LEVNT Principals' and Business Managers' Day

Last Friday I attended an LEVNT Principals' Day at ISV in Melbourne. The focus for this day was on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how this is impacting on the world today. We also discussed how schools should interact with this technology to use it to our advantage. A range of speakers spoke to the group and discussed ways in which AI can improve work output for staff and students, the many benefits of AI, the dangers of AI technology and how it can be used in schools to effectively drive innovation. It was a really informative day with further workshops to follow which will focus on how schools can develop effective AI usage in their schools and classrooms.

Amalgamation Update

A great deal of work continues behind the scenes as we prepare to launch Wimmera Lutheran College at the beginning of 2025. The following action items are currently being worked on by a range of stakeholders including; LEVNT, RTG, Cole, The Executive Leadership team, Mr Neil Leek, Finance, IT and Admin teams:

• Development of Synergetic Database for the new entity
• Confirmation of transfer of enrolment of all families to WLC
• Transfer of employment for all staff
• WLC Board Recruitment
• Alignment of pay cycles across the 3 campuses
• Recruitment of teaching staff for 2025
• Appointment of PAR (Positions of Added Responsibility) leadership positions
• Development of an internet landing page for WLC
• Temporary WLC Branding for letterheads and other important documentation and presentation formats
• WLC Teaching Philosophy and Learner Profile
• WLC Launch
• Advisory Group - First Meeting

Acknowledgements

The last couple of weeks have been busy at Holy Trinity Lutheran College and I would like to acknowledge the following events and people:

• Junior School Musical - Honk: An amazing performance put on by our Junior School students who were expertly led by our Performing Arts Director Mrs Michelle Hahn. These performances don’t just occur and I would like to thank the staff and parents who supported Michelle to enable a fantastic opportunity for our students to perform in front of a live audience.
• Year 9 Camp: Our Year 9 students spent this week over in South Australia on their Rite Journey Camp. The students participated in a number of activities including a hike, 24 hour solo and high ropes activities, as well as enjoying camp life by sleeping in tents, cooking in trangia ovens and embracing life by the campfire. A massive thank you to our Rite Journey teacher guides; Mrs Alicia Schneider, Mrs Amanda Przibilla and Mr Matthew McLoughlin for supervising and looking after the students.
• Foundation Story Time: It was very special to welcome our 2025 Foundation students and families on-site for the first of 3 visits this term. Miss Nat Lienert did a wonderful job of leading the students through a story and then explaining the craft activity to the families. It was great to see the many positive interactions and it was obvious that this day was enjoyed by all.

VCE Examinations

Examinations for our VCE students commenced this week with English, Visual Communication Design, Biology and General Mathematics Examination 1 all taking place on-site. The exam period will continue for the next 3 weeks and we wish all of our VCE students every blessing as they prepare and sit for their final examinations.

School Closure Day

A reminder to all families that Monday 4 November is a school closure day at Holy Trinity Lutheran College. This means that there will be no classes for students (except VCE examinations) and the Office Administration area will also be closed. I pray that everyone has a safe and enjoyable extra-long weekend and I look forward to welcoming families back at school from Wednesday of next week.

Important Term 4 Dates:

Monday 4 November: School Closure (Student free day)
Tuesday 5 November: Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Friday 22 November: Year 12 Graduation Service and Valedictory Dinner
Thursday 28 November: Senior School Closing Service, 2:00pm
Friday 29 November: Report Writing Day
Monday 9 December: Year 6 Celebration Service, 9-11:30am
Tuesday 10 December: Middle School Closing Service, 11:30am
Wednesday 11 December: Junior School Closing Services: Year 3-6: 11.30am - 12.50pm, Years F-2: 1.40pm - 3.00pm
Friday 13 December: School Office Closed, 2:00pm

Mr Jason Przibilla, Acting Principal

by Pastor Tim Klein

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).

Read John 8:31–36

As a SAPOL (SA Police) chaplain, I visit the Triple Zero call centre in Adelaide’s city centre every week. Just behind the call centre is the city watch house. This is where people who have broken the law are imprisoned until their court case has been heard. I have been inside the walls, and it’s not a friendly place.

Some people are released from there after the court case or hearing; others are sent off to prison for various sentence lengths. Their freedom is cut off. They’re locked in. They are locked out of everyday life at home and the rest of the community.

Sadly, some people carry a criminal record with them wherever they go for the rest of their lives. They may never be totally free again.

But, then again, that’s true for you and me. We might not be imprisoned by our courts and may not have had to stand before a judge and jury but, as sinners, we do live with something that binds us up. John says: ‘Everyone who practises sin is a slave to sin.’ Slavery is like being in prison. We are controlled – even unconsciously so. Is there anything that can free us? What sets us free is truth – the gospel truth of Jesus and his sacrifice for us. That’s what frees us from the eternal consequence of our sin. We call out to the Lord for mercy – confessing our sins. He graciously forgives us.

This freedom can travel with us anywhere, in any circumstance of life. This is the freedom that Dietrich Bonhoeffer knew in his imprisonment. This is a freedom that people with faith, even in their dying days, hold onto with hope and trust. This is a freedom that even a convicted criminal can hold onto as they serve their sentence. This is freedom from the bondage, burden and guilt of sin. This freedom is an undeserved gift of love: God’s grace for you and me.

This is our faith: the freedom we live in is won for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. That is the cost of true freedom. It’s pure grace!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for Jesus and your living truth from heaven. Thank you that Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Keep us in the truth of your living word. Keep our hope in him. In the name of Christ, Amen.

Welcome New Foundation Students

It was great to have 42 of our new foundation students and their carers visit on Wednesday. There are 27 girls and 25 boys enrolled, so we have two classes of 26 students with a waiting list of two students. As we aim to offer a Christ-centred education for those families who would like that for their children and family, we are blessed to be able to cater for 25 new families next year, as well as our existing families, God is good!

HONK! - The Musical Congratulations!

Congratulations to parents, staff and students involved in a brilliant musical. It is an ‘extracurricular’ activity and that means additional work for the HTLC staff, but boy, was it worth it! Our students commanded that stage with talented performances!
We currently have planned that odd years will be the Secondary School musical and even years will be a Junior School musical and look forward to providing other performing arts opportunities for our JS students in 2025.

Swimming Program

As we close in on the end of the junior swimming program this year (the Year 2-3 students finish on Friday next week), I would like to congratulate all of the students, as the majority have attempted everything their instructors have asked of them. It is an important thing to be familiar with water, and ultimately know how to swim as a survival skill. Thank you to parents also for supporting a valuable school program with your child’s attendance. Thank you also to teachers, who have enabled this solid block of a swimming lesson per day to occur as a valuable part of learning.

Learning Moments

We have trialled ‘Learning Moments’, an add-on to the Hub which allows some great continuous reporting of classroom learning. Staff in the junior school are looking at how we can utilise the Hub in an effective way to include our parents as active participants in your child’s learning journey. Stay tuned for more developments.

2025 Classes

Class lists will be distributed to students in a sealed envelope on Monday, 2 December. Please remember that teachers are very careful and deliberate in their allocation of students to classes and many factors are taken into account when preparing class lists. The whole school Transition Day will occur on Tuesday, 3 December. Class lists for Foundation 2025 will be distributed on this day, once students have moved to classrooms.

Diary Dates

November 4 - School Closure Student Free Day
November 5 - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday November 27-29 - Year 3 camp (back on Friday morning)
November 29 - Student Free Day Report Writing
December 3 - HTLC Transition day
December 5 - HTLC Foundation celebration night
December 11 - Last Day of Term 4
December 13 - Last Day for staff

Newsletter and Assembly are both even weeks this Term!

Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

Celebrating Teaching & Learning

This week we welcomed our Foundation students for 2025 into our school for their first Story Time session in the Library. They were enthusiastic and engaged in reading about the “5 Little Ducks” then they created their own little duck to take home. We thank the parent community of our newest students to share in the fun of learning, and we look forward to seeing you again on November 13.

Awards (Week 4)

FJ: Nara F, Htee Htee P S, Grace R and Archie P, FL: Rory B, Sophie H, Livini F and Florence C, 1H: Marshall K, Beau M, Charlotte S and all of 1H, 1P: Claire P and Summer L, 2H: Shiva S, 2S: Arlen F, 3B: Mason R, Laura B and Ethan D 3D: Sophia P, Lilah M, Baden C and Grace B, 4F: Sienna M, Blake O and Felix M, 4M: Beau M and Alfie J, 4R: Abel F and Mia H, 5D: Aksel F, Mackenzie F and Sanhitha R, 5A: Alexa W and Valeria S-M, 6H: Audrey J and Charlotte K, 6N: Judd O and Charlotte W, 6V: Arden H and Kingston G. Specialist awards: Chinese: Milla E, Lachlan E and Matisse H, P.E: Oliver W, Harry C and Lilah M.

Our Trinity Tiger (5-6) Award recipient was Emma S, Trinity Cub (3-4) Ava B and Trinity Cub (F-2) Jorja L.

Student Work

In term 3, several students sat an online ICAS assessment. ICAS is an independent, skills-based assessment program that recognises and rewards student achievement in areas of English, Maths and Science. This week we acknowledged those students who achieved results in the categories of Merit, Credit and Distinctions from Years 3 to 6, as listed below.

Year 3 English
Oscar A - Credit
Tenuka D - Credit
Oliver W - Credit
Romy O - Distinction
Johnathan N - High Distinction

Year 4 English
Matilda D - Merit
Xavier S - Credit

Year 5 English
Alexander N - Distinction

Year 3 Science
Ryan R - Merit
Oliver W - Merit
Tenuka D - Credit
Johnathan N - Credit
Romy O - Distinction

Year 4 Science
Matilda D - Credit
Xavier S - Credit

Year 5 Science
Angus H - Merit
Alexander N - High Distinction

Year 6 Science
Angus C - Merit
Aizla S - Credit

Year 3 Mathematics
Romy O - Merit
Oliver S - Credit (Year 2)
Oliver W - Distinction
Tenuka D - Distinction
Johnathan N - Distinction

Year 4 Mathematics
Matilda D - Merit
Xavier S - Credit
Naol T - Credit

Year 5 Mathematics
Angus H - Credit
Alexander N - Distinction

Mrs Jacqui North, Junior School Teaching and Learning Coordinator

World Teachers' Day

On Friday, October 25, we celebrated World Teachers' and Teacher Aides' Day. We are grateful for our wonderful staff at Holy Trinity Lutheran College, who place students at the heart of everything they do. Thank you to all our staff for the time and energy you invest in lessons, the endless planning, and the dedication you bring to each day.

Year 12 Students

It has been a very special time over the last few weeks as we celebrate our current Year 12 Cohort as they near the end of their schooling. The last official day for Year 12 students was on October 22. The students shared a Final Chapel service with us where they reflected on their journey at Holy Trinity Lutheran College. The bible verse they shared is “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11. They spoke about trusting in God’s plans for their lives as they move beyond school.

The VCAA External Examinations started this week for our Year 11 and 12 students. We wish them all the best during this busy time. We are excited to celebrate with them at their Graduation Service and Dinner.

The Rite Journey Camp

We welcome back our Year 9 students from their Rite Journey Camp. The highlight of the camp was the outdoor activities including: high ropes courses, ziplining, the mega swing, hiking, and laser skirmish. The camp also included a solo camping night, where students spent 14 hours in reflection on their personal journeys. Evenings were filled with campfires and moments of bonding, creating a special sense of community for everyone involved. Thank you to the staff for their commitment and organisation for this camp.

Colour Run

The Colour Run has been rescheduled to next Friday, November 8, and we’re looking forward to the fun! Please remember to pack a white T-shirt and shorts to change into on the day, along with a towel. Students travelling by bus will need to change back into their uniforms afterward.

Important Dates

Year 12
22 November: Year 12 Graduation Service

Year 11
11-15 November: Year 11 Exams
15 November: Last Day for Year 11 VCE VM Students
18 - 28 November: Year 11 Head Start

Year 10
18-22 November: Year 10 Exams
25-28 November: Year 10 Head Start

28 November: Final day for Year 10 and 11 Students with closing service at 2.00pm
10 December: Final day for Year 7, 8 and 9 Students with closing service at 11.30pm

Mrs Kate Carter, Acting Head of Senior School

State Athletics Final

Last Monday, the Secondary State Athletics Finals were held at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne. Holy Trinity Lutheran College were represented by Georgia F and Brodie F, who put in some fantastic performances.

Brodie finished fifth in his Shot Put event, while Georgia repeated her success from 2023, winning second place in the 100 metres and 200 metres finals. She only missed out on first place in the 100 metres final by one one-thousandth of a second! 

Black Ranges Year 7 and Year 8 Tennis

While Georgia and Brodie were competing at the State Athletics, 17 students from Year 7 and Year 8 travelled to Horsham Lawn Tennis Courts to compete in the Black Ranges Tennis Finals. Despite the warm conditions, HTLC played well, with three of our four teams finishing in the top two in their respective competitions.

The Year 8 Girls team of Victoria B, Elizabeth H, Serena J and Mia L were outright winners in their competition, while unfortunately the Year 7 Girls and Year 8 Boys teams both lost in Grand Finals on the day. Thanks to Breanna H for her assistance with the teams and the work she put in to convening the day for the Black Ranges Division.

Little Desert Year 6 Cricket

Last Wednesday, Mr van Zyl and Breanna took a team of Year 6 boys to the Little Desert Knockout Cricket Blast at Dudley Cornell Park. It was a sudden-death tournament, with losing teams relegated to the ‘friendly’ half of the draw, but our boys used the pressure to drive them forwards and secure an undefeated day to claim the title.

Congratulations to Jack A, Nixon B, Max B, Vincent B, Angus C, Milton E, Jed F, Judd O, Bryce M, Zack P and Cooper P for their efforts on the day, and good luck to them and Mr van Zyl for the Greater Western Region Finals which will be held on November 13 in Ballarat.

Greater Western Region Year 8 Tennis

Today, the successful Year 8 Girls Tennis team are playing in the Greater Western Region Finals in Ballarat. Good luck to the four students involved, and thank you to their parents for transporting them to this event and allowing them to compete. More information, including results, will be in the next newsletter. If successful, the girls will compete in the State Finals on November 21.

Coming Events

NOVEMBER

13 - State Volleyball (Year 8)
13 - Greater Western Region Primary Cricket
22 - State Volleyball (Primary)

Mr Matthew McLoughlin, F-12 Sport Coordinator

SPECIAL REPORT: Navigating AI Relationships

Despite governments globally moving towards raising the minimum age for social media access due to mounting concerns about the negative effects on youth mental health and wellbeing, there's now an even newer challenge on the horizon - the rise of romantic and companion AI bots. These virtual companions are becoming increasingly popular with young people, raising serious questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of relationships in the digital age.

The rise of AI-powered relationships is offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm.

Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. Researchers have also found that many adolescents are turning to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect real-life relationships.

As AI reshapes social dynamics, it's crucial to stay informed and engaged. While AI can enhance education and creativity, it also presents challenges around privacy, mental health, and misinformation. This Special Report will help you foster an open dialogue and balanced approach to help young people navigate this evolving digital landscape.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://htlc.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-navigating-ai-relationships-au

We can help our children safely navigate the online world by taking some basic steps to reduce the risks.
Our support and guidance can give our children the knowledge to make sound decisions online and the confidence to ask for help when they need it.

Three key strategies

Be engaged, open and supportive

• Get involved with your child’s online activities as a family. Play games together. Talk about favourite apps, games or websites.

• Keep lines of communication open. Ask about their online experiences, who they are talking to and whether they are having any issues.
• Reassure your child they can always come to you, no matter what. Your child may not communicate openly about things that worry them online if they fear being in trouble if they tell you. Let them know you will not cut off internet or device access if they tell you they’re feeling uncomfortable or unsafe online.
• If you notice a change in your child’s behaviour or mood, talk with them about it. If you are concerned, consider seeking professional help – from your GP, a psychologist or school counsellor.

Set some rules

• Set rules for devices and online access, with consequences for breaking them. As they grow in online skills and maturity you can review your rules together.
• Get your child’s input — this will help them understand risks.
• Model behaviour that you would like to see. Children will be more likely to follow rules if they see you doing the same.
• Consider creating a family tech agreement (sometimes called a family media plan or family online safety agreement). This is a set of rules about how devices are used in your home as well as what acceptable online behaviour looks like. eSafety has created downloadable templates for families with children under 5 or those with kids aged 5 to 8 years. For families with older children, The Family Online Safety Contract from ThinkUKnow AustraliaExternal link is a good starting point.

Use safety features and settings

• Get to know the devices you and your children use and set them up for privacy and online safety. Take advantage of parental controls to monitor and control screen time and access to content, based on your child’s age and experience. See our guide to parental controls.
• Choose apps and games carefully, and visit the App Store or Google Play for age ratings and consumer advice.
• Refer to our advice about screen time and online gaming if these are of concern.
• The eSafety Guide provides valuable information about the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your personal information and report harmful content.
  You can visit the Australian Classification Board’s online databaseExternal link, Children and Media AustraliaExternal link and Common Sense Media (US)External link for information about movies, apps, games and websites, searchable by age.
  
  

For further information please follow this link - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/online-safety-basics

Cyberbullying is when someone is mean to a child or young person online so they feel bad or upset.

Online bullying can be devastating for young people, whose online activities are a key part of their identity and how they communicate.

Key points:

• If your child is being cyberbullied, you might feel like you want to stop them using devices, but that can mean they miss out on important experiences. This page outlines some other options.
• You can report cyberbullying to the platform where it’s happening, and to eSafety if it’s severe.
• If you decide to report the cyberbullying, or think you may need to later, first collect evidence like screenshots.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when someone is mean to a child or young person under 18 online so they feel bad or upset. It can happen on a social media site, game, app, or any other online or electronic service or platform. It can include: posts, comments, texts, messages, chats, livestreams, memes, images, videos and emails.

These are some examples of ways the internet can be used to make someone feel bad or upset:

• Sending hurtful messages about them or to them.
• Sharing embarrassing photos or videos of them, including sexual content.
• Spreading nasty online gossip about them.
• Leaving them out online.
• Creating fake accounts in their name.
• Tricking them into believing you are someone else.

For most children and young people, online life is a key part of their identity and how they communicate, so cyberbullying can be very harmful. It can cause a range of emotions including fear, anxiety, anger and despair. They may suffer trauma and ongoing depression.

Cyberbullying content can be reported to the online or electronic service or platform that was used to send, post or share it. This is usually the fastest way to get it removed.

For more information around cyberbullying, please follow this link - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/cyberbullying

Grass pollen season brings an increase in asthma and hay fever. It also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever this can trigger severe asthma symptoms.

If you have current, past or undiagnosed asthma or seasonal hay fever you are at risk of thunderstorm asthma. Even if you don't think you have asthma or hay fever, don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath.

Thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening.

Know the risks. Get prepared. Stay safe.
Learn more at https://www.bhs.org.au/services-and-clinics/grampians-public-health-unit/thunderstorm-asthma/

“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.”

The season of giving is just around the corner! This year, HTLC will be contributing to the Reverse Advent Calendar community project. The community is aiming to arrange hundreds of food hampers for the Christian Emergency Food Centre to share with disadvantaged families.

Junior School classes have been asked to contribute 1 or 2 boxes per class. Each box is to contain a specific list of items. We hope that families can contribute to the project by donating supplies from the list that has been sent out by classroom teachers. If families would like to contribute a box, lists of donation items can be found at the office. We ask that no glass is to be used in packaging. Please have donations at school before Friday 6th December.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Telehealth Services for Rural Families Brochure