Nurturing Well-Rounded Learners
What an incredible term it has been at Prince of Peace as we continue our shared commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners – grounded in Christ, and equipped for a contemporary world.
A highlight of the term was our College Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This production was a joyful celebration of talent, creativity, and collaboration. I extend my sincere thanks to every staff member, volunteer, and family member who supported this significant undertaking, and to our outstanding performers who brought the story to life with such energy and heart. As a College, we recognise that learning extends far beyond the classroom, and certificates will be distributed to acknowledge the wide range of skills students have developed, skills that will serve them well in future pathways and portfolios.
Our commitment to contemporary learning was also evident through The Pitch, which showcased the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to LLL for their generous support in awarding $3,000:
- Joshua (Year 12) – $1,500 (handball nets)
- Pasco (Year 12) – $1,000 (art room revamp)
- Miles and Harper (Year 3) – $500 (giant games)
In addition, our Year 9 students hosted their Student Trade Stall Pitch, demonstrating initiative, innovation, and growing confidence in real-world business skills. Our Junior Campus students will showcase their arts skills and this term also saw the exciting launch of our new College Mascot, an idea brought to life by our students, reflecting their voice and creativity, with the name to be revealed in the final week. It has been equally special to see student-designed greeting cards, created with verses thoughtfully selected by our College community, reminding us of the central place of faith in all that we do.
As we approach the conclusion of Semester 1, I encourage all families to keep an eye out for the upcoming Toddle announcement regarding the release of Semester Report Cards later this term. This is an important opportunity to celebrate progress and reflect on learning growth.
Next week, families will be invited to participate in our Student, Teacher, and Staff Survey. Your voice is deeply valued and will help inform where we are at and where we are going to, shaping our ongoing improvement journey.
We have our long-term staff member Ms Lara Tufuga, stepping down from her role as Service Leader of Outside School Hours Care, with her last day being 10 July 2026. She is beginning a new journey and working in the area of special education. We wish her all the very best.
Our young people continue to inspire us with their dedication, their growth, and their willingness to embrace opportunities. It has been a privilege to witness each student developing in their own unique way, academically, socially, creatively, and spiritually.
As the holidays approach, I wish all members of our community a safe and restful break. May this time be one of renewal and blessing, grounded in God’s peace and care. We look forward to welcoming students back for Term 3 on Tuesday 14 July.
Blessings and gratitude to you all.
Dr Susan Carter
Head of College
Pedagogical Innovation
Teaching and Learning Framework
In my previous article, I introduced my role in strengthening teaching and learning across the College. In this edition, I share an update on the development of our Teaching and Learning Framework.
Our College has always drawn on a range of strong teaching strategies and approaches. This framework brings the best of these together—aligned with current research—to provide a clear and unified approach to classroom practice. The intent is not to replace effective practice, but to strengthen coherence and ensure every student experiences consistent, high-quality teaching in every lesson.
At its core, this reflects a strategic, deliberate and intentional approach to teaching and learning. It provides clarity about what effective practice looks like, while still allowing teachers to apply their professional judgement in context.
The framework is grounded in Universal Design for Learning, ensuring all students can access, engage with and demonstrate their learning in meaningful and appropriate ways.
Building from this foundation are four core pillars, which reflect the value we place on explicit instruction. In practice, this means teachers clearly communicate learning goals, model new content, guide students through supported practice, and carefully check for understanding before students work independently.
The framework also emphasises timely feedback, strong relationships, and high expectations for every learner.
Importantly, this work is being developed collaboratively, drawing on the expertise already present within our staff. For families, this provides confidence that a thoughtful and professional approach underpins teaching and learning across the College, with a clear focus on continuous improvement.
Ian Hayne
Deputy K-12 Pedagogical Innovation
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical!
Celebrating Creativity
Greeting Card Competition Winners Announced
We are delighted to celebrate the creativity and talent of our students through this year’s Greeting Card Competition. With a wonderful range of entries submitted across the College, it was inspiring to see the imagination, care and artistic flair each student brought to their designs.
A special element of the competition was the inclusion of scripture on each card. To ensure these messages resonated with our community, we invited both staff and parents to participate in a short survey to help select the verses. This collaborative approach allowed us to choose scriptures that reflected shared values of hope, encouragement and faith, making each card even more meaningful.
After much consideration, we are excited to announce our winners:
General Greeting Cards
Winner: Dylan (9A)
5 Runner Ups:
- Anahita (5/6 EM)
- Matilda (7B)
- Mera (8B)
- Joshua (5/6EM)
- Maddison (2JG)
Chosen Scripture: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26
Design by Dylan (9A)
Design by Anahita (5/6 EM)
Design by Matilda (7B)
Christmas Cards
Winner: Sara (4NC)
5 Runner Ups
- Zofia (3KS)
- Shourya (3KS)
- James (4NC)
- Adya (4NC)
- Jacob (4NC)
Chosen Scripture: “For us a child is born, to us a son is given” Isaiah 9.6
Design by Sara (4NC)
Design by Zofia (3KS)
Easter Cards
Winner: Emily (5/6EM)
5 Runner Ups:
- Arnica (7B)
- Asha (10C)
- Ryan (5/6 NM)
- Sara (4NC)
- Ally (5/6NM)
Chosen Scripture: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Matthew 26:6
Design by Emily (5/6EM)
Design by Arnica (7B)
Each of these winning entries demonstrated outstanding creativity and a unique voice, showcasing the incredible talent we have across all year levels.
We would also like to acknowledge all students who participated. Your enthusiasm and willingness to share your creativity are what make events like this so special. Every entry contributed to a vibrant display of ideas and expression, reflecting the strong community spirit we value at our College.
Congratulations once again to all involved! 🎉
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
This meeting will provide an opportunity to hear more about the proposed updates, ask questions, and take part in voting on:
- a new Terms of Reference (ToR)
- a new P&F Operating Cadence
These updates are intended to replace the current P&F Constitution (dated 2009).
Please note that a quorum of 10 members is required for the meeting to proceed, with a majority vote in favour required for the new Terms of Reference to be adopted.
The Special Meeting will be followed by the General Meeting from 7:30pm, aiming to conclude by 8:30pm. If you are only able to attend the Special Meeting, that is absolutely fine and we appreciate your support.
What are the Terms of Reference and Operating Cadence?
The Terms of Reference (ToR) sets out how the P&F is governed – including how decisions are made, how funds are allocated, and the role of members, coordinators, and the College.
The Operating Cadence defines the rhythm of how we work together across the year – including the number and purpose of meetings, key decision points, and how planning and delivery is structured.
Together, these updates are designed to improve clarity, consistency, and transparency, while supporting stronger participation from families.
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
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Food Stall
On behalf of the P&F, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful volunteers who helped make the Charlie & the Chocolate Factory food stall, held from 28–30 May 2026, such a success.
A special thank you to Michelle Faragher for coordinating and managing the fundraiser, together with Amber Dean, Kara Draffin, Liam Faragher, Nicole Krieger, Emma Schmalkuche, Katie Stretch, Elizabeth Lincoln, and Gloria Vega for generously giving their time and energy across the four performances. Your willingness to help created a welcoming atmosphere for our school community and ensured the stall ran smoothly.
Thanks to your efforts and the incredible support of families attending the musical, the food stall raised an impressive $510.07. These funds will go towards supporting future P&F initiatives that benefit our students and the wider College community.
Thank you!
Billy G Cookie Dough Fundraiser
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the P&F Billy G Cookie Dough Fundraiser throughout Term 2.
Special thanks goes to Rachelle Bowen for coordinating and managing the fundraiser, Tina Massie for her talented promotional graphic design, Marta Vinals Llorens and Jon Shaner for helping out on collection day. Your time, organisation, and enthusiasm were instrumental in making the campaign a success.
We are delighted to share that the fundraiser generated a fantastic $572 profit.
Thank you again team!
P&F — What’s Coming Up
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.
2026 Junior Campus Arts and Learning Expo
A Celebration of Learning, Creativity and Connection
We are delighted to invite our Junior Campus families to the 2026 Arts and Learning Expo on Wednesday 17 June—an afternoon that brings our community together to celebrate the thinking, creativity and collaboration that underpin learning at Prince of Peace.
This much-loved event offers a vibrant window into learning from Prep to Year 6, showcasing how our students inquire, create, problem-solve and work together. Families are warmly encouraged to explore the campus, visit a range of year-level learning spaces, and spend time in the Library enjoying our Visual Arts Exhibition, which highlights student creativity and expression.
Event Highlights
- 3:00 PM – Food trucks open near the Green Room
- 3:20 PM – Official Opening in The Shed
- 3:30 PM – Arts Performances commence in The Shed
(Please note: classrooms will open following the conclusion of performances) - From 4:00 PM (approx.) – 5:30 PM
- Classrooms open for interactive learning experiences
- Visual Arts Exhibition open in the Library
- Spotlight musical performances across the campus
Throughout the afternoon, students and teachers will share interactive, hands-on displays that invite you into the learning journey—not just the final product. From digital storytelling and scientific inquiry to mathematical investigations and creative expression, each space reflects the key skills and dispositions we are nurturing in our learners.
We encourage families to wander beyond their own child’s classroom and explore how learning progresses across the primary years. Conversation prompts will be available to support meaningful discussions with students as they reflect on their learning.
Arts Performances
The Arts Performances will showcase a rich mix of classroom learning experiences, reflecting student growth in creativity, collaboration and skill development. Highlights from our Specialist programs include:
- Prep students performing a Spanish song
- Years 2–4 Spanish dancers presenting their choreography
- Year 3 students showcasing their developing string skills
- Students from Years 3–6 performing the classic Why We Sing
In addition, a range of smaller “satellite” performances will take place across the campus, offering further opportunities to enjoy student talent and creativity.
This special afternoon celebrates not only what our students learn, but how they learn—with curiosity, creativity and connection at the heart of all we do. We look forward to partnering with you as you explore, engage and celebrate alongside your children.
Student Voice in Action
Our Student Representative Council continues to grow in confidence and purpose, finding their voice and making a meaningful difference within our community.
At the recent Student Voice Pitch Event, students presented thoughtful and innovative ideas aimed at enhancing learning, strengthening connections, and creating real-world impact in community.
I was incredibly proud of all students who participated, and especially our Junior Campus students, who presented with confidence, clarity and creativity. Their willingness to think boldly and share their ideas was truly inspiring.
Congratulations to the winning pitch from the Senior Campus, and a special acknowledgement to Miles and Harper from the Junior Campus for their outstanding achievement in securing third place. We look forward to seeing some ideas come to life and the ongoing impact of student voice across our College.
Community Connection: Movie Night
A big thank you to the Prince of Peace Church Community for hosting a wonderful Movie Night that so many of our families enjoyed. The Lorax was a fabulous choice—bringing together fun, laughter and an important message about caring for our world.
While the evening required a quick pivot due to a malfunctioning screen, a great time was had by all—perhaps just a little warmer in the Chapel than on the oval! A special thank you to Jon Shaner and his team for their hard work and preparation behind the scenes to ensure the event was still such a success.
Celebrating Sport on the Junior Campus
As Term 2 draws to a close, we would like to give a special shout out to our PE Department, and in particular Ms Ollivia Beveridge, for her outstanding work in organising our recent Kindy to Year 2 Sports Carnival and this Friday’s Year 3 to Year 6 Athletics Carnival.
These events are always a highlight of the term, and we have certainly seen plenty of House spirit and energy on display. We are grateful for the care, organisation and enthusiasm that goes into creating such positive sporting experiences for our students.
I hope to see you at many of the events as we finish off Semester 1 and head into the mid year holidays.
Be Blessed
Anne-Marie Schmidt
Head of Campus – Junior
Year 9 Enterprise Day
Real-World Learning in Action
Our Year 9 Enterprise Day was an engaging opportunity for students to connect their learning to the real world. Working in teams, students developed business ideas, created products or services, and presented their concepts, applying skills in planning, budgeting, communication, and problem-solving.
This experience highlighted the importance of learning by doing. Students demonstrated creativity, collaboration, and resilience as they adapted their ideas and responded to challenges. Importantly, they gained a deeper understanding of how classroom learning translates into real-world contexts.
We are incredibly proud of the initiative and teamwork shown by our Year 9 cohort, and we thank our staff for supporting such a meaningful and authentic learning experience.
A special thank you to Mrs Voss, Mrs Deam, and all staff who contributed to the success of the day and provided valuable guidance and encouragement to our students.
Futures Expo: Inspiring Pathways Beyond School
Our recent Futures Expo provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore the wide range of pathways available to them beyond school. The event brought together universities, training providers, industry representatives, and employers, offering students firsthand insights into future study and career options.
Throughout the Expo, students engaged in meaningful conversations, asked thoughtful questions, and began to consider how their interests and strengths might shape their future directions. The opportunity to connect directly with experts helped make these pathways more tangible and accessible.
Events like the Futures Expo are an important part of linking learning to life beyond the classroom. They encourage students to think proactively about their goals, while equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their futures.
We thank Mrs Grosas and all exhibitors who contributed to making the day such a valuable and inspiring experience for our students.
Reminder: Middle and Senior Athletics Carnival
A reminder to our families that the Middle and Senior Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday 15 June at Mt Maria playing fields, Mott St, Gaythorne.
This event is an important part of our school program and is considered a regular school day, with all students expected to attend and participate. The Carnival provides a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in healthy competition, demonstrate school spirit, and support one another across year levels.
We encourage all students to come prepared for the day, ready to be involved, encourage their peers, and make the most of this community event.
We look forward to a positive and energetic day together. Please ensure you have completed the Consent2Go Consent form.
Year 11 & Year 9 Lunch: Building Confidence Through Shared Experience
This past week, our Year 11 students joined Year 9 for a shared lunch, reflecting on their own Mt Binga experience from when they were in Year 9. They generously shared insights, stories, and practical advice, while our current Year 9 students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of what lies ahead.
Hearing directly from peers who have already completed the experience helped to ease nerves and build excitement, highlighting both the challenges and the personal growth that comes from the journey.
Opportunities like this strengthen our sense of community, as students support one another across year levels, fostering confidence and a readiness to embrace new challenges.
Thank you to Mrs Brady and the Year 11 and Year 9 Pastoral Care Team for coordinating this wonderful time of connection.
100 Days to Go: Year 12, 2026
Last week, our Year 12 students marked a significant milestone, 100 days to go until the end of their schooling journey. This moment provided an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate how far they have come, while also looking ahead to the final stretch of their senior years.
The morning was filled with energy, unity, and a strong sense of cohort pride. It was wonderful to see students embracing the occasion, creating lasting memories together as they approach the culmination of their time at the College. Adding to the celebration, Dr Carter, Mrs Osborne, and Mrs Grosas were busily preparing a pancake breakfast for our Year 12 students, creating a warm and joyful start to the day.
As we enter this final phase, we continue to encourage our Year 12 students to remain focused, support one another, and finish with purpose and determination. We look forward to walking alongside them in these important final months and celebrating their achievements as they reach the finish line.
A special thank you to Mr Stevens and Mrs Kelly for arranging such a special morning.
Reminder: Early Student Collection & Mobile Phone Guidelines
We kindly remind families of the correct process for arranging the early collection of students during the school day.
Students should not contact parents directly to organise early departure. All early collection requests must be coordinated through the College Office.
This ensures appropriate supervision, accurate attendance records, and supports our duty of care obligations.
We also take this opportunity to reinforce our Mobile Phone Guidelines, which require students to store their mobile phones in their lockers from the start of the school day (8:05am) until the final bell.
As such, students are not able to use their phones to organise collection during school hours. Any breech of this process will result in the phone being confiscated as per our procedures.
If there is an urgent or unexpected need to contact your child, please call College Reception on 3872 5600, and we will ensure that messages are passed on promptly.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and well-managed environment for all students.
2026 Battle of the Bands — Come along!
Get ready to turn up the volume at our 2026 Battle of the Bands! Taking place on Friday 19 June 2026, the last day of the semester, this exciting event kicks off from 11:00am in the Senior Campus Auditorium.Come along and support our talented student performers as they take the stage and compete for ultimate bragging rights in a showcase of creativity, energy, and musical skill. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, or something in between, there’s something for everyone. All are welcome to attend!
Blessings,
Coreta Lennon
Head of Campus — Senior Campus
Careers @ PoP
Futures Expo Inspires Years 10–12
Our annual Futures Expo proved to be a tremendous success, giving students in Years 10–12 an invaluable opportunity to explore the many pathways available to them beyond school. The event brought together a vibrant mix of exhibitors, alumni, parents, and staff, all contributing to a highly engaging and informative afternoon.
This year’s expo featured 18 exhibitors, representing a broad range of industries and study options. Students were able to connect with representatives such as the Australian Defence Force, TAFE Queensland, the Academy of Sport, gap year programs, private universities, and our well‑known tertiary partners including QUT, UQ, and the University of the Sunshine Coast. The diversity of exhibitors ensured that every student—whether aiming for trades, tertiary study, service, or sport—could find something meaningful to explore.
A highlight of the event was hearing from five of our alumni, who generously returned to share their post‑school journeys. Liam Bell, Lara Savaille, Siena Gardner, Laura Horsington and Alexis Hulcombe all had stories that offered current students’ relatable insights into decision‑making, resilience, and the many twists and turns that can shape a career path. Their presence added a personal and inspiring dimension to the afternoon.
We were also delighted to welcome a number of parents who visited after school, taking the opportunity to speak with exhibitors and support their young people as they begin planning for future study and career choices.
Students reported gaining a great deal from the expo, with many leaving feeling more confident, informed, and excited about the possibilities ahead. We hope the experience will play a valuable role in guiding their subject selections and post‑school planning in the months to come.
The Futures Expo continues to be a cornerstone event in our careers program, and we extend our thanks to all exhibitors, alumni, parents, and staff who helped make it such a positive and impactful experience for our students.
I would like to acknowledge the exhibitors:
Julie Grosas
Careers and VET Leader
Senior Campus Sport
NISSA Sport Winter Season
Our NISSA Winter season kicks off today! The dates of the season are below:
Round 1 – 10-11 June 2026
Round 2 – 17-18 June 2026
Round 3 – 22-23 July 2026
Round 4 – 29-30 July 2026
Round 5 – 5-6 August 2026
Round 6 – 19-20 August 2026
Round 7 – 26-27 August 2026
Round 8 – 2-3 September 2026
Round 9 – 9-10 September 2026
Round 10 – 16–17 September 2026
Uniform Expectations
The uniform expectations for each sport are outlined below.
STUDENTS MUST HAVE THE NISSA PLAYING SHIRT.
Football (Soccer) – NISSA playing shirt, shin pads, PoP football socks and boots (optional).
Shin pads and socks are compulsory – if students do not have these items, they will be asked to change to another sport.
Beach Volleyball – NISSA playing shirt
Basketball – NISSA playing shirt.
Rugby 7’s – NISSA playing shirt, PoP football socks, mouthguard, boots and headgear (optional).
The NISSA playing shirts and PoP socks can be purchased at School Locker.
Training will continue during their PC time on a Friday (commencing in Week 2, Term 3).
Can I please remind you that if your child is unable to participate in sport lessons/games, a note is required.
Track and Field Carnival — Monday 15 June 2026
The Prince of Peace Senior Campus Inter-House Track & Field Carnival is to be held on Monday 15 June. 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. Students that normally catch a bus to school will be transported directly to the venue.
Please note, there will be no College bus transporting students from the Middle and Senior Campus to the venue.
The event is scheduled to be completed by 2:30pm. The College bus will be available to those students who require transport back to school and those that normally catch a bus home in the afternoon. 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.
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 accessorize in the 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.
North District and Met North Cross Country
Congratulations to our runners that have competed in the North District and Met North Cross Country Carnivals over the past few weeks!
We saw some excellent results across the board! Special mention to Thomas Forbes-Schutz for coming 1st in the North District Carnival and Jordan Currey for coming in 2nd. Well done to all!
Continuing on with Cross Country results, Thomas Forbes-Schutz also competed in the QLD Athletics All Schools Cross Country at Limestone Park a few weeks ago as well.
He placed 25th in his age group! A wonderful achievement!
Gabrielle Collman
Senior Campus Teacher – Sports Coordinator
Movie Night Thanks
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church congregation and volunteers thank everyone who attended our Movie Night event last Friday. Even though we were forced to adapt the location due to challenges with equipment and weather, we hope that you enjoyed the time gathering with family. Once again this year, Pastor Nick has created a short devotion to help you think more deeply about the themes of The Lorax. Please click here to read it. We love being able to share these special events with our College community and look forward to seeing you again soon!
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 THIS FRIDAY for music, some activities, and then serve a family-style meal. It’s a great way to start your weekend! Please RSVP at this link to help with catering.
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. There’s still time to RSVP if you haven’t already, simply click this link!
40th Anniversary Worship & Luncheon
With joyful hearts, we invite you to join us as we celebrate a significant milestone in the life of our congregation — the 40th Anniversary of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church building on the College Junior Campus. We will gather for a special anniversary worship service on Sunday, 28 June, beginning from 9:00am. Following worship, we warmly welcome you to stay for a celebratory luncheon. It will be a wonderful opportunity to share stories, reconnect with friends, and look forward to the years ahead. In order to help with catering, we ask that you complete the RSVP form linked here. The form also includes a sign-up to bring a dish to pass – but don’t feel obligated, especially if you are visiting for the first time in a while.
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/
