Newsletter (20 October, 2023)

This week I have had the opportunity to fulfil the role of Acting Principal whilst Mr Phillips has been on leave. The role of the Principal in a school is a diverse one and this week has been no different with a range of experiences and challenges ensuring my schedule was kept busy.

The week started in a special way as we farewelled our Year 12 students who celebrated their last day of school by leading the whole College in worship. This day is always an emotional time and this year was no different. The students put together a moving chapel service which included a photo montage of their years at school, a selection of their favourite worship songs and a thoughtful and insightful message led by student Cher-Leah W. After being led through a guard of honour from the whole school, the students departed for their Big Day Out, a final day of celebration before the hard work of exam preparation begins. All the best to our Year 12s as they prepare for their final exams and end of year celebrations.

Earlier this term a Parent Meeting was held to provide an opportunity to present to the HTLC community the findings of an external review of the College operations. The review that was handed down to the Board was extensive and highlighted many positive areas of the College. The review also identified several areas of possible improvement to help the College operate more efficiently and ensure that student education and outcomes remain the key focus well into the future. This week, an information email was prepared for HTLC families which highlighted the areas where improvements can be made. The email also addressed many of the questions that were asked on the night. I encourage all families to take the opportunity to read the email and reach out to a member of the leadership team if you still have unanswered questions. The corrective action needed has been labelled as ‘not complicated, but urgent’ and I look forward to working with the HTLC community to implement the changes which will ensure the long-term sustainability of the College.

Next week is World Teacher’s Day – a day where the world celebrates the wonderful work that passionate and caring teachers do each and every day. The PTFA have been working with the school to put together a special celebration next Friday, 27 October to acknowledge the hard-work and dedication of our teaching staff. I encourage our HTLC families to reach out to a staff member who has made a difference in your child’s life to let them know they are valued and appreciated.

Mr Jason Przibilla, Acting Principal

by Pastor Reid Matthias

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate (Mark 10:9).

It used to be that in wedding ceremonies, the pastor would pause and ask a question of those in attendance, ‘Does anyone have any reason to object to this marriage? Speak now or forever hold your peace.’ Despite what you might believe about Hollywood and its droll wedding movies, the reason these words were spoken at weddings has nothing to do with another suitor standing at the back of the church, lovestruck, banging on the doors to proclaim their interrupting vows of affection for the bride or groom. No, the reality is much different. In ancient Christian ceremonies, the question of objection was asked to make sure that neither the bride nor the groom was married to anyone else. For the three Sundays prior to the marriage, the question was asked at worship just in case. Why was this? Because when God brings two things together, no one should separate them.

We don’t ask the question at weddings anymore because it’s unnecessary. But the reason is still incredibly relevant because when God brings people together, we should hold our peace or – more importantly – give it to them. For me, the Scripture is obviously about marriage but also about relationships in general. As God brings people together – friendships, families, working partnerships – separating them is a result of hardened hearts.

Instead, as people were bringing little children to Jesus for him to bless them, he said, ‘Be like these kids. God’s kingdom belongs to people like them’. In general, kids are soft-hearted, malleable, inquisitive and desire relationships above all else. Be like them, Jesus says, because in that mindset (not infantile behaviour, mind you), you get to see all the great things God has joined together for good.

Who are people in your life with whom God has connected you?

Feel free to drop them a line of encouragement and appreciation today.

Heavenly Father, bless me with a soft heart and open my eyes to your goodness in the world. Help me to appreciate the amazing people you have blessed me with. Amen.

Welcome Foundation 2024 students!

On Tuesday morning we welcomed students in our 2024 Foundation classes and their families to our school community. It was a delight to meet and engage with the children. Next year’s Foundation students visited in three groups, the first of four visits they will complete before the end of the year. We read The Five Little Ducks together, sang the action song and completed a craft activity. We are looking forward to our second on-site Story Time session on 31 October.

School uniform

Please ensure students wear white (girls) or grey (boys) socks with their formal summer uniform, and HTLC sports socks on their sports days. Anything worn under uniforms, such as singlets or T-shirts, should not be visible. The Uniform Shop will be open Tuesday from 9.00am until 4.00pm and Friday from 9.00am until 2.00pm if you require items.

Swimming program

Our Foundation to Year 3 students will be enjoying swimming lessons at the YMCA on a staggered timetable from Week 6. We all know the importance of Australian children learning to be safe in and around water, and we’re pleased to be able to help prepare our students for fun and safe water play.

Administration staff

We ask that you be kind and patient with our administration staff. They are experiencing higher-than-average calls from the community and we ask that you please contact the relevant Heads of Schools for assistance where necessary.

Reverse Advent Calendar donations

Each year we aim to help students develop a heart of service by providing an opportunity to support a local charity. This year we will again be participating in the Reverse Advent Calendar community project, to help provide essentials to local families in need. Teachers will be providing further information over the coming weeks.

Chapel

This morning 2I led our Junior School worship, with a message from Ephesians 2:10. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are. Next week 4B will lead our Chapel. Students are encouraged to bring a small offering each Friday morning, which will be supporting our Compassion Child Lordina in Africa. We hope you can join us for worship.

Blessings,

Mrs Jacqui North, Acting Head of Junior School

ICAS competition results

At this week’s Middle School assembly, those students who nominated to complete the ICAS Competitions received their participation and achievement certificates. Congratulations to the following students who achieved outstanding results:

Year 7

English: Hamish H - Credit
Science: Hamish H – Distinction; Scarlett N - Credit
Maths: Hamish H - Merit

Year 8

English: Zoe B – Credit; Olivia Y - Merit
Science: Edward J - Credit
Maths: Edward J – Credit

Year 9

English: Lachlan L - Merit
Science: Oliver I – Credit; Lachlan L - Distinction
Maths: Lachlan L - Credit

Arts and Technology Week

In week 6, HTLC will be holding an Arts and Technology Week. This event will provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the creative endeavours of everyone in our Secondary School. Some of the exciting events being offered are Arts and Tech competitions, lunchtime challenges (Cooking, STEM, Wood, Textiles, Media/Computing) with prizes to be won. Most of these activities will be run throughout the Specialist Precinct. We will also be promoting and showcasing our specialist and elective subjects by holding an open evening and concluding the night with live entertainment (Under the Stars). This evening will be on Wednesday, 8 November. Students are encouraged to volunteer to assist on the night. Please see Mrs Przibilla if you can help.

State athletics

This week, Year 7 student Georgia F competed at the State Athletics Championships in Melbourne. This in itself is an amazing achievement to make it to this level but Georgia wasn’t satisfied with that. She went on to run extremely well and finished in second place for both events, meaning Georgia is the second-fastest girl in the state for her age group. The HTLC community is proud of your effort Georgia and these results are a testament to the hard work and dedication you show to your athletics, well done!

Term 4 key dates

30 October-3 November: Year 9 Rite Journey camp
Wednesday, 8 November: 2024 Year 7 parent information session
Monday, 20 November: Exam week
Monday, 27 November: Report writing day (student-free day)
Week 9 - 28 November to 1 December: Headstart Week
Week 10 - 6-8 December: Year 7 camp
Week 10 - 7-8 December: Year 8 hike
Tuesday, 12 December: Last day for Middle School students and Closing Service

Mr Jason Przibilla, Head of Middle School

Farewell to our Year 12 students

The beginning of this week was an important time of farewell, reflection and celebration for our Year 12 students. The group enjoyed a breakfast at the Capital restaurant before leading their final Chapel for the College. The students then moved through a guard on honour formed by students from Foundation to Year 11 and rang the original school bell to signify the end of their formal years of schooling.

They spent a relaxing day in Ballarat before returning home to commence study and exam preparation on Tuesday.

All Year 12 students are strongly encouraged to find the place that is most effective for their study. The private study rooms in the Senior Centre are available for those students who would like to come in to school to work. Uniform is not required at these times but students are asked to sign in at Front Office and out on departure. All Year 12 staff will be available to run revision sessions or provide support to students during usual lesson times, until their subject exam is completed.

College Captain

All students have the capacity and ability to develop their leadership skills and each is a leader in some way, regardless of their ability to stand in front and share their vision. Leadership is nurtured throughout the College and our Captains assume an important responsibility in their roles. They are ambassadors who support the values of the College and play an active role in all aspects of the community, working with those around them to achieve positive outcomes.

We commend those students who have applied for College Captain positions for 2024. Interviews have been finalised this week and next week applicants will present to the secondary student body.

FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport

Holy Trinity Lutheran College is pleased to partner with FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport once again in 2024. We have collaborated with the intention of supporting our students who excel in their field of sport at district, regional, state or national level and who aspire to improve their level of performance. In partnering with FedUni WestVic Academy, we are aiming to offer a unique opportunity that will complement existing training programs, and that may not have otherwise been accessible to our students.

Admission to the program provides successful applicants with the following services throughout the year:

Musculoskeletal screening - conducted by an Exercise Physiologist
Sports Physiotherapy lecture - injury prevention and management
Individual strength and conditioning program – developed by Strength and Conditioning coach – reviewed during the year
Participation in High Performance training day
Theoretical and practical training and development sessions
Diet and nutrition presentation
Foot and ankle injury clinic
Victorian Institute of Sport Tour (Melbourne)

Further information regarding applications for entry to our 2024 Specialist Sport Program will be provided in the coming weeks.

Summer uniform

All students should now be wearing summer uniform. Sports uniform should be worn only on designated days with white College socks. The College Uniform Shop is open at the following times during the term: