NewsBites - Term 1, Week 10, 2025

Since returning from long service leave only a few weeks ago, I have already witnessed so many wonderful events and student highlights. Whether it’s the recent GBC success, celebrating important events together as a school community (like Close the Gap Day, Harmony Day, and the World’s Greatest Shave), or even successfully navigating the challenges that Cyclone Alfred presented, each of these moments reminds me that we are at our best as a school when we share both our successes and our challenges. The greatest blessing of our community is our people—how we work together, support one another, and uplift each other. This has been clearly evident in the short time I’ve been back.

Next term will continue to provide our students, staff, and families with many important events and activities that will strengthen our sense of community and provide opportunities for students to shine. Whether it’s our College’s ANZAC Commemorative Service on the first day of Term 2, Parent-Teacher Interviews in Week 2, or Grandparents' Day later in the term, these events—amongst many others—are opportunities I hope all students and families can fully engage with where possible.

Another exciting aspect of Term 2 is the College’s capital works. The new Administration and Student Services building is due to open in mid to late May. Our Foundation Phase precinct will also receive upgrades, with building works taking place in both E and F Blocks throughout the term. This includes significant improvements to the outdoor areas surrounding these classrooms. This will primarily affect Year 8 students, as some of their classes will temporarily be relocated to the Information Hub during the term to allow these works to take place. While access to E and F Blocks will be restricted at times, it's exciting to think about the enhancements these upgrades will bring to the learning environments in the Foundation Phase precinct from mid-June onwards.

I pray that all students, staff, and families enjoy a safe and restful break over the school holidays. I also pray that Easter provides each of us with the opportunity to reflect on the love, hope, and sacrifice our Lord Jesus made on our behalf—so that we may enjoy life with God both now and forevermore.

Yours in Christ,

Tyson Kenny
Deputy Principal

As we come to the end of Term 1, we give thanks for the strength and unity of our College community—especially in the wake of Cyclone Alfred. The disruption to our schedule reminded us that learning is not confined to rigid plans, but shaped by our ability to respond with grace, compassion, and care. The adjustments made to assessment timelines were underpinned by a desire to place student wellbeing first, reflecting our belief that every learner is a precious and capable child of God.

Throughout the term, our Graduate Phase students have modelled resilience and responsibility as they completed their first Exam Block for the year. It was encouraging to see these young people engage with their learning in a way that reflects their growth—not just academically, but in character and purpose.

We also acknowledge the efforts of our Foundation and Exploration Phase students, particularly those in Years 7 and 9 who recently completed NAPLAN. We celebrate their courage to engage with challenges, knowing that they are deeply loved and valued regardless of test scores. Our staff have walked alongside them with care and dedication, helping each student to step forward in confidence.

As we look ahead to Term 2, we welcome families to join us for Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews on Monday of Week 2. These conversations are an important opportunity to walk together in partnership, recognising that when home and school work hand in hand, students flourish.

We are also looking forward to our Internal Showcase and Course Information Evening for Year 8 and Exploration Phase students, to be held in Term 2. This event will support students as they explore subject options and future pathways, guided by curiosity, purpose, and the gifts God has given them. More details will be shared early next term.

Thank you for your ongoing support, prayers, and partnership throughout Term 1. May this upcoming break be a time of rest, renewal, and reconnection for you and your families. We look forward to all that God has in store for us in the term ahead.

In Christ,

Jen Gibb
Director of Teaching and Learning

Choose-Your-Own-Chapel returned in Week 9 this term! The goal was to bring students greater voice and choice in their chapel experience. The options that students could choose from:

• The Chosen Cinema
• Cruising for a Cause (cancelled due to wet weather)
• Inspired Art
• Capturing Creation
• Resurrection Revealed (drama)
• Intro to Alpha (Alpha Youth video series)
• Living Faith (worship and discipleship)

Many students found the opportunity uplifting and appreciated the chance to choose what interests them. The Christian Ministry staff at the College are always dreaming and thinking of new and innovative ways to share the same message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness to a new generation.

God bless you and your family over this Easter period. Stay safe. Eat Chocolate 🙂 Remember the reason for the season – the death and resurrection of Jesus – He provides forgiveness to all who desire to have it.

Ps Nathan Glover
College Pastor

Intergenerational Project 2025

Uniform Shop Holiday Hours

Over the holidays the Uniform Shop will be open on Thursday 17 April, 10am to 4pm, to assist parents and carers in preparing for Term 2. 

Settling In & Looking Ahead – A Great Start for Foundation Phase!

It’s been a fantastic start to the year, with our Year 7 students showing impressive resilience, positivity and adaptability as they’ve made the big leap into high school life. All Foundation students have embraced new routines, connected with new peers, and are already contributing wonderfully to our school community.

A big part of this smooth transition has been the introduction of The Resilience Project, which is now embedded into our classes. Through its focus on gratitude, empathy and mindfulness (GEM), students are developing important emotional skills that will support them not just this year, but well into the future.

As we head into the break, we encourage all families to take the time to rest and recharge. Term 2 is shaping up to be a busy one! With construction continuing in our Foundation Phase, we’re asking students to remain flexible and understanding—these updates will bring exciting new learning spaces once complete!

A few reminders as the weather turns cooler:

• Don’t forget to grab a school jumper or hoodie to stay warm (but hats are still essential in the sun).
• Please check your child's stationery supplies and top up where needed so they’re set for success next term.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars! We’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day in Week 3, and our Foundation Phase families can look forward to a fun Movie Night in Week 5.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back, refreshed and ready for Term 2!

Lisbeth Goldston & Kate Manthey
Head of Learning & Head of Wellbeing (7)

Exploration Phase
As we wrap up the term, we celebrate the success of our Exploration Phase cross-curricular subjects, which have enriched student learning and fostered collaboration across disciplines. From understanding the impact of misinformation in Conspiracy Theories to developing a pitch for a dedicated gaming room in E-Sports, our students have had the opportunity to build core skills in ways that engage their individual interests and passions. It has been a positive start to the year, with students embracing new challenges and staff demonstrating their dedication to creating engaging and supportive learning environments. Also thank you to our incredible staff, students, and families for their hard work, enthusiasm, and ongoing support—your contributions make our school community stronger. We look forward to building on this momentum in the next term

Student Spotlight: Cooper Willmott
I’m a Year 9 student and a competitive swimmer for Western Aquatics Swimming Club. Recently, I competed in the Jess Schipper Challenge/National Prep Meet at Chandler Aquatic Centre (15 & 16 March), winning a silver medal in the 100m Breaststroke and a bronze in the 200m IM—two of my favourite events. Last year, I was selected for the Roma Development Team with DDRSA, where I trained with Olympians Ben Armbruster and Omar Abbass, competed in the Roma Open, and earned five medals. I also achieved my goal of making the MET WEST team for the Queensland School State Championships after years of hard work. Competing at States for FLC/Met West and spending time with top athletes from our region has been one of my most rewarding experiences this year.

My motivation comes from knowing that if I want to be the best, I have to train like the best. My coach and I set realistic, achievable goals, and I focus on improving my times rather than just winning medals. Balancing school and swimming is challenging, with up to five hours a day dedicated to training and travel, but I believe it makes me a better person. I appreciate the freedom to explore subjects I enjoy at Faith Lutheran College, even though choosing can be tough. My advice to others is to stay positive, trust the process, and work hard—success takes time. My goals are to qualify for States again, then Nationals, and one day, if not the Olympics, to become a coach and help others achieve their dreams.

Jabez Castray, Lou Bruce, Josh Searchfield & Rachel Watts
Phase Leaders - Exploration Phase