Strategic Plan update

Recently, members of the Wimmera Lutheran College Board and Executive Leadership Team came together for an important strategic planning workshop focused on shaping the future direction of our College. Throughout the workshop, participants reflected on the values, mission and vision of Wimmera Lutheran College. The discussions highlighted a strong commitment to community, grace, care, compassion, academic growth and faith, alongside a desire to prepare students to contribute positively to the world beyond school.

The day started with the leaders of each sub-school and campus, sharing their reflections around three key questions:

1. What does your community stand for?
2. What are you most proud of?
3. What must not be lost in the amalgamation?

This exercise proved to be a real highlight of the day as all members of the group were privileged to hear about what makes each campus/sub-school special. It was fascinating to note the points that celebrated diversity and the many points that celebrated unity, an important theme of our amalgamation journey so far.

The workshop also explored what makes Wimmera Lutheran College distinctive as a Lutheran school. Themes such as belonging, servant-hearted leadership, holistic education, resilience, innovation and lifelong learning emerged strongly throughout the day. These conversations will now help guide the development of a set of College values, a mission statement and a vision statement that reflect both our Lutheran identity and the unique nature of our three-campus community.

Importantly, this work is not simply about creating statements for a website or prospectus. Strong values, mission and vision statements help guide decision-making, teaching and learning, student wellbeing, leadership and the overall culture of a school. They provide clarity about what we stand for and ensure that we remain focused on providing a safe, engaging and Christ-centred environment where every learner can flourish.

Over the coming months, the Executive Team will continue refining this work as part of the College’s broader strategic planning process. We look forward to sharing further updates with our community as these important foundations for the future of Wimmera Lutheran College continue to take shape.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3

AI in schools update

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, future-focused Lutheran education, the Wimmera Lutheran College Executive continues to actively engage in conversations and professional learning around the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools. Wimmera Lutheran College is currently participating in the LEVNT AI: Ethical and Responsible Use project, which is supporting Lutheran schools to develop clear, safe and values-based approaches to AI implementation. Mrs Jacqui North, Mr Matt Polack and I are attending the first workshop for this today.

In addition to this, the Executive Team of WLC is undertaking a six-part workshop series focused on developing a shared understanding of AI and its implications for schools. Topics include: understanding what AI is, safety and privacy considerations, opportunities within teaching and learning, how we want students to use AI responsibly, student wellbeing in an AI-rich world, and the key skills and knowledge staff and students will require both now and into the future. This work will help guide the College as we seek to embrace innovation while ensuring our practices remain ethical, purposeful and centred on student learning and wellbeing.

Mr Jason Przibilla, Executive Principal

General Housekeeping

Primary Chapel next week will occur on Thursday, the 4th June at 2:35 instead of our normal Friday.

Our week 8 Primary Assembly will take place on Tuesday, the 9th of June.

Freestyle Dance Incursion

The Year 6 students will be participating in a dance workshop on Thursday, 4 June. Justin from Freestyle Dance Ministry will spend the day with the students, teaching them how to worship through dance.

The students will present their dances during a special chapel service at 2:35pm that afternoon. We warmly invite families and community members to come along and join us for this special occasion.

How Many Lollies?

Some of our Year 9 students — Zahlie, Zoe, and Malaya — will be holding a guessing competition to raise funds for Opportunity International as part of their Year 9 Rite Journey “Make a Difference” project.

Every Wednesday, students can pay a gold coin donation to guess how many lollies are in the jar. The student with the closest guess at the end of the week will win the jar. A new lolly jar will be up for grabs each week!

(Please note: the winning student will be required to take their lolly jar home so that Mum and Dad can supervise its consumption!)

Year 6 Stem Challenge Champions

Tim Gallagher from the Rotary Club of Horsham East and coordinator of the Wimmera Science Challenge attended our Assembly to present the STEM Challenge Day trophy and shield to our Year 6 champions.

This marks the third year that our Year 6 team has taken out the title — an outstanding achievement! Congratulations to all of our Year 6 participants on their fantastic effort and teamwork.

Important Dates

• 4th June - Yr 6 Ministry of Dance Incursion
• 5th June - Pupil Free Day
• 8th June - King’s Birthday Public Holiday
• 10th June - Jump Rope for Heart Day (Dress in red - gold coin donation)

Awards

FL: FL class FD:Santi K & Liam D 1B: Emily R, Jett M & Lucas S 2H: Ace E & Flic C 2W:Baxter A & Florence C 3D:Lewis H & Anna L 3P:Jake M & Eddie W 4M: Piet R, Ariana R & Jessica S 4R: Eva H & Asees B 5K: Sophia P & Romy O 5J: Ava H & Hazel P 6H: Kingston L & Isla S 6M: Lacy A & Maddox W 6R: Cooper S & Lily A

Specialist awards:

• German: Baxter A
• Chinese: 6H
• Digital Technology: Baxter A & Ethan C
• Performing Arts: Kriya K

Trinity Tiger/Cub Awards

Congratulations to our very special Tiger & Cub Awards!

• Elina H - Mallee
• Marshall K - Mallee
• Oscar A - Wimmera

Mrs Christina Jacobsen, Head of Primary

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Christian Studies Curriculum

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a networking day for Christian Studies Leaders. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues across our Lutheran education system and to gain insight into the thoughtful planning and collaboration that ultimately benefit our students.

As educational leaders, we are continually striving to implement best practice in teaching and learning. While Christian Studies is not part of the Australian Curriculum, it remains a core academic subject in Lutheran schools, enabling students to learn about God’s ongoing love and care for all people and for the world we share. Through a distinctly Lutheran lens, Christian Studies presents a Christian worldview and supports students as they make meaning in their lives, acknowledging and respecting each person’s individual faith journey.

Lutheran Education Australia is currently undertaking a review of the Christian Studies framework, with the updated curriculum scheduled for release in 2028. This exciting work embraces conceptual thinking, inquiry-based pedagogy, and the principles of lifelong learning. Importantly, it strengthens the relationship between the Christian Education dimension of school life (including relationships, nurture, worship, and devotions) and the Christian Studies classroom experience (purposeful inquiry, critical thinking, and deep understanding).

We look forward with anticipation to how this renewed curriculum will shape and enrich the learning journeys of our students in the years ahead.

Richest blessings,

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

College Ball

On Friday 15 May, the Year 11 College Ball was held, and it was an amazing night. We celebrated the young men and women of Year 11 and watched as they performed a range of wonderful dances. The students embraced the evening and shared it with their family and friends. It was a wonderful night of community.

I thank our Year 11 Coordinator, Miss Meg Cashin, and our team of dance teachers, Mrs Paige Moore, Mrs Elsbeth Schneider and Mrs Emily Grieger, for everything they did to prepare for the evening. It was a magical night.

Subject Expo

On Tuesday night, we hosted our Subject Selection Expo in the Senior Centre. This event aimed to showcase our subject offerings and start the selection process for students entering Years 10, 11, and 12 in 2027. It was a well-attended and valuable opportunity for our school community to connect and explore future learning pathways.

If you were unable to attend, keep an eye on The Hub as we will share all of the information with you.

We are committed to supporting every student in finding the pathway that suits them best. Subject Counselling interviews will be held on Tuesday 9 June, and families will receive further details soon.

Open Day and Come and Try Day

Year 6 students from WLC and the wider community joined our College on Wednesday last week for our annual Come and Try Day. This is a very special day on the Middle School calendar, and it was wonderful to engage with new and existing families throughout the day.

Students had the opportunity to take part in a variety of engaging activities, including fishing, outdoor education, cooking, physical education, and more. It was a fantastic day and a joy to see the students exploring and enjoying our innovative Middle School spaces.

Open Day continued into the afternoon, with parents having the opportunity to engage with information sessions and displays that showcased what makes our school so special.

Coming GAT

The General Achievement Test will be on Tuesday 16 June, for all Unit 3 and 4 VCE students. The test will take place in the Senior Stadium.

We wish all of our senior students the very best as they prepare for this important assessment.

Years 10 and 11 exams

Our Years 10 and 11 students will be undertaking exams over the coming week. We wish them all the best and encourage them to view this as a valuable opportunity to practise their revision and study skills in preparation for future assessments

Important dates

• School closure day - Friday 5 June
• VCE General Achievement Test - Tuesday 16 June
• Term 2 concludes - Friday 26 June

Mrs Kate Carter, Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

Girls AFL results

Recently, some of our Years 5 and 6 girls enthusiastically participated in the HCPSSA girls AFL competition against the other three Horsham primary schools. Both teams played three games, winning two and losing one game. Our division one team unfortunately lost a close game to the eventual winners by six points and therefore didn’t progress to the Greater Western Region finals.

Greater Western Region cross-country results

Seven of our WLC primary students competed at Greater Western Region cross-country in Warrnambool on Tuesday. Well done to Ariana R, Ellie K, Sophia P, Maya S, Mason R, Cole T and Jack S on reaching this high level of competition.

Congratulations to Jack S (4th) and Mason R (8th) on finishing in the top 10 places at this event. Both boys now progress to the state cross-country final at Yarra Glen on 16 July.

Years 3 and 4 Hoop Time basketball

Hoop Time trials for Years 3 and 4 students were held at school last week. Selected students will participate in the local competition on Friday 19 June at the Horsham Basketball Stadium.

Training for these students will be in the MPC from 1:10pm to 1:40pm on Thursday 4 and 11 June.

Term 2 sports events

• HCPSSA winter sports - Fridays, 29 May, 12 and 19 June from 1:30pm to 2:45pm
• Little Desert winter sports - Wednesday 3 June
• Years 3 and 4 Hoop Time basketball - Friday 19 June

Term 3 sports events

• Years 5-6 Hoop Time basketball - Friday 29 July
• Little Desert Division volleyball - Wednesday 19 August
• Wimmera Lutheran College Footy Day and Father's Day - Friday 4 September
• Little Desert division athletics - Wednesday 9 September

Mr Gary Davidson, Head of Sport (F-6)

Black Ranges Intermediate AFL and Netball

Our Intermediate AFL and Netball teams competed in the Black Ranges competition today. Keep an eye out to see how the students went in Stawell.

Upcoming events

June

• 2 - Black Ranges Year 8 Girls Netball
• 4 - Black Ranges INT Soccer
• 9 - Greater Western Region INT AFL/Netball
  
• 19 - Greater Western Region SNR Soccer
• 24 - Greater Western Region Year 7/8 Netball

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

This webinar is suitable for parents, carers, grandparents, school leaders and staff, offering practical insights and guidance to help support the wellbeing of both primary and secondary students.

WEBINAR: Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience (Part II)

DATE: Wednesday, 10 June 2026

TIME: 7:30 pm

This presentation forms part of a broader webinar series designed to strengthen mental health literacy across school communities.

Join international experts Dr Emma Woodward and Dr Joe Stammeijer as they share valuable insights into recognising early signs of concern and practical approaches to supporting the wellbeing of young people.

Topics in this session will include:

• Staying Calm and Connected
• Building Daily Routines
• Meeting the Needs of Neurodivergent Learners

Vaping and nicotine use are becoming increasingly visible in the lives of young people, with many children exposed to it well before adolescence through social media, advertising, gaming culture and peer conversations. What can often begin as curiosity or experimentation may quickly develop into nicotine dependence due to the highly addictive nature of these products.

Many young people are unaware of the impact nicotine can have on brain development, emotional regulation, concentration and overall wellbeing. For families, early and ongoing conversations can play an important role in helping children and teens build critical thinking skills, resist social pressures and make informed choices.

This edition of SchoolTV explores nicotine addiction, the risks associated with vaping and practical ways to support young people through this growing challenge.

Here is the link to this topic http://htlc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/nicotine-addiction-au

Children are spending up to 90% of their lives indoors. The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll of 2,036 parents found that most Australian preschoolers (55%) don’t play outdoors every day. Data on adolescents is hard to come by, but international surveys all suggest the same thing: time outdoors for our kids is plummeting.

According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), the main reasons children spend more time indoors are:

• a lack of suitable outdoor spaces
• parental concerns about safety, traffic and crime
• children spending more time on electronic devices
• study being prioritised over play (e.g. spending time learning spelling or maths rather than playing – whether at home or at preschool).

There are few things more valuable for your child’s wellbeing, however, than getting them outside, touching grass. The research on kids and nature is substantial.

A 2023 overview pulled together 36 systematic reviews on the topic. One review looked at six “schoolyard greening” projects – basically, making school outdoor spaces more natural – and found real improvements in students’ physical activity and social and emotional health. Another systematic review focused specifically on nature exposure and emotional and behavioural outcomes. Every randomised controlled trial in the review – all five of them – pointed in the same direction. More nature, higher wellbeing, less stress.

If my brief overview with links to incredibly useful studies has convinced you that outdoor time matters, even as we approach the cold of winter, the question becomes “how do I get the kids outside”?

The critical element will be relationships. Kids want to be where people they love are hanging out. If you’re inside holding a hot cup of cocoa, they’ll want to be there. But if you’re brave enough to rug up and step outside (or if their friends are doing something outdoors), the battle is all but won.

Here are ten ideas for getting our kids (and ourselves) outside. This will, of course, depend on what is accessible near you.

1. Go for a walk or hike. Simple, free, and underrated. For younger kids, turn it into a scavenger hunt — make a quick bingo card with things like birds, flowers, pinecones, or different coloured letterboxes. For older kids, just being side-by-side on a walk can open up conversations that would never happen face-to-face at the kitchen table. Some of my best chats with my kids have happened while we were both staring at the footpath ahead of us.

2. Get moving. Dig the bikes out of the garage. Dust off the scooters. If you’re feeling brave, find the skateboard. Getting moving outdoors — even just around the block — often turns out to be more fun than anyone expected. Fair warning though: if you haven’t been on a skateboard since 1987, take it steady. They disappear from underneath you faster than you remember. Ask me how I know.

3. Find a park or open space. State parks, national parks, city parks, local reserves — parks are genuinely one of Australia’s great underused resources. Hikes, waterfalls, skate parks, caves, green space, abseiling… yes, and also leeches, mozzies, and the occasional spiderweb to the face. That’s what makes it memorable. The greener the space, the better — for the kids, obviously. Not for you. You’re fine.

4. Water play. Beach, river, creek, backyard sprinkler, or just a bucket and a hose. Kids and water are a combination that never really fails. And yes, it might be getting cooler — but have you noticed that children are apparently immune to cold water? They’ll be in it regardless. Let them.

5. Go rock pooling. With some of the most accessible coastline in the world, Australians are criminally underusing rock pools. All you need is low tide, a pair of old shoes, and a curious kid. The combination of water, wildlife, and the hunt — what’s under that rock? what’s in that crack? — keeps kids absorbed for far longer than you’d expect. It’s also a surprisingly good workout for adults who spend the whole time crouched down going “ooh, look at this one.”

6. Have an outdoor picnic. Grab a blanket and take a meal outside. It doesn’t need to be fancy — a pizza from down the road counts. There’s a headland near our home on the Sunshine Coast where families gather at sunset, eat whatever they’ve brought, and let the kids roam. It happens every single week and it never gets old. Something about eating outside just makes everything taste better and everyone feel calmer.

7. Get outside after dark. Camp in the backyard. Head to a campground for a couple of nights where you can light a real fire and actually see the stars. Go stargazing on the trampoline. Or simply take the kids and the dog for a walk after dinner. We call it the “digestion walk” at our place — and some of the best conversations happen on those quiet evening loops around the neighbourhood when everyone has eaten and nobody has anywhere to be.

8. Outdoor art. This one lands particularly well with kids up to around age 12. Chalk on the driveway or footpath is always a hit — you end up with an entire neighbourhood canvas. Paintbrushes and spray bottles work brilliantly too, either with water on concrete or paint on paper pinned to the fence. Get the shoes off, get the aprons on, and accept that something is going to get stained.

9. Grow something. A vegie patch, a pot of herbs on the balcony, or even just a seed in a cup on the windowsill. Gardening is one of the most well-researched nature-based wellbeing activities we have, and for Australian kids with any outdoor space at all, it’s enormously accessible. There’s something quietly powerful about a child who plants something, tends to it, watches it grow, and then eats it. It teaches patience and care in a way that very little else does.

10. Follow your child’s lead. Ask your kids what they want to do — as long as it’s outside. Sports, flying kites, building sandcastles, climbing trees, digging holes for absolutely no reason, throwing a frisbee, setting up a cake stall on the corner of the street. There are as many ways to be outside as there are kids who need to be there. Sometimes the best thing you can do is open the back door and see what unfolds.

Dr Justin Coulson

For years, one of the most common questions I’ve been asked is “How much screen time is too much?”

I’ve found the guidelines from official sources unhelpful. And I’ve disagreed with them more often than not. However…

From the people who brought you “an hour or less per day,” we now have…new screen guidelines! The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidance last month, and the biggest change? No more emphasis on “screen time.”

Instead, we’ve got a much more comprehensive – and, admittedly, less straightforward – set of recommendations. The focus has shifted from counting minutes to understanding how screens fit into your child’s whole life.

The 5 Cs Framework (For School-Aged Kids)

The AAP now recommends thinking about five key areas:

Child: Your child’s unique strengths and challenges are becoming clear. Whether they’re great at art, struggle with attention, or are obsessed with science facts, carve out time to build on these interests beyond screens. If your child is neurodivergent they are more likely to be screen-obsessed. Be mindful of this in the way that your kids have access to and use of screens.

Content: Many kids love video games and YouTube at this age but can easily access inappropriate content (violent, sexual, or rude). Use Common Sense Media to check reviews, set up parental controls (they’re not perfect but help), and watch shows or play games together to see if you like the messages.

Calm: Many kids want a mental break after school – that’s fine. Just ensure it doesn’t crowd out homework, family meals, or other activities. Put devices away at bedtime and teach techniques like deep breathing or quiet music to help them wind down.

Crowding Out: Video games and YouTube are designed for extended use – hours at a time. Talk about balancing screen time so there’s enough time to sleep, read, play sports, do homework, and chat with family and friends in analogue mode (face to face). Model putting your own phone down at meals, bedtime, and in the car.

Communication: This is prime time for conversations about advertising, privacy, right vs. wrong. Regular open-minded talks build critical thinking and become the “voice in their head”. Let them know they can tell you about anything creepy or negative they see online.

What About You?

The new guidelines recognise that parents need support too. Screen use isn’t just a kid problem—it’s a family one.

Think about how you’d score on this quick check (0=Never, 4=Very Often):

• How often do you stay on a screen even though you say you’ll stop?
• How often does screen time cost you sleep?
• How often do you neglect things you should be doing because you prefer screens?
• How often do you feel restless or irritated when you can’t be on screens?

If you’re scoring high, you’re not alone. The AAP now calls on tech companies to create safety features as default settings and policymakers to invest in real-world spaces – because healthy media use isn’t solely parents’ responsibility.

The Bottom Line

Screens and parenting are inseparably intertwined. Kids want to game, chat, consume, and be on their screens endlessly (and honestly, so do we as their parents).

But the stakes are high. Getting screen usage right matters enormously.

Consider your child. Consider the context. Consider the content. But also consider whether they’re creating, connecting, or just consuming.

These guidelines are messier than “one hour a day,” but they’re more honest. Creating a healthy digital life for your family is about balance, not a timer. Start with one C that resonates most, and build from there.

Dr Justin Coulson

This June, our Wimmera Lutheran College community is taking on The Push-Up Challenge!

From 3-26 June, we’ll be completing push-ups together as a school and wider Horsham community to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

We’d love your support - whether that’s by making a tax-deductible donation or by joining our team and getting involved alongside students, families, and staff.

Together, we can make a real difference and support stronger mental health outcomes across our community and Australia.

Every push-up and every dollar counts.

Let’s come together, get active, and #pushforbetter

The LLEN is pleased to share an upcoming Parent and Carer online presentation, ‘Unserious Careers’ by Alana Kilmartin. Many of you will remember Alana from last year’s Careers Expo and her visits to WLC.

This event is on Wednesday 27th May at 5:30pm, registration is necessary.

EVENT LINK: Unserious Careers Online Presentation [Horsham Area] Tickets | TryBooking Australia

WSMLLEN is funding this session to bring WASM parents and carers together as part of a broader strategy to strengthen engagement in career conversations and pathways. Research consistently shows that, despite the range of supports available, parents and carers remain the most influential factor in a young person’s journey from school to work or further education.

This session is free and open to all parents and carers across our school communities.

Round 2 of the Australian Pedal Prix Championships at The Bend Motorsports Park saw six hours of hard-fought racing, determination, teamwork and resilience from all Holy Trinity Racing teams. Holy Trinity Racing had five trikes competing across multiple categories, with a total of 30 students and one staff member taking part in the event.

Our Primary School teams produced some fantastic results. Primary Boys Thunder finished an impressive 7th out of 28 teams, while Primary Girls Hurricane battled through mechanical issues during the race to finish fourth in the all female category and 22nd overall in the highly competitive junior school division.

The Middle School teams continued their outstanding season. MS Girls Avalanche claimed their second race win of the series and are currently leading the national championships in their category - an incredible achievement. MS Boys Firestorm also had a strong performance, finishing on the podium in third place out of 39 trikes in their category.

Our senior students competing in Tsunami in the community category also raced strongly, finishing fifth in the mixed category and narrowly missing the podium by just six laps after six hours of racing.

Congratulations to all students, staff and families involved for their commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the event. Special thanks to the following: Nathan Neumann for towing the trailer; our parents helpers; staff members Carmen Dridan, Jason Przibilla and Amanda Rudolph; and students Rachel R, Ryan C and Bailey D for their outstanding leadership shown over the weekend.

We now look ahead to the next event, with our Primary School teams heading to Adelaide on 19 June. We wish them the very best of luck!

Mrs Kelli Both - Pedal Prix Coordinator

The Careers Expo is happening soon, 23 June!