NewsBites - Term 2, Week 7, 2025
Term 2 is flying!
It’s hard to believe there are only two weeks left of the term! As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun – and I’m sure that sentiment is shared by many across our community. This term has been filled with many meaningful and enjoyable events, bringing our school community together and celebrating the incredible achievements of our students.
It has been wonderful to see so many students experience success in various ways throughout the term. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or through creative pursuits, students across all Phases have achieved tremendous things.
I want to give a special mention to the College Choir, who recently placed third in the Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod in a highly competitive field. This small but growing group of students demonstrated not only remarkable talent but, even more importantly, dedication and commitment - qualities that often form the foundation of success in life. Well done, Choir!
This term has also provided many opportunities to strengthen our sense of community. One highlight was Grandparents’ Day, held earlier this week. This special occasion allows us to showcase the rich teaching and learning happening at Faith while also offering a chance for students – particularly those who may not have grandparents in their lives – to connect with and learn from another generation. A heartfelt thank you to all the grandparents who joined us, and I hope you enjoyed this special time with your grandchild.
Looking ahead, there are still many important events over the final two weeks of term. I wish every blessing to all students involved in these endeavours - whether it’s the GBC Finals, the Kokoda Challenge, Project Showcasing, Confraternity Rugby, the Dirranbandi Service Trip, or the many other opportunities still to come.
Lastly, I encourage all students to finish the term strong in the classroom. Whether you are finalising an important assessment task or preparing for an upcoming exam, I pray that you approach each of these with good learning habits and a positive mindset, giving your very best.
Yours in Christ,
Tyson Kenny
Acting Principal
Reconciliation Action Plan Afternoon Tea: Listening, Learning, and Walking Together
As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, we were proud to host a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Afternoon Tea last week. This event marked an important milestone in our RAP journey, which has been developing over the past 12 months.
The afternoon was centred around meaningful connection with First Nations families in our community. Together, we gathered in a spirit of collaboration and honesty to reflect on key action items outlined in our RAP and listen to feedback about how we can continue to do better. The conversations were powerful and respectful, offering insight, challenge, and encouragement as we strive to build a more inclusive and culturally safe school environment.
The afternoon also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and reaffirm our shared commitment to reconciliation. It was heartening to see so many members of our community attend and engage so thoughtfully, including several past parents and students. The feedback shared will play a critical role in shaping the final version of our RAP and ensuring it reflects the voices of our First Nations students, families, and staff.
Aligned with the 2025 National Reconciliation Week theme, "Bridging Now to Next," this event reminded us that reconciliation is not a moment, but an ongoing commitment to connection, improvement, and relationship building. Now more than ever, we must continue the work - listening deeply, acting with integrity, and walking together towards a better future.
Yours in Christ,
Reid Dobson
Acting Deputy Principal
Igniting Faith's FIRE
FIRE is the name of a new student-led ministry initiative at the College. It stands for Faith Ignited Revival Expected.
A FIRE event (not an actual fire!) was held last week. Students who chose to be part of the event participated in Christian TikTok-style dances, outdoor games, listened to a student-led Christian message, and were able to explore relevant topics in discussion together. FIRE is fun, vibrant and full of energy!
The Student Ministry Project team are making plans to create regular FIRE opportunities in the life of the College with the ultimate aim that a new church is established at Faith. The goal is not to recreate church or ministry as it has been done before but create a new space for a new generation of Christ-followers.
If you feel that you could assist the FIRE initiative in any of the following ways, please get in touch to see what might be possible.
We are looking for adults who could:
- Cook biscuits, slices, and cakes
- Assist in small group discussions
- Be part of a prayer team
While we would love to involve everyone who expresses interest, roles will be confirmed based on the needs of the program.
I look forward to keeping you updated on this exciting initiative in the future.
Yours in Christ,
Ps Nathan Glover
College Pastor
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Please click the button below to read a letter from Acting Principal Tyson Kenny regarding NCCD.
What a Way to Walk – Faith Community Joins ALWS Walk My Way
On Saturday 10 May, a group of students, staff, and families from Faith Lutheran College – Plainland joined with more than 580 participants from across South East Queensland to Walk My Way. Together, we stepped out as a community, walking to raise awareness and funds for children around the world who face daily challenges accessing food, clean water, safety, and education.
This year’s event held special significance, marking the 75th Anniversary of Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS). Despite a couple of passing showers, the spirit of compassion, connection and commitment shone through the clouds. Our community walked in solidarity – young and old, families and friends – driven by a shared heart to bring hope to children in crisis.
Across four Walk My Way events held throughout the country in Bonegilla, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane, over 1,300 people participated, raising funds to support an incredible 7,500 children with essentials such as school supplies, medication, food, and safety. The Brisbane Walk carried a special focus for the children of Ukraine, reminding us of the importance of standing with those facing hardship and displacement.
As a College Community we have raised $1,130. A particular recognition goes to Claire Hopper, who raised $370 and also ran the 12.5km event! The money that she raised is enough to help 15 children and families in need.
We look forward to partnering with ALWS later in the year to help them reach their goal of supporting 75,000 children. Currently they are on track having raised enough to help over 43,000 children in nations such as Ukraine, Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Nepal.
Thank you to all who participated, donated, and supported this meaningful event. Through every step, we raise awareness and help those who are less fortunate than us and to shine Christ’s light through the world.
If you would like to, you can still donate to this worthy cause through this link: Brisbane - ALWS75 | Faith Lutheran College - Plainland
Richard Miegel
Deputy Director of Communities and Culture
College Musical
Musical Sponsors
The College Musical is always a highlight of the year. With 110 students involved as cast and crew, this is a major event on the College calendar!
We warmly invite members of the community to sponsor this year's musical.
Please click the below button to view the sponsorship proposal.
Buy Your Musical Tickets Now!
We have already sold more than 1,000 tickets for this year's College Musical: High School Musical - On Stage!
In fact, Saturday night, in particular, is getting close to being sold out.
Don't miss what is sure to be an amazing show.
Foundation Students Celebrate World Environment Day with Tree Planting
In celebration of World Environment Day, four eager Foundation students had the exciting opportunity to step outside the classroom and into nature, participating in a local tree-planting event aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
Throughout the day, students learned about the importance of trees in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, from providing homes for animals to cleaning the air we breathe. Guided by environmental experts, they also discovered the vital role individuals can play in protecting and nurturing the environment.
For many of our young students, this was their first experience with hands-on conservation work, and it left a lasting impression. They showed great care and teamwork, carefully planting each seedling and ensuring it was well-supported in the soil.
This memorable experience not only connected our students to nature but also helped them understand the real-world impact they can have, even at a young age. As they returned to school, muddy, happy, and full of stories, it was clear the day had sparked a new passion for protecting our planet.
We are proud of our Foundation students for representing our school with such enthusiasm and care for the environment.
Kate Manthey
Head of Wellbeing - Foundation 7
2026 Exploration Phase Course Selections
Straw Polls
In preparation for next term’s Exploration Phase subject selections, our Year 8 and 9 students have received a Straw Poll, along with a short instructional video and a preparation document to guide them. While this isn’t their final subject selection, it helps us get a sense of how many classes to run for each course, giving every student the best chance to build a timetable that supports their passions and empowers their learning in the middle years.
Over the coming weeks, students will be given time in Phase Coach to complete the poll and explore their options. We also encourage parents and carers to read through the 2026 Exploration Phase Curriculum Guide and have a meaningful conversation with your young person about their interests and potential pathways.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Heads of Learning for Exploration Phase, Jabez Castray and Lou Bruce.
Medical Science
Once again, our Medical Science class has been diving into real-world learning that’s both educational...and just a little bit gross! In preparation for their upcoming assessment, students are exploring sterilisation techniques used for medical tools and culturing bacteria collected from around the campus.
Their current focus is the fascinating world of Microbiology and Immunology. As part of their studies, students are investigating the vital roles microorganisms play in both disease and biotechnology.
A major component of the unit has been hands-on lab work. Students are developing essential practical skills, including how to safely handle microbial cultures, apply sterile techniques, and use serial dilutions to isolate and identify microbes. These practical experiences are helping them see how scientific principles are applied in real-world medical and research settings.
In addition, students are designing and conducting their own microbiology experiments. These investigations, focused on environmental sampling and hygiene practices, give students the opportunity to develop investigable questions, make reasoned predictions and hypotheses, and build explanatory models.
Jabez Castray
Head of Learning - Exploration Phase
Graduate Phase: Building Positive Habits for Lasting Impact
At Faith Lutheran College, we believe that significant achievements stem from small, consistent actions. This week, our Graduate Phase students are delving into this concept during their Phase Coach sessions, inspired by James Clear’s renowned book, Atomic Habits.
These sessions aim to help students understand how intentional habits can lead to meaningful changes in various aspects of life, including academics, personal wellbeing, relationships, and future careers. Key takeaways for students include:
- Starting Small: Recognising that minor improvements, when done consistently, can lead to substantial progress.
- Focusing on Systems: Emphasising the importance of daily routines and habits over solely setting goals.
- Identity Formation: Understanding that each small action contributes to the person they aspire to become.
By reflecting on their habits, students are not only shaping their current academic journey but also laying the foundation for their future roles in society.
Resources for Families and Community Members
We invite families and community members to join us in this journey of habit formation. Here are some resources to explore:
- James Clear’s Official Resources: Access free tools, including a 30-day habit-building email course and downloadable worksheets. James Clear
- Parenting Guide: Discover strategies to apply Atomic Habits principles in parenting. Parenting+Appendix.pdf
- Printable Worksheets: Utilize habit trackers and scorecards to monitor progress. Happier Human
By engaging with these resources, families can support their children in building positive habits - and perhaps even adopt some beneficial routines themselves.
As we guide our students to build habits that shape their future, we invite you - our families and community - to reflect alongside them. Imagine the ripple effect if we all commit to one small positive change this season. Together, we can inspire meaningful growth not just within our students, but across our whole College community.
Andrea Blakely & Emma Saal
Heads of Wellbeing – Graduate Phase
