The main focus for the Wimmera Lutheran College committee this week has been on preparing the 2025 budget, which will incorporate the three Lutheran schools in one total budget. To assist with this important development, Mr David Hausler (Director: Business Services) was on-site this week, meeting with key stakeholders in order to gain an understanding of the budget requirements of the three schools. The careful collation of information will allow for important strategic decisions to be made around staffing, resources, curriculum programs and strategic planning. David’s expertise and knowledge were valuable in helping to shape a budget to allow the Wimmera Lutheran College to thrive in 2025, while setting it up for sustainable financial stability. The final budget will continue to be a work in progress before it is finalised and then submitted for approval at board level, likely in the October board meeting.
Last newsletter, I mentioned that we are looking at establishing Campus Advisory Committees. The role of these groups is to provide feedback and advice to the WLC Board as it relates to their specific communities. Expressions of interest for these positions are now open, please contact Mr Przibilla if you are interested. Further information will be forwarded to the Holy Trinity community later this week.
Staffing update
A range of applications have been received for the following positions which have been vacated by Miss Rebecca Roy (resignation) and Ms Cass Dalgleish (maternity leave):
Teacher Aide
Promotions and Communications
The applications will be assessed and interviews held in the coming weeks.
We are currently also advertising for the following teaching positions:
Monday, 4 November: School closure - student-free day
Tuesday, 5 November: Melbourne Cup public holiday
Thursday, 28 November: Senior School Closing Service (last day for Years 10 and 11 students)
Friday, 29 November: Report writing day - student-free day
Tuesday, 3 December: Transition Day (Foundation to Year 7)
Tuesday, 10 December: Middle School Closing Service (last day for Years 7, 8 and 9 students)
Wednesday, 11 December: Junior School Closing Service (last day for F-6 students)
Friday, 13 December: Office closed
Mr Jason Przibilla, Acting College Principal
Faith News
Paul speaks to the Roman commander
by Neil Bergmann
The commander went to Paul and asked, ‘Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?’ ‘Yes, I am,’ he answered (Acts 22:27).
Paul spoke to the crowd, explaining his background and the mission he had received directly from Jesus to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. It didn’t convince the crowd – they shouted, ‘Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!’ (verse 22).
The Roman commander couldn’t figure out what the fuss was about, so he ordered that Paul be flogged to get the truth out of him. However, once they discovered he was a Roman citizen, they treated him with more respect.
Like the Roman commander, we often want to get to the bottom of a conflict, find out what the true situation really is and figure out who is right and wrong. Thankfully, these days, we don’t start flogging people to do so. Like the Roman commander, we also tend to weigh the evidence based on the status and importance of those involved.
The success of the scientific method in understanding physical systems encourages us to believe that there is always a single, correct, underlying truth to every phenomenon and that by careful application of rational thought, we can find it. That may be true for the laws of physics, but it certainly isn’t true for human relationships.
Our goal in human conflict is not to find the truth to judge one side or the other as correct. Often, the only truth is that a conflict has led to hurt and harm on both sides. Instead, our goal in conflict is to bring peace and reconciliation so that hurts can begin to heal.
Reconciliation starts with forgiveness. We do not have the strength within ourselves to forgive those who have hurt us. When we realise how much we have been forgiven by God and will continue to be forgiven as we struggle through life, it becomes possible to extend that forgiveness to others.
Merciful and steadfast God, forgive me for all my faults and weaknesses. Please give me the strength to forgive others so that peace and reconciliation can abound in your kingdom. Amen.
Sub Schools News
Junior School News (6 September, 2024)
Father's Day/Footy Day thank you
Wow! What an experience to be involved in my first Football Day/Dad’s Day at HTLC! I was amazed at the colour and the carnival-like atmosphere of the day! Thanks to dads and special friends who attended the day. Thanks to the staff who collaborated to ensure the day came together. Thanks to our Year 6 leaders who led the activities for the rest of the school. Thanks to the PTFA who ran a superb gift stand for students to buy last-minute gifts for their dad or special person in their life!
Father’s Day blessings
I very much enjoyed Mr Przibilla’s message on Father’s Day chapel, as we were introduced to his dad, Graeme. Mr Przibilla told us about his dad and how he is special to him. He then told us about how lucky he is to also have a Heavenly Father, loving and caring for him and looking after him. If this Christian story is real, how might that change your life, knowing that the creator of the universe calls you his own child, the equal of Jesus? It’s quite a mind-blowing thing!
Building community - playgroup each Thursday morning
From 9am to 10am each Thursday, it is so great to see a little community get together and have some fun. Whether you have a little one or not, you are welcome to drop in to say hello!
Building community - respect for property
This week we are focusing on two areas in the Junior School:
Withdrawing from social interactions when you feel anger coming on
The challenge to include others if they ask
If you have any questions, please ask the teaching staff, or look on the Junior School Hub for more information!
Evacuation and invacuation training
To specifically mention (as some students may find it unsettling if they don’t know), the college will be practising invacuation (or lockdown) and evacuation training on-site on Wednesday, 11 September. Staff will receive full training, as we realise we have experienced some leadership and general staff changeover. They will then teach students about appropriate response before this Wednesday.
2025 organisation - budget
This week we had David Hausler (Director of Business Services) here from Lutheran Schools Victoria, NSW and Tasmania (LEVNT), assisting us with putting together our budget for 2025. I am refreshed by this process, as the leadership team have been able to see the road ahead for 2025 as Wimmera Lutheran College.
This allows the college to now look at locking in staffing arrangements so our community can look forward to 2025 together with clarity!
Leadership timetable changes
I am very grateful that Mrs Emma Ison has returned in a part-time capacity to pick up a day a week (Wednesday), where she will be teaching Foundation and Year 2 Technology. As a leadership team, we have directed my extra time into visiting classrooms and working directly with students and classrooms to enhance their learning (and teaching).
Last weeks of a term
Congratulations on getting through the winter months of short cold days and colds and flu!
The days are now getting longer and warmer, which in some cases means people are sleeping better as they are more active during the days. As we close in on the last weeks of term though, we all notice some grumpiness creeping in (with parents and teachers and students). If your family schedule allows it, ensure there is a bedtime routine kept, and some quiet time on the weekend to ensure that we all reach the end of the school term physically and mentally well!
Diary dates
9-13 September - Evacuation and Invacuation training
Thursday, 12 September - F-2 Performing Arts Showcase
Saturday, 14 September - RoboCup Vic State
Friday, 20 September - last day of school Term 3 (early finish)
20-22 September - human powered vehicle competition in Murray Bridge
7 October - first day of Term 4
Newsletter and Assembly are both even weeks this Term!
Mr Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School
Celebrating Teaching and Learning
Over the course of the year, one of the Junior School’s primary focuses has been to increase engagement with our online platform The Hub. This includes sharing learning activities, important announcements and diary notices within our Year Level groups. We have also been exploring assessments and feedback from classroom tasks and our Years 4-6 teachers will upload some of your child’s learning outcomes over the coming weeks. We hope you enjoy interacting with The Hub as a more personalised opportunity to shareyour child’s learning experiences.
Awards
FJ: Htee Mwe Paw S and Steve M, FL: All of FL, 1H: Josh M, Nienke V-S and Lucy T, 1P: Mason S and Yarmiyah P, 2H: Lincoln M, 2S: Amelie P, 3B: Oliver W, Zetta B and Henry E, 3D: Ellie K, Nash N and Stella B, 4F: Matilda C and Naol T, 4M: Cooper S and Xavier S, 4R: Hayley W and Lachlan K, 5D: Mackenzie F and William S, 5A: Lachlan E and Abel N, 6H: Matisse H, Cypress K and Greta S, 6N: Milton E and Zara P, 6V: Rhianna T and Nahla M. Specialist awards: Chinese: All of 1H, Liam R, Jaxon E and Tasman C, PE: All of 4R, Technology: Aksel F and Sanhitha R.
Our Trinity Tiger (5-6) Award recipient was Lara T, Trinity Cub (3-4) Sophia B and Trinity Cub (F-2) Sanuj R.
Student work
As part of the Year 4 Christian Studies unit this term, students have explored spirituality and how people can nurture and grow spirituality in different ways. To broaden their understanding, students went on an excursion this week to three different churches in the Horsham community. They had a wonderful time visiting the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ss Michael and John’s Catholic Church and the Harvest Church. We thank those Pastors and Church Leaders for their expertise and leadership for this activity.
Mrs Jacqui North, Junior School Teaching and Learning Coordinator
Secondary School News (6 September, 2024)
As you know, schools are always very busy places, and the past two weeks have been no different.
Our Year 8 students have taken part in the RACE Victoria program by attending an agriculture workshop at St Brigid’s College. They explored a wide range of careers in the agricultural industry and engaged in hands-on activities.
The Year 7 students went on a Christian Studies excursion to the Lutheran Church and Salvation Army Church in Horsham, where they toured the churches and had the opportunity to ask questions.
I would like to thank our staff for their dedication and efforts in organising these wonderful learning experiences for our Middle School students.
Deakin University presentation
Deakin University will host an onsite presentation for our Senior School students on Monday of Week 9. This will be a good opportunity for students to get information about the Deakin campuses, academic support services, different pathways and the Accelerate program for Year 11 students.
Reports and parent-teacher interviews
Interim reports will be available via The Hub at the end of this term. They will be online by Friday, 20 September. To access your child’ report:
Log in to The Hub by visiting thehub.htlc.vic.edu.au and using your email and password. Once you have logged in you will see the homepage with your children listed
Click on Academic Reports. Once uploaded, a PDF of your child's report will be located here
If you have any questions about your child's results, school interviews will be in the first week of Term 4. These will take place in the MPC, providing a convenient central location. We encourage all parents to take advantage of this opportunity, as partnering together is essential in supporting your child's learning.
On Friday last week, HTLC held its Father’s Day and Footy Day celebrations. The students and staff turned up in their team colours and Junior School students participated in a range of football activities under the guidance of our Year 6 students. The energy and enthusiasm of the Year 6 volunteers helped to engage the primary school students, and it was wonderful to see all students getting involved with physical activity and getting the opportunity to demonstrate their footy skills. It was fantastic to see the huge turnout of spectators despite the weather for the staff and students football game at lunchtime, and it was even better to see the staff clinch another victory.
Of course, events such as this can’t run without the hard work and preparation of a number of key individuals. Thanks to Bree Hawken, the Year 6 teachers and the Year 6 students for their efforts in making the footy activities such a success.
Black Ranges Year 8 basketball
After two cancellations of the Little Desert AFL 9s competition due to other schools withdrawing, HTLC has progressed to the regional finals in Ballarat on Wednesday, 11 September. There will be a boys team and a girls team of selected Year 6 students participating in this event. Thank you for your patience as we look to provide this opportunity to our students.
Greater Western Region Year 8 volleyball
Next week is a flat-out week of sport, and it all kicks off with the Greater Western Region Year 8 volleyball finals at the Horsham Basketball Stadium on Tuesday. These students have been training hard since the start of term for this opportunity, and will take on some of the best volleyball teams in the region as they look to qualify for the state finals. All the best to our boys and girls teams as they represent HTLC in this competition.
Greater Western Region Year 6 AFL 9s
On Wednesday, two teams of Year 6 students will travel to Ballarat to compete in the Greater Western Region Primary School AFL 9s competition. We wish all the students and their support staff all the best as they take on some of the best teams in the region.
Little Desert athletics
Good luck also to the students representing HTLC at the Little Desert Division athletics finals on Thursday. We are sure that you will compete to the best of your ability, and represent HTLC with pride.
Coming events
September
7 - Victorian Schools Mountain Bike Series round four
8 - Victorian Schools Mountain Bike Series round five
10 - Greater Western Region Year 8 volleyball
11 - Greater Western Region Years 5-6 AFL 9s
12 - Little Desert primary athletics
20 - AHPVSS round six: Murray Bridge 24-hour
Mr Matthew McLoughlin, F-12 Sport Coordinator
Wellbeing News
Four tips to help your child navigate peer pressure
What's the riskiest thing you did as a teenager?
I was pretty well-behaved as a teen but I still did some things I'm not proud of.
Like the time I shoplifted lollies from Woolies WITH MY FRIENDS - this is when I was hanging out on the fringes of the cool group who were five-finger-discount experts. (I changed friendship groups not long after!).
I remember sneaking into a nightclub with my friend Jo when we were underage.
And then there's the time my girlfriend and I got in a car with teen boys we had never met (thankfully nothing happened but there but the grace of God go we, quite honestly).
What I wish is that someone (who wasn't my parents!) had explained peer pressure to me and given me the strategies for how to exit situations where I felt pressured to do something risky or that went against my values.
Our tweens and teens are hard-wired to want to belong - and at high school our kids often feel like there's safety in numbers. It's safer to be with the group - and go with their choices - than to be out on a limb on your own. And that's fine if the choices are POSITIVE but not so great if your group are influencing you to do risky or unkind things.
In this webinar, I'll go through practical strategies for how to respond when your friends are hounding you to do something that goes against your values (or common sense!). I'll also talk through passive peer pressure where just being around people who are doing unwise things can result in you engaging in those same behaviours. AND I'll talk through the difference between positive and negative peer pressure because ideally our friends can be a GREAT influence on us if it's encouraging us to work hard, join clubs, volunteer or just generally be kind.
How to handle peer pressure and pushy people
Online webinar: Monday, 9 September at 6pm. Tickets $25 plus GST. For ages 10-plus.
Can't make it live? Everyone who registers will get the replay with six months' access.
Horsham Mobile Blood Donor Centre in town in September
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 9 September to 25 September. 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, 9 September: 2.45pm-6pm
Tuesday, 10 September: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Wednesday, 11 September: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Thursday, 12 September: 9.30am-4.30pm
Friday, 13 September: 7.45am-11.30am
Monday, 16 September: 2.45pm-6pm
Tuesday, 17 September: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Wednesday, 18 September: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Thursday, 19 September: 9.30am-4.30pm
Friday, 20 September: 7.45pm-11.30am
Monday, 23 September: 2.45pm-6pm
Tuesday, 24 September: 12.30pm-7.30pm
Wednesday, 25 September: 12.30pm-6.30pm
Where: Baker Street, Horsham - adjacent to Horsham City Oval
Leaders of the Pack - Yarriambiack and Western Bulldogs
Neurokin Microfestival Horsham
Student holiday program for Years 4-6
Hand Up Day
First Peoples Youth Dance Workshops
Arapiles Cycling Event
The Arapiles Cycling Event is happening on Saturday, 5 October. This community bike ride is not a race.
There are four circuit options: 100 kilometres, 75 kilometres, 50 kilometres, and a 20-kilometre route, which follows the Natimuk Big Sky Bike Trail.
This year we welcome pedal-assisted E-bikes as they grow in popularity.
The ride is based at Natimuk and centred on Mt Arapiles. There are rest stops along the way with food and refreshments supplied.
The ACE Ride supports Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids.
Horsham has always been proud of its hospital and how it looks after everyone when they are not well.
Now Wimmera Base Hospital is having a very special birthday. It is 150 years old in August.
As part of the celebrations, Grampians Health is inviting kindergarten and primary school children across Horsham to colour in Healthcare Harrie any way they want. Ask your teachers how you can enter.
We also want as many people to write about their experience with Wimmera Base Hospital in a special Memory Book that will be available in the Opportunity Shop in Darlot Street, from 9-15 September.
It will also be available at a table in the entrance to Horsham Plaza on 4 October. People are also welcome to email any stories or pictures to Horsham150@gh.org.au.
