A Current Challenge For Us — Absenteeism!
Parents, I am doing a shout out for a call to action so together we can help students achieve. Below I am going to share the reasons why, and I have hyperlinked research articles for your consideration. We acknowledge that sometimes students are very unwell and need to be at home, however, where possible we need your support in having students attend in a punctual manner. I have focused on best practice and research clearly shows there is a relationship between school absenteeism (overall, sickness absence, and truancy) and post-school destinations (Klein & Sosu, 2024). Absenteeism negatively impacts student performance by hampering academic achievement, potentially resulting in lower grades, reduced test scores, and decreased educational attainment (Klein et al., 2022). Beyond academics, frequent absences may contribute to emotional difficulties, social isolation, and behavioural problems.
Lowered achievement:
England and Wales, Bradley and Crouchley (2020) found that truancy affects post schooling options. This can partially be attributed to less time for instruction which impacts students’ ability to grasp concepts, complete assignments, and participate in class discussions.
Decreased grades and reduced test performance:
Studies show that even a small number of absences can lead to lower grades and test scores (e.g. Ansari & Pianta, 2019), especially in reading (e.g. Gershenson et al., 2017; Smerillo et al., 2018), and students perform less well in high-stakes exams in secondary schooling (e.g. Klein et al., 2022).
Social and emotional isolation:
Absenteeism can lead to feelings of alienation and disconnection from the school community. A lack of engagement in school activities and social interactions can contribute to anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems (Klein & Sosu, 2024).
Important point:
Research depicts that the significance of academic achievement was influenced more by absences than any other factor and Klein and Sosu (2024) suggested the influence ranging from 77% to 100% to whether a student pursues further and higher education or employment. We need our students attending!
Our College:
We will be contacting families where we have noted absences to work with you to target increased attendance. There is also a requirement by law regarding attendance (see: Compulsory Education Student Enrolment and Attendance Policy). Our students matter – every child, every day is an opportunity for learning! Our College acknowledges the work by Klein and Sosu, (2024) suggesting that early interventions focusing on improving students’ health and wellbeing in school will effectively help prevent exclusion from later education and the labour force. Therefore, we support absent students in catching up on missed lesson content. Together can we please focus on attendance as imperative for learning.
We are supporting students and aware of learner needs. This focus on attendance is our shout out to encourage attendance and also reassuring you that we care about circumstance. Please reach out if you need to talk as our student success and wellbeing team are happy to work with you. 😊
Yours in Christ,
Dr Susan Carter
Head of College
Join Us for Tomorrow’s PoPCONNECT Parent Liaison Meeting!
Our next PoPCONNECT Parent Liaison Meeting is happening tomorrow (Thursday 15 May) from 1:15pm to 2:15pm via TEAMS, and we’d love to see you there!
Led by Dr Susan Carter, this session is open to all current PoPCONNECT Parent Liaisons, as well as any parents who are curious about getting involved and helping strengthen our warm and welcoming school community.
Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or just thinking about how you might contribute, this is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay engaged.
Interested in joining us? Please contact Donna Cook at dcook@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au by midday tomorrow to receive the meeting link.
A great way to show strength through unity!
P&F News
Yatala Pies Fundraiser – Get your order in now!
Enjoy a hearty chunky beef family pie, topped off with a delicious slice of caramel pie or perhaps something a little more traditional like Grandma’s apple pie!
Whether your family is vegetarian, coeliac or lovers of chicken, there is something for everyone. And the best part is… these famous pies and pastries will be available to collect from the Junior Campus or Middle & Senior Campus, saving you a 150km round trip to Yatala! A little bonus, a small amount from each sale will go towards PoP P&F initiatives benefiting our school.
Order by Tuesday 27 May at 5pm via the PoP P&F Yatala Pie Drive Online Ordering Website and we will have your order ready to be collected on Wednesday 4 June.
Please note:
- Ensure that you have selected which campus you would like for your collection point – Junior Campus or Middle & Senior Campus. A time will be communicated with everyone closer to the date.
- Due to refrigeration requirements of these fresh pies, they must be collected on the fourth of June at the designated time.
- If you are unable to pick up your order, please arrange for a family or friend to pick it up on your behalf.
- Share this link with friends or family outside of the school. They can order and pay and put your child’s name and grade on the order. You can pick them up on their behalf.
Junior Campus State of Origin – Mini Lunch
Wednesday 28 May, 1st Break
We are excited to announce that the P&F are organising a mini lunch for Junior Campus students on Wednesday 28 May to celebrate the first State of Origin game! Pre-order your child/ren’s meals using this link to the new P&F online ordering website. Orders close Friday 23 May at 5pm.
Food will be delivered to your child/ren’s class at 1st Break. Ensure that you have the correct child’s name and class when adding an item to your cart. You can complete a single checkout.
Choose from the following:
- $3 mini pies & mini sausage rolls: 3 x pies, 3 x sausage rolls, or a combination. Gluten-free options are available.
- $1 jelly cups: maroon (strawberry) & blue (berry) of course! Gluten & dairy free.
- $2 drinks: chocolate and strawberry milk, Golden Circle fruit drink poppers.
This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to come together and show their support for their favorite team while enjoying a delicious meal!
Thanks For Our Election Day BBQ Helpers
We wanted to give a huge shout out to all our Year 12 students, parents and teachers who volunteered last Saturday at our election day BBQ. A special thanks to Mr Richard Stevens who fired up the BBQ on Saturday and again on Tuesday, and to Michelle Faragher for organising both events.
Michelle and I were thoroughly impressed by our Year 12 helpers. Their dedication and teamwork were truly outstanding, making them exceptional ambassadors for our College on voting day. What an incredible group of young adults we have at our school!
Approximately $1,500 profit was raised, with half going to the P&F and half going to the year 12 students to fund their end of year gift to the school.
P&F Meeting Dates for 2025
All meeting dates are Wednesdays, commencing 7.00pm.
Term 2
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
Thank You for a Beautiful Mother’s Day Celebration
Last week brought so many special opportunities to reflect on and celebrate the mothers and remarkable women in our lives—and what a beautiful week it was!
A huge thank you to our wonderful P&F team for the time and heart they put into the Mother’s Day Stall. Students were thrilled to make their own purchases, and the joy on their faces as they chose gifts was truly something special. We’re grateful to all the volunteers who made this possible.
We also extend our thanks to everyone who joined us for the Junior Campus Mother’s Day and Special Women’s Breakfast. With croissants, coffee, and fresh fruit setting the scene, it was a morning filled with smiles, connection, and heartfelt appreciation. Classrooms came alive with warm conversations and shared moments that will be long remembered.
While Mother’s Day was officially celebrated on Sunday, we hope the gratitude and love continue every day. Thank you for the countless ways you care for and support those around you—you are so appreciated.
Walking With Purpose: Faith, Fun & Footsteps for Change- Walk My Way
Last Friday, our Junior Campus dressed up and stepped out for a joyful Walking Chapel in support of ALWS Walk My Way. And what a colourful, heart-filled event it was! Students and staff embraced the spirit of giving and learning about the work of ALWS with creative costumes—crayons for school supplies, medical professionals for care, water drops, bubbles and the importance of hygiene, Bunnies for Bruni, and symbolic outfits representing helping hands and hearts of hope. Our Admin team were ready to garden and grow food, while our energetic Year 2s led the way as ‘Feeding the Future’!
With every step, we walked in faith, fun, and service, showing what it means to live out our College values and support children around the world through the work of ALWS.
With every $25 helping a child, our community has currently helped 243 vulnerable children in countries like Ukraine, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Burundi, Bangladesh and Nepal.
That spirit of compassion continued into Saturday, as members of our Church and College community joined hundreds of others for the Brisbane Walk My Way event. It was a powerful time of unity, walking together with purpose and hope. Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, dressed up, or encouraged others—your support has helped change lives.
Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play – Under 8s Day 2025!
We’re so excited for Under 8s Day 2025, where our youngest learners will explore this year’s theme: “Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play”. With bubbling experiments, nature discovery, and imaginative fun, it’s a joyful celebration of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. We can’t wait to welcome families to this special day of wonder and play!
Be Blessed
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
QLD NAIDOC Schools Initiative Competition
We’re excited to share that Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) is running a NAIDOC Week Poetry Competition for students across the state. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to reflect creatively on this year’s NAIDOC theme and celebrate First Nations culture through poetry. Entries are to be completed at home, and parents must register their child using the links provided. There are some great prizes to be won.
Please see the links below for the 2025 NAIDOC Week Schol Initiatives Entry Forms:
The Social Brain: What Typical Development Looks Like
Milestones from Kindy to Year 6
Children’s social and emotional development unfolds gradually and plays a crucial role in their ability to build friendships, manage emotions, and thrive in learning environments. According to the Harvard Centre on the Developing Child, “the development of social skills and executive function are closely linked, and both are shaped by early experiences and relationships.” These skills grow steadily through key milestones and understanding them helps parents support their child’s development at each stage.
In the early years (Kindy–Year 2), play, imitation, and joint attention are essential building blocks. Through shared games and role-play, children learn to take turns, read emotional cues, and develop early empathy. For example, when a Kindy child pretends to “cook dinner” for a friend, they’re practising cooperation and perspective-taking.
By the middle years (Years 3–4), children typically begin to understand more complex social rules and can show genuine concern for others’ feelings. Empathy becomes more consistent, and emotional regulation improves. However, support is still needed during moments of frustration or disappointment.
In the upper primary years (Years 5–6), children start to value peer approval and navigate more nuanced social dynamics. They are increasingly capable of resolving conflicts, working in teams, and recognising how their actions affect others. The AEDC’s national data supports this, noting that children who demonstrate strong social competence “are more likely to do well academically, participate positively in school, and enjoy long-term wellbeing.”
Some helpful hints to try at home are:
Model empathy and respectful communication at home.- Talk through everyday social situations e.g., “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”
- Watch for signs like ongoing difficulty sharing and being flexible with others’ choices, making friends, controlling friends/play or controlling strong emotions, and seek support if needed.
- The human brain is naturally wired to focus on negative experiences, a phenomenon known as the ‘negativity bias’. According to neuroscientist Dr. Rick Hanson, “the brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones.” This trait helped our ancestors survive threats, but in modern life, it can lead to heightened anxiety, pessimism, or overreaction to minor setbacks. So, help your child turn their negative thoughts into a more positive outlook for example, if they say, “No one wanted to play with me today,” you might respond, “That sounds hard, but I also heard you had a great time building with Johnny yesterday. Let’s think of someone you can ask to play tomorrow.” Helping children reframe challenges gently teaches them to look for balance and hope, even on difficult days.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Positive relationships, patient guidance, and open conversations at home make a big difference in shaping confident, socially capable learners.
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Deputy Head of Campus – Junior
Reframing the C Grade: Celebration of Student Growth
We are almost halfway through the Term already. Before we know it, student reports will be made available, which brings me to reflect on the excellent teaching and learning that we have at PoP.
When you see a C grade on a student reports, it can sometimes be met with disappointment. However, it’s important to understand that in many educational contexts, a C represents a student who is at standard—that is, meeting the expected learning outcomes for their age or grade level.
A C indicates steady progress and foundational understanding. It shows that the student is on track and capable of completing the required work, which is something to be proud of! Instead of viewing a C as merely average, we encourage parents to celebrate it as a sign of achievement—and an opportunity for growth.
Every C earned is a step forward, reflecting a student’s effort and resilience. It’s a milestone that signifies they are absorbing key concepts and skills. With targeted support and encouragement, students can build on this foundation and continue to excel.
Let’s shift the conversation from “What’s missing?” to “What’s next?” and celebrate every achievement along the way—including those Cs! After all, every grade is a snapshot of a student’s journey, and their progress is what truly counts.
As we continue our journey of continuous improvement in student learning outcomes, lets celebrate our students’ learning, achievement and growth at PoP!
Naomi Walsh
Teacher – Learning Coach
Celebrating our Prince of Peace Mums, Grandmothers and Mother Figures
We were delighted to celebrate with over 140 Middle and Senior Campus Mums, Grandmothers and Mother figures to our young people at our Mother’s Day Breakfast on Thursday 8 May in our Auditorium. It was time of laughter, eating, sharing stories and memories, connecting with friends and family.
We give thanks to our Middle and Senior Campus Admin team for creating the beautiful breakfast buffet and setting for this occasion. We also thank our Parent and Friends Association for the Mother’s Day Stall that assists our young people to find that special gift for Mother’s Day. Our Mother’s Day Raffle were two donated hampers that raised money for the Year 12 2025 Legacy Gift. Thank you to all the mum’s and special friends at the Mother’s Day Breakfast who supported this raffle and the hampers have been delivered to the winners.
Our College Captains and Ministry Captain, Hannes, Sienna and Nicholas shared some poems and words of thanksgiving to all those who were present at the Mother’s Day Breakfast and we share these as we remember the love, care, inspiration, courage and strength that the gift of Mothers bring to our lives;
My Mother kept a garden
Author Unknown
My Mother kept a garden,
A garden of the heart.
She planted all the good things
That gave my life its start.
She turned me to the sunshine
And encouraged me to dream.
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem.
And when the winds and rain came,
She protected me enough.
But not too much because she knew
I’d need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
Always taught me right from wrong.
Markers for my pathway
That will last a lifetime long.
I am my Mother’s garden.
I am her legacy.
And I hope today she feels the love
Reflected back from me.
M.O.T.H.E.R
By Howard Johnson
M is for the million things she gave me,
O means only that she’s growing old,
T is for the tears she shed to save me,
H is for her heart of purest gold,
E is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
R means right, and right she’ll always be,
Put them all together, they spell “MOTHER,” a word that means the world to me.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
I said a Mother’s Day prayer for you to thank the Lord above
for blessing me with a lifetime of your tenderhearted love.
I thanked God for the caring, you’ve shown me through the years,
for the closeness we’ve enjoyed in times of laughter and tears.
And so, I thank you from the heart for all you’ve done for me,
and I bless the Lord for giving me the best mother there could be!
Casual Day for a Cause
On Tuesday 6 May, the Middle and Senior Campus held a Free Dress Day in support of our ALWS fundraising campaign.
Students made gold coin donations for the opportunity to wear casual clothes, helping us raise an impressive total of $180.
A big thank you to our Year 12 cohort and Mr Stevens for organising a fantastic BBQ, which added to the fun and spirit of the day. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Every blessing,
Sarah Hoff-Zweck
Head of Campus – Middle and Senior
Junior Campus Sport
NISSA and North District Cross Country Carnivals
Last week, under beautiful clear skies and perfect running conditions, Cross Country runners proudly represented the school across two cross country events – NISSA and North District Carnivals. With determination, spirit, and resilience, our runners showcased perseverance, excellence, and community.
Each event featured up to 50 runners per age group, many of our students finished strongly, placing between 2nd and 30th. These are commendable results that reflect great effort, dedication to training, and school pride.
A special congratulations goes to three outstanding students who placed in the top 6 for their respective age groups:
NISSA Cross Country – Teralba Park Results
9 Years Girls – Isabella Sullivan: 3rd
10 Years Girls – Asha Shaw: 2nd
10 Years Girls – Lily Shaw: 4th
11 Years Boys – Sebastian Forrest: 6th
12 Years Girls – Phoebe O’Flynn: 2nd
North District Cross Country – Pine River Park Results
12 Years Girls – Phoebe Flynn: 4th
10 Years Girls – Asha Shaw: 2nd
10 Years Girls – Lily Shaw: 6th
As a result of their excellent performance at the North District Cross Country, the three students above have been selected to represent the North District Team at the Met North Carnival, which will take place at the end of May. This is a significant achievement, and we are incredibly proud of them.
Well done to all participants, your hard work and positive attitude truly stood out!
Ollivia Beveridge
Junior Campus PE Teacher
Middle & Senior Campus Sport
NISSA Sport Term 2
Our B Division finals were held this week with PoP coming away with an astounding 5 grand final wins! Some of these games were really close, the boys futsal team even had to go to a penalty shootout! Well done to all teams involved. Ribbons and the trophy will be presented during the sports assembly later this term.
Final standings are:
This week will conclude the Summer season of NISSA sport with the A division finals. We have a number of teams in contention. For our 7/8 teams, the Futsal girls, Netball girls and Volleyball boys are all playing off for 1st place, while our Futsal boys, Touch boys and Volleyball girls are in a playoff for 3rd. In the 9/10 competition, we have our Futsal girls in the Grand Final (after a very tense penalty shootout in the semi final!), while our Touch and Volleyball girls are playing off for 3rd spot.
BOSL Basketball
The BOSL Basketball season has officially kicked off with the boys already 2 rounds in. Round 1 saw them come up against Mueller College in a really close game. We were down on troops so had to start the game with only 4 players on court. The team rallied really well and actually took the lead into the half time break. After the half, we had some foul trouble and had to end the game with 3 players on court! Even with this, the team were so close to winning and only went down by 5 points! A remarkable effort! Special mention to Thomas Quine who finished the game with game high 16 points.
The second game against Australian Christian College Moreton was a much easier affair with the boys taking the win comfortably. Special mention to Rhys Griffin who was able to make some beautiful putback baskets. We look forward to the next couple of games against Southern Cross Christian College and Good Shepherd Christian College.
NISSA Cross Country Carnival – Friday 2 May
The NISSA Cross Country Carnival was held at the end of Week 2 down at Teralba Park. PoP had a strong team of 51 students compete throughout the day in the 2nd edition of the event. Having the home court advantage was certainly of assistance as we had only just completed our Interhouse carnival a few weeks prior. For the 2nd year running, PoP took out the Percentage shield and came 3rd in the overall standings. Well done to all athletes that participated on the day! Special mention to the students listed below who came in the top 3 in their race.
13 yrs girls – Laura Larder – 2nd
14 yrs boys – Thomas Forbes-Schutz – 3rd
15 yrs boys – Lachlan Larder – 1st
16 yrs boys – Hannes Forbes-Schutz – 3rd
Uhlsport Football Cup
Our Senior boys team kicked off their Uhlsport competition last week against Padua College. This was the first time that PoP has played a competitive 11 a side game in a number of years. Through NISSA sport, our teams mostly play Futsal and 9-a-side which is a lot different to a full sized game of Football (Soccer). The boys played extremely well and were able to adapt to the pitch relatively quickly. Padua were a well-oiled machine and it certainly showed that they had played a lot of football together as they took the game 12-1. Special mention to our goal scorer Connor Redford-Bell. He scored a lovely team goal in the 2nd half, putting away the chance after beautiful lead up play by Levi Larder and Tyson Hulcombe.
The girls team kick off their competition this week, with another 2 games for both teams to be played later in the term. Best of luck!
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
Middle & Senior Campus News from The Arts
Arts Showcase
Wednesday 21 May 6pm. $5 Adult | $2 Student/Concession
I appreciate all of you for taking the time to stay up to date on news of The Arts. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
We are in the final days of preparation for the Arts Showcase now. There are so many new things to share I am really excited. There will be displays from Visual Art of work from students across the year levels on MSC from year 7 underwater scenes, year 8 animal sculptures, year 10 skateboards, and some amazing Senior work.
These will be on display in the Auditorium from 5pm accompanied by refreshments kindly provided by the P&F and music from a guest ensemble featuring our esteemed Brass Tutor Sharon Nobs.
During the student performance which will start at 6pm, we will hear performance from across the College including material from the classroom, the Extra-Curricular ensembles and private tuition programs and from the Drama room. We are going to enjoy a guest feature from the Junior Campus choral program with their director Ben Reason. Students from the Drama classroom will share performance extracts from their plays and stage craft. Dance will be included with a fully choreographed Music Theatre number from Hairspray! The music extension program will also be on display with a mixture of compositions and performance from senior students. The night will be an absolute feast.
A raffle will be run on the night with spectacular prizes. You have to be there to win.
Performances don’t come out of thin air. I hear people say – “Oh my, aren’t they talented” but you and I both know that talent on its own is not enough. It is the many hours of dedicated guided tuition, individual practice and ensemble rehearsal which enable our students to perform at such a very high standard.
Nurturing God given Potential is the goal.
I appreciate all of you for taking the time to stay up to date on news of The Arts and I look forward to seeing you all next week.
Let’s get started and make some art!
Linda Brady
Curriculum Leader – The Arts on the Middle & Senior Campus
Worship
Sunday 18 May: 9am Worship
Sunday 25 May: 9am Worship
Please keep an eye on the Prince of Peace Church Facebook page for service updates.
Movie Night – Friday 6 June, On the Oval
Bring a rug and join us on the Junior Campus oval for the high–energy animated feature, “Sing.” Entry for the movie is free; snacks, soft drinks and coffee will be available for purchase.
Register by Monday, 2 June to enter a draw for VIP seating for your family!
You can even pre-order Domino’s Pizza to pick up when you arrive… use the ticket link to RSVP and order: bit.ly/PoPMovieNight25
