On Thursday last week, members of the Wimmera Lutheran College leadership team met with Phil McCredden from Ecclesia Leadership to continue the development of the College’s future strategic direction. During the workshop, three key signposts were confirmed that will guide the College moving forward: Shaping Identity, Growing Community, and Transforming Learning.
Within each of these signposts, a number of strategic pillars were identified that will help shape the College’s priorities and actions in the coming years. Our next workshop is scheduled for 31 March, where we will work through the practical elements of these pillars - identifying the who, what, where, when, and how required to bring them to life.
This process will lead to the development of a Strategic Intent document for 2026, which will provide clear direction for the College’s ongoing growth and mission.
Risk and compliance workshop
Members of the leadership team from all three campuses recently participated in a Risk Management Workshop facilitated by Scyne Advisory on behalf of LEVNT. The workshop focused on strengthening the College’s approach to identifying and managing risk across a range of school operations. Participants explored the concept that risk is the effect of uncertainty on objectives, and that effective risk management protects what matters most - our students, staff and resources - while also supporting confident decision-making and innovation.
The session highlighted the importance of environmental scanning using the PESTLE framework (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legislative and Environmental factors) and reinforced the need for consistent risk registers and reporting processes across the College. Key outcomes included developing greater consistency and proactiveness in managing risk, clarifying roles and responsibilities, strengthening communication and reporting, and ensuring continuous improvement in governance and operational practices.
2026 Connect Program
The Connect Program for 2026 also started this week, with the first session held last night and a number of Wimmera Lutheran College staff participating in this year-long accreditation and induction program. Connect is mandatory for all new staff working in Lutheran schools and is designed to help staff understand the ethos, beliefs and practices of Lutheran Education. Throughout the year, participants will explore Lutheran theology, spiritual life, and the important role each staff member plays in supporting the mission of a Lutheran school. Thank you to the combination of Kate Polack, Greg McKinnon and Adam Borgas, who will be supporting our staff as they journey through the program this year.
Wimmera Machinery Field Days
Finally, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days took place this week, with students and staff from all three campuses spending time at our WLC site. Thank you to the Promotions team for preparing the roster, setting up the booth, and coordinating our staff and student helpers. From all reports, the student leaders represented the College extremely well and it was wonderful to see Wimmera Lutheran College represented through a combined booth. The field days provide a valuable opportunity to connect with both existing and prospective families, as well as many members of the wider community who share a connection with the College.
Mr Jason Przibilla, Executive Principal
Faith News
Trusting God’s trajectory and timing
by Jeremy Lie
‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you’ (Acts 7:3).
Stephen reminds his listeners that the story of God’s people began with a simple call to be answered. "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham," Stephen says. This was before Abraham had a home, before he had a child, before any one of God’s promises seemed certain. God met Abraham where he was and called him forward into the unknown.
I often understand this dynamic as God loves us as we are, but God does not leave us as we are. God often calls us before we feel prepared or ready, but we begin to understand that God is not calling us for our ability, but our availability. God does not call those who feel equipped - God equips those who feel called.
Abraham is told to leave his country and his people, yet he receives no immediate reward - not even ‘a foot’s length’ of land. God’s promise comes long before its fulfilment. Abraham lives as a pilgrim, trusting a future he will not fully see. Faith, here, is not certainty; it is obedience in the presence of uncertainty.
Stephen also emphasises God’s timing. The promise includes suffering, waiting and generations yet to come. God’s covenant unfolds slowly, often uncomfortably, but always purposefully. Abraham receives the covenant of circumcision as a sign - a tangible thing to mark an invisible promise. I wonder what tangible reminders of God’s faithfulness you have in your life that you can lean on in times of waiting and uncertainty. What memories can remind you of who God has been in the past and who God will be again?
For us, Acts 7:2–8 invites reflection on where God may be calling us to trust without sight. We often want clarity before obedience, but God more often combines his promise with his presence instead. Like Abraham, we may find ourselves living between promise and fulfilment, holding onto God’s word while our circumstances seemingly lag behind. Our role is not to control the outcome, but to keep moving forward in faith, trusting that God is already at work ahead of us. Before looking forward, we are encouraged to look back and remember what kind of God we follow.
Lord, help us to trust your trajectory and your timing for our lives. Help us remember who you have been before and to be assured that you are the same God, yesterday, today and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sub Schools News
Primary School News (6 March 2026)
Friendship season
At this time of the term, children are becoming more comfortable with one another, and as friendships grow and change, it’s natural for some tensions to arise. Navigating friendships is an important part of growing up, and it can sometimes feel tricky for children.
Our URSTRONG program supports students to understand what healthy, normal friendships look like and to develop realistic expectations of their friends. We talk about important ideas such as no one being perfect, every friendship being unique, and the fact that friendships can change over time. Students also learn about the value of trust and respect, and are given practical tools to help them manage conflict within their friendship groups.
If you would like some helpful ideas on how to support your child through the friendship cycle, we encourage you to visit the URSTRONG parent website.
General housekeeping
Bus behaviour is improving! Students have been working hard to follow the rules, and we’re really proud of their efforts. Thank you for your continued support at home. Taking a few moments each week to review the expectations with your child will help reinforce them and keep this positive progress going.
Just a friendly reminder to please notify the Admin team if your child will not be travelling on the bus. Without communication from home, it can be difficult for teachers to accurately track who should be on the bus at the end of the day. Thank you for your support in helping us ensure a safe and smooth dismissal process.
Installation of leaders
All of our 2026 leaders have now officially been installed! We welcomed our House Captains and Tech Team members on Friday 20 February during Chapel, and introduced two additional Tech Team members at Assembly on Monday.
Everyone has settled beautifully into their roles. Our House Captains helped Mr Davidson run a successful swimming carnival earlier in the term. Our Tech Team has been working diligently behind the scenes at Assemblies and Chapels to ensure presentations run smoothly. Meanwhile, our SRC leaders are excitedly preparing to lead their first official fundraising event - Crazy Hair Day!
We’re very proud of the way our student leaders have embraced their responsibilities.
Crazy Hair Day
Students are very excited to be celebrating Crazy Hair Day once again this year! On the day, students are invited to come in free dress and wear their wildest, wackiest hairstyles.
A gold coin donation will go towards supporting the Leukaemia Foundation this year.
The Primary School will enjoy a Crazy Hair Parade following Chapel, and there will be prizes for the most creative and craziest hair creations. We can’t wait to see the amazing styles on display!
Year 6 Camp
Our Year 6 students will head off early Tuesday morning for their highly anticipated Melbourne camp. They will be staying at the City CYC in Melbourne’s CBD.
Each day features a jam-packed itinerary filled with rich educational experiences, along with visits to some of the many exciting attractions Melbourne has to offer. It promises to be a wonderful week of learning, exploration, and fun.
We wish our Year 6 students all the very best for this exciting adventure!
Year 4 Camp
Our Year 4 students will travel to Creswick on Wednesday 11 March for their annual outdoor adventure camp. During their time away, students will take part in exciting activities such as canoeing, ziplining, and archery courses.
The camp is designed to build teamwork skills, resilience, and a positive "have a go" attitude. We can’t wait to hear all about their adventures when they return!
Foundation
Our littlest learners have already been at school for six weeks! Week 7 will mark the first time they attend for a full week - a wonderful milestone. It’s a big achievement, and we’re sure there may be a few very tired children by Friday!
Our 2027 Foundation Information Evening will be held on 25 March from 5:00 to 6:00pm. If you or someone you know is interested in our 2027 Foundation program, we warmly invite you to come along. The evening will include an introduction to our school and Foundation program, a guided tour, and will conclude with a barbecue. All are most welcome to attend.
Important dates
3-5 March - Wimmera Machinery Field Days
9 March - Labour Day public holiday
10-13 March - Year 6 Camp
11-13 March - Year 4 Camp
13 March - Foundation Faith Bag presentations
19 March - Harmony Day celebrations (Primary)
Awards
FL: Gracie R FR: Lily M and Harper C 1S: Arman S, Aurora MB and Jayden M 1B: Mickey M and Summer M 2H: Polly A and Nina J 2W: Emmett J and Htee Htee PS 3D: Joey N and Linc S 3P: James B and Lucy T 4M: Milla E and Melissa SM 4R: Nate B and Frankie E 5J: Ellie K and Grace B 5K: Laura B, Laila B, Cade S, Ollie W, Edith B and Willow C 6M: Beau M and Chelsea S 6R: Braxton W and Maya S
Specialist awards German: Milla E Chinese: Ryder E Performing Arts: Dallas S Digital Technology: Ariana R
Trinity Tiger/Cub Awards
Congratulations to our very special Tiger and Cub awardees!
Abel F - Lowan Zara S - Mallee Sonny E - Lowan
Mrs Christina Jacobsen, Head of Primary
WLC - Horsham | Curriculum and Pedagogy
Focus on Reading
Dear Parents and Guardians, Families play a crucial role in building their child’s language and literacy. Early literacy includes talking, listening, storytelling, reading, drawing and writing, and it develops best through everyday interactions. Simple conversations during cooking, shopping, travelling or visiting the library expose children to new vocabulary and ideas. Strong oral language skills (speaking and listening) are one of the best predictors of later reading and writing success, so frequent, meaningful talk really matters.
As children grow, parents can strengthen reading and writing through shared book time, playful sound games and regular opportunities to write. Phonics (learning how sounds link to letters) helps children “sound out” words, and this can be supported at home through simple, fun activities and aligned with our phonemic program SoundWaves. Reading together daily, talking about stories and encouraging children to write about real experiences or imaginative ideas builds both skill and confidence. When literacy is part of normal daily life, and feels enjoyable, children are more likely to develop a lasting love of learning.
Practical reading strategies for parents
Narrate activities at home: Talk through what you’re doing (“I’m chopping the carrots. They’re crunchy and orange.”).
Ask open questions: “Why do you think that happened?” “What do you think will happen next?”
Extend their sentences: If your child says, “Big dog,” respond with, “Yes, it’s a big, fluffy brown dog.”
Read every day (10–15 minutes): Point to words as you read and talk about the pictures.
Play sound games in the car: “What rhymes with cat?” “What starts with the ‘b’ sound?”
Practise sounding out simple words: c-a-t → cat. Let them try before helping.
Praise effort, not just accuracy: “I love how you kept trying that word.”
Create a writing spot at home: Keep paper and pencils in an easy to reach place.
Make writing purposeful: Help write shopping lists, birthday cards, labels or family messages.
Retell daily events: At bedtime, ask your child to tell you three things that happened today.
Model reading: Let your child see you reading books, recipes, messages or newspapers.
Richest blessings,
Mrs Jacqui North, Assistant Head of Primary School(s): Curriculum & Pedagogy
Secondary School News (6 March 2026)
Proactive Police Unit
Last week, the Proactive Police Unit visited the College to speak with our Senior School students about cyber safety and illicit substances. It was an engaging and valuable session that helped students better understand how to be safe. We encourage families to continue this important conversation at home.
Year 9 Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremony
In Week 5, we celebrated the Calling and Departure Ceremony for The Rite Journey. Year 9 students spent time with their parents, reflecting on their childhood and expressing gratitude for their support. On Friday, the students took part in an activity day full of challenges and team building. We wish the Year 9s all the best as they embark on this important program.
Netball Academy
On Wednesday morning, Wimmera Lutheran College had the pleasure of welcoming Maggie Caris to speak with students involved in the Netball Academy. Maggie spent about 45 minutes with the students in an engaging question-and-answer session before Miss Cashin led a 60-minute training session with Academy students from Years 7-10. During the session, students participated in a variety of drills and gameplay activities.
Maggie shared insights into her journey growing up in Horsham and her pathway into high-level representative sport, including selections in Victorian and Australian squads. She spoke openly about the challenges she has faced along the way, including setbacks in her career, her experience playing in the AFL Women's, and the decision she faced when choosing between pursuing netball or football.
Students also enjoyed hearing about Maggie’s current role with the Melbourne Vixens and how she balances the demands of elite sport with the rest of her life. Her message about resilience, commitment, and pursuing opportunities was inspiring for all involved.
The WLC Netball Academy continues to go from strength to strength and is now in its fourth year, with 42 students currently involved in the program. Offered as an elective for students in Years 7-8 and Years 9-10, the Academy provides students with the opportunity to further develop their netball skills, game understanding and love of the sport in a specialised training environment.
Visits such as this are a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from elite athletes and continue to inspire them to pursue excellence both on and off the court.
SRC at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days
This week, our SRC students proudly represented the College at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. They welcomed visitors to the site and answered questions about our school community. We sincerely thank them for their enthusiasm and commitment over the course of the event.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN starts on 1 March for our Years 7 and 9 students. You can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a routine part of their schooling and encouraging them to simply do their best. Year Level Coordinators and Home Room teachers will work closely with students to support them throughout the two weeks of testing. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact them.
Parent-teacher interviews
Parent-teacher interviews will be on Wednesday 18 March. Please take note of the following key details:
The interviews will take place between 2:00pm and 8:00pm
School will conclude at 1.00pm on this day for Secondary School students only
If you would like your child to remain onsite, please email their Year Level Coordinator. Supervision will be provided, and students will be expected to complete private study/homework
School buses will run at their normal scheduled times
The interview link will be made available next week
Important dates
Parent-teacher interviews - Wednesday 18 March
Secondary Athletics Carnival - Monday 30 March
Mrs Kate Carter, Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary
Sports News
Primary School Sports News (6 March 2026)
Little Desert Division Primary Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to the 31 students who qualified to represent WLC at the Little Desert Division Swimming Carnival last week. All students performed very well with 20 students progressing to Greater Western Region swimming in Horsham on Wednesday 25 March.
The following results were achieved by our students in the Little Desert Division. The number in (brackets) refers to results in the combined Little Desert and Black Ranges divisions.
The top four in individual and top two in relay from the combined Little Desert and Black Ranges Division progress to Greater Western Region swimming in Horsham.
Felix F - 5th freestyle (11), 3rd backstroke (3),1st 12/13 boys freestyle (1) and 1st open medley relays (2)
Tristan V - 2nd breaststroke (4), 1st freestyle (2). 1st 12/13 freestyle (1) and 1st open medley relays (2)
Cooper S - 5th backstroke (12)
Oliver O - 4th breaststroke (9)
Javier B - 1st 12/13 boys freestyle relay (1)
Ryder N - 1st 12/13 boys freestyle relay (1)
Coming events
Term 1 sports events
WLC Years 3-6 Athletics - Thursday 26 March at Dudley Cornell Park
WLC Years F-2 Athletics - Friday 2 March at WLC Primary Oval
WLC JS 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 School Sports News (6 March 2026)
Greater Western Region Intermediate Tennis
On Wednesday, the Year 9 boys tennis team travelled to Ballarat to compete in the Greater Western Region Tennis. The boys won their first match 5 sets to 1 (20-8 games)! The second match was won 6 sets to 0 (24-3 games). This is an incredible achievement by this team and takes them through to the state finals in May.
Congratulations to Frazer S, Archie F, Soren F and Yasassri S for their efforts. Thank you to the parents for their support on the day.
Black Ranges swimming
Congratulations to all of our students who attended the Black Ranges swimming last week. We had a great day weather-wise, and in the pool! Well done to the following students who were age champions for the day: Lauren J, Grace S and Abel N. The first place results for the day were as follows:
Ellua B: 200m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 100m butterfly, 50m butterfly, 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 200m IM
Grace S: 100m breaststroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 200m IM
Bryce M: 100m breaststroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 200m IM
Abel N: 50m breaststroke, 100m butterfly, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke
Vincent B: 50m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke
Charlotte M: 100m backstroke
Archie F: 50m backstroke
12-14 girls 200m medley relay, 12-14 boys 200m medley relay, 15-16 girls 200m medley relay, 15-16 boys 200m medley relay, 12-13 girls freestyle relay, 12-13 boys freestyle relay, 14 girls freestyle relay, 14 boys freestyle relay, 15 girls freestyle relay, 16 boys freestyle relay
Our school was the overall champion of the day too, well done everyone!
Netball Academy
Our Years 7-10 netball academy students had the privilege of having a Q&A session with Melbourne Vixen player and Horsham local Maggie Caris on Wednesday.
Thank you Maggie for your time chatting with the girls about your experiences and pathway. Your time is invaluable and we wish you all the best for the season ahead.
Coming events
March
16 - Black Ranges senior and intermediate volleyball
25 - Greater Western Region swimming
30 - WLC Secondary Athletics
31 - Greater Western Region senior and intermediate volleyball
April
21 - WLC Secondary Cross-Country
28 - Senior-intermediate girls AFL
May
1 - Black Ranges track and field
Miss Jayde Ellis, Head of Sport (7-12)
Wellbeing News
Wellbeing Barometer Survey - 2026
The Wellbeing Barometer has evolved into an essential, evidence-informed resource that provides schools with a clear and timely snapshot of student mental health and wellbeing. By capturing the experiences, concerns and perspectives of young people, the survey supports a deeper understanding of the needs within a school community and enables more confident, informed responses. Importantly, it also supports meaningful dialogue between your school and families, strengthening trust and shared responsibility for student wellbeing.
This year, the survey has been refreshed to further refine the information shared by parents and adult carers, helping provide a clearer and more meaningful overview of wellbeing across the school community. These updates support more accurate insights while maintaining the same strong commitment to privacy and confidentiality.
Participation in this year's survey will support your school to identify areas of strength, developing concerns and opportunities for timely intervention. Designed to reflect the realities of young people's lives today, the survey enables a targeted, evidence-informed approach to enhancing mental and emotional wellbeing across your school community.
Parents and caregivers are invited to complete one or both of the surveys below, based on the age of your child or children and the school they attend.
We recommend completing a separate survey for each of your children enrolled at the school. There is no limit to the number of surveys you may complete, allowing you to respond thoughtfully and accurately to each child's individual experiences.
All responses are anonymous and should be based on your observations over the past 12 months. Results are reported only in summary form and are never linked to individual children or families.
Please find further information including a video here.
Please select the appropriate survey below to begin:
SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing war and conflict
With the recent escalation of conflict involving Iran, children may be hearing or seeing distressing updates through the 24-hour news cycle, social media and conversations at school. Even when events are geographically distant, repeated exposure to images, headlines and commentary can heighten anxiety, particularly for young people whose understanding of the world is still developing.
It is important for parents and caregivers to be mindful of overexposure, as constant coverage can amplify fear and uncertainty. Reassurance is key. Children need to feel safe and supported as they process complex global events.
Before beginning these conversations, take a moment to check in with your own emotions. Children often take their cues from the adults around them. Remaining calm, listening openly and offering reassurance can help your child regulate their feelings and maintain a sense of security.
This Special Report provides practical guidance to help families navigate conversations about war and conflict in a measured, age-appropriate way, while reinforcing hope, empathy and resilience. We encourage you to take a moment to review the information provided. If this topic raises concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please consider seeking appropriate medical or professional support.
Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience
Campus News
IMPORTANT: Early finish for Secondary School on 18 March
Parent–Teacher Interviews – Key Details
📅 Wednesday 18 March ⏰ Interviews: 2:00pm to 8:00pm
School will conclude at 1:00pm on this day for Secondary School students only.
If you would like your child to remain onsite, please email their Year Level Coordinator.
Supervision will be provided, and students will be expected to complete private study/homework.
School buses will run at their normal scheduled times.
Foundation Information Evening for 2027
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.
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!
