## 1. Overview
St Peters Lutheran College – Springfield is an independent private school with a Lutheran ethos, offering co-educational day schooling from primary through to senior years. The Springfield campus is a mid-to-large site that focuses on developing capable, confident students across academics, sport, arts, and community involvement.
Class sizes are typically in the moderate range for an Australian private school, with primary classes around 20–25 students and secondary classes commonly in the low 20s. The atmosphere tends to be nurturing and inclusive, balancing high academic expectations with opportunities for personal growth, leadership and strong participation in sport and the arts.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on STEM, English and humanities, and leadership development. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills across year levels.
- Special programs: Options for gifted and talented pathways and accelerated learning are available to extend high-achieving students.
- NAPLAN trends: Publicly reported trends show steady performance with ongoing focus on improving reading, writing and numeracy outcomes across year levels.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:15 to 1:18, depending on year level and subject.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated EAL and learning support services, with access to specialists and tailored learning plans to assist students who need extra help or adjustments.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A broad program typically includes basketball, soccer, rugby, cricket, tennis, swimming and athletics, with pathways to inter-school competitions and representative opportunities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular involvement in regional competitions; strong school culture around sport with opportunities to participate in multiple teams and events.
- Music, arts, drama: Comprehensive performing arts programs, school productions, choirs and instrumental ensembles, plus opportunities to engage in individual and group music activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other student-led clubs are commonly available to broaden learning outside of the classroom.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local coaching programs and regional competitions, providing broader experiences in sport, technology and the arts.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school emphasis on respectful conduct, with clear anti-bullying programs, student education and reporting mechanisms.
- House system: A house-based pastoral structure supports student connection, belonging and healthy competition across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff who provide guidance, mentoring and referral pathways as needed.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sporting facilities and grounds to support the full sports program.
- Libraries: Well-equipped libraries with study spaces and resources for research and reading.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories for hands-on experimentation across disciplines.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and performance rehearsals and productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: Digital labs and makerspaces to support STEAM learning and project work.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities for students.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor play and recreation areas for younger students and general campus use.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- Values / mission: A values-based education grounded in Lutheran principles, with emphasis on respect, service, integrity and care for others.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles within the school.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behaviour guidelines focused on respect, responsibility and positive conduct.
- Community reputation: Recognised within the Brisbane private education community for a supportive, faith-informed learning environment and a commitment to holistic development.
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive culture that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and supports equitable participation in all activities.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day runs during standard hours with a structured timetable; before/after school care is available.
- Before/after school care: Available to families needing extended hours beyond the standard school day.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is in place, with seasonal variations and guidance on dress standards.
- Transport (bus routes): Access to regional bus services and public transport options; information on specific routes is provided by the school’s admissions team.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering daily meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the mid-to-high range for Queensland independent schools; specific fee schedules are published by the school and updated annually.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Interested families typically start with an online enquiry or application, followed by submission of requested documents (academic records, references, etc.). The process often includes an interview or information session, and may involve an assessment to determine readiness for each year level. Offers are issued based on space, suitability and timing, with deposits required to secure enrolment. The timeline can range from several months to a year, depending on year level and current enrolment capacity.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There may be a waiting list for certain year levels or intake years. Placement on the waitlist is usually managed by admissions staff, with updates provided periodically. Priority can be given to siblings or current families where applicable.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically involves an interview and may include an academic or readiness assessment depending on year level. Language assessments or additional documentation may be requested for EAL or specific learning needs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers are considered where space is available and the student's needs align with the program. Prospective families should contact the admissions team to discuss timelines, admissions steps and any transition supports.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based, inclusive community with strong academic standards, robust sport and arts programs, and supportive wellbeing and pastoral care.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated, participate in a range of activities, value teamwork and community, and are open to both academic challenge and personal growth.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- A broad curriculum with accelerated or gifted pathways, extensive sport teams, music and drama programs, robotics and coding clubs, debating and leadership opportunities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, a family portal or learning management system, parent-teacher interviews and timely email updates.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, student-centered approach that integrates inquiry, collaboration, digital literacy and real-world application across subjects.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Access to learning support services, targeted interventions, EAL support if needed, and individualized learning plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Dedicated tutors or support staff, progress monitoring, and coordinated support with teachers to help students catch up or extend learning.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate question)
- See above: regular updates through multiple channels, with openness to parent meetings and feedback.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically around 20–25 in primary and low 20s in secondary, with teachers able to provide regular, targeted support within class time and through targeted programs.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Wide range across sports, music, drama, clubs like robotics, coding, chess and debating, with opportunities to compete in inter-school events and local competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and on-site canteen and play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning across the curriculum with appropriate devices, online resources and emphasis on digital literacy and responsible use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus and public transport options are available, with campus drop-off/pick-up arrangements and clear information provided by the school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-to-high range for Queensland independent schools; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions and activity fees as applicable.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Independent, values-based education with a supportive community
- Broad academics with options for extension and leadership development
- Strong extracurriculars across sport, arts, robotics and debating
- Well-established wellbeing and pastoral care, plus house-based support
- Modern facilities and a comprehensive campus experience
- Cons
- Fees are in the mid-to-high range for private schooling
- Availability of places can be limited at some year levels; may require early application
- Commute to a specific campus may be longer for families outside the immediate area
