Embracing Our Legacy, Empowering Our Future
On Friday, May 23, our College was honoured to host the OWLS (Once Were Leaders), a distinguished group of former Lutheran school and college leaders. Their presence brought a wealth of wisdom and experience to our campus, as they convened in our Auditorium for one of their regular meetings. I had the privilege of delivering a keynote address on the topic they assigned: “Spending the Inheritance.”
In my speech, I reflected on the evolving landscape of education and emphasised the importance of investing our collective inheritance into a future-focused, Christ-centred learning environment.
As Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from the OWLS and are inspired to continue building upon the legacy they have entrusted to us.
Together, as a community, we are dedicated to nurturing an educational environment that honours our heritage while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.
Learning Culture
We are engaging in intentional actions to cultivate a dynamic learning culture through the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is an educational framework that aims to improve and optimise teaching and learning for all people, based on scientific insights into how humans learn.
By embedding UDL principles into staff meetings and teacher workshops, we encourage educators to provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
Recently, our dedicated teaching staff engaged in collaborative workshops that brought together educators from early years, middle years, and senior years. These sessions involved an interactive quiz and the creation of 3D representations, allowing teams to visualise and articulate their contributions to our College’s vision.
The resulting artifacts stand as a testament to our commitment to unity and collective strength, truly embodying the principle of “Strength through Unity.”
National Sorry Day – A Moment of Reflection and Commitment
Monday 26 May 2025 marked the 28th anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report being tabled in the Australian Parliament—an historic and deeply significant document that brought national attention to the pain, injustice, and resilience of the Stolen Generations. It serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to seek truth, healing, and justice.
As Head of College, I had the honour of attending the National Sorry Day Ceremony at Teralba Park for the first time. Student leaders from across the College came together in a spirit of unity and respect. Two proud Year 5 students represented the Junior Campus with maturity and grace and were joined by Middle and Senior Campus student leaders, along with staff: Head of Junior Campus Anne-Marie Schmidt, Linda Brady, and Alison Kelly.
At the same time, our Year 6 students were in Canberra, furthering their understanding of Australia’s democratic foundations and the stories that shape our nation’s identity. Across each campus, our students are engaging with the themes of reconciliation in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
National Sorry Day is more than a date in the calendar—it is an opportunity for our whole College community to pause, to listen, and to commit again to walking gently and courageously toward reconciliation. We give thanks for the strength and stories of First Nations peoples, and we recognise our role in building a future grounded in respect, truth, and hope. I also thank our Head of Junior Campus Anne-Marie Schmidt, for her work in contributing this write up.
Student Focused
As we progress through this academic year, our focus remains steadfast on aligning our curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 with the demands of an evolving world and workforce. By integrating innovative spaces and forward-thinking teaching methodologies, we aim to equip our graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the future.
Empowering Future Innovators: Student Voice Summit Sparks Real-World Skills
In a world rapidly transformed by technology and innovation, schools have a responsibility to prepare students not just for exams but for life. That’s why this year’s Student Voice Summits are more than just forums they’re launchpads for the next generation of changemakers.
What’s Happening?
Two dynamic Student Voice Summits will bring together our Student Leadership Council Representatives to pitch initiatives for funding. These aren’t just ideas they’re student-driven solutions, developed through a collaborative process that begins in classrooms and PC groups. Every student has the opportunity to contribute, ensuring a truly representative voice.
The Process: From Idea to Impact
Students will develop their proposals with a clear rationale, scope, cost analysis, and projected impact. At the summit, these initiatives will be evaluated and prioritised, with selected projects pitched to a panel for funding recommendations. This process mirrors real-world entrepreneurial practices, fostering skills like critical thinking, financial literacy, and persuasive communication.
Why It Matters
By engaging in this process, students are not only advocating for their peers but also honing skills that are essential in today’s world. They learn to navigate complex problems, collaborate effectively, and present their ideas with confidence. These are the competencies that will serve them in any future endeavour.
Summit dates for invited participants are:
Monday 9 June – 3.15pm-4.15pm, The Auditorium, Middle & Senior Campus
Monday 1 September – 3.15pm-4.15pm, The Auditorium, Middle & Senior Campus
Welcome to Our New Term 2 Learning Enrichment Teacher
Welcome to our Learning Enrichment Teacher on the Middle and Senior Campus, Keli Nugent. Keli joins us with a passion for teaching and having had prior experience in supporting students with Special Educational Needs.
Yours in Christ,
Dr Susan Carter
Head of College
Spotlight on PoP Staff!
In each upcoming edition of POPCORN, we’ll be shining a light on the amazing people who make up our College staff.
Our new Spotlight on PoP Staff section is all about strengthening the connection between families and the wonderful staff who support our students every day.
This fortnight, we invite you to get to know a few of our dedicated Learning Enrichment Officers and Aides— the unsung pillars of support working beside teachers that make such a big difference.
Heather Glynn — Prep Aide
Joined Prince of Peace Staff: October 2021 | Campus: Junior
What is something you’ve loved or learned during your time at Prince of Peace?
I love working with some amazing teachers and aides who inspire me daily, and I have learned what an honour it is to be able to help students gain confidence in new skills, and to celebrate their achievements with them.
What is one fun or surprising fact about you that people might not expect?
I can hold my own in Mario Kart — Toadette is my driver of choice.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be — and why?
An original is worth more than a copy — be yourself. It can be so hard in your school years when it seems like you need to be exactly like your peers to belong, I would encourage my younger self to be proud of who I am, celebrate my gifts and march proudly to the beat of my own drum.
What is something about Prince of Peace that you think sets it apart from other schools?
For many families (mine included) PoP is an inclusive and welcoming school, that values each child for who they are and will always do their best to support a wide range of learners.
Nikki Templeton (AKA Ms T) — Learning Enrichment Officer
Joined Prince of Peace Staff: January 2025 | Campus: Middle & Senior
What is something you’ve loved or learned during your time at Prince of Peace?
Getting to know our fabulous students.
What is one fun or surprising fact about you that people might not expect?
I hike at least twice a month.
What’s your dream holiday destination — and why?
I would love to go to Scandinavia for the hiking, the fjords, Northern Lights and to see the little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen.
What is something about Prince of Peace that you think sets it apart from other schools?
Our students and our Worship Walk are both amazing.
Abi Morse — Learning Enrichment Officer / Student Reception / OSHC
Joined Prince of Peace Staff: 2017 | Campus: Junior
What is something you’ve loved or learned during your time at Prince of Peace?
I love the strong sense of community at Prince of Peace. One that supports, encourages, and lifts each other up – such a positive environment for both students and staff and families. It’s a place where everyone is valued and respected.
What is one fun or surprising fact about you that people might not expect?
I love sailing and have participated in four Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Races. One day, I’d love to do it again — but this time with my husband and our three sons. It would be an unforgettable family adventure.
What is something about Prince of Peace that you think sets it apart from other schools?
The way faith is woven into every part of school life — from the classroom to the playground — gives everything a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. It’s more than just learning; it’s about growing hearts and minds.
Are you a sunshine-lover or a winter-warrior — and what’s the best thing about your favourite season?
I’m definitely a sunshine-lover. There’s nothing quite like starting the day with an early morning walk while the world is still quiet and the sun is just rising — it feels peaceful and full of promise. I love the long, warm afternoons that are perfect for spontaneous BBQs with friends and family, and if I get the chance to be near the water, sailing on a sunny day is pure bliss — the wind, the waves, and a clear blue sky.
Bonus Question! — Name any 3 people (living or historical) who you would love to have a dinner with
If I could have dinner with anyone, I’d actually choose four people — my grandparents. I never had the chance to meet them, and I’ve always wished I could sit down and get to know them. Sharing a delicious roast beef dinner with all the trimmings — gravy, Yorkshire puddings, and the works — would be incredibly special. I’d love to hear their stories, their laughter, and just experience that connection across generations, I see the special bond my children have with their Grandparents.
Subject & Career Expo
We’re excited to share that Prince of Peace Lutheran College will be hosting its Subjects and Careers Expo on Tuesday 3 June, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for students and families from Year 3 to 12 to explore the many exciting pathways available for the future!
Whether you’re thinking about a school-based apprenticeship, studying a university subject in Year 12, or getting hands-on with a Certificate or Diploma through TAFE Queensland, this event will show how you can start planning your journey right now.
The evening begins at 4:30pm with a special presentation for Years 3–7 families, followed by presentations for students in Years 9–12.
At 5:30pm, the Main Expo opens with representatives from leading universities, trade colleges, TAFE, and more ready to answer your questions and showcase real pathways.
And yes—food trucks will be there too, from 4:30pm onwards!
This is a great chance for families to connect with our school community, learn about future opportunities, and be inspired. It’s never too early to start exploring where your learning can take you.
We’d love to see you there—bring your questions, your curiosity, and your appetite!
P&F News
Refreshments at the MSC Arts Showcase
Amber, Michelle and I welcomed the opportunity to provide drinks and tasty nibbles at the Middle & Senior Campus Arts Showcase. What an amazing evening brimming with the creativity and passion of our talented Musicians, Performers and Artists.
As a parent, it was a powerful reminder of the importance of the arts in education and the amazing things our children can accomplish when given the chance to shine.
The profit from this event is going towards funding PoP Arts Initiatives, providing further opportunities for our children to be involved in the Arts.
P&F Fundraising Updates
P&F Meeting Dates for 2025
All meeting dates are Wednesdays, commencing 7.00pm.
Term 2
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
Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play: Under 8’s Morning 2025
Tuesday 20th May , our Junior Campus came alive with curiosity, creativity, and joyful discovery as we celebrated Under 8’s Morning. This year’s theme, “Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play,” invited our youngest learners to explore the wonders of science through hands-on activities, problem-solving challenges, and imaginative play.
From bubbling experiments to construction challenges, the morning offered a rich variety of experiences designed to nurture early scientific thinking—and of course, plenty of fun! A highlight was the STEM Olympics, run by Divya Mehta and her QUT team, which sparked excitement and inquiry in students and adults alike.
We were also delighted to welcome pre-service teachers from ACU, Griffith, and QUT, along with visiting groups from local kindergartens and community centres, further strengthening our connections within the wider community. A huge thank you goes to Mrs Lennon for her coordination, our amazing Prep to Year 2 teachers and specialists, and all those behind the scenes who made the day such a success.
At Prince of Peace, we know that the foundations of scientific learning are built through play, wonder, and exploration—and this year’s Under 8’s Morning was a perfect celebration of that belief.
Year 4 Camp – Building Resilience at Luther Heights
Last week, our Year 4 students headed off to the stunning surrounds of Luther Heights for a camp experience filled with challenge, laughter, and growth. Blessed with beautiful weather, students embraced every opportunity to stretch themselves—whether it was tackling high ropes, working as a team, or stepping out of their comfort zones.
A key focus of the camp was building resilience, and we were so proud of the way our students responded. They showed fabulous responsibility, looked out for one another, and approached new experiences with courage and a positive attitude. It was heartening to see friendships strengthen and confidence grow over the course of the camp.
A huge thank you to our dedicated staff—Mr Russell, Mrs Stedman, and Mrs Gardner—for their care and leadership throughout the experience. We are also grateful to our parent helpers, Mr Johnson and Mrs Lincoln for their support and enthusiasm.
Well done, Year 4—you represented our College with pride, and we are incredibly proud of you!
Prep Incursion — Farm Animals!
Be Blessed
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
From the vibrant expressions of our Arts Showcase to the reflective observance of National Sorry Day and the forward-looking Career Expo, our campus is alive with events that celebrate our past, present, and future.
National Sorry Day Ceremony
Middle and Senior School Captains and Ministry and Outreach Captains represented the College at the National Sorry Day Ceremony on Monday. It was an opportunity to learn and listen to story and understand the impact on Indigenous Peoples of previous government policies.
Students were involved in laying flowers as part of the ceremony.
Arts Showcase
Our Arts Showcase brought to life for our Community the wonderful talents of our students. On behalf of the College, a big shout out to thank all of our wonderful staff and P&F helpers for the passion, creativity, and tireless effort you poured into making our Inaugural Arts Showcase such a memorable and inspiring evening. A special shout out to Mrs Brady, Ms McDade-Broer, Mr Stevens, Ms Rachow, Ms Cameron, and Ms Gornall.
From music and drama to dance, film, and everything in between, the standard of performance and presentation on display was a direct reflection of your commitment to excellence and your belief in our students’ potential.
We know the countless hours that went into rehearsals, direction, preparation, and behind-the-scenes coordination and we are so grateful to students, tutors and educators for your dedication to making the arts a vibrant and valued part of our community.
Thanks to all of our junior performers and Mr Reason for the spirit, talent, and collaboration across our Junior, Middle, and Senior campuses. What a fantastic way to launch this annual event!
The countdown begins! Early in Term 3, we’ll unveil the exciting theme for our upcoming musical. Prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with creativity, talent, and show-stopping performances. Stay tuned for more details!
100 days to go! A sweet start to the final stretch
Today, our Year 12 students marked a major milestone—just 100 days left of school! They celebrated the occasion with a shared pancake breakfast, creating a moment to reflect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company before the final stretch. With exams and graduation on the horizon, they’re now turning their focus toward finishing the year with determination and pride.
Middle and Senior Campus Student Leadership Council (SLC)
The Middle and Senior Campus Student Leadership Council (SLC) has begun to explore and plan campus activities. Comprised entirely of student representatives, the SLC builds on a strong history of students imagining, communicating and actioning service.
The primary aims of the SLC are to enhance communication between students, staff, and College stakeholders, increasing the involvement of students in the decision making processes around all aspects of College life. The work of the SLC provides opportunities for students to learn and use their team leadership and membership skills. We aim to foster responsible students who care for others and the College.
SLC Members for 2025
7A: Patrick Johnson
7B: Noah Constance
7C: Bethany Franklin, Micah Shaw
8A: Kayleigh Crook, Alec Buchanan
8B: Felix Sivyer
8C: April Li
9A: Sophie Williamson
9B: Dane Weatherall
10A: Claire Franklin, Tej Nagpal
10B: Hudson Zweck
10C: Isabella Everitt
Senior Jackson 1: Hannah Selwood
Senior Jackson 2: Nicholas Horsington
Senior Fraser 1: Levi Larder
Senior Fraser 2: Emma McDonald
Senior Laver 1: Will Govan
Senior Laver 2: Lara Saville
Senior Bradman 1: Fairley Dart
Senior Bradman 2: Isaac Harmer
SLC Captains: Tristan Oberhardt, Phoebe Jones, Emmett Watson
College Captains: Sienna Gardner, Hannes Forbes-Schutz
Middle School Captains: Amelia Savaille, Monte Morse
National Science Week 2025
Get ready for the National Science Week 2025, officially celebrated from August 9 to 17 (Term 3). To build momentum and spark enthusiasm, the Middle & Senior Campus is kicking things off early with a fabulous event!
Dress Like a Scientist Day!
📅 Friday 13 June (Term 2, Week 8 – date not finalised yet)
💰 Gold Coin Donation
This special dress-up day will be the launchpad for our science celebrations, igniting curiosity and imagination as we look forward to a term full of discovery.
Dress-Up Inspiration:
Get creative with your costumes! Come as:
🧪 A Mad Scientist
👩🚀 An Astronaut
🔬 A Lab Technician
🧬 A DNA Molecule
⚡ Einstein or Marie Curie
🌪️ Even a Natural Disaster — the sky’s the limit!
Events like this bring science learning to life. Students get to imagine themselves as real scientists, explore their creativity, and build a personal connection with science in a fun and engaging way. It’s about curiosity, imagination, and the joy of discovery.
All Middle & Senior Campus students and staff are encouraged to take part, and we’d love to see our classrooms buzzing with brilliant scientific looks. Staff are warmly invited to dress up and join in the fun too!
Let’s come together as a community to make National Science Week 2025 unforgettable — full of fun, imagination, and science magic! 🌟
All funds raised go toward boosting science resources and activities for our students. Let’s make Science Week 2025 unforgettable — full of fun, imagination, and discovery!
Yours in Christ,
Dr Susan Carter and Mr Jonathan Klupp
Middle & Senior Campus Sport
NISSA Sport Term 2
Our final week of NISSA Sport for the Summer season concluded last week. Here are our final standings for the A division below.
The Year 7/8 Netball girls kept their unbeaten streak alive by taking out the gold medal match. This team have been a powerhouse throughout the competition and again, were never really challenged in the final. The Year 9/10 Futsal girls played out a really close match against Genesis. Scores were level with 2 mins to play before the girls snuck in a goal to break the deadlock! Both teams have had a phenomenal season – well done!
Our overall results for this season of NISSA have been our best yet! 7 winners and 8 top 3 results. We look forward to celebrating these achievements in our Sports Assembly in Week 8.
BOSL Basketball
Rounds 3 and 4 of the BOSL competition saw the boys come up against Southern Cross Christian College and Good Shepherd Christian College. In the game against Southern Cross Christian College, the boys got off to a great start and were able to maintain a double digit lead for the majority of the game. The final score was 54-43 in our favour. Tom Quine finished with 18 points while Rhys Griffin had 17. In the Round 4 game, the boys came up against Good Shepherd. There was a slight height difference between the 2 teams – the Good Shepherd boys were all in Year 8 and 9 and about half the height of our Year 12 students! Final score was 50-21. Special mention to Luis Mortimer who finished with 15 points. The boys are now 3 wins and 1 loss from their 4 games. They have some tough games coming up against some undefeated teams which will decide the final standings. Best of luck boys!
Uhlsport Football Cup
Our Senior girls team kicked off their Uhlsport competition last week against Murrumba Downs State College. The girls started the game really well, ensuring that they had plenty of players behind the ball and were putting some nice touches together. The girls were down by 2-0 heading into half time after Murrumba hit some nice shots on goal. After a little restructure at half time, the girls started to move the ball around really well to win the field position. After a lovely play through the midfield, Sienna Jones was able to finish off and score our first goal of the game. The girls eventually went down 6-1 but learnt a lot from the game and are looking forward to the next fixture!
PoP is hosting the next two Uhlsports fixtures for both the boys and girls teams. The girls played against Mt St Michaels on Tuesday 27 May, with the boys against Genesis Christian College on Tuesday 3 June. Please come down to cheer them on! We will have a bbq and drinks stall set up, with seating on the sidelines. Both teams are keen to play in front of a home crowd so lets get behind them!
Interhouse Track and Field Carnival
The Prince of Peace Senior Campus Inter-House Track & Field Carnival is to be held on Tuesday 17th June, 2025. The event will be held at 107 Lade St, Gaythorne (Mt Maria College Fields – not at the school itself).
All Middle and Senior Campus students are requested to be dropped off from 8am and sit in their designated house areas. There will be a College bus at the Middle and Senior Campus to transport students who catch the bus to school and any other students dropped off at school, to the event.
The event is scheduled to be completed by 2:30pm when students will then be transported via College bus back to the Middle and Senior Campus for normal departure/pick-up at 3:05pm. Private transport/pick-up from the venue may also be arranged if it is convenient to do so. Absolutely no student departures from the venue are permitted until 2:30pm unless a parent is present to collect their child for an appointment or similar.
Please see the program below.
Students are required to wear full school sports uniform including coloured house shirts and wide-brimmed school hat. Sunscreen and a water bottle are also essential for each student to bring along on the day. We do encourage students to dress up in colours of their house. Hair spray must be applied at home before coming to School or the event. The College will be operating a sausage sizzle/drink stall, which will be the only food/drink available to students at the venue for purchase. Students will not be permitted to leave the event to purchase any other food items.
As we did last year, we will hold extra events during Week 7 and 8 on the Middle and Senior Campus, these events include the following:400m, 1500m, Triple Jump, Discus, High Jump. All students will have the opportunity to nominate for these events in their House meeting in Week 6.
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
What an extraordinary pleasure it was to host our inaugural ARTS SHOWCASE earlier this month. If you were there, then you know what a great night it was. There were displays of Visual Art work from students across the year levels including underwater scenes, animal sculptures, skateboards, as well as some amazing Senior work.
The crowd enjoyed delicious refreshments put together by the fabulous P & F who raised funds on the night, which along with the funds raised from the entrance fee and raffle, will go towards the support of future initiatives in the arts. The hard work of these volunteers made a huge difference to the success of the event. During the art display, our guest artists the Sharon Elaine Trio performed and their professionalism and cool vibe really set the tone for the evening. A big congratulations to Lisa Scott who was the winner of the $200 Ticketek voucher. Our guest artists and raffle prizes were initiatives made as an investment in our students through aspirational opportunities to hear professional live music.
Our own performances then ran from 6 – 8 with highlights being a visit from the Combined Junior Campus Choirs led by Ben Reason, Osker Tuer and Lucy Glynn in their drama skit from Alice Dreaming; Good Morning Baltimore, performed by our newest ensemble Sing and Dance with Hilary; solo numbers from Isla Pribilovic, Eva Johnson and Isaac Harmer; student compositions including film scores from Jacob Dare-Williams, Emma Phillips and James Robson; as well as Music Extension students Jacob Howard-Taylor and Eliza Thomas-Hall. We rounded off the night with some great ensemble work from our Strings, Concert Band, Year 8 and 9 drama, Vocalese, Extension ensemble and Celadon.
It was definitely a formula we will employ again. Watch for our Gala Celebration of Music coming up at the end of Term 3. I wonder what the dress up theme will be this year?
Battle of the Bands!
Before that, on the last day of Term 2, look out for the Battle of the Bands! We have 6 student bands who have nominated to perform, which I think is a record number, and the competition will be fierce! Who will you vote for in people’s choice? Which band’s T-shirt will you wear to join in the fun?
Certainly the cultural heart of Prince of Peace Lutheran College is alive and well!
Let’s get started and make some art!
Linda Brady
Curriculum Leader – The Arts on the Middle & Senior Campus
Worship
Sunday 1 June: 9am Worship
Sunday 8 June: 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
