Newsletter (3 Noe - Holy Trinity Lutheran College

Week 5 of term has come and gone and it is hard to believe we are at the halfway point of the final term of the year. This week has again been a busy one on the calendar with the Year 9 camp, VCE exams, Voc Major excursions, Foundation Story Time, Playgroup, PTFA AGM, School Council meetings and more keeping staff, students and parents busy and engaged.

Next week it is also expected that things will continue to be busy as the Middle School celebrates Arts and Technology Week, our Years 7 and 8 students attend the State Volleyball Championships, 2024 Year 7 and Year 9 Information Sessions are held, preparations for secondary exams begin and more. Holy Trinity is a lively and thriving place and I give thanks to the amazing staff and students who each week contribute to this great school.

This week, the Holy Trinity students were visited by Pastor Hans who delivered the message at both the Secondary and Junior Chapels. Pastor Hans delivered an impactful message to the students with his unique preaching style reaching the students on many levels. Some details to help you get to know Pastor Hans better:

Both his parents were Pastors
He has lived in Australia for 17 years
Previously located in Sydney
Married to Cynderella and they have three children, including Ethan in Year 8 and Yarmiyah in Foundation
Pastor Hans loves sport, especially cricket
He has just ordered a motorbike

Pastor Hans is indeed a man of joy and cares greatly for all people. He is a wonderful person to have a chat with and has been a real blessing to the Holy Trinity and Wimmera communities.

This week I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing those staff who have applied for Positions of Added Responsibility (PARs). Fourteen interviews were held, indicating the great depth of leadership talent and expertise we have on our staff. The final placement of these leaders will require a lot of thought and strategic planning but I am really excited at the prospect of unveiling to the community this important component of the leadership team of HTLC.

I am also pleased to announce that Mr Neil Leek (Interim Business Manager) will be on-site from Monday next week to provide financial guidance to the College for the remainder of the year. I spoke with Neil during this week and I have confidence that he will provide a great level of guidance and support as we finalise important financial decisions in preparation for 2024. I would also like to make mention of the great work the Finance team have done this week in ensuring that day-to-day operations of the school continue. My sincere thanks to Therese, Donna and Kara for their efforts this week.

Blessing on your week,

Mr Jason Przibilla, Acting Principal

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

by Pastor Fraser Pearce

As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces’ (Mark 12:38).

Jesus wants his disciples to be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). That is, he wants to free us from naivety concerning those who would deceive us and give us a life marked by his own truthfulness and honesty. The good news is that, as we receive Jesus’ word, he grows us in maturity and discernment.

In today’s reading, we hear Jesus while teaching in the temple. As he teaches, the large crowd is listening to him with delight. As part of his teaching, Jesus gives a warning concerning the scribes – the educated class of men who were socially honoured and liked to enhance their status through the clothes they wore, the greetings they received, and the places of honour they took at banquets.

Now, as it happens, Jesus was evidently not opposed in principle to people having honoured roles or even wearing special clothes as part of the worship of God. Jesus did not criticise the priests for the robes and other vestments they wore as part of their role in the temple – after all, the priests had a calling from God, who had given commands concerning what they were to wear as they served (see, for example, Exodus 28:1–5).

But Jesus did warn us to beware of those who seek for themselves the benefits of status and put on their own shows of piety to make the vulnerable trust them – especially with their money. Jesus wants us to understand that not all people who act in apparently godly ways have God’s approval. On the contrary, Jesus assures us that those who use God’s name to exploit the vulnerable will receive the greater condemnation from God.

Unlike those who deceive for gain, Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Listen to your Servant King, and he will give you his Spirit of wisdom.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your Spirit-filled word. Let us always listen to you so that we may be wise people who are not deceived by those who use your name to gain power and make money. Amen.

This week we recognised and celebrated Reformation Day. On 31 October, 1517, a German Monk named Martin Luther posted a list of 95 Theses – 95 reasons that objected to the current translation of the Bible as told by priests at that time. These reasons were posted to the church door in Wittenberg for all to see. Luther insisted that we are not forgiven because of anything we do. Instead, we are forgiven because of who God is. We are loved and forgiven because God is full of grace and mercy.

We are called to be more loving and grace-filled, because God was gracious and merciful to us. Reformation Day is a reminder that this is the bedrock of our faith – the grace and mercy given to us in Jesus Christ. Keeping the most important thing in the centre of what we do every day.

Welcome Foundation 2024 students!

On Tuesday morning we once again welcomed students in our 2024 Foundation classes and their families to our school community for their second Story Time session. We read Three Little Pigs together and completed a craft activity. We are looking forward to our Foundation Information Day and transition morning on November 21.

Classroom announcements

This week Mrs Kylie Friend, nee Rainsford, returned from her recent wedding and honeymoon. We wish Kylie and Bowen God’s richest blessings in their new lives together as husband and wife. We also say goodbye to Mrs Emma Ison who will be commencing maternity leave. We hope this is a blessed time for her and Brayden awaiting their new arrival.

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.

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 provide further information over the coming weeks.

Class lists

Class lists will be distributed to students in a sealed envelope on Monday, 4 December. Please remember that teachers are very careful and deliberate in their allocation of students to classes and many factors are taken into account when preparing class lists. The Whole School Transition Day will occur on Tuesday, 5 December. Class lists for Foundation 2024 will be distributed on this day, once students have moved to classrooms.

Chapel

This morning 3B led our Junior School worship, with a message from Psalm 1:1-3.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

A special message was delivered by Pastor Hans Peethala of the Horsham Lutheran Church and we thank him for his presence in our school community.

Next week 3D will be lead our Chapel. Students are encouraged to bring a small offering each Friday morning, which will support our Compassion Child Lordina in Africa. We hope you can join us for worship.

Blessings,

Mrs Jacqui North, Acting Head of Junior School

What is that saying? The days are long but the years are way too fast. I look back at this year and cannot believe we find ourselves in Week 5 of Term 4 already! Term 4 is notorious for being busy, filled with events, camps, celebrations, testing, reports and information sessions! As I look back at the year so far, I’m filled with joy at the experiences, opportunities and challenges I’ve faced with my students. Teaching for me is a calling and I am often so grateful for the blessing it is to work with our students. As teachers, we are in a unique position to watch a child grow and be able to play a small part in supporting them to become the best version of themselves. Each one of them is different, with their own strengths and challenges. The calendar over the coming weeks is filled but this is to provide for our students, to tune into their differences and celebrate the varying gifts and talents we bring to HTLC. What greater joy.

Rite Journey

This week, our Year 9 students and their Rite Journey Guides headed away from the comfort of their own homes to challenge themselves, build self-awareness and cement friendships with their peers. The camp involved a 24-hour solo experience where they were required to be self-sufficient and complete necessary challenges to achieve their set goals. They also embarked on a three-day hike, pushing themselves outside their comfort zone and working collaboratively with their peers. The camp provides a time of personal growth and team building, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

We thank the teachers for their support of our students during this experience, walking with them as they completed these challenges, hike and experiences this week and throughout the year.

2024 Year 9 parent information session

Year 9 is a time when students begin to explore their worldview and personal identity. They undergo profound physical, social, emotional and intellectual changes that accompany their transition into adolescence. As they reach this age, many of our students start making choices about their further education and future employment aspirations.

Our Year 9 program aims to respond to the diverse needs of our Year 9 students and provide intentional, meaningful and purposeful learning and experiences.

If your child is entering into Year 9 in 2024, we encourage you to attend the Parent Information Session on Thursday, 9 November at 7pm in the Agora - Senior Centre.
The session will aim to provide information on the Year 9 Philosophy of Teaching and Learning, Curriculum outline, preparation for Senior School, Elective and sporting opportunities, The Rite Journey and other key information related to Year 9.

Secondary Arts and Technology Celebration Week

Next week, our secondary school is celebrating the creative talents of our Arts and Technology teams. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of fun, hands-on lunchtime activities in the areas of arts, media, photography, digital technology, STEM, timber, food and textile technology.
On Wednesday, HTLC will open its door for a showcase evening, sharing some of the students' work, presenting their skills and running hands-on activities for the entire school community. We encourage you to come and celebrate our Arts and Technology faculty.

When: Wednesday, 8 November

Times:

4pm to 5pm: Student gallery walk, interactive and hands-on activities
5pm to 6pm: Under the Stars - live entertainment

Where: Middle School Specialist Building

Thank you to our talented Arts and Technology teachers and the passion and creativity they encourage in our students. We look forward to seeing our students shine next week.

Coming events

6-10 November: Arts and Technology Week

Tuesday, 7 November: Melbourne Cup (Public Holiday)

Wednesday, 8 November: Arts and Celebration Showcase Evening at 4pm-6pm

Wednesday, 8 November: 2024 Year 7 Parent Information Session at 6.30pm

Thursday, 9 November: 2024 Year 9 Parent Information Session

Monday, 20 November: Exam week

Monday, 27 November: Report writing day (student-free day)

28 November to 1 December: Headstart Week

6-8 December: Year 7 camp

7-8 December: Year 8 hike

Tuesday, 12 December: Last day for Middle School students and Closing Service

Mrs Samantha Engert, Acting Head of Middle School

VCE exams

Next week is our final week of VCE external examinations. Students are to be commended for their application to study throughout this time. Sincere thanks to Mr Barry Neumann for once again acting as our Chief Supervisor and Maral Tajen-Klimkowicz who has supported as Assistant Supervisor for our larger exams.

Senior School exams

This year, Year 11 exams will run from Monday, 13 November to Friday, 17 November. Year 10 exams will take place the following week from Monday, 20 November to Friday, 24 November.

All Year 10 and 11 VCE students will be sitting exams during this time. Teachers will provide guidance on the content to be covered. The usual class timetable will continue to operate around the exams.

Head Start Program 2024

Head Start for 2024 Year 12 students commences on Monday, 20 November and runs for two weeks through until Friday, 1 December.

Year 11 2024 students will have one week of Head Start from Tuesday, 28 November to Friday, 1 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 2024. All students are required to be in attendance throughout these programs. Head Start will conclude with the Years 10 and 11 Closing Service on Friday, 1 December.

Subject Selection

The process of finalising student selections for 2024 has commenced. Each student will bring home a form requiring parent confirmation of the selected course. Parents are encouraged to indicate their preference for an interview if they would like to discuss their child’s pathway in further details.

Summer uniform

All students should now be wearing their formal, 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:

Tuesday 9.00am-4.00pm
Friday 9.00am-2.00pm

Hats are required to be worn by all students when outdoors during Term 4.

Important end-of-year Senior School dates

VCE written examinations: Tuesday, 24 October to Friday, 10 November

Year 11 exams: Monday, 13 November to Thursday, 16 November

Year 11 Head Start: Monday, 20 November to Friday, 1 December

Year 10 exams: Monday, 20 November to Friday, 24 November

Year 10 Head Start: Tuesday, 28 November to Friday, 1 December

Report writing day: Monday, 27 November

Final day for Year 10 and 11s and closing service: Friday, 1 December

Year 12 Valedictory dinner and worship service: Friday, 17 November

Mrs Sally Kuchel, Head of Senior School

Psalm 121:1-2 says:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

We get peeks of the Grampians and Mt Arapiles from various vantage points in our region. Whenever these catch my eye I am reminded of this Psalm and the promise it holds. That God is where my help comes from and that He is powerful enough to make the heavens and the earth so he is able to help me.

There are few things that I need help with more than parenting. Before you have children you hear stories about how difficult childbirth is (which is difficult), but we tend to hear less about the difficulties of parenting. Which is also hard.

Mercifully God is there to help us in parenting. His love for us and our children and the advice He shares through His words in the Bible are a great help.

He also supplies us with boundless other sources of practical support. The people around us who care for us. Endless resources, many of which are of great value. One of these resources is a coming webinar open to all parents of secondary-aged students.

Webinar for parents – How to Help Your Child Alleviate Stress

Elevate Education's next free webinar will be on Wednesday, 8 November.
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.

Wednesday, 8 November at 6.30pm

How to Help Your Child Alleviate Stress

Click here to register for free

In this webinar Elevate will be showing parents:

✅ How to spot your child's stress symptoms early

✅ How to start a conversation about emotional wellbeing

✅ Techniques your child can use to self-manage stress

Other helpful resources for parents can be found:

School TV. https://htlc.vic.schooltv.me
Happy Families. Parenting Resources. https://www.happyfamilies.com....
Lutheran Church of Australia, Grow Family Ministries. https://www.growministries.org...

Connor at the awards ceremony with Bart Turgoose.

Congratulations to our own Connor Dempster who was nominated for the 2023 Australia-wide InspireAbility Award! Connor was nominated by Bart Turgoose for his determination to share his story of living with autism and ADHD. Below is Bart's nomination for Connor:

"Despite his young age, Connor has shown an incredible amount of bravery and resilience by taking every opportunity he can to raise awareness and help others understand what it is like to live with these conditions. One of the ways that Connor has chosen to share his journey with autism and ADHD is by giving an oral presentation to his classmates. In doing so, he has helped them to understand what he experiences and how they can better support him. This is an impressive act of self-advocacy, especially for someone so young.

"Recently, Connor went even further by setting up and managing a sensory tent at the annual Horsham Show. The tent was designed to provide a safe and calming space for children like him with autism and ADHD. In doing so, he not only raised awareness about these conditions but also created a tangible solution to help those who share his experiences.

Connor in his sensory space at the Horsham Show.

"When asked about his experience, Connor said that 'being brave is feeling scared and doing it anyway'. This statement demonstrates his incredible courage and determination to make a positive impact on the world around him. His efforts are a true inspiration to both his peers and the wider community of Horsham.

"Connor's story is an example of how one person, regardless of age, can make a significant difference in the world. By sharing his journey with autism and ADHD, he is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society. His actions demonstrate that with courage and determination, anything is possible, and that everyone has the power to make a positive change."

Connor placed third in the public vote with more than 600 votes and accepted his award at a special ceremony in Melbourne.

Well done Connor, HTLC is proud of your achievements!