2025 Staffing Update

Cameron Pickering

In 2025, Mr Cameron Pickering will return to HTLC to teach in the VCE and Middle School Physical Education, Health, Humanities and Outdoor Education areas. Cameron is a strong advocate of Holy Trinity Lutheran College, is passionate about youth activity and involvement in the community, and will bring a wealth of experience and add much-needed depth in key curriculum areas. Welcome back to HTLC Cameron.

Naomi Busbridge

In 2025, Mrs Naomi Busbridge will officially move into the Executive Assistant position, providing much-needed support to the Executive Leadership team of Wimmera Lutheran College. This is a role that Naomi has been fulfilling this year (without the official title), and this appointment will be a natural progression for her next year. Naomi’s role will remain very similar to this year as she completes the following duties:

• Daily Organiser
• College Board Secretary
• Executive Team Calendar management
• Increasing HR responsibilities including contract management
• Front desk duties based in the Senior School office area
• Event management and planning
• Rosters and Schedules
• Administration duties and tasks

Naomi’s promotion to this position is well-deserved and I look forward to continuing to develop her in this role in 2025.

Mel Ellifson

Mrs Mel Ellifson will join WLC as a Teacher Aide in 2025. Mel has performed a number of casual roles in the administration and teacher aide areas and will fit into the team seamlessly. Welcome Melissa.

Wellbeing Officer and College Sports Assistant

Interviews for the Wellbeing Officer position have been completed with referee checks taking place. It is anticipated an announcement regarding this position will be made soon. The position of College Sports Assistant will be made public next week with interviews taking place over the weekend.

Transfer of Enrolment to Wimmera Lutheran College

As part of the re-enrolment process for Wimmera Lutheran College, I kindly ask all families to review the Transfer of Enrolment letter which was posted on The Hub on Wednesday 11 December and complete the online form at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/243438102944051. This step ensures a smooth transition as we prepare for the year ahead. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the HTLC Administration Office. Thank you for your cooperation in this important process.

Acknowledgements

• VCE Students on their outstanding results
• Year 7 and 8 students who went on camp and the leading staff
• PTFA for organising the Christmas Party last Friday
• All students who received awards at the Closing Services held this week
• The Junior School SRC for using money raised over the course of this year to purchase items for the Kmart Wishing Tree
• Year 9 Rite Journey students for their iDesign Projects and Homecoming Ceremony
• HTLC Students making representative teams in tennis, cricket, and netball
• All staff, students, and parents for contributing to another excellent year at Holy Trinity Lutheran College

2025 Key Dates

• Monday 20 January: Office opens
• Friday 24 January: Uniform shop open
• Monday 27 January: Office closed (Australia Day holiday)
• Tuesday 28 January: Foundation – Year 6, Year 7 and Year 12 students commence
• Wednesday 29 January: Years 8 – 11 students commence
• Monday 3 February: Whole College chapel (F–12)

Public Holidays and School Closure Days

• Monday 27 January: Australia Day Public Holiday
• Monday 10 March: Labour Day Public Holiday
• Monday 21 April: Easter Monday Public Holiday
• Friday 25 April: Anzac Day Public Holiday
• Friday 6 June: Report Writing Day
• Monday 9 June: King’s Birthday Public Holiday
• Monday 21 July: Staff PD & Planning
• Monday 3 November: School Closure Day
• Tuesday 4 November: Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Christmas Blessings

I wish everyone a Merry and Blessed Christmas as we prepare to celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May this season be a time of peace and harmony as you reflect on the important things in life.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Mr Jason Przibilla, Acting College Principal

by Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

To be blessed in the heavenly realms is some kind of shorthand for saying that God is looking with favour on us. God, who is in heaven, looks on us from heaven now and sees us through the eyes of Jesus – he sees us as his own children.

And what do parents do for their children? Provide for their every need. God seeks to bless us from heaven (God’s home) in the present (our current home) and then bring us to the new creation (our eternal destiny).

All of this is God’s blessing that goes with us in every moment. God’s blessings are not just fleeting (here for a moment and then gone) but go with us through our lives, which never end.

Our eternal lives do not just begin after death or at the end of time. They start the moment of our baptism into Jesus and when faith is planted within us. We are already living in eternity now!

That means that in every human moment – good or bad – God is at work bringing blessings to our present and extending it into eternity. In our hard times, God is preparing us for blessings in the future. In our good times, God is preparing us for blessings in the future.

How often haven’t you thought, ‘How am I going to get through this? God is against me’, only to look back and see God was preparing you for an unexpected blessing? Because God sits outside of time and space, yet Jesus is present in time and space through the Holy Spirit, God prepares our blessings from eternity but delivers them in time – now.

We are being prepared for God’s blessing as we prepare for the blessing of the advent of the Messiah. This liminal time – sometimes called ‘the thin space’ – is where heaven touches earth right now, as God’s blessings are poured upon us here in time and space.

Lord Jesus, in this thin space of Advent, when we are drawn into the mystery of your incarnation, prepare us for the blessings of new life, both now and into eternity. Please help us to rest in you as you journey with us through our every moment. Amen.

Junior School House Captains in 2025

Congratulations to Peter S, Lachlan E, Emily L and Phoebe B, who found out this week that they will be our new Junior School Captains for 2025! Although we know the process was to write and present a speech and then this decision was voted on, as a Christ-Centred college we also believe that God has called these students to their position also!

PTFA - 2025

The PTFA ran their Christmas stall, and also organised a great night for families with a Christmas celebration. Santa visited in a police car and it was great just to get together and have some fun. In 2025, please think about supporting our PTFA to assist in building community!

Thank you for your feedback

As the year rounds out, I reflect that it has been a highlight for me as a leader to know that our HTLC classroom teachers have received feedback throughout the year. Without feedback, we cannot grow together, and do our job as co-educators.

Just as important, thank you for also allowing me as the Head of Junior School to receive feedback on how things are going at school for you as a family, or for your child as a student. If I don’t get this feedback as a leader, it really hampers our efforts as a junior school to improve what we do.

Targets for 2025 in the Junior School

Spelling

The traditional area of spelling (being a speech/sound detective and decoding and encoding the English language) is getting a make-over. Our key resource ‘Soundwaves’ went through quite a dramatic revamp and aligns now with the latest research and evidence on orthography to make it (we feel), one of the top programs to use in this area. As a staff, we are working together to continuously upskill so that we can make this learning as engaging as it can be!

Social Learning

Our MMG data collected from parents in Term 1 this year suggested we review the consistency of how we deal with social learning (formerly behaviour management it is fair to say). The URStrong program has been in our school for many years now. We have upgraded our subscription, and will be rolling out this program from Foundation to Year 6 in Term 1. This will provide us with a consistent language to use throughout the school, providing better communication and a clear structure for assisting our students to successfully navigate their relationships.

Communication

Again, through our MMG data, we know that we need to get better at clear channels of communication. On ‘The Hub,’ we aim to capture ‘Learning Moments’ in each classroom, so that you can better feel a part of your child’s learning. The best way I can describe learning moments is that it is a real-time portfolio, giving you the ability to see learning activities your child has been involved in throughout the day.

If you have not got access to ‘The Hub’ through your smartphone or another device, it is imperative you come into school early in the year so that we can assist you in signing in so that you are set!!

Christmas Blessings

As you go about a different schedule, enjoy a change in routine, and the company of family and friends, remember the reason for the season, and a Christian God who loved us enough to do life alongside us! Blessings on your Christmas. 

2025 Diary Dates

• 13 January: Leadership returns, busy organising for a great year ahead.
• 20 January: New staff first day
• 21 January: Existing staff return
• 28 January: Students return for their first day

Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

Celebrating Teaching & Learning

On Wednesday, we celebrated achievements from our students in Years 3-6 during our Closing Service and Awards Ceremony. We congratulate these students on their accomplishments. A list of the award recipients is below:

Student Representative Council:

3B: Jonny N, Zetta B

3D: Ava H, Cole T

4F: Mila J, Felix F

4M: Edie H, Oliver M

4R: Thevlini S, Ryder E

5A: Indi W, Koby C

5D: Leni J, Liam R

6H: Cypress K

6N: Camille A, Ella B

6V: Becky W, Bryce M

Junior School Captains:

Luella B

Matisse H

Jack A

Nixon B

House Captains:

Mallee: Judd O, Charlotte K, Alvin J, Lola K

Wimmera: Jed F, Alyssa S, Vincent B, Greta S

Lowan: Zack P, Halle S, Kobe H, Mahli H

Junior School Captains (2024):

Jack A

Nixon B

Matisse H

Luella B

Service Awards:

Year 3 Service Award: Nash N

Year 4 Service Award: Felix M

Year 5 Service Award: Alexa W

Year 6 Service Award: Eleanor B

Endeavour Awards:

Year 3B: Ava W

Year 3D: Ryan R

Year 4F: Felix F

Year 4M: Emily R

Year 4R: Thevlini S

Year 5A: Indi W

Year 5D: Jaxon E

Year 6H: Halle S

Year 6N: Claire R

Year 6V: Olivia C

Academic Awards:

Year 3: Jonny N

Year 4: Isla S

Year 5: Emily L

Year 6: Aizla S

Year 6 Genesis Award:

Sienna N

Year 6 Sport Award:

Luella B

Year 6 Visual Art Award:

Aizla S

Year 6 Chinese Award:

Ella B

Year 6 Technology Award:

Penny E

Horsham Rotary Junior Citizen Award:

Audrey J

Horsham APEX Community Spirit Award:

Charlotte K

Head of Junior School Award:

Jack A

Junior School Captains (2025):

Emily L

Phoebe B

Lachlan E

Peter S

I thank parents, staff and students for a wonderful year of learning in 2024, and look forward to innovative ideas and contemporary approaches moving forward in 2025. Wishing everyone a safe and blessed holiday season.

Mrs Jacqui North, Junior School Teaching and Learning Coordinator

VCE Results

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who received their results this week. We are incredibly proud of the efforts of all our students and remind them that their value is defined by so much more than their final scores. A special congratulations to our 2024 VCE DUX, Rebekah Wundke, with an impressive ATAR of 99, and Proxime Accessit, Cameron Brito-Mutunayagam, who achieved an excellent ATAR of 98.85. 

The following results are of note:
ATAR OF 90 OR ABOVE
Alannah Johns

ATAR OF 80 OR ABOVE
Starla Colbert
Jackson Gabbé
Jacob Matuschka

PERFECT STUDY SCORE
Rebekah Wundke - Biology

We celebrate the hard work, resilience, and growth of all our Year 12 students as they move forward to exciting new opportunities.

MS Closing Service

The Middle School Closing Service was a wonderful event and a fitting way to conclude the year. Congratulations to the students who received subject and service awards. We are incredibly proud of the achievements of all our students throughout the year and extend our thanks to our student leaders for their commitment and service over 2024.

Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony

In Week 9, our Rite Journey students marked the completion of their program with the Homecoming Ceremony. Throughout the year, students have participated in engaging sessions, a memorable camp, and various activities designed to acknowledge and celebrate their transition to adulthood while fostering connections with positive adult role models. During the ceremony, each student presented reflections on their personal journey over the year with their parents, highlighting their growth and achievements. Congratulations to all the students for their commitment and participation. A special thank you to our dedicated Rite Journey teachers, Mrs. Alicia Schneider, Mrs. Amanda Przibilla, Mr. Matthew McLoughlin, and Mr. Jason Przibilla for their guidance and support throughout this program.

Year Level Celebrations

As the school year draws to a close, our students have been enjoying a variety of exciting activities to celebrate the year together. The Year 7s had a fantastic day at May Park, while the Year 8s made a splash at the swimming centre. Our Year 9 students marked the end of their Rite Journey with fun team challenges. It has been wonderful to see the joy as each year level comes together to celebrate a successful year. A big thank you to our dedicated Year Level Coordinators for their hard work in planning these events.

PAR Day

The 2025 PAR (Positions of Additional Responsibility) Team gathered this week, following the Middle School students' last day, to discuss the vision for the year ahead and share their common values. With a focus on contemporary learning, the team expressed a strong desire to collaborate in creating innovative opportunities for our learners. Their planning and preparation reflect a commitment to ensuring an exciting and forward-thinking 2025. I would like to extend my gratitude to the PAR team for their dedication and valuable service to the school throughout this year.

I would like to thank all of the Secondary staff for their commitment to our students throughout the year. We are truly blessed to have passionate educators who always keep the students at the heart of everything they do. Wishing all of our families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for another exciting year ahead.

Mrs Kate Carter, Acting Head of Senior School

Important Dates

• 28 January: Year 7 and Year 12 First Day
  
  We welcome Year 7 and Year 12 families to join us from 8:30am by the Middle School to start the year.
• 29 January: Year 8 - 11 Students Commence
• 30 - 31 January: Year 7 Transition Camp
• 3 - 4 February: Year 12 Retreat

Western Bulldogs Player Visit

On Wednesday morning, we were fortunate enough to have AFL Victoria provide us with the opportunity to host two AFL players from the Western Bulldogs: Dom Brew and HTLC alumni Joel Freijah.

Dom and Joel had a short Q & A session with all our Year 5 and Year 6 students in the MPC, where they shared their stories about making it to the AFL and some of the challenges they faced along the way. They also took the time to answer some questions from our very excited students and staff.

Uniform Returns

With the last of the representative events for the year having taken place, all HTLC representative uniforms must now be returned to the College. Students should bring their washed uniforms to school and place them in the uniform returns basket outside the Library.

2025 Calendar Dates

With the end of 2024 almost upon us, planning has begun for the 2025 sporting year at Holy Trinity. We have confirmed dates for the Year 4 - 6 and Year 7 - 12 Swimming Carnivals, being February 20 and February 21 respectively. More information regarding these events, including event nomination forms, will be distributed in the new year.

HTLC’s Year 7 - 12 Athletics Carnival will take place on Monday, 31 March at Dudley Cornell Park. The F - 2 and Year 3 - 6 Athletics events are still awaiting confirmation, but are currently scheduled for March 27 & 28.

If Cross Country is run as a whole College event in 2025, it has been tentatively scheduled for April 22, the first day back for Term 2. More information about this (including confirmation of the date) will be published next year.

Thanks

At the end of another year, it would be remiss of me to sign off without thanking some key people who assisted with the organisation of sporting events across the course of the year. I’d like to say a massive thank you to any parents or students who volunteered their time to assist with coaching or umpiring any of our sporting teams. This expertise is challenging to find, and it goes a long way in helping our students to find success on the field or court.

Additionally, to Mrs North and Mrs Both, who gave up many hours of their own time over the course of the first semester to support me on the administration side - your assistance was invaluable and I truly appreciate it.

Finally, to Breanna Hawken. Bree came on staff at the start of Term 3 and has played a vital role in leading the sports administration space and organising the many excursions and events that have occurred throughout the second half of 2024. It has been fantastic to have a dedicated staff member to work in that space, with the availability to head to so many different sporting events. Bree’s last day with us is today, as she leaves to take on university in 2025. Thank you, and all the best!

As many of you have seen from previous staffing updates, I will not be continuing in the role of F - 6 Sport Coordinator for 2025. I am looking forward to forming part of a Sport Coordination team with Gary Davidson, who will be coordinating all things F - 6 Sport, and the incoming Sport Administration Assistant. 2024 has been a year of growth and learning for me, especially in the F - 6 space, and I am excited about the prospect of working with someone as experienced as Gary, and being able to pass on some of my learning and still remain involved in the Junior Sport.

Mr Matthew McLoughlin, Foundation to Year 12 Sport Coordinator

COMING EVENTS

February

• 20 - WLC Horsham Year 4 - 6 Swimming Carnival
• 21 - WLC Horsham Year 7 - 12 Swimming Carnival

March

• 27 - WLC Horsham F - 2 Athletics Day (TBC)
• 28 - WLC Horsham 3 - 6 Athletics Day (TBC)
• 29 - AHPVSS Round 1 - Mount Gambier
• 31 - WLC Horsham 7 - 12 Athletics Day

April

• 22 - WLC Horsham F - 12 Cross Country (TBC)

The PTFA would like to thank everyone who contributed towards and attended the school Christmas Party on Friday evening. Special thanks to our amazing sponsors who donated, time, games and lucky prizes. The smiles on the kids faces show us the night was a success.

2025 Instrumental Program letter

2025 Instrumental Music Program EOI form

Grampians Clinical and Child Psychology are offering four social and emotional programs starting in term 1, 2025.

Secret Agent Society: Help your child master social skills like understanding emotions, managing anxiety, and building friendships in a fun, evidence-based program. NDIS-friendly, starting Term 1, 2025, with engaging child and parent sessions.

Cool Kids: Cool Kids is a 10-week evidence-based group program developed by researchers at the Anxiety Research Unit at Macquarie University in 2003. The program utilises a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) approach to teach parents and children better ways to manage anxiety. 75% of children who complete the program make significant improvements in anxiety symptoms.

Brick Club: A LEGO-based social group for kids aged 6-12 years to develop teamwork, communication, and flexible thinking through collaborative play. Nine weeks of fun, starting Term 1, 2025, after school.

Social Scribbles: A creative, art-based group for 6-11-year-olds to develop friendship and social skills in a relaxed setting. Runs weekly for nine weeks starting Term 1, 2025, with Medicare rebates available.

For more information please visit our website at www.grampianspsychology.com, email us at admin@grampianspsychology.com or call or text 0448408632