be able to register online like the class stall volunteers.
Thanks to our fabulous Church Congregation, the PoP BBQ will be run by our congregation. Sausages in bread and steakette burgers will be available on the day.
For further information, or to volunteer your time in any capacity, please contact Donna Cook at dcook@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au.
Donna Cook
2024 Winter Carnival Coordinator
Ph: 3872 5710Â Â |Â Â dcook@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
PoP ‘Walks My Way’ again!
Just like in 2021, we are going to embrace Australian Lutheran World Service’ (ALWS) Walk My Way for Ukraine 2024 Campaign. Hosted by ALWS, the annual Walk My Way initiative gives local communities like ours the chance to join with friends and family in a walking challenge so that children in some of the poorest countries in the world can access a better future.
The funds raised will be used to:
- provide emergency food, water and shelter, to help rebuild housing so displaced families can return home,
- to rebuild schools so children can continue to learn, and
- to provide psychological care for children who have suffered trauma.
Families will be able to contribute one of three ways (or all three ways!).
On Tuesday 23 April, students can purchase a blue or yellow cupcake to support Ukraine.
Cupcakes can be purchased for a gold coin donation or more. A limited number of gluten free options will be available.
On Friday 10 May, all PoP students are invited  to wear blue or yellow (or both) to school to show we have not forgotten the people of Ukraine.
Gold coin donations, or more, are welcome from each student wearing free dress.
Join us and walk 3km or 12.5km… the choice is yours. Either way you won’t be alone. We’re joining hundreds of other walkers to send a message of peace and support from the heart of Brisbane to the hearts of the Ukrainian people.
Leaving from QUT Gardens Point, we will walk along our iconic river, step across the Good Will Bridge, and stroll together through Southbank and explore West End. For those doing the 12.5km trek, half way you’ll be greeted with a snack and water, just as the Ukrainian children were greeted as they reached safety on the border of countries like Poland.
You can also sponsor a walker or donate to the cause directly at the Walk My Way website »
When
Saturday 11 May 2024
1pm – 5pm (registrations open from 11:30am)
Price
$52 for adults; $26 for children
Increase your contribution through donations
You can increase your contribution to helping Ukrainian families by joining the Prince of Peace Lutheran Community (College & Church) Fundraising Team. You can set up your own fundraising page under the Prince of Peace Lutheran Community Fundraising Page, or you can donate to someone who already has. Please use the barcode provided.
Where
QUT Gardens Point Campus, Multi-purpose Outdoor Court near the Goodwill Bridge. Click for venue map.
Parking
The closest car parks are:
–Â Â Â Under Freeway Car Park (underneath the Riverside Expressway)
–Â Â Â Carpark underneath P Block (Science and Engineering Centre)
Link to the maps – https://walkmywayukraine.org.au/cms/event-info
Prince of Peace Church Easter Services
As this upcoming holiday period includes Easter, we pray that you may find time to celebrate the love of Jesus in this world as we remember His death and resurrection.
Families are invited to join in the Easter Services at the Prince of Peace Church. Please note that the Easter Service on 31 March at 6AM is held at the Middle and Senior School Campus in the Outdoor Worship area.
Celebrating Term 1 – Moments of Gratitude
It is hard to believe that Term 1, 2024 is nearly over – the time has flown. We’ve had a fantastic term filled with exciting learning opportunities and events that have helped us grow in so many ways. PoP Picnic, Kindy to Year 2 Fun Run, excursions, Gala Days, a bit of flooding, cyber safety presentations, My School Lunch, The Resilience Project tasks, chapels and lists goes on. The pictures always convey more than words can say.
As I reflect on all that has happened, my heart is full; I am so grateful for the people in the community and how they support and care for each other. Prince of Peace is a great place to learn and grow.
Building on Moments to Celebrate
On the Junior Campus our wonderful Prep teaching team often hold special events for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. A time for children to share special moments of gratitude to these people in their lives, to connect, share and celebrate.
This year across the College, we want to extend these moments of celebration to all year levels. Aptly named, Celebrating Moments with Mums, this event will be held on Wednesday 8th May 7:45AM to 9:15AM for Kindy to Year 6.
What will this event be like for the wonderful women in our lives?
- Buy a breakfast ticket and connect over food in The Shed with your child/children
- Share moments of gratitude and hear positive messages.
- After 8:30AM make your way to the classrooms and be blessed by connecting and being reminded how amazing you really are by the people who know and love you the most!
Can’t make it for the breakfast? That doesn’t matter, we would love all mum’s or the special women in our lives to make it to the classrooms to spend time feeling blessed.
Look out for the advertising early in Term 2 that will include breakfast bookings.
In our 40th Year of Prince of Peace, we can’t help but continue our celebrations as a community.  I look forward to seeing you at Celebrating Moments with Mums.
Blessed Easter and Holidays
The last day of term is always a mix of tiredness, anticipation and excitement for the holidays ahead. We usually conclude our term with a chapel time and parents are invited to join us for closing chapel on Thursday 28 March at 1:50 PM.Â
I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and restful holiday break. May you find time to reconnect with your family and loved ones, rest and recuperate.
Thank you PoP community for all you do.
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
Term 1 — A Wonderful Start to the Year
Wow! What a wonderful start to the Year we have had! As we reach the end of Term 1, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together and celebrate the achievements and milestones we’ve accomplished. The past ten weeks have been filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences for our school community, and we are proud of each of our students for their hard work and dedication.
This term our students have shown compassion, empathy, gratitude and a strong sense of social responsibility. Their efforts have positively impacted the lives of others, embodying the ten LEA Values that we hold dear.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents and carers for their continued support and collaboration throughout Term 1. Your involvement in your child’s education, participation in school events, and partnership with teachers and staff have contributed immensely to the success and wellbeing of our students. Together, we form a strong and dedicated community committed to the growth and development of every child.
As we look forward to Term 2, we encourage students to continue embracing opportunities for learning, exploration, and personal growth. Let’s build on the successes of Term 1, set new goals, and strive for excellence in all endeavours.
With a spirit of enthusiasm, resilience, and determination, we are confident that Term 2 will be filled with even more achievements, discoveries, and memorable moments.
As we appreciate and give thanks for the term that has been, we thank you once again for your continued support and partnership. Together, we celebrate the accomplishments of Term 1 and eagerly anticipate the exciting journey ahead in Term 2.
We would like to wish everyone a blessed Easter break and pray you have a restful and rejuvenating time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back for another enriching term.
Term 2 Reminder
Please remember that drop off at the Junior Campus is from 8am.
If you need to drop your child/ren earlier than 8am please contact OSHC to arrange a place for your child.
They have permanent and casual bookings available.
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Deputy Head of Campus – Junior
Code Camp Term 2 Sessions
Below are the planned dates and timings for Term 2 Code Camp sessions.
Class Type: Coding
Day: Tuesday
Dates: 23 April to 11 June
Times: 3:00pm – 4:15pm
For more information or to book in please visit www.codecamp.com.au/poplc.
Christ’s transformational love for us
There are many Easter symbols that speak of Christ’s transformational love for us that we can reflect upon as families this Easter. These symbols speak to the stages of Jesus’ entering into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the Passover meal with Jesus and his disciples to his death on the Cross and Resurrection. We invite you to reflect on the symbols below:
Palm Branches: At the start of Holy Week, we celebrate Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on a donkey. Here Jesus was greeted by people laying down branches and their coats welcoming him as their Hosanna. Matthew 21:1-11. The palm branches symbolise the path that was laid before Jesus and sometimes can be made in crosses. Make your own palm leaf cross by following this video.
Bread and Wine: The Passover meal was shared on Maundy Thursday with Jesus and his disciples, and this is where Jesus introduced the sacrament of holy communion. Luke 22:20
Crown of thorns: Jesus was given a crown of thorns after he was hit by Roman soldiers, and he was mocked for being the King of the Jews. Mark 15:16-20
The Cross: The cross reminds us of the profound truth, thousands of years of prophecy and God’s calling for Jesus which saw his excruciating death. Most importantly we see God’s amazing love for us through Jesus’ sacrifice. Mark 15:24
The empty tomb: The tomb was found empty with the stone rolled away and Jesus was nowhere to be found because he had risen from the dead. John 20:1-2
Easter lilies: The white Easter lilies symbolises rebirth, new beginnings, and hope and is mentioned in the bible often. It is mostly connected to the resurrection of Jesus and bloom at Easter time. Luke 12:27
Easter eggs: Eggs represent new life and rebirth. The chocolate egg represents the tomb in which Jesus laid, but once he rose again and the tomb was empty and hollow. When an egg is broken and open, it symbolises new life that is given through Jesus’ resurrection. The hope of Jesus’ love for us.
Each of these symbols carries a deep and rich part of the transformational love of Jesus’ great sacrifice for us which graciously gives eternal life with him in heaven. May you find time in this Holy Week and Easter to be present in each moment of Jesus’ amazing story of love, hope, and new life.
NAPLAN Testing
Thank you to our Year 7 and 9 students, staff, and parents as we worked together through the NAPLAN testing period. These tests give us information about our students’ literacy and numeracy capabilities and is one piece of data that we have to compare with school-based assessment and internal testing.
These test results also guide teachers with development for literacy and numeracy programs and we look forward to mapping the longitudinal data to form targeted improvements and strategies in 2024 and beyond.
Parent Teacher Student Conversations
Thank you to our parents and students in making time in your busy schedules to meet with teachers at Parent Teacher Student Conversations on Thursday 21 March and Wednesday 27 March.
These connections are so crucial with students being present at these times as the agency for change and improvement will be strengthen when all voices are shared.
Continuous Feedback (Progressive Reporting) Term 1 2024
Twice a term for each subject students and parents will receive feedback on SEQTA on assessment for learning in real time. We call this Continuous Feedback (progressive reporting). As parents you will gain a notification through SEQTA that feedback has been updated and you can check the feedback teachers have given.
This is our mode of reporting for Term 1 and there will be two pieces of feedback by the end of Week 10. An end of Semester 1 report will be issued towards the end of Term 2 that will report on overall grade for the semester, work habits for success and a pastoral care teacher comment.
At any time, you wish to communicate with teachers about your child’s learning please do not hesitate to contact individual subject teachers.
Term 2 Dates
Below are key events for Term 2. Please continue to check the Public Calendar that is updated as events and excursions are approved throughout the term;
Week 1: Year 11 Camp (Emu Gully) Monday 15.4 and Tuesday 16.4
Week 2: Year 9 Mt Binga Camp Interviews Monday 22.4 and Tuesday 23.4, Tuesday 23.4 Anzac Day Service (Morning) and Year 9 Mt Binga Camp Parent Evening
Week 4: P and F Mother’s Stall and Event (Date TBC), Saturday 11.5 ALWS Walk My Way
Week 5: Tuesday 14.5 MSC Auditorium Opening (Morning), Friday 17.5. MSC Open Morning
Week 6: Thursday 23.5 Years 7-12 Music Gala Showcase
Week 7: Tuesday 28.5 Years 9-12 Subject Expo (Evening)
Week 8: Thursday 6.6 Years 7-12 Athletics Day
We wish all our community members a safe and blessed Easter and holiday break. We pray for rest, precious time with family and friends and moments of joy and hope during this time.
Sarah Hoff-Zweck
Head of Campus – Middle and Senior
Positive Relationships: Face-to-Face & Online
Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Building positive Relationships is one of the 4Rs that we continually strive to achieve with each other in all classes when we are learning, around the campus when we are socialising, and when we represent PoP College. We all are representatives of the College community at all times, even when we are not in school uniform, and especially when we are online. Any text messages, photos, videos, posts that our students add online to chats, websites or within gaming communities, can have a direct connection back to PoP College in a number of ways. One of the positive ways, is through appreciative comments and praise for our teachers, staff and students for the positive relationship building that takes place every day at school. One of the negative ways, is through messaging and posts that are toxic in nature, potentially damaging people’s reputations, put-downs, and criticism, that is unhelpful for the reputation of our school within the wider community.
The keys to healthy positive relationships – face-to-face and online – are clear communication, being honest, and having trust with, and for the people you are interacting with. Sargent Ricky from THINKUKnow recently presented to our parents, to remind us of these three challenges that our young people face online: 1) privacy in relation to your child’s information – what you are sharing about them; 2) what they are sharing with others about themselves, including photos, images and videos; and 3) online grooming and sexual extortion. Sargent Ricky urged that if you would not invite online friends to a birthday party at your home, they are not friends in any sense of the word. We encourage you to come and have a conversation with us if you have any concerns about your child’s online activity and foster powerful partnerships with us to support your young person.
To continue to create positive relationship within our community, our Middle and Senior students have been engaging with learning from our Wellbeing program The Resilience Project (TRP), to have a common, consistent language of wellbeing and emotional literacy. Learning with your young person about resilience, as parents and carers, you also have access to this program through the Parent & Carer Hub.
World’s Greatest Shave
Middle & Senior Campus Final Day of Term 1, Thursday 28 March
In support of the World’s Greatest Shave and the Leukemia Foundation, all Senior and Middle school students are encouraged to wear a wig, funny hat, or spray colour hair (at home – do not bring colour spray cans to school) on Thursday 28 March for a gold coin donation. Here’s what will be happening on the day:
12.10pm : Worship: End of Term 1 led by Chaplain Reilly
12.40pm : World’s Greatest Shave (WGS) event
1.25pm : HOUSE GAMES & Clean up campus grounds
3.05pm : Farewell Have a Blessed Easter and Happy Holidays!
Melissa Graham
Director of Wellbeing – Middle & Senior Campus
Junior Campus Sport
Kindy – Year 2 FUN RUN
Congratulations to our incredible Kindy to Year 2 students for their participation and enthusiasm in the recent FUN RUN! With sunshine and positive vibes, the event was a tremendous success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and supported the runners. Your encouragement means the world to them! Overall results: 1st Bradman (173 points), 2nd Fraser (152 points), 3rd Laver (120 points), 4th Jackson (108 points).
Enjoy more photos in the 2024 Kindy-Year 2 Fun Run Photo Gallery »
Other Sporting News
Brisbane Roar Active Program will be returning to PoP Tuesday after school in Term 2, cater to all levels and abilities, boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, with emphasis on improving players skills across various fun technical sessions and games. Details available now!
Active School holidays are almost here! Discover more than 100 FREE and low-cost activities across Moreton Bay to keep your kids happy and active these school holidays! There are a range of sport, recreation and wellness activities for children and teenagers aged 3-17 years. HURRY! Spots are limited, so make sure you book your child in for some school holiday fun ASAP!
Jessica Schneider
Junior Campus PE Teacher & Sport Coordinator
Middle & Senior Campus Music News
Soloists on Show Recital
Our Soloists on Show recital on Thursday night last was an absolute joy, Â featuring some of the best of our individual performers. Congratulations to all who performed. The standards were delightfully high and it was such a pleasure to see so much variety on the stage both of musical style and genre but also of the age of the performers. The only way to practice performance is to perform and I take my hat off to the younger students who got up there to play, some for the first time in front of an audience.
The highlights were in the quality of the senior students who have been doing this for so many years now. Elijah Walsh who is studying Music Extension Composition, playing cello (which he hasn’t played since primary school) to accompany Nicholas Horsington for whom it was his first solo performance. Abigail Tay, also studying Music Extension Composition but performing Ravel’s Sonatine on our beautiful new piano against a backdrop of Monet painted in the same city in the same year. To finish, Miles Chewe blew our socks off with The Pretender by the Foo Fighters, drumming up a real storm. A special thank you goes to the Miles and Jasmine Everitt who although being too unwell to perform this year, compared the concert masterfully. And to PoP Productions sound and lighting for their very professional work supporting and recording all of these young musicians.
Date Saver: Gala Celebration of Music 40th Anniversary Concert
Thursday 23 May 6 – 8 PM @ Middle & Senior Campus
Preparation is well under way for our first ensemble concert in over a year. This year we are bringing our Gala Celebration of Music which is usually held in August, back into May. This is always one of our best attended Concerts and this year, because of it being our 40th Anniversary, we have chosen an 80s Theme!
The concert will be held on Thursday 23 May 6 – 8pm. Put this date in your diary as it will be a great night out with over 100 students performing in a variety of styles and genre. All of our tutors and ensembles will be represented. Jazz, Rock, Classical, Folk, Pop… whatever your style, there will be a special performance for you! Plus you will be supporting the wonderful students who have dedicated so much time and love to the preparation of this material week after week.
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.
Note Woodwind Students
We are looking at getting a new Woodwind Tutor to offer specialty training for students interested in learning Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute here at Prince of Peace senior campus. Sharon will stay on as Brass Tutor and taking the Ensemble but we should have a new tutor for Woodwind in place for Term 2. If you play a woodwind instrument you probably already know but watch out for that changeover. Let me know if I can help at all.
Let’s get started and make some music!
Linda Brady
Middle & Senior Campus Curriculum Leader of Music and Coordinator of Extra-Curricular Music
Worship
Easter Services Thu 28 March – Sunday 31 March:
Maundy Thursday Service: 7PM
Good Friday Service: 7PM
Easter Sunday Sunrise Service:Â 6AM
(At the Middle & Senior Campus Outdoor Chapel)
Easter Sunday Service: 9AM
Sunday 7 April:
9am Worship
5pm Together@5
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.