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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

 
Graduate Phase: Rest, Reflection and Readiness

As Term 1 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on what has been a meaningful and energising start to the year in the Graduate Phase. This phase—spanning Years 11 and 12—is designed to support students through the pivotal transition from adolescence to young adulthood, equipping them with the skills, support structures, and sense of community they need to flourish.

Throughout Term 1, our students have engaged deeply in both academic and co-curricular pursuits. From leading College tours on Open Day to participating in powerful learning experiences such as the RACQ Docudrama, Graduate Phase students have exemplified servant leadership, maturity, and the Fruits of Faith in action. Highlights like Harmony Day, the Swimming Carnival, and our Valentine’s Day Legacy fundraising event have also reminded us of the joy, connection, and contribution that characterise this unique stage of schooling.

As we approach the Easter break, we encourage all families to pause and embrace this time not only as a well-earned rest but also as an opportunity for reflection. The Easter message is one of renewal, hope and grace—values that align beautifully with the Graduate Phase journey. This break provides the perfect chance to reconnect with family and faith, and to restore the mind and body after a full and fast-paced term.

That said, we also know this mid-semester break falls at a critical point in the academic calendar. Many students will be heading into Term 2 with major checkpoints, drafts and exams on the horizon. With that in mind, we encourage students to approach the break with a “work smarter, not harder” mindset: planning ahead, setting small goals, and using the quieter moments of the holidays to ease the pressure of the term ahead.

Looking to Term 2, there is much to be excited about. From ANZAC Day commemorations to our next Legacy fundraiser, academic milestones, and the opening of the online store for 2026 Senior Attire, the Graduate Phase will continue to be a space where students are empowered to lead with purpose and grow with confidence. The newly unveiled 2026 Senior Jersey has already generated much excitement and pride, and planning for the Senior Formal will also commence early in the term—an important milestone for our Year 12 students as they look ahead to the final chapter of their school journey.

We thank our students, staff and families for their ongoing partnership in this journey and wish everyone in our wider College community a blessed and safe Easter.

Andrea Blakely & Emma Saal
Heads of Wellbeing - Graduate Phase