NewsBites - Term 3, Week 2, 2025
Though this article may seem a little self-indulgent, I would like to share my perspective on some of the magic created last week through the College’s production of High School Musical. As a trained Drama teacher and former Musical Director, I was in awe of the exceptional talent on display at the Laidley Cultural Centre across the four public performances, as well as the midweek primary school production. In my role as Acting Principal, I could not have been prouder of the entire cast and crew for bringing to life one of the most memorable musical productions in the College’s history.
The magic I speak of extends beyond the incredible performances on stage. It lies in the relationships that were forged throughout the rehearsal and production process. Over this time, I witnessed the strong bonds formed among these talented young people, united by a shared purpose. The support, encouragement, and love they showed each other were both inspiring and a testament to the deep sense of connection and belonging that underpins our Faith community.
Relationships underpin our College’s vision. They not only empower our students to discover and share their God-given gifts, but also help them to feel seen, known, and valued. Whilst we are blessed with so many gifted students at Faith, more importantly, the vast majority of them use these gifts for the benefit of others. This spirit of service reflects the Christian foundations upon which our College is built.
I would also like to acknowledge the remarkable staff at Faith who consistently go above and beyond to ensure that connection and belonging are central to all we do. The staff who supported the musical are a shining example of this, generously giving their time, care, and expertise to nurture the potential of every student involved in the production.
At Faith, we are indeed blessed by our staff. While we recruit for professional expertise, we place equal value on the compassion, love, and care they show our students every day.
On behalf of the College, thank you to the entire cast and crew for what you shared with us last week in High School Musical. Thank you also to our incredible staff, who, in their respective roles and responsibilities, create meaningful learning opportunities and environments where students are supported to awaken their potential, so they can be empowered as learners, in order to experience a purposeful life through Christ.
I look forward to the remainder of Term 3, where there will no doubt be many more opportunities for students to experience such positive relationships whilst achieving a shared purpose. Whether in the classroom, through GBC sport, or via one of the many co-curricular activities at Faith, I encourage all students to embrace these opportunities to experience and strengthen their connection and belonging with other students and staff this term.
Yours in Christ,
Tyson Kenny
Acting Principal
The Power of Partnership and Community
Term 3 has started with a bang; and it’s a fitting time to reflect on the strength and spirit that comes from genuine partnership and community. At the heart of everything we do as a College is the belief that education is not a journey taken alone. It’s a shared experience — shaped by students, staff, families, and the wider community — where each voice and contribution plays a vital role in helping young people flourish.
This term has already offered us some standout reminders of just how powerful that collective effort can be.
Our production of High School Musical was a shining example of community in action. From the talented cast and dedicated crew, to the tireless work of staff and students behind the scenes and the enthusiastic support of families and friends in the audience — the production brought us together in a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and joy. Each show was a near sell-out, and an incredibly enjoyable production.
The Interhouse Athletics Carnival went ahead without a hitch, and we were truly blessed that the rain held off until the ever-popular Faith Gift was completed. There were a number of impressive performances on the track and field, but the encouragement, House spirit, and shared celebration went a long way to making the day so special. Whether cheering from the sidelines, helping run events, or simply showing up with a positive attitude, everyone played a part in making this a great day.
This term also brings a number of important opportunities for students and families as they plan for the future. Our Foundation Phase (Year 8) students will soon engage in their Flight Plan interviews — a key part of helping them reflect on their strengths and interests as they select courses for the Exploration Phase. Likewise, our Exploration Phase (Year 10) students will complete their SET Plans in the coming weeks, a valuable process that supports them in making informed choices for their final years of schooling. These moments are vital in ensuring every student has a clear, purposeful, and supported learning pathway.
As we look ahead, let’s continue to lean into that spirit of partnership and community. It’s what makes our College more than just a place of learning — but a place where students feel connected, supported, and inspired to grow.
Reid Dobson
Acting Deputy Principal
Bus Update
Further to the Principal’s message re buses on 14 July, following is some more information on transitionary arrangements:
- Casual bus fares – unchanged for Term 3, continue to purchase through Student Services.
- Bus Fees – unchanged for remainder of 2025. Tuition and Bus Fees for 2026 will be communicated later this year.
- Bus Routes – no major changes for 2025. The College will survey Family Bus requirements later this year to inform route changes for 2026, if required.
For enquiries moving forward, including:
- Lost property
- Reports of students not on board or left behind
- Behaviour concerns or complaints
- General enquiries about the bus services,
please contact the Southern Cross Transit (SCT) office directly on (07) 3813 8900 or at enquiries@southerncrosstransit.com.au.
There is also information and updates their website (www.southerncrosstransit.com.au) and on their Facebook page.
The SCT team is here to support you and ensure a safe and consistent transport experience for your children. We will keep you informed of any future updates as they become available.
SCT thanks you for your support, and they look forward to working in partnership with Faith Lutheran College and its community.
A Friendly Reminder – Please Check In at Reception
With our wonderful new building now in use, we kindly ask all parents, guardians and visitors to go to Reception first when arriving at the College. Reception is located at the front of the new building and will be your first stop for any visit.
If your visit is related to a medical or student matter, a staff member will meet you at Reception and assist from there.
We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you through our new front doors!
Parent Webinar Opportunity – AI-Assisted Image-Based Abuse: Navigating the Deepfake Threat
AI tools are evolving fast – and some are being misused in ways that can harm or exploit children and young people, including through the creation of deepfakes and digitally altered images.
This 45-minute webinar will explore how deepfakes, digitally-generated images and AI tools are being misused to harm young people. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support your child’s wellbeing in a digital world. You’ll learn:
- How AI technologies are being used and misused and why understanding their use matters
- How new technologies are impacting children and young people
- Steps you can take to increase awareness and support your child.
DATE: Wednesday 13 August
TIME: 7pm to 7.45pm (AEST)
MODE: Online
COST: Free
To register for this important event, please click the button below and then click on the link in the PDF.
Foundation Students Explore Identity and Emotions Through the Arts
This semester, our Foundation students (Years 7 and 8) are diving into a vibrant and thought-provoking exploration of identity and emotional intelligence through the lens of The Arts. Music, Drama, and Dance have long provided powerful platforms for the expression of complex emotions and personal narratives—and our students are discovering this first-hand.
In Foundation 7, students are undertaking an integrated unit titled ‘Inside Out’, inspired by the Disney Pixar films Inside Out and Inside Out 2. Using the films as a springboard, students are examining how characters express and navigate emotions, and how these emotions can be explored and conveyed through performance and composition. Midway through the unit, students will also experience a live incursion from renowned theatre company Shake & Stir, who will present their high-energy performance Terrortorial. This promises to be an engaging and dynamic extension to the students’ understanding of dramatic storytelling.
Meanwhile, Foundation 8 students have begun unpacking how identity is constructed and represented through The Arts. This week, they analysed some of their favourite Disney characters, focusing on how music, costume, and movement help define character roles and tropes in well-known narratives. Throughout the unit, they will continue to dive into key expressive skills throughout the five ARTS disciplines: music, visual arts, media arts, dance and drama.
This rich artistic exploration is complemented by ongoing work in Foundation Coach through The Resilience Project, which builds students’ emotional literacy and wellbeing. With its key pillars of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness, The Resilience Project supports students in developing deeper awareness of their emotional responses and the strategies they can use to navigate life’s challenges—particularly important in the middle years.
Together, the curriculum and wellbeing initiatives provide students with opportunities to understand themselves and others more deeply, to express their emotions creatively, and to build resilience in a supportive learning environment. We look forward to seeing how students continue to grow in confidence, character and creativity over the remainder of the semester.
Lisbeth Goldston
Head of Learning - Foundation 7
Welcome back to Semester 2 in the Exploration Phase!
We’re so happy to see all of you back and ready for what promises to be a whirlwind Term 3. We hope you had a restful break and are feeling refreshed and energised for the new semester.
There are plenty of exciting new courses running this term. From Exploring the Skies with Mr Thompson, where students prototype and build flying machines while developing key engineering skills, to Real Estate Matters with Mrs Bruce, where students explore how the property market can be used as a tool for building wealth, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to stretch your creativity, build practical skills, or dive into new interests, there’s a whole lot on offer here at Faith.
Looking ahead, Flight Plans are just around the corner and will take place on Thursday 14 August. These one‑on‑one meetings are a valuable opportunity to reflect on your learning, explore your interests, and make thoughtful decisions about your future at Faith. With guidance from your expert Phase Coach, you’ll begin mapping out your subjects for the following year, keeping your goals and potential pathways in mind. Please note that these meetings are not final subject selections but rather a chance for consultation and conversation about the wide range of curriculum options available in the Exploration Phase.
A quick reminder about subject changes: now that courses are well underway for Semester 2, changes are generally not being processed unless they were requested before the start of term or there are exceptional circumstances. This helps minimise disruption to teaching and learning and ensures classes are resourced appropriately. We appreciate your understanding and support in maintaining consistency for all students.
Please keep an eye out for more information about Flight Plans in the coming weeks.
We’re looking forward to a fantastic term ahead!
Kind regards,
Jabez Castray
Head of Learning - Exploration Phase
We are entering a busy and exciting season in the Graduate Phase, as our Year 12 students begin to experience many of their “lasts” – a time of reflection, celebration, and transition.
There is a growing sense of anticipation as we approach the “100 Days to Go” milestone in Week 5, which will mark 100 days until the conclusion of Year 12. We look forward to celebrating this moment with fun and flair as students embrace the countdown to graduation.
This week, it was wonderful to see so many Year 12 students enjoying their last Interhouse Athletics Carnival, enthusiastically participating and dressing as their favourite childhood TV or movie characters. The spirit on the day was vibrant and positive, with students proudly supporting their housemates.
The Term 3 calendar is full, with preparations underway for the 2025 Formal. The student-led committee will begin planning during upcoming STEP sessions. Meanwhile, our Legacy Committee is encouraged to finalise this year’s fundraising goal and event - this is their final opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the College. Students with creative ideas are invited to speak with Mrs Saal.
Key upcoming events include:
- SET Plan Interviews (Week 3): Year 10 students and their families will meet with a member of our leadership team to discuss academic pathways in the Graduate Phase. Families are reminded to book an interview if they haven’t already done so.
- Academic Progress Meetings: Weeks 5–7
- Year 12 Mock Exams: Wednesday 27 August – Thursday 4 September (Weeks 7–8)
- Year 11 Exam Block: Wednesday 3 September – Friday 12 September (Weeks 8–9)
- Formal Assembly (final one for Year 12): Week 5
- Parent/Teacher Interviews (final for Year 12): Week 7
- Year 12 Formal: Thursday 18 September (Week 10)
The Graduate Phase is a dynamic and pivotal stage in a student’s life, and we remain committed to supporting each learner as they approach graduation with confidence and purpose.
Kevin Abraham & Emma O'Shea
Heads of Learning – Graduate Phase
