Newsletter (2 May, 2025)

Term 2 is well underway after a shorter first week due to the Easter and Anzac Day Public Holidays. A warm welcome back to all families and I pray that this term provides many exciting learning and extra-curricular opportunities.

Wimmera Lutheran College Update

Dimboola hosted the April Board Meeting which included a tour of the Campus, a meal at the Victoria Hotel followed by the Board Meeting held on-site. The Board welcomed Mr Ryan Fowler as a new Board member. Ryan most recently served as the Head of Junior School/Deputy Principal at Trinity Lutheran College - Mildura, and before that role, he worked at prominent Private Schools in Sydney/NSW as a Physical Education teacher. Ryan also has travelled the world through his tennis coaching career. Ryan has now moved away from education and is the CEO of the Charity Organisation ‘Rio’s Legacy’, which he founded with his wife following the tragic passing of his young son from a terminal illness.

Rio’s Legacy was founded to aid families facing the challenge of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition, guided by the belief that every individual is fearfully and wonderfully made, as written in Psalm 139:13-16. With only three hospices/respite centres in Australia for children under 18, Rio’s Legacy aims to provide more facilities for families during this difficult time. Additionally, we aim to assist families with children in the intensive care unit at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and support children and young people diagnosed with terminal illnesses and their families at Bear Cottage.

Ryan was unable to attend last night’s Board meeting in person as he was in Sydney for a Government announcement that his charity will be receiving a significant grant to go towards building a hospice for the families of terminally ill children. Ryan will be a great asset to the WLC Board in 2025.

At last night’s Board meeting, the consultant to lead the development of WLC’s Strategic Plan was confirmed and we are excited to be working with Phil McCredden from Ecclesia. An initial workshop will be held with the Board and Executive Leadership Team in June. This initial workshop will springboard into engagement sessions with other key stakeholders such as the parent, student and staff groups.

Uniform

Families are advised that the changeover to winter uniform is due to take place in Week 3 of this term. Parents are encouraged to exercise a common sense approach with temperatures forecast to be in the mid 20s throughout next week. We are currently experiencing delays in getting some uniform items in with delivery expected next week. Students are able to wear uniform substitutes (including summer uniform) until these items are in stock and are encouraged to communicate this with Home Room / Classroom teachers. School photos are scheduled for Monday 12 May, students are asked to be in full winter uniform for these photos, including jumpers.

Remembering Charlotte Maher

This week the WLC Horsham Campus acknowledged the 12 month anniversary of the passing of Year 12 student, Charlotte Maher. An early morning prayer vigil was held on Wednesday where Charlotte’s life was remembered and her family and friends placed at the forefront of our reflections. This was a time of sombre remembrance as we once again grieved as a community. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those impacted most by Charlotte’s passing, in particularly Laura, John and Cameron.

John 16:22, “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

Mr Jason Przibilla
Executive Principal

Term 2

A very warm welcome back to parents/caregivers for Term 2, 2025. I pray that you have had a restful break and a safe return after the holiday period.

I look forward to a wonderful term ahead and am reminded of 1 Peter 1:3 leading on from last week’s Easter celebrations, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Lunch orders - Open during recess

This term we are proud to be partnering with Fig Tree Cafe with our lunch orders and recess canteen service for the whole college. This will operate on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and orders can be taken via the FlexiSchools app. Recess canteen and some lunch items will be available over the counter and can be paid with cash.

Chapel

This morning 4R led our Junior School worship with a focus on following Jesus’ instruction to love one another. Next week our Foundation L students will be presenting a special Mother’s Day themed Chapel. We hope you can join us for worship.

SRC Crazy Hair Day

Thank you to the Junior School SRC for hosting “Crazy Hair” day today. We had an amazing display of creative hair designs and artwork, and we congratulated those on receiving awards in recognition of their hard work and imagination. The SRC highlighted the significance of this event to raise awareness and much needed funds for the Leukemia Foundation.

Year 1 Games Night/Year 2 Sleepover

Tonight the Year 1 students will remain at school to enjoy an afternoon of games and share dinner together, whilst the Year 2 students enjoy a sleepover in the Library. We pray they have a wonderful time of fun and celebration.

Winter Uniform

From Monday 5 May, students are required to wear the formal college winter uniform. Hats are not mandatory in Terms 2 & 3 but are still recommended for outdoor play. The uniform shop is open Wednesdays from 9.00am to 4.00pm, and Fridays from 9.00am to 2.00pm.

Mother’s Day Celebrations

On Friday 9 May following Chapel, our Junior School classrooms will be open for activities for Mums and special family members. We encourage you to stay for recess from 10.30am and thanks to Fig Tree Cafe, morning tea packs are available for purchase via the FlexiSchools app. The PTFA will be running their Mother’s Day throughout the morning, with all items $5 and under.

Week 4 Assembly

Please note that due to College Photos, there will be no Assembly in the MPC on Monday 12 May. Assembly announcements and awards will be presented in classrooms.

Awards

FL: Archie K, Mathew L and Parker G
FR: R-Jay C, Braxton C and Banks C
1H: Ace E, Livini F and Baxter A
1P: Grace R, Eliza R and Emmett J
2H: James B and Maddison S
2S: Jack B and Charlotte S
3D: Ari M and Gaw Kay PS
3J: Juno L, Nate B and Ethan C
4M: Romy O and Edith B
4R: Ryan R, Ava B and Oscar A
5D: Sophia B and Jack S
5J: Tyren S
5K: Braxton W and Lachlan K
6H: Jonty P and Abel N
6V: Liam R, Emily L and Grace S

Trinity Tiger (5-6): Mason M
Trinity Cub (3-4): Grace B
Trinity Cub (F-2): Phoebe B

Mrs Jacqui North
Acting Head of Junior School

WLC Secondary Cross Country

On Monday, students from the Secondary School made their way to the oval for the final inter-house carnival of the year, Cross Country. Competing on a loop around the WLC grounds and surrounding streets, the competition was strong and the pace was quick amongst the 86 runners.

The closest event of the day was Ava S beating Elsa D by 4 seconds in the 12-13 Girls event, while Charlize vZ (14 Girls) and Ellua B (15 Girls) both set new records for their age groups.

Age Champions:

Lowan: Willow M (16G), Toby U (16B)

Mallee: Ava S (12-13G), Ellua B (15G), Ryan S (15B), Alissa T (17G), Joseph S (17B)

Wimmera: Jack A (12-13B), Charlize vZ (14G), Yasassri S (14B), Tadhg M (18-20B)

Wimmera were the winners of the inaugural Cross Country Relay as well, but despite their solid performance in the team event, they were unable to take the overall victory. Mallee pipped them at the line, winning the event by 6 points and breaking Wimmera’s run of consecutive Championships at 5. Mallee’s win have also prevented Wimmera from going back-to-back in the Grand Slam (winning the Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country in the same year).

As a result of their performances at the WLC Cross Country, 51 students have been offered a place at the Black Ranges Cross Country event, which will be held in Murtoa on Thursday, 8 May. Information regarding the event has been released on Consent2Go.

State Swimming

Congratulations to Ellua B, who travelled to Melbourne yesterday to compete in the State Swimming Finals at MSAC. Ellua swam in the 12-15 Girls 200 metre freestyle event, where she was up against some very strong competition.

Ellua managed to swim her fastest 200 metre time this year in the final, and it would have taken a PB to improve on her seventh-place finish. It’s an incredible achievement to be the seventh-fastest girl in the state for her age though! Congratulations on your efforts, Ellua!

WestVic Academy of Sport

The 2025 WestVic Academy of Sport program officially commenced at WLC last Wednesday, with Chris Radford from RADCentre putting our athletes through their paces in a series of baseline fitness tests.

Congratulations to the following athletes for being selected in the program for 2025 - we look forward to following your journey in your chosen sport!

Gymnastics: Elsa D, Eva D, Edward J, Lauren J

Swimming: Ellua B, Vincent B, Charlotte M, Stella M

Tennis: Nixon B, Lydika B, Sienna N, Frazer S

Volleyball: Penny E, Bonnie G, Jesse J, Amelia vB

Black Ranges Athletics - Postponed

Please note that the Black Ranges Athletics has been postponed until Thursday, 11 September. This is due to a scheduling conflict at the event venue. When more information is available, this information will be distributed to students via Consent2Go.

This year, the Black Ranges Division are not running the 800 metre or 1500 metre events. As a result, students will qualify for the Greater Western Region Finals in these events based on their times recorded at the WLC Secondary Athletics.

Upcoming Sporting Events

Good luck to all of the students who will be representing WLC at the Boys Netball and Year 7/8 Girls AFL on Monday. Thank you to the staff and student volunteers for coaching and umpiring on the day.

On Wednesday of Week 4, our Intermediate Girls Volleyball team will compete at the State Finals in Dandenong. For many of the girls in the squad, this will be their third consecutive trip to the State Finals. The girls have been working hard in training and are looking forward to the opportunity. Good luck to all the students involved.

On Friday of Week 4, our Intermediate Girls will again compete against the best schools in the State at the Tennis Finals, held at Glen Waverley. Good luck to the four girls representing WLC at that event.

COMING EVENTS

MAY
5 - Black Ranges Boys Netball
5 - Black Ranges Junior Girls AFL
8 - Black Ranges Cross Country
14 - State Intermediate Volleyball
15 - Black Ranges Senior Boys AFL
15 - Black Ranges Senior Girls Netball
16 - State Intermediate Tennis
17 - AHPVSS Round 2: Tailem Bend 6-hour
21 - Greater Western Region Boys Netball
23 - Black Ranges Intermediate Netball
26 - Greater Western Region Cross Country
27 - Black Ranges Year 7 & 8 Boys AFL
27 - Black Ranges Year 7 & 8 Girls 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)

The Power of Belonging: Why Feeling Connected at School Matters More Than You Think

Dr Justin Coulson
Happy Families

Feeling connected at school isn’t just about friendships—it’s about a deep sense of school belonging that shapes a child’s confidence, motivation, and overall well-being. When kids feel seen, valued, and included, they’re more likely to thrive both academically and socially. But what happens when that sense of belonging is missing?

What the Research Says About School Connection

A fascinating new study from Monash University has shed light on the profound impact of school belonging on long-term mental health. Associate Professor Kelly-Ann Allen, the lead researcher, followed over 1500 individuals from adolescence to adulthood, examining the link between their feelings of connection at school and their mental well-being later in life.

How Belonging Affects Mental Health Long-Term

The findings were striking: those who felt a strong sense of belonging in high school experienced fewer mental health challenges in their twenties. This connection was evident even after accounting for other factors like academic achievement and family relationships. In other words, feeling like you fit in, that you matter, that you’re part of the school community, has a lasting positive impact on your mental health.

Why does belonging matter so much?

Think back to your own school days. Remember that feeling of walking into a classroom where you felt welcomed, valued, and supported? Or perhaps you recall the opposite—the sinking feeling of being an outsider, of not quite fitting in. These experiences shape not only our immediate well-being but also our long-term sense of self and our ability to navigate social and emotional challenges.

The Link Between School Connection and Success

Beyond mental health, a strong sense of belonging also contributes to academic achievement and personal growth.

Academic and Social Benefits of Feeling Connected

Students who feel connected to their school community are more likely to:

Engage in learning: They’re more motivated, attentive, and eager to participate in classroom activities.
Develop positive relationships: They feel more comfortable interacting with peers and teachers, fostering friendships and a sense of community.
Cope with stress: They have a support system to turn to when faced with academic or social challenges.
Build resilience: They develop a stronger sense of self-worth and the confidence to navigate life’s ups and downs.

The Role of Teachers and Parents in Fostering Belonging

Educators and parents play a crucial role in helping children feel valued and included at school. Simple actions—such as acknowledging students by name, encouraging participation, and creating inclusive environments—can make a significant difference.

How to Strengthen Your Child’s Sense of Belonging

If you want to ensure your child thrives in school, fostering a sense of belonging is key.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Educators

Partner with the school:
- Open communication: Stay connected with your child’s teachers. Attend school events and parent-teacher meetings. Be an active participant in your child’s school life.
- Advocate for your child: If your child is struggling socially or emotionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school counsellor or other support staff.
- Support school initiatives: Get involved in school activities and events that promote a sense of community and belonging.
Nurture connections at home:
- Family time: Prioritise quality time together as a family. Share meals, play games, and engage in activities that foster connection and communication.
- Emotional support: Create a safe and open environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns. Validate their emotions and offer unconditional love and support.
- Social skills: Help your child develop strong social skills. Encourage them to engage in activities that foster friendships and positive peer relationships.
Champion their interests:
- Encourage exploration: Support your child in exploring their interests and passions. This could involve extracurricular activities, hobbies, or simply pursuing their own unique curiosities.
- Celebrate their strengths: Focus on their positive qualities and accomplishments. Help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
- Foster autonomy: Give them age-appropriate choices and responsibilities. Allow them to make decisions and experience the consequences of their choices (within safe boundaries).

The Bottom Line

School connection and belonging isn’t just about feeling happy and comfortable in the classroom; it’s a crucial ingredient for long-term mental health and well-being. By partnering with the school, nurturing connections at home, and championing our children’s interests, we can help them build a strong foundation for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.