Wimmera Lutheran College Update

Towards the end of last year, the Leadership teams of Horsham, Dimbola and Nhill schools engaged in a number of workshops with the aim of developing the Wimmera Lutheran College Teaching and Learning Philosophy. This philosophy will shape the development of our teaching and learning program as we move into the future as Wimmera Lutheran College. The staff of the three campuses are continuing to focus on the implementation of this philosophy into the three campuses, and whilst we acknowledge there is much work to be done in this space, staff are excited by the opportunity that exists to develop and refine our teaching and learning program to ensure that graduates of our schools are prepared and ready for the world that exists beyond the boundaries of the school grounds. I am looking forward to continuing to provide updates on the development and implementation of this philosophy over the coming weeks and months.

Wimmera Lutheran College Teaching and Learning Philosophy

At Wimmera Lutheran College, we believe that learning is an adventurous journey that inspires curiosity, challenges boundaries, and encourages exploration. Education, for us, is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about cultivating a passion for discovery and personal and spiritual growth. We engage with learners across three campuses with a shared vision.

Adventurous

We view education as an adventure, where each learning opportunity is a chance for students to step out of their comfort zones and engage with the world around them. We encourage students to explore new ideas, ask bold questions, and seek out experiences that challenge their thinking. By fostering a spirit of adventure, we help students develop the resilience and creativity needed to navigate their journey in an ever-changing journey.

Purposeful

Our educational approach is grounded in purpose. We believe that learning should be meaningful and connected to real-life experiences. By aligning our curriculum with the values of curiosity, exploration, and social responsibility, we ensure that students not only acquire knowledge but also understand how to apply it in ways that contribute positively to their communities. Every lesson and activity is designed with intentionality, ensuring that students can see the purpose behind their learning and feel empowered to make a difference.

Compassionate

Compassion is at the core of our College community. We strive to create an environment where students are not only intellectually challenged but are also encouraged to develop empathy, kindness, and respect for others. By valuing emotional well-being and fostering positive relationships, we nurture a supportive space where students learn to care for one another and actively contribute to the betterment of their communities.

Relational

At our college, we understand that learning is most effective when it happens in the context of strong, positive relationships. We prioritise building meaningful connections among students, teachers, and families, knowing that these relationships form the foundation for a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Through open communication and mutual respect, we cultivate a community where students feel valued, heard, and connected

Together, our Wimmera Lutheran College community is committed to creating an adventurous, purposeful, compassionate, and relational environment where each student is empowered to grow, contribute, and thrive. We believe that when students are inspired by purpose, supported with compassion, and surrounded by meaningful relationships, they are equipped to navigate life’s challenges and make a lasting, positive impact in the world.

Mother’s Day Celebrations

Last Friday the Horsham Campus celebrated Mother’s Day with a range of activities occurring throughout the day. The day started with the amazing FL students presenting Chapel and doing a fantastic job of showing how much God loves the mothers of this world. A range of activities organised by Mr Busbridge enabled our mums and special visitors to spend quality time with their children and the PTFA-run Mother’s Day Stall was a massive hit with nearly all items selling out. A combined morning tea in beautiful weather was a fitting end to a special morning. Later that day, the Year 9/10 Cafe Elective hosted a Mother’s Day High Tea in the Middle School. This sell-out event again proved popular with many mums/special guests taking the opportunity to enjoy some delicious food and drinks, expertly prepared by the elective students. A raffle helped to raise a significant amount of money for Breast Cancer research. A big congratulations to Mrs Przibillla, students and the helpers who worked hard to make this event a success.

Proverbs 31:31:
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

1 Peter 3:4
"You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”

Mr Jason Przibilla
Executive Principal

Some of our Foundation students were asked in chapel this week when they experience peace. There were a range of answers but some of the common answers that repeated were “when I’m with my family”, “when I am playing with my pet” or “when I am playing”.

I looked up the dictionary definition of peace and it said that “Peace can be defined as a state of tranquility, calmness and harmony, free from disturbance or conflict. Calmess, tranquility and harmony sound very pleasant to me. Being free from disturbance or conflict also sounds like a desirable state. There are certain things we can do or people that we can seek out that usually correlate with us feeling peace, but obviously these aren’t fail safes. Sometimes even when we’re in a pleasant place with pleasant people we might not feel peaceful. But the converse can also be true, it is possible for us to experience peace even in the midst of challenges, troubles or problems.

God promises us peace, even at times that it does not make sense.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 says we can have God’s peace at all times and in every way: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you”.

I picture it being like being in a lighthouse that is being beaten by storms, we can still feel safe and peaceful though storms continue to batter around us. There are also times that God brings peace by calming the storm, taking away the things causing worry or distress. We remember Jesus’ friends exclaiming surprise at his miraculous powers saying: “Even the wind and waves obey him” (Matthew 8:27).

God encourages us to ask for both help and peace no matter what we are facing. As his word says in Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.

In our busy, full, often challenging, sometimes hard circumstances, let us remember to take time for the people, activities and spaces that help us find peace. And most of all, let us remember to ask and receive the peace that passes all understanding from our loving heavenly Father God.

Mrs Kate Polack
College Chaplain

As WLC continues to work through aligning teaching and learning programs, we are excited that end of semester reporting for all primary schools will now be distributed using the one program. For the Horsham campus, this will look very similar to previous reports, with some minor updates to:

• The front cover. This will be reflective of the Wimmera Lutheran College branding and allows for Nhill and Dimboola campuses to customise this according to their site
• Assessment scales. Horsham campus have previously utilised a 7-point scale which has now been streamlined to a 5-point scale. This ensures consistency across the campuses with more clarity for parents

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Nhill and Dimboola staff during this consultancy process, as well as having expert guidance from Independent Schools Victoria. More information will be shared with parents in the lead up to reports, on how to read these new assessment scales.

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

Mothers Day

Such a wonderful day was had last Friday as we celebrated all the special women in our lives. Thank you to all the Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunties and special visitors that came onsite to visit the students. It was great to see everyone participate in a variety of activities organised by Mr Busbridge, and a fantastic array of gifts on sale at the PTFA stall. A special thanks to Foundation L for leading us in a Whole College worship, celebrating the endless love provided by our Mothers and God. Another great community event for WLC.

Ride/Walk 2 School

Today was the annual Ride/Walk 2 School event. Students were encouraged to walk or ride safely together to school. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote road safety, health and the importance of being active.

Open Day

We’re excited to invite all parents, and the wider community to our Open Day at the WLC - Horsham Campus on Wednesday 21 May 2025.

This event is a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to explore what WLC has to offer from Foundation right through to Year 12. If you have friends, family members or neighbours who are considering schooling options, please invite them along to experience our college in action. Guided tours will depart every half hour from 1:45pm to 4:45pm, there will be a Middle School Showcase & Free BBQ from 5:00pm and a Year 7 (2026) Information Evening at 6:00pm. Interested families can register their interest here.

Enrolments for Foundation

As we move to secure Foundation places in 2026, any current WLC - Horsham families are encouraged to contact the office if they have not yet booked a Foundation enrolment interview.

Pick up/ Drop off Zone

Please note that the pick up/drop off zone should not be utilised for anyone needing to exit their car. If your child requires assistance getting in/out of the vehicle, please use the main carpark to allow for the extra time needed.

School Photos

On Monday, whole college school photos were conducted in the MPC. If your child was absent, we are working towards a suitable back-up date. If online orders have not been placed, students will receive a bookmark when photos are delivered which will have details to order at that time.

Awards

FL: FL Class

FR: No awards

1H: 1H Class

1P: 1P Class

2H: Beau M and Jake M 

2S: Summer L and Linc S 

3D: Charley U and Jessica S 

3J: Asees B and Zidane F

4M: Ted S and Laura B

4R: Austin S, Laila B and Ellie K 

5D: 5D Class

5J: Tristan vZ, Emily R and Chelsea S 

5K: Sienna M, Ella R and Isla S

6H: Alex N and Mandy H 

6V: No awards

Specialist awards
Chinese: Steele O and Addisyn K
Digital Technology: Ariana R
Performing Arts F-2: Lucy T
PE: Ollie M

Our Trinity Tiger (5-6) Award recipients were Indi W, Trinity Cub (3-4) Sarang S and Trinity Cub (F-2) Joey N.

Mrs Jacqui North
Acting Head of Junior School

It’s been a vibrant and eventful few weeks at the College, with students embracing a range of academic and co-curricular opportunities. Below are some key highlights and upcoming events in our Secondary School community.

College Ball

The College Ball was held two weeks ago at the Town Hall and was a major highlight on the Secondary School calendar. It was a fantastic success. Our students looked amazing and carried themselves with pride and respect throughout the evening. It was clear they thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which also helped strengthen their bond as a cohort.

A heartfelt thank you to the parent committee for their hard work in decorating the venue. Their vision and planning truly brought the Old Hollywood theme to life. Thank you also to our dedicated staff team, led by Year 11 Coordinator Miss Meg Cashin, for their planning, support, and enthusiasm in making the night such a memorable occasion.

Mother’s Day High Tea

The Mother’s Day High Tea was a wonderful event hosted by our Café 3:16 students. It was an absolute highlight and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Well done to the students and staff for their planning, organisation, and hard work in making the event such a success. I was fortunate enough to attend and can confidently say the food was absolutely delicious!

Subject Information Evening

We warmly invite all Year 9–11 students and their families to attend our upcoming Pathways and Subject Information Evening on Wednesday 28 May. This important event marks the beginning of the subject selection process for 2026. It is designed to provide students and families with valuable information about subject offerings, senior pathways (including VCE, VCE-VM, and VET), and key considerations for future planning.

The evening will commence at 6.30pm and will feature a series of sessions to ensure students receive targeted and relevant information. We strongly encourage attendance, as this event will equip students with the knowledge they need to make confident and informed decisions for the year ahead.

General Achievement Test (GAT)

VCE students will be undertaking the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Monday 17 June at the College. This applies to any student completing a Unit 3/4 VCE subject or any Year 12 student in the Vocational Major program.

A student information session will be held during Home Room next week, where students will receive all the logistical details they need. We encourage families to take the time to review this information together. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our VCE Coordinator, Mrs Paige Moore.

Year 10 and 11 Exams

Information about the upcoming Year 10 and 11 exams will be shared shortly. Your Year Level Coordinator will communicate the exam schedule with students in the coming days. In the meantime, students are encouraged to begin revising and preparing thoroughly to ensure they feel confident and well-prepared.

Important dates

• College Ball Term 2, 2 May
• Pathways and Subject Information Evening (Year 9 - 11 students), 28 May
• Exam Week (Year 10 and 11s), 30 May - 5 June
• Student Free Day, 6 June
• Public Holiday, 9 June
• General Achievement Test (GAT) Term 2, 17 June
• Year 12 Graduation Service and Dinner Term 4, 21 November

Mrs Kate Carter
Deputy Principal/Head of Secondary 

HCPSSA Athletics

Fifty five Year 3-6 students recently competed in HCPSSA Athletics at Cornell Park. Whilst it was a challenging day weather wise, our students performed admirably throughout the day. Students that finished first or second in individual events and first in the relay progress to Little Desert Division Athletics to be held in Stawell on Wednesday 10 September.

HCPSSA Age Champions

Four WLC students were awarded Athletics Age Champion at HCPSSA Athletics.

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding performances on the day.

12/13 Year Girls - Indi F
11 Year Boys - Javier B
9/10 Year Boys - Jaxon D
9/10 Year Girls - Maggie K

Little Desert Division Cross Country Results

Division cross country was held in Kaniva earlier this week. Warm dry weather made distance running challenging for competitors. Congratulations nine of our students on finishing in the top six for their age group and therefore progressing to Greater Western Region Cross Country to be held in Warrnambool on Monday 26th May.

9/10 Boys
Mason R - 4th

9/10 Girls
Maggie K - 3rd
Ariana R - 4th
Sophia P - 5th
Maya S - 6th

11 Boys
Jack S - 1st
Javier B - 4th
Max P - 5th

12/13 Girls
Maeja R - 3rd

HCPSSA Girls AFL 9’s

Girls AFL 9’s were held at WLC last Tuesday. Our girls played with great enthusiasm and were successful in winning one of their three matches. This was a great learning experience for the girls as only six of the nineteen girls were from year six, the thirteen year five girls will have gained valuable experience in readiness for next year.

Term 2 Sports Events

HCPSSA Year 5 & 6 Winter Sports - Friday 16, 23 May, 13 & 20 June from 1.45-2.45pm

Little Desert Division Winter Sports - Wednesday 28 May

Year 3 & 4 Hooptime - Friday 27 June

Mr Gary Davidson
Head of Sport (F-6)

Black Ranges Boys Netball

Last Monday, two teams of boys travelled to Central Park to compete in the Black Ranges Boys Netball Finals. The Intermediate (9/10) boys found themselves up against some very well-drilled opposition, and faced a height and age disadvantage as there were no Year 10 students in their team. Unfortunately, they were unable to come away with any wins on the day.

The Senior (11/12) team fought hard and secured a win against Ararat, but unfortunately made a few too many mistakes and missed a couple of vital goals in the closing stages of the match against Warracknabeal. In the end, despite dominating possession throughout the game, the boys were defeated by two goals, missing out on a chance to progress to the Region finals.

Thanks to Ilze vZ and Claudia B for umpiring for our teams on the day, and to Miss Cashin and Miss Ellis for coaching the boys.

Black Ranges Junior Girls AFL

The Year 7 and 8 Girls AFL team played a one-off match against Horsham College for a chance to progress to the Greater Western Region Finals later in the term. Despite the windy conditions, the girls played hard and fought through all four quarters, including some nice passages of footy. It was fantastic to see the girls supporting each other and working as a team, even scoring a goal.

The final score did not reflect the overall standard of footy played by the girls, and they should be very proud of their efforts. Thanks to Ms Reid and Mr Pickering for coaching the girls on the day.

Black Ranges Cross Country

Last week, over 30 students from the Middle and Senior School travelled to Murtoa to take on the Black Ranges Cross Country event. It was a stellar day for the WLC team, with at least one student progressing to the Regional Finals from every age group that we entered.

Congratulations to Ilze vZ (1st), Charlize vZ (1st), Alyssa S (1st) Ryan S (3rd) and Matilda S (3rd) for achieving podium finishes at the event. The following students will be joining them at the Greater Western Region Cross Country on May 26:

12-13 Girls: Greta S, Ane vZ, Elsa D, Ava S

12-13 Boys: Nixon B, Zack P, Jack A

14 Girls: Lydika B, Alexis B, Pippa K

14 Boys: Bailey D

15 Girls: Ellua B, Maya P

15 Boys: Archie F, Cody S, Frazer S

16 Boys: Toby U, Ryan C

17-20 Boys: Joseph S, Chase B

State Intermediate Girls Volleyball

On Wednesday, our Intermediate Girls Volleyball team took on the top volleyball schools in the state at the 2025 State Finals in Dandenong. It was a slow start for the team and they struggled to get going against Wodonga Senior Secondary College. The girls found it challenging to adapt to a team not playing the same structured style of volleyball that they were used to.

It was a bounce-back game for the team in the second match against Eltham, where the team played their best volleyball of the event to take a set off the opponents before falling in an epic third-set showdown.

With finals out of reach, the girls were playing for pride in their third game against Henderson College, but unfortunately they were unable to come away with any reward for their efforts this year.

Congratulations to Ilze vZ, Victoria B, Kirrily D, Hannah G, Bonnie G, Serena J, Myah M, Maya P and Amelia vB for their efforts at the state finals. It has been fantastic to see your development over the course of the year, and we hope to see it continue in the years to come!

Black Ranges Senior Boys AFL

Due to low numbers in our Year 11 and 12 cohort, WLC fielded a combined team with St Brigid’s College in the Senior Boys AFL yesterday. Despite losing both of their matches, the boys had a good time. Thanks to Mr Pickering for supporting the team and thank you to STBC for being willing to field a combined side with us.

AHPVSS Round 2 - Tailem Bend 6-hour

Today, almost 30 students and staff from WLC will make the trek across the border to South Australia in order to take part in Round 2 of the Australian HPV Super Series at The Bend Motorsport Park.

The weather forecast for Saturday looks less than ideal, with patchy showers predicted throughout the day, however we are sure the students will bring their best spirit and effort to the race track. With 170 vehicles taking on the 2.8 km circuit, it will be entertaining either way! You can follow all the action live from 10:00 am EST on Saturday using the live results link.

State Intermediate Girls Tennis

Good luck to Victoria B, Mia L, Serena J and Eliza B, who are representing WLC at the State Finals for the Intermediate Girls Tennis today. We wish you all the best as you take on some of the best players in the state!

COMING EVENTS

MAY

16 - State Intermediate Tennis
17 - AHPVSS Round 2: Tailem Bend 6-hour
26 - Greater Western Region Cross Country
27 - Black Ranges Year 7 & 8 Boys AFL
27 - Black Ranges Year 7 & 8 Girls Netball
30 - Black Ranges Intermediate Netball

JUNE

5 - Black Ranges Intermediate & Senior Soccer
26 - Black Ranges Year 7 & Year 8 Soccer

JULY

1 - Black Ranges Senior Basketball

Mr Matthew McLoughlin
Head of Sport (7-12)

THINKUKNOW

Australian Federal Police

We are excited to have the Wimmera Proactive Policing Unit coming to share the THINKUKNOW program with our Middle School students next week. We thought we would take this as an opportunity to further resource our school community around cyber-safety.

As parents and carers, you play an important role in protecting your child from harm. We aim to support you in preventing and managing safety challenges that your child may face, as well as guiding your child to understand these and feel empowered to take action. To help you do this, resources are available online including fact sheets, home learning and family activities, or presentations delivered through schools.

Understanding what children and young people SEE, SAY AND DO online is key to supporting them to be cyber-safe.

What they SEE:
Young people search for and consume content including videos, images and text.

What they SAY:
Being connected is a huge part of young people’s lives, including interacting with friends and family.

What they DO:
There are many types of activities including apps and games that children and young people use.

Having an understanding of the features of the apps, games and sites your child is using, particularly whether they connect with other users, can help to minimise some of the challenges. We refer to ‘online risks’ or ‘dangers’ as online challenges. This is because not every online experience results in harm and challenges can be prevented, managed and overcome.

Challenges can vary depending on your child and the activities they may be doing online. For example, challenges can arise if your child is interacting with people they don’t know, or using social media accounts with minimal privacy settings.

Please visit https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/ for further resources.

This is a friendly reminder to all families that the pick up/drop off zone is for quick transitions only. To help keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely, we ask that this area not be used if you need to exit your vehicle. If your child requires assistance getting in or out of the car, please use the main carpark where there is more time and space available.

For safety reasons, we also encourage children to enter and exit the vehicle from the passenger side (left side), away from the traffic. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and efficient process for everyone.

Thank You

A big thank you to the student/s who kindly handed in a special koala toy to Lost Property.

A young child lost his beloved koala toy in the playground and was quite upset. Thanks to the honesty and kindness of our students, the toy was safely returned and reunited with him.

While he doesn’t attend WLC, his sister does — and their family was incredibly grateful for this thoughtful gesture.

Calling all Year 9–11 families!

Join us on Wednesday 28 May at 6:30pm in the Senior School Agora for our Subject Information Night.

This is the first step in the subject selection journey for 2026. Hear about VCE, VET, and Vocational Majors, ask questions, and feel confident moving forward!

WLC Horsham Campus – Senior School Agora

6:30pm start

Dear Parents,

We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for our parents on exam preparation on Wednesday 21st May.

Elevate works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.

Sign up for the session below to learn how you can help your child to get ready for their assessments and walk into the exam hall feeling confident and prepared.

Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams

Wednesday 21st May 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)

Click here to register for free

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
✅ Prioritise your child’s high-impact work to maximise marks
✅ Improve your child’s time management to avoid last-minute preparation
✅ Help your child study effectively using past papers

We hope to see you there!