Wimmera Lutheran College Update

Strategic Plan Update

Important work continues with the development of the Strategic Plan. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the last Strategic Planning workshop planned for September 3 did not proceed as planned. A new date has been arranged so that this work can continue. The first step in the Branding and Logo development has occurred with the completion of the Brand Questionnaire. This data has been given to Mad Mouse Designs who will now use this information to start to prepare various logo designs for us to look over.

Farewell Neil Leek

Last week signalled the end of Neil Leek’s tenure as Interim Business Manager of Wimmera Lutheran College, a role he has held for almost 2 years now. Neil arrived in Horsham on Melbourne Cup Day of 2023, at a time when the school was in need of strong financial support and guidance. This was originally going to be a 6-week placement, but it soon became evident that there was much more work to be done that would require a longer commitment.

A snapshot of achievements in Neil’s 2 years in the job includes:

• Stabilising the college’s finances to meet LEVNT objectives
• Negotiating interest free loans with the LLL and other lenders, ensuring adequate cashflow for daily operations
• Streamlining the budget process
• Assisting with the Implementation of Alii
• Actioning key recommendations following yearly audits
• Providing accurate financial data and projections for the College Board
• Overseeing key amalgamation responsibilities including payroll, database mergers and more
• Implementing Direct Debit payments for the payment of fees
• Overseeing a complete fee restructure from Foundation to Year 12
• Updating and implementing key financial policy and procedure
• Prioritising innovation projects and understanding the need for schools to support key curricular and extra-curricular programs
• Creation of the Finance Manager’s position
• Providing calm leadership and direction to the finance and Executive Leadership team

Neil is a man of great character and conviction. He remained committed to the task he was given, worked over and beyond what should have been expected, and became a part of the Holy Trinity and now Wimmera Lutheran College Community. WLC owes Neil a great debt for the sacrifice and service he has provided our college, and on behalf of WLC Horsham, Dimboola and Nhill Campuses, I wish to acknowledge Neil’s efforts and contributions, and wish him and his partner, Carman, every blessing for the next stage of their life.


Whilst Neil has completed his on-site responsibilities at the college, he will remain connected to the College in an advisory role as he continues to support Craig Young in an extended handover period.

Work at Wimmera Lutheran College

Planning continues for 2026 with a number of employment opportunities available. WLC currently has the following positions being advertised:

• Dimboola Campus: Administration Officer
• Horsham Campus: Primary School Classroom Teacher
• Horsham Campus: Secondary Woodwork Teacher
• Horsham Campus: Secondary School Generalist Teacher

Please visit https://www.htlc.vic.edu.au/ab... for more information, or contact recruitment@wlc.vic.edu.au

School Drop-off and Pickup

I have been made aware of a few ‘close-calls’ in the quick drop-off point of the Horsham Campus. A reminder to parents and friends involved in the drop-off to be patient and vigilant as you drop-off and pick-up your children each morning and afternoon.

Acknowledgements

• The Nhill Campus staff and students as they prepare for their end of term concert next week
• Mr Busbridge and the F-2 students and teachers for putting on a Bushdance Showcase on Thursday night. An entertaining showcase of talent.
• Mr Engert and Mrs Rudolph for escorting a keen group of students to the Robocup Championships in Melbourne on Saturday. Good luck team!
• Miss Cashin who will be playing in the HDFL A Grade Netball Grand Final on Saturday. Good luck also to Mrs Ferguson, Mrs Ellifson and Miss Puls who will also be playing in Grand Finals on Saturday.

Mr Jason Przibilla
Executive Principal

We are drawing closer to the end of term and some much anticipated holidays. Both students and staff, I believe, are looking forward to having a break. Holidays are a wonderful time to rest, refresh, recover and reset. God, as we know from scripture, places value on times of rest and renewal. He modelled it to us when, after creating the world in six days, he then took a day to rest and enjoy the goodness of what he had created (Genesis 2:2-3). We see Jesus in the new testament often withdraw from the busyness of his ministry to talk with his heavenly father, and, I imagine be restored by some physical activity, the wonder of nature and the calmness of time in prayer as he walked around lakeshores, pastures and mountains in modern day Israel (Luke 5:16, Matthew 14:23). God wants us to follow his example of taking regular time to rest, both as a weekly pattern of having a day of rest, and at times, those much needed longer periods of pausing from our usual busyness.

Rest can renew our physical bodies. Taking time for sleep, peaceful and enjoyable activities allows physical restoration.

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17.

Rest can renew our minds.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Rest can renew our spirits. As we take time to put aside the busyness of tasks and spend time with God in different ways as Jesus did, in fellowship with others, in time alone, time in nature, time meditating on scripture, God can restore our spiritual vitality. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12

Rest can prepare us for future work we need to do. Obviously holidays don't and can't last forever. There is, as Ecclesiastes 3 tells us, a time for everything, it's important that there are times of toil and striving and that we're not endlessly resting. However, times of rest, where we're not thinking about work or study, and not working or studying actually refresh and renew us for when it is time to pick back up again.

May the holidays be peaceful, refreshing and rich for you and your family. May you experience God's renewing of your body, mind and spirit.

Mrs Kate Polack, College Chaplain

End of Term

As we come to the end of another busy term, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for their incredible efforts and support. It's been a term filled with learning, growth and many joyful moments. Our students continue to inspire us with their curiosity, resilience and kindness.

As we head into the holiday break, I encourage everyone to take this time to rest and recharge. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus reminds us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” May this break be a time of peace, restoration and connection for all.

I look forward to seeing everyone back next term, refreshed and ready for the opportunities ahead. Until then, stay safe and be blessed.

Father’s Day / Footy Day

What a fabulous day of celebration last Friday! Thank you to Gary Davidson for his organisation of the footy activities, the Year 6 students for running the events, the PTFA for their amazing work to host the Father’s Day Stall and to Hollie Durack for providing lunch. Events such as this provide a wonderful opportunity to engage with our parent community and we hope you enjoyed this day as much as we did.

Premier’s Reading Competition

The Premiers Reading Challenge concluded on 5 September. There were 40 students who completed the challenge and a total of 2,225 books read. A huge congratulations to all students who participated, and for Jaci Gabbe for her coordination. Certificates will be given out in Term 4.

F-2 Bushdancing Performance

Well done to a wonderful bushdancing evening on Thursday! Mr Busbridge led our Foundation to Year 2 students in a fun and interactive showcase with the PTFA running the BBQ.

Year 2 Hollow Mountain Excursion

Students in Year 2 enjoyed a day out to the Grampians this week. They attended Hollow Mountain to view Aboriginal rock art and learn about the history and culture of the First Nations people.

State RoboCup Competition

Good luck to Mr Engert who will be travelling to Melbourne with 22 students to compete in the RoboCup State Competition on Saturday. We wish you all the best for this event.

Important Dates

• 13 Sep - RoboCup State Competition
• 19 Sep - Last day of term (2.20pm dismissal)

Awards

FL: Paige L, Kriya K & Archie K, FR: Sofia P & Elina H, 1H: Livini F, Audrey M & Kira T, 1P: Halle O & Htee Htee S, 2H: Lacey K & Jake M, 2S: Lewis H, Tessa W, Riley H & Charlotte S, 3D: Ari M, 3J: Amelie P & Zidane F, 4M: Stella B, Laura B & Jess S, 4R: Heidi R, Jonny N & Ava W, 5D: Berni D, & Naol T, 5J: Tyren S, 5K: Neve D & Isla S, 6H: Violet J, James P, 6V: Maeja R, Peter S.

Specialist awards:
German: Kashvi A
Performing Arts: Gaw Kay S, Raff S
PE: Millicent H

Our Trinity Tiger (5-6) Award recipient was Naol T, Trinity Cub (3-4) Baden C and Trinity Cub (F-2) Summer L.

Mrs Jacqui North
Acting Head of Junior School

Science Week

Science Week took place in Week 7 and was a wonderful time full of opportunities for our students. Several members of the community came on site to share their knowledge and expertise, reminding students of the many career possibilities in science. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all who volunteered their time to share their wisdom with our students.

I would also like to thank our dedicated team of science teachers, whose passion and commitment make science come alive for our students.

OES Trip

The VCE OES students had a fantastic week on the Wilson’s Prom Outdoor Education camp in Week 7, taking on challenges from surfing lessons and multi-day hikes to wildlife encounters and environmental fieldwork. Despite some wild weather, the group showed great resilience, teamwork, and enthusiasm throughout. A big thank you to Mr Prouse for organising and leading such a memorable and rewarding experience.

Year 12s

Our Year 12 students are now in their final few weeks of schooling. They will sit trial examinations in the second week of the school holidays and return for two weeks in Term 4 before heading into exam mode. We wish them all the best over the next two months. It is a stressful time, but the WLC community is right behind you!

VCE Subject Confirmations for 2026

Next week, students will attend short meetings to confirm their VCE subject selections for 2026. Following this, they will bring home a confirmation letter for parents/guardians to sign. We thank families for their support as we work together to ensure students’ choices align with their interests and future pathways.

End of Term

The school term will finish on Friday 19 September at 2.20pm. I wish all families a wonderful holiday and look forward to seeing you back on Monday 6 October. Term 4 will begin with our Opening Service at 9.00am in the MPC, which families are warmly invited to attend.

Interim Reports

Interim Reports will be available for the Secondary School via The HUB at the end of this term. They will be online by Friday the 19 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.

Parent Teacher Interviews will take place in Week 1 of Term 4. The bookings will be shared in a HUB post next week.

If you have any issues accessing The Hub please email ictsupport@htlc.vic.edu.au.

Important Dates

• Parent Teacher Interviews: Available in Week 1 of Term 4
• Year 12 Graduation Service and Dinner: Thursday 21 November (Term 4)

Mrs Kate Carter
Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

Little Desert Division Athletics

Well done to WLC students on competing in the Little Desert Division Athletics on Wednesday. Students that finished first or second place in individual events and first in team relays progress to Greater Western Region Athletics on Friday 10 October.

9/10 Boys
Jaxon D - 1st High Jump, 1st 100m & 1st Relay
Mason R - 3rd 800m, 1st 1500m & 1st Relay
Jonny N - 2nd Triple Jump & 1st Relay
Oscar A - 1st Hurdles
Ted S - 2nd Long Jump, 1st 200m & 1st Relay

9/10 Girls
Lilah M - 1st 100m & 1st Relay
Maggie K - 1st Triple Jump, 1st 200m & 1st Relay
Sophia P - 2nd 800m
Ariana R - 2nd 100m, 2nd Hurdles & 1st Relay
Maya S - 1st Relay
Ellie K - 1st High Jump
Edith B - 1st Hurdles
Hazel P - 2nd 200m

11 Boys
Javier B -1st Triple Jump, 2nd 100m & 1st Relay
Jacob C - 3rd Long Jump,1st 200m & 1st Relay
Lachlan K - 1st Long Jump, 3rd 100m & 1st Relay
Jack S -1st 800m, 1st 1500m & 1st Relay
Leo P - 3rd Shot Put

11 Girls
Lily A - 2nd Long jump & 1st High Jump

12/13 Boys
Jaxon E - 2nd Hurdles & 1st Relay
Peter S - 2nd 200m & 1st Relay
Lachlan D - 1st Relay
Noah M - 1st Relay

12/13 Girls
Phoebe B - 1st 100m,1st 200m & 1st Relay
Indi F - 1st Long Jump, 1st High Jump & 1st Relay
Emily L - 1st Hurdles & 1st Relay
Maeja R - 2nd Triple Jump & 1st 1500m
Violet J - 1st Shot Put
Emmy I - 1st Relay

Father's Day Footy Day

Big thanks to our Year 6 cohort for coordinating Footy Day activities last Friday. These students are to be commended on the effort they put into delivering these activities and for the support they gave to others on the day.

Thank you to our parents from the PTFA that volunteered to run the Fathers Day Stall and to Malakai Van Buuren and Jack Kelly for offering their time to umpire the Staff v Students Footy Game.

We hope that everyone involved enjoyed the day.

Term 4 Sports Events

Greater Western Region Athletics - Friday 10 October
Health & PE week Activities - 13 -17 October
Little Desert Division Cricket Blast - Wednesday 22 October
Greater Western Region Volleyball - Wednesday 29 October
Educational Sports Carnival F-2 - Friday 28 November

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

Australian HPV Super Series - Round 6

Next Friday morning, a number of students, staff and old scholars will make the journey across the border to Murray Bridge for the 24-hour season finale of the Australian HPV Super Series. The students will join about 160 other trikes on the 1.71 km circuit on the riverfront in the final event of the 2025 season.

We wish the teams all the best, and look forward to hearing about their results when we return to school next term.

Coming Events

SEPTEMBER
20 - AHPVSS Round 6: Murray Bridge 24-hour

OCTOBER
9 - Greater Western Region Athletics
13 - Black Ranges Year 8 Cricket
20 - State Athletics
21 - Black Ranges Year 7 Tennis
22 - Black Ranges Year 8 Cricket
31 - Greater Western Region Year 7/8 Tennis

NOVEMBER
14 - State Year 7 Girls Volleyball

Mr Matthew McLoughlin, Head of Sport (7-12)

Term 4, 2025 applications have been processed, and travel offers have been emailed to families.

Please accept your travel offers prior to its expiry date specified on their offer. If the offers lapse, the Student Travel Assistance Portal (STAP) will allocate the seat to the next traveller on the waitlist. Families who wish to travel may submit a new application if they are seeking travel in term 4, 2025.

The STAP team will continue to monitor the waitlisted travellers daily and families will be notified when a seat becomes available.