On the Year 6 camp, students were sharing with me about their first experiences such as catching public transport. Camps are highly valuable for developing interpersonal skills but also other skills such as leadership, teamwork and time management skills. This was also evident at our Year 4 camp where the students were playing together and navigating challenges in their groups. All of these experiences and the subsequent growth prepare our students in the best possible way for their secondary school journey.

There are many students and staff involved in the upcoming Seussical the Musical production! I have previously highlighted that in Lutheran schools we believe in nurturing the gifts and abilities of all students, and this is a wonderful avenue to celebrate and support the arts.

As we continue to journey the Lenten season as we prepare to celebrate Easter, I pray that you have an opportunity to reflect on the love and grace of our loving God.

Mr James Phillips, College Principal 

by Chelsea Pietsch

It is I; do not be afraid (John 6:20b).

The words ‘fear not’ apparently appear 365 times in the Bible. Jesus himself uses the phrase several times in the gospels. Can you think of any examples? What are your favourites?

The message from Holy Scripture is clear – don’t be afraid! Jesus sometimes appears exasperated that his followers fall into fear again and again.

Indeed, heeding the command not to be afraid can be easier said than done. The spirit can be very willing, but the flesh is often weak.

Sometimes, our temperament, genetics, early life experiences, life choices or past sins wire us to fear. It can seem that all some of us are able to do is replace one fear with another, whether we will this or not.

Of course, we do have control over some things. We can know that when despairing fear creeps in, it is not from God. God does not want us to fear. We can tell these fears – whether they come from inside of us or from the voice of the evil one – to be still and silenced. We can then choose to focus on something other than fear, such as noble, right, true and lovely things. We can reflect on the promises of God.

There may be times in life when fear seems to overwhelm us, despite our best efforts and intentions. Perhaps this is because of calamity, strife, trauma or even a ‘fiery trial’. At times like these, we can picture Christ’s face. We can picture him holding us or holding his hands out to us on the water – as he did for Peter – saying to us, ‘It is I; do not be afraid’. We can visualise ourselves dressed in the armour of God so that no matter what arrows life or the devil might fling at us, they cannot penetrate the soul, and we can stand firm and proclaim, ‘Jesus, I trust in you’.

Dear Heavenly Father, root out our deepest fears from the core and throw them away into the deepest part of the ocean. Grant us the peace that only you can give. Amen.

Years 4 and 6 Camps

This week our Year 6 students attended their 2023 camp experience, a three-night overnight camp in Melbourne, staying at Urban Central. During their four days in Melbourne, students went to Eureka Skydeck, Chinatown, Jewish and Islamic museums, Bounce, and Science Works. Our students loved that our camps program is back to its best (this is the length of the pre-COVID stay). The highlight from my perspective as an attendee was definitely seeing our students blossom into seasoned commuters on the trams, trains and buses!

The Year 4 camp at Creswick was also conducted as a two-night camp. Word has already returned home that this camp was also a very successful time of learning and togetherness. Both camps were packed full of activities, but even more treasured by teachers is the unique opportunity these camps give to grow each child’s strengths (particularly I feel the six mentioned above). 

Years 4 and 6 camps thank you!

Thank you to those who planned and staffed the camp, as without you a camps program would not be run (as in some other schools). Thank you also to our students and parents who see the overwhelming value in the exercise! It was a testament to our community that wherever our Year 6 students went, members of the public could not speak highly enough of our students and therefore our school!

Athletics Days

Next week, God willing, we will be running our sports days. Thanks to the organising team thus far. I look forward to seeing our middle school students assisting in various ways for the junior school event!

Ride to School Day

Just a reminder that it is a great opportunity to choose environmentally friendly transport to school this coming Friday! All participants are encouraged to meet at the helipad from 8.20am and we will ride up the Trinity Drive bike path together by 8.40am. Looking forward to it, Mr Busbridge

Hair and uniform

As we settle into the school year, I’d like to remind families and students our Uniform Policy states that hairstyles are to be neat, clean and worn well out of the eyes. Hair longer than shoulder length is to be tied back with hair bands in the appropriate school colours. Thank you for your support in this area.

Chapel

This morning Year 3B led our Junior School Chapel, with a message focusing on goodness as a fruit of the spirit. Next week Year 2S will be leading our Junior School worship on the theme of gentleness. I love the opportunity at Holy Trinity that our students receive to reflect each week on their development as spiritual people. I am sure this is one of the elements that set our Lutheran schools apart and give them a special community feel.  Please encourage your child to bring a small offering.

God bless,

Adam Borgas, Head of Junior School

A sneak peek of the Year 6 camp:

NAPLAN

NAPLAN Testing for Years 7 and 9 got underway this week with the writing and reading tests being held on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. The testing will continue next week with Language Conventions and Mathematics being held on Tuesday and Wednesday. All tests are conducted online.

Year 8 Melbourne Excursion

The Year 8 students enjoyed their cultural excursion to Melbourne this week, spending Thursday and Friday participating in a range of cultural experiences, including watching Mary Poppins the Musical, Salvation Army Street Tour and an African Drumming and Dance experience. The conduct of the students was of a high level as they embraced the opportunities provided for them. A huge thank you to Mrs Przibilla for coordinating the experience and Mrs Schneider, Mr McKenzie and Mrs Mock for acting as staff supervisors across the two days.

Interhouse Athletics Sports Day

The Secondary Interhouse Athletics Sports Day will be held on Tuesday, 28 March at Dudley Cornell Park. Team selection is underway with a trials day planned for Monday, 20 March. Selected Year 7 and 9 students will assist at the Junior School Carnival (Years 3-6) next Thursday, 23 March. Students will assist with various timekeeping, recording, scoring and management roles on the day. With it becoming increasingly more difficult to find external helpers, we appreciate the efforts of our students who always do an exceptional job when given these positions of responsibility.

Central Australia Tour

Preparations continue for the Central Australia Tour planned for Term 2. A detailed email was sent to parents this week, outlining details such as payment due dates, list of what to bring, travel insurance and more. This will be an exciting tour for Middle School students to enjoy.

Mr Jason Przibilla, Head of Middle School

VCE and Vocational Major information evening

Wednesday night we held our VCE and VCEVM Information Evening in the Senior Centre agora. Mrs Schneider and Mr Bandel provided parents with detailed information regarding the policies and procedures associated with senior secondary education. The presentations and the Policies and Procedures Handbook have been posted on the Hub and circulated to parents. Please contact one of the staff members mentioned above if you have any questions or need clarification regarding the expectations of students.

College Ball 2023

Thank you to those parents who have expressed an interest in being involved in the decorations committee. Information has now been forwarded regarding our first meeting next week. Training for students will be commencing in Week 9 in the Senior Centre stadium.

Specialist Sport Program

Following their initial testing, the first formal session for the year for athletes will be next Tuesday in the SC Stadium and Weights Room. Athletes will complete a session run by the RADcentre from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. At 3.30pm a parent information session will be held where Chris Radford will explain the results obtained from strength and conditioning testing and the implications for individual training programs. The meeting will conclude at 4pm.

Work Experience

Year 10 students who have not yet finalised their work experience and potential employment placements are encouraged to commence this process as positions will quickly fill. Work experience will take place during the second-last week of Term 2, from 13-16 June. All students have received their Work Arrangement forms. Those having difficulty are reminded to seek support from their teacher.

VCE After-School Study Sessions

As our first SACs for the year are now upon us, students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the after-school sessions offered by staff to assist them in preparing for assessment tasks.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days

Earlier this month, our senior leadership team spent time at our college stand at the Field Days sharing information and personal experiences about our school. Many past and potential school families were greeted by the students as they engaged enthusiastically with the public in the promotion of our school. The Leadership Team are to be commended for their efforts with this role.

Mrs Sally Kuchel, Head of Senior School

Greater Western Swimming

Another fantastic day was had at the pool by our talented swimmers. Well done to all competitors - there were some personal bests made on the day and Poppy W has made it through to state level with her freestyle abilities. Well done to all students and special mention to all supportive family members, it is so wonderful to work together to make events like this possible.

ATHLETICS DAY

As you know we have our two carnivals happening next week: 

F-2 - Tuesday, 21 March

3-6 - Thursday, 23 March

I will endeavour to have a program available for families tomorrow. We will run these events on our Junior School Oval. Thanks to the hard work of our maintenance staff.

I will need four parent helpers to time the end-of-day running races for F-2. If you are available please email me on jessie.ferguson@htlc.vic.edu.au, or if you have any talents in any other sports and would like to assist please let me know.

Please note: feel free to follow student groups and we encourage positive feedback. While following around student groups please be respectful of those working on the events. We all have different talents and abilities and work together to make these events run smoothly. Mistakes can be made and any queries can be made to myself for possible adjustments.

COMING EVENTS

Friday, 31 March: Greater Western Tennis

Many thanks, have a fantastic weekend. 

Mrs Jessie Ferguson, Primary School Teacher

Greater Western Swimming Championships

On Tuesday, 14 March, 10 of HTLC's swimmers competed in the Greater Western Regional Championships at the Horsham Aquatic Centre. The students had an excellent day in the pool, and HTLC finished fifth overall out of the 39 schools represented, with every athlete bringing home at least one medal.

Results:

Jacob M - 1st place: 200 Freestyle, 200 Individual Medley, 100 Butterfly, 100 Freestyle, 50 Freestyle

Soren F - 1st place: 50 Butterfly; 3rd place: 50 Freestyle

Edward J - 2nd place: 50 Breaststroke, 50 Butterfly; 3rd place: 50 Freestyle

Chase B - 2nd place: 50 Breaststroke; 3rd place: 50 Freestyle, 50 Backstroke

Ellua B - 2nd place: 100 Freestyle; 3rd place: 200 Individual Medley, 50 Breaststroke, 50 Freestyle

Ellita S - 3rd place: 50 Breaststroke, 50 Freestyle, 50 Butterfly

Boys 200 Freestyle Relay (Jacob M, Edward J, Chase B, Matt E) - 1st place

Boys 200 Medley Relay (Jacob M, Edward J, Chase B, Matt E) - 2nd place

Girls 200 Freestyle Relay (Ellua B, Hannah G, Charlotte M, Lauren J) - 2nd place

Congratulations to Jacob M, Soren F, Edward J, Chase B and Matt E, who have qualified for the state finals early next term after winning their events.

HPV racing

Trials for the Holy Trinity Racing HPV team have finished and students who were successful in earning a place on the team for 2023 have been informed. Our trikes are currently in Mount Gambier being prepared and painted so they are ready to go for round one, which is on 1 April.

Secondary Athletics Carnival

It has been pleasing to see the dedication of students to their houses as they nominate events for the Secondary Athletics Carnival. Due to high levels of interest, we will be holding a trial day on Monday, 20 March. All students involved in the trials will be emailed at the weekend and will be permitted to wear their PE uniform to school on Monday.

COMING EVENTS

MARCH

28 - HTLC Athletics Carnival

APRIL

1 - Australian HPV Super Series round one: Mount Gambier Eight-hour

3 - Black Ranges Division Intermediate and Senior Volleyball

Vaping is becoming a trendy pastime that is growing in popularity across Australia, especially among teenagers. It is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. They are often cheaper than conventional cigarettes, making them more cost-effective and attractive to young people.

Although under-18s are not legally allowed to purchase any type of e-cigarette or vaping product in Australia, teenagers are finding ways to access them online. Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products, and attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of them. Many of the flavoured liquids associated with vaping contain not only high levels of nicotine but other potentially harmful additives. Many of these “e-liquids” contain chemicals that are likely to be toxic, and when inhaled or vaped repeatedly can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking. However, doctors strongly advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs.

This Special Report highlights the facts about vaping and e-cigarettes and what are the potential risks.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report: https://htlc.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

Getting into the Learning Zone with James Anderson: Monday, 27 March, at 8pm AEDT

https://schools.happyfamilies....

*Note that the link will only work if you are already signed into our school’s page - see below

How does your child approach challenges? Do they often take the easiest option? Do they sometimes give up when learning starts to get tough? Do they dislike the struggle that comes with learning something challenging?

Our relationship with challenge is one of the key elements of Learnership – the skill of learning. In this insightful and powerful session, James Anderson will show you how you can help your child develop a strong positive relationship with challenge. He’ll show you the practical strategies you can use at home and in school to put your child on path towards embracing challenges and becoming a skilful learner. He’ll show you how to get your child into their Learning Zone.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a collaborative and vibrant finance team at Horsham’s leading independent school.

The role of the Finance Coordinator contributes to the mission and goals of Holy Trinity Lutheran College by providing leadership and direction in the planning, design and implementation of financial systems, controls, and processes.

The Finance Coordinator will take responsibility for determining methods and procedures required to achieve specified outcomes. They will provide administrative support to the Business Manager.

Please note that by submitting your application you provide consent to the selection panel to contact individuals other than those listed as a referee, which may include your current employment manager/supervisor. Holy Trinity Lutheran College reserves the right to interview applicants prior to the closing date of the position

Learn more about the position and apply here.

Bookclub brochures (Issue #2) have been distributed. All orders should be placed by Tuesday, 21 March.

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.                                                                               

️ U14 GIRLS FOOTBALL ️

Horsham Saints are investigating the establishment of a Youth Girls under-14s girls football side, aimed at 10- to 14-year-olds, to compete in a proposed Wimmera-based competition.

The intent is for a 12-13-week period, Wednesday night training and carnival-type games held on four occasions on a Sunday once a month in April, May, June and July.

It will form part of an AFL Wimmera Mallee Female Football League, primarily involving local Wimmera League clubs.

Enquiries can be made to HSFNC President Scott B Bond on 0418 302 120.