Newsletter (28 July, 2023)

We hope this newsletter finds you well and that you've had a fantastic week filled with exciting events and meaningful moments in and around our College.

Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the Alice in Wonderland musical. The performances were truly captivating, and it was a joy to be led down the rabbit hole!

The hard work and dedication of our talented students, staff, and volunteers definitely paid off. We also want to express our appreciation to all those who booked a ticket and supported this marvellous production. As I spent some time backstage during performances, I was really honoured to see the deep sense of camaraderie built between the cast, crew and volunteers. It was inspiring to see in particular students who have grown in their confidence and risk-taking. The arts are truly captivating.

Tonight, we have something exciting in store for our students! The Glow Disco is taking place, and our Junior School students couldn't be more thrilled. Events like these are only possible because of our amazing Parents, Teachers, and Friends Association. We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated group of individuals who go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for our students. The PTFA is always welcoming to anyone looking to join its meetings and contribute to the many fantastic initiatives.

Continuing from last week's focus on contemporary enterprise skills, this week I am putting the spotlight on communication. In an increasingly connected world, effective communication skills are more important than ever. Through various activities and discussions, our students have the opportunity to enhance their ability to express themselves confidently and articulately. Some ways to strengthen communication skills include:

Active listening: Practice listening attentively to others and show genuine interest in what they have to say. This helps you understand their perspective and respond appropriately.
Non-verbal communication: Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Non-verbal cues can greatly influence how your message is received. Practice using appropriate gestures, maintaining eye contact, and speaking with confidence.
Continuous learning: Take advantage of opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in communication. This could include reading books, attending workshops or seminars, or even taking communication courses.

In Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Jesus shares several parables to teach his disciples and the crowds about the Kingdom of Heaven. Through the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, Jesus emphasises how the Kingdom of Heaven starts small but grows and permeates every aspect of our lives. Just as a tiny mustard seed can grow into a great tree, the kingdom of God starts small but eventually encompasses everything. Jesus also compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a hidden treasure and a pearl of great value, symbolising the worth and joy of discovering and fully committing to God's reign. Finally, Jesus explains that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that catches fish of all kinds, separating the good from the bad. In these parables, Jesus reveals the nature of God's kingdom as transformative, valuable, inclusive, and just. As we transition into this weekend, let us ponder, how can we nurture the growth of God's Kingdom in our own lives and in our College community? What does it mean to fully commit to God's reign in our lives? How can we prioritise the Kingdom of Heaven above all else?

As always, I am most grateful for your continued support and involvement in our College community. Let's keep the momentum going as we embark on another week filled with learning, growth, and connection.

Enjoy your weekend!

Mr James Phillips, College Principal

by Pastor Joshua Pfeiffer

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31b).

Here is a bit of a trick question: should Christians boast? Most of us will instinctively answer no, which is understandable given the most common definition of boasting. That definition would be something like this: ‘to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities.’ Australians are especially averse to this sort of thing, aren’t we? In the verse just before ours, we are warned, in particular, of ever-boasting in God’s presence. This is the ever-present human temptation to bring our own works before God to earn his favour rather than receiving it from him as a gift in Christ.

The Apostle Paul actually says this is one of the reasons God works in the way he does, namely through weakness. The first Christians in Corinth and many other places weren’t the high-fliers and the movers and shakers. They were the down-and-outs and people others thought inferior. This is similar to the way God speaks about Israel in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 7:7,8). As God chooses to begin his covenant with people or his church with those who aren’t impressive in the eyes of the world, it shows that no one can claim they have God’s favour because of something in them. Instead, it’s all a gift; therefore, there is no boasting before him.

But then notice in our text that the Apostle Paul says there is a right kind of boasting. It’s as if human beings are wired to talk with excessive pride about something or someone, but sin has distorted the orientation of that impulse. So instead of suppressing it completely, Paul redirects it. He speaks of a boasting that isn’t focused inward but outward on another. Paul says we are to boast in the Lord. We are to talk with excessive pride about him, who he is and what he has done. The Lord Jesus is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. So, there is plenty to boast about when we are focused on him.

Father in heaven, we thank you that we don’t need to boast in your presence, as you have given us all things in Christ. By your Spirit, make us bold to boast in you before the world. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wednesdays - Breakfast club

This Wednesday was the first of many Wednesdays to follow where a breakfast club will be offered in the junior school. For many reasons, kids might miss breakfast. From just waking up late, to some families not being able to prioritise food purchases among all of the other bills, it is a great initiative to run. Full tummies in the morning ensure healthy, working brains throughout the day!

Thanks to the Wellbeing staff for this initiative, as well as some great servant-hearted students from Year 4!

Building Community - Sausage sizzle

On Wednesday, the Energetix Aerobics team, their teachers and parents put on a great sausage sizzle. Thank you for supporting this initiative. As the girls have made the Nationals before, parents and teachers know that this is the time of the year, that we put on our thinking caps and raise some money to assist in covering some of the costs associated with going!

It gave me great joy to see the commitment from mums and dads as they effectively prepared a whole school lunch, but also from the students as they worked to serve our community in this way, while also raising funds to finance their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Well done and thank you!

Building staff spirituality

The staff usually gets together each morning for morning devotion at 8.20am. This semester, Mr Phillips has changed our schedule up somewhat so that we have staff buddy groups across the college. My buddy group has one of our groundsmen in, Ad Schache. We decided that while the barbecues were being used for the day, we would warm one up and cook ourselves breakfast to start the day. We invited Mr Przibilla’s buddy group also. We ate, we laughed like we were around the campfire (in the maintenance shed), and we prayed for direction in our day. If God has a plan for your day - wouldn’t you like to be in on it too, rather than feeling like you’re ‘flying blind’?

Co-educators. Educating together with you!

I have had three great circumstances this week where I have been involved in overseeing great communication between parents and teachers. As a co-educator team (providing for your child’s learning together at school and at home), each pair solved a problem together that no one party on their own could. The teacher had some crucial information on how the child was at school, and the parent had some essential information that was critical in moving their children forwards.

Life is learning and learning is life

Building on the above paragraph, what a privilege it is for me to see both teachers and parents taking that risk to share information in the best interests of the learning of their child. The funny thing is, in putting the best interests of the child forward, the adults are the real winners in the situation, reducing their anxiety and building their skills in communicating objectively with each other.

Your Holy Trinity community does this so well! Keep up the great work!

Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

MS Assembly

This week we held our first Middle School assembly for the semester. Assemblies are a great opportunity to build community and celebrate student and staff collaboration and achievement.

Alice in Wonderland musical

Mrs Hahn started the celebration by acknowledging the Middle School students who performed so wonderfully well in the school’s musical production of Alice in Wonderland. Students who didn’t get to experience the musical live were treated to a photo montage put together by Mr Polack. The students and staff were thanked by Mrs Hahn but the biggest thank you was saved for the end when the Middle School showed their appreciation to Mrs Hahn for her efforts in putting on such an amazing show.

Central Australia Tour

Next up was a video montage of photos from the Central Australia Tour last term. Many memories came flooding back as the video played. Afterwards, Ava Jackson, Chloe Altmann and Matthew Steadman shared some reflections from the tour, talking about their highlights, memories and learning experiences gained from the 10-day tour.

Specialist Sports Coaching Program

A new initiative for the Middle School is the Specialist Sports Coaching program which was introduced to the students. This program, which will run weekly during, after or before school hours will provide selected students with specialist sports coaching in the sports of netball and basketball. Mr McKenzie will lead the basketball and Miss Cashin the netball, and both teachers spoke passionately about their programs and what students can gain from being involved. There was a flood of students come forward at the completion of assembly to express their interest in this wonderful opportunity.

Student celebrations

The Year Level Coordinators and Mr Pickering concluded assembly by welcoming Corey and Ethan to the Middle School, acknowledging birthdays, sharing special news and selecting the winners of the SOL Awards.

This week’s assembly was a real celebration of the talents and gifts that are present in the Middle School. I look forward to celebrating these further as the term progresses.

ICAS

Information about the 2023 ICAS Competitions have been sent to parents. The tests will be sat in the following weeks:

ICAS English: Week 6 Term 3
ICAS Science: Week 7 Term 3
ICAS Maths: Week 8 Term 3

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 who wish to register to complete the English, Maths or Science competitions, can do so by visiting the following link and entering the school access code:

HTLC Parent page link: shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

Enter our school’s access code: UON982

Parents can then follow the prompts to register and pay for access to the competitions. If you need any assistance with this process, please make contact with the school.

Mr Jason Przibilla, Head of Middle School

Senior School pathways – Year 11, 2024

Over the past two weeks, Mrs Schneider and Mr Bandel have met with many Year 11 students and their parents to discuss their options and preferred pathways for 2024.

Our initial indication of subjects of preference has been disseminated by Web Preference for the first time this year so students are completing their preferences online. These are due to be submitted no later than 3.00pm on Friday, 28 July.

Alice in Wonderland

The past few months have been a whirlwind of rehearsals, props and costumes for many of our senior students. Finally, the long-awaited production was staged at the Horsham Town Hall where our College community was enthralled and captivated as we were transported to a world of wonder. What an outstanding representation of the talent within our school – both staff and students! Our senior students, who assumed several lead roles within the production, engaged us from the moment they took to the stage, creating many valuable memories of the time they spent together perfecting their craft. We are extremely proud of each of you!

Congratulations also to Michelle Hahn the producer and her very capable backstage crew, along with the numerous staff and parents who helped out with the many varied tasks that accompany staging a performance of this standard.

We look forward to the next great production to come from our exceptional performing arts program!

Important Senior School dates

VCE written examinations: Tuesday, 24 October to Wednesday, 15 November

VTAC applications open: Monday, 31 July at 9am

SEAS applications and supporting documentation open: Monday, 31 July at 9am. Submit by 6 October at 5pm

VTAC applications close: Thursday, 28 September at 5pm

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

Australian HPV Super Series: round four

The first weekend of August marks the final short-form round of the Australian HPV Super Series for 2023. HTR will be rolling back to The Bend Motorsport Park for an eight-hour event that will see all six trikes returning to the circuit for the first time since May. Thank you to all students who have already returned their paperwork for this event.

Rider submissions close today, so please make sure that you have contacted me if you are planning on attending but haven’t yet returned your form.

Horsham Volleyball

It has been great to see the Horsham Volleyball season get underway this week and experience all the HTLC involvement across both nights of competition. This season, we have representatives participating in all grades, with six of the record 38 teams consisting of mostly HTLC students.

Black Ranges Year 7 and 8 volleyball

Selection trials for the Black Ranges volleyball will begin next week. Please ensure students tune into the daily bulletin each day for further updates.

School Sport Australia championships

Congratulations to Tadhg M and Jarhyn M, who have been umpiring at the School Sport Australia AFL Championships held in Ballarat this week. Despite the cold weather, from all accounts the boys have had a good week. We are sure that you have done yourselves and the school community proud.

Coming events

August

5 - Australian HPV Super Series: round four in Tailem Bend

23 - Black Ranges Year 7 and 8 volleyball

September

5 - Black Ranges Year 7 basketball

6 - Black Ranges Year 8 basketball

15 - Australian HPV Super Series: round six in Murray Bridge

Mr Matthew McLoughlin, Secondary Sport Coordinator

Think about the most recent positive experience you had with one of your children; one where you felt truly connected. Perhaps it was an instant of joy as she made a new discovery. Maybe it was a flash of laughter as his joke landed perfectly on your funny bone. Or it could have been a tearful or heartfelt embrace, a moment of deep reflection, or a twinkling of peace as you simply sat together and felt… safe. Brené Brown says connection is “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.”

It feels good to belong. To know that you matter. To feel worthy. That beautiful energy between you and your child ebbs and flows. Each interaction requires us to re-connect with our child to maintain the experience of being connected. And this explains why parenting – and relationships generally – can be so hard. The obstacles to maintaining connection are endless.

Kids are better at regulating emotions, solving problems, and are more resilient when parents are connected with them. And they act out less. We know that children are seeking attention because they need it to be healthy and happy. In fact, it may be less about “attention-seeking” and more about “connection-seeking”. Sensitivity, empathy, and responsiveness are at the core of creating a nurturing environment that will support our children’s needs and allow them to flourish.

This means: If your child is seeking attention, give it to them! Think about moments of genuine connection you’ve experienced with your child and pay attention to what you notice.

Connection is that moment when your infant smiles at you and you mirror their delight as you smile back.
Connection is when you hold out your hand in response to your child reaching for you.
Connection is your face lighting up with the thrill of seeing your child serve an ace on the tennis court, slam a spike on the volleyball court, bowl out middle stump on the cricket pitch, kick a goal on the soccer field, or swim a personal best in the pool.
Connection is your eyes meeting your child’s across a room after school, followed by a smile, a squat with arms extended, and a run-up hug for a child who misses their parent.
Connection is what we feel when we truly accept our child for who she or he is.

Dr John Gottman calls our children’s choice to reach out to us a “bid for connection”. When we respond to those bids with warmth, acceptance, and engagement, we build life into our relationship with our child. If LOVE is spelled T-I-M-E, what does HURRY UP spell? And are we thinking about this as we interact with our kids? Our reactions are, at best, a response to unexpected and unforeseen difficulties and at worst, the equivalent of an emotional bomb blast because we aren’t intentional and mindful of what needs to happen to make the morning function well.

For a healthy life our children need to learn to comfortably rely on others for emotional support, guidance… connection. And it is this connection (and dependence) that predicts wellness and adjustment.

Ideas for connection

To build stronger connections, consider these ideas:

Do what’s important but unspectacular over and over again.
We often get caught up in planning the perfect party, the heavenly holiday, or the exciting event so we can all connect and make memories. This can be a useful strategy, but a focus on consistent small episodes of responsiveness and connection will do more for happiness, wellbeing, and growth.
Review the way you use your time.
The time that people with lousy relationships spend on Netflix, social media, excessive work, or with other distracted pursuits, people with extraordinary relationships leverage into opportunities to be present, mindful, and connected. Build your catalogue of connection experiences, not your catalogue of movies to watch on your streaming service.
Allow your worlds to cross over.
Our children are desperate to enter our world and connect with us. Even more, they crave the opportunity to bring us into their world and share their experience of life with us (yes, even with the grunt in response to our query about how their day was). Let your children know that you are interested in what they’re interested in, and pay attention to their lives. The true meaning of connection is love – or loving connection – that draws us to others because it is the truest way we can feel seen, heard, and valued. It is love that gives life.

Happy Families was founded by Dr Justin Coulson. Justin earned his PhD in Psychology from the University of Wollongong. He and his wife Kylie have been married since the late 1990s and are the parents of six daughters.

You can register for your free Happy Families Premium School Membership through our school's unique URL.