Christmas greetings to families and friends of HTLC.

During the week I was able to spend the day at the school with Mr James Phillips, the next Principal of HTLC. It was a wonderful opportunity to show him around our college, begin to introduce him to members of our school community, and discuss the direction and values of our college. It was pleasing to see that he is very eager to commence in the role and is keen to immerse himself in the school and local community. I wish Mr Phillips God’s richest blessing as he concludes his time at his current school and prepares for the move to Horsham next year.

The Under the Stars music concert took place last Wednesday afternoon to the excitement of many families and friends of HTLC. Congratulations to the students, instrumental music teachers and staff for such a fantastic performance. I would like to acknowledge the differing expertise of our performers on the night and wholeheartedly applaud them for the courage and focus to perform to so many people. An event such as this truly demonstrates the blessing we receive through the gifts and talents of so many in our college. Well done to all!

With our students finishing the school year in just over a week’s time I make note that our Headstart Program (Years 7 – 11) continues next week, along with our Transition Day (Foundation – Year 6) this coming Tuesday 6 December. Please refer to the past emails and newsletter communication from the relevant Head of Sub school for further details about this time in our school calendar. I wish our students all the best as they engage in this time of transition.

Another reminder about each closing service for our 3 sub schools:

• Thursday 8 December – Year 10 and 11, commencing at 1:30pm
• Tuesday 13 December – Years 7 to 9, commencing at 11:30am
• Wednesday 14 December – Years 3 to 6, commencing at 11:30am
• Wednesday 14 December – Foundation to Year 2 Christmas service, commencing at 1:45pm.

You are warmly invited to attend these services.

My end of year communication to all families will be sent via email this coming Wednesday 7 December. I look forward to sharing with you information relating to staffing, relevant dates for 2023, and other operational matters relating to the end of the school year. I ask that families keep an eye out for this next week.

Have a joy-filled week.

Mr Daniel Weller, College Principal

by Pastor Mark Gierus

Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem? (Isaiah 2:22).

Have you ever really taken some time to think about who influences you? We have influencers in society, and their job is to influence others. This language we hear describing people and what they do wasn’t used until recently. Yes, people have always influenced others in society, even in biblical times, but what does it mean when we have people in our world who are influencers?

Do you take the time to wonder how many decisions you make each day simply because others have influenced you to think a certain way? Do you find yourself trusting some of those influencers more and more?

The most dangerous thing about listening to an influencer is that they hope to influence others to like something or spend money on something that might be a little bit more expensive. They even influence others to act or speak a certain way. But life is surely more than being influenced by other humans who can make us believe a lie as the truth.

God does not lie nor try to influence our decisions. He doesn’t say, ‘Stop swearing, or I will destroy you’. Instead, God gently, through his Spirit, calls to you through his word. He speaks the truth, for his word is truth. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life – the Word of God incarnate.

As we head toward the season of Christmas, whose voice is the loudest in your life? What are the influencers saying about Christmas?

Will they say it is all commercial or all about feel-good things? Maybe they might say the same as the angels to the shepherds. ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.’

Let us never forget the reason for Christmas or Easter. Let us remember that God kept his promise and sent a Messiah, the Saviour of the world, so that no matter what people say, the truth remains that God loves so much that he gave himself up for us all.

Dear Jesus, you are the truth. Help us hear your voice among the many voices of our time. Thank you for dying for me so that I might have life and that I might have it to the full. Let me never be ashamed of the truth that you set me free from sin and that you have called me to follow you where you lead me. In your name, I pray. Amen.

Skateboarding Sessions

Today our Year 5 and 6 students were treated to skateboarding lessons through the School Sports Victoria Play and supported by our local YMCA. A second session will take place for students on Wednesday next week.

Class Lists

Class lists for 2023 will be emailed home on Monday afternoon, in preparation for Transition Day on Tuesday. Please remember organising class lists is a very complex process and staff have strived to consider all students needs when preparing the lists. 

Transition Day

Tuesday 6 December is our whole school Transition Day. Our Year 6 students will be attending secondary school for the day, 2023 Foundation students will be joining us from 9:15am until 12:45pm. Where possible, students will spend the morning with their teachers and classmates for 2023. Our Year 5 students are looking forward to meeting their buddies on this day.

Year 1 Games Night

Next Wednesday the Year 1 students will remain at school after the school day concludes to enjoy an afternoon of games and share dinner together. We pray they have a wonderful time of fun and celebration.

Foundation Celebration Night

Next Thursday evening the Foundation students of 2022 will celebrate their first year of primary school in the MPC with their families. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow in confidence and independence and would like to congratulate students on their achievements. We give thanks to our staff who have helped support the youngest students of our college this year.

SRC Shopping Day

Members of the SRC will be accompanying Mrs North and Mrs Polack on our annual Christmas shopping trip next Friday. Funds raised by the SRC this year will be used to purchase gifts for the K-Mart Wishing Tree. Thank you to everyone who has supported the SRC’s fundraising events this year.

Reverse Advent Calendars

Each year we aim to help students develop a heart of service by providing an opportunity to support a local charity. This year we are participating in the Reverse Advent Calendar community project, to help provide essentials to local families in need. Thank you to everyone who has already sent in items. Please check emails from teachers for more information.

Reports

Student reports will be sent home next Friday afternoon.

Chapel

This week our Foundation L class led our Junior School in worship with a service based on Luke 2:10-12. Next week FL will visit Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village on Wednesday, and Year 1I will be leading our Chapel on Friday morning. Students are encouraged to bring a small offering each Friday morning, which will be donated to the Christian Emergency Food Centre. We hope you can join us for worship.

Junior School Key Dates

Blessings to all students and families as we approach the end of another busy year.

Mrs Fiona Friberg, Head of Junior School

End of Year News

As we near the end of the school year, please be advised of the following information regarding Middle School students, activities and end of year events.

Week 10 – Headstart Week

Monday 5th:

• Headstart Classes

Tuesday 6th:

• Transition Day – Year 6 students
• Year 8 Pool Party
• Year 7 Camp Day 1
• Headstart Classes

Wednesday 7th:

• Year 9 Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony – 7:00pm in the MPC
  All Year 9 parents and students will assemble in the MPC to officially conclude the Year 9 Rite Journey Program and graduate from the Middle School with the Homecoming Ceremony

• Year 7 Camp – Day 2
• Headstart Classes

Thursday 8th:

• Year 7 Camp – Day 3
• Headstart Classes

Friday 9th:

• Library Stocktaking: All students should have returned their school-issued text books for stocktaking. Invoices for damaged/lost text books may be issued to parents at the completion of the stocktake
• Year 7 Camp – Day 4
• Year 8 Rock and Water Ceremony

Week 11 – Final Week

Monday 12th:

• Student Casual Dress Day – no charge
• Books and folders sent home
• Year 9 Rite Journey iDesign Showcase
• Activities program running for 7-9 classes

Tuesday 13th:

• Formal Uniform to be worn
• Middle School Graduation Morning Tea
• Last day of school for Middle School students. 3:20pm dismissal
• Closing Service 11:30am
  The Middle School Closing Service will be held on Tuesday 13 December at 11:30am in the Multi-purpose Centre. All students are expected to attend this service. Parents are welcome to attend in person or can watch the service from home through a live link that will be provided for families.

• End of Year Reports issued
• Holy Trinity Lutheran College Yearbook issued
• 2023 Classlists issued

Wednesday 14th – Friday 16th:

• No students on-site
• Staff on-site

Mr Jason Przibilla, Head of Middle School

VCE Head Start

Our first week of Head Start draws to a close today. Year 9 students accelerating into VCE courses have commenced their first experience of VCE content, joining Unit 1 classes in HHD, Psychology, Outdoor and Environmental Studies, Media, Business Management and Food Studies with our current Year 10 students. Year 11 students have commenced coursework for their final year of secondary education. Head Start will continue next week for our current Year 9, Year 10 and 11 students.

Cambodia Learning Tour

We are pleased to confirm that a group of students will be travelling to Cambodia during the Term 2 holidays next year. It is exciting to be able to once again offer these valuable opportunities for cultural immersion and learning.

Booklists and Stationery Lists

Campion (Ballarat Books) Booklists should be completed online by Friday 9 December with the option of home delivery or collection from the College between 10:00am and 3:00pm on Wednesday 18 January 2023.

Orders may by placed after the due date either online or at the Campion Retail Service Centre, 5 Yarrowee Street, Sebastopol.

Stationery lists are due to the College by Friday 9 December and can be collected from Shelton and Lane Stationery on or after Friday 13 January 2023.

College Ball 2023

A parent meeting was held this week to provide information to parents regarding the 2023 College Ball. Our current confirmed date is Friday 14 July however, this date may change depending on completion of the Town Hall renovations. Further information will now be forwarded to parents along with an expression of commitment so that numbers can be finalised and planning can proceed.

Senior School Closing Service

Our Senior School Closing Service for 2022 will be held in the Senior Centre agora on Thursday 8 December from 1:30pm – 3:00pm. This is a valuable time of acknowledgement of our students for academic, service, leadership and sporting achievements in Year 10 and Year 11, VCE and VCAL courses. Parents are welcome to attend and the service will be live-streamed to those wishing to view from home.

Work Experience

During Year 10, students undertake a week of Work Experience at the end of Term 2, in a field that they have identified as a possible, future pathway. It is important to begin exploring options as soon as possible as many employers offer restricted dates for placements or have due dates for applications.

Structured Work Placement

Students undertaking a VET course next year are required to have a Work Placement organised. Please endeavour to have these in place and all documentation finalised by the end of the year as positions will become competitive.

Important VCE dates

Important Senior School Dates

Mrs Sally Kuchel, Head of Senior School

Volunteers Morning Tea

We would like to personally invite all parents/caregivers that have kindly volunteered their time at school this year. Whether that be through PMP sessions, coaching sporting teams, timing for trials, assistance on event days including our Swimming, Athletics, and Cross Country carnivals, and etc., this is a celebration and thanks to you.

Please join us on Friday 9 December from 11-11:20am in the Junior School staff room for a free morning tea to assist us in saying “thank you” for your support throughout the year. Without your assistance, many programs within the school are not a possibility, so a huge thank you to you all!

Cricket Blast

On Monday of this week on our student free day, both our Year 5/6 Girls and Boys teams competed at the Greater Western Cricket carnival in Ballarat. The Boys team came up against some hard opponents, winning 1 of their 3 matches on the day. The Girls team also won 1 of their 4 matches and had 2 very close games. It was a fantastic experience and all students thoroughly enjoyed competing.

It was certainly great weather for Ballarat and all students represented the school in a professional and sportsman-like manner. Thank you to Adrian Wade, who accompanied us a parent volunteer and assisted with scoring throughout the day. A brilliant day of cricket all round.

Swimming Carnival Year 4 to 6 February 2023

Please keep an eye out for an email form via Operoo regarding Swimming Carnival Event Selections for those students heading into Years 4-6 next year. Thank you in advance for providing details to streamline the event selection process and allow preparations for the carnival to commence. We value your support in assisting with this, as our Swimming Carnival is scheduled very early in Term 1 on Thursday 15 February. We are working hard in planning and preparation for next year’s sporting events and look forward to all that 2023 will bring.

Representative Sports Uniforms

If any families have any HTLC representative uniforms at home, it would be amazing if these could please be returned to school prior to the end of year. Thank you to students who have already been returning items, this is very much appreciated!

Yours in Sport!

Mrs Hayley Thomas, Junior Sports Coordinator

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

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 School Transitions edition of SchoolTV: https://htlc.vic.schooltv.me/n...

For so many girls, the desire to achieve is fuelled by a mix of toxic perfectionism, debilitating self-criticism, and a Sisyphean stretch to achieve the impossible benchmark of “enough”.

Statistically, young women have never been more “successful”. They do better educationally, outpacing boys in grades and university enrolment. Yet the self-imposed – and externally imposed – expectation is that more is required. On the surface, girls certainly seem exceptional, but in-depth research highlights a different reality: tween and teen girls are too often anxious and overwhelmed, expecting that regardless of what they do, they will never be smart enough, successful enough, pretty enough, thin enough, popular enough, or “hot” enough.

Dr Justin Coulson is a dad to 6 daughters and the author of Miss-Connection, a book about teenage girls. After interviewing and surveying over 400 Australian teens, he has identified key reasons girls don’t think they are enough, and his research shows a way for them to move towards happiness, resilience, and self-worth.

Deeply empathetic and carefully researched, this presentation will help girls consider their feelings about being “enough” and highlight specific strategies they can practice to move towards a positive sense of self, so that young women can do more than survive adolescence. They can thrive.

Watch the 60-minute video webinar here: https://www.happyfamilies.com....

HTLC have partnered with Happy Families to offer free premium memberships to all HTLC families! To access your free membership please click here: www.happyfamilies.com.au/user/...

A reminder for all parents of country bus travellers to confirm your child/rens' bus travel for next year via the new country bus system link: https://schoolbus.educationapps.vic.gov.au/
Confirmation of your child/rens' country bus travel must be made through this link to ensure they are on the relevant bus lists for the new school year. 

If you are unsure of your login information, please email schoolbus@education.gov.edu.au.

Further to this, if your child/ren are changing buses or bus travel days next year, please complete the attached form here and return it to our College Receptionist, Maddie Ruwoldt, at maddie.ruwoldt@htlc.vic.edu.au. This information helps to ensure rolls are correct and there are no delays in bus departures.

If your child travels to school, lives further than 4.8kms from HTLC and is unable to catch a free school bus or public transport, you may be eligible for the Conveyance Allowance program. The Conveyance Allowance program assists in covering the costs of school-aged children traveling to and from school. Contact our Reception if you think you may be eligible.

Save the date for our HTLC Fair - Friday 24 February!

If you pre-purchased tickets before the cancellation of the Spring Fair and will not be able to attend the new date, please return your tickets to our Junior/Middle School Reception for a refund.