Welcome back to Term 2 and I hope the holiday break provided time for rest, renewal and connection with family and friends. As we reflected over Easter and I referenced in the Opening Service, the Easter message reminds us that Jesus is risen, a powerful truth that brings hope, renewal and the opportunity for a fresh start in all that we do. It is with this spirit that we begin the term ahead, embracing new opportunities for learning, growth and community. I extend my warmest wishes to all families across the Nhill, Dimboola and Horsham campuses for a positive and rewarding term ahead.

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a deeply significant occasion in Australia, reminding us of the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have served our nation, and it was wonderful to see Wimmera Lutheran College honour this day through meaningful services both at school and within the local communities. My sincere thanks go to Mr Wayne Bandel for leading the Horsham service with such care and respect, to Mrs Michelle Hahn and the band for leading the music that enriched the commemoration, and to Bryan Matuschka for his moving playing of the bugle for the Last Post and Rouse.

We also acknowledge and thank our Student Leaders and staff of all three campuses who represented the College at the dawn and other commemorative services. As a community, we are reminded that Anzac Day is not just about remembering the past, but about carrying forward the values of courage, mateship, sacrifice and service in our daily lives.

Central Hub Principal Visits

Lutheran Education Victoria, NSW and Tasmania (LEVNT) brings together schools of varying sizes and contexts across the three states. These schools are organised into regional Hubs that meet regularly to foster collaboration, professional dialogue and shared growth.

This week, it was a pleasure to host the Central Hub (made up of schools from Melbourne, Geelong and Mildura) at Wimmera Lutheran College, with leaders visiting our Nhill, Dimboola and Horsham campuses. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for each campus to share its unique history, reflect on our amalgamation journey, and offer an update on the learning, community and developments taking place across our College.

I thank the Central Hub for their time, engagement and encouragement, and extend my appreciation to Mr Damon Prenzler and Ms Millie Dent for hosting and showcasing their campuses. We pray for continued collegiality, wisdom and partnership across the Lutheran schools of LEVNT as we work together in service of our communities and God’s mission.

Horsham Campus Open Day

Mr Jason Przibilla, Executive Principal

What can we learn from the Apostle Peter and his ability to bounce back from failure?

This term in chapel we are looking at the lives of some famous characters in the bible and questioning what we can learn from their experiences and examples. This week we talked about the Apostle Peter. 

Peter was a truly enigmatic figure. One of Jesus' closest friends, he experienced some incredible experiences due to his faith and passion for serving God's kingdom. Jesus chose him, a fisherman out of the population of Israel to be one his disciples. Peter walked on water when the other disciples stayed in the boat. He also experienced some lows. He was sternly told off by Jesus more than once, his faith sometimes shook and he will forever be remembered for denying he knew Jesus times when Jesus was about to be crucified. He made so many mistakes. His time walking on water was cut short when he started to fear. 

He earned Jesus' praise when he declared that he knew Jesus' identity as the son of God: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus affirmed Peter as an apostle in the church he would build saying "Blessed are you Peter for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:17-18). But a minute later, Jesus had to rebuke Peter for putting earthly priorities above Godly ones. 

There were many other highs and lows as Peter, full of passion, acted with great faith and boldness and at times, acted rashly and made further mistakes. As we know, before his ascension, Jesus reaffirmed Peter as a leader of the church. He went on to be a mighty church leader who wrote some of the bible and served Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit in the face of persecution until he himself was crucified for his unwavering faith in the God he served. 

So what do we learn from Peter's life? One. God doesn't discount people just because they make mistakes. He can, it is clear, tolerate many, many mistakes. Sometimes we have trouble seeing past the wrong things we've done and can't move past the shame and guilt. But God forgives and continues to see our promise. Two. Mistakes aren't signs that we should give up. Imagine if Peter gave up after his first mistake. Or his 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, or 100th? What would he have missed out on? What would the world have missed out on? Three. Our mistakes don't define us in God's eyes. Sometimes we have trouble believing anyone will be able to look past our failures or that we will always be defined by them. But Peter didn't get bogged down by his mis-steps, he continued to receive God's grace and forgiveness and move boldly forward. We can too. 

Finally, our mistakes and failures were the reason Jesus died on the cross. His word says: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). This means his words of forgiveness are not empty platitudes, we have the confidence that when we turn to him in repentance, acknowledge our failings and wrong-doings, he forgives us and washes us clean like snow. We receive the mercy of a new start. Let us each go forward with some of the passion, resilience and willingness to receive new mercies each morning that Peter showed as we live in and show others Jesus' love. 

History records that the Apostle Peter requested to be crucified Upside down down as he did not consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus.

Mrs Kate Polack, College Chaplain

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Term 2 of the school year!

It is wonderful to have students back on campus, bringing our halls to life with their chatter and laughter. We hope the term break provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment, and that students are ready to embrace the learning challenges ahead.

Term 2 is always a busy and exciting time. We look forward to celebrating Mother’s Day, the commencement of winter sports, our Open Day, and a planned Primary School incursion.

We pray that this term will be one of growth and learning for all.

General Housekeeping

Winter uniform is to be worn from Week 3 onwards (June 4).

Students are reminded that playing footy at school is touch only. No tackling is permitted.

Anzac Day Celebrations

Our Anzac Day commemorations began with our Quiet Club members decorating crosses to place on the unmarked graves of fallen soldiers in Horsham. This initiative was introduced to WLC by Mrs Sally Bertram of the RSL, and we hope to continue it as a valued annual tradition at the College.

Our whole-school Anzac Day chapel, held on Friday and led by Mr Bandel, was a solemn and moving ceremony. Our Primary leaders contributed meaningfully by reading prayers and laying wreaths. It was a fitting way to honour our veterans and remember their sacrifices in preserving our freedom.

On Saturday morning, our Primary leaders also attended the RSL Dawn Service, where they braved the cold to lay a wreath at the war memorial. They proudly represented WLC through their impeccable conduct and commitment to their roles. Well done to Jack S, Meg A, Maya S, and Beau M!

Leadership Promise Ceremony

Our Year 6 students recently held a Leadership Promise Ceremony to formally acknowledge their roles as leaders and role models within our Primary School community.

During Christian Studies, each student reflected on what Scripture teaches about leadership and made a personal leadership promise connected to their role within WLC. Their Year 6 polo shirts serve as a reminder of the commitments they have made and the responsibility that comes with being a Year 6 student.

Mother’s Day Celebrations

Wimmera Lutheran College is looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day in style. Our festivities will take place on 8 May, beginning with a Chapel service led by Mrs Driller’s Foundation class. Following Chapel, students and their families are invited to enjoy a range of craft activities to explore together.

We will pause at 10:30am for morning tea. Please note that, unfortunately, we are unable to provide morning tea for parents this year as we are currently between caterers. Families are encouraged to pack something extra special in lunch boxes or bring a treat to share with their child on the day.

The PTFA will also be running a Mother’s Day Stall. Family members are welcome to visit the stall between 9:30am-10:30am, and students will attend with their teachers between 11:30am-1:30pm. All gifts are priced at $5 and under.

We would love to see all our wonderful mums and grandmothers join us for this special celebration.

See the schedule of events below:

• 9:00-9:30am - Mother’s Day Chapel
• 9:30-10:30am - Roaming Mother’s Day activities (Families may visit the PTFA stalls)
• 10:30-11:00am- Morning Tea (please bring treats from home)
• 11:30-1:30 - Students visit the PTFA stalls

Sunnyside Retirement Home Visits

Ms Silver’s Year 1 class was the first to visit Sunnyside Home Retirement Village. The students were excited to share their chapel songs with the residents and enjoyed chatting with them afterwards.

The feedback from Ms Exell, the Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, was extremely positive, with residents thoroughly enjoying the visit. Thank you to 1S for starting our return to Sunnyside on such a high note!

Foundation 2027

Foundation interviews are now in full swing. If you have a child ready to commence Foundation in 2027, please contact our Administration team to book an interview.

Places are filling quickly, and we will soon begin limiting enrolments. We would hate for you to miss out!

Important Dates

• 1 May - Year 1 Games Night/Year 2 Sleepover
• 8 May - Mother’s Day Chapel
• 8 May - Mother’s Day festivities and PTFA stall.
• 20 May - WLC Horsham Open Day

Awards

FL: Teddy C & Sophia K FD: Pythia S & Boston D 1S: Millie H & Harmoney M 1B: Banks C & Amelia H 2H: Madeline Y & Rory B 2W: Isobel G & Grace R 3D: Priya S & Lacey K 4M: Roly C & Ethan P 4R: Sanuj R & Jack P 5J: Ted S, Jess S, Ariel M, Ava W & Charlie Y 5K: Chloe C & Lexi M 6H: Matilda C 6M: Aayushmann B 6R: Ollie M

Specialist awards:

German: Lucy S

PE: Liam D & Audrey M

Trinity Tiger/Cub Awards

Congratulations to our very special Tiger & Cub Awards!

Hudson N - Wimmera

Devine U - Mallee

Larson V - Lowan

Mrs Christina Jacobsen, Head of Primary

Reading Volunteers Wanted!

Decades of educational research consistently shows that reading aloud to children is one of the most powerful ways to support their learning and overall development. When adults read with children, it strengthens vocabulary, builds background knowledge and improves listening and comprehension skills. Studies show that children who are read to regularly develop stronger literacy skills, show greater confidence in the classroom and are more likely to become independent, motivated readers.

Reading aloud also nurtures children’s wellbeing. Shared reading creates meaningful connections with caring adults, offering children a sense of belonging and emotional safety. Research in developmental psychology shows that hearing stories helps children understand emotions, build empathy, and develop their imagination, important skills for social development and resilience.

Most importantly, reading aloud sends the message that books are enjoyable. When children experience stories as fun, warm and engaging, they are far more likely to choose to read for pleasure, a habit strongly linked to academic success across all subjects.

By volunteering to read with our students, you are helping give them a gift that lasts a lifetime: the skills, confidence and joy that comes from being a reader. If you can spare even a small amount of time, your involvement will make a meaningful difference.

We are looking at running morning reading sessions with our young readers everyday from 8.40am - 9.00am in the Library, and 9.00am - 9.20am in the classrooms.

Please email me your availability to volunteer for this wonderful experience at jacqui.north@wlc.vic.edu.au.

Richest blessings,

Mrs Jacqui North, Assistant Head of Primary School(s): Curriculum & Pedagogy

Cross-Country

We started the term with our Secondary Cross-Country event. We were treated to amazing weather, and it was wonderful to see every student participate in the event. Congratulations to Wimmera for winning the day, and well done to all those students who competed, putting in amazing performances.

Man Cave and Big Sister Sessions

In Week 1, our Year 7 and 8 students took part in two incursions from the Man Cave and The Big Sister organisations. The sessions covered topics including self-love, body image, personal boundaries, and supporting one another, while exploring and challenging outdated expectations. The students thoroughly enjoyed these sessions, and they were a great opportunity to spend time understanding one another and showing care for those around them.

Anzac Day

On Friday 24 April, students and staff shared in a service of remembrance in honour of Anzac Day. During this service, students shared meaningful readings, reflections and musical items. It was an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of what Anzac Day means and to show their respect for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Our Middle and Senior College Captains also attended the Anzac Day service held at Sawyer Park and represented Wimmera Lutheran College and showed great respect as they honoured the fallen servicemen and women.

Senior Subject Expo

On 26 May at 6:30pm, we will host our Senior Subject Expo. This evening is an opportunity for students and their families to receive important information to support subject choices for 2027. The evening is for students in Years 9, 10 and 11. In the weeks following the expo, there will be opportunities for individual course counselling appointments. I encourage you to mark the Senior Subject Expo in your calendars, as it is an important evening for Senior School students.

Important Upcoming Dates

• College Ball - Friday 16 May
• Open Day and Come and Try Day - Wednesday 20 May
• Subject Expo Evening - Tuesday 26 May
• School Closure Day - Monday 8 June
• VCE General Achievement Test - Tuesday 16 June
• Term 2 concludes - Friday 26 June

Mrs Kate Carter, Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

Term 2 Sports Events

• HCPSSA Athletics - Tuesday 5 May
• Little Desert Cross-Country - Monday 11 May
• HCPSSA Girls AFL - Friday 15 May
• GWR Cross-Country - Tuesday 26 May (New date, changed from the 27 May)
• Little Desert Winter Sports - Wednesday 3 June

Mr Gary Davidson, Head of Sport (F-6)

Virtual Cross-Country

Over the school holidays, 50 participants ran/walked their way through the Virtual Cross-Country. Well done to Wimmera who won another event for 2026. Lowan were in a very close second place, followed by Mallee in third.

Our Year 7 students covered the most distance overall. The Year 9s spent the most time moving over the two weeks. More than 15 participants managed to reach the 24km limit!

Coming events

May

• 4 - Black Ranges Boys Netball
• 4 - Black Ranges JNR Girls AFL
• 13 - INT State Volleyball Finals
• 25 - Black Ranges Year 7 Girls Netball
• 27 - Greater Western Region Cross Country
• 29 - Black Ranges INT Boys AFL
• 29 - Black Ranges INT Girls Netball

June

• 2 - Black Ranges Year 8 Girls Netball
• 2 - Black Ranges Year 8 Boys AFL

Miss Jayde Ellis, Head of Sport (7-12)

Do It For Dolly Day is a national movement that highlights the serious impact of bullying and the importance of kindness, empathy and respect. Each year, communities across Australia "Go Blue" in memory of Amy "Dolly" Everett, whose tragic death brought national attention to the devastating consequences of bullying and cyberbullying. While this day raises awareness, it also reminds us that bullying remains a persistent and complex issue affecting many young people.

To learn more please click here

"Most of us parent on a mixture of our upbringing, lived experience and external advice from other sources, which can be quite contradictory or confusing. When it comes to parenting, there's no magic bullet." 

To read more about this topic please click here

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg