Greetings.

Last Friday evening our Year 12 students came together for the final time as a cohort at their graduation service and valedictory dinner. It was a wonderful moment for families and friends to celebrate their achievements and I am grateful that we had the opportunity to do so. I wish our graduating class all the best as they prepare for their next adventure! As we all prepare for the final weeks of the term, I draw your attention to the plans in place for each closing service for our 3 sub-schools. These will take place on:

• 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.

All members of our school community are warmly invited to attend these services.

On Monday evening the PTFA AGM was held. On behalf of the college community I would like to thank the current volunteers and office bearers for their involvement during the year. In particular I give thanks for the service of Adelle Lee (Chairperson), Linda Wundke (Secretary) and Jenny Maroske (Treasure). I acknowledge it has been a challenging year with several events needing to be cancelled but I commend the committee on their efforts. During the meeting held on Monday night the election of office bearers for next year took place. I would like to wish Adelle Lee (Chairperson), Vanessa Lantzakis (Vice-chairperson), Lauren Nagorcka (Secretary), Jenny Maroske (Treasurer), all the best as they take on these positions of responsibility in 2023. I pray that the new school year is a productive time for the whole committee.

Since the end of October, it has been wonderful to see the new Foundation students and their families for 2023 as they engage in our transition program. From all reports the time spent with each other has been very well received by the children. I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to the families, our teachers Miss Lienert and Miss Janetzki, and our Head of Junior School Mrs Friberg, for their involvement and support for these future young men and women of our college. I pray that the final session next week will be one of joy as they prepare to commence their formalised schooling next year.

With the upcoming student free day on Monday 28 November, I would like to wish all families a restful long weekend. As this is the scheduled reporting writing day for staff I remind our community that the Main Reception will remain open on this day. If families need to get in contact with the College, they can do so during the normal opening hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm. We will welcome students back to classes on Tuesday 29 November.

Have a wonderful week.

Mr Daniel Weller, College Principal

by Verena Johnson

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Not long ago, I found myself doing what I once swore I’d never ever do. Something that instantly marked someone as old when I was a teenager … I was catching up with a group of friends, and we were comparing medical conditions and operations, and yes, a few scars were even shown. Teenage me would have been horrified!

I must say, though, that as I get older, the idea of a whole new body in heaven in place of this deteriorating ‘earthly tent’ becomes more and more attractive!

In this passage, Paul urges us to ‘fix our eyes on what is unseen’, which, at first, sounds like a bit like an oxymoron. How can you look at what you can’t see? And if you can’t see it, how can you fix your eyes on it?

Of course, he’s talking about our spiritual eyes, but they can so easily be distracted. It’s easy to focus on the things we can see, touch and feel in this world. To be so caught up in our daily circumstances and the earthly struggles and trials we face that we lose our heavenly perspective. Sometimes, we need to put our spiritual glasses on to see the truth more clearly when it all becomes fuzzy.

I know about this because some years ago, I refused to entertain the idea that I might need glasses. (Another sign that my ‘earthly tent’ might be getting older.) Instead, I kept on squinting through the growing fuzziness. When someone finally gave me my first pair of reading glasses, I was amazed at the difference they made. I could see properly again and not get headaches from trying to read or sitting at the computer all day. I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t done it earlier!

So put on your spiritual glasses, and fix your eyes on this clear truth …

We are made for more than this. This life is not all there is. Our true eternal home is in heaven.

Keep your spiritual glasses on, and fix your eyes on that truth today – whatever this day holds for you. Fix your eyes on it amid everything. Fix your eyes on it regardless of your circumstances. Fix your eyes on it in the coming days, weeks and months.

You might be as amazed as I was at the difference some glasses can make.

Heavenly Father, thank you that you have a heavenly home for us with you. Thank you that we are made for more than this and that this life is not all there is. Help us fix our eyes on what is unseen and eternal in the midst of our earthly lives. Amen.

Foundation 2023 Transition

It was absolutely lovely to have our Foundation students for 2023 spend time in classrooms for the first time on Tuesday morning.  It was a pleasure to see the excited children getting to know one another, listening to stories and completing learning activities. We shared information about starting Foundation at HTLC with parents during an information session and enjoyed morning tea together while students were in classrooms. We look forward to seeing our 2023 Foundation students again on Tuesday 6 December for the Transition Day.

Comfy Day

Everyone was very pleased to be able to wear their tracksuit, onesies, oodies and hoodies for our Comfy Day yesterday hosted by the Junior School SRC. Money raised will be donated to the Parkinson's Foundation.

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 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.

Junior School Captains 2023

Speeches of Year 5 students nominating to be Junior School Captains took place in the MPC this afternoon. All students in Years 3 to 6 attended and had the opportunity to vote. Our 2023 Junior School Captains will be announced at the Closing Service on Wednesday 14 December. 

Report Writing

Monday 28 November will be a student free day, as teachers will be preparing students’ reports. 

Student Books for 2023

Each year we have some very organised parents who are keen to know how many exercise books and the sizes for the coming year, to purchase book covers. Teachers have indicated what the requirements will be for each year level to use as a guide for the super-organised amongst us.

Chapel

This week our Foundation J class led our Junior School in worship with a service based on Matthew 1:23. Next week FL will visit Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village on Wednesday, and FL 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.

Congratulations to this week's award winners!

FJ: Ariana Ruwoldt, Lochlan Cooke, Mikayla Hallam FL: Louie Ferguson, Kayleigh Butler, Roly, Shiva Sharma 1C: Deaken-James Stevens, Rayaan Gunaseelan 1I: Edith Brennan 2B: Tristan van Zyl 2H: Sage Carter, Alfie Janetzki 2S: Imogen Gerdtz, Azahlia Bruenjes, Sienna Malloy, Saxton Steicke 3B: All of 3B 3D: Jonty Polack, Connor Dempster, William Starks 4B: Eleanor Bouma, Lara Todman, Kobe Hallam 4M: Luella Burke, Zara Przibilla, Angus Crute 4R: Sophia Gerdtz, Maddie Lee, Matilda Smith, Allira Coller 5D: Alexis Bartlett, Charlotte Doyle, Jy Dennis 5H: Bodhi Edmonds, Lauren Rudolph 6M: Andy Mbati, Sienna Treloar, Josiah Newlyn-Combe 6N: Lilly Peucker, Lj Kafegellis, Will Pohlner 6V: Neve Twemlow, Grace Puls Chinese: Bonnie Grieger, Savannah Korf, Charlotte Matuschka Digital Technology: Lachlan Holmes, Lachlan Engert, Peter Smith, Ryder Sassmannshausen Performing Arts (F-2): Emmy Myerscough P.E.: Cooper Puls Library: Indiana Oakley Holy Trinity Tiger Award (5-6): Kirrily Dandy Holy Trinity Cub Award (3-4): Hugo Poplawski Holy Trinity Cub Award (F-2): Zac Liston

Key Junior School Dates

Blessings,

Mrs Fiona Friberg, Head of Junior School

Semester 2 Examinations

End of Semester examinations were held this week for all students from Years 7 to 11. The results of these exams will appear in the semester reports which will be sent home with students at the end of this term. Staff will be busy putting these reports together over the next few weeks.

End of Year Schedule

The conclusion to exam week also means the end to the Semester 2 timetable as students move into Headstart for weeks 9 and 10, and then Activities week. Even though classes have stopped, it will still be a busy time for our Middle School students:

Year 9:

• Headstart VCE Subjects
• Catchup work sessions
• Rite Journey iDesign Showcase
• Tandara Challenge Day
• Rite Journey iDesign Presentation
• Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony
• Peer Support Training
• Middle School Graduation morning tea
• Activities Week Rotations

Year 8:

• Headstart classes
• Year 8 Camp (Hike)
• Rock and Water ceremony
• Swimming Pool Party
• Activities Week Rotations

Year 7:

• Headstart classes
• Sandboard Design and Construction Challenge
• May Park ice-cream afternoon
• Year 7 Camp
• Activities Week Rotations

Middle School Closing Service

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.

Mr Jason Przibilla, Head of Middle School

Year 12 Graduation service and dinner

Last Friday night, staff and parents shared in a celebration that marked the conclusion of secondary education for our group of Year 12 students. The evening opened with a service for families and friends where students were acknowledged for their academic efforts throughout the year. Dinner followed for students and their families. The evening was reflective and a special time to share memories. House coordinators presented shared reflections on the students and their experiences throughout their time at Holy Trinity. Some of the students have been with us since their first day of Foundation, providing many heartfelt and humourous anecdotes for the evening. The dinner program was capably led by our College Captains, Ryan Pfitzner and Madalyn Toet and College Vice-Captains, Sabian Panozzo and Dana Haughton. It is with both sadness and gratitude that we reflect on the contributions made by this cohort of students to our college community. Many of the students have already commenced holiday employment as they await their final results which will be released at 7:00am on Monday 12 December.

Cambodia Learning Tour

Initial deposits are due today. Next week we should be able to confirm further details for those students participating in the trip.

Senior School Closing Service

Our Senior School Closing Service for 2022 will be held in the Senior Centre agora on Thursday 8 December from 1:30 pm – 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.

Head Start Program – Year 10 and VCE

Head Start for Senior School students commences on Tuesday 29 November and runs through until Thursday 8 December. During Head Start, students will be provided with an outline of the content, assessment and expectations of the studies they have selected to undertake in 2023. All students are required to be in attendance throughout these two weeks as programs will be running for all students. Timetables have been shared with students this week.

VCAL Head Start

An important aspect of the Vocational Major (previously VCAL) program is the ability to work with others and recognise your role within a team – a skill essential to transition into the workplace. Over the next two weeks, our 2023 VM students will be involved in learning experiences that have been designed to provide a similar experience to their 2023 program and to demonstrate the ways in which they need to manage their learning and subsequent outcomes. Learning activities will be both classroom based and workplace focused with Wednesdays and Thursdays providing Structured Workplace learning experiences within the school campus.

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.

Mrs Sally Kuchel, Head of Senior School

Please find upcoming sporting dates below for your calendar:

• Change of date - Greater Western Cricket Blast Ballarat, Monday 28 November (Student free day)
• State Cricket Blast Melbourne, Thursday 1 December

Cricket Blast

There have been multiple date changes relative to Cricket Blast. The confirmed date is this Monday 28 November - yes, on our student free day. Students within our boys and girls teams will make their way to Russell Square in Brown Hill to compete against schools including Skipton, Sacred Heart Colac, Stawell and Buninyong to name a few. We wish both teams a brilliant carnival and send great vibes for a fantastic day for all involved.

Winning teams have an opportunity to progress to State Cricket Blast in Melbourne which will held the same week on Thursday 1 December so a very quick turnaround as a result of all the postponements of earlier cricket events due to unforeseen weather.

Best of luck to our teams for a fantastic carnival and some sunshine to compete in would be an absolute added bonus.

Swimming Carnival Year 4 to 6 February 2023

Please keep an eye out for an email form via Operoo relative to Swimming Carnival Event Selections for those students heading into Years 4-6 next year. Thank you in advance for providing detail 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.

Yours in Sport!

Mrs Hayley Thomas, Junior Sports Coordinator

Christmas is the season that “should” fill us with joy. We are supposed to be relaxing. We are supposed to be spending time with those we love. We are supposed to be indulging just a little bit more than normal in some of the finer things of life.

For some of us, that’s precisely what we do. Christmas is a delight.

Many of us, however, want to love Christmas. We know we “should”. It’s just that… well… we don’t seem to be able to. Time pressure and financial strain combine with big crowds, Christmas feast preparation and RELATIVES!  We love our family. We love our in-laws. We just don’t like being around them very much, particularly at Christmas.

The reason?

Some relatives don’t really get it. The house feels crowded. The kids feel cramped. Uncle Jim starts talking about the latest controversial not-for-kids programme on Netflix at the table in front of the kids. Grandma sits on the couch and starts playing a game on her phone. Your brother’s new girlfriend makes an offensive comment about your house, cooking, political view, or haircut. No one takes the hint on when it’s time to go home. At least three people have had too much to drink. And everyone watches while you do all the cooking and all the cleaning up!

And all of this is exacerbated when there’s travel involved, so sleepovers are required. Now you’re navigating your space with people you love, but don’t necessarily always like, particularly when you’re sharing your space with them.

Perhaps this is an over-exaggerated caricature. But we’ve all had that uncomfortable Christmas season where exhaustion rules, everyone is coming over for Christmas Day, and we’re really nervous because of the last big blow up that caused significant friction in the family.

In this article, I’m going to share 7 strategies to beat the Christmas Grinch and...

TAKE BACK YOUR CHRISTMAS!

#1 Create some structure

I know this sounds awful. I know you’re thinking “no way”, I just want to relax. But hear me out:

If you have an outline of your afternoon or evening, you can communicate some general expectations to everyone. What time will everyone eat? Will gift giving be early or late? Do you have backup activities in case kids start complaining that they’re bored? Are there any traditions or faith-related priorities that need to be locked in?

You may not need to have these kinds of things prepared, but by having the scooters ready, a Christmas movie downloaded and ready to go, or your favourite walk mapped out, you can redirect people when things get tricky. Kids fighting? Send them out to play one of those games, switch on Netflix, or send them on a walk. The same things goes for the grown-ups. You never know who’ll need some distraction or redirection on Christmas Day.

#2 Practice acceptance

Your children might groan and moan. Your partner might be apathetic or misaligned with your view. Simply accepting that this is how things are can be a helpful approach for you to get through the day. But it could also be useful for your kids. Do they hate the way a grandparent talks down to them or treats them? Make a joke about it. Accept it will happen and make a bet with them about how many times that “thing” will be said or done. Encourage them to be polite always, but create your own in-jokes that can be shared privately to foster an acceptance that “it is what it is".

If your partner views things differently to you, see the world through their eyes. What does it mean to them to have family around? Why do they respond the way that they do? How can you support them to get through these challenges better?

#3 Craft your joy

What brings you joy at Christmas? Is it a good book by the pool? A favourite meal? Cuddles and gifts in bed with the kids on Christmas morning? The opportunity to decorate and cook? Create the space to find your moments of joy and bliss during the lead up and on the day.

#4 Assume the best intentions

Perhaps your father-in-law says offensive things, particularly when he’s had a drink or two. What he is saying to you might reek of political incorrectness. It may offend your sensibilities. And you may be right! But in all likelihood he’s trying to share something important to him. He believes he is right and wants you to realise his wise ways.

The same applies to comments on the garden, the cooking, the kids… in their own clumsy way your relatives are trying to be helpful by pointing out all of your faults and everything that’s wrong with the way you live your life. It’s clumsy. It’s wrong-headed. It’s inappropriate. But… they’re trying. Not in the way you’d like them to try, granted. But they are trying. Assume the best intentions and you’ll find it easier to stomach.

#5 Find ways to serve one another

A wise mentor taught me that as we serve others, our love for them increases. And as our love for others increases, we desire to serve them more. Find joy in your service to your family. Express appreciation to them for taking the time to be with your family when they could have chosen alternatives at Christmastime (even if you think you’d have preferred that they did). As you serve them, watch their appreciation. Feel the love. My tip: serving your family will bring you closer together. Do it willingly without expectation and feel the way it shifts your heart.

#6 Heal wounds

There is something deep inside each of us that desires closeness with kin. We are biologically and psychologically predisposed to want to connect with family, share involvement and experiences, and simply be together. When those relationships rupture, Christmas time and other festive family occasions can be isolating. Wounds can fester. Sometimes the best way to make family feel close is to swallow our pride, acknowledge our faults, and say sorry. Unconditional apologies (where we don’t demand that our apology be met with another one from them) heal families and make being together joyful.

#7 Serve a higher cause

When we come together with a common purpose, particularly one that is deep and meaningful, difficulties can be overcome and relationships can be strengthened. Some families use Christmas as a time to donate to a cause together or volunteer in the community. Some choose to work as a family to decorate their home and yard with Christmas lights that bring delight to the neighbourhood. And for those with a faith background, service through religious participation can also bind families and strengthen relationships.

When all else fails...

These 7 strategies can bring families closer at Christmas. But… sometimes, regardless of how hard you try, family functions are just too hard. You may not be able to get along. When this happens, the following three ideas might help:

Stay polite. Just grin and bear it. It will all be over in a few hours (or days if they’re staying)

Set your expectations low. It’s the secret to happiness. Low expectations mean that if things go the way you expect, it’s not a disappointment. But with low expectations it’s easier to be pleasantly surprised

Set boundaries. It’s ok to say “Jeff, the last three years we’ve had issues. We’re keeping alcohol off the table this year.” If Jeff has a problem (and wants to bring his own) you can say “No. Not this year.”

And these two last-resort options might help:

Set up your day so that some “unexpected” friends drop by at just the right time to ease the pressure. A visit from a friend or neighbour will lift everyone’s mood, give you some respite, and encourage your family to be on their best behaviour.

Cancel Christmas. Sometimes it might actually all be too much. If you just can’t face it, don’t.

Ultimately, no one can ruin Christmas for us. We get to decide. Sure, our family might have their quirks and challenges. But we are the ones who decide whether we will be annoyed.  We are the ones who decide whether to take offence.  We are the ones who decide our response. Your relatives don’t make you mad. You choose it.

This Christmas, choose gratitude, forgiveness, service, and connection. This Christmas, choose joy. 

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.

Parents and carers of students in leadership positions (e.g. captains, ambassadors, SRC members) are able to purchase group photos of these leadership groups, taken on the School Photo Day earlier this year. If you are interested in purchasing a group photo, please email Maddie Ruwoldt at maddie.ruwoldt@htlc.vic.edu.au to receive your unique order code.