NewsBites - Term 4, Week 10, 2024
A remarkable year at Faith
At the close of the 2024 school year, I am immensely grateful and proud of the extraordinary achievements of our students here at Faith.
Their commitment to excellence and growth across academic, cultural, creative, and sporting domains truly reflects our College’s mission to awaken potential and empower purposeful lives through Christ.
This year has been marked by significant milestones, including the national recognition of our innovative curriculum design, the approval of our future primary school and our 25th anniversary celebrations.
These accomplishments highlight the diverse talents within our community and underscore the enriching environment provided by our dedicated staff.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff whose dedication has been pivotal in nurturing our students' growth and upholding our commitment to a transformative educational experience. Your efforts continue to inspire and shape our learners for brighter futures.
I also wish to sincerely thank our parents and caregivers for your ongoing support throughout the year.
Wishing our entire Faith Lutheran College community a safe, joyous Christmas and a restful holiday season.
May the spirit of the season fill your homes with peace and happiness.
Yours in Christ,
Doug Braiden
College Principal
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the incredible efforts and achievements of our community over the past weeks.
This year has been a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination of our students and staff. From engaging in dynamic cross-curricular units in the Exploration Phase to preparing for external exams in the Graduate Phase, our learners have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to their education. Their enthusiasm for learning and collaboration is truly inspiring.
We also celebrated numerous co-curricular achievements, with students excelling in sports, arts, and community outreach programs. These opportunities not only build important skills but also highlight the diversity of talents within our college.
A special thank you to our dedicated staff who continually go above and beyond to support our students. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and your passion for education shapes the bright futures of those in our care.
As we head into the holiday period, I encourage everyone to take time to rest and rejuvenate. Whether you’re reflecting on the successes of this term or looking ahead to new opportunities, remember the values we hold close as a community—faith, learning, and compassion.
Wishing all our families a safe and blessed holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!
Jen Gibb
Acting Deputy Principal
Edstart School Payments Update
Families, please be aware you can use your existing Edstart account for the new year and there is no need to create a new one.
If you pay your school fees via instalments, Edstart will contact you in the new year to confirm the details of your payment plan for 2025. In the meantime, you can view your Edstart account details and access your personalised BPAY details to make additional payments in the Edstart Customer Portal at https://app.edstart.com.au/login.
We encourage any new families that require an instalment plan to visit the school landing page: http://edstart.com.au/faithlc to set up your account now, so that it’s ready for the new school year.
Uniform Shop
Walk-In Opening Hours 2025
If you require any uniform items for the 2025 school year, the Uniform Shop will be open on the following days for walk-in customers (NOT uniform fittings):
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
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Tuesday 14 January
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10am to 4pm
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Thursday 16 January
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10am to 4pm
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Saturday 18 January
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11am to 1pm
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Tuesday 21 January
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10am to 4pm
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Thursday 23 January
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10am to 4pm
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Friday 24 January
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9am to 4pm
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New Student Uniform Fitting Appointments
If you have a new student starting at Faith in 2025, you will need to make a Uniform Fitting appointment at the Uniform Shop. These appointments can be made online. Visit www.schoolinterviews.com.au, click on 'Make a Booking' and use the code: zp24e
For the dates available and further information, please click here.
Foundation Festival – a celebration of learning
Last Friday, we showcased student work for our community at the Foundation Festival. Families were invited to celebrate the achievements of our students throughout the year. The festival served as an exhibition of learning, offering families a unique glimpse into the creative, collaborative, and inquiry-driven work our students have been immersed in.
What made the Foundation Festival truly special was that each student carefully chose pieces of work they felt most proud of from the past year. From eye-catching art projects and engaging research displays to innovative science experiments and thought-provoking writing samples, every piece reflected a journey of growth, effort, and achievement. Walking through the displays, parents and carers could see how our students have embraced teamwork, creativity, and curiosity in their learning. Group projects highlighted how students worked together to solve problems and create meaningful outcomes, while individual pieces showcased their unique perspectives.
The festival also included interactive elements where students explained their processes and answered questions from guests. It was inspiring to see their confidence as they proudly shared their learning journeys with the school community. Additionally, guests were invited to paint a thumbprint of each family member on a laser cut Christmas ornament (designed by students) to take home. This connected to the Year 8 unit exploring identity, which students created a piece from one of the five Arts disciplines (Drama, Dance, Visual Art, Music, Media Art).
As teachers, we couldn’t be prouder of how our students have grown this year—not just academically, but as curious thinkers, collaborators, and creators. Thank you, parents and carers, for your support in fostering this environment of exploration and growth.
We hope you enjoyed celebrating the accomplishments of your student as much as we did. Their work is a testament to the vibrant, dynamic learning community we’ve built together. We look forward to more milestones in the coming year!
Eunize Mallari
Head of Learning - Foundation Phase (8)
Transition Day
Monday marked our Transition Day during the Exploration Phase, where Year 8 students joined the Exploration staff for introductions and a day of reflection. The activities catered to everyone and included painting, a domino challenge, and writing letters to their future selves. Although the group fell just short of their goal of 5,000 dominoes, they demonstrated the importance of teamwork and resilience. This day highlighted the significance of the final week, providing valuable opportunities for staff and Year 8 students to connect.
Meanwhile, Year 9 students actively participated in the Character Builders program. The key message of the day was to become comfortable with discomfort, as this is where significant personal growth occurs. The students represented the school admirably, and facilitators were highly impressed by their maturity and overall participation. Tuesday was filled with fun, and many Year 9 students applied the lessons learned from Monday.
The excitement continued on Wednesday with pool day. The variety of activities ensured there was something for everyone, but given the heat this week, the pool was the most popular destination.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and a Merry Christmas!
Lou Bruce
Head of Learning - Exploration Phase
Week 9 and 10 Highlights
The past two weeks have marked an inspiring and transformative start for our new Year 11 cohort as they officially entered the Graduate Phase. From a reflective Rite of Passage ceremony to the excitement of camp and the focus of QCE preparation, these milestones have been filled with purpose, connection, and celebration.
Week 9: Rite of Passage Ceremony
Last Tuesday evening, our Year 10 students participated in a powerful and meaningful Rite of Passage Ceremony, marking their official transition into the Graduate Phase. This significant evening brought together students, families, and staff to honour the journey through the Exploration Phase and set the stage for the opportunities and challenges of Years 11 and 12.
Highlights of the evening included:
- Reflection and Burning Ceremony: Students shared heartfelt letters of appreciation with their parents and carers, recognising the invaluable role their families have played in their growth. They also identified habits and behaviours to leave behind, which were symbolically released into the flames of a ceremonial fire.
- Community Celebration: Families enjoyed a gathering featuring canapés prepared by our Senior Hospitality students, offering a chance to connect, reflect, and commemorate this special milestone.
Congratulations to our new Year 11 students as you step into the Graduate Phase. We are excited to walk alongside you on this new journey!
Week 9: Leadership and Connection Camp
Following the ceremony, our students headed to Mount Tamborine for the Graduate Phase Leadership and Connection Camp, a three-day experience designed to foster leadership, resilience, and teamwork.
- Day 1: Activities like the Witches Falls Hike, bootcamp challenges, and fire reflections encouraged self-discovery and collaboration.
- Day 2: The Celebration Evening was a highlight, featuring costumes, music, and dancing in a joyful celebration of creativity and connection.
- Day 3: Students faced the high ropes at Tree Tops, testing their courage and determination to push through challenges.
Thank you to our dedicated camp staff and facilitators for an unforgettable experience that set the tone for success in the Graduate Phase.
Week 10: QCE Information and Pool Day
Back on campus, our new Year 11s transitioned into their senior studies with a mix of focus and fun.
QCE Information Days: Across two days, students engaged in essential sessions to prepare for their QCE journey, including:
- Onboarding onto senior platforms and tools to ensure an organised and transparent Graduate Phase experience.
- Completing the QCAA Academic Integrity Course with Year 12 support.
- Exploring work-study balance and the College’s support options.
- Engaging in wellbeing and connection activities to build strong foundations for the years ahead.
- Pool Day Celebration: We ended the year on a high note with a Pool Day, offering students a chance to relax, connect, and celebrate their achievements during these transitional weeks.
Looking Ahead
These events have been a meaningful start to the Graduate Phase. The Rite of Passage, camp, and QCE onboarding have set the foundation for leadership, connection, and academic success. We are proud of the way our students have embraced these opportunities and look forward to seeing them grow in this next phase of their journey.
Thank you to all staff, families, and students for your energy and support during this exciting time. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 in the Graduate Phase!
Emma Saal and Josh Searchfield
Heads of Wellbeing - Graduate Phase
