Newsletter (18 October 2024) - Holy Trinity Lutheran College

Return to School

Two weeks into Term 4 and I am pleased to report that the final term of the 2024 school year has started smoothly with students and staff settling in well to their daily routines. Term 4 is usually a busy one as the end of the year draws to a close. I wish all students and staff every blessing as they go about their responsibilities.

Staffing Update

Mrs Susie Penny has returned from Long Service Leave and will be in the Year 3D classroom covering for Ali Driller who is on Long Service Leave for the first 4 weeks of term. Welcome back Mrs Penny.
Mrs Jemma Fox has returned from maternity leave and will be in the 6N classroom and will also be covering some Vocational Major Literacy for the remaining 6 weeks of their program. Welcome back Mrs Fox.
Mrs Georgia Thomas has been appointed as the Marketing and Promotions Manager until the end of 2025, replacing Mrs Cass Dalgleish who is on maternity leave. Mrs Thomas will be working remotely for much of her role but will be on-site for a set number of hours per week. She can be contacted using the following email address: promotions@htlc.vic.edu.au
Mr Neil Leek has returned to work with HTLC until the end of Term 1, 2025. Neil will be assuming the role of Operations Manager and will act as the go-between for Cole our Virtual Business Manager. Neil can be contacted via the following email addresses: businessmanager@htlc.vic.edu.au Neil’s role will include:
- Management of the schools budget and budget requests
- manage the Admin, ICT, Finance and Maintenance teams
- HR requests
- Payroll
- Provide guidance and training in school systems
- Manage the ICT and Financial tasks associated with the amalgamation
- Liaise with families
- Representation at Board level
- Risk and Compliance
Mrs Andrea Mill and Miss Sophie Winfield have been appointed as Teacher Aides at HTLC. Welcome Andrea and Sophie, we pray you will be a blessing to the HTLC students and community
BABY NEWS
Nellie Erhardt born on 25 September, weighing 3.2kgs. Congratulations to Jess Erhardt and family.
Violet Dalgleish born on 15 October, weighing 4.4 kgs. Congratulations to Cass Dalgleish and family.

Important Term 4 Dates

Tuesday 22 October: Year 12 Final Day

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

by Pastor Peter Bean

Sarah said: God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me (Genesis 21:6)

No wonder Sarah was laughing. Ninety years old! A newborn son! She had laughed at God when he said she would have a son. But God kept to his promise. And, at a ripe old age, she had borne new life. A blessing from God. A peal of laughter in her life. So, now, she could laugh with God.

And everyone who heard about it could laugh with her. Perhaps, at first, in disbelief. But then, with joy and marvelling at this miracle. Recognising that God keeps his promises and can do all things!

Have you ever laughed at God? Have you ever perhaps said – or at least thought: ‘Come on, God, you’ve got to be joking. This ain’t gonna happen.’ And yet it does, leaving humans shaking their heads in disbelief. Stories abound in the Bible and throughout history of those who questioned – even challenged – God and then had their lives turned around through the miraculous workings of the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps you have a story like that in your life. If so, why not share it and get people laughing with you? Maybe you are in a situation in your life now where the last thing you want to do is laugh. Those times can be hard – distressing and even soul-destroying. If so, find someone you trust to confide in and share with. After all, a burden shared is often a burden lightened.

Or, if you have to, tell God what you think. Laugh at God! God won’t strike you down. But he will keep the promise made to all of us: to be with you. He will be present in your distress, hear your complaints, and accept your disbelief and your laughter (that’s what the psalms teach us to do). And, in time, God will move you to a place where you can laugh with him and invite others to laugh with you.

My favourite verse in the Bible is Ephesians 3:19: God can do far more than you can imagine! It worked for Sarah. It works for me. It can work for you. Allow God’s imagination to run riot in your life. And allow God to make you laugh.

God of laughter, God who knows distress, be with us in our glad times and our sad times. Please help us to trust in you and to look forward to times of shared laughter. Amen.

Welcome Back to Term 4

It is great that school is built with four terms! They are truly seasons of our own, and the end of one term and the start of another provides some rest, respite and time for everyone to re-energise. I hope that in the non-term time you got to experience a change of pace and some quality time together!

I am always buoyed by the fact that God blesses and protects families this time with safe travel.

Term 4 Busy with Sport!

Well done to those students who have participated this week in any of our sports programs. Our junior volleyball team are going to the next level of competition, many students represented our school last Friday at the regional athletics, and our Foundation and Year 1 students are participating in swimming lessons this week and next. It is a busy sports term and we thank teachers, students, and parents alike, for supporting these programs!

Health and PE Week

This week, we were also busy at HTLC with HPE week, where we celebrate the opportunity we have each week to learn about our bodies and the importance of daily fitness and exercise and the benefits of this. Our Primary students had the opportunity to experience Ten Pin Bowling, Bocce, Totem Tennis, AFL Handball and Downball.

Thanks to the Year 6 students for leading activities. Thanks to Mrs McDonald, Miss Cashin and those others in championing the importance of sport and fitness and how important it is in our lives to ‘be active’.

Honk! - The Musical

While I am not a theatre goer, I have been exposed to ‘the arts’ in Horsham through our great community this year. My youngest daughter Ava enrolled in learning ‘Hip Hop’ this year. Last year, my eldest daughter Grace played the piano for the Horsham Arts Council production ‘American Idiot’. I am now getting into the groove of understanding the importance of a junior school musical to expose our students to this fun of Performing Arts!!

If you are also new to the Performing Arts, please don’t hesitate to reach out for some assistance. I don’t know about ‘making up’ a face, and my fashion sense or fulfilling the requests of costume are limited. Please reach out to your classroom teacher if you require any assistance filling the requirements as we build up to performing next Friday!

Opening and Dedication of the Year 6 Buildings

As a ‘low key’ event, and a part of the condition to take receipt of the government funding that was committed by the federal government, today we officially dedicate the Year 6 buildings. Thank you to the parents and students of Year 6, who have made arrangements (like bringing multiple clothes to change throughout the day).

Please reach out at any stage this term to your co-educator!

As we move through this term, like any, please get support from your classroom teacher if you have any questions, as there are many parts of organisation this term! Each of you have been a great team with your classroom teacher, providing a great education for your child. I truly appreciate the work you put into this partnership, as I know this is a critical element in what makes our school great!

Diary Dates

October 14-25: Year 1 Swimming

October 24/25 (Thurs/Fri): Junior School musical Honk! (Term 4 Week 3).

October 28 - Nov 8: Year 2-3 swimming

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 and Learning

Welcome back to another exciting term! Holy Trinity Lutheran College has always been a place where every student’s God-given talents are encouraged and nurtured. Over the last two weeks we’ve seen students participate in physical activity as part of Health & PE Week, rehearsing for the Junior School musical production of Honk!, attend regional athletics and participate in workshops led by Australian Lutheran World Service. We are blessed to be able to provide these opportunities for our students to grow in their areas of strength.

Awards (Week 2)

FJ: Winter D, Jude P, Alfie J and Audrey M, FL: Polly A, Halle O, Brady S and Hadley W, 1H: Sehara R, Hamish M and Paddy S, 1P: Alexis M and Indy W, 2H: Eva H, 2S: Jessica S, 3B: Sari D and Ted S, 3D: Ava H, Riley E-F and Isla G, 4F: Ella P and Isla S, 4M: Sophia B and Bernardita d R, 4R: Mason M, Neeve D and Pacey M, 5D: Liam R and Maeja R , 5A: Phoebe B, Jonty P and Mia Y, 6H: Victoria W and Ruby H, 6N: Alvin J and Rafa S, 6V: Kyle v A. Specialist awards: Chinese: All of 1H, Claire R, Vincent B and Angus C, P.E: Austin S and Jorja L, Technology (3-6): Dusty P and Lachlan E.

Our Trinity Tiger (5-6) Award recipient was Zelin X, Trinity Cub (3-4) Maya S and Trinity Cub (F-2) Charlotte S.

Student Work

Many of our Year 4-6 students participated in workshops this week facilitated by Australian Lutheran World Service. We appreciate Josie Wundersitz attending our school and providing an opportunity for our students to learn about this organisation. Below are some photos of our Year 6 students engaged in the topic “Life isn’t fair” with a focus on people in developing countries with a disability, people who don’t have rights recognised, and other vulnerable groups.

Mrs Jacqui North, Junior School Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Welcome to Term 4!

Welcome back to all students and families for Term 4. This is always an exciting time of year, as the weather warms up and the promise of summer draws near. It’s also a time when students start to wrap up the many projects and learning experiences they’ve been working on throughout the year.

The term has kicked off with lots of enriching activities and opportunities for our students. Recently, our VCE Vocational Major students visited the Christian Emergency Food Centre, where they gained valuable insights into how local organisations help to combat food insecurity in our community. The visit left students feeling inspired by the power of community efforts to make a difference.

Additionally, we were fortunate to host a representative from the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS). Their visit challenged students to reflect on the privileges we often take for granted here in Australia and consider what life is like for people in other parts of the world, where basic needs such as water, food, shelter, safety, and education are not always guaranteed.

Health and PE Week

HTLC has been busy with activity during Health and PE Week. Students had numerous opportunities to get active, including a thrilling netball match between staff and students.

We were also honoured to have NRL Melbourne Storm star Josh King speak to our Secondary School students. He shared his journey to becoming a professional athlete and reminded everyone of the importance of self-belief and hard work.

The highly anticipated Secondary House Cup was presented this week, marking the culmination of a year-long competition filled with teamwork, determination, and school spirit. After a series of competitions and events throughout the year, it was Wimmera House that took the title. A huge congratulations to all Wimmera students for their efforts and success, and well done to all students for their participation and house spirit across the year.

Unfortunately due to the inclement weather, the highly anticipated Colour Run was postponed. We look forward to when we are able to complete this in the coming weeks and have a joyful celebration as students complete the course to earn points for their House. A huge thank you to our Health and PE staff for their energy and dedication in organising all the events.

Year 11/12 Visual Communication Display

Congratulations to our Year 11 and 12 Visual Communication students for their outstanding portfolios, which were displayed this week. It has been wonderful to witness the hard work and attention to detail that went into these projects. A special thanks to Mrs Leanne Jenion for her guidance and support of the class.

VCE Subject Confirmations

Subject confirmation appointments for Year 11 and 12 VCE students are now underway. During these meetings, students will meet with Mrs Carter to discuss their subject choices for 2025. Families are encouraged to arrange a follow-up meeting if needed, as indicated on the forms sent home. We are committed to supporting our students and working closely with families as they enter their final years of schooling.

Mrs Kate Carter, Acting Head of Senior School

Australian HPV Super Series - Round 6

On the first weekend of the holidays, a group of students, staff and alumni from HTLC travelled to Murray Bridge to compete in the final event of the Australian HPV Super Series for 2024, the 24-hour event at Sturt Reserve. All members of the team performed admirably throughout the gruelling endurance test, and finished with respectable results.
Firestorm (Middle School Boys): 6th out of 37 in category, 67th overall (151)
Avalanche (Middle School Girls): 5th out of 6 in category, 133rd overall
Tsunami (Old Scholars and Parents): 29th out of 40 in category, 64th overall

In total, the three teams rode a combined 2046.87 km, bringing the final tally for 2024 to 5646.15 km. At the conclusion of the event, the Middle School girls were recognised as the runner-up for the Middle School All Female category, which is a fantastic achievement for what was a very young team.

Thank you to our sponsors, CropSmart, as well as our parent volunteers and team supporters that helped to make this event, and this season a possibility. We will see you on the track in 2025!

Greater Western Region Athletics - Secondary

Last Thursday, a small contingent of secondary students travelled to Ballarat to compete in the Greater Western Region Athletics Finals. It was a fantastic day of competition, and the weather was ideal for all of the competing students. Holy Trinity Lutheran College had a great deal of success, collecting four first place finishes and three second place finishes. Our 14 Girls relay team (Georgia F, Maya P, Victoria B and Kirrily D) also secured second place in their final.

Congratulations to Georgia F (100 m, 200 m, triple jump) and Brodie F (shot put) who finished in first place and will represent HTLC at the State Finals on Monday. Congratulations also to Ilze vZ (800 m, triple jump) and Lj K (long jump) who finished in second place.

Greater Western Region Athletics - Primary

The following day was the primary school’s turn, with 21 students making the trip to Ballarat to represent HTLC in a range of events against the best athletes in the region. It was a tough day against incredibly strong competition, but Elsa D managed to secure a third place finish in the 12/13 girls triple jump.

Black Ranges Year 8 Cricket

On Tuesday, 11 students from Year 7 and 8 represented HTLC at the Black Ranges Year 8 Cricket, held in Horsham. The students had a range of cricket experience, but all put in their best effort against some strong opposition. After a good performance against Horsham College in the first game, the team fought hard against Ararat, only losing by five runs.

Thanks to Brodie F for coaching the students on the day, and to Mr van Zyl for umpiring.

Greater Western Region Primary Volleyball

On Wednesday, HTLC’s Year 6 Girls Volleyball team competed in the Greater Western Region Finals at St Brigid’s College. After a short warm up game against Horsham 298’s boys team, the girls faced off against St Pius X from Warrnambool in a winner-takes-all game. The girls displayed excellent teamwork and were involved in some good rallies, coming away with a comprehensive two-set victory, winning 20 - 8, 20 - 7 to earn themselves a trip to the State Finals next month.