Living Values, Growing Futures
At Prince of Peace growth is more than academic, it’s about building character. We believe that education is also about nurturing the heart. Every day, we plant seeds for hope, courage, service, and grace in the lives of our students, trusting that God will work through us to grow something far greater than we could achieve alone. Through challenges that build resilience, opportunities to serve others, and moments that call for faith and kindness, we seek to create an environment where God’s love shines brightly.
This term, our Year 11 students experienced these values firsthand at Emu Gully Adventure Camp, where challenges designed around the ANZAC spirit demanded resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Students showed courage in adversity, hope in tough moments, and service by supporting each other, a living reflection of the heroes we honoured during our Anzac Day services.
Closer to home, our organic gardening program continues to flourish. As students tend the soil with patience and care, learning that true growth requires commitment, humility, and stewardship. Research by McGuire, Morris and Polland, (2022) shows that practical, community-based projects like gardening not only enhance environmental awareness but also strengthen emotional resilience and wellbeing. Through these experiences, our students are growing into informed, resilient young people who embody the values we cherish.
In today’s fast-paced world, innovation isn’t just about grand ideas it’s about small, meaningful changes that drive lasting impact. One exciting development, informed by research is the stronger voice of our students in decision-making (Geurts, et al, 2024). Through direct feedback to our active Parents and Friends Association (P&F), students are helping shape innovations and even securing funding to bring them to life.
Together, we are growing a community where every student is inspired to lead with hope, courage, service, and grace. As Scripture reminds us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9, NIV
Yours in Christ,
Dr Susan Carter
Head of College
P&F News
Meet our lovely Mother’s Day Stall Coordinators – Emma Watson & Ainsley Hellen
Emma Watson and her two beautiful children, Miles (Year 8) and Lainey (Year 5) joined our PoP Community in 2021. Emma started volunteering at the Mother’s Day stall a few years ago and had an absolute blast helping students find the perfect gifts for Mum whilst getting to know other parents at PoP. This year she has taken on the huge role of purchasing, creating and organising this special event, with the help of Ainsley Hellen.
What Emma loves most about volunteering for the Mother’s Day Stall is “seeing the excitement when the kids walk through the door with their money, it’s beautiful! It’s always such a lovely atmosphere. My favourite part of Mother’s Day is waking up to open the gifts my kids have bought from the stall – they’re always so proud of what they’ve chosen.”
Ainsley, along with her two boys, William (Year 5) and Alexander (Year 8) are familiar faces around school, being a part of the PoP community since 2017.
Ainsley is looking forward to meeting new people and interacting with the kids at the stall. Her ultimate Mother’s Day is “going for a bike ride or a family BBQ. But definitely no washing will be done!”
If you would like to help out for the Junior Campus Mother’s Day stall there is still time, please follow the links below.
$141 raised for ALWS
Thank you to all those involved in serving pancakes for Shrove Tuesday and the community’s support in eating them!
We raised a total profit of $141.11 which has been donated to Australian Lutheran World Service.
Introducing the PoP Snack Station – Thursdays at the Junior Campus
With the cooler weather approaching, we have switched our Thursday Ice Blocks at JC to the PoP Snack Station, starting on Thursday 1 May, the Green Room during second break.
For sale (cash only):
- $1: packets of chips and popcorn
- $2: juice poppers and flavoured milk
Preppies won’t miss out with our P&F volunteers heading to the Prep area to sell chips (at the request of our Prep Teachers).
Thank you, Nicole Krieger, Mum of Elise (Year 2) and Lachlan (Prep), for coming up with this initiative and coordinating the event.
If you could spare an hour over lunch on Thursdays, we would love to see you — JC PoP Snack Station – Volunteers »
P&F Meeting Dates for 2025
All meeting dates are Wednesdays, commencing 7.00pm.
Term 2
April 23 on fourth week of the month due to holidays (Junior Campus)
May 14 (Middle & Senior Campus)
June 11 (Junior Campus)
Term 3
FYI: State of Origin Dates: (G1 28 May | G2 18 Jun | G3 09 Jul)
July 16 on third week of the month due to holidays (Middle & Senior Campus)
August 20 on third week of the month due to Ekka public holiday (Junior Campus)
September 17 (Middle & Senior Campus)
Term 4
October 08 (Junior Campus)
November 12 (Middle & Senior Campus)
If you have any questions or need information about the P&F, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Amie Butler
P&F President
Basketball Program Update – Northside Wizards
Thank you to the families who expressed interest in the Northside Wizards Wizkids Basketball Program for our students scheduled to begin Wednesday afternoons on the Middle and Senior Campus.
Unfortunately, we did not receive enough registrations to proceed with the program at this time. We are grateful to Northside Wizards for offering this opportunity and hope to explore similar activities in the future.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support of PoP Active sport and co-curricular opportunities at Prince of Peace.
We Will Remember Them
Last Thursday, the students of the Junior Campus gathered for a special ANZAC Service to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of the men and women of our Defence Forces. Moments of remembrance like these hold a special place in the life of our College.
This years’ service was thoughtfully organised by Chappy Reilly, Mr Reason, and students from across the College, and other staff members. We are especially grateful to Major Greg Johnson for joining us as our guest speaker and for sharing his time, insights, and reflections with our students and staff.
In the lead-up to ANZAC Day, our staff took great care in helping students understand the significance of this national day of remembrance. The service, courage, and sacrifice of our Defence Force members—and the unwavering support of their families—are deeply valued and will always be remembered with gratitude.
We also acknowledge and thank the many families who took part in community commemorations, including attending Dawn Services and marching with local groups. The College was represented by students and staff at the Gaythorne Dawn Service.
To all Defence Force members and their families within our College community, we sincerely thank you. Your service, commitment, and sacrifice are truly appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Lest we forget.
Term 2 – It’s Already Action Packed!
There’s something truly special about returning to school at the start of a new term—the excitement of seeing friends again, the buzz of holiday stories, and the energy of fresh learning adventures. It’s been wonderful hearing about all the special moments shared over the holidays, and seeing the joy as students reconnected this week.
We’ve hit the ground running, with our Year 1 and Year 3 students already heading out on their exciting excursions in the very first week! These real-world learning experiences have sparked so much enthusiasm and are a fantastic way to launch what promises to be an action-packed term ahead.
And finally, the last of our 2024 Fun Run purchases have arrived. Our new Spike Prime and robotic tools have arrived, and I look forward to seeing how the staff and students will use these to enhance their learning.
Term 2 Parent-Teacher-Student Conversations – Strengthening Learning Partnerships
This week and next, Parent-Teacher-Student Conversations are taking place across the Junior Campus. These conversations are a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school, celebrate student growth, and set clear goals for future learning. Research shows that when families and teachers work together, it has a powerful impact on student achievement, confidence, and engagement.
We thank all families for making time to support these important conversations and for being such vital partners in your child’s learning journey.
Mother’s Day Stall Next Week
Be Blessed
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendships
Friendships are an essential part of childhood, especially around ages 8 and 9, when children are learning how to connect, communicate, and handle social challenges. As parents, your support and guidance can make a big difference.
The Resilience Project encourages the development of three key habits: Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (also known as GEM). These are powerful tools for children as they learn to build and maintain healthy friendships.
Gratitude
Help your child recognise the positives in their friendships. You might ask:
“What’s something kind a friend did for you today?”
This helps them focus on the good, even after a tough day.
Empathy
Use daily experiences to build perspective-taking skills. Try asking:
“How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”
This opens up conversations about feelings and choices.
Mindfulness
Teach your child to pause and think before reacting. You can say:
“Let’s take a deep breath and think about what we want to say.”
Mindful responses can help avoid or resolve conflict.
Conversation Starters to Support Friendship Growth
- “Who did you spend time with today? What made it fun?”
- “Did anything tricky happen with a friend? How did you feel?”
- “If someone feels left out, what could you do to include them?”
- “What do you think makes someone a good friend?”
Friendships come with ups and downs, but through regular, open conversations and by nurturing gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness, you’re helping your child develop strong, lasting social skills that will serve them for life.
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Deputy Head of Campus – Junior
ANZAC Services – keeping the human stories alive
Prince of Peace community came together with pride and respect to participate in the ANZAC Day March on Friday 25 April and Commemorative Service at Gaythorne RSL.
Students, staff, families, and members of the wider community stood side by side to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our nation. Their presence and support reflected the strength of our shared history and our commitment to remembrance.
We extend our gratitude to all who attended and represented the school community with dignity and pride, making the morning a powerful expression of unity and reflection.
Our Middle and Senior Campus students, staff, and families came together for a moving ANZAC Day Service on Wednesday 23 April, honouring those in our Prince of Peace community who have served in the Defence Forces. We thank families who shared stories, photos, medals and artefacts in the memorial of their relatives who served in Defence Forces. We continue to invite families to share these stories as meaningful tributes.
Through powerful stories and reflections, the ANZAC values of courage, endurance, resilience, and mateship were brought to life. Thank you to our College and Ministry Captains, Vocalese, Strings Ensemble, Cadets, and Chaplain Reilly Brown for leading this meaningful service.
At the going down of the sun, we will remember them.
Lest we forget.
Election Day BBQ — Requesting Volunteers!
The Middle & Senior Campus is a polling booth for the Election and the P&F and our Year 12 Fundraiser students will be running a BBQ and drinks stall.
If you are available to assist on the stall please register here »
A Team Tuition for after school Maths and English tutoring
We have partnered with A Team Tuition to provide English and Maths tutoring for students in Years 5 to 12.
Parents have been sent communication via DMs and Social Media posts. Please see flyer below for more information for parents and students. Register for tuition here »
7-12 Subject Careers Expo 2026 – Tuesday 3 June
Tuesday 3 June will be the 7-12 Subject Careers Expo for 2026. The aim of this Expo is to showcase the subject pathways available at PoP in Middle and Senior Campus, students to make informed decisions about their subject choices in 2026, University, Tafe, Business, Trades and Defence Forces/Community Services pathways beyond School.
Learning Leaders will be available at this Expo, together with the Head of Campus, Directors and Career Coordinator to work with students and parents in partnership in forming each child’s My Pop Pathway.
Mother’s Day Breakfast — Thursday 8 May
Mothers, Grandmothers and Mother figures of PoP students are invited to the Middle and Senior Campus Mother’s Breakfast on Thursday 8 May from 7:30am-8:30am in the Auditorium.
Please see details on flyer below, and tickets may be purchased here.
Year 9 Mt Binga Camp Information Evening and Interviews
In Week 1 Term 2 Year 9 Mt Binga Family Information Evening and Interviews with Dave, Tina and Mel from Mt Binga were held. Communication regarding permission and medical forms will be communicated via SEQTA to families, together with Powerpoint presentation from the evening.
If you need any further assistance or support please make contact with Robert Smith, Middle School Student Wellbeing Coordinator in the first instance.
Term 2 Dates
Below are key events for Term 2. Please continue to check the Public Calendar that is updated as events, excursions are approved throughout the term;
Week 2:
Year 11 Camp (Emu Gully) Monday 28 April and Tuesday 29 April
P & F Mother’s Day Stall Wednesday 30 April
Week 3:
Mother’s Day Breakfast Thursday 8 May 7:30am-8:30am in the Auditorium
ALWS Walk my Way Brisbane Saturday 10 May
Week 4:
Year 7 2026 Family Information Evening Tuesday 13 May 5:00pm in the Auditorium
Week 5:
MSC Arts Showcase Wednesday 21 May in Auditorium
Year 7-9 Elevate Sessions Friday 23 May
Week 6:
Friday 30 May MSC Open Morning
Week 7:
Tuesday 3 June Years 9-12 Careers and Subject Expo (Evening) in Auditorium
Week 9:
Tuesday 17 June Years 7-12 Athletics Day
Every blessing,
Sarah Hoff-Zweck
Head of Campus – Middle and Senior
Coaching for the Future: Exciting Developments in Senior PE
The Health and Physical Education team has been buzzing with activity this term, with our senior PE students engaging in hands-on learning that connects theory to real-world application.
Our Year 9 elective has taken a deep dive into data analysis in sport, with students completing their first Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI). Through this process, they are developing a strong understanding of how targeted feedback and different types of practice can enhance an athlete’s performance when tailored to their stage of learning.
In Year 10 Sports Science, students have been putting theory into action in our new school gym. They have designed their own training programs based on their individual fitness testing results, focusing on improving strengths and addressing fitness limitations. Their commitment and effort in applying scientific principles to their training have been impressive!
Our Year 11 and 12 Sport & Recreation students have been gaining real-world coaching experience as they finalise their Coaching Project. This has seen them step up as leaders, running practical sessions for our middle school HPE classes and our Years 7-10 NISSA sports teams. This invaluable experience has not only developed their coaching skills but has also strengthened connections between students across year levels.
Meanwhile, our senior Health students are working on developing school-based programs aimed at enhancing student relationships and experiences on campus. Additionally, our Year 12 Health class is analysing and evaluating how road safety programs could be effectively implemented in the PoP and other local communities.
Looking ahead, we are excited to share more about our Middle School HPE program next term as students embark on their Biomechanics unit, where they will explore how movement principles impact performance.
We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and look forward to seeing their continued growth throughout the year!
Casey Veentjer
Curriculum Leader – HPE – Middle & Senior Campus
Year 11 Camp — Emu Gully 2025
Bright and early, the Year 11 students gathered at school, filled with excitement and anticipation as they prepared to head west beyond Gatton to Emu Gully. With stories of mud, muck, and night hikes passed down from older students and siblings, the Year 11s were eager—and they were not disappointed.
The adventure began with activities such as the low ropes course, the balance pole, and the tunnel run, all designed to build teamwork and offer opportunities for leadership. After lunch, the groups moved on to themed challenges that honoured the service of the ANZACs, fostering a deeper appreciation for the hardships they endured.
One memorable challenge was the Tunnel Rats of Vietnam, where students navigated a cramped, muddy maze of tunnels. They then tested their teamwork once again by attempting to cross the River Kwai—a narrow, swaying bridge where students, approaching from opposite sides, had to swap places mid-bridge. Not everyone made the transition dry, with several taking an unexpected dip in the water below for a refreshing swim.
Following a hearty dinner, the students set off on a demanding night hike with torches in hand. Each group successfully carried a nominated group member on a stretcher across rugged terrain, demonstrating impressive perseverance, resilience, and cooperation. Though tired from a full day of physical and mental challenges, students spent the evening together, strengthening their sense of community before settling in for some much-needed rest ahead of their final day.
It has been inspiring to see our Year 11s come together to overcome challenges with respect, support, and determination. We are excited to see the great things this group will achieve as the future leaders of our PoP school community.
Casey Veentjer
Curriculum Leader – HPE – Middle & Senior Campus
Middle & Senior Campus Sport
NISSA Sport Term 2
We are getting close the final stages of the NISSA Summer Season for 2025, please see current ladder positions for all teams below.
The top four B Division teams play their semi finals this week, with the grand final being held in Week 3. The A Division teams have one more round game this week before their semis begin next week. Good luck to all teams!
NISSA Cross Country Carnival
Our NISSA Cross Country Carnival is being held this Friday 2 May at Teralba Park, the schedule is below.
For those attending, we have organised for a bus to leave PoP at approx. 8.30am for those that wish to be transported to the venue. There will also be a bus to bring students back to school at approx. 1.30pm. Alternatively, they can make their own arrangements for transport, ensuring they check in and out with a staff member on the day.
Students will need to ensure that they have complete PoP HPE uniforms (hat included), water and food, we will provide sunscreen. The canteen will be open on the day if students wish to purchase lunch.
If you have any questions, please contact Miss Collman.
Interhouse Cross Country Carnival
The Interhouse Cross Country Carnival was held in the final week of Term 1. While weather again threatened to derail our carnival, for the second year in a row, we were extremely grateful to wake up to clear skies!
This was the first time that we had the start/finish line situated at the other end of the park, near Mitchelton Football Club. Students adapted well to this location change and seemed to enjoy the access to the canteen and bathroom facilities at the club.
Congratulations to all participants and especially to our Age Champions listed below.
12 years Boys – Astin Peterkin
12 years Girls – Matilda Forrest
13 years Boys – Micah Shaw
13 years Girls – Laura Larder
14 years Boys – Thomas Forbes-Schutz
14 years Girls – Georgia Gardner
15 years Boys – Lachlan Larder
15 years Girls – Phoebe Jones
16 years Boys – Mateo Viegas
16 years Girls – Ava Downie
17 years Boys – Connor Rhind
17 years Girls – Freya Garrad
18 years Boys – Nick Horsington
18 years Girls – Bianca Rhind
The fight for the shield was extremely tight all day. With the top three houses within a few points of each other, Fraser took the win, with Bradman, Jackson and Laver taking out the minor places. Well done to all!
BOSL Basketball
Our BOSL Basketball season kicks of this Thursday afternoon with our Senior boys team once again taking part. For those interested, games are held at South Pine Sports Complex every Thursday afternoon at either 4pm or 4.45pm. If you are available, I am sure the boys would appreciate you coming along to cheer them on!
Uhlsports Football Cup
PoP has entered a Senior Boys and Girls team into the Uhlsports Cup this year. Games will be played throughout the term, with home and away fixtures being organised. This is a great opportunity for our students to engage in an 11 a side competition and links nicely with our NISSA sports of Futsal and 9-a-side. There is still time for students to participate in this opportunity. If you are 14 years or over, please get in touch with Miss Gabby Collman if you are interested. Training starts this Wednesday morning, on the Middle & Senior Campus oval at 7am.
Run Club
A reminder that Run Club is back on this term! 7am start at the Middle & Senior Campus.
Nationals Track and Field
Congratulations to Hannes Forbes-Schutz who participated in the 2000m Steeplechase at the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships in Perth during the holidays. Hannes finished in 13th position in the final, very close to his personal best time. Well done Hannes!
If you require any more information, please contact myself via SEQTA or the Middle & Senior Campus via email receptionsc@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
Gabrielle Collman
Middle & Senior Campus Teacher – Sports Coordinator
Worship
Sunday 4 May: 9am Worship
Sunday 11 May: 9am Worship
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.
Community News and Notices
Drawing and Colouring Course
Unlock your creativity and bring your imagination to life with this Drawing and Colouring Course! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your artistic skills, this course is designed to inspire and develop your child’s inner artist.
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamentals of drawing: Learn to sketch with confidence using shapes, lines, and shading techniques.
- Mastering Colour: Explore the use of colour theory, blending, and various colouring techniques.
- Creative Expression: Develop your unique style and bring your ideas to life on paper.
- Medium Exploration: Work with pencils, crayons, pastels and markers to discover your preferred tools. Dive deep into colour study and composition and learn its application.
Who Can Join:
- The session will run for two age groups (Year 1 to Year 3) and (Year 4 to Year 6).
Course Highlights:
- Interactive and hands-on sessions.
- Guidance from experienced instructor.
- Opportunities to showcase artwork at the end of course
- Take home artwork at the conclusion of the course
- Fun and inspiring environment to foster creativity.
Duration: 1 hour each session, for 5 weeks, Tuesday and/or Wednesday (flexible with day based on enrolments)
Materials Provided: All art supplies included in the course fee.
Course fee: $119
