Renewal, Care, and Looking Forward Together
As Week 10 draws Term One to a close, we pause to reflect on the journey so far, to rest, and to look ahead with hope and confidence. This is a natural moment to recognise growth, give thanks for shared effort, and prepare ourselves for the opportunities that Term Two will bring. Coinciding with the season of Lent, this time invites us to slow our pace, renew our sense of purpose, and deepen the care we show for ourselves and one another as a learning community.
Learning, Growth, and Professional Renewal
Learning is both stretching and transformative. It often asks us to step beyond what feels familiar before the progress becomes visible. While this can be challenging, it is also deeply rewarding and central to who we are as a College. As students conclude the term on Tuesday March 31, our staff will engage in professional learning on April 1st and 2nd, intentional days of reflection, growth, and renewal that strengthen our capacity to support every child in our care.
Looking Ahead to Term Two
We look forward to welcoming students and families back for Term Two on Tuesday, 21 April. Please note that Monday 20 April, is a student‑free day, with staff participating in further professional learning. This preparation ensures our teams return with clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose, ready to support student learning and wellbeing with care and consistency.
In closing, thank you for the trust, partnership, and generosity you bring to our community. Together, we continue to grow, guided by faith, strengthened through learning, and united in our shared commitment to each child.
I wish you and your family a peaceful and joyful Easter, and I look forward to all that Term Two will bring.
Happy Easter. Let’s celebrate together that Jesus is not lying in a tomb: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6
Blessings and gratitude to you all.
Dr Susan Carter
Head of College
Yr 3-12 Interhouse Cross Country Carnival
The Interhouse Cross Country Carnival was held yesterday at Mitchelton Football Club at Teralba Park.
We had glorious weather for the event, enabling our athletes to really stretch their legs and put forward their best efforts.
Congratulations to all participants and especially to our Age Champions listed below.
8 yrs Boys – Dominic McInnes
8 yrs Girls – Willow Humphreys
9 yrs Boys – Matt Alves Castro
9 yrs Girls – Grace Bliesner
10 yrs Boys – Luca Larder and Darcy Christison
10 yrs Girls – Isabella Sullivan
11 yrs Boys – Benjamin Isles
11 yrs Girls – Asha Shaw
12 yrs Boys – Sebastian Forrest
12 yrs Girls – Nicola Burling
13 yrs Boys – Jordan Currey
13 yrs Girls – Holly Griffin
14 yrs Boys – Thomas Cormack
14 yrs Girls – Laura Larder
15 yrs Boys – Thomas Forbes-Schutz
15 yrs Girls – Georgia Gardner
16 yrs Boys – Lachlan Larder
16 yrs Girls – Charlotte Cook
17 yrs Boys – Mateo Viegas
17 yrs Girls – Ava Downie
18 yrs Boys – Connor Rhind
18 yrs Girls – Freya Garrad
Our house competition was close all day with Fraser taking the win! Laver, Jackson and Bradman took out the minor placings.
P&F 2025 Mini‑Wrap – Message from the Outgoing President
2025 was a wonderful year for the P&F, filled with community spirit and strong parent involvement. Our calendar featured much‑loved events including the Welcome Picnic, the hugely successful Bush Dance, the Senior Campus Arts Showcase, and Arts Movie Night, special lunches, Mother’s & Father’s Day stalls, the Scholastic Book Fair & Book Club, the always‑popular Yatala Pies fundraiser, and weekly Junior Campus Iceblocks and Snack Stations. The Election Day BBQ was another standout, drawing families together while raising meaningful funds.
At the March 2026 AGM, we shared a snapshot of the P&F’s 2025 contributions. Across the year, we funded:
- Junior Campus ping‑pong tables – $2,340
- Senior Campus barbeque – $3,584
- Senior Campus outdoor furniture – $18,571
- Teachers’ Day lunches (Junior Campus & Senior Campus) – $2,200
We also purchased a snow cone machine for the P&F to use at future events, and Shrove Tuesday pancakes raised $141 which was donated to ALWS.
In total, the P&F delivered $26,695 in funded initiatives for 2025 – a 71% increase on 2024. Overall P&F income also grew by around 40%. These results reflect the growing diversity of events and initiatives we were able to offer due to the collective effort of our parent population behind every fundraiser and event.
Also in early 2026, we honoured 2025 pledges for Junior Campus picnic tables – $5,680 and a Senior Campus Wellbeing Hub – $1,429.
As I finish my term as President, I want to offer heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, coordinators, and College partners for their incredible support throughout the year. I’m delighted to welcome our new incoming Executive team and have every confidence that 2026 will be another positive, community‑building year for PoP.
Kind regards
Amie Butler
P&F President (Served March 2025 – March 2026)
Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough is back!
Help our P&F raise funds towards the College’s priority projects. With $4 raised for every tub sold, this is a tasty fundraiser!
Key dates:
- Launch: Term 1, Week 9 – Wed 25 March
- Orders close: Term 2, Week 2 – Fri 1 May
- Orders collected – Week 5 (Junior Campus – Tues 19 May, 2.30-3.30pm, and Middle Senior Campus – Wed 20 May, 2.30-3.30pm)
How can my child participate?
Jump in and create your child’s profile at cookiedough.com.au (selecting Prince of Peace, your campus and your child’s class) – it’s quick, easy and super fun.
Pick up a catalogue at Junior Campus or Middle Senior Campus reception, or view online.
Looking ahead to 2026 – Message from Incoming Executive Team
Thanks to the strong foundations and planning in 2025, along with a growing team of dedicated P&F Coordinators, we’re excited to start the year in a strong position.
Below is our current P&F team for 2026. We’d love to see this continue to grow – with current vacancies highlighted – and we warmly welcome new and existing families to get involved.
We look forward to connecting with you at upcoming events and initiatives, with plenty of opportunities to contribute, even if you only have an hour or two to spare.
A message from our incoming President – Gloria Vega
Gloria (Emma Juanita’s mum, also known as the “Spanish‑Day dancing mum”) has loved being part of the PoP community since 2022, and feels humbled and excited to be joining the P&F as President.
In the past, she has served in multiple volunteer roles, including leading a social project that supported children’s cross‑cultural education and connection with international communities, chairing an Australian neurodiversity committee within a global consultancy, and fundraising with WaterAid to help bring clean water to remote communities.
Keen on positive, constructive connections, Gloria is looking forward to working with the wonderful group of P&F volunteers and helping shine an even brighter light on the great work of the P&F.
“I know we’re all juggling a lot, so I’m keen to explore practical ways for more parents to help bring P&F activities to life, whether that’s helping once or often, sharing a skill or lending a hand in something different”
Community Shout-outs
Junior Campus Metro Volunteers: We’d like to thank the 11 parent volunteers who offered to help with deliveries for the Junior Campus Metro trial for Term 1, in particular: Louise Hannah; Brooke Long; Judith Prested; Donna Stephens; Katelyn Van Dijk; Marta Vinals Llorens; Liz Walker; Emma Watson; Liz Lincoln; Michelle Faragher; Amber Dean.
What’s Coming Up – Term 2
- Billy G’s Cookie Dough Fundraiser – orders open, sign-up now »
- Mother’s Day Stall – 30 April (Senior Campus) / 6-7 May (Junior Campus)
- Charlie & The Chocolate Factory P&F Food Stall – 28-30 May
- P&F Meeting – 7pm 22 April – Middle & Senior Campus (Auditorium)
How to Get Involved
- Contact us: If you’d like to contribute to an event, have an idea or like to enquire about a Coordinator vacancy on one of our teams, we’d love to hear from you – please contact us at PandFSecretary@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au.
- Volunteer requirements: To volunteer at the College, parents are required to hold a valid Blue Card and complete the Valuing Safe Communities (VSC) Further details are available here.
- Calendar: Mark your diaries – all P&F events are in the College Calendar.
Progressive Reporting in Toddle – On the Way
During Term 1, Junior Campus staff have been learning to use Toddle, our new learning management system, to support teaching, learning, and communication with families in a clear and meaningful way. We recognise that families have also become familiar with Toddle as part of this shared journey.
As part of this learning and transition, we are now ready to begin sharing progressive reporting snapshots through Toddle to keep you informed about your child’s learning. These snapshots provide timely insights into learning and growth as they occur and sit alongside our end‑of‑semester reports. Please take a moment to read this information to learn more about progressive reporting »
The Term That Was — A Flurry of Fun and Learning
The term that was came to a joyful close with a flurry of fun. It gave cause to reflect on our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory–inspired Charlie Day and Golden Ticket Hunt, to cross country events, fun runs, and the excitement of learning excursions beyond the classroom. This term has been rich with experiences that have strengthened our community. Along the way, we have navigated new systems together, celebrated learning milestones such as our Year 3 students using their iPads with growing confidence and marked a very special achievement for our wonderful Preps as they completed their first term of school. There has truly been so much to celebrate. As we move into the holiday break, we encourage families to take time to reflect with your children on this first term of learning through the eyes of gratitude.
As we approach Easter, we are reminded of God’s great love, the hope found in Christ’s sacrifice, and the new life that Easter brings. We wish all our families a Blessed Easter, filled with faith, peace and renewal. We give thanks for the term that has been—one of learning, growth and community—and thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Be Blessed
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
Term 1 Reflections: A Season of Growth, Gratitude and Hope
As we come to the final week of Term 1 and prepare our hearts for Easter, we give thanks for a term rich in learning, growth and community. From our Captain Installation and Semester 2 Award Ceremonies to NAPLAN, national academic competitions and a wide range of excursions, incursions, guest speakers, university sessions and Elevate Education seminars, students have embraced challenge with enthusiasm and maturity. The introduction of our new Learning Management System and the partnership fostered through Parent Information Sessions have further strengthened our shared commitment to student learning and wellbeing.
Faith and connection have remained central to campus life, with meaningful moments including Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, the Ubuntu Calling Ceremony, NISSA Commencement Service and NISSA Sport. Our community was brought together through fundraisers, the PoP Picnic, Photo Day, ThinkUKnow sessions, Arts and Culture Nights, camps and the launch of the Indonesia Trip, each contributing to a term full of joy, creativity and purpose. As we look toward Easter, we are reminded of the hope at the heart of the Christian story and wish all families a safe, restful and renewal‑filled break as we look ahead to the term to come. Have a blessed Easter!
Parent Teacher Student Conversations
Our Middle and Senior School Parent–Teacher–Student Conversations will take place early in Term 2. Two sessions will be available to families: one held in person and one held online. Parents may choose the session that best suits their needs.
The sessions will be held on Tuesday 28 April from 3.30–6.30pm (in person) and Wednesday 6 May from 3.30–6.30pm (online).
Further information, including a booking link, will be sent to families later this week.
Middle and Senior Campus Open Morning
We were delighted to welcome over 80 guests to the Middle and Senior Campus in Week 9 to showcase our personalised pathways in the Arts, Science, Maths, Health and Physical Education and Technology.
Our student ambassadors did an outstanding job leading tours and sharing their experiences with confidence, warmth and pride, providing a genuine insight into the life and learning of our school community. We thank them for their service.
Staff Farewells and Welcomes
We farewell our wonderful LEO, Melissa Forbes, whose care, dedication, and advocacy have made a lasting difference to our students and staff. Melissa’s warmth and professionalism have been truly valued, and she will be greatly missed.
As Melissa relocates interstate with her family, we wish her every happiness and success in this next chapter. Thank you, Melissa, for all that you have given to our community.
We warmly welcome Jeremaia (Jerry) Cakau and Kirstin Wait, who will be taking on teaching roles on the Middle and Senior Campus from the beginning of Term 2. Both Jerry and Kirstin bring years of experience and expertise in their respective fields and are passionate about supporting student learning and wellbeing. We look forward to the knowledge, energy, and fresh perspectives they will bring to our community and wish them every success as they begin their journey with us.
Middle and Senior School Key Events for Term 2 (Weeks 1-5)
Below are key events for Term 2 up to the end of Week 5. Please continue to check Toddle Announcements and the Public Calendar as events, excursions are approved throughout the term:
Week 1
20/04 Pupil Free Day and Emu Gully Camp for Year 11
21/04 Emu Gully Camp for Year 11
23/04 Year 11 and 12 Physical Education Aquathon
24/04 Whole College ANZAC Day Service
25/04 ANZAC Day March and Service – Gaythorne RSL
Week 2
27/04 NISSA Primary and Secondary Cross Country
28/04 Parent Teacher Student Led Conversations (in person)
29/04 Year 7 2029 Interviews
30/04 P&F Mother’s Day Stall
1/05 Billy G Cookie Dough Fundraiser Closes and NBIS Gala Day – Touch Football
Week 3
4/05 Labour Day Public Holiday
6/05 UniSC Year 12 Visit and Parent Teacher Student Led Conversations (online)
7/05 Mothers’ Day Breakfast
8/05 North District Cross Country and Print and Sip College Community Event
Week 4
11/05 Australian Geography Competition and Whole Day Musical Practice with Choir groups
12/05 Elevate AI and Study Session – Years 10, 11 and 12
Week 5
19/05 Gardiner Chess Interschool Chess Tournament and Mt Binga Parent Information Session
20/05 MSC Open Morning, Mt Binga Parent Interviews, P&F Fundraiser “Billy G’s Cookie Dough”- Orders collected
22/05 Elevate Education Sessions for Years 7-9 students
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.
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Head of Campus — Senior Campus
Middle & Senior Campus Sport
Little Athletics State Champs
A huge congratulations to Jordan Currey in Year 7 who competed at the Little Athletics State Championships at QSAC a couple of weekends ago.
Jordan participated in both the 800m and 1500 running events.
He placed 6th in the 800m and placed 8th in the 1500m – breaking PBs in both events! Well done Jordan!
Gabrielle Collman
Senior Campus Teacher – Sports Coordinator
Middle & Senior Campus News from The Arts
Soloists on Show – Arts Soiree
A huge thank you to the performers of our Term 1 – Soloists on Show – Arts Soiree and to the PoP executive for their support. We enjoyed the presence of Mrs Nardine Price MSC Deputy, new to the role and already demonstrating interest and support of our students in their Co-curricular endeavours. Mrs Coreta Lennon, Head of Campus wrote a beautiful tribute to our students in her column in the last issue of PoPCorn. We are so blessed to have this kind of awareness in our executive team. It was a fabulous way to finish the term.
Between you and I, this past week I snuck into a full run of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and are we ever in for a treat there! The performance run is in its early stages yet with 9 full weeks to opening, but already it is laugh out loud funny, touchingly tender and down to earth authentic, with great dance numbers, incredible voices and several of the cast demonstrating their expertise by already being off book (that means that they have already memorised all of their lines!). Tickets are on sale and you really need to get in and buy up great huge rows of them to share with your friends and family before they sell out. Don’t wait. I remember our last musical being virtually sold out and this one is at least as good.
Private tuition and ensembles are all running smoothly now. Tutors are corresponding with parents via Outlook Email. Please look out for information as it comes through. The new strings tutor has been appointed and contact details have been shared to them of our string students so that tuition can begin promptly in Term 2. Their day will be FRIDAY with ensemble before school. Thank you for your patience there.
In the meantime, if you want to join the Co-Curricular Music program we have the following tutors:
Thom Fletcher – woodwind and Concert Band – Tfletcher@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
Hilary Harrison – voice and Showchoir – HHarrison@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
Kieran Kuskopf – drums and Drumming Circle – KKuskopf@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
Royce Jenner – guitar, piano and Jazz Extensions – RJenner@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
Wiehung Li – strings – WLi@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
You can email the tutors to get more details as to costs and specific time options for each tutor and ensemble or to set up a trial lesson. Please identify students clearly with full names and year levels. Alternatively, Forms are available on the website for both private tuition and ensembles. Please return these to LBrady@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au.
Finally please pop this date saver for Term 3 onto your calendars — Gala Celebration of the ARTS, Tuesday 18 August 6pm.
Stay tuned for more…
Linda Brady
Curriculum Leader – The Arts on the Middle & Senior Campus
Lent, Holy Week, & Easter Worship
All families are invited to the following services leading up to Easter Sunday:
- Lenten Candlelight services – Wednesdays in March, 7pm
- Palm Sunday – Sunday 29 March, 9am
- Maundy Thursday – Thursday 2 April, 7pm
- Good Friday – Friday 3 April, 7pm
- Easter Sunday – Sunday 5 April – 6am Sunrise @ Senior Campus Outdoor Chapel; 9am Worship @ PoP Church
Our Sunday 9am services can be watched via our YouTube channel. You can find more information about these events and much more on our website.
Easter Program for Vacation Care
Download the Easter Program for Vacation Care »
Download Fee Schedule for Prince of Peace Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) »
Please note that prices stated on OSHC program go on top of vacation care price — $64.60 if booked before 27 March and causal rate will be $76 after 27 March + fee for day.
Calling all artists and aspiring creatives!
LLL Australia, together with the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District, is delighted to announce the 2026 LLL Synod Art Competition to be held as part of next year’s convention of the Synod. Proudly sponsored by LLL Australia, this competition seeks to inspire and celebrate creativity across our District, while embracing the convention theme for the year.
Entrants are invited to create artworks reflecting the 2026 convention theme:
“Open Door to Spiritual Renewal: Reborn in Water, Renewed by the Spirit.”
Based on Titus 3:5: “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
With a range of age-group categories, this is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to express their faith through art. Winning entries from each category will be proudly displayed at the 2026 convention of the Synod, sharing the beauty of creativity and the message of renewal with our wider Lutheran community.
Please refer to the poster below and download this PDF for full details.
