Student Voice in Action: Our College Mascot
One of the great joys of a learning community is watching students see their ideas take shape in real and meaningful ways. Recently, our Year 12 students led a survey across the Middle and Senior Campus to help shape the future of our College Mascot. With over 60 student responses, clear themes emerged. Students told us they wanted a mascot that reflected courage, took inspiration from a lion, embraced a cartoon style, and was proudly blue.
These ideas are now being transformed into concept designs that will be voted on by Senior Campus students.
Once a final design is selected, our Junior College students will take on the special responsibility of naming the mascot. This collaborative process across year levels is a wonderful example of student voice, leadership and belonging in action – and the mascot will stand as a lasting legacy of student contribution for years to come.
Why Feedback Matters Now and Into the Future
Cutting edge research consistently informs our practice and shows that clear, timely and actionable feedback is one of the most powerful drivers of improvement in learning (Stevenson et al, 2026). When students understand what they are doing well, where they need to grow, and how to improve, learning becomes purposeful and motivating.
In classrooms, this looks like teachers providing specific feedback linked to learning goals, helping each student understand their individual “stretch”. Just as importantly, it teaches students how to receive feedback constructively, reflect on it, and use it to improve, capabilities that are essential for success in further study, the workplace, and life.
Blessings and gratitude to you all.
Dr Susan Carter
Head of College
Win 1 of 4 Hand-Stitched Mohair Bears
Supporting the PoP Arts Program
Purchase a ticket for your chance to win one of four beautifully hand-stitched mohair bears.
Each ticket goes into the draw, with winners selected in the order drawn on Monday 1 June.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr Susan Carter’s mum for lovingly creating and generously donating these special bears.
Get your tickets from Flexi-schools and support the Arts at PoP! 🧸
Pickleball Opportunity for Years 5–12
We’re excited to invite our Year 5–12 students to get involved in pickleball – a fun, fast-growing sport that’s easy to learn and great to play with friends. 🏓
Pickleball is inclusive and energetic, helping students stay active while building coordination, confidence and teamwork skills.
Whether students are keen to try something new or already enjoy racket sports, pickleball offers a welcoming way to get moving and have fun. No prior experience is needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to give it a go!
Find out more and register: https://www.puretennis.com.au/
P&F Special Meeting Notice – 10 June 2026
The P&F warmly invites all parents and friends to attend a Special Meeting to consider an important update to our governance structure.
📅 Date: Wednesday, 10 June 2026
🕖Time: 7:00pm
📍Location: Junior Campus Library (in-person)
🏫Immediately afterwards: P&F General Meeting
Purpose of the Special Meeting
The meeting will consider a proposal to replace the current P&F Constitution (2009) with a new Terms of Reference.
What is a Terms of Reference (ToR)?
A Terms of Reference (ToR) is a document that outlines how a group operates and makes decisions.
For the P&F, the ToR would:
- Define the purpose and role of the P&F within the College community
- Set out how decisions are made, including voting processes
- Clarify roles and responsibilities (e.g. Executive, coordinators, members)
- Outline how the P&F works in partnership with the College
- Provide guidance on meetings, funding priorities, and governance processes
In simple terms, it acts as a practical guide for how the P&F functions day-to-day, replacing the more formal and outdated Constitution with a structure that is easier to follow and adapt as needed.
How you can participate
The proposed Terms of Reference (ToR) is shared with this notice. We encourage all parents to:
- Review the document in advance: Proposal here.
- Provide feedback via the linked form: here.
The feedback window is now open and closes Friday 5 June 6:00pm, with early feedback desired.
What will happen at the Special Meeting
(Quorum of 10 members required)
- Key points and any previously submitted questions will be discussed
- Additional questions may be raised during Any Other Business
- Amendments to the ToR can be proposed and voted on during the meeting
- The final version of the Terms of Reference (as amended, if applicable) will then be put to a vote
- Voting progress:
- All decisions will be made by a simple majority vote
- In the event of a tie, the P&F President holds a casting vote
This is an important opportunity to help shape how the P&F operates into the future, and all members are encouraged to attend.
We look forward to your participation in this important discussion.
Thanks,
P&F Executive Team
News & Highlights
Mother’s Day Stall
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Mother’s Day Stall such a wonderful success. It was lovely to see so many students excitedly choosing special gifts for their mums and loved ones.
Special thanks to our fantastic new Mothers Day stall coordinators – Brooke Long and Louise Jolly – for all their planning, organisation, and hard work behind the scenes.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our wonderful volunteers:
- Stall helpers: Leah Blundell, Christina Calleja Priser, Neha Dua, Michelle Faragher, Chloe J Hill, Rebecca Hitchenson, Steve Isles, Nicole Krieger, Tara McFarlane, Divya Mehta and Katelyn Van Dijk.
- Baking helpers: Amie Butler, Jen Lea and Linda Donaldson.
I would also love to extend a very special thank-you to our P&F Executive team for their behind the scenes help, and the Facilities, Accounts and Admin teams at PoP – we’re always very humbled by the amount of support and care they give us.
Thank you for generously giving your time and energy to support our school community. Events like these are only possible because of the dedication and spirit of our amazing P&F volunteers.
Best wishes,
Emma Watson & Ainsley Hellen
P&F Mothers Day Stall Coordinators
Billy G’s Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who supported our Billy G’s Cookie Dough Fundraiser. We truly appreciate the enthusiasm and support from our school community, with funds raised helping support future P&F initiatives and events.
We are also looking for volunteers to assist with sorting and distributing orders on both collection days between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. If you are available to help, even for part of the time, your support would be greatly appreciated. Sign-up here.
Thanks
Rachelle Bowen
P&F Fundraising Coordinator
What’s Coming Up
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory P&F Food Stall
28–30 May. P&F will be running a Food stall for 1 hour prior to each performance and are looking for parent volunteers to assist. Sign-up here.
JC Metro Canteen Delivery (Term 2)
Thank you to those who have signed up to date. We’re still looking for volunteers to deliver food orders from MSC to JC for this term (Wednesday–Friday, approx. 10:15–11:30am). Sign-up here.
Next P&F Meeting
10 June, 7:30pm (prediction) – Junior Campus Library. It will start after the 7:00pm Special Meeting has ended.
Under 8’s Day – The Importance of Play
On Tuesday, 19 May, we are looking forward to celebrating Under 8’s Day with our Kindy to Year 2 students during the morning—a special time to honour the joy and wonder of early childhood.
The 2026 theme, “Celebrating Seventy Years of Leadership, Advocacy and Vision,” invites us to reflect on seven decades of championing play, learning, and the wellbeing of young children. Led by Early Childhood Australia Queensland, this milestone reminds us of the vital role play has always held—and continues to hold—in a child’s development.
Play is so much more than fun—it is how children explore, imagine, create, and connect. Through play, they build confidence, develop relationships, strengthen problem-solving skills, and grow as curious, capable learners. It lays the foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.
At our College, we see this lived out each day. Through intentional and purposeful opportunities for play, we nurture each child’s God-given potential—supporting them to become creative, connected, and resilient learners.
Under 8’s Day provides a meaningful moment for us to pause and celebrate this important work together. This year will have a more historical feel with some old-fashioned favourites making a return.
We look forward to a morning filled with laughter, discovery, and the simple joy of being a child and exploring play.
Parent Teacher Student conversations – Give Your Feedback
Our Parent–Teacher–Student Conversations provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school, while placing students at the centre of their learning.
While our Prep and Year 1 teachers met with parents, our other Junior Campus teachers welcomed students into these conversations to share their learning progress. By actively involving students, we support them to reflect on their progress, identify their strengths, and set meaningful goals for future growth. This aligns with our belief that student voice is essential—empowering children to take ownership of their learning journey and build confidence in articulating their thinking.
This approach also connects with the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities, particularly through the development of self-awareness and personal and social capability. Students are encouraged to engage in thoughtful reflection, respond to feedback, and participate in purposeful conversations about their learning and next steps.
This year, we also offered an online option for families to participate in these conversations. As part of our commitment to ongoing improvement, we are seeking your feedback on this experience. Your insights are valued and will assist us in continuing to refine and strengthen this important process, ensuring it remains meaningful, accessible, and centred on supporting each child’s growth.
Parent–Teacher–Student Conversations Feedback Form »
Mother’s Day Breakfast – Thank You
Our Mother’s Day Breakfast gatherings across the community were truly special—filled with warmth, connection, and moments to treasure. It was a joy to see families come together, sharing time in classrooms and around tables, creating space for conversation, laughter, and reflection.
The smiles, the quiet moments of connection, and the genuine appreciation shared between children and the special women in their lives were a blessing to witness. These simple but meaningful moments remind us of the strength of our community and the importance of taking time to connect and celebrate one another.
Date Claimers
State of Origin Spirit Day – Wear Your Colours!
We have a long—and proudly passionate—tradition at the College of wearing our colours for State of Origin, and we’re excited to bring that spirit to life once again!
With Game 1 on Wednesday, 27 May, we invite everyone to come dressed in their team colours. While we know there will be plenty of maroon pride on display, those supporting the Blues are welcome to wear blue and join in the fun.
Whether it’s a jersey, a shirt, a ribbon, or just a splash of colour, this is a chance to enjoy the friendly rivalry and shared excitement that makes Origin so special. Don’t forget to be sun safe.
Let’s get behind our teams and bring plenty of colour, energy, and spirit to the day!
Musical Madness – The Oompa Loompas Are Nearly Here!
The excitement is building as our production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is nearly here! Our talented cast have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes, and it’s all starting to come together.
For those involved in the production, please keep an eye out for Consent2Go emails with important information about final rehearsals.
For everyone else—this is your cue to jump on board and secure your tickets! It promises to be a fantastic show filled with colour, creativity, and a touch of magic.
We can’t wait to share it with you!
Be Blessed
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
Week 3 & 4 Highlights
We have reached Week 4 already! Can you believe we are already at the halfway point of the term? The past two weeks have been filled with wonderful highlights, including our Parent–Teacher–Student Led Conversations, Mother’s Day Breakfast and P&F Mother’s Day Stall, University of Southern Cross presentations for our Year 12 students, NBIS Gala Days and NISSA and North District Cross Country, a Car Wash as well as the Indonesia Tour Information Evening and so much learning! It has been a busy and enriching time, and we thank you for your ongoing support and engagement.
Celebrating the Special Women in our Lives
A Special Thank You to our P&F
A special thank you to our wonderful P&F volunteers for the care and creativity you brought to our annual Mother’s Day Stall. The selection of lovely gifts provided such a meaningful opportunity for students to celebrate the special women in their lives, and we are truly grateful for the time, effort, and generosity you continue to give to our College community.
Vicki Wilson Cup Fundraiser – Carwash
Thank you to all the students, families and staff who supported the recent car wash fundraiser in aid of our Vicki Wilson Cup netballers. Through your generosity and enthusiasm, valuable funds were raised to help the team purchase their specially designed attire for the upcoming competition, and we are so proud of the way our students came together to support this exciting opportunity.
College Mascot Update
Our College Captains recently had the pleasure of visiting the Junior Campus Assembly to share an exciting update about our new College Mascot. After the Senior Campus narrowed the options to four strong contenders: a Lion, a Phoenix, a Bulldog, and a Panther, it is now over to our Junior Campus students to choose the mascot’s name. What will our Mascot be and what will we name it? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out!
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Head of Campus — Senior Campus
Supporting Our SC Netballers – Bake Sale Fundraiser 🏐
Our Senior Campus netball students are raising funds to purchase personalised netball dresses to wear in the Vicki Wilson Netball Competition. Like a Senior Jersey, each dress will proudly feature the player’s name or moniker, making it a special way for our girls to represent the College on court.
🍰 Bake Sale
📍 Senior Campus
📅 Tuesday 19 May
💲 Treats available for $2–$5, including cookies, brownies and cupcakes
We encourage students to stop by, enjoy a sweet treat and support our netballers as they prepare to take the court with confidence and pride 💙🏐
“We are incredibly proud of the initiative our netball students are showing through this fundraiser. These personalised dresses represent more than just a uniform – they’re about identity, teamwork and the pride our girls take in representing our College.
We’re grateful for the support of our community in helping make this possible.”
Gabby Collman, HPE Learning Leader & Sports Coordinator – Senior Campus
Careers@PoP
New Approach to Careers and Subject Selection in 2026
In 2026, we are introducing a refreshed, more student‑focused approach to career exploration and subject selection. Through our PoP Pathways commitment, we are streamlining this experience so students can engage more deeply, access information more easily, and make clearer, more confident decisions about their future. Rather than a combined Subjects & Careers Expo, these important conversations will now be delivered across two clearly differentiated events, each with a distinct purpose and focus, allowing us to better support students at every stage of their pathways journey.
Futures Expo – Career Pathways TUESDAY 2 JUNE
Our career pathways event, now called the Futures Expo, will be held on Tuesday 2 June FROM Lesson 5 until 4:00pm.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will progress through the Futures Expo during Lessons 5 and 6, where they will have the opportunity to engage directly with a range of exhibitors, including QUT, UQ, ACU, Uni SC, TAFE, ADF, Busy at Work, Whitehouse Institute and more.
The Expo will then open to the public from 3:05pm – 4:00pm, welcoming students from all year levels across the College, as well as students from surrounding schools.
This revised format provides students with increased access to industry leaders, tertiary institutions and pathway specialists, allowing more time for meaningful conversations about post‑schooling options. The Futures Expo aligns closely with our PoP Pathways Program, which is designed to ensure our graduates are future‑ready, informed and confident about their next steps beyond the College.
Subject Selection – Term 3
Subject selection, which focuses on the subjects students can study to support their chosen career pathways, will be held separately in Term 3. This provides students and families with a more targeted and focused opportunity to explore subject options once future pathways have been considered.
By separating career exploration and subject selection, we aim to offer clearer guidance, better access to expertise and a more supportive, student‑centred experience as our students prepare for life beyond school.
Julie Grosas
Careers and VET Leader
Junior Campus Sport
Cross Country Success This Term
This term, our junior students have been busy participating in a range of cross‑country events, including the NISSA Cross Country and the North District Cross Country. Students demonstrated outstanding determination and sportsmanship, putting their best foot forward as they challenged themselves on demanding courses. We are proud of the effort, resilience, and positive attitudes shown by all students who represented our school so well. Congratulations to everyone involved!
NISSA Cross Country – Top 10 Placings
9 Years Girls: Harriet Beck – 8th
9 Years Boys: Matt Alves Castro – 9th
10 Years Girls: Isabella Sullivan – 2nd, Viyan Rivaz – 8th
11 Years Girls: Asha Shaw – 2nd, Lily Shaw – 4th
12 Years Girls: Nicola Burling – 6th
12 Years Boys: Sebastian Forrest – 7th
North District Cross Country – Students Qualified for Regionals
11 Years Girls: Asha Shaw – 3rd, Lily Shaw – 8th
10 Years Girls: Isabella Sullivan – 5th
Student Shout Outs!
Congratulations to two of our students on their fantastic recent achievements!
William Hellen (Year 6) has been selected for the 10–12 Years Boys Tennis North District Team and will represent the region at the upcoming Metropolitan Trials. William has a passion for both tennis and cricket—and finds it hard to choose between the two! He is also looking forward to applying for the North District Cricket team when applications open.
Viyan Rivaz (Year 5) has been selected in the North District 10–12 Years Girls Hockey Team and will also represent the region at the Metropolitan Trials. Viyan has dedicated the past few years to developing her hockey skills, demonstrating outstanding commitment, teamwork, and perseverance. This achievement is a wonderful reflection of her hard work, and we wish Viyan every success as she continues her hockey journey.
Ollivia Beveridge
Junior Campus PE Teacher
Senior Campus Sport
Term 2 NISSA Sport
We are in our final week of the summer season for NISSA Sport 2026! This season has really flown by, with our students continuing to develop their skills and tactical knowledge of their chosen sport. We have had some wonderful results thus far and have a few teams that are in contention for Top three finishes. Good luck to the following teams who are playing this week!
(Final positions and results will be available in the next edition of POPCORN).
Year 7 and 8
Futsal – POP A boys playing in the Grand Final
Netball – POP A girls playing for 3rd
Volleyball – POP A girls playing for 3rd
Year 9 and 10
Futsal – POP A girls playing in the Grand Final
Netball – POP A girls playing in the Grand Final
Touch Football – POP A boys playing for 3rd
After the season is complete, we will spend 3 weeks onsite trialling and training for the Winter season which starts on the 10 and 11 June (Week 8). Options include Rugby 7s, Beach Volleyball, Basketball and Football (11 and 9-a-side). Students will be selecting their choices next week.
NISSA Cross Country Carnival
The 3rd edition of the Senior NISSA Cross Country Carnival was held at Teralba Park in Week 2 of this term. PoP had a team of around 40 students participate on the day, taking on the same course that they encountered a few weeks beforehand, at our Interhouse carnival. PoP again punched above its weight, with a 4th in the overall shield and a 2nd in the percentage cup.
Well done to all students who attended!
Students finishing in the Top 10 for their race
12 yrs boys: Charlie Bliesner – 6th, 13 yrs boys: Jordan Currey – 1st
14 yrs girls: Laura Larder – 1st, April Li – 9th
15 yrs girls: Georgia Gardner – 4th, Maddey Currey – 9th, Julia Cormack – 10th
15 yrs boys: Thomas Forbes-Schutz – 3rd
16 yrs girls: Amy Hrapkov – 5th, Phoebe Jones – 6th
16 yrs boys: Lachlan Larder – 6th
Open Girls: Freya Garrad – 8th
Open Boys: Mateo Viegas – 5th, Levi Larder – 10th
Senior Campus Interhouse Track and Field Carnival
Monday 15 June
Our Senior Campus Interhouse Track and Field Carnival is coming up quickly!
The event will be held on Monday 15 June (Week 9) at 107 Lade St, Gaythorne.
Further information will be coming out via Toddle announcement, notices and the next edition of POPCORN but please add this date to your calendars!
Gabrielle Collman
Senior Campus Teacher – Sports Coordinator
Senior Campus News from The Arts
Looking forward to the opening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Week 6. Tickets are on sale and you really need to get in as they are selling fast. This is such a good sign as it reflects how the cast and crew are feeling about their work. They are doing an amazing job – you will be blown away. Hats off to Lisa Rachow (SC Drama) and Ben Reason (JC Music) for their astounding work in pulling this all together. How blessed are we to have such talent in our staff guiding our young people.
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 Weihang Li has been appointed and contact details have been shared to our string students. Their day is FRIDAY with ensemble before school.
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
Weihang 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 L Brady CL The Arts LBrady@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au
Finally here is a date saver for Term 3…Gala Celebration of the ARTS – Tuesday 18 August 6pm
Stay tuned for more…
Linda Brady
Curriculum Leader – The Arts on the Senior Campus
Movie Night 2026: We’re thrilled to announce the return of our outdoor movie night, coming up on Friday 5 June! This fun family event will give our whole community a chance to gather on the Junior Campus Oval and watch Dr. Seuss’ classic, The Lorax. Free tickets and pre-orders for Domino’s Pizzas are now available for purchase via this link.
Refresh (F5): Busy families desperately need chances to slow down and connect. That’s the idea behind “Refresh” – a casual, interactive worship time designed to help families unwind after a full-on week of work and school. Refresh is built on “F5” — the key you press to refresh your computer: Family, Friends, Faith, Fun, and Food. (It’s also a good way to remember it happens Friday at 5pm.) We’ll gather for music, some activities, and then serve a family-style meal. It’s a great way to start your weekend! You can RSVP at this link.
Years 1 & 2 Celebration Service: On Sunday 14 June, Prince of Peace church invites Year 1 & 2 families to our annual Celebration Service. This is a church-led worship with songs, stories, and opportunities for students to engage with a message in meaningful ways, plus a special gift to take home. The church is excited to create a welcoming space to celebrate our shared community of faith. Please be watching for communication and an RSVP form from your child’s teacher soon!
