SPS News February Issue
Contents
Senior Leadership Reflections
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From the Principal...................................................................................................... From the Deputy Principal.......................................................................................... From the Director of Junior School.......................................................................... From the Director of International School............................................................... From the Director of Community.............................................................................. From the Director of Learning & Teaching.............................................................. From the Director of Wellbeing................................................................................ From the Chaplain......................................................................................................
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SPS Snapshot - February in Review
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Honours Assembly..................................................................................................... Welcome Back to the Library.................................................................................... Junior School Reading Challenge........................................................................... Junior School Stage 1 Opening................................................................................ Service Learning........................................................................................................ Year 10 Excursion...................................................................................................... Clean Up Australia Day............................................................................................
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Upcoming Events
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What’s On This Week................................................................................................ What Parents Want Survey...................................................................................... Become a Homestay Host.......................................................................................
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
St Paul’s School would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land on which our School stands, the Turrbul People. We would like to pay respect to Elders past and present and to emerging community leaders. St Paul’s School is committed to reconciliation with the Aboriginal people of this Land, and to working with the First Peoples of Australia to continue to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures going for future generations.
From the Principal
We Are SPS: A Call to Belong, Excel, and Take Pride in the Badge
Firstly, I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to everyone in our community who has been affected by ex- Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Events like these can have a profound and varied impact on each of us, and it’s important to remember that wellbeing support is available at SPS. We’re committed to supporting one another as a community, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Here at St Paul’s School, we are more than just a place of learning, we are a community, a family, and a source of inspiration for one another. This year, we continue to build on our initiative, “We Are SPS,” a movement designed to foster pride, strengthen belonging, and inspire excellence in every student. SPS is more than just an affectionate name; it represents a calling, a reminder that each of us plays a part in shaping our collective identity. One of the greatest ways students can embrace this sense of belonging and pride is through participation in the rich array of extracurricular activities available at our School. Whether it be music, sport, service learning, or club activities, these experiences shape character, build resilience, and create lasting memories. However, while we have a small group of students who are engaged across all these areas, our goal is not to ask them to do more but to encourage the greater student population to take part and experience the benefits of commitment, perseverance, and teamwork. When students take up the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities, they develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. They learn discipline through rehearsing for a performance, resilience through training for a match, empathy through serving others, and camaraderie through working alongside their peers. These are the qualities that will prepare them for the future, not just as learners but as leaders and changemakers. As a school that competes in the TAS competition, we are required to field teams for each sporting area. In some sports, we are falling short or just managing to scrape through with adequate numbers. As we move forward into the year, I urge students who are not involved, or even those who cannot make training sessions during the week due to other commitments but can attend games, to get involved. Your participation is crucial in ensuring we continue to compete strongly and represent our school with pride. Our senior students embody this spirit when they proudly declare “Take Pride in the Badge” while chanting “We Are SPS.” These words carry meaning beyond tradition; they reflect the values of commitment, excellence, and the unbreakable bonds of our community. To take pride in the badge is to step forward, take opportunities, and represent our school with honour and determination. Throughout the year I hope you notice the immersion and branding of SPS across our campus. I encourage all families to support their children in embracing the full experience of St Paul’s School. Let’s champion their involvement, celebrate their growth, and instill in them the belief that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Because at St Paul’s School—We Are SPS!
John O’Sullivan Williams
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From the Deputy
Parent Guide to Connecting with Staff in Our Senior School
Parent Guide to Connecting with Staff – Senior School Establishing good communication with your child’s teachers, tutors and coaches allows us to work together to achieve the best outcomes for your child. Please use this guide to assist in determining who to contact with your information, question or concern.
Need assistance? If you are still unsure where to direct your query, we ask that you contact the teacher in the first instance. They will help guide you to the right point of contact. We kindly remind all members of our school community to ensure that email communication remains respectful and aligns with the Parent Code of Conduct. Rude, disrespectful or threatening messages to staff will not be accepted.
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Honours Assembly In Week 3, we had the pleasure of welcoming back our highest achieving 2024 graduates and their families for the annual Honours Assembly. At this assembly, 22 recipients were awarded Academic Gold for achieving the highest A level in their subject. 4 of these recipients achieved the remarkable feat of 100 out of 100 in their awarded subjects. In addition, 29 recipients received Academic Excellence awards to recognise their attainment of an ATAR score of 90 or higher.
3 outstanding graduates were honoured with SPS’s highest academic awards:
Peyton Arici received The Thomas Morton Forster Memorial Prize (3rd to Dux) Lachlan Mackenzie-Smith received The Horace and Daphne Gartside Memorial Prize (2nd to Dux) Timofei Krivykh received The Sir Edwin Marsden Tooth Memorial Prize (Dux of Year 12) A highlight of the event was an inspiring address from Brittany Morgan, past student and current President of the Past Students Supporters Group. Reflecting on her time at SPS, Ms. Morgan shared how the school laid the foundation for everything in her life that followed. “It was the environment of curiosity, ambition, teamwork, and support that truly shaped me. The teachers didn’t just teach—they mentored us, challenged us to think critically, and encouraged us to ask big questions,” she said. “One of the most important lessons I learned at St Paul’s was the power of relationships. Success isn’t just about what you know; it’s about who you know, and more importantly, how you collaborate with others. The sense of community here has stayed with me, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about staying connected to this school.”
Karen Madden
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From the Director of Junior School
Junior School Update
It’s hard to believe we are past halfway through Term One! Hopefully, everyone has settled into the school routine. The beginning of the school year is a great time to establish routines and expectations, not only at school, but also at home with homework and screen time. In the primary years, a large part of homework is about building capacity for time management. Creating a structure in your child’s day with an after school schedule will help them to stay focussed and avoid homework fatigue. Every child and family operates differently, so there is no right or wrong schedule, however, predictability and consistency are key.
Some tips for homework:
Young children should do homework nearby, like at the kitchen table while adults are around. They usually don’t like to be isolated and may need to ask questions. Distractions would need to be limited. Pre-teens may prefer a homework nook where parents have easy access to offer words of encouragement. If homework is a huge issue or fight please talk to the class teacher about having support to address this. If all else fails – Reading is the most important thing. Opportunities for parents to read-aloud to children, and vice versa as well as time for reading for enjoyment. Screen time should also be put in the schedule. The children live in a world where screens are a constant presence in their lives. While technology offers incredible learning opportunities and entertainment, too much screen time can impact their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. By setting healthy limits, parents can help their children develop better habits, improve focus and enjoy more offline experiences. It is recommended that Primary aged students limit screen time to two hours per day.
Tips for Screen time:
No screens during mealtimes with families. Technology buffer at least 30 minutes before bed. Use parental controls to monitor contact and duration.
Please reach out if you need some support in this space. If you missed the Parent Teacher interviews in Week 5, contact the classroom teacher to make an appointment. These meetings are important for setting goals for the students and getting a good understanding of how they are settling into the school year.
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Welcome Reverend Colledge
SPS would like to welcome Reverend Nicki Colledge into our community and the Junior School team. Rev. Nicki is with us every Wednesday and takes our Chapel Services. Rev. Nicki is a certified teacher and alongside being a Parish Priest, has also been a school chaplain for many years prior to starting at SPS. She is very connected to the SPS community and has many strings to her bow as I am sure we will find out over the course of the year. We are looking forward to having Rev. Nicki as part of our team. If you see her around campus, please say hello and make her feel welcome. Marianne Connolly Hello SPS Community! My name is Reverend Nicki Colledge and I’m the “new-but-old” Junior School Chaplain. I will be working with our Junior School every Wednesday. If you are a parent who attended St Paul’s School in the late 1990s-2000s, you may remember me. Regardless, it is amazing to be back here in the community once again. On Wednesday afternoons, Prep-Year 2 and Years 3-6 gather for Junior School Chapel Services. This year, I have declared it to be “The Year of the Teapot.” Across the year, the symbolism of a humble teapot will develop – an everyday item can be an extraordinary gift, it doesn’t matter if our paint is faded or our spout is chipped, we are all unique and remarkable. Already the idea of hospitality – the simple act of having visitors for afternoon tea – has opened the way to further understanding of what church itself is all about. Coming to the “School Church”, our Chapel means getting ready, greeting and welcoming, conversation, listening, and offering thanks to the host (a lot like church)! Amongst all of this, the Junior School get to enjoy some silly and fun songs along with a few giggles. As Chaplain to the Junior School, I am available to all members of the community. I can be contacted easily using n.colledge@stpauls.qld.edu.au, and I have an office meeting space at the back of the Chapel. Should your child or family member have a need, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I look forward to getting to know many of you in the year ahead.
Rev. Colledge
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From the Director of International School
International Education 2024 & 2025
In 2024, during the months of November and December, Mr O’Sullivan Williams and Mrs Power travelled to Japan to attend the HIH Prince Takamado Trophy (the 75th All Japan Junior High School English Oratorical Contest). This contest is a prestigious competition in Japan and we were pleased to be invited to the award ceremony that announced the winner. SPS will host the winner later in the 2025 on a 3-week study experience. We look forward to welcoming them into our School community! While there, Mr O’Sullivan Williams and Mrs Power took the opportunity to visit a few of the schools we have long- standing relationships with. We had the opportunity to meet past students as well as students who are now studying with us on our short-term program. It was a great opportunity for us to meet school principals and English teaching staff and celebrate our commitment to the relationship we have with these schools. Closer to home, we started Term 1, 2025 with more than 40 new students arriving from China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Russia and Papua New Guinea. In addition to the long-term students and our short-term students, we have also welcomed two study tours.
Scudo House hosted our first group of 18 students from South Korea for a 3-week experience in Australia. The students participated in Tutor groups and had classes in the International School. They had excursions to Australian Outback Spectacular, Australia Zoo and Movie World. This tour was organised and supervised by past student Youngeun Cho who is now an Educational agent. Youngeun (Rolly) graduated from St Paul’s School in 2010 and it was fantastic to see her in this new endeavour. The students made many great experiences with their homestay and the other students in their classes. They returned to South Korea on Saturday 22nd February with many fond memories of their time at St Paul’s School and hope to return one day soon. Our second group was from Showa Gakuin – A High School in Chiba, Japan. This was the first time for Showa Gakuin to visit SPS. They experienced our Wildlife habitat, participated in an Indigenous Art activity presented by past student Zoe Carson and the experienced the Geckoes Wildlife Animal experience. Students visited Australia Zoo and Dreamworld. The students had a great time in Taja house and were sad to leave. For all of these students, it was their first time visiting Australia, and we are pleased to have provided the opportunity for them to experience Australian culture and SPS traditions. Kathleen Power
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From the Director of Community
2025 has got off to a fast-paced, high-energy start at SPS. Students from all over the school are finding themselves engaged with the important business of learning, while simultaneously enjoying access to a wide range of activities designed to support a strong sense of belonging, and foster growth. For an age, schools have professed the complementary nature of participation in extracurricular activities, outdoor education and service learning, with a strong academic focus. At SPS, we are deeply invested in building exceptional learning experiences beyond the classroom for all students. Equally, we strive to ensure that these benefits are valued and supported by staff and families, so at all times, students feel central to the investment of the whole community. Participation, naturally, fosters a great deal of benefits, such as creating and sustaining a variety of relationships, the resilience to tackle new challenges or opportunities, and the strength to come back from defeat or disappointment. Participation also demands self-discipline and personal organisation and encourages the independence to make choices and see them through responsibly. It is important to ensure that balance is struck so that quality and consistency can be more readily assured, as opposed to overcommitting, feeling overwhelmed, or not participating at all. We have high expectations of our students, and match that with high support. We feel strongly that participation in our School’s offerings is integral to an education. As each child grows and moves through the school, we believe they will continue to develop the skills, attributes, interests, and relationships that can last a lifetime throughout as well as beyond this SPS community.
I look forward to sharing more about these exciting opportunities as the year proceeds.
Year 7 Camp Week 5 saw our Year 7 students attend their first Secondary School Outdoor Education experience at QCCC Mapleton in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Led by the Head of Outdoor Education, Mr. Neil White, and supported by a highly experienced team of SPS staff strategically selected across a range of SPS areas of school life (House Leaders, core-class teachers, counsellors, HPE, and Sport coaches). This highly supportive team, coupled with a quality tailor made approach, allowed students to establish and enhance connections with trusted adults as they began their Secondary School journey.
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The Mapleton experience nurtured students to engage in a range of activities designed to challenge their physical, social, collaborative, and leadership attributes. The three-day camp also provided opportunities for students to bond with their new schoolmates, spend time with their House Leaders, and make memories about how they overcame challenges, strengthened relationships, and discovered how outdoor education can shape character. Mr. White had the following to say about the camp.
“It was an absolute delight to witness the remarkable growth and development of our students over these past three days. Each day, staff members shared inspiring stories of students who, through the 'Challenges by Choice' program, pushed their boundaries, set personal goals, and achieved numerous accomplishments. Through daily reflections with their trusted adults, students embraced the 'SPS Way,' understanding their role in a community built on respect, inclusivity, and celebration. A heartfelt thank you to all the students and staff for your dedication and hard work during these three days. I look forward to creating more memories with you in the Outdoor Education space.”
Sport TAS and JTAS Sport is well and truly underway for Trimester 1. Across both the Junior and Senior School’s, our Pumas have taken to the field to represent SPS in cricket, hockey and soccer, as well as the courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis. Our teams have competed with energy, enthusiasm and skill. Alongside their coaches, our Pumas continuously reflect on their performances and set game plans which will lead to continuous improvement over the course of their sporting games. Both at home and away, our teams have been well supported by families and friends, creating an atmosphere that encourages pride and passion. We have a number of teams who have already demonstrated fantastic growth and development as well as a number of teams who have shown themselves to be serious title contenders. Another pleasing development has been the large number of additional 'shield' teams the school has been able to field due to growing participation numbers across a range of sports. Further to this, it has been fantastic to welcome a number of staff and school family members who have been getting involved as officials, referees and coaches. Week 3 saw our Secondary School enjoy the annual Swimming Carnival. Head of Sport Andrew Wookey commented: “For 2025 it was held at a new venue, the Albany Creek Leisure Centre, an outdoor venue which meant the students got to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, on what was a fantastic day of school spirit and competition in the pool. It was fantastic to see the endeavour and participation of all students in attendance. There were some individual stand out performances on the day, but the most pleasing aspect of the Carnival was the comradery and House spirit on display with the staff at the pool going out of their way to mention a number of times just how loud and involved the students had been in creating a truly special atmosphere.” Music Extracurricular Music is traditionally a very popular pursuit for SPS students, from Year 2-12. Music provides opportunities for students to exercise their creative expression both individually, or collectively as part of an ensemble, orchestra or choir. Like sport, music generates a sense of belonging, fosters growth, and enables participants to strive for excellence. In fact, this year we have over 400 students engaged with the Extracurricular Music program, working hard together weekly, and enjoying opportunities to perform both here at school in exciting annual events such as Music in the Dark, Battle of the Bands and Con Brio, as well as competing at local, regional and state competitions.
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In Week 7, students in Concert Band and Allegretto Strings joined Music staff and the Music Captains at Music Camp in Luther Heights. This unique experience provided an opportunity for these younger groups to forge stronger bonds with their classmates and peers in the Music Program, and the Music Tutors as they do almost a terms worth of rehearsals in a weekend in preparation for some major events next term.
Launch Day Extracurricular clubs and activities have always been an essential part of school life at SPS. The diverse range of opportunities enable students to become part of something new and exciting; a team, ensemble, club or movement, something that can enhance their growth, foster a sense of belonging, or provide the means to strive for excellence. Launch Day saw Secondary School students enjoy a festival atmosphere in the Walker Courtyard, visiting stalls where they could learn about the extracurricular activities on offer by those already engaged in them, discover how active participation can reap benefits socially and academically. Organised and run by our wonderful Student Leadership Team, Launch Day saw a great turnout, and provided the perfect illustration of why SPS has enviable and exceptional learning experiences beyond the classroom.
SPS Dance Troupe Coordinator It is with excitement that we announce the appointment of Nicole Kohn as the SPS Dance Troupe Coordinator. Outside of her role as Learning Manager (Food and Textiles Technologies), Nicole is a passionate dancer herself and has a longstanding relationship with our program here at SPS. Extracurricular Dance has continued to grow year-after-year, with our students participating in several Eisteddfods and securing some excellent results. Under Nicole’s leadership she hopes to continue to nurture our students love of dance and the community of support that SPS Dance Troupe has fostered to date. Her love of dance has always been a part of her life from a young age, with her own involvement in school dance troupe being some of her best dance memories. 2025 will bring another year of dance troupe hitting the stage to perform, compete and bring joy to the SPS community. Jon Andrews
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From the Director of Teaching & Learning
Learning partnerships @ SPS
The beginning of the school year brings with it a palpable sense of excitement, perhaps some trepidation and all the promise of a ‘new start’. The renewal we find in ‘beginning again’ each year drives us to bigger, better and brighter things. We go through the ritual of channelling what we have learned from the previous year and applying it to the goals we set ourselves for the year ahead. There is undoubtedly something magical in the nascent beginnings of a new school year. And that is especially true for me this year as I join the SPS community in my role as Director of Teaching and Learning. It is a role I am already cherishing as it combines two of my very favourite things – I love teaching and more importantly, I love learning. It is a joy that has been inculcated in me by the people who have walked alongside me throughout my education – my teachers. From the very first artworks I created, praised by my Kindergarten teacher with all the uplifting warmth and fervent enthusiasm that is a hallmark of our wonderful early years educators to my Year 12 English teacher whose ardent and detailed deconstruction of Bruce Dawe’s poem, Homecoming, is still, to this day, a lesson etched in my memory for the way he coaxed Dawe’s brutal, yet beautiful imagery from the page and set it free in my own imagination, these are the people who have inspired the work that I do as an educator, and I know all of our SPS teachers could recount similar anecdotes.
The people who modelled learning for us are the people who guide our teaching now.
Indeed, all of the great teachers I have encountered or admired, have been learners, first, foremost and always. Over the years, those teachers have moved from in the classroom to philosophers, artists, scientists and more whose work I’ve read, researched and enjoyed. I recall their words now as I think on the vital importance of our role as educators – to teach, but also to inspire in our students a capacity and a desire to learn for themselves. Michelangelo, the great Renaissance artist, said, at 78 years of age, “I am still learning.” Such simple words, but from a septuagenarian, there is a profoundness in his recognition that with all his knowledge, experience and wisdom built from a life well lived, there is still room for humility, for learning something from the world and from one another. I turn to other great minds and find similar sentiments. Helen Keller, whose life is a remarkable testament to the determination to learn, says this of her first foray into college: “Before me I saw a new world opening in beauty and light, and I felt within me the capacity to know all things.” In Keller’s desire to learn she found the confidence to know that she could. Albert Einstein, that unparalleled paragon of physics, acknowledged the power of simply wanting to learn as well. He opined, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” Curiosity builds a fire that can never be extinguished and that is our hope as educators here at SPS – that we kindle the flames of learning for all the young people with whom we work.
I look forward to learning alongside the SPS community in 2025.
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Be Prepared
Years 10 to 12 For our parents and carers of senior students, a reminder that keeping a regular check on a student’s myQCE account is an important part of their senior studies. In our Year 11 Flex sessions to begin the year, students have registered and can now access their myQCE learning account. We have also been working through the Academic Integrity course to support their understanding of ethical scholarship. As parents and carers, you may wish to check in with them to ensure they have completed their registration and the Academic Integrity course. Tips from a Teacher Get to know our staff with a study tip! This month, Ms Madison Dearnaley, our Head of Library Services, shares her advice for resources to support a student’s study. “Find the study resources that work for you. When studying, it can be tempting to re-read your class materials. Instead, find different ways of learning, especially the formats that engage you. Watch a video on the topic, listen to a podcast, use Immersive Reader to have the text read to you. And then practise teaching someone else about the content. Explain it to yourself, a family member or even a pet. You’ll find a large range of resources,
databases, videos and more to get you started on the Library homepage https://stpauls.concordinfiniti.com/library/portal”
Alison Scott
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From the Director of Wellbeing
Welcome to 2025!
It is evident around campus that students are well into the swing of things at SPS for 2025. They have found their classrooms, are getting to know their teachers, and are actively engaging with all that is available at SPS. This term, each year level has had a presentation from the School Counselling Team. The objective of these presentations was to ensure students know who the counsellors are, where they are located, and how to get a referral if they ever need their support. The counsellors will continue to address the student body throughout the year on relevant wellbeing topics pertaining to each year level. Please look out for information about Dr Billy Garvey's upcoming presentation to our staff and parents on the evening of May 8, 2025. Dr Garvey is a developmental paediatrician with over 20 years of experience and is the voice behind the popular 'Pop Culture Parenting’ Podcast. His work is highly regarded by our Wellbeing Team and we are fortunate to have him deliver professional development to our staff and a presentation for parents. Our House Leaders attended the Year 7 camp recently. While it was a busy week with them off campus, they truly enjoyed getting to know the newest members of their House better. Additionally, we had the Swimming House Carnival this term at a new location, and I was particularly impressed with the behaviour and effort of the students on the day. Attendance was very good overall, but our House leaders are hoping for even better participation at our Cross Country Carnival early next term. If your child has any reservations about getting involved in this day, please reach out to your child's Tutor. Cross Country is such a fun day and we would like all our students to come and enjoy it! Our Student Leadership Team has been very busy organising Launch Day for their peers. They have also organised a lunchtime Friday Futsal competition between Houses which was a very popular event among students last Friday. Families with students in Years 7-12 will have received an email regarding the new process for students that are arriving to school late without Parent Acknowledgement. This is a necessary adjustment in our processes for the benefit of both the Student and the School.
Wishing you a great rest of the term.
Erica Trudgian
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From the Chaplain
Chapel of St Paul: More than just a Makeover
In 1991, the newly completed Chapel of St Paul was dedicated by the archbishop of the time for use by the SPS Community. For 33 years it has stood as a sentinel and reminder of the faith upon which our school is founded.
This Chapel has also been witness to much change, as SPS became a co-educational school in 1993 followed by the opening of the International School in 1997. In 1999, Years 1-4 completed the Junior School until in 2004 Prep was added. Junior School students continue to meet weekly in the chapel for worship with Years P-2 and 3-6 having their own services. Over the years, it has witnessed a great deal of change and development in our grounds and facilities, often being the first point of contact for visitors and interested families who would gather at information events in the chapel, before touring the grounds as prospective parents. As the School has grown, our Chapel has been surrounded by buildings with the Music Centre to the South, Tooth to the West and Sutton to the North replacing Old Sutton. Today, it is currently watching over stage 2 of the redevelopment of our Junior School and the ‘Flourishing Futures’ project. In her 33 years she has welcomed, farewelled, blessed and been a sanctuary for thousands of SPS students, staff and family members. It has been the gathering place for regular worship as well as baptisms, weddings and funerals. It has heard hymns sung, prayers offered, and vows and promises made at inductions. Having been here myself for just over 20 of those 33 years, I have seen much change at SPS also and so was very excited to hear last year that over the Christmas Break the Chapel of St Paul would receive a significant re fit and refurbishment.
Reverend Mark Leam
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From the Chaplain
Once it had been stripped of all that could be safely removed and stored away, the work began and continued through to the start of 2025. The offices were refurbished and refreshed with a deck area added, carpet replaced, 2 meeting rooms installed, a repaint and significant development of the Narthex (entry area) occurred with the old heavy sliding doors along the NW verandah being replaced with new bifolds, allowing us to open the whole interior up to the outside. A highlight for staff and students has been the installation of electric entry doors making access silent and simple. Another well-received change has been the addition of coloured acrylic panels onto the glass eastern wall to break up the large area of - sometimes glaring - clear glass. The Design Technology department did a fantastic job supplying and cutting the panels to fit the glass bricks now offering an almost contemporary stained glass look of red, green, blue, yellow and purple patterns. The outside also received attention with roof repairs, painting, new lighting in the portico along with the cross being remodelled and lighting installed to illuminate it at night. It now shines as a beacon of our faith to watch over the wider community from its important position within our school. It is wonderful to see this makeover of the Chapel along with all the other fantastic development going on at SPS. It reminds us that we walk together into the future growing stronger every day. It also serves as a symbol of our faith standing firm in the centre of our School on which we can have hope in the face of constant change. I hope all students and parents, when the opportunity arises, come and see the changes that have taken place in the chapel, but also reacquaint themselves with some of those other precious things that have been here for many years and remain part of the fabric of the Chapel of St Paul.
Peace and blessings.
Reverend Mark Leam
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SPS Snapshot February in Review
Honours Assembly
On Monday, February 10, St Paul’s School proudly hosted the prestigious Honours Assembly 2025, celebrating the exceptional academic achievements of the Class of 2024. The assembly recognized students who excelled in their respective subjects, as well as those who achieved an outstanding ATAR of 90 or above. The ceremony, held in the Walker Centre 2, was attended by awardees, their families, and distinguished guests, including Brittany Morgan, President of the Past Students Supporters Group (PSSG), who shared her inspiring journey since graduating from St Paul’s School. Brittany’s words offered a meaningful reflection on the dedication and hard work that has shaped the success of our remarkable students. Following the assembly, families and special guests gathered for morning tea, to celebrate and connect over the remarkable achievements of the day. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for the SPS community to come together, celebrate excellence, and inspire future generations of learners. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all awardees and express our gratitude to their families, staff, and everyone who has contributed to their success. The Honours Assembly not only celebrated academic excellence, but also reinforced the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge within our community. Once again, congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their exceptional accomplishments. We eagerly look forward to seeing where your journeys take you in the future!
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Welcome Back to the Library 2025!
A new year means new opportunities to learn, explore, and, of course, read! Whether you’re diving into assignments, sharpening your study skills, wanting to create something, learn a new skill, or simply looking for your next favourite book, the Library is open and ready to support you. This year, we encourage all students and families to make the most of what the Library has to offer, both in person and online. Opening Hours The Junior Library is open from 8:00am – 3:30pm each day. Families are welcome to come into the Library before and after school to connect with their children, play games, and read together. Families can also sign up for Family Borrowing rights to borrow from the collection - encouraging families to read together. The Secondary Library and Innovation Precinct is open to Secondary Students from 7:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Thursday, and 7:30am – 3:30pm on Fridays. Students can join an extra-curricular club, study, read or engage in the Library activities before and after school. Explore The Online Library Don’t forget that you can access many of the Library resources online. The Library platform is available 24/7, offering eBooks, audiobooks, academic research tools, and helpful study materials. Click here to explore everything on offer and make the most of your reading and research time. Get Involved The Library and Innovation Precinct is a space for curiosity and exploration. Come along to find a space to study or read, connect with others, or get involved in one of the many lunchtime activities. Get creating, learn how to fly a drone or print something using the 3D printers, make something in the sewing and textiles group, paint or invent. There have been some amazing creations made already this term. The Power of Reading Reading isn’t just about completing assignments—it’s a skill that enriches your thinking, expands your imagination, and even helps reduce stress. Studies show that regular reading improves focus, boosts vocabulary, and enhances critical thinking skills. Now is a great time to set a goal to read for at least 10 minutes a day. Read something you enjoy. You might read on the train or car trip home, listen to an audiobook while doing chores, or read before going to bed. Whether you enjoy fantasy, history, thrillers, or non-fiction, there’s always a book waiting for you. Come along to borrow something or ask for a recommendation.
We’re looking forward to another fantastic term in the Library—see you soon!
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Junior School Reading Challenge
At SPS, We Read!
To celebrate Queensland Schools Library Week, all Junior School students were invited to participate in the Junior School House Reading Challenge. Everyone did some amazing reading to support their team. Taja were the winning house for this year, but everyone who participated grew in reading confidence, stamina and their enjoyment of books. Congratulations to everyone!
The final reading points were as follows:
Taja - 27,063 points Scudo - 25,852 points Gladius - 23,305 points Boek - 18,210 points Mitre - 15,942 points
Also, a reminder that the Junior School Library is opened to students and their families every school day from 8:00pm-8:25am and 3:10pm-3:30pm. We’d love to see you there!
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On Friday, February 7, the Junior School and Junior School Library hosted an event to celebrate a milestone of our community - the completion of Stage 1 of the new Junior School and re-opening of the Junior School Library. Families had the opportunity to engage in a library information session to discover the library services and resources available, connect with other families, staff and the SPS community, as well as enjoyed a personalized tour with our Principal. Our Junior School Library captain Hamish played a key role in welcoming guests. Thank you to everyone who attended—we look forward to more celebrations ahead! Junior School Stage 1 Opening
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Service Learning Spreading the Love One Slice at a Time
Some things may not yet be underway for the new school year, but service never stops at SPS. In week 3, Secondary students gathered to answer the call for an Eat Up sandwich-making session. Eat Up is an initiative that provides sandwiches and snacks for students at a local primary school who turn up at school without the food they need to fuel their growing bodies and brains. Our students prepared around 200 sandwiches and provided snacks which are stored in freezers at the school ready to be handed out to those in need. Students arrive at the school without food for a wide range of reasons but what matters is that we care, and through our Service Learning program we can make a difference to all those children in need. In the past we have used an area of the chapel to prepare, pack and label the lunch packs but this year in cooperation with the Food Technology department staff we were able to access one of their rooms making the whole process easier and more streamlined preparing the 200 lunch packs in just over 40 minutes. Well done all who were involved, we know these sandwiches will be a blessing! Service Learning at SPS is alive and well with a number of programs and projects always around the corner or running through term time such as Eat Up, The Habitat Corridor maintenance, Bald Hills Readers and Clean up SPS. We are looking at some new programs for 2025 so keep your eyes and ears open. If you are interested in supporting our Service Learning programs by volunteering, speak to our Service-Learning Captains (Annabelle and Ada) or contact Rev. Mark Leam to be added to our Service Learning list of willing helpers.
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Year 10 Excursion Inside Out Recovery Centre
Our Year 10 IPE student attended Inside Out Recovery Centre to give them an immersive experience of the body management techniques available to athletes. The students worked outside their comfort zones to complete 3-minute intervals of contrast therapy in the hot and cold pools. Using breath control, all students were able to develop an understanding of how we can control our bodies through deep abdominal breathing. Students also trialled infrared saunas and compression boots, reflecting upon how these techniques can help them manage fatigue and recovery. We hope that this excursion will aid them on their sporting journey for years to come.
Senior Music Excursion
QPAC Theatre On Thursday 20 February, the Senior Music Class went to view a performance at QPAC of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Originally a contemporary ballet, the piece was reimagined as a circus performance, in conjunction with world renowned, Brisbane based circus company, Circa.
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Clean Up Australia Day 35 Years of a Cleaner Country!
Did you know that over 22 million Aussies over the years have stepped up, pulled on their gloves and donated their time to improve the environment? Well, this year proved to be the ‘Biggest Clean Up Event EVER!’ After operating for 35 years, Clean Up Australia day celebrated its birthday in style and St. Paul’s School students did their part to help celebrate! On Friday the 28th February, our JS Environmental Leaders: Maxi, Tisya and Iona led our Junior School students to clean up our School grounds. With the support of a BINGO card, we kept our eyes out for everything from microplastics to shoes, smelly socks, lost lunchboxes, stationery items, plastic bottles, bottle lids and those pesky soy sauce packets! Whilst our school grounds were generally pretty clean, we did find some ‘hot spots’ for rubbish. Now it’s up to our Environmental Leaders to see what we can do to target those troublesome areas! Thank you to our JS community for rolling up their sleeves, putting on some gloves and getting involved! We loved seeing everyone work together! In addition, Mrs. C, Maxi, Tisya and Iona and their families spent Sunday the 2nd March at Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point. They walked the streets of Kangaroo Point, searching for rubbish with the rest of the Tangalooma EcoMarines crew. We found all sorts of unusual things and enjoyed the opportunity to sort through and analyse the litter. The best part was celebrating with the Today Show, Urban Utilities, Tangalooma Island Resort and the Clean Up Australia Day Crew. And yes… the cake was as delicious as it looks!
Here is a little video of what we did: https://www.instagram.com/ecomarines_/reel/DGxK7KqpYnQ/
Erin Casablanca
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Upcoming Events
Welcome to
Rugby
When: 21 March 2025 Time: 4:00PM-9:00PM Where: Walker Courtyard
Year 12 Formal
When: 22 March 2025 Time: 6:30PM-10:00PM Where: Victoria Park (Marquee)
SPSSA AGM
When: 25 March 2025 Time: 6:30PM-8:30PM Where: Sutton Building, Room SB2.10
Year 7 Pastoral Care
Conversations
When: 26 March 2025 Time: 3:30PM-5:00PM Where: Tutor Rooms
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New Parents Your views are important to us!
As a new parent, your recent experience of choosing a school is insightful. SPS is interested to hear about what was important to you and your family before and during your decision-making process, why you chose to send your child to an independent school, and why you felt SPS was different from the other schools. You are invited to complete The What Parents Want – an Independent Schools Queensland Survey. It is a longitudinal study that tracks multiple aspects of parents’ decision-making time, and the anonymous data can provide our school with insights to better understand and support prospective and new families in our community. If you are a parent of a Prep, Year 7 and/or new student, we’d like to ask you to complete this valuable survey (approx., 15-20 minutes). Other parents are also welcome to complete the survey. Survey closes 24 March 2025.
Click here to take the survey
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Become a Homestay Host!
As a Host You Will...
Receive a generous daily rate Have the option of hosting long-term or short term Be immersing in an incredible cultural experience for both your family and the student Have 24/7 support from our Homestay Coordinator Have ongoing support from our International School Staff
Ready to Get Involved?
Reach out to our Homestay Coordinator: homestay@stpauls.qld.edu.au or call 07 3261 1888
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