NewsBites - Term 3, Week 6, 2024

Principal’s Update
As we move forward in our commitment to providing a world-class learning environment, I am pleased to share the latest updates on our ongoing construction projects and exciting new design developments. At Faith Lutheran College, we understand that the design of our learning spaces is more than just a matter of aesthetics; it is fundamental to achieving our educational goals. Thoughtfully designed environments can significantly enhance student learning, fostering an atmosphere where creativity and critical thinking can thrive. As we continue to develop and refine our facilities, we remain committed to creating spaces that reflect and support our progressive approach to education.

Progress on Student Services and Administration Building
Our construction of the new Student Services and Administration Building is progressing well. The slab footings are being prepared, and we anticipate beginning to pour the concrete columns in the coming weeks. The project, which also includes a new staff car park, is on track for completion, with the car park's retaining walls expected to be finalised by the end of November. We aim to finish the building by the end of March next year, followed by the demolition of the existing administration building. All works are scheduled for completion by the end of May.

Designing Our Primary School: A Vision for the Future
In addition to these developments, we are currently in the design phase for our new Primary School facilities. This project is particularly exciting as it will incorporate the Reggio Emilia concepts, which emphasise a student-centred approach that nurtures curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. By creating environments that inspire and support innovative teaching and learning, we are laying the groundwork for future success.

Recognition at the Educator Awards
Last Friday, we were honoured to be named a finalist in the Best Innovative Curriculum category at the Australian Education Awards 2024. Although we did not take home the top prize, this recognition underscores our ongoing efforts to innovate and lead in educational excellence. Additionally, Mr Jabez Castray, one of our dedicated teachers, was a finalist in the Rising Star category, highlighting the exceptional talent and commitment within our staff.

Learning from Leaders in Contemporary Education
Recently, several of our staff members visited schools in Melbourne known for their progressive and contemporary educational practices, particularly in the Primary Years. These visits provided valuable insights that will help shape our primary education programs and ensure we continue to lead in educational innovation.

Engaging with Our Parent Community
We recently held our first Parent Representative meeting, organised by Mr Reid Dobson, our Director of Communities and Culture. Thank you to the parents who attended and contributed their valuable insights. Your involvement is crucial as we work together to enhance the educational experience for all our students. If you would like to be involved as a Parent Representative please contact nburchmann@faithlcs.qld.edu.au with your details.

Future Directions: Graduate Phase and Uniform Review
Our ongoing work to align the Graduate Phase with the Foundation and Exploration phases continues. This transformation will take time, given the regulatory requirements we must meet, but our goal remains to create a cohesive and progressive educational journey for all students. 

Additionally, we are reviewing our College Uniform and Grooming Policies to better reflect our vision and values, ensuring they meet the needs of our community today and in the future.

I look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to innovate and grow together.

Yours in Christ,
Doug Braiden 
College Principal 

Year 5 Experience Day

On Friday 30 August, we will be holding our annual Year 5 Experience Day. 

This Experience Day is an opportunity for soon-to-be high school students to have their first real experience of high school and to spend a day having fun, making new friends and exploring our campus.

More information about the day can be found on our website.

If you have a child currently in Year 5 with an interest in attending Faith for Year 7, please register today! 

Creativity and Collaboration

 “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

Sir Ken Robinson’s famous TED Talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”, has challenged educators worldwide to rethink how we engage students in their learning. In his talk, Robinson emphasises the need for education systems to cultivate creativity and personal expression, instead of focusing solely on standardised academic achievement. Robinson defines creativity as “the process of having original ideas that have value” and says that creativity comes through “the interaction of different disciplinary ways of seeing things” since our brains aren’t divided into compartments. His message is clear: education should be about more than simply passing exams; it should be about nurturing the diverse talents and gifts that each student carries.

Here at Faith Lutheran College, this ethos is embedded in our vision—Awakening potential and empowering learners for purposeful lives through Christ. We strive to ensure that every student is encouraged to explore their God-given potential and find their own path to success, creativity, and purpose. To do this, we are continually managing a tension between this vision and an education system that still requires standardised academic achievement to be measured and reported.

Recently, our students moving into first or second-year Exploration Phase next year participated in ‘Flight Plan’ meetings, where they began the exciting process of selecting subjects for their next stage of learning. With over 80 courses available during the Exploration Phase and additional creative opportunities through Wednesday Projects, our students are empowered to make choices that reflect their creativity, interests and passions. Whether they are drawn to the sciences, arts, technology, or languages, they have the flexibility to pursue a path that speaks to their unique strengths and passions. Furthermore, many options are designed as cross-curricular courses that break down subject barriers and allow for more authentic and creative learning.

As students plan future study pathways and strive to develop their academic skills, the partnerships between families and our school are crucial. Through Flight Plan meetings and Student-parent-teacher Interviews, we ensure that parents, students, and teachers collaborate closely, supporting one another as we guide our students to discover their potential. Open communication is key to making informed decisions that foster both academic achievement and personal growth.

At Faith, we take seriously the call to cultivate creativity as part of the learning journey. We believe that by offering students choice and the opportunity to pursue their passions, we move closer to fulfilling our vision to awaken potential and empower learners for purposeful lives through Christ. Let us continue working together—families and school—supporting our learners in their journey of discovery, creativity, and faith.

Andrea Blakely
Head of Wellbeing - Foundation Phase

Guest Speaker: Senior Constable Barrett

During Week 5, Exploration Phase and Graduate Phase students had a special guest speaker, Senior Constable Barrett from the Adopt-a-Cop program. As part of our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing and safety of our students, they were presented information on several important topics including vaping, sexting and cyberbullying.

These topics are crucial for the safety and development of our students, and we believe that Senior Constable Barrett's expertise provided valuable insights and guidance particularly focusing on the negative impacts as well as the laws that surround each of these topics.

The presentation took place during Phase Coach and it was important information for the social and emotional learning for the Exploration and Graduate Phases. We encourage you to discuss these topics with your children to reinforce the messages they received.