Winter certainly seems to have arrived! However, we are blessed to have notable seasons and with each of them brings opportunity. There are many students now enjoying winter sports and participating in activities that don’t take place during the warmer months.

This week, we have had several students participate in state senior volleyball, and this weekend, there is a Human Powered Vehicle race in Tailem Bend, South Australia. Thanks to each student for competing but also to Mr McLoughlin, who has worked tirelessly for these opportunities to eventuate. We pray God’s protection for safe travel at the weekend.

Congratulations also to our Energetix aerobics team, who competed in Gisborne on the Mother's Day weekend and will now head to the state competition in Melbourne in June!

I continue to enjoy the many conversations with those families joining our community for the first time in 2024. I thank many of you who have shared your really positive experiences at our College, as these have often been a great topic of conversation as we meet new families. If you have friends or family who would like to consider our fantastic College for their child, we are always happy to book a personalised tour and conversation time.

We are blessed at Holy Trinity Lutheran College to offer a range of exciting camps and sporting options to our students - and it's important to us that no one misses out. The state government's Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund offers a confidential way to allow everyone to get involved. Applications close 23 June, 2023. You can complete an application at: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/CSEF-Application-Form-2020.pdf.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mr James Phillips, Principal

by Craig Heidenreich

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49).

In Luke’s account of Jesus’ ascension, these are the last recorded words of Jesus, and (for me) this gives his statement a certain gravitas. Jesus’ final instruction carries weight.

Shortly before (in John 16:7), Jesus talks to his disciples about how he will shortly be leaving them, and he says, ‘It’s better that I go because then I will send you the Holy Spirit’.

So finally (a few short weeks later), the day has come when Jesus ascends into heaven.

I think if I were one of the disciples that day, I would find it hard to be happy that Jesus has just left, anticipating something better. What can possibly fill the gap left behind now that Jesus is no longer here in person?

This question was answered dramatically 10 days later on the day of Pentecost. The promised Spirit comes, and the church is birthed!

Pentecost is celebrated in our Christian calendar as the ‘birthday of the church’, but Pentecost was already a special day in the Jewish calendar. Pentecost was the celebration of the giving of the law on Mt Sinai (fifty days after Passover). Did God choose this day to write the law on our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Pentecost ushered in a pretty dramatic change for the disciples, and they became people marked by joy and boldness. The same men and women who hid in the upper room (for fear of the Jews) were so filled with joy that they were irrepressible.

So, was the promise that the Spirit was going to clothe them with power from on high just an experience for these early believers?

There has been much debate about this and how we are affected by the Holy Spirit. One thing that is obvious is that we cannot live effectively by our own strength – we certainly need some power from on high.

When Paul talks about being filled with the Spirit in Ephesians, Greek scholars point out the sense that this means to be continually filled. This is not a one-off experience but a daily replenishment. As someone once said, ‘I may be filled with the Spirit, but I have a tendency to leak’. Let’s stay topped up!

Thank you, Lord, for sending the Spirit to clothe us with power from on high. I need this so much, Lord, and I drink you in today. Help me to live a life pleasing to you!

Dance - participation

On Thursday last week, Justin from Freestyle Dance Ministry spent time with our student leaders of the school (Year 6 students). They crafted some hip hop dance moves and on Friday performed three songs to the school, while the students at chapel also participated in a dance from their places/seats.  

The atmosphere was electric! I was so proud of our Year 6s and their teachers, as every one of them joined in to the best of their ability as we took part in worship and praise. It was a morning to remember as our students and your kids not only represented themselves well but also their families and the college by the way they were committed to their performance.

Hooptime basketball practice - growth mindset

During the week, I have had the chance to share the basketball courts with our Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 students who have expressed an interest in representing our school at Hooptime. I have loved to witness their enthusiasm and sportsmanship. As I’m not a natural basketballer by any stretch of the imagination, I have also loved receiving some modest and humble coaching from students. They have mastered the art of not being boastful, and I have found this is because they know for themselves they have much yet to learn. This is just another experience I have had without students, your kids! Thank you for being a part of our community here at Holy Trinity.

Jump Rope for Heart

Like every other learning opportunity, it is great to see all of our kids taking up their skipping ropes and concentrating on improving their skipping.  Boys, girls, and adults, we are all having a go to the benefit of our bodies!

Year 1 Murtoa Trip

The Year 1s took a trip to Murtoa for their Olden Days Unit of Inquiry this week. They learnt loads of stuff about how different life was, and the different types of technology of the past. Thank you to teachers Claire Harvey and Keely Pope for their organisation of this trip.

Mother’s Day

In Junior School, it was great on Friday last week to have our mums and special people visit us from recess to lunchtime. A big thank you also to the school adults who all pitched in and played their part hosting the event, as it's always a different day with more bodies in and around the classrooms and school.

Bible presentations

Bible presentations were postponed due to some staff sickness. We plan to hold the Bible presentations at assembly on Monday, 29 May.

Mary Poppins - the musical

You will begin to hear that Mrs Michelle Hahn (Music), along with a band of school adult helpers, are beginning to pull together a Junior School musical! I continue to be astounded by the opportunities with which our school provides our students. Michelle is also taking on a middle and senior schools musical at the same time, so if you have any talents in this area and would like to assist with props, dress, or content, I’m sure she would love to hear from you!

Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

Year 6 Interviews

Following last week’s Open Day and 2024 Year 7 Information Evening, families in Year 6 now have the opportunity to book a 1-to-1 interview with me to discuss individual learning needs and opportunities that exist in the Middle School for students. These 30-minute interviews provide an opportunity for me to meet with the students and parents to find out about who they are as learners and what their interests and hobbies are, helping to establish a relationship before the students move into the Middle School in 2024. For some families, these interviews will provide the forum to ask probing and specific questions to help identify how the Middle School can meet the individual needs of students and shape future learning.

The transition from Junior School to Middle School is a major milestone in a student’s life, and Holy Trinity has a strategic approach to ensuring its students are well-prepared to make this adjustment. To begin with, Year 6 students are exposed to Middle School subjects as part of their specialist subject rotations. Participating in Woodwork and Food Technology over the duration of this semester helps them to become familiar with new subjects, facilities and teaching staff. Selected students also get to participate in Genesis English and Maths classes, providing a fantastic stepping stone for these students to prepare for this innovative and engaging Middle Years program.

The interviews that are currently being held enable individual learning profiles to be developed which are then distributed to all teaching staff at the beginning of next year, enabling students to feel their teacher knows and understands them from day one of their Year 7 experience, crucial elements in building a respectful and productive adolescent-teacher relationship.

Parents received an email this week with all details on how to book an interview using the online booking system. Alternatively, families can contact office administration to manually book an interview timeslot. I look forward to meeting with our Year 6 families from next week.

Come Try Day

A new initiative being trialled this year is a Year 7 ‘Come Try Day’, which will be held on Tuesday, 13 June. This day will offer the opportunity for students in Years 6 to experience a day in the life of a Year 7 student at Holy Trinity Lutheran College. Students will experience the professional staff, participate in engaging and exciting lessons in modern and contemporary facilities, and interact with students from other schools. The Come Try Day is for all HTLC Year 6 students, but also Year 6 students from other Wimmera schools. Please invite all interested families to register by contacting the college.

Examinations

End of semester examinations will be held in week 7 of this term, beginning on Monday, 5 June. An exam timetable will be forwarded to parents and students soon.

Mother’s Day High Tea

A huge congratulations to the Year 9 Café Elective students who held a highly successful Mother’s Day High Tea event on Friday last week. More than 30 guests enjoyed a selection of savoury and sweet treats, fresh, barista coffee, tea and other refreshments. The students did an exceptional job of preparing the food, completing the table decorations, serving hot and cold drinks and implementing key hospitality knowledge and skills to create a memorable dining experience for the paying guests.

The High Tea event received tremendous support from community businesses, with a great variety of raffle prizes on offer. The students were expertly trained by their teacher Mrs Przibilla, whose vision, attention to detail and clear instructions enabled the afternoon to run as planned and created a calm and enjoyable experience for all those in attendance. A special mention to Mrs Van Buuren and a number of other HTLC Staff who gave up their time to help on the day. In total, $650 was raised for the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Mr Jason Przibilla, Head of Middle School

GAT - General Achievement Test

Thursday, 15 June from 9.30am to 3pm

Who is required to sit the GAT?

If you’re enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence, you are expected to complete Section A and B of the GAT. If you are enrolled in one or more VCE VM Unit 3–4 sequence or Senior VCAL Unit, you’re expected to complete Section A

The GAT is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills that plays an important part in final VCE assessments as it is used to check that VCE external assessments and school-based assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed. No special study is required however students have been familiarising themselves with the type of questions and format of the test.

Schedule for the GAT:

SECTION A): Literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy
All senior secondary
9.30am–9.45am: Reading time
9.45am–11.45am: Writing time
11.45am–1.15pm: Break

SECTION B: General knowledge and skills
VCE 3–4 VCE 3–4 Senior VCAL Scored VCE VET 3–4 Scored VCE VET 3–4
1.15pm–1.30pm: Reading time
1.30pm–3pm: Writing time

Work experience

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 from Tuesday to Friday, 13-16 June.

Attendance

VCE students are reminded of the importance of the procedure for approved absences. As classroom work increasingly focuses around preparation for assessment and SACs, students should also contact relevant class teachers to notify them of a planned absence. Guidelines for attendance are outlined in the VCE Policies and Procedures document as forwarded to parents earlier in the year.

Important Senior School Dates

Senior School information evening (for students entering Senior School in 2024): Wednesday, 31 May at 7pm in the Senior Centre agora

Cambodia trip (Years 10-12): Friday, 30 June to Saturday, 8 July

General Achievement Test (VCE Unit 3 & 4 students): Thursday, 15 June

Secondary exam revision week: Monday, 29 May to Friday, 2 June

Secondary exam week: Monday, 5 June to Friday, 9 June

Year 10 work experience: Tuesday, 13 June to Friday, 16 June

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

Schoolaerobics

Well done to the aerobics team who competed on the Mother’s Day weekend. School mums and teachers Tarn McDonald and Claire Burke got a wonderful present as the aerobics team performed so well they have been invited to perform at the state championships! 

The girls had an early start Saturday morning to ensure they were ready for their first competition. They were judged on their strength, ability to work together as a team, fitness and compulsory aerobic moves. The team received an awesome score of 67.3 out of 100!

Well done girls on your awesome performance. Your effort has been rewarded in the best way and we wish you all the best as you further train towards these finals on 3 and 4 June.

Friday winter sport

It was great to see the footballers, netballers, volleyballers, soccer and basketball players return from winter sports last week. Again, it was great to hear that all teams played hard, but equally enjoyed the socialising and comradery of getting out in the community and having fun with other students from other schools. Thank you to the parents who helped in the first week of these sports, and also those who will have assisted today!

A big thank you to the Year 5-6 teachers and Jessie Ferguson for taking on a large part of the coordination of this effort. It is a joy to have HTLC staff support me in the coordination of sports at HTLC.

State representation in Tennis

Congratulations to Sienna Nitschke who will participate in state level tennis matches this Monday, 22 May. We trust that brother Aiden will be cheering loudly for you on behalf of everyone at Holy Trinity! 

Hooptime - coaches/helpers needed

HTLC continue to look for a Thursday and Friday coach/helper (1pm-1.35pm) to help lead Year 5-6 Hooptime team training. The training then culminates with gamedays on 1 June (Year 3-4 competition) and 8 June (Year 5-6). If you would like to have fun and learn with the students, HTLC staff will mentor you into your role, no prior experience necessary, and we can help you to get a Working with Children Check if you haven’t already!

Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

State Volleyball

Our intermediate boys volleyball team made HTLC history on Wednesday, as they became the first boys team to represent the secondary school at a state finals event for volleyball. They doubled down on this history-making excursion by winning the first set HTLC volleyball has claimed in the state finals, though they did unfortunately lose 1-2 against Wodonga Senior Secondary College in their opening game. Playing against Melbourne High School in the second match, the boys saw their confidence grow gradually and despite losing the first set, they were able to win the second set to force a decider. Again, we lost 1-2. The boys’ final match was against Collingwood College and although they played their best volleyball of the day, they ended up losing 0-2. All in all, the boys represented the College incredibly well, and should be proud of their achievements, as we all are. Congratulations to Cadel H, Jiedan Y, Tadhg M, Aiden N, Kyren P, Ethan R, Xavier S and Logan Y.

Today, the senior girls have their turn at the State Finals. Good luck to Alannah J, Janay vB, Jessica D, Leah E, Breanna H, Zoa M, Angela R and Cher-Leah R as they compete.

Senior Girls Netball - Ellie H (Year 12 student)

On Thursday, 18 May the senior girls netball team headed down to North Park, Stawell, for the Black Ranges competition.

The first game was against Marion A team, which was lost by one goal in a competitive game. Considering Marion A was our first game, the girls played well together as a unit and had some things to build on.

Second game was up against St Brigid’s in which both teams put in a good fight, but unfortunately HTLC also came away with a loss. In this game, some position changes were made which saw improvement on court. 

Third game was played against Stawell B, which showed the improvement of the girls across the day and led to them coming away with a strong win.

The girls then had a quick lunch break and headed into their last game against Horsham College B. The last game showed their fight and determination winning the second half but unfortunately the comeback was not enough. 

Overall as the day went on the girls' teamwork and improvement were highlighted. All thanks to Miss Cashin who umpired.

Mr McLoughlin: Thanks to Ellie H for coaching the girls on the day, and for writing this report!

Senior boys AFL

Despite not having very many senior AFL players, the HTLC boys team were able to enjoy a day of competition thanks to the combined efforts of St Brigid’s College and Murtoa College. Although it took some time for the boys to gel as a unit, they got to experience some success on the field, winning one of their matches on the day. 

AHPVSS round two: Tailem Bend six-hour

Today our crew of about 40 students, staff and old scholars will make the trip across the border to The Bend Motorsport Park to participate in the Australian HPV Super Series round two event at Tailem Bend.

The six-hour race starts at 10am CST on Saturday, and will see teams of up to 10 riders compete to clock up as many laps as possible around the new 2.8-km circuit. Good luck to the six HTLC teams making the journey, as well as those students and staff involved with the Wimmera HPV team as well.

Coming events

May

20 - AHPVSS round two: Tailem Bend six-hour

22 - Black Ranges Division track and field

24 - Greater Western Region intermediate boys netball

25 - Black Ranges Division intermediate AFL and netball

29 - Greater Western Region cross country

30 - Black Ranges Division Years 7 and 8 AFL and netball

Mr Matthew McLoughlin, Secondary Sports Coordinator

Parents and carers can play a crucial role in their children's mental health. As a result, staying informed on the current state of youth mental health is vital, as it not only affects individuals but also families and communities. According to recent research, the frequency of mental health disorders among young people is increasing, with anxiety, depression, and self-harm being among the most common challenges.

One of the reasons attributed to this rise is the heightened stress and anxiety that many young people face in today's society. Academic success, social media, and family issues are all influencing factors. Many young people are still suffering the long-term consequences of the pandemic, such as social isolation, uncertainty, and loss.

Parents can play an important role in their children's mental health. Creating a safe and open environment for your children to talk about their emotions, thoughts, and feelings is vital. Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep can help reduce stress levels and boost your child's overall mental health. There are also many resources and services available to children, adolescents, and their families, such as school counsellors, various mental health organisations, support lines, and of course, mental health professionals. It is important to remember that seeking help is a show of strength, not weakness and that early intervention is critical in addressing young people's mental health difficulties.

This edition of SchoolTV, discusses some of the major mental health issues affecting young people and how to support a child experiencing them. 

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the College Wellbeing Team for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to The State of Youth Mental Health - AU edition of SchoolTV: https://htlc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/state-youth-mental-health

The Parenting Revolution

When: Monday 22 May, 8pm

Where: https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/the-parenting-revolution/

*Note that the link will only work if you are already signed into your school’s page

What does it mean to be a good parent? Are you a good parent when your child is compliant, but a bad parent when they’re not? What if they’re perfect at age three and challenging at thirteen? And what if your child has additional needs?

The Parenting Revolution is about parenting styles and what it takes to be a great parent. We know about tiger parents, helicopter parents, free-range parents, but have you heard of Tesla parents, leaf-blower parents or iPhone 6 parents?

So many styles, but is there one that actually works?

Join Dr Justin for a practical webinar which draws on content from his new book, The Parenting Revolution, and incorporates up-to-the-minute research in parenting science as well as studies of childhood development.

Dr Justin Coulson will show you:

• how our children thrive when we understand and meet their basic psychological needs;
• how our job is not to fix our kids, but to create an environment that supports their growth and development; and
• how children flourish when we minimise control, but maximise our warmth and involvement, and establish healthy boundaries.

Not all children are the same, and Justin considers a range of circumstances that you or your child might be in – including children with non-typical development.

His revolutionary approach and practical strategies will encourage you to change the way you parent forever.

Junior School students are off to a fantastic start in the Jump Rope for Heart program. We have already raised $4291 and logged 27 hours of skipping. You can still join the fun and create your very own secure Jump Rope For Heart webpage by signing up online at www.jumprope.org.au/parents

3F have had a great time practising their skipping skills in the Quad, especially competing in timed jump offs seeing who can skip for the longest time.

Pictured above are Emily R, Edie H, Bernadita RR, Max P, Pacey M and Javier B.

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and Holy Trinity Lutheran College is excited to be participating once again.

The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to 16 years in recognition of the importance of reading for literacy development.

To take part, children are encouraged to read a number of books with their parents and carers before the closing date of the challenge (8th September).

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

Reading with your child is one of the joys of parenting. It establishes reading as a daily habit and sets children on a path to becoming strong readers and communicators. A 2012 study by the University of Melbourne found that reading frequently to young children has a direct effect on schooling outcomes. To read a summary of this research, see:  Reading to Young Children: A Head-Start in Life

For more information on the Challenge and to view the booklists, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge

Students from Prep to Year 2 are expected to read 30 books (20 from the Challenge list).

Students from Year 3 to Year 9 are expected to read 15 books (10 from the Challenge list).

Students from Year 10 upwards are expected to read 15 books (5 from the Challenge list)

Please contact Susie Penny – Learning Support Coordinator at susie.penny@htlc.vic.edu.au to register your interest and to receive a unique passcode to the Victorian Premiers’ reading Challenge website.

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.

This is a fundraiser for Ukraine 

Purchase tickets from the Lutheran Church, Harvest Church and Church of Christ offices. Contact Kerri Nichols for further details on 0429 810 774.