Throughout the first few weeks of this year, the college has been going through the process of appointing a Business Manager. We can now officially announce the appointment of Mr Dennis Chew as the college’s next Business Manager.
Dennis comes to us with an impressive background in business management, information technology, and leadership across various sectors, including corporate, not-for-profit, and educational organisations. His wealth of experience is sure to bring fresh perspectives and contribute to the success of our college.
Dennis has a strong Christian faith and values that are cherished here at HTLC, and we are confident that his leadership style will strengthen our community bonds.
Currently residing in Melbourne, Dennis and his family will soon embark on a new chapter as they relocate to Horsham. We extend our warmest greetings to them as they make this transition.
Dennis is expected to commence his role at HTLC in six weeks and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will have on our college community.
We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Neil Leek, the interim Business Manager who has capably held the role since November. Neil's dedication and contributions during this period have been invaluable, and we sincerely thank him for his commitment to HTLC. Neil will continue in his role as interim Business Manager until Dennis assumes the role in April.
God will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
NAPLAN for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be between the 13 and 25 March. An information note will be sent home to parents next week.
On Monday, 26 February, a Leadership Installation Service for all House Captains, SRC students and Year 12 seniors will be held in the MPC at 9am. Parents, carers and friends are welcome to attend.
Congratulations to Jemma Fox on the safe arrival of her baby girl - Sophie Louise Fox, born 17 February at 12.45am. The college wishes Jemma and family every blessing as they welcome baby Sophie into their home.
Mr Jason Przibilla, Acting College Principal
Faith News
Why is the Messiah being baptised?
by Pastor Glenn Crouch
When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too (Luke 3:21).
Our passage starts off with John proclaiming the good news. He continues to prepare the way for the Messiah. It is not surprising that the question arises as to whether John might be the Messiah. He points people away from himself to the Messiah, as the one who is to come is far greater. John’s preaching includes holding the leadership to account, and thus, we see this faithful prophet thrown in prison.
We then jump back (verses 21 and 22) to when John baptised Jesus. Wait a minute. Jesus is the one who is without sin. He is the one who always does his Father’s will. He is the one person who does not need to repent or need forgiveness. Why is the Messiah being baptised?
Later, when Jesus is on the cross, he takes upon himself the sins of the world, which includes our sins – past, present and future. We see here that as his ministry starts, he is already on that path and receives baptism just as we need to receive baptism. In baptism, we are joined with Christ’s death and resurrection. In Jesus’ baptism, he accepts the path that leads to him bearing our sins.
Not only does Jesus die for us. Not only does the Father raise him from the dead for us. Jesus also lives the life we fail to live.
Father, renew in me the joy of your salvation. Remind me of all you have done for me through your dear Son. Thank you for all that you gave me in my baptism. I ask this through my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sub Schools News
Junior School News (23 February, 2024)
School buses update
This year Holy Trinity administration has collected information from families that are in contact with the Department of Education regarding bus availability for our students. This year, bus applications have been further centralised into the department office, and Bus Coordinator Caroline and the college have less involvement in individual concerns. Please continue to send your families’ updates through to Maddie at HTLC reception, so leadership can compile these to present as a single school case to Emma Keely’s office (state Member for Lowan) and Dr Anne Webster’s office (federal Member for Mallee) to problem-solve the situation.
The bus policy has always been to support the travel of department school students before independent and Catholic school students, as the bus administration is overseen by the state department. We have involved our federal member in these discussions (different from previous years) as we believe that these buses should run for all taxpayers, regardless of the choice of school they make.
On Monday, Mr Przibilla will host a whole college assembly to install our College House Captains and SRC representatives. We congratulate the following students on their leadership roles within the Junior School:
House Captains:
Mallee - Judd O, Alvin J, Charlotte K, Lola K
Wimmera - Jed F, Vincent B, Alyssa S, Greta S
Lowan - Zack P, Kobe H, Halle S, Mahli H
SRC
3B
Jonny N
Zetta B
3D
Ava H
Cole T
4F
Mila J
Felix F
4M
Edie H
Oliver McD
4R
Thevlini S
Ryder E
5A
Indi W
Koby C
5D
Leni J
Liam R
6H
Cypress K
Charlie B
6N
Camille A
Ella B
6V
Becky W
Bryce McD
Monday-Tuesday this week
This Monday and Tuesday, Mrs North and Mr van Zyl will be out of the school with our Year 6 leaders at a leadership camp, held at Tandara at Halls Gap. These leaders get the opportunity to meet with student leaders from other Lutheran schools in Western Victoria, to participate in a leadership camp, with a guest speaker from Australian Lutheran College. We know God will bless this time for you!
Visit from Unity College Year 5 students
Our Year 5 students will break for lunch early on Monday, as they host the Unity College Year 5 students from Murray Bridge. Again, we know God will bless this time, as students can meet other students of like age from our sister school, show some hospitality and take a risk and say g’day. Mr McLoughlin was a former Unity student and teacher, and we use the Unity College gym for a stopover for HPV later in the year when we compete in some of the South Australian events.
Design of play spaces in the Junior School
For the start of the year, the Foundation-Year 2 students have looked at the design process in their Technologies lessons with Mr Borgas. We have been looking particularly at the design of the play spaces of our yard, and some of the things we could do to improve the functionality of our spaces.
The Year 2 classes have some things we would like to ask our community for if you could help! We would like:
2x big round hay bales. We would place them in the ‘cubby space’ (bottom of the oval), so that students could use them in imaginative play
Three metres of loam, so we could dump it in two particular patches, so it can be wet by the sprinkler each morning. (the more sand spaces, the better)
Some more big logs, to place in a campfire arrangement, to facilitate friends that just want to sit in the shade
Some rounds of logs, about 10 centimetres thick (maybe x20), to create ‘lilypads’ to jump from one place to another
If you could help us out, please write us a note and send it along with your child/student to deliver to either Mr Borgas or a Year 2 student!
Many thanks, Mr Borgas and Year 2
Parent-teacher sharing sessions - thank you
Thank you to families for your conversations over the course of the week through our parent-teacher sharing sessions. This is an invaluable opportunity to meet your child’s classroom teacher and foster a positive relationship in their educational journey. It is invaluable to build this coeducator relationship early and in a positive way, as a school problem shared is a school problem halved!
Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School
Celebrating teaching and learning
It is wonderful to start the year with innovative and engaging learning taking place within our Junior School. Our teachers draw on a variety of techniques from inquiry pedagogy, Visible Learning for Mathematics and Visible Thinking Routines to captivate learners as we make our way through the new Version 9.0 Australian Curriculum.
Each fortnight, the Teaching and Learning section of the newsletter will recognise those students who have received awards and celebrate the learning that takes place at HTLC.
Awards
FJ: Grace R and Audrey M, FL: Emmett J and Livini F, 1H: Jiya K, Lewis H, Tessa W and Priya S, 1P: James B and Patrick B, 2H: Alfred J, 2S: Louie F, 3B: Romy O and Ariel M, 3D: Gracey B and Charlie Y, 4F: Isla S and Felix F, 4M: Boh A, Cooper S and Beau M, 4R: Penny W, Olivia B and Pacey M, 5D: Sanhitha R and Liam R, 5A: Lachlan D, Alex N, Mia Y and Zara B-McC, 6H: AJ C, Lara T and Nixon B, 6N: Camille A, Milton E and Alvin J, 6V: Becky W, Kingston G and Everleigh C. Specialist awards: Technology: Milla E, Performing Arts (F-2): Aadu A, PE: Sanuj R, Chinese: 1P and 1H.
Our Trinity Tiger (5-6) Award recipient was Noah M, Trinity Cub (3-4) Felix M and Trinity Cub (F-2) Oliver S.
Student work
This week I would like to showcase the learning taking place in the Year 6 Genesis English classroom. Students were asked to prepare a short story with no more than 500 words, utilising their creative writing skills and capturing a particular moment in time.
Mrs Jacqui North, Junior School Teaching and Learning Coordinator
Secondary School News (23 February, 2024)
Uniform
All secondary students are reminded that sports uniforms may be worn only on specified days for each year level and during timetabled periods for those students who have undertaken VCE programs requiring sports attire. Students are encouraged to check with their Year Level Coordinator or homeroom teacher if they are unsure of these days.
Hats
Hats are compulsory during Term 1 and should be worn at all times when outdoors. New hats may be purchased, if needed, from the uniform shop.
2024 leaders
At a whole school assembly on Monday, student-elected Student Representative Council members for each year level will be presented with their badges. We congratulate these students on their initiative and willingness to assume positions of additional responsibility.
Year 12 students will also be presented with their 2024 Senior Leaders badges at this time.
Swimming Sports
On Friday we had a day of sunshine for our 2024 swimming sports at the Horsham Aquatic Centre. Red, yellow and blue costumes, banners and decorations surrounded the pool as Wimmera, Mallee and Lowan competed for the annual House Shield. Students are all to be commended for their willingness and eagerness to participate in and contribute to the spirit of the day, which saw Wimmera come away the winner once again. Congratulations also to those students who were awarded championships for their age group.
Distance Education
VCE students who have chosen to undertake a Distance Education subject this year are reminded of the importance of personal organisation, ensuring that tasks are completed within the required timeframe and submitted by the end of each week.
After-school study sessions
All VCE students are encouraged to take advantage of the after-school sessions when provided by staff from Monday to Thursday evenings from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Private study time is also available for students at this time.
Support staff are available to assist Middle School students to work in the study space on Monday and Wednesday nights from 3.30pm to 4.40pm.
Students leaving the college grounds
Students who are unwell during the day at any time are asked to inform the front office who will contact parents, if needed, regarding their departure from the school.
Mrs Sally Kuchel, Head of Senior School
Sports News
Sports News (23 February, 2024)
Black Ranges senior cricket
Unfortunately, the Black Ranges senior cricket scheduled for Tuesday last week has been cancelled due to the deadline for the Greater Western Regional Entries passing.
Australian HPV Super Series 2024
We are just three weeks away from starting our defence of our National Championships in the Australian HPV Super Series at Mount Gambier. For the 2024 season, we will again be running six trikes; boys and girls teams for the Junior School and Middle School, a mixed team for the Senior School and an open team for old scholars and parents of the HTLC community. If you’re interested in being involved in this hybrid of Formula 1 and the Tour de France, please get in touch with me via email. We are also seeking sponsorship for the 2024 season to continue to allow our students to perform at their best.
Hockey Victoria Roadshow
It was a fantastic experience having Hockey Victoria recently attend our school as part of their roadshow program. Our students learnt the skills of hockey through exciting game-based activities in an engaging, fun and safe environment.
While the roadshow is over, students can continue their hockey journey by joining a local Hookin2Hockey program. With programs starting soon now is the perfect chance to get out on the pitch. Hookin2Hockey will allow children to expand on the skills they learnt at school and develop fundamental motor skills while making friends and having fun!
HTLC equestrian interschools
Natimuk A and P society is running an interschools qualifier ring at the show on Saturday, 23 March. This event is designed for anyone interested in participating in the Equestrian Victoria Interschools State Championships, to be held at Werribee in the Easter school holidays. Competing at Natimuk will meet the participation requirement to be able to enter this event and represent HTLC. Please contact Amanda Rudolph at amanda.rudolph@htlc.vic.edu.au for further information.
HTLC swimming carnivals
After Lowan grabbed a three-peat of swimming carnival victories on Thursday last week, the secondary students in Wimmera had the opportunity to match that record, as they defended their back-to-back championship against Mallee and Lowan in the secondary swimming carnival on Friday. Not to be outdone by their primary school counterparts, the Wimmera team stepped up and delivered, demolishing the competition to win by 178.5 points.
Thank you to all the staff and students who played a role in the success of the carnival, either through assisting in the running of events, competing, or coming along and supporting the students who did compete. The atmosphere was fantastic and events like this can’t happen without support.
Age champions for the 2024 Secondary School Swimming Carnival were:
12-13-year-olds: Lauren J (girls) and Colby A (boys)
14-year-olds: Ellua B (girls) and Archie F (boys)
15-year-olds: Ilze vZ (girls) and Edward J (boys)
16-year-olds: Mia N (girls) and Jed P (boys)
17-year-olds: Stephanie W (girls) and Chase B (boys)
18-20-year-olds: Sophie P (girls) and Jacob M and Matt E (boys)
Congratulations to all the record-breakers at this year’s swimming carnival:
Junior: Abel N (11 boys 50 butterfly, 50 freestyle, 50 backstroke), Emily L (11 girls 50 freestyle), Javier B (9-10 boys 50 backstroke), Vincent B (12-13 boys 50 freestyle, 50 backstroke)
Senior: Chase B (17 boys 50 freestyle), Edward J (15 boys 50 breaststroke), Ellua B (14 girls 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly, 50 freestyle, 50 backstroke), Jacob M (18-20 boys 50 butterfly, 50 freestyle), Matthew E (18-20 boys 50 breaststroke, 50 backstroke)
Lost property from the swimming carnivals will be kept at the front office.
Black Ranges and Little Desert swimming
This week, students who met the qualifying criteria were contacted regarding their progression to the Little Desert (Junior) or Black Ranges (Senior) swimming finals. Please note, the Little Desert has determined (in line with the SSV state finals rules) that swimmers at their event can only compete in two individual events along with a medley relay and a freestyle relay. Swimmers at the Black Ranges event can compete in as many individual events as they wish, but may only swim in a maximum of five individual events at the state finals. Successful students at the division level will progress to the regional finals on 22 March.
The Little Desert Division Coordinator, Gary Davidson, is seeking parent volunteers for timing and marshalling on Wednesday, 28 February. If you are available to assist (no prior swimming experience necessary), please contact him directly via gary.davidson@htlc.vic.edu.au.
HTLC sport in the community
At the weekend, a number of HTLC students were representing regional teams in individual sports across the state. Georgia F competed in the Little Athletics Victoria regional event in Ballarat, coming away with gold medals in the 100 metres, 200 metres and triple jump, along with a silver medal for javelin. She will travel to Melbourne for the Little Athletics Victoria State Championships in Melbourne on the March long weekend.
Vincent B was also busy racking up the medals at the weekend, as he competed for the Horsham Sharks at a swimming event involving children from Ballarat, Warrnambool and the Wimmera. Vincent came away with four gold medals and three silver medals and won the Heather Phillips Memorial Trophy as the age champion for the event.
Ilze vZ has been selected to represent the Wimmera-Mallee in the under-15 netball team that will travel to Bendigo on 9 and 10 March to compete in the state championships. Congratulations, Ilze!
Over the summer holidays, four Year 11 students represented the Horsham Cricket Association in the under-17 Country Week tournament in Warrnambool. The boys (Jude B, Dezi C, Brodie F and Xavier S) all played a role in the success of the side, who made it to the grand final, but were unfortunately runners-up on the day.
22 - Greater Western Region primary and secondary swimming finals
25 - Black Ranges intermediate amd senior volleyball
26 - Greater Western Region primary tennis
26 - Secondary athletics carnival
27 - Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival
April
19 - State primary and secondary swimming finals
19 - Black Ranges intermediate and senior girls AFL
22 - HTLC primary and secondary cross-country
23 - Greater Western Region intermediate and senior volleyball
Mr Matthew McLoughlin, F-12 Sport Coordinator
Wellbeing News
A SPECIAL REPORT: Surviving the final year
It’s no secret that the end of school can be a huge source of anxiety for both students and parents alike. Studies have shown that more than 40 per cent of final-year students suffer from high-level anxiety or stress, with some even suffering from depression.
It is important to prepare a student’s brain for success. Studies show there is a clear link between students taking care of their health, and their overall productivity during the final year of school. Understanding how best to support your child’s health and wellbeing during this time will help them perform at their best. The student brain has a lot going on, so understanding how it works will help them get the most out of their brain power. Acknowledge that not all stress is bad. The art is in finding the right balance. Having the right amount of stress can encourage students to be at their optimal level of alertness, and improve behavioural and cognitive performance. It helps tune their brain and focus.
In this Special Report, parents and caregivers will be presented with a number of strategies on how best to support their child during the final year at school.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Wellbeing Barometer Survey for primary and secondary
SchoolTV has been supporting families and schools for quite some time now by providing guidance and information to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by young people, especially during the pandemic. Over recent months, many people have been impacted and it has proven to be a difficult time for some more than others.
However, irrespective of whether your family has experienced many lockdowns or not, the social, economic and psychological impacts over the coming months remain uncertain. There is substantial evidence to show that mental health concerns are on the rise, especially in relation to our young people who may require some extra support. Parents will need to play a vital role in providing this support, helping their kids reframe their worries and focus more on the things they can control in their life. Ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of our young people is important for many reasons, one of which is the direct impact it can have on educational outcomes.
In this Special Report, we are seeking parent participation through a short survey. The survey is designed to assist the school to provide a barometer on the state of wellbeing within the community. The information gathered will assist in focussing on the key issues affecting students and discovering where further assistance may be required. Responses will remain anonymous and are applicable to all school-aged children across primary and secondary levels.
We encourage all parents and carers to spend a few moments to complete the survey. This will help with understanding the nature and extent of your concerns and determine how best to support our community.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College Wellbeing Team for further information or seek medical or professional help.
The Victorian Government's Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund provides schools with payments for eligible students to attend camps, excursions and sporting events. To be eligible for this funding, families must hold a valid means-tested concession card. CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent/legal guardian’s concession card being successfully validated with Centrelink on the first day of either Term 1 or Term 2.
The college will offer assistance to those who qualify.
CSEF applications for 2024 are now open. Get more information and apply here.
Field days volunteers needed
Coathangers needed
The HTLC uniform shop is after donations of coathangers for its second-hand uniforms. The shop would particularly welcome coathangers with clips such as these:
Donations can be taken to the uniform shop or left at the front office.
The uniform shop is open the following times during the term:
Monday from 9am to 4pm
Friday from 9am to 2pm
Harrow-Balmoral seeks players for junior teams
Strengthening Parent Support Program
Peter Taylor Memorial Barefoot Water Ski Tournament
The Peter Taylor Memorial Barefoot Water Ski Tournament is on Friday and Saturday, 23 and 24 February, at the Dimboola Recreation Reserve. The event is free to all.
Those who attend will view the best barefoot water skiers in the country and some internationally. On Saturday evening hear from the guest speakers - six-time world champion Gizella Halasz and 11-year-old up-and-coming superstar Archie Hanckle, who will talk about barefoot waterskiing and encouraging children to get involved in this family-friendly sport.
We aim to get children more active and involved in participating in this unique sport and to allow them to see and listen to the world’s best. There is a range of opportunities for kids to participate.
Horsham Film Society back for 2024
Horsham Youth Nature Crew
Household chemical collection day - detox your home
