It is an honour to observe the excellent learning culture within our College. This week, the Junior School students have been undertaking their Diagnostic Testing, while the Middle and Senior School students have been revising ahead of their examinations next week. It has been encouraging to hear the perspectives of the students as they make flashcards, prepare note sheets and revisit content from the semester. I wish all of our students undertaking assessment next week God’s richest blessings.

I thank the many families in Year 9 who attended the Senior School Information Evening this week. Thank you also to Mrs Sally Kuchel, the Senior School Team and student leaders, who presented at this time together. Those I spoke to said it certainly helped them understand more about the Victorian Certificate of Education. In Mrs Kuchel’s presentation, she emphasised employability skills that the workforce is looking for; communication, collaboration, conflict resolution and critical thinking, just to name a few. Our Senior School embeds the development of these vital skills into all areas of school life, including our Homeroom times, Assembly and Chapel. It was also a wonderful encouragement of the wide and varied career paths and success stories that our students and graduates follow.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all of you, our parents, for supporting your child and HTLC throughout the learning journey. It takes a positive partnership to see the students flourish in their education. I do pray God’s guidance and grace to be with you, as you play a significant role in the nurture and care of your child/ren.

As we conclude Week 6, I trust you will have a fantastic weekend with the many activities, catch-ups and study commitments that you have.

Mr James Phillips, Principal

by Pastor Greg Fowler

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1,2).

As I watched a little of King Charles’ coronation a few weeks ago, I saw a group of protesters waving placards that read ‘Not my king’. One of the reporters covering the event asked if they would pledge allegiance to the new king and support the ceremony (which included prayers) to respect the monarchy, even if they were not very keen on King Charles. The protesters replied with a definitive ‘no’.

What do we do as Christians when we have leaders who are enacting policies that we disagree with? As our world becomes increasingly anti-Christian, we will find time and again that our leaders do not represent our views and values. Ethical issues of life promoted by the government have troubled many Christians in South Australia recently. More than that, there is a strong push now to define human sexuality in ways that some Christians find go against God’s will for his creation. Should we pray for these leaders and governments?

Paul gives clear instructions here that we have a responsibility to pray for our leaders despite their policies. In fact, our priestly duty is to bring all people before the throne of God – believers and non-believers alike. We pray that all people will receive the gift of faith in Jesus, and we pray for our governments to act in godly ways for the good of all. We can disagree with our government and even campaign against them at an election; that is our right as citizens. But we are called to pray for those in authority; that is our responsibility as Christians.

Lord of all, we pray for our leaders today and ask that they administer power for the good of all and in line with your will. Amen.

Jump Rope for Heart

Thank you to Miss Harris (Year 5) and Mrs Fox (Year 3) for setting up this opportunity for our students. Jump-off Day (Thursday, 15 June) will be a free dress day (gold coin donation fundraising) with students encouraged to wear some red in support of the Heart Foundation. We will set up a rotation of activities and we aim to conclude the day (time negotiable) with a presentation.

Bible presentations

It was great to have Bible presentations take place on Monday at assembly. The Year 3 students are now excitedly setting about discovering all there is to know and research about this great big history book! It is a pleasure to see their inquisitiveness in how they are thumbing through the pages, reading bits and pieces of text, and most importantly asking so many questions about what they are finding in their Bibles.

At any stage, this means there will be some questions asked of families at home. Please feel free to share these questions with your classroom teacher, as we are here to partner with you in education, and a lot of faith questions have no set answers!

Diagnostic testing, reporting and planning

Thank you to families and students for ensuring attendance during our "testing" week. This has allowed teachers to gather some great data on how students have progressed during the first half of this year, and set goals for individuals and their classes for the remainder of the year.  

Aerobics team

We wish the HTLC aerobics team all the best as they compete in the state finals this Sunday at Rowville. Congratulations to Tarn McDonald, Claire Burke, and the students and their families who have shown great commitment and perseverance to create and maintain a great routine!

Chapel

On Friday, our Foundation class, led by Miss Janetzki, focussed on the beatitude of righteousness. Fred recited to us: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6.

I love that in this Christian school, we delve into pearls of wisdom from ancient religious texts. The wisdom of such a verse is staggering. If we thirst and hunger to know what is right then it will be given and be so. That is then a challenge of what to do with this wisdom and righteousness, as knowing the right thing to do in a situation is often the easy bit! Doing the right thing is then the hard bit! Luckily in the Christian story, we can ask a loving and caring Heavenly Father to help us in these situations!

Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

End of semester examinations schedule

End of semester examinations will be held next week in the Senior Stadium. Dates and times of exams have been included in the table below. If your child will be absent for an exam, you are encouraged to make contact with the subject teacher to make alternative arrangements. A parent letter with all relevant details was sent out earlier this week.

End of semester reports

Once examinations are completed next week, staff will turn their attention to completing their end of semester reports. A report writing day will be held on Friday, 9 June. This is a student-free day for all students. The end of semester reports will now be sent home on Thursday, 22 June (last week of school). Parents and carers will then have the opportunity to book parent-teacher interviews using the online booking system. These interviews will be in the first week back of Term 3 on Tuesday, 11 July and Thursday, 13 July. 

Extra-curricular activities

Whilst much of the focus in the Middle School this week has been on exam preparation, many extra-curricular activities continue to be held. This week our Year 7s and 8s competed in interschool football and netball competitions, musical rehearsals continue as the date of the performance draws closer, preparations for the Central Australia Tour continue and Robocup team members participated in a training afternoon. None of these events would be possible without the efforts of committed and dedicated staff and I thank each staff member who continues to play major roles in giving up their time to ensure these wonderful opportunities can be provided for our students.

Mr Jason Przibilla, Head of Middle School

Senior School Information Evening – Year 9 parents and students

It was pleasing to see so many parents and students at our Senior School Information Evening earlier this week. The evening was opened by two of our most capable leaders, Leah Eilola and Silvie Hahn, and our coordinators shared information regarding the content and development of their subjects across Years 10, 11 and 12. Current Year 10 students Lexie and Prue Heard and Mia Nuttall demonstrated both their personal growth and maturity by providing an honest and engaging recount of their experience of the transition from Middle into Senior School.

Exam Week

Next week is Exam Week for students in Years 10 and 11, whilst some Year 12 students will be completing Unit 3 SACs at this time. Students are encouraged to maintain regular study habits during this period, remembering that the Study Centre is open each evening after school until 4.30pm and staff are available for support.

Western Victorian Careers Expo – Tuesday, 20 June

The Western Victorian Careers Expo is country Victoria’s largest careers expo and is held at the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong from 9.30am to 2.30pm. An extensive range of exhibitions and seminars provide information on both trade and university pathways for students. Year 10 and 11 students will spend time exploring career options and Year 12 students will attend the tertiary information session. Further information will be provided to families closer to the event.

Year 11 College Ball

Training is well underway for our Year 11 students who are participating in the College Ball this year. Information regarding the purchase of tickets should be available later next week.

The Parents Website

Andrew Fuller: How to survive and thrive in tests and exams 

Leading clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller provides strategies for students to cope with exam anxiety and perform at their best, in one of his most popular articles on The Parents Website.

https://theparentswebsite.com....

Important Senior School Dates

Cambodia parent information evening (Years 10-12): Thursday, 8 June at 7pm

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

Awesome Thursday - Hoop Time

The Year 3-4 Hoop Time Basketball Carnival was a great success, as 24 enthusiastic budding basketballers took to the courts for a day of participation, fitness and competition. 

We had two boys teams and one girls team entered, with two of our sides making finals.

Our boys A team made it through minor rounds with one win and three losses. The team progressed to the semi-finals and marginally lost to Ss Michael and John's 6-4 points in a fantastic game. The team displayed quality shooting and lovely plays.

The boys B team did not walk away with any wins; however, showed so much improvement from each player throughout the day. A fantastic experience in their first year in Hoop Time, being guided by Will Pohlner. 

Our girls team progressed through to the grand final match with two losses, one draw and one win throughout the preliminary games. The girls were up against the strong West/Haven outfit for the final match and lost 13 to 5 points. This was a huge improvement from our first game against the same outfit going down 20 to 6 points. A huge congratulations on your successful day girls, under coach Maya Przibilla.

A huge thank you to the coordinating staff and both Maya Przibilla and Will Pohlner who took on coaching roles for the day, providing positive support and direction for our budding basketball stars. We very much appreciate your roles in managing your teams, providing valuable leadership and guidance throughout the multiple games was incredible - thank you!

Awesome Thursday - Lightning Premiership

While 24 Year 3-4 students headed to Hoop Time at the basketball stadium, Year 5-6 students headed out to netball, football and soccer representation.  Thank you to all teachers, parents, support staff and Middle School students involved in the coaching, planning and umpiring of the events.  Our students are very fortunate to have these opportunities planned each year for them. All had a great day.

Western District Cross Country representation

I had the pleasure of driving a bus of 15 students to Warrnambool on Monday. AT HTLC, we have great students who always represent themselves, their families and their College in a great way! Well done students, on how you conducted yourselves on the day. It was a treat to enjoy some Warrnambool rain and some Warrnambool sunshine with you!

Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

Greater Western Cross Country

On Monday, about 25 students from the primary and secondary schools travelled to Warrnambool for the Greater Western Regional Cross Country.

Despite the weather looking threatening, the students were excited about their opportunity, and many students ran strong times at a pace of less than five minutes a kilometre. It was fantastic to see all the students putting in their best effort despite a challenging course with numerous elevation changes.

Congratulations to Ilze vZ (10th), Adelyn P (5th), Tadhg M (2nd) and Lexie H (1st) for earning their place in the state finals on July 13.

Year 7 and 8 boys AFL

The Year 7 and 8 boys represented the college on consecutive days in the Black Ranges football competition this week. On Tuesday, a combined Year 7 and 8 team competed in the 18-a-side round robin, losing both games but demonstrating a willingness to compete and work together against older and more experienced opponents.

On Wednesday the Year 8s and 7s formed separate teams to compete in the nine-a-side competition. With fewer players on the field, players had a greater opportunity to showcase their skills. Some of the highlights on the day included Mason H's dashing runs along the wings, taking multiple bounces; Jeremy F's clearance work and penetrating left foot; Malakai vB's tireless efforts in the ruck; Frazer S's run and carry attacking football; Cody S’s defensive work; and Rhylee O's relentless tackling on bigger opponents.

The boys had a great couple of days representing the college and showed improvement across both days. Thanks to Mr McKenzie for coaching and Jarhyn M, Zac vB, and Amelia vB for umpiring. Thanks also to Miss Martin for convening the event on Wednesday.

Year 7 and 8 girls netball

On Tuesday, 30 May the Year 7 and 8 girls netball teams travelled down to the Horsham City Netball Courts full of excitement and energy. They started off well, with both winning their round one games by more than 10 goals. Another win for both teams in round two saw their confidence start to grow for players on both teams. This winning streak continued for their third round with the Year 7 team beating Marian 20 goals to 6 and the Year 8 team beating Stawell 21 goals to 12.

Both teams were very excited heading into their final matches with the possibility of progressing to the regional finals. Unfortunately this was not to be the case with both sides losing to undefeated teams. All girls who participated on the day should be proud of their efforts as they showed great skill, sportsmanship and effort. 

Coming events

June

18 - Australian HPV Super Series: Round three (Adelaide) - Junior School students only

July

13 - State Cross Country Finals

Mr Matthew McLoughlin, Secondary Sports Coordinator

Dr Justin Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel Nine's Parental Guidance and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au. He holds a PhD in Psychology and is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie have created numerous podcasts covering all aspects of parenting and children. Here are a few options out of the many you have to choose from with your free Happy Families membership!

HTLC has partnered with Happy Families to offer free premium memberships to all our families! To access your free membership please click here.

#769 What to do About the Mean Girls

Justin and Kylie answer a listener's question about friendship difficulties.

Topics included in this episode -

• The difference between boy and girl play
• Justin shares a recent study
• Boys use their bodies, girls use their words
• Friendship issue solutions
• Optionality equals resilience
• Control
• Give them the opportunity come up with their own ideas
• Contact the school
• Get to know other families
• Avoidance reinforces anxiety

Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

Access this podcast by following this link - https://podfollow.com/1082244480/episode/d4fbad1d405f301f1ee3f9231e7b27a1a8ccd510/view

#763 Are Smartphones a Smart Idea in Schools?

Justin joins some big names to discuss a smartphone ban in schools

Topics included in this episode:

• Swombies - social media zombies
• How social media affects kids - 
• Self-expression and validation
• Appearance comparison
• Fear of missing out
• Bullying and harmful content
• The brain drain studies
• As smartphone use goes up, academic performance goes down
• Arguments from the other side of the debate

Access this podcast by following the link - https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/763-are-smart-phones-a-smart-idea-in-schools

#533 Emotion-Based School Avoidance aka School Refusal

Why do kids refuse to go to school and how can we help them?

Topics discussed in this podcast:

• Why do children refuse to go to school?
• Emotion-based school avoidance
• Problematic absenteeism
• 1-2 per cent of children experience school refusal
• What counts as school refusal?
• Eight solutions
• The Secret to Magic Mornings? Put the Kids to Work
• School Refusal

Access this podcast by following the link - https://podfollow.com/1082244480/episode/2d6203f6f81e74de84cc7fcf9a6488bfa269cc3f/view

Next week we welcome the return of lunch orders to the Junior School. We are delighted to have SuperFeast Horsham prepare and supply items for student lunches. In this initial trial period, all students are asked to place their order on a clearly labelled white envelope on Wednesday, for delivery on Thursday lunchtime. No brown bags are required.

The menu is here and we ask that parents please give the correct money inside their envelope. However, families are allowed to combine payments into one sibling order, this just needs to be clearly stated which student lunches are included in the total.

After the trial period in Junior School for the remainder of the term, it is anticipated that growth can be made throughout all sub-schools, and a canteen-style service can also be accommodated on-site for students.

Thank you to the members of our Junior School SRC for requesting this service be available to students. We encourage all of our students to have a voice and it is wonderful to make these requests a reality.

We are very excited to be starting a playgroup at HTLC on Thursday mornings for children aged 0-5 years.

There will be Come and Try HTLC Preschool Playgroup sessions on Thursday 15 and 22 June, from 9.15 until 10.15am in the College library.

Families are welcome to arrive from 9.00am.

Carers are required to stay during each session.

Mrs Ferguson and Ms Deleeuw will be the facilitators, and I thank them for all of the preparation they are doing as we look forward to our first session.

We encourage families and friends to come along for the fun.

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is open now and Holy Trinity Lutheran College is excited to participate 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 register for the challenge please contact Learning Enrichment Coordinator Susie Penny at susie.penny@htlc.vic.edu.au.

The lost property is overflowing with winter jumpers, sports jackets, coats, lunchboxes, hats and drink bottles.

If your child is missing anything, take a look in the lost property at Reception.

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

Horsham Holiday Park is looking for two casual cleaners to join the team. 

Applicants must be reliable, able to work during school holidays and some weekend work may also be required.

Hours are great for school parents as they can drop off children at school and then go to work. They would generally be finished about 12.30pm-1pm.

On-the-job training is also provided.

Call the Horsham Holiday Park on 5382 4481 for more information.