NewsBites - Term 3, Week 6, 2025

The past few weeks have included many wonderful highlights of student achievement, along with rich moments of connection within our College community. This was particularly evident at the mid-term formal assembly last week, where we celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of many students both inside and beyond the classroom.

Before the assembly, I was blessed with the opportunity to lead a devotion with staff, students, and guests. I chose to focus on two important themes. The first was the importance of acknowledging God in times of success.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

We can and should feel proud of our achievements, knowing they are often the result of persistence, effort, and determination. Yet, in our Lutheran context at Faith, we are also reminded that all we achieve is made possible because of God’s gracious hand at work in and through us. Our response, then, is one of gratitude – giving thanks for the many blessings and opportunities God provides. My prayer is that God continues to bless us as individuals and as a school community, equipping us to share our God-given talents for the benefit of ourselves and the community we share here at Faith.

The second theme was the importance of recognising the many quiet achievers in our community. Not everyone was acknowledged at the assembly, yet their contributions are no less valuable in the eyes of God.

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:12 (NIV)

God sees all of us – including those who serve humbly and diligently behind the scenes. While public recognition may not always come straight away, our quiet faithfulness has a lasting influence. Through encouragement, hard work, and quiet perseverance, we can shape our lives and the lives of others for the better.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the term, I am excited for the many more opportunities we will have to celebrate further student success. At the same time, I encourage us all to embrace the call to serve humbly – recognising that both visible and unseen contributions build up our College community, where we can all live and experience more purposeful lives through Christ.

Yours in Christ,
Tyson Kenny
Acting Principal 

College Policies and Guidelines

The College wishes to advise all members of the Faith community that there are many important policies and guidelines in place to support and ensure the safe and effective operations of the College, particularly concerning the education services we provide. Many of these policies and their subsequent guidelines can be accessed via Student’s Brightspace, the College Parent Lounge, and the College website. Copies of these policies and their guidelines are also available from College Reception upon request.

Staff receive regular training regarding all necessary policies and guidelines. A sample of this training completed by staff concerns the College’s Child Protection Policy, which is completed annually at the start of each year and helps ensure all staff know and understand their role and responsibilities regarding this important policy.

The Child Protection Policy forms part of the College’s overall risk management strategy, which is supported by a number of other College policies and procedures, such as our Duty of Care Statement, Staff Code of Conduct, Student Wellbeing and Relational Management Policy, as well as the Anti-Harassment Policy. Many of these policies are also informed by a number of external support agencies such as Lutheran Education Queensland. Visiting their website provides further detail on a range of key policies (including the Christian Studies in Lutheran Schools Policy, Whistleblower Policy, and the LEA Privacy Policy), which help ensure the effective implementation of the College’s overall risk management strategy.

Should any parent/carer/guardian or community member wish to discuss a College policy or guideline, please contact the College (5466 9900) for more details.

Reid Dobson
Acting Deputy Principal

Wellbeing in Times of Added Stress
As we move into a busy part of the year, it’s natural for stress levels to rise. For our Graduate Phase students, the lead-up to important exams can feel particularly intense. However, our Foundation and Exploration Phase students can also experience pressure as assessments, projects, and end-of-year activities build up.

It’s important to remember that a little stress can be motivating, but too much can feel overwhelming. Simple strategies such as keeping a balanced routine, getting enough rest, eating well, and taking regular breaks for movement or hobbies can make a big difference. Talking openly about feelings and seeking support from friends, family, and staff can also help students feel more grounded.

Our school community is here to support every student through this season. By working together and caring for one another, we can help all students face challenges with resilience, confidence, and hope.

Parenting Isn’t Always Easy – But Support is Available
Parenting is one of the most rewarding roles we can have – but it can also be one of the most challenging. Every child is unique, and there’s no single handbook for navigating the ups and downs of family life.

The good news is that there are proven, practical resources available to help. One of these is the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, which offers free online courses for families. Backed by over 35 years of research, Triple P provides simple strategies that can help you:

• Support your child’s development and emotional wellbeing.
• Maintain strong, positive relationships – even in the tough times.
• Set good habits early and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

Some of the courses available include:

• Raise Happy, Responsible and Resourceful Teens
• Boost Your Positive Parenting Knowledge and Skills
• One-on-One Support for Everyday Challenges with Your Teen

Whether you’re looking for new ideas, reassurance, or ways to make family life less stressful, Triple P can help you make every moment count.

You can explore the free programs by clicking here.

Yours in Christ,
James Hallas
Acting Director of Communities and Culture

WOW! What an exciting week of Christian Ministry!

On Wednesday we were thrilled to have a team from Word of Life Australia visit our College. Instead of our regular chapel services, they were able to provide fun inflatable games in the Sports Hall together with a Christian message. Students had a blast with the activities and listened well to the message.

On Friday night (tonight) the College is supporting a Christian music festival called Wonderworld. The College is providing bus transport to this event for students who wish to participate. This event is run by Youth Alive, who are expecting between 5000-8000 young people. I can’t wait to share some of the stories stemming from this event with you in the future.

May God bless your weekend.

Nathan Glover
College Pastor

Literacy Week

I want to thank all the students who came to the Information Hub this week to help celebrate our first ever Literacy Week. This week was run alongside Book Week and focused on re-introducing students to books and the Information Hub space.

Our theme was Airport to your next adventure. We used the theme of airports to encourage students to “book an adventure” and discover a new world through books.

Students helped with filling the front display with what fictional world they wished they could live in, solving a treasure hunt, finding Wally around the school, redesigning a book cover, making zines, and lots more! 

Year 8 History and Technologies: Feasting like Vikings

This term, our Year 8 students are taking part in an exploration of the Viking Age. In History, students are delving into the everyday lives of the Vikings by examining how families were structured, the roles men, women, and children played, and the values that shaped their society. They are also exploring key historical events, the expansion of Viking influence across Europe, and their reputation for daring raids. A focus on Norse mythology and the eventual spread of Christianity adds further depth to their understanding of this fascinating era.

Beyond the History program, students have been applying their knowledge in their chosen Technologies electives. 

In Food Technologies, students are exploring traditional Viking food practices and the role of food in both survival and celebration. They are challenged to adapt and modernise a Viking-inspired dish using contemporary cooking methods, sustainable ingredients, and design principles.

Materials Technologies brings history to life through the creation of a chosen artefact. Students are designing and producing sustainable tote bags, aprons, or tea towels that capture elements of Viking culture while also serving a practical function during the feast.

In Wood Technologies, students are investigating Viking woodworking tools and craftsmanship before designing and constructing a sustainable wooden cheeseboard, combining traditional inspiration with eco-friendly practices.

The term will culminate in Week 9 with a Vikings Feast where all Year 8 students will come together to showcase their creations, share their learning, and celebrate their journey into the world of the Vikings.

Eunize Mallari
Head of Learning - Foundation 8

It was wonderful to see our Graduate Phase students engaging so positively in the Word of Life event this week. Students worked together in teams, tackling inflatable obstacle courses and a variety of fun games, while also hearing uplifting gospel messages. This experience provided a valuable balance of energy, joy, and faith in the midst of what is a very busy time of year.

This week also saw our Years 11 and 12 Certificate II and III Hospitality students attend a two-day overnight Hotel School at Sea World Nara Resort. Students gained valuable hands-on experience across both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, including concierge, stewarding, restaurant service, and housekeeping. This opportunity not only built practical skills but also provided important insights into career pathways within the hospitality industry.

As we approach the final stretch of Term 3, it is important for students to prioritise their wellbeing. Balancing academic commitments with healthy choices around sleep, recreation, social connection, spirituality, and physical health is essential. We encourage students to be proactive in seeking help when needed and to look out for one another as they navigate this demanding period.

A reminder of the upcoming assessment blocks:

• Year 12 Mock Exam Block: Wednesday 27 August – Thursday 4 September
• Year 11 Exam Block: Wednesday 3 September – Monday 15 September

Information about these blocks has been emailed home recently. We encourage families to familiarise themselves with the details so that students feel well-prepared and confident heading into their exams.

Kevin Abraham & Emma O'Shea
Heads of Learning – Graduate Phase