The HTLC Open Day and 2025 Year 7 Information Evening was on Wednesday, 15 May from 1.45pm to 7pm. The day was structured into three sessions:

Session 1: Classroom tours

Families had the opportunity to walk through the Junior, Middle and Senior schools and observe classes in action with teachers instructing students in a range of lessons. Thanks to Mr Borgas and Mrs North for leading these tours.

Session 2: Middle School self-guided tours (information booths and interactive activities)

Families followed the self-guided tour through the various rooms in the Middle School, starting at the STEM room, passing through the cafe, watching drama rehearsals, art, science, English, humanities, science, psychology, sporting activities and more. The Middle School was a hive of activity as visitors participated in the many interactive activities. Many students volunteered to help with these activities. The students of HTLC make the college what it is and it was fantastic to have such a great representation on-site, helping to showcase the school. The tour concluded at the MPC where families had the opportunity to learn about the many special programs on offer at HTLC, including sport, HPV, Genesis, VCE/Voc Major, Genesis English and Maths and more. Thank you to the secondary staff for leading these interactive activities.

Session 3: 2025 Year 7 Information Evening

The night concluded with an Information Session which was held in the MPC. This night was well supported by families and was led by Mrs Engert. This was an opportunity to go into detail about the Middle School, covering key areas including; the learning culture, philosophy of instruction, subject range, academic results, differentiation, transition program, support programs, sport, extra-curricular options, camps and much more.

The Middle School Ambassadors participated on the night and did a great job of answering four key questions, giving an important insight from the students. The night was informative and provided a detailed insight into the what, how and why of the Middle School.

As I walked around the college interacting with families, I couldn’t help but be proud of our school. Enrolments are open for 2025 Foundation and Year 7 students. Please visit https://www.htlc.vic.edu.au/ for more information. Starting next week, I will host Principal Tours on Fridays between 10am and 11am for families interested in discovering more about the great education our students receive at Holy Trinity Lutheran College.

On Wednesday of this week, a memorial service for Year 12 student Charlotte Maher was held at Horsham Church of Christ. This service was attended by staff and students from HTLC and was an opportunity to celebrate the short but impactful life of Charlotte. Many stories and memories were shared with Mrs Kate Carter (Year 12 Coordinator) and four Year 12 students speaking about their shared experiences with Charlotte. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Laura, John, Cameron and the extended family and friends as they continue to grieve the loss of Charlotte.

From next week, parents will have the opportunity to complete an MMG survey, which will provide feedback on all aspects of the college. Parents are encouraged to complete all aspects of the survey in the given timeframe as this data will provide valuable insight into how the future of the college should be shaped.

Mr Jason Przibilla, Acting College Principal

by Neil Bergmann

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today’ (Luke 19:5).

As a tax collector, Zacchaeus was a social outcast. Not only was he hated because he worked for the occupying Romans, but it seems like he was known to cheat on how much he collected and passed on.

Which do you think came first – being an outcast or being a tax collector? Most likely, he had been an outcast in society for a long time – perhaps ridiculed for his short stature – and not part of the in-crowd. This is likely true for many of the ‘sinners’ Jesus encountered in his travels.

As Jesus came through Jericho, the crowds surrounded Jesus. Although Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, too, the crowd blocked his view. How often do we, in our desire to focus on Jesus as Lord and Saviour, form a huddle that keeps outsiders away? We are comfortable with those like us and often uncomfortable with those who don’t fit.

Zacchaeus was so keen to see Jesus that he climbed a tree. Jesus was always on the lookout for the outsider and the outcast and gave Zacchaeus the one thing his wealth couldn’t give him – acceptance and inclusion.

Luke 19:10 says, ‘For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost’. We are called to do the same – to seek out the lost and let them know they are accepted and loved.

Jesus, move us out of our comfort zone. Help us to look around our communities to find the lost and make them feel welcomed and included. Amen.

Mother’s Day - Thank you

All I can say is wow! On your behalf, leadership thanked staff for the great effort they put in to start the Mother’s Day weekend in a special way! From Foundation J making it such a special chapel service, to the photo booth in the Year 3 space, to the some special activities in each class where kids and mums could spend some time together!

Thank you to the PTFA who ran the Mother’s Day stall - it was so special for our staff to have you partnering to make the special day. Thanks also must go to Mrs North who organised the opportunity to pre-purchase snack boxes so mums didn’t have to rush around collecting food before they got here.

I believe the time of recess in the Junior School also suited, as it left a significant part of Friday intact! Feel free to feedback your thoughts also to staff - we appreciate it!

Maths Olympics - Year 6

The entire Year 6 cohort went out Wednesday of this week to compete at Horsham College against other primary schools in our area. Like every year, it is great to see our students get out into the community for this event, mixing with fellow students from the district. Thank you to the newly formed Year 6 team of staff for stepping up and taking charge of the day.

Single sign-on for The Hub

Whether you are on your laptop or phone, in the Android app or have an iPhone, The Hub can now be accessed one time, in a smooth manner. As we now make the switch to using The Hub as our major communication in the Junior School, now is the time to come into school if you need assistance logging in! For ANY inquiry, just let the IT team know the morning that you intend to come in to see them for a five-minute appointment at ictsupport@htlc.vic.edu.au.

Open Day

This year 12 families visited our Junior School from 1.45pm to 3.30pm. It was great to have these families through, and to talk about who we are as Holy Trinity and how we educate in community. In the foyer area/entry way, you can see that our two Foundation classes are filling well, with 30 enrolments processed so far. If family and friends are still looking around for 2025 enrolment or any other year, please encourage them to make an appointment with the front office, or simply go online to our school’s website.

Premiers' Reading Challenge

If you would like your child to be involved in completing the Premiers' Reading Challenge, please see your classroom teacher, or our lovely librarian Mrs Jaci Gabbe! Jaci is in the process of registering classes or individual children and either the classroom teacher or Jaci will email you your login details.

Diagnostic testing

In the next two weeks, teachers and students will be involved in testing. As always, the school's advice is to just encourage your child to do their best. At this stage of the year, this testing generates data that assists teachers to write reports, as well as plan for the second semester.

A co-educator thank you

Thanks to all families who have kept in touch with the teachers of their child/ren in the first part of this term. It is essential that we form a team with families and teaching staff between home and school, so that we can make the most of all learning opportunities. Particularly with behavioural learning opportunities, it is essential that you are able to communicate with your teacher. I know personally it is the worst thing to feel that you are alone in working through these learning opportunities!

Coming up in Weeks 6 and 7

Monday, 20 May: Assembly (all welcome); diagnostic testing begins

Tuesday, 21 May: Year 1 olden days excursion to Murtoa

Wednesday, 22 May at 10.50am: Mr Busbridge to host Simultaneous Storytime in the quadrangle (open invitation)

Friday, 24 May at 9am: Chapel 5D; SRC free dress day: Wear a "touch of blue" and gold coin donation for mental health organisations

Wednesday, 29 May: Years 5-6 Lightning Premiership (netball, soccer and football)

Friday, 31 May: Whole school chapel - Year 8-led

Blessings on your weekend and the weeks ahead.

In Christ,

Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

Celebrating Teaching and Learning

Next week (Week 6), our Junior School teachers are preparing for diagnostic testing which aims to inform our end of semester reporting. We look forward to the planned Report Writing Day on Friday, 7 June and subsequent long weekend including Monday, 10 June for the King’s Birthday public holiday.

Over the next week, we encourage students to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy and to try their best over the testing period.

Awards

There were no awards this fortnight. The next assembly will be Monday, 20 May 2024.

Student work

This week, we showcase a creative persuasive advertising task completed by our Year 4M students. They have used some great strategies to promote an ice-cream flavour that they invented!

Mrs Jacqui North, Junior School Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Senior School Information Evening –Year 9 parents and students

On Wednesday from 7.00pm we will host our Senior School Information Evening in the Senior Centre agora.

One of the most exciting parts of Senior Schooling is the beginning of the development and management of individual pathways that are tailored to the diverse needs of each student and their potential future pathway.

Our Year 9 students have recently completed their Morrisby profiles and discussed these with our career analyst. The profile provided students with a comprehensive report outlining subject suggestions and career options to explore, which will prove valuable to them as they begin to make decisions about and navigate their pathways.

Work experience

Work experience week is quickly approaching for our Year 10 students. Prior to entering a workplace experience, it is mandated that work experience arrangement forms are completed.

Year 10 students who have not yet finalised their work experience arrangements are asked to do so as soon as possible. All Year 10 students will be out of school for either work placement related to their VET course, or work experience during Week 10 - 17-21 June.

Uniform

All students should now be wearing their winter uniform. The Uniform Policy is available under Policies via The Hub.

Study Centre

The SC Study Centre is open for students to complete independent study from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

• Middle School students: Mondays and Wednesdays (supervised study)
• Senior School students: Monday to Thursday

Important Secondary School dates

Term 2

Monday, 3 June-Thursday, 6 June - Exam week

Friday, 7 June – Report Writing Day

Monday, 10 June – King’s Birthday

Tuesday, 18 June – General Achievement Test (GAT)

Tuesday, 25 June – Western Victorian Careers Expo

Thursday, 27 June – Reports sent home

14-24 September – International Learning Tour – Philippines (Years 9, 10 and 11)

Year 12

Tuesday, 29 October-Wednesday, 20 November – VCE written examinations

Monday, 29 July – VTAC applications open

Tuesday, 22 October – Last day Year 12

Friday, 15 November (TBC) – Year 12 Valedictory and worship service

Mrs Sally Kuchel, Head of Senior School

HCPSSA athletics

Students from Years 3 to 6 represented HTLC on Wednesday last week at the HCPSSA Athletics Carnival. The weather was fantastic, and the students all came ready to compete at their best. With the final results released to schools, HTLC students came first in 22 individual events, second in 26 and finished third in 16. We had three relay teams finish in first, one in second and one in third. Lola K broke a record for the 12 girls long jump with her effort of 4.11 metres, breaking the previous record (which was set in 1994) by 11 centimetres!

Congratulations to the following students for being recognised as age champions or runner-up on the day: Lachlan K (10 boys runner-up), Javier B (10 boys age champion), Phoebe B (11 girls runner-up), Peter S (11 boys runner-up), Elsa D and Luella B (12 girls age champion - tied), Judd O (12 boys runner-up), Hugo P (12 boys age champion).

Thank you to the staff and parent volunteers who assisted on the day. Students who finished in first or second place in their individual events are able to progress to the division finals on 12 September. Students who finished in the top two for cross-country have also qualified for the 1500 metres event. However, students can only compete in a maximum of two events at the division level. We will be in touch with students over the next week to determine which events they would like to compete in for the division finals.

Black Ranges cross-country

On Thursday last week, 33 secondary school students travelled to Murtoa to compete in the Black Ranges cross-country. It was clear and sunny day and students were able to keep their shoes relatively clear of mud, which meant there were some very competitive events. Congratulations to the students who finished on the podium in their respective events:

12-13-year-old girls: Charlize vZ (2nd), Lydika B (3rd)

12-13-year-old boys: Bailey D (3rd)

14-year-old girls: Ellua B (2nd), Grace P (3rd)

15-year-old girls: Ilze vZ (1st), Adelyn P (2nd)

17-20-year-old girls: Sophie P (2nd)

17-20-year-old boys: Tadhg M (1st)

Additionally, congratulations to the following students who also qualified for the Greater Western regional finals on 27 May: Matilda S, Pippa K, Alexis B, Lauren R, Elizabeth H, Kirrily D, Maya P, Georgia F, Ryan S, Archie F, Emma S, Indira H, Corey B, Lachlan L, Cadel H, Jarhyn M, Sophie P, Tadhg M, Sam H and Chase B. Thank you to Ms Martin who attended the event with the students.

State tennis finals

Congratulations to Sienna N (Year 6) for her performance at the state girls tennis finals on Friday. Sienna played incredibly well, winning two of her three matches in the pool stage. Unfortunately, only the winner of the pool progressed to the semi-finals, which meant that Sienna’s loss (to a TeamVic representative and eventual state champion) saw her out of the competition. Well done on your efforts, Sienna!

Little Desert cross-country

On Monday, a team of 11 Junior School students travelled to Nhill to compete in the Little Desert division cross-country finals. Students were required to run either two or three kilometres against competitive fields of up to 25 students from around the division, with only the top six students earning a place at the regional finals later in the month. HTLC had six students from the Junior School qualify, bringing our total contingent travelling to the cross-country regionals to 33. Congratulations to Jack S (1st), Steele O (3rd), Maddie H (2nd), Maeja R (6th), Luella B (1st) and Elsa D (2nd) for their efforts, and thank you to Mrs Morrow for supervising the students at the event.

State volleyball finals

On Wednesday, 15 May the intermediate girls volleyball team travelled to the State Volleyball Centre in Dandenong to compete in the School Sports Victoria State Championship. This was the first time that we had ever had a team of Years 9 and 10 girls compete at the state finals. With a young team consisting of mostly Year 9 students, it was always going to be tough going, however. Overall they played well, and improved throughout the day but unfortunately didn’t win any of their three games. It was a huge effort from the girls to compete with students from high-calibre volleyball schools, but it is great evidence of the program that we are developing at HTLC. Thank you to Carlie Streeter for attending as the parent helper. Congratulations girls on being one of the top eight volleyball teams in the state.

Black Ranges senior boys AFL and girls netball

Yesterday, students from Years 9 to 12 competed in the Black Ranges senior boys AFL and girls netball, at Horsham City Oval. The girls netball team fought hard throughout the day, finishing with two convincing wins against teams from Marian College, but narrowly losing its remaining two games against Horsham College. It was fantastic to see the commitment the students had to the team, as well as their efforts at both ends of the court. Thanks to Mrs Erhardt for coaching the girls and umpiring their games, and also to Ms Martin for assisting with the running of the event on the day.

The senior boys football team competed at Horsham City Oval against two Horsham College teams, Marian College and St Brigid's College-Murtoa College combined. Although playing up to two players short for most of the day, they competed very well winning the game against Marian College. The scores in some of the other games did not reflect some of the desperate field play from our group. This included some great intensity, tackling, smothering and spoiling from the team. Thanks to Mr McKenzie for coaching the team.

HCPSSA girls AFL

This afternoon a team of HTLC Year 5 and 6 girls will take on girls from other schools in the district in the HCPSSA girls AFL competition. The winning school at this competition will qualify for the next stage on the pathway to state.

Thank you to Mrs North and Ms Reid for their work training the girls and for coaching them today. Full results will be published in the next newsletter.

AHPVSS round two: Tailem Bend six-hour

Today, a crew of 29 riders plus supporters and other volunteers will travel across the border to The Bend Motorsport Park in preparation for round two of the Australian HPV Super Series. After a commanding performance at Mount Gambier, the Junior School boys are looking to tout their championship credentials against some stronger opposition, while the Junior School girls will make their first appearance on track this season. Our Middle School boys and girls teams are also looking competitive and we hope that all students have a positive experience.

Hoop Time trials

Trials for Hoop Time basketball for students in Year 4 will take place on Monday, 20 May (boys) and Wednesday, 22 May (girls). If this is not a PE day for students, they will need to bring their sneakers in order to participate. Students have expressed interest in participating in the trials in class time during the past week.

Coming events

May 

18 - AHPVSS round two: Tailem Bend six-hour

22 - Greater Western Region boys netball

24 - Black Ranges Years 9 and 10 boys AFL

24 - Black Ranges Years 9 and 10 girls netball

24 - HCPSSA winter sport round one

27 - Greater Western Region primary and scondary cross-country

28 - Black Ranges Year 7 and Year 8 boys AFL

28 - Black Ranges Year 7 and Year 8 girls netball

29 - Little Desert Years 5 and 6 Lightning Premierships

June

6 - Black Ranges Years 9-10 and 11-12 soccer

14 - AHPVSS round three: Adelaide (Junior School teams)

14 - HCPSSA winter sport round three

21 - HCPSSA winter sport round four

21 - Years 3-4 Hooptime basketball

27 - Black Ranges Year 7 and Year 8 soccer

Mr Matthew McLoughlin, F-12 Sport Coordinator

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and HTLC is excited to be participating. The PRC application offers a range of exciting features including:

• access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs)
• rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved
• the option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review

The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10. It is not a competition; but a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 6 September, 2024.

Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Years 3 to 10 are challenged to read 15 books.

All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former premiers.

To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge

If your child would like to participate in the challenge please get in touch with Jaci Gabbé in the library at school.

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/1219309