Welcome back to Term 3! We are thrilled to see both familiar and new faces joining us this semester. We extend a warm welcome to all our new students and their families. We hope your transition to our College has been smooth, and we're excited about the learning opportunities that lie ahead.

For our Year 12 students, we know the final stretch can be demanding, but remember you have the support of staff, teachers and your peers. Stay focused, persevere, and embrace the challenges that will prepare you for your future endeavours. Your hard work will pay off, and we are here to help you succeed.

This evening is our annual College Ball, and we pray for all of our young men and women in Year 11 as they are presented. May tonight be successful but also another celebratory milestone in your schooling journey.

We are in the trial phase of launching Cornerstone Café, which will be available to all of our community from 7.30am to 9.00am, running out of our Senior School Café. This will be open to the public from Tuesday, 18 July, 2023. My vision for Cornerstone Café is that it is a place for connection and a convenient way to spend time at school before work.

As I have previously mentioned, in Lutheran schools we focus on nurturing the gifts of all students, whether that be academia, the arts, sport and many other areas. In the spirit of fostering a love for the arts, we encourage everyone to book your tickets for the Alice in Wonderland musical. These can be purchased through the Horsham Town Hall website. It promises to be an exciting experience filled with stunning performances, vibrant costumes, and captivating storytelling. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the delightful world of Alice's adventures!

As we embark on Semester 2, it is a perfect time to set SMART goals for academic and personal growth. A good place to begin setting goals is to reflect on the information from the Semester 1 report, parent-teacher interviews, and discussions with teachers. Remember, SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Use this opportunity to reflect on your achievements from the past semester and set goals that stretch your capabilities. By setting goals and staying committed, you can make the most out of your educational journey.

This Sunday’s Gospel reading comes from Matthew 13:1-9,18-23. This passage asks us to reflect on the Parable of the Sower, where seeds fall on different types of soil, symbolising how people receive and respond to the word of God. Let us ponder on this story and contemplate its meaning in our lives. In our College, may it remind us to be open to receiving and nurturing the seeds of faith, love, and kindness.

We look forward to an exciting and successful Term 3 together. Let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, supporting and inspiring one another every step of the way, with God’s guidance.

Mr James Phillips, Principal

by Pastor Jim Strelan

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy (John 16:20).

When someone we love leaves us – whether that means going away so that contact is restricted or death – we are left feeling empty. We think of all the times we spent together, and now there is a void. It’s as though everything has collapsed, and we are left with this indescribable grief. Some of you know what that is like.

Jesus tells his disciples things that are hard for them to grasp. He tells them he will be going away, and they will feel sad. He could be referring to a number of things, but I suspect he is referring to his upcoming death. For them, it will be that the exhilarating last three years will now seem just like a dream. They will weep and mourn – mostly for themselves and their loss, which we all tend to do when we lose someone. But their sadness will turn to joy. He compares it to a mother giving birth. Pain gives way to joy. Jesus alludes to his resurrection when the disciples’ emotions will be turned upside down. What was an emptiness will become a fullness. Jesus could also be referring to his eventual leaving this earth and the coming of the Spirit. Either way, the end game is joy.

While Jesus’ words have specific meanings for specific events, it’s appropriate for us to understand these words for a grieving situation we might find ourselves in. It tells us about Jesus. He is true, he is constant, he cares, and he provides. Whatever the nature of our grief, he doesn’t leave us to just wallow in it. Grief can turn to joy because he is in our grief. And with Jesus, there is always newness and ever-presence.

Psalm 30:5b reminds us: ‘Weeping may remain for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.’

It’s hard to see joy when grief casts its shadow on me. Help me, Lord Jesus, to trust your promise that you are always with me, and when you are with me, there is always a new day. Amen.

The holiday break

I pray that your break in routine was a blessing to your family over the past two weeks. The first Sunday I saw an excellent AFL game of football at the MCG with my 13-year-old son Sam.  Unfortunately, the Adelaide Crows were beaten by the Collingwood Magpies! Both Sam and I continued to umpire AFL football in the local leagues (WFNL and HDNFL). We both enjoy getting out and seeing the width and breadth of the Wimmera. We had a short holiday at Lake Fyans Caravan Park in the Grampians and were impressed when we went to the Halls Gap Zoo with the menagerie of creatures!

New enrolments

It is fantastic to welcome nine new students across the school for the last half of our year!  Particularly in the Junior School we welcome:

• the Dembetembe family in a few weeks' time, when they fly in from New Zealand to start here in Horsham with us;
• the Venter-Smith family, moving up from Melbourne and originally from South Africa;
• the Soderman family from Queensland;
• the Huang family from Melbourne and originally China; and
• the Peethala family, who have been in Australia for some time, and are originally from Southern India.

A reminder that if you see someone new on the school grounds, introduce yourself and make people feel welcome into our Holy Trinity family! We are so privileged to have so many experienced people move into our wider Horsham community to share their expertise and their families with us!

Co-educators

As we begin the new term, it is important to refresh that at Holy Trinity, we see parents as partners in the process of education. Life is learning and learning is life and it doesn’t just happen at school or at home, so it is important that both teacher and parents are making contact to keep in touch with each other. 

As teachers, we often say that we get the students for the best five and a half hours of the school day, and then we send them home for the difficult part of the day when they are tired, need to be fed and watered and get tucked into bed! I also hear parents often say also: “I wouldn’t trade my job for yours for the world! I realise you have over 20 little individuals all the same age as mine, and then you have the parents also to form and maintain relationships with!”

We can ensure we keep that mutual admiration going, by affirming each other in our roles like this, and then we all win, especially your children as we adults keep maintaining a positive working relationship with each other!

That is one of the best examples we can set for our students!

Blessings on your week,

Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

Welcome to Term 3

Welcome back to all HTLC families. I pray the two-week break has provided an opportunity for everyone to recharge and rejuvenate as we prepare for the second half of the year.

The college is committed to continuing to provide support to families. The following departments/staff can be contacted for pastoral and-or administrative matters:

Families are encouraged to reach out if they have a question or require support.

Parent and teacher interviews

It was fantastic to see a number of parents take the opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss the Semester 1 report during scheduled interviews this week. I trust that these conversations were constructive and have helped to build a platform for progress moving forward into this semester. The lines of communication between home and school are always open and I encourage families to get in touch with the college if they have any questions or queries.

Central Australia Tour

The Central Australia Tour concluded on the last day of Term 2. The 10-day/9-night tour provided many great experiences for our students who were fantastic ambassadors for HTLC.

I have to commend the students for the way they embraced all opportunities with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. The staff and parent helpers also provided great support and encouragement to the students and they also contributed greatly to the success of the tour. Even with some unexpected events delaying our return home, the students return with some amazing memories and experiences that they will remember forever.

Mr Jason Przibillia, Head of Middle School

Senior School

We welcomed our senior students back to the beginning of a very busy but once again exciting term of activities and learning earlier this week.   Each term we look forward to developing and implementing programs that will both engage and inspire our Senior School students. Our Year 12 students are commencing their final, full term of secondary education and will begin planning for their VCE external examinations and celebrations in the coming weeks.

Interviews

Parents have been offered an opportunity to meet with staff this week following the completion of Semester 1 coursework. This is a valuable time in the year for reflection on priorities and commitment to study for many of our senior students, particularly those students undertaking VCE Unit 3 and 4 studies. As always, we strongly encourage students to engage in this process with their parents.

Senior School pathways – Year 10, 2024

Thank you to all Year 9 students who have submitted their VCE pathways forms for 2024.

All Year 10 2024 Pathways forms should be submitted no later than 3.00pm on Friday, 21 July.

VCE information

VCE teachers have prepared videos outlining the content of their courses, to assist students in learning more about the subjects they are considering for 2024 prior to attending the teacher conferences next Wednesday after school.

The videos will be sent out to families today to assist both Year 9 and 10 students with the selection of their VCE subjects.

VCE/VCE Vocational Major Pathways interviews

On Monday, interviews will commence with Year 10 students to discuss their preferred pathways and the subjects required to meet their needs. Students and their parents may choose to meet with Mrs Schneider for VCE pathways or Mr Bandel for Vocational Major pathways. Those students who are undecided between the two pathways may choose to meet with both staff members. There are a few times available during which this can occur.

VCE and Applied/Vocational Major Pathways teacher conferences 3.30pm-5.00pm

Next Wednesday, 19 July, VCE and Applied Learning staff will be available from 3.30pm to 5.00pm in the Senior Centre to answer course-related questions.

Parents and students in Year 9 (students considering acceleration or an applied pathway) and Year 10 (VCE or Vocational Major pathway) are encouraged to drop in and informally speak with staff regarding subjects/pathways that their child is considering for 2024. No appointments will be required but students are encouraged to bring their parents along to speak with staff about subjects that they are considering.

Applied Learning/Vocational Major pathways information session 4.00pm-4.30pm

During the evening, an information session for those parents and students particularly interested in learning more about the applied learning pathways into Year 10 and the Vocational Major program for Year 11, will commence at 4.00pm in SC7 (upstairs in the Senior Centre).

All Year 11 2024 online Pathways and preference forms Stage 1, should be submitted no later than 3.00pm on Friday, 28 July.

Year 11 College Ball

Attendances at training over the past few months have certainly paid off for our Year 11 students.  Throughout their final training sessions, their skill level and fluency of movement have been evident on the dance floor and most impressive. The commitment and positive attitude shown by the students have been a credit to them.

Evenings such as these are not possible without the tireless commitment of many parents. We sincerely thank our team of Year 11 parents who have spent many hours ensuring the MPC is ready for the evening.

We wish our young men and women of Year 11 the very best for their special evening tonight as they celebrate and share with their families and friends.

Important Senior School dates

VCE written examinations: Tuesday, 24 October to Wednesday, 15 November

VTAC applications open: Monday, 31 July

VTAC parent information evening: Wednesday, 2 August, 7pm in the Senior Centre

Unit 3&4 trial exams: Monday, 25 September to Friday, 29 September (second week of holidays)

Last day Year 12: Breakfast and final chapel: Monday, 16 October

Year 12 Valedictory dinner and worship service: Friday, 17 November

Mrs Sally Kuchel, Head of Senior School

State cross country

On Thursday, four HTLC students travelled to Melbourne to compete in the State Cross Country Championships. Congratulations to Adelyn P, Ilze vZ, Lexie H and Tadhg M for their efforts in qualifying for this event.

All of the events the students participated in were hotly contested. More than 100 representatives from across the state entered each final. As a College, we are incredibly proud of all the students for their efforts.

It was a challenging, muddy and hilly course, some things that our athletes have rarely seen in their training, and the level of competition was very high.

Unfortunately, Tadhg was injured during an accident when he was at the front of the event and was unable to finish the event. 

Adelyn finished in a time of 18:20, Lexie ran a time of 16:45 and Ilze finished in a time of 15:33 to secure the best placing for HTLC. Congratulations again to all students involved for their efforts.

Intermediate boys basketball

On Monday, Mr McKenzie and a team of Year 9 and 10 boys will travel to Ararat to compete in the Black Ranges intermediate boys basketball. Good luck to all the students involved in the team.

Coming events

July

17 - Black Ranges intermediate basketball

August

5 - Australian HPV Super Series: round four (Tailem Bend)

23 - Black Ranges Year 7 and 8 volleyball

September

5 - Black Ranges Year 7 basketball

6 - Black Ranges Year 8 basketball

15 - Australian HPV Super Series: round six (Murray Bridge)

Mr Matthew McLoughlin, Secondary Sport Coordinator

Social media influencers have become powerful individuals who often shape the opinions and beliefs of others due to strong connections with their audiences. In today's fast-paced digital world, attention has become a valuable commodity.

However, the impact of social media influencers on youth mental health is a growing concern, most recently, the controversial actions and statements of Andrew Tate. His rise to fame has made him a polarising figure, amassing a significant following of mostly young males. Educators and families have raised urgent concerns about the damaging nature of Tate’s content, worried that his messages may radicalise students and create a generation of young men with regressive and harmful beliefs.

Young people often compare themselves to the idealised lives presented by influencers, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth and dissatisfaction. Social media algorithms may also expose them to inappropriate or harmful content such as explicit material, promotion of harmful behaviours, or distorted perceptions of body image or mental health.

It is important to guide a young person’s social media use and promote open communication. Be curious to comprehend why they might be drawn to radical influencers, like Andrew Tate, and actively seek understanding as part of the solution. While not all influencers have a negative impact, parents play a vital role in ensuring a balanced approach to social media. By actively modelling kindness, respect and positive values, parents can help tackle the sway of radical influencers and be part of the solution to countering unhealthy masculinity.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to respond to misinformation and disinformation, instead encouraging critical thinking and emphasising the value of real-life connections.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College Wellbeing Team for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report: https://htlc.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-social-media-influencers-au

1. Tell your child something you love about them – but maybe try saying something you haven’t said before. Help them notice more wonderful things to love about themselves.
2. Give them a bear hug – and maybe try making it silly. Pretend you have glue attached to your arms and now you can’t let go.
3. Pick up something for them next time you’re out alone – it can be as simple as a colourful feather or an interestingly shaped rock. Show them that you were thinking of them even when you were apart.
4. Watch them do something they love – whether that’s a sporting game or a video game. Sit with them, ask questions, and let them know that you’re their number 1 fan.
5. Do one of their chores for them. This is especially meaningful during stressful periods, and can be as simple as packing their school bag for them.

Try saying ‘I love you’ in a new way today.

Holy Trinity Lutheran College is excited to present Alice in Wonderland! The musical production runs from 20 July to 22 July at 7.30pm at the Horsham Town Hall. Buy tickets at the town hall box office or here: horshamtownhall.com.au/hthevent/alice-in-wonderland-htlc/

The HTLC PTFA is hosting a Glow Disco for Junior School students on 28 July in the MPC!

Attendance is strictly by booking only. Book your free ticket and buy a $6 glow showbag at trybooking.com/CJVJM or via the QR code

There will be "black" UV lighting so children are encouraged to wear something white or neon. There will be zinc sticks for the kids' faces upon arrival. Attendees can also bring their own glow items.

A barbecue and juice boxes will be available to buy from 5pm - all $2 each. Please text any dietary requirements to Vanessa on 0403 323 180. Hot drinks will be available for purchase in the parent chill-out zone.

The kids chill-out zone is in the HTLC library, where lunchtime rules apply.

If you're able to volunteer on the night, please contact Vanessa on 0403 323 180.

There are a number of items building up in lost property. If your child is missing anything, please check in the lost property at Reception.

Please also ensure your child's items are labelled appropriately so anything found can be returned quickly.