Survey and Strategic Planning

After reviewing the survey results that were received at the end of last year, and collating the information gathered from the focus groups (thank you to those families who took time to participate in these important steps), the Strategic Plan steering committee made up of the WLC Executive team has finalised the three key signposts that will help to drive the strategic direction of Wimmera Lutheran College.

Wimmera Lutheran College signposts:

Shaping identity
Together we grow from who we are to who we are becoming. Rooted in Christ and shaped by Lutheran education, we explore shared beliefs and values, celebrating unity in diversity. Each school community’s unique story contributes to a strong and evolving identity.

Growing community
We build a strong, inclusive community by connecting with all members of our school. Through support, shared learning, and collaboration, we create meaningful relationships that unite staff and students across campuses. Everyone is valued, and everyone belongs.

Transforming learning
We believe learning is a lifelong, holistic journey that nurtures every student's growth. By being adventurous, purposeful, compassionate, and relational, we work together to create meaningful, innovative learning experiences. We prepare students to thrive in a changing world.

The next strategic planning workshop will be on Tuesday 31 March. The focus for this workshop will be on establishing the various pillars and objectives that sit underneath these signposts, and establish the working groups that will complete these tasks. A completed Strategic Intent document is not far away from being finalised.

Later this year, the College Board and Executive leaders will meet to establish the Mission, Vision and Values statements for Wimmera Lutheran College. This collaborative workshop will be another important step forward in establishing the identity of Wimmera Lutheran College.

Marketing and communications update

One of the shared positions across Wimmera Lutheran College is the role of the Promotions and Communications Manager and I wish to provide the following update. Mrs Georgia Thomas has taken maternity leave, effective from the end of last week. We wish Georgia and Jamie every blessing as they prepare to welcome their second child. The Promotions and Communications role will be filled by two staff members in Georgia’s absence, Ms Cass Dalgleish (who returns to the position from maternity leave - welcome back Cass) and Hannah Borlase who has accepted a 0.4 contract until the end of this year. Both staff members have worked in this role previously and will do an excellent job of managing WLC’s marketing and communications portfolio.

LEVNT Principal Retreat

Damon Prenzler and I were fortunate to spend the past few days of this week at the LEVNT’s Principal Retreat in Hepburn Springs. This three-day retreat provided great opportunity for spiritual reflection, collegial networking and a space for some rest and relaxation. The theme for the retreat was For Such A Time As This. Further detail of how this theme was explored over the course of the retreat can be explained in the following synopsis:

Rapidly accelerating changes in technology, culture, economics and geo-politics present educational leaders with challenges and opportunities not seen for generations. What is the purpose of education in the face of AI? What do parents and wider society expect of the education system and its leaders? What will the most effective schools and leadership teams be doing differently in the time ahead? And, most importantly, how does the Christian educational leader live their vocation fully, respond to God's call upon their lives and unleash the true mission of Christian education - leading young people into a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ?

Across several sessions, global educational leadership expert Jonathan Doyle shared a comprehensive exploration of formational historical context, current educational threats and opportunities and a compelling call to return to a deep Christian philosophical anthropology.

The three days were certainly thought-provoking and provided much discussion and debate.

John 15:5
"I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing"

Mr Jason Przibilla, Executive Principal

We are drawing closer to Easter, the most important festival on the Christian calendar where we observe the anniversary of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The events that took place over those few days on the first Easter are foundational for the whole of the Christian faith. Had Jesus not been condemned, punished with crucifixion and died, we would all have been left without the means for atonement for sins. We would stand in shame and guilt with no means to make right with God our many failings.

Mercifully, and this is the great, wonderous news of the gospel from where we find such joy, hope and gratitude from our faith, Jesus was obedient to go to the cross to die for our sins. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

Jesus died to atone for our sins that we would never be left in our shame without the means for forgiveness and right standing with God because of his extraordinary grace. And this, in spite of Jesus' very natural and very strong apprehension about what dying on the cross would be like for him. Earnestly, and in great distress, the night before his death he prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42. How great his love for us must be that he chose to be obedient, even unto death for our sakes.

Obviously Jesus' death is not the end of the story. Had he not risen from the dead, proving himself the son of God with all power and authority over sin and death, our faith would be empty. Had Jesus remained dead he would have been only a human, religious teacher who had either been deluded about his divinity or deliberately misled people, and his death would not have been sufficient to atone for the sins of others. However, we know he did rise, as we celebrate each Easter Sunday with the declarations: "He is risen!", "He is risen indeed!" Many people encountered the risen Christ in the days after his death and today we continue to have the opportunity to meet with him and experience his love, grace and forgiveness.

Each year in the lead-up to Easter WLC has a very special event on our community calendar: The Journey to Cross reflective event. This is an opportunity for all in our school community to participate in journeying through the Stations of the Cross, allowing opportunity to reflect on the Easter story, what Jesus went through, why God ordained it, and its significance for us today. This event is prepared and hosted by our Year 12 students and concludes with a Holy Communion chapel service led by Pastor Hans Peethala.

Please consider joining us with your family for this event as a special, meaningful way to participate in Easter this year, on Tuesday 31 March at 4:00pm.

Bless you as you celebrate the Easter season!

Mrs Kate Polack, College Chaplain

Celebrating Harmony

This week, we proudly celebrate Harmony Day as a school - a meaningful opportunity to recognise and embrace the rich cultural diversity that makes our community so special. It is a time to reflect on the values of inclusivity, respect, and belonging, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

Harmony Day reminds us that while we may come from many different backgrounds, it is our shared humanity that unites us. Each culture, story, and perspective adds something unique to our school, creating a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.

At WLC, this diversity is not only acknowledged - it is celebrated. There is something truly powerful in seeing our students learn, grow, and achieve side by side, enriched by one another’s experiences and perspectives. It is through this sense of unity, built on mutual respect and understanding, that we become stronger as a community.
Together, we continue to create a place where everyone belongs - and where our differences are not just accepted, but embraced as a source of strength.

General housekeeping

• Please note that our roundabout is for drop-off and pick-up only. Parents should refrain from exiting their cars as it holds up the flow of traffic. If your child requires a bit more support when arriving at school, park in the carpark and walk them to their classroom
• A reminder that children wearing earrings, should ensure that they are either a sleeper or small stud. In addition to not being part of our school uniform, dangly earrings are a safety risk, especially when playing outside
• WLC’s uniform colours are navy, gold, white and maroon. Any ribbons worn in hair should be one of these colours.

Harmony Day celebrations

On Thursday, we celebrated Harmony Day by wearing orange, learning about different cultures, and raising money for Orange Door. It was a casual dress day, with a gold coin donation collected on the day. Students took part in a range of cultural activities from around the world during Sessions 3 and 4.

A big thank you to Frau Pfitzner and her Year 7 students for organising these wonderful activities for our school community!

Crazy Hair Day

Crazy Hair Day was a roaring success, with students showcasing colourful and creative hairstyles. Many proudly paraded their creations on stage, with prizes awarded for originality.

The SRC raised an impressive $312.80 on the day, which will go towards the Leukaemia Foundation to support their important research and programs.

Faith Bag presentation

Congratulations to our Foundation students on the presentation of their faith bags! This special ceremony marked an important step as our youngest learners begin their faith journey at WLC.

Each student received a children’s Bible, a cross, and other meaningful items to support and guide them as they start to explore and grow in their faith.

Year 4 and Year 6 camps

All of our campers have returned safe and sound! They had an amazing time learning together, building independence, and forming new friendships.

Our teachers were very proud of the students for their positive attitudes and willingness to "give it a go" when faced with new challenges.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Rudolph, Mrs Marsh, Miss Heizel, Mr Engert, Miss Pope, Mrs Rose, and our wonderful volunteers who helped make the camp such a memorable experience.

Foundation 2027

Foundation interviews for 2027 are now in full swing. It is always a pleasure to meet prospective students and their families as they explore all that WLC has to offer.

If you or someone you know is interested in our 2027 Foundation program, we warmly invite you to attend our Foundation Information Evening on 25 March from 5:00 to 6:00pm. The evening will include an introduction to our school and Foundation program, a guided tour, and will conclude with a barbecue.

All are warmly welcome to attend.

Important dates

• 20 March - Year 6 Science and Engineering Challenge
• 25 March - Greater Western primary swimming (Years 4-6)
• 23-27 March - Dental van visit
• 26 March - Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival
• 27 March - F-Year 2 Athletics Carnival
• 26 March - HPV Mount Gambier
• 2 April - Primary School cross-country
• 2 April - Term 1 concludes at 2:20pm
• 3 April - Good Friday holiday

Awards

FL: Miles B FR: Biden R and Pearl N 1S: Oscar F and Parker M 1B: Violet F and Chez J 2H: Savio B and Joanna O 2W: Ethan C and Brady S 3D: Summer L, Claire P and Jiya K 3P: Brodie A and Kashvi A 4M: Zac L and Roshil V 4R: Ethan C, Michael J and 4R 5J: Ava B, Zetta B and Mason R 5K: Oscar A and Austin S 6H: Ella P and 6H 6M: Deegan H and 6M 6R: Tyren S and 6R

Specialist awards
German: Lucy T  Performing Arts: Liam M Digital Technology: Gracie N

Trinity Tiger and Cub Awards

Congratulations to our very special Tiger and Cub awardees!

Joshua M - Mallee
Indi O - Mallee
Bessie L - Wimmera

Mrs Christina Jacobsen, Head of Primary

WLC - Horsham | Curriculum and Pedagogy

NAPLAN

Over the past two weeks, our College community has been deeply engaged in the preparation and delivery of NAPLAN testing. This period has required significant effort, organisation and resilience from both staff and students, and I would like to take this opportunity to formally acknowledge the commitment shown by all involved.

In particular, we commend students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 for the positive and determined manner in which they approached the assessments. Their focus, perseverance and willingness to do their best are a credit to themselves and to our College.

Individual NAPLAN results will be distributed to families later in the year. From a school perspective, these results play an important role in informing our teaching and learning product. They provide valuable insights that help us strengthen our educational programs and develop targeted, purposeful learning support strategies for our students.

As a College, we are committed to continuous improvement and NAPLAN is one of several tools we use to reflect on our practices and enhance the quality of education we provide.

Richest blessings,

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

It is hard to believe we are already in Week 8. School life is always busy, with many opportunities and events for our students, and the past two weeks have certainly been no exception. Over this time, our students have completed NAPLAN testing, we have welcomed families onsite for our parent–teacher interviews, and we have enjoyed coming together as a College to celebrate Harmony Day. Each of these events plays an important role in supporting learning, connection and community within our school.

NAPLAN

It has been a busy two weeks for our Years 7 and 9 students as they completed their NAPLAN tests. Well done to all students for the mature way they approached the testing process. I would also like to thank our staff for their care and organisation in supporting students and administering the tests.

Parent-Teacher interviews

It was wonderful to welcome parents and students onsite for our first parent–teacher interview evening this week. Connecting with families is important to us as we work together to support our students in their learning. When the partnership between home and school is strong, learning can flourish.

Thank you to those who attended. If you were unable to attend, you are welcome to contact staff at WLC at any time throughout the year to discuss your child’s learning.

Harmony Day

We celebrated Harmony Day on Thursday 19 March. Harmony Day is a time to recognise and celebrate inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

As a College, we acknowledged the day on Thursday with a free dress day. It was wonderful to see so many students wearing orange to recognise the occasion. Our Year 7 students also hosted a range of activities for the Primary School, and a lot of fun was had by all.

Thank you to Mrs Pfitzner, Mrs Engert and her team for their organisation of the day.

Uniform reminders

Recently, we have been speaking with students and reinforcing our uniform expectations. A few key reminders we have been working through with students include:

• hair that falls below the shoulders must be tied back
• students may wear only one necklace
• rings and bracelets are not to be worn

I would appreciate the support of parents in reinforcing these expectations. Our uniform policy reflects the pride we take in our school community and aligns with expectations students will experience in the workforce.

Important dates

• Secondary Athletics Carnival - Monday 30 March
• Last day of term - Thursday 2 April (day concludes at 2:30pm)

Mrs Kate Carter, Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

We look forward to our Primary students participating to the best of their abilities in athletics and cross-country over the coming weeks.
Parents and families are most welcome to attend both events to support students and help provide a great atmosphere on the respective days.

The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association will provide a barbecue for both days of the athletics. Due to time constraints, the barbecue is only available for parents and families to purchase. Parents are welcome to purchase and deliver to their child. Sausages $3 and drinks $2 - cash purchases).

Programs of events

3-6 Athletics - Thursday 26 March

F-2 Athletics - Friday 27 March

WLC Cross-Country - Thursday 2 April

9:15am - 12-13-year-old boys and girls (3km)
9:40am - 11-year-old boys and girls (3km)
10:05am - 8-9-10-year-old boys and girls (2km) (8-9- and 10-year-olds are separate events, however students will run at the same time)
10:30am - Year 2 boys and girls (1km)
11:40am - Year 1 boys and girls event starts (750m)
12:00pm - Foundation boys and girls event starts (500m)
12:30pm - Presentation

Term 1 Years 5 and 6 Sports Development Program

Today was our last session of basketball with the Benbow Academy. Thank you to Scott, Tarkyn and Jaylen for providing a fun, challenging and rewarding basketball program over the past eight weeks.

Parents of students that are nominated to be involved in our Term 2 Sports Development netball and AFL programs will receive an email providing more information at the start of next term.

As part of our Sports Development Program, we are also pleased to announce gymnastics will be offered to students in Term 4. More information will be provided in Term 3.

School holiday footy fun with AFL Wimmera Mallee

AFL Wimmera Mallee is running school holiday programs during the coming holidays - a great way for primary school kids to have a fun footy day out, all for just $55 (includes your own footy!).

All girls program – Horsham

Thursday, 9 April, 9:00am to 3:00pm at Horsham City Oval
Ages 4-7: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/208db6
Ages 8-12: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/1bf993
A perfect first footy experience for girls in a happy and friendly environment!

Horsham school holiday program

Wednesday, 15 April, 9:00am to 3:00pm at Horsham City Oval
Ages 4-7: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/8b6d82
Ages 8-12: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/f12187
For more information, contact david.j.kennedy@afl.com.au

Coming events

Term 1 sports events

• Years 3-6 Athletics - Thursday 26 March at Dudley Cornell Park
• Years F-2 Athletics - Friday 27 March at WLC Primary Oval
• Primary School Cross-Country - Thursday 2 April at WLC Primary Oval

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
• Greater Western Region cross-country - Wednesday 27 May
• Little Desert Winter Sports - Wednesday 3 June

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

Black Ranges intermediate and senior volleyball

On Monday, five WLC teams made their way around the corner to St Brigid's College to compete in the Black Ranges volleyball. Our intermediate B girls had a competitive day coming away with one win and one loss. A strong intermediate A girls team was back with its form continuing on from 2025 and didn't drop a set all day, winning the grand final and heading through to Greater Western Region competition.

The intermediate B boys were strong in their pool and made their way to the grand final. Our intermediate A boys only dropped one set in their pool games to make their way through to the grand final where our two teams competed against each other. In a great, closely contested game, our A team snuck away with the win in the third set. Well done boys!

To round out the results, our senior girls managed two wins and with only three teams, they didn’t need to play a grand final. Our two intermediate A teams, and our senior girls team are through to Greater Western Region on Tuesday 31 March.

Thank you to Ms Lourensz for attending the day and helping coach and referee. Another thank you to Dave Berry for his assistance with coaching throughout the day.

Greater Western Region swimming

Students who progressed to GWR swimming will compete on Wednesday next week. We have nine students in individual events, and 10 relay teams competing across the day. Wishing all of our students the best for the event.

WLC Secondary Athletics

Monday 30 March will see all Secondary School students heading to Dudley Cornell Park to compete in the 2026 Wimmera Lutheran College Athletics Day. Students are working through trials to finalise all event entries for the day. We also ran the 1500m event at school on  Friday last week. Well done to all the students who participated in this event, and thank you to all the staff who helped out. We are excited to see all students wearing their house colours and giving their best effort in each event!

Coming events

March

• 25 - Greater Western Region swimming
• 30 - WLC Secondary Athletics
• 31 - Greater Western Region senior and intermediate volleyball

April

• 21 - WLC Secondary Cross-Country
• 23 - State swimming
• 28 - Senior and intermediate girls AFL

May

• 1 - Black Ranges cross-country
• 4 - Black Ranges boys netball
• 4 - Black Ranges junior girls AFL

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

Peer pressure is a natural part of growing up. As children and adolescents place greater importance on friendships and belonging, the influence of peers can shape their choices, behaviour and sense of identity. While this influence can be positive, it can also create pressure to conform or take risks, particularly during adolescence.

In today’s digitally connected world, peer pressure extends beyond face-to-face interactions. Social media and online communication expose young people to constant comparison and unspoken expectations about how they should look, act and perform. Understanding how peer pressure works, both on and offline, helps families support young people to build confidence, make healthy decisions and stay connected to their own values.

Here is the link to this Special Report.

As children and young people mature, their understanding of relationships, boundaries and respect continues to evolve. Learning about consent is not a single conversation, but an ongoing process shaped by everyday interactions, social influences and guidance from trusted adults. While these topics can sometimes feel challenging to navigate, they play an essential role in supporting young people to form safe, healthy and respectful relationships.

Consent includes communication, empathy and mutual respect in all relationships. In today’s social and digital world, young people can face complex situations that require clear understanding and confidence to navigate. Consistent, age-appropriate messages from both home and school help reinforce what respectful behaviour looks like in practice.

By engaging with this topic, families are encouraged to build confidence in having calm, open conversations at home. When schools and families work together to reinforce shared values and expectations, young people are better equipped to understand boundaries, respect others and make informed choices that support their wellbeing now and into the future.

Here is the link to this Special Report.

As a new school year begins, many parents find themselves facing a familiar dilemma: “Is it time to give my child a phone?”

The pressure can feel enormous - socially, logistically, and emotionally. Children insist that “everyone has one,” other parents reassure us “it’s what happens in Year (X)”, and we wonder whether refusing is unreasonable or outdated.

But before making the jump; pause. While smartphones are part of modern childhood, the age a child receives one matters - a lot.

The stats that make you shudder

A recent peer-reviewed study in Pediatrics followed more than 10,000 children aged 10-12. They found that:

Earlier acquisition of a smartphone is associated with significantly worse outcomes.

Children who received a smartphone during their 12th year had:

• 57 per cent higher odds of clinical-level mental health difficulties by age 13
• 62 per cent higher odds of insufficient sleep
• 40 per cent higher odds of obesity
• 31 per cent higher odds of depression

The tween and teen brain - particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for impulse control, planning, and decision-making - isn’t mature right now. The never-ending whirlwind of apps, games, notifications, and distraction (plus time on social platforms that isn’t technically allowed anymore) can be overwhelming for a brain still under construction.

Research internationally suggests a similar theme: Every year we delay smartphone access tends to reduce risk.

“But my child already has a smartphone…”

If the horse has already bolted - please don’t panic. You haven’t “ruined” anything.

Instead, create clear, developmentally appropriate boundaries. If possible, consider stepping back from smartphones to simpler options - plenty of families do this successfully.

The real question

Smartphones aren’t evil, and technology isn’t the enemy. But early access creates problems that are harder to undo than they are to prevent. Delaying smartphone access - even by one year - can make a meaningful difference to mental health, sleep, and learning.

If you’d like more info about setting screen boundaries, check out The Screen Smart Series.

For more information please access the Happy Families website here.

The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association sincerely thank all the wonderful volunteers who gave their time to assist with gatekeeping at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Your willingness to help and your patience throughout the event were greatly appreciated.

The money raised from this opportunity will go towards building connections within our College community and supporting valuable resources for our students and families.

We are very grateful for the generosity of our volunteers and the positive spirit you brought to the event. Thank you for helping make it such a success.

PTFA

Wimmera Lutheran College - Horsham Campus warmly invites prospective families along to a Foundation Information Evening on Wednesday 25 March.

The session, from 5:00pm in the College Library, will offer an introduction into Foundation, and give families an opportunity to learn about the enrolment process and find out more about the College community.

Children are welcome to attend and there will be on-site babysitting and activities available. A barbecue dinner will follow.

Register your interest here.

We look forward to seeing you there!