Executive Principal's Message (7 August 2026)
Sharing the Stage
One of the unexpected joys of being Principal is that no two days are ever the same. Last week, I found myself stepping into the rather unusual role of Goliath during our Foundation D Chapel. Standing on stage in costume alongside our youngest students certainly wasn't on my list of expected duties when I entered education, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
What struck me most wasn't the costume or the performance itself, it was the sheer delight on the faces of the students. They laughed, smiled, and threw themselves wholeheartedly into retelling one of the Bible's most well-known stories. Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm reminded me that some of the most meaningful moments in a school community happen when adults are willing to step into a child's world and simply share an experience with them.
There is something powerful about having someone stand beside you on a stage. Whether it is in a chapel presentation, on a sporting field, in a classroom or through one of life's challenges, knowing someone is there with you brings confidence, encouragement and joy. Our Foundation students weren't standing alone; they knew their teachers, classmates and even their principal were alongside them. That shared experience transformed what could have been a daunting moment into one filled with fun and laughter.
As I reflected on the experience, I also found myself thinking about the many leaders across Wimmera Lutheran College who quietly "share the stage" with our students and families every day. Whether it is Mrs Jacobsen in the Horsham Primary School, Mrs Carter in our Secondary School, Mr Prenzler in Nhill, Ms Dent in Dimboola, Mrs North across the three campuses, or the many teachers, support staff and leaders across every campus, they consistently stand alongside others through moments of celebration, challenge, learning and growth. Leadership is at its best when people know they are not facing life's journey alone, and I am incredibly grateful to work alongside colleagues who live this out so faithfully each day. One of the greatest strengths of Wimmera Lutheran College is that, across our three campuses and two sub-schools, our students and families are surrounded by leaders who choose to stand alongside them. They celebrate the highs, walk through the challenges, and remind our young people every day that they are valued, known and never alone.
As I reflected on the morning, I was reminded that this is exactly how Jesus journeys with us. He never asks us to face life on our own. Through every success and every challenge, every celebration and every uncertainty, Jesus stands beside us. He doesn't simply watch from the audience; He joins us in our daily lives, offering His strength, His grace and His unwavering presence.
The story of David and Goliath reminds us that God is greater than any giant we may face. Yet perhaps another beautiful reminder from our chapel was this: God never intended for us to face those giants alone. Through Jesus, we have someone who continually shares the stage with us.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us of this wonderful promise:
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5
What a comforting assurance that wherever life takes us, whether we feel confident or uncertain, successful or challenged, we are never standing on the stage alone. Christ is always beside us, and through Him we have the courage to face whatever lies ahead.
I am grateful to our Foundation D students and staff for inviting me to play a small part in such a joyful chapel service. It was a wonderful reminder that leadership is not only about guiding from the front, it is also about being willing to stand alongside others, share in their experiences, and celebrate the joy that comes from learning and growing together in Christ.
Car park maintenance
We are aware that some maintenance work is needed in the College car park and have already made arrangements for these repairs to be carried out. We are currently waiting for contractor availability before the work can begin.
In the meantime, we kindly ask all parents, carers, students and visitors to take extra care when entering, exiting and moving through the car park. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the area remains safe and well maintained for our College community.
Mr Jason Przibilla, Executive Principal
