Four weeks into the new school year, it has been wonderful to see all campuses of Wimmera Lutheran College thriving with activity. Teaching and learning programs are well underway across all year levels, alongside a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Core and specialist classes, swimming carnivals and aquatic programs, leadership development days and installations, as well as camps and excursions, have already filled the opening weeks of term.

Our students are truly blessed with the breadth of opportunities available to them. I extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff and leaders who generously invest their time and energy to ensure every student receives a balanced and high-quality education.

Executive Team 2026

The Wimmera Lutheran College Executive Team for 2026 comprises:

• Jason Przibilla – Executive Principal
• Craig Young – Director of Business Operations
• Kate Carter – Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary
• Damon Prenzler – Nhill Campus Principal
• Christina Jacobsen – Horsham Head of Primary School
• Millie Dent – Dimboola Campus Head
• Jacqui North – Assistant Head of Schools: Curriculum and Pedagogy

This team meets regularly to ensure that shared priorities and common goals across our three campuses remain aligned and focused. A key priority currently is the finalisation of the College Strategic Plan. Next week, the Executive will meet with Phil McCredden from Ecclesia Leadership to identify key signposts and action steps, while further refining our mission, vision and values statements.

In addition to whole-team meetings, I greatly value the opportunity to meet weekly with individual Executive members. These conversations enable me to stay connected to the initiatives, achievements and priorities within each campus and sub-school. I feel privileged to lead such a capable and committed team, and I deeply appreciate their professionalism and collaborative spirit.

Strengthening communication across campuses

A further priority for 2026 is the continued centralisation of communication processes across our campuses. Several years ago, the Horsham campus implemented a Learning Management System (LMS) through Schoolbox, now known as The Hub. This platform has become an effective communication and learning tool for Horsham families.

Last year, staff at the Dimboola and Nhill campuses began engaging with The Hub for internal communication purposes. In 2026, we aim to integrate this platform more fully into existing communication processes across all campuses, enabling families to access important information through a single, consistent source. We look forward to seeing this rollout continue in both Nhill and Dimboola.

NAPLAN 2026

Parents and carers of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 should now have received information regarding the NAPLAN testing schedule.

While NAPLAN is an important assessment tool, it is helpful to remember that it represents a snapshot in time rather than a life-defining measure. It provides an indication of a student's development at this particular stage of their learning journey. I encourage families to have positive and reassuring conversations with their children in the lead-up to testing, emphasising effort, preparation and perspective.

Should you have any questions regarding NAPLAN or any other aspect of College life, please do not hesitate to contact your campus.

1 Corinthians 14:40
“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

Mr Jason Przibilla, Executive Principal

This Tuesday students at WLC enjoyed being served pancakes as a way of commemorating Shrove Tuesday.

The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday has its roots in the practice of using up certain food products that Christians traditionally abstained from during the Lenten Season. Thus eating pancakes on Tuesday signifies that we are now into Lent.

The Lenten Season observes the 40 days as we count down toward Easter. For some of us Lent brings to mind thoughts more of deprivation, what ought we forgo to solemnly signify the importance of this time on the Christian calendar. Choosing to abstain from something might be helpful to hold our focus on the coming of Easter but it is by no means the thing of greatest importance at this time.

As with every tradition in Christianity, God reminds us that he does not want us to practice empty traditions that are followed religiously without a genuine heart attitude.

So many times in the Old Testament when God instituted traditions or rituals, he stressed that it wasn’t the tradition that was important.

Their importance is that they remind people of God and things he did for his people.

Exodus 13:14-15 when God instituted the Passover meal is an example of this:

"In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.’"

So as we journey through Lent, let us remember whether we are actively choosing to fast something or not, observe the Lenten tradition, or not, the important thing is that we are inclining our heart toward God, focusing on what he has done for us.

God sent Jesus to die in our place on the cross that in his name, all who respond to his grace with faith may have eternal life. Though Lent may seem a solemn time counting down days toward the death of our saviour, it is a time for joy and gratitude as we are also getting ever closer to Resurrection Sunday where we celebrate the new life Jesus gives us because of his death.

As we read in 1 Peter 3:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Here are some resources you might find helpful to help you engage with the Lenten Season:

• Easter Family Faith Trail
• Walking through Holy Week
• 40 Acts of Kindness and Generosity

Mrs Kate Polack, College Chaplain

Lenten season

Shrove Tuesday was celebrated in style this year, with students enjoying pancakes to mark the end of feasting and the start of the Lenten season. Teachers joined in the fun as well, with devotions held in the quadrangle while everyone enjoyed a delicious pancake.

For the rest of the term, we will be in the season of Lent. This is a time when Christians traditionally reflect on Jesus' journey to the cross. It is often a period of prayer, reflection, and sacrifice, when believers may choose to give up something to honour Jesus' ultimate sacrifice of giving his life for us. In Christian Studies, students will be learning about Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and his death, burial, and resurrection. Although Lent is a solemn time, it leads into the celebration of Easter, one of the most joyful and significant events in the church calendar.

General housekeeping

• Hats are to be worn outside when playing
• Students have been reminded to use safe hands and feet when playing. There have been a few instances where bystanders have been hurt by rambunctious play. Students are reminded that if they accidentally hurt someone, they should stop and say, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. Are you OK?" before moving on with their game

Bus behaviour

Please be advised that if your child rides the bus to and from school, they have a responsibility to follow the bus rules. These rules have been reinforced during the primary assembly this week:

• Seatbelt worn at all times
• Noise is kept to a minimum
• Use safe hand and feet
• Be respectful of your neighbours
• Listen to the bus captain

School bus captains have been put into place to supervise the behaviour of the children on the bus. They give a behaviour report daily to Administration.

Parent-teacher interviews

Thank you to all the families who took the time to attend our parent-teacher interviews. It was wonderful to see so many of you, and to share conversations over drinks and nibbles at the end of the evening. These moments of connection are truly valued, as they allow us to celebrate and support the children we teach each day.

If you were unable to attend, please don’t hesitate to contact your child's teacher to arrange a suitable alternative time. Building strong partnerships between home and school is so important, especially early in the year, and plays a key role in creating a positive and supportive learning environment for your child.

SGMs

SGMs are now in full swing, with teachers spending many afternoons meeting with families to discuss how we can best support each child's learning and wellbeing. These meetings are a vital part of our support process, and we greatly value the opportunity to work in partnership with you. Thank you for making these meetings a priority and for your flexibility with scheduling.

Years 3 and 6

Both year levels have now settled into a steady routine, with Miss Zyla Nelson leading Year 3P and Ms Keely Pope moving into Year 6H. I commend our students for the positive and resilient way they have handled such a significant change so early in the year. Thank you also to our teachers for responding to the needs of the college with such professionalism, flexibility, and care.

Important dates

• 23 February: Western Hub Primary Leadership Workshop (Year 6) - full day
  25 February: Little Desert swimming event - qualifying students
• 3-5 March: Wimmera Machinery Field Days
• 6 March: Foundation Faith Bag presentation
• 9 March: Labour Day public holiday

Awards

FL: Harriet A FR: Zhavaja D and James J 1S: Luna A and Lucy S 1B: Steve M and Sienna J 2H: Twyla S and Elizabeth K 2W: Phoebe B and Hadley W 3D: Charlotte S and Joshua M 3P: Indy W and Linc D 4M: Zidane F and Jake S 4R: Timothy S and Anna D 5J: Veronica P, Jayla E and Hudson N 6H: Abel F K and Neve D 6R: Rylie P and Mia H

Specialist awards
German: Larson V Performing Arts: Marshall K, Summer L, Zidane F, Melissa M, Jessica S, Anna D, Ava B and Max P

Trinity Tiger/Cub Awards

Congratulations to our very Tiger and Cub awardees!

Brianna B - Mallee
Maddison S - Mallee
Olivia Y - Mallee

Mrs Christina Jacobsen, Head of Primary

WLC - Horsham | Curriculum and Pedagogy

Dear Parents and Guardians,

NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. A parent information handout is here. NAPLAN assessments are administered online, with the exception of the Year 3 Writing Assessment. The testing schedule will run for two weeks with tests planned for the following days:

• Wednesday, 11 March: Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 Writing Assessment
• Thursday, 12 March: Years 7 and 9 Reading Assessment
• Friday, 13 March: Years 3 and 5 Reading Assessment
• Monday, 16 March: Years 3, 7 and 9 Conventions of Language Assessment
• Tuesday, 17 March: Year 5 Conventions of Language Assessment
• Tuesday, 17 March: Year 7 Numeracy Assessment
• Wednesday, 18 March: Years 3, 5 and 9 Numeracy Assessment

Catch-up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days up to and including Monday, 23 March 2026. Changes to this schedule may be made if required. Students will be given opportunities to practice for the tests during class time.

Online examples of the NAPLAN tests can be found at https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site. Once this site is reached, select the year level and click through the login pages by selecting ‘next’ until the test has started. PDF versions of the tests can be found at https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/the-tests. Parents will need to select the year level, required test, download and then print to gain access. These tests will be beneficial in helping the students gain experience with the type of questions that may be asked during the testing period.

It is an expectation that all students will sit the NAPLAN tests. Support can be arranged for students if they regularly have similar support for classroom assessment tasks. Exemptions may be granted to students with significant disadvantages and to students who have been learning English for less than one year. Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parents or carer in consultation with myself. If after consultation you decide to withdraw your child, a Student Withdrawal Form must be signed prior to the scheduled test date. This is available at the college.

Later in the year you will receive your child’s personal NAPLAN report. This will describe your child’s particular skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy, and how your child performed in relation to the minimum Australian standards.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Richest blessings,

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

Now that we are four weeks into the term, classes and programs are well underway. It has been wonderful to see how our students have settled back into routine, ready for what will no doubt be a busy year filled with learning and opportunities.

OES camp

Our VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies students headed off on their first camp in Week 3, spending time at Mt Arapiles and the Horseshoe Bend camping ground in the Little Desert. Students participated in a range of activities, including rock climbing and canoeing, using these experiences to develop key knowledge and skills for their VCE studies.

Thank you to Mr Pickering and the staff who supported him in making this camp such a valuable experience.

Shrove Tuesday

To celebrate Shrove Tuesday, the whole school enjoyed delicious pancakes. Our Vocational Major students supported by making pancakes for the Primary School students, with our Middle and Senior Captains helping to serve. Secondary students enjoyed their pancakes at lunchtime, thanks to the Cafe 3:16 class and Mrs Przibilla.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the day such a success.

Swimming carnival

This week concluded with one of the major events on the Secondary School calendar, the WLC - Horsham Campus Secondary Swimming Carnival. It was a wonderful day filled with talent, excitement and strong house spirit. It was fantastic to see the costumes and hear the loud and enthusiastic support for those competing in the pool. Congratulations to Wimmera for taking out the trophy on the day! See the newsletter next fortnight for all the details.

Thank you to our Sports Coordinator, Miss Jayde Ellis, for all of her hard work and preparation in making this event such a success.

StudyZone and Maths Drop-In

The StudyZone is now open in the Senior Centre, providing a dedicated space for students to complete homework and it is available to students from Year 7 to 12. It is open on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Year 11 and 12 students are also welcome to use the study centre on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons; however, we ask that they do not stay beyond 4.30pm.

Career news

Career news and opportunities will be posted on The Hub throughout the year. Please take note of these opportunities and be in touch with the college if you require any further support or information.

Important dates

• Wednesday, 18 March: Parent-Teacher Interviews
• Monday, 30 March: Secondary Athletics Carnival

Mrs Kate Carter, Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

SSV Team Vic trial results

Team Vic under-12 trials for selection to progress to region level trials have been run at school over the past two weeks. Congratulations to the following on their selection: AFL - Javier B, Ted S and Steele O; netball - Jayla E, Penny W and Ella P; cricket - Steele O, Daniel A and Jack S; girls basketball - Maggie K, Mila J and Sophia P; and boys basketball - Javier B, Ryder N and Ted S.

House Captains 2026

Congratulations to the following Year 6 students on their selection as a House Captain in 2026:

Wimmera: Isla S, Matilda D, Javier B, Ryder N

Mallee: Oliver M, Steele O , Emily R, Sage C

Lowan: Kingston L, Aiden N, Edie H, Luella R, Ella P

Hockey Victoria Roadshow

We were excited to welcome the Hockey Victoria Roadshow to our school earlier this week. Students in Years 2, 3 and 4 were given a fantastic opportunity to try out the exciting game of hockey. They learnt the skills of the game through exciting game-based activities suited to every year level and ability.

Hockey Victoria sent their amazing participation officers to our school to provide an engaging, fun, and safe hockey experience for everyone.
If your child enjoyed the session during school, they can continue their hockey experience by joining a local Hookin2Hockey program. See more at www.hookin2hockey.com.au.

Years 4-6 Swimming Carnival results

Well done to all the competitors, staff and parent volunteers that participated in the Junior School Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. Big thank you to everyone that stepped in to help at short notice when strong winds threatened to destroy marquees. The quick response to a request for parents and staff to assist in collapsing marquees was very much appreciated.

Unfortunately the adverse weather conditions didn’t allow us to complete the full event; however, we were able to complete 50-metre events, novelty relays and some 25-metre events before we called a halt to the carnival.

Congratulations to the following students on achieving Age Champion:

• 12-13-year-old girls -Matilda D - Wimmera
• 12-13-year-old boys - Tristan vZ - Wimmera
• 11-year-old girls - Edith B - Wimmera
• 11-year-old boys - Oliver W - Mallee
• 9-10-year-old girls - Anna D - Wimmera 
• 9-10-year-old boys - Jake S - Mallee

Congratulations to Wimmera House on winning the 2026 Junior School Swimming Carnival and well done to Mallee House and Lowan House on finishing second and third respectively.

Students that finished first or second in individual 50-metre events are eligible to progress to the Little Desert Division Swimming Carnival. Relay teams are selected from the fastest individual times recorded.

Little Desert Division Primary Swimming Carnival

Parents have been notified if their child has progressed to the swimming carnival at the Horsham Aquatic Centre on Wednesday, 25 February. School Sport Victoria rules allow students to participate in a maximum of two individual events, one freestyle and one medley relay at this carnival.

Term 1 sports events

• Little Desert Division Swimming - Wednesday, 25 February
• WLC Years 3-6 Athletics - Thursday, 26 March
• WLC Years F-2 Athletics - Friday, 27 March
• WLC Junior School Cross-Country - Thursday, 2 April

Term 2 sports events

• HCPSSA cross-country - Wednesday, 29 April
• HCPSSA athletics - Tuesday, 5 May
• Little Desert cross-country - Monday, 11 May
• HCPSSA girls AFL - Friday, 15 May
• GWR cross-country - Wednesday, 27 May
• Little Desert Winter Sports - Wednesday, 3 June

Mr Gary Davidson, Head of Sport (F-6)

Secondary sport nominations

Years 7-12 students all have received a form to complete to express their interest in which representative sports they would like to try out for in 2026. They will have also received forms for cross-country and athletics. All of these will allow us to plan our carnivals and sporting events for the year.

If any students wish to change any responses, they can email me directly.

Black Ranges Intermediate Cricket

Congratulations to our intermediate boys team who competed in the intermediate cricket last week. It was a fun day out with the boys playing two games.

WLC - Horsham Campus Secondary Swimming Carnival

The WLC - Horsham Secondary Swimming Carnival was a great day today. Thank you to all of the staff, house captains, students and parents who made the day a success.

It was wonderful to see the large participation throughout the day in both swimming races, and novelty events.

Keep an eye out for results on social media and our next newsletter!

Coming events

February

• 26 - Black Ranges secondary swimming

March

• 4 - Greater Western Region intermediate tennis
• 16 - Black Ranges senior and intermediate volleyball
• 25 - Greater Western Region swimming
• 30 - WLC Secondary Athletics

April

• 21 - WLC Secondary Cross-Country
• 28 - Senior/intermediate girls AFL

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

WLC is subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership! Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources.

We will regularly share resources available through our membership with you, including Insight Articles and Live Webinars.

Our sign-up link

Sign up for your own account using our school’s unique sign-up link here.

Once you’ve signed up, you just need to be logged in to the website for full access through the My Resources section of the website.

Insights articles

A new Insights article is released weekly during the term and we will include these with the school newsletter. Insights articles are written by Dr Justin Coulson and provide parenting education and support for a wide variety of traditional and contemporary parenting challenges. You can also access 100+ previous Insights articles by following the My Resources link.

Live webinars

ANSWERS with Dr JUSTIN COULSON is a live webinar series for all schools across Australia. Each term, Dr Justin will tackle a hot-button parenting issue, providing your parent and teacher community with timely and relevant support. We will announce coming webinar details in our school newsletter.

Video Library

A collection of more than 70 of Dr Justin Coulson’s parenting webinars are available in the Video Library, covering a wide range of parenting topics for help at every stage. The collection is valued at more than $2600 and the webinars can also be purchased individually from the Happy Families Shop.

Both the Primary and Secondary SRC are excited to be leading two great fundraising initiatives in the coming weeks.

Friday, 6 March is Crazy Hair Day. Students are invited to come along with their wildest and wackiest hairstyles and bring a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the Leukaemia Foundation.

In addition, the Primary School SRC will be selling icy poles every Monday and Friday at lunchtime in the Quadrangle area. Icy poles will be $1 each, with money raised going towards the Junior School’s end-of-year shopping trip.

A reminder that all country bus travellers need to apply and accept offers on the School Bus Management System here: studenttravelassistance.educationapps.vic.gov.au

If your Term 1 offer has lapsed on the system you can renew your application.

Please email me if you have any questions at buses@horsham-college.vic.edu.au

Horsham College Bus Coordinator

Students wishing to travel on country buses on an ad hoc basis such as for football or netball training need to complete an ad hoc bus application each year.

Applications may be approved if there is room on the bus involved.

Please collect an application from your school office and complete, or download it here. They can be returned to your school office or buses@horsham-college.vic.edu.au.

Decisions may take some time at the start of the year until regular numbers are confirmed. Please include your email on the form so you can be contacted regarding outcome.

Horsham College Bus Coordinator

The Wimmera Mallee All Girls Auskick Centre is back for Term 1 and ready for some footy fun!

Sunnyside Park Oval on Fridays at 4.30pm, from 6-27 March

A welcoming, supportive environment for girls to learn the game, make friends, and have fun — no experience needed!

All participants receive a $55 discount for Term 2 Community Auskick.

No specialist clothing required (football boots not necessary). Please bring your own hat and water bottle each session.

Register here: https://www.playhq.com/afl/reg or email david.j.kennedy@afl.com.au for more information.

Grab a mate and come give footy a go!

Young people are invited to submit their artwork, writing, photography, poems, lyrics, comics, thoughts, opinions or creative pieces for the new youth magazine 2VOX!

2VOX is a platform created to amplify young voices and showcase the creativity, ideas, and perspectives of local young people. If you’re aged 10–25 and have something to say or share - we want to hear from you.

Whether it’s bold, thoughtful, funny, artistic, or completely outside the box, this is your chance to be published and be part of something exciting.

Submissions are now open - get involved and let your voice be heard!