Earlier this year details of the amalgamation between Holy Trinity Lutheran College, Nhill Lutheran Primary School and St Peter's Lutheran School in Dimboola were announced to the college community. This amalgamation will streamline governance across the three schools, allow for a sharing of resources across the three campuses, provide funding benefits and help to secure the long-term sustainability of the three schools as they become Wimmera Lutheran College. An Interim Committee has been formed, which consists of a newly appointed chair and LEVNT representatives, along with principals and existing board members from the three schools. This committee meets fortnightly to discuss matters regarding the establishment of the new College in readiness for the 2025 school year. The process to appoint the Executive Principal is currently underway with interviews for this position held on-site at Holy Trinity Lutheran College on Saturday last week. A decision on this position is anticipated to be formalised next week before an announcement is made to all communities. This is an exciting time for Lutheran education in the Wimmera and I look forward to updating you as developments progress.
Thank you to those families who have completed the HTLC School Survey being conducted by MMG Education. The results of these surveys will help to shape the future of HTLC and I encourage families to participate in helping to shape the direction of the college. Once the survey data is collated, these results will be delivered to the college through a presentation from MMG.
A reminder to families that Friday, 7 June is a student-free day, meaning there will be no classes running for all students. HTLC staff will use this day as a report-writing day. End-of-semester reports will be issued in the final week of this term, and for the first time, these will be issued electronically through our Learning Management System - The Hub. I plan to inform parents and carers of student-free days for Semester 2, as well as the 2025 term dates (including student-free days) in future communication pieces.
The last four weeks of term will be busy as students complete assessment tasks and teachers diligently prepare end-of-semester reports. This period will also be used to finalise the timetable for Semester 2, including staffing and subject modifications. It has become clear that at this time of year, we are starting to experience more sickness, leading to greater student and staff absences. Families are reminded to keep their children home if they are unwell. Staff are encouraged to do likewise and we ask families to be understanding if your child’s normal teacher is absent from their class because of illness.
Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Mr Jason Przibilla, Acting College Principal
Faith News
I need to calm down
by Pastor Greg Fowler
On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken (Luke 21:25b,26).
Anxiety is much more prevalent now than at any time I can remember. Every week in my pastoral chats with people, I discover more people I know are suffering from anxiety in one form or another. Life is different. We are more aware of mental health needs and wellbeing, yet true peace and joy seem elusive. It seems to me that the description of anguish and perplexity Jesus used as a sign of the times is increasingly evident in each of our personal struggles. It’s easy to be so apprehensive that we feel faint. Experts have diagnosed many culprits, with social media right at the top. I think it’s more of a spiritual problem.
When the Bible testifies to the end times, the writers say those calamitous events are the culmination of a gradual falling away from trust in God. When society is disconnected from the source of life and peace, the enemies of wellbeing fill the void. And despite our individual reliance on God, society-wide moods impact us all. This trend has been clear for some time. The need for wellbeing support will increase as our dissociation from the Creator continues.
Fortunately, Jesus shows us a way to receive peace. In so many places, the Scriptures tell us God is found in our direct relationship with him and in our relationships with others who share the faith. Spiritual community is God’s gift to us as a foil against the prevalent moves in society. We are encouraged to ‘do life’ with others who share our love for God and the worldview that comes from being a disciple. Along with proper mental health care and pastoral support, communities of faith are important parts of our wellbeing.
Father God, help us live as your people in communities of faith. Bless all communities that seek to glorify you. Heal our anxious souls as we look to you, the giver of life. Amen.
Sub Schools News
Junior School News (31 May, 2024)
Learning and Teaching
Severe Weather Expo - Year 6
On Tuesday this week, the Year 6 students shared their Extreme Weather Expo with our Junior School community in the MPC. Congratulations to the Year 6 learning team, as they did a great job presenting both their information and their interactive displays. A special mention to those students and staff that were present the next day to clean up and pack up!
Recycling (F-2 Technologies)
Last week at assembly, some members of the Year 2H class introduced the school to a recycling process the F-2 classes had designed. We are proud to say that we had $5.30 of recycling collected. That is 53 cartons, cans or bottles that were saved from landfill.
We are putting money that we make towards another process, where we are making positive adjustments to our play spaces. The first money is going towards extra loam we placed down the bottom of our Junior School oval, so that when the long jump pits are being used we still have some good sand pit space!
Internet use at school and home
Just a reminder that if kids don’t want you to know about their internet usage habits, us parents can find ourselves as among the last to know. Social media overuse, and accessing seemingly harmless content on the internet can be harmful and detrimental to growing brains. Apps like YouTube Kids can be installed on devices to limit content, but the best precaution is communication with your child! Set parameters around device usage like:
a phone call only time after 7pm (limits texting)
internet browsing in public spaces in the house only, and
phones have communal charging points in the lounge or kitchen.
The ultimate effective way to ensure safe use of internet-ready devices though is to set an example with your own internet use habits! Be aware of your screentime, and be open to learning how to create a more mindful space for yourself!
If you would like your child to be involved in completing the Premiers' Reading Challenge, please see your classroom teacher, or our lovely librarian Mrs Jaci Gabbe! Jaci is in the process of registering classes or individual children and either the classroom teacher or Jaci will email you your login details.
Community
A co-educator thank you
Thanks to all families who have completed the MMG survey. The information that you have fed into this process is vital for our next strategic period, which starts in 2025. There is no better way to start a strategic period of planning for the future of our college, than to have a fresh set of data already populated.
Weeks 8 and 9
Monday, 3 June - assembly (all welcome)
Thursday, 6 June at 2.30pm - Ministry of Dance Chapel (Year 6-led)
Friday, 24 June - report writing day
Monday, 10 June - King’s Birthday public holiday (school closed)
Friday, 14 June at 9am - 2H chapel; winter sports (Years 5-6)
Blessings on your weekend and the weeks ahead.
In Christ,
Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School
Celebrating teaching and learning
Next week some of our staff will be attending a seminar by Karen Young titled Strengthening Children and Teens Against Anxiety to better equip and empower our students to build courage and resilience, uncover their strengths and nurture the skills and qualities that will strengthen them for life. We look forward to these opportunities to build our portfolio of professional development and lifelong learning.
Awards
FJ: whole class, FL: whole class, 1H: Naila A, Josh M, Alister F and Niente VS, 1P: Lacey K and Charlotte S, 2H: Ethan C and Raf S, 2S: Roly C and Lexi L, 3B: Jonny N, Ella S, Maggie K and Austin S, 3D: Herbert H, Baden C and Isla G, 4F: Matilda C, Azahlia B and Jacob C, 4M: Renske vH, Emily R and Rylie P, 4R: Imogen G, Sage C, Neve D and Lacey A, 5D: Mandy H, Zoe K, Grace S & Jack Y, 5R: Indi F, Tex E and Layla K, 6H: Ruby H, Charlie B, Bodhi B and Charlotte K, 6N: Zelin X, Elsa D, Rafa S and Baxter M, 6V: Arden H, Mahli H, Jed F and Harvey O'D. Specialist awards - PE: Herbert H, Shiva S, Tyson O'N and 4M, Digital Technology: Jed F, Performing Arts: 2H.
Our Trinity Tiger (5-6) award recipient was Audrey J, Trinity Cub (3-4) Oliver McD and Trinity Cub (F-2) Zac L.
Student work
This week, we showcase the efforts our Year 3D students have made in their handwriting. Well done Herbie and Finn!
Mrs Jacqui North, Junior School Teaching and Learning Coordinator
In Year 7 Humanities students have been clocking up their travel miles as they have been learning about all the Ancient Civilisations this term. Students have been rotating around stations in small groups, learning about Ancient India, China, Rome, Egypt and Greece. Students have created a series of 3D interactive artifacts such as a lotus flower, a temple and a Parthenon filled with their learning. Students have engaged in multiple opportunities to develop their understanding of the ancient worlds while they investigate the geography, religion, achievements, politics, economy, and society of each civilisation as it looked thousands of years ago. To conclude the unit, students created pyramids out of blu-tack and toothpicks, replicating those in Ancient Egypt.
In Term 2, Year 8 Humanities students studied Vikings. As part of their studies, they were required to make a Viking artifact that could be presented in a Viking museum. We are truly impressed with the creativity of our students and their ability to investigate and produce authentic-looking Viking artifacts. Key aspects of the task included investigating different types of Viking artifacts, sourcing materials, and constructing the artifact. Students also had to deliver a presentation with their structured questions summary on the Viking artifact. Thanks to all those who helped at home with this task.
During Year 9 Humanities lessons, students have been investigating Australia's involvement in the First World War. They researched and created a presentation on a soldier who enlisted from our region. They were then tasked with investigating military records and archives from the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives. The second part of their task was to build a replica of a trench. Trench warfare is a type of land warfare using occupied fighting lines, largely consisting of military trenches. The students were required to design a 3D model of a trench using resources that were available at home. They were quite extraordinary!
Miss Mackenzie Connelly, Years 7-12 Humanities Coordinator
Exam week
Next week is exam week for students in Years 10 and 11. Students are encouraged to maintain regular study habits during this period, remembering that the Study Centre is open each evening after school until 4.30pm and staff are available for support.
Work experience
Work experience week is quickly approaching for our Year 10 students. Prior to entering a workplace experience, it is mandated that work experience arrangement forms are completed.
Year 10 students who have not yet finalised their work experience arrangements are asked to do so as soon as possible. All Year 10 students will be out of school for either work placement related to their VET course, or work experience during Week 10 from 17-21 June.
Important Secondary School dates
Term 2
Monday, 3 June-Thursday, 6 June: Exam week
Friday, 7 June: Report writing day
Monday, 10 June: King’s Birthday public holiday
Tuesday, 18 June: General Achievement Test
Tuesday, 25 June: Western Victorian Careers Expo
Thursday, 27 June: Reports sent home
14-24 September: International Learning Tour – Philippines (Years 9, 10 and 11)
Year 12
Tuesday, 29 October-Wednesday, 20 November: VCE written examinations
Monday, 29 July: VTAC applications open
Tuesday, 22 October: Last day for Year 12s
Friday, 15 November (TBC): Year 12 Valedictory and worship service
The first event of the Primary School Winter Sport cycle for 2024 was on 17 May with the schools in Horsham travelling to HTLC to compete in the girls AFL finals. The girls had an awesome day and played some great footy, with smiles on the faces of every student. HTLC lost just one game on the day, to the eventual champions, but can be proud of their second-place finish after a couple of gutsy efforts.
HPV: Tailem Bend six-hour
The second round of the Australian HPV Super Series was held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia two weeks ago. HTLC had boys and girls teams competing in the primary school and middle school categories, and after six hours of racing, all teams finished near the top of their respective categories.
The circuit at The Bend is a long and challenging one, with many sections either uphill or downhill, but the students all enjoyed the experience of being in the official pit lane and using the pit garages and track used by the Australian Supercars series.
Primary school
Our primary school boys started strong, mixing it with the top two teams over the early hours of the event. However, a couple of hiccups towards the back end of the race meant that a podium position just slipped out of their fingers. A fifth-place finish out of 22 trikes in their category is still a respectable effort from a young team, which consisted of Lachlan E, Vincent B, Jasper D, Liam R, Angus C, Xavier M, Jaxon E, Mackenzie F and Hugo P.
While the primary school girls were the only entrants in their category, their team was in for a tough day given they only had four members to share the load. However, the girls put in a power of work and didn’t complain once as they rode 55 laps (154 kilometres) to finish one lap (and one position) behind the boys overall in the primary school category.
Middle school
The boys team, consisting of Ryan C, Archie F, Michael W, Bailey D, Denzel A and Riley B, finished fourth out of 42 trikes in their category, and claimed 61st place overall (out of 171 vehicles). The girls team (Grace P, Lydika B, Ellua B, Savannah K and Rachel R) finished second in their category and finished fifth out of all the all-female teams in the event.
Parents, teachers and old scholars
We also have a parents, teachers and old scholars team who compete in the open category. These riders managed to finish in 45th position overall. If you enjoy cycling and would be interested in participating in this team, please get in touch with the college.
The next event for the primary school teams will be on Friday, 14 June at Victoria Park in Adelaide, as they participate in the first day of the Festival of Pedal Prix, which is a primary school-only competition.
TeamVic trials
Over the past few weeks, we have had a number of students from the primary and secondary school trial for TeamVic positions in their sports of choice. Congratulations to Judd O, who participated in the second round of trials for the Victoria Boys AFL team. The trial ran from 3pm until 8pm and Judd played well and learnt a lot throughout the event. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in making it to the third and final stage of the trials.
Bonnie G and Serena J have been participating in the TeamVic trials for volleyball, with both girls making the trip to Dandenong Stadium to demonstrate their skills for the selectors in a three-hour selection trial.
Congratulations to all the students involved with TeamVic selection trials this year!
Greater Western Region senior boys netball
Our senior (Years 11-12) boys netball team travelled to Colac to participate in the Greater Western Region finals. After progressing through the division round unopposed, the boys were looking forward to a chance to test themselves against the best schools in western Victoria.
The boys played with a high level of intensity, but demonstrated good sportsmanship and fair play throughout the event. Their commitment to the ball and each other was rewarded at both ends of the floor, with the team coming away with wins in both of their games off the back of some impressive defensive work in the ring.
This result means the boys will travel to the state finals in September, where they will take on the best teams in Victoria for the chance to be called state champions. Thanks to Ms Reid for her work coaching the boys on the day, and also to Mrs Erhardt for leading the training sessions before the event.
Black Ranges intermediate girls netball
Last week the Intermediate (Years 9-10) girls netball team travelled to Stawell for the first round of competition. With eight teams entered, students were required to play three pool games before the top teams in each pool would progress to the semi-finals. Our students played well throughout the morning, despite one loss to the Horsham College A team, and were able to clinch second place in their pool and a semi-final matchup against Stawell.
Despite it already being a tough day, the students fought hard in the semi-final and were able to pull off a one-goal win and qualify for the grand final, which would be a rematch against Horsham College A. Unfortunately, the opposition was just too strong, but it was a great effort from our team to make the grand final. Thanks to Miss Cashin and our parent volunteers who supported the event.
HCPSSA Winter Sport
Our Years 5 and 6 students are spending their Friday afternoons getting active, participating in the HCPSSA Winter Sport program for 2024. Students will be out of school on Friday, 14 June and Friday, 21 June for the final two rounds of this friendly competition, which is designed to encourage physical activity and participation. Thanks to all of the Year 5 and Year 6 teachers for their efforts in training the students and supervising these activities, as well as our student and parent volunteers, who help to make events like this possible.
Greater Western Region cross-country
On Monday, 30 students from HTLC travelled to Warrnambool to compete in the Greater Western Region cross-country finals. With the smallest field being 36 competitors, it was a tough ask to get into the top 12 to earn a place at the state finals in Term 3. Between the primary and secondary schools, HTLC was fortunate enough to have seven students qualify. Congratulations to our qualifiers Ellua B (12th), Sophie P (10th), Jack S (10th), Luella B (8th), Charlize vZ (4th), Adelyn P (4th) and Ilze vZ (3rd) for getting through to states.
Each school that enters three or more students in an age group is also automatically entered in a team competition on the day. This year, we had success in two age groups, with our 12-13 girls finishing in second place overall, and our 15 girls winning the teams competition. Congratulations to Charlize vZ, Matilda S, Lydika B, Pippa K, Alexis B and Lauren R (12-13 girls), and Ilze vZ, Adelyn P and Emma S (15 girls) for their achievements!
Black Ranges Years 7 and 8 netball
On Tuesday our Year 7 and Year 8 netball teams competed in the Black Ranges netball finals at Central Park in Horsham. Our Year 7 girls played hard and had many close games. Thanks to Year 9 students Emma S and Rachel R for coaching and umpiring for these teams on the day.
Black Ranges Years 7 and 8 netball
Our Year 8 team started the day strong, with a 22-8 win against their first opposition. In a mammoth competition consisting of 11 teams, this was the most goals a team scored against our girls in the pool stages. HTLC scored 136 goals to 12 in their five pool matches to top their group and earn a place in the semi-finals.
After defeating Stawell 23-10 in the semi-final, HTLC came up against Horsham College A, who had played one less match in their pool stage. It was a close, hard-fought game, which ended with Horsham College winning 14-6.
Congratulations to all of the girls for their efforts in securing one of HTLC's best-ever finishes at the Black Ranges netball. Thanks to Claudia B for umpiring the Year 8 girls, and to Miss Cashin for coaching and organising the day.
Black Ranges Year 8 AFL
Also on Tuesday, a team of Year 7 and Year 8 boys represented HTLC in the Black Ranges Year 8 AFL. Despite being a few players short of a full side, the boys played with incredible determination and heart all day. After coming away with a narrow win against Stawell, the boys found themselves in the semi-final against Horsham College A. It was a slow start for the group, but they managed to fight back and win the second half, despite losing the match. Thanks to Jarhyn M and Mrs Both for coaching the team on the day.
Little Desert Lightning Premierships
On Wednesday, students from Year 5 and Year 6 competed in the Little Desert Winter Sports Lightning Premierships for AFL, netball and soccer. Two teams of students represented HTLC in each sport, with some fantastic results across the board.
Our soccer teams played well and were competitive in all of their matches. Our second-division netball team went through the day undefeated, while our first-division team went undefeated into the final match, which was an unofficial grand final. Unfortunately, the girls were narrowly beaten, despite a strong performance. Our second-division AFL team played hard, winning three games and losing just one. The first-division AFL team won all four of their games and were named the champions of the Lightning Premiership for 2024 - the fourth time in the past eight years that HTLC has won the shield.
The boys AFL team will continue their training as they progress to the Greater Western Region finals on Wednesday, 26 June.
Thanks to our staff coordinators Mrs North, Miss Davis and Mrs Rokebrand, as well as our parent and student volunteers who assisted with running the day. Congratulations to all the students involved for their sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play across the course of the event.
Coming events
June
14 - AHPVSS round three: Adelaide (Junior School teams)
14 - HCPSSA Winter Sport round three
21 - HCPSSA Winter Sport round four
21 - Years 3-4 Hooptime basketball
Mr Matthew McLoughlin, F-12 Sport Coordinator
Community News
Scholastic book club
Book club brochures (Issue #4) have been distributed. All orders should be placed by Tuesday, 11 June.
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 in the library.
Horsham Mobile Blood Donor Centre in town June-July
Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? One in three people in Horsham will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. The Mobile Blood Donor Centre is rolling into town from 17 June to 5 July. Pre-book your spot at www.lifeblood.com.au, on the Donate Blood app or on 13 14 95.
Horsham Mobile Blood Donor Centre dates
Monday, 17 June: 2.45pm-6pm
Tuesday, 18 June: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Wednesday, 19 June: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Thursday, 20 June: 9.30am-4.30pm
Friday, 21 June: 7.45am-11.30am
Monday, 24 June: 2.45pm-6pm
Tuesday, 25 June: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Wednesday, 26 June: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Thursday, 27 June: 9.30am-4.30pm
Friday, 28 June: 7.45am-11.30am
Monday, 1 July: 2.45pm-6pm
Tuesday, 2 July: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Wednesday, 3 July: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Thursday, 4 July: 9.30am-4.30pm
Friday, 5 July: 7.45am-11.30am
Location: Baker Street, Horsham (adjacent to Horsham City Oval)
Children and animal first aid
Elevate Education Term 2 webinar schedule
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge
The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and HTLC is excited to be participating. The PRC application offers a range of exciting features including:
access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs)
rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved
the option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review
The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10. It is not a competition; but a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 6 September, 2024.
Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Years 3 to 10 are challenged to read 15 books.
All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former premiers.
