Christ has risen! He has risen indeed.

Greeting to the HTLC community, particularly as we commence this new school term.

Prior to the start of the week, I sent an email to all families highlighting aspects of our COVID Safe Plan that have been altered due to the further easing of restrictions. I ask that all families read this information and get in contact with the Main Reception if it wasn’t received.

With a desire to further provide connection within our community, the PTFA has developed a survey to seek feedback from our parents. The survey link was sent via email and made available as a paper version at the start of the week, you can also find it here. I encourage parents and families to complete this if they haven’t done so to enable the PTFA to organise and provide valued experiences throughout the year. 

It is with regret that I announce that due to staffing issues the school canteen will not be operational for the next few weeks. It is hoped that the canteen will be up and running soon, providing special treats for our students. A notification will be sent the week prior to provide further information when it is available.

This term we welcome Mrs Janelle Whittaker (Primary Teacher Aide) to the college. I wish Janelle God’s richest blessing as she commences her time with us.

From the start of Term 2, it will be an expectation that students will wear winter uniform. Due to the variances in the weather normally experienced over the coming weeks students will have a transition period until 1 May to make this change. Please refer to Uniform Policy for more information if required.

We're happy to announce that applications for Academic and General Excellence Scholarships are now open for new and returning students entering Year 7 up to Year 12 in 2023. Find out more at our website.

As we come to the end of the first week, I wish all students and families a happy and joy filled term.

Have a wonderful week.

Mr Daniel Weller, College Principal

by Pastor Reid Matthias

Because everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world (1 John 5:4a).

If I write the word ‘conqueror,’ who first comes to mind?

Throughout history, there have been military leaders who have, through often brutal means, enlarged their territory. Genghis Kahn, the Mongol leader, conquered territory from eastern Europe across the entirety of Asia to Japan on the east. According to history, his superior military tactics, along with the Mongols’ expertise on horseback and with bow and arrow, allowed him to subdue any group that tried to stand in his way.

From the Apostle John’s perspective, though, conquering the world is not about taking territory, but actually giving it up. Or, as the NIV translates, ‘overcomes’ the world.

How does this happen? Is it by our superior tactics? Our war-like tendencies? Cutting the world down with weapons of destruction?

No, it is by the power of God and his empowerment of love to his children.

‘Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God … and everyone who has been born of God [ie received the Holy Spirit] overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith’ (1 John 5:4,5).

This is the victory. Christ the Conqueror through love. The free gift of grace through our faith in Christ Jesus allows us to give up our aspirations of conquering territory and allows God to conquer the terror of sin, death and the devil.

What kinds of things has the Holy Spirit helped you conquer in life? What are some things you’d like to ask for help with?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing gift of faith. Thank you that it allows me to see that you have conquered the world so I might live freely in it. Your victory is immense! Praise Christ the Conqueror!

Welcome to Term 2! We pray that you have enjoyed the holidays and managed to slow down for a few days, and took time to remember the amazing gift of forgiveness we receive through Jesus’ death and resurrection! 

ANZAC Day

On Tuesday we recognised ANZAC Day with a remote service viewed in classrooms. Our Junior School captains attended the Horsham Rural City Council dawn service at Sawyer Park on Monday morning.

Cross Country

Congratulations to all students who participated in the HCPSSA Cross Country on Wednesday. Thankyou to Mrs Thomas, Miss Davis and Mrs Morrow who accompanied our students to the city oval. Please see Mrs Thomas’ Junior Sports News for details.

Assembly and Chapel

Junior School assembly will be held in the MPC on Monday and then every second week. Chapels will return to face to face worship in Week 3. Parents and visitors are welcome to attend.

Student Leadership Day

Next Tuesday our Year 6 students who have student leadership roles as Junior School Captains, House Captains and Student Representatives will be attending a Student Leadership Day at Nhill Lutheran School. Student leaders from other Lutheran Schools in our district will also be attending. The day will be facilitated by Emma Graetz from Australian Lutheran College.

Mother’s Day

Mums are invited to bring a picnic lunch to share with your Junior School children at 12.45pm on Friday 6 May. We will be outside, so please dress to suit the weather. Junior Red Cross will be having a Mother’s Day Stall on this day also.

Foundation 2023

This week Mr Weller and I have begun to meet with students enrolled for Foundation in 2023. If you have a child at home who is starting school next year and you have not been called to arrange an interview, please contact the college office to ensure your child is enrolled.

School Uniform

We are now transitioning from summer to winter uniform. All students are required to wear their winter uniform from Monday 2 May. Please note that students are asked to dress in their formal uniform unless it is their specified sports day, and that the sports jackets are not to be worn with formal uniforms. If your child requires an extra layer of warmth, navy jackets are available from the uniform shop. Black puffer jackets are not permitted.

NAPLAN

This year all Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN tests will be administered online, with the exception of the Year 3 Writing test. The testing schedule will run for two weeks with tests planned for the following days:
Tuesday 10 May: Year 3 and Year 5 Writing
Wednesday 11 May: Year 3 and Year 5 Reading
Monday 16 May: Year 3 and Year 5 Conventions of Language
Tuesday 17 May: Year 3 and Year 5 Numeracy 

Catch-up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days up to and including Friday 20 May 2022. Changes to this schedule may be made if required.

Chapel

It was wonderful for our college community to come together to worship on Tuesday morning as we began the new term. Next Friday, FJ will be preparing a recorded Chapel service based on ‘Looking out for the needs of others’ as we celebrate Mother’s Day. The Bible reading is Philippians 2:4. We encourage students to bring a small offering to Chapel each Friday.

Mrs Fiona Friberg, Head of Junior School

Welcome Back

Welcome back to all HTLC families after what I pray was a restful and relaxing holiday break. The term started with Opening Service which was held in the MPC. With Covid restrictions continuing to ease, there was an exciting atmosphere as the whole college gathered together to begin the term in worship, with a focus on the resurrection of Jesus. I pray that this term is a productive one for staff and students.

Term 2 Key Dates

There are a number of key events to look forward to this term, including:
Week 1: House Cross Country and Elevate Study Sessions
Week 2: Interschool Sports Day
Week 3: NAPLAN, HPV - Tailem Bend event, Mother's Day High Tea
Week 4: NAPLAN, Year 7 Information Evening and Open Day
Week 5: Year 8 Melbourne Excursion
Week 6: Exam Revision Week
Week 7: Exam Week
Week 9: Reports Sent Home
Term 3 - Week 1: Parent and Teacher Interviews

Anzac Day

On Monday, the Nation paused to reflect and remember the sacrifices made by Australian Service men and women in conflicts past and present. A large crowd gathered at Sawyer Park in Horsham for the Dawn Service. I accompanied the Middle School Captains (James Pfitzner, Prue Heard, Tadhg McGrath and Lexie Heard) who were in attendance and laid a wreath on behalf of the college, paying their respects. Lest We Forget.

Study Skills Seminars & Examinations

This week students had the opportunity to participate in study skills seminars led by Elevate Education, Australia’s leading study skills provider for schools. These sessions were particularly informative and productive. Follow-up material for students and parents can be found here. If students were absent for the study skills seminars, detailed notes can be provided by emailing Mr Przibilla. A reminder that examinations for all students will be held this term. The exam revision week will be held in Week 6 of term from Monday 30 May. The exam week will be held in Week 7 of term from Monday 6 June.

NAPLAN 2022

The NAPLAN schedule for 2022 has been set with tests being administered online on the following days:
Tuesday 10 May: Year 7 and Year 9 Writing
Wednesday 11 May: Year 7 and Year 9 Reading
Monday 16 May: Year 7 and Year 9 Conventions of Language
Tuesday 17 May: Year 7 and Year 9 Numeracy

Uniform Update

• Students are expected to be in winter uniform from next week onwards
• Hats are no longer required to be worn during recess and lunchtime and can be brought home by students
• Students can now change in and out of their PE uniforms on selected days
• As the weather gets cooler, a reminder that puffer jackets are not to be worn in class or during recess or lunch times

Mr Jason Przibilla, Head of Middle School

Elevate Education - Study Skills Seminars

We have had a busy return to Term 2 with all students from Years 7-10 participating in Study Skills seminars this week with Elevate Education. Our facilitator engaged the senior students with practical skills and strategies they can undertake to ensure their study and exam preparation is both meaningful and thorough. 

Year 10 students looked closely at the study techniques of top students and how these can support them to navigate their workload throughout the year.

Year 10 College tie presentation

Year 10 students were presented with their College ties at the end of last term. As a Senior School winter uniform item, the tie, which symbolises and signifies the commencement of Senior School, is worn with pride by our senior students throughout the winter months and on formal occasions with the white shirt and college blazer.

Work Experience - Year 10

Work Experience for Year 10 students is rapidly approaching. Students are reminded that Work Experience Arrangement Forms provided by the school must be completed before the placement can be confirmed. Positions for experience can be competitive as the other schools also run this program so it is advisable to identify and secure a placement as soon as possible.

College Ball 2022

As final training sessions have commenced, this is an important time for all students to be in attendance. Altered training times with additional sessions have been circulated to students and parents. All ticket sales are now finalised and special food requirements are being collated by Main Reception.

Uniform

This week we are transitioning from summer to winter uniform. From Monday, all students are required to wear their winter uniform. The Uniform Policy is available under "Policies" via the Hub, and will soon be available through the HTLC App.

Students are reminded of the following:

• Hair longer than shoulder length is to be tied back with hair bands in the appropriate school colours. Extreme hairstyles, excessive use of styling products or colouring are not permitted. Please ensure your children have hair ties with them if required.
• Students are to wear HTLC sports socks on the days they wear their sports uniform.
• Jewellery can consist of plain sleepers or studs. A small cross on a fine necklace inside the uniform is accepted. 
• Garments worn under the shirt or dress for added warmth must not be visible. 
• It is not compulsory for hats to be worn in Term 2 or 3, however students may continue to wear them if they would like to. 
• All students are expected to wear the official college uniform, not only while at school, but also while travelling to and from school.   

The Uniform Shop is open on Tuesdays from 9am until 4pm, and again on Fridays from 9am to 2pm

Mrs Sally Kuchel, Head of Senior School

It's been a busy start to Term 2! 

HCPSSA Cross Country

Students who progressed from last term's HTLC Junior School Cross Country participated in the next stage this week. The HCPSSA Cross Country was held at Horsham City Oval on Thursday. We're incredibly proud of all students that participated, and saw fantastic results;

HTLC Cross Country

Congratulations to all those that competed in the HTLC Cross Country. Through some cold weather conditions, students performed extremely well and represented their houses with pride.

It was a closely contested battle, with Mallee managing to take out the victory, congratulations to all Mallee students and house captains Zyla Nelson and Jordan Friberg.

Congratulations to the following students who won their age division;
12-13 years: Toby Uebergang & Adelyn Penny
14 years: Jack Hicks & Alissa Trenery
15 years: Jude Borlase & Cadi Streeter
16 years: Lars Simmons & Sophie Pietsch
17 years: Jordan Friberg & Chloe Haughton
18-20 years: Ryan Pfitzner & Racquel Deckert

State Swimming Championships

Congratulations to Tom Urquhart, Jacob Matuschka, Chase Briggs and Matt Ellis who represented HTLC at the State Swimming Championships in Melbourne on Thursday. All students represented the school with pride, with Tom managing a huge result finishing 3rd in his 50m breaststroke event. Another massive congratulations to the boys for efforts at the State Championships!

COMING EVENTS

Term 2
APRIL
28 - State Swimming Championships
29 - Black Ranges INT & SNR Girls Football

MAY
2 - Black Ranges INT & SNR Boys Netball
2 - Black Ranges Year 7/8 Girls Football
3 - Greater Western INT & SNR Boys Volleyball
6 - Black Ranges Athletics Carnival
9 - Black Ranges Cross Country
19 - Black Ranges SNR Girls Netball

Mr Jesse Kuchel, Head of Sport and Coaching

The final year of secondary school is a year of hard work and a huge commitment for students. With so much going on it can be hard to find the balance between study and life. It is a time when personalities start to emerge, there are more complex interpersonal relationships and there is the pressure to perform academically. With all of this going on, it’s not surprising that some students have an emotional response and it is therefore extremely important for parents to know how to support their children during this time.

Some kids will need more support than others. Keeping the communication lines open with your child, their teachers, mentors and other parents will be crucial. Being aware of your child’s mental and physical wellbeing can play a vital role in their success.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will discover practical advice for students and parents to help get through the final year of secondary school.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the College Wellbeing Team for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Just like holes in need of repair, tough times come in all shapes and sizes. And they inevitably make their mark on all of us. 

A bad hair day. Too many nights with not enough sleep. An unexpected hiccup in long awaited plans. Health challenges. The breakdown of a meaningful relationship. The loss of a loved one. 

Whether it's you who is having a tough time, your child, or the whole family – the guaranteed way to make a tough time worse is to freak out, blow up, or walk out. 

But there are also guaranteed, science-backed ways that can alleviate at least some of the pain of a tough time. In fact, these tools have the potential to transform challenges into greater resilience, and deeper family connections. 

In this webinar you'll receive:

• the blueprint to finding your level,
• tools to carve out the space you need to process your own challenges constructively, and
• power to guide your family through their own tough times

Holy Trinity Lutheran College has teamed up with Happy Families and are offering each school family a free Happy Families Premium School Membership.

We warmly invite families to attend our Open Day, this Sunday from 11am to 1pm.

Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, discover our learning pathways, and meet our teachers, students and leaders, to hear about the opportunities that await your child firsthand.

Register your attendance at https://www.htlc.vic.edu.au/op...

A reminder that this year's School Photo Day is being held Tuesday 16 August. Students are required to wear full winter uniform, not sports uniform. If students have sport on the day, they are advised to bring their sports uniform to change into. Please contact admin@htlc.vic.edu.au with any queries regarding school photos.

Bookclub brochures (Issue #3) have been distributed.  All orders should be placed by Tuesday, 10th May.  Cheques should be made payable to ‘Scholastic Australia’. Credit card payments may also be made using the online system, the LOOP (if you are having trouble finding our school when registering, please use the postcode 3402). By indicating ‘gift’ on your online order, the books will be kept at school for you to pick up if you do not want your child to see your purchase. For more information, please contact Jaci Gabbé, Library Assistant.