NewsBites - Term 4, Week 7, 2025

This past week has been filled with many wonderful events and significant celebrations. We began the week with our Presentation Evening, where a record number of students were acknowledged for their success as learners throughout the year. Whether recognised for academic achievement, excellence in the creative arts, citizenship contributions, or Christian service within the College, each student’s efforts were rightly celebrated and commended.

On Wednesday, students showcased their learning through a variety of projects completed throughout the year. These projects provided an incredible opportunity for students to identify issues or challenges within the community and then engage in a rigorous process of designing and implementing solutions. The outcomes of these projects included valuable service and fundraising initiatives, as well as impressive works of public art and practical constructions that enhanced the environment both around the College and within the wider community.

Yesterday, our entire College community gathered for the Valedictory Service to celebrate the graduation of the Year 12 cohort. This special event brings together one of the largest gatherings of the Faith community each year – including staff, students, families of graduating students, and many special guests. The significance of this occasion cannot be overstated, as it provides a moment to recognise and celebrate each student’s contributions to Faith. As we often say at the College, every student matters at Faith. Each journey, from the beginning of secondary schooling to life beyond the College, holds equal value and importance.

Over the final weeks of the term, we will continue to celebrate other key events, including the Foundation Showcase and the Year 6 Orientation. I look forward to sharing these occasions with our community as we continue to highlight the many wonderful learning opportunities and achievements our students have experienced throughout 2025.

Yours in Christ,
Tyson Kenny
Acting Principal 

Fun. Energetic. Authentic. These are three words that I would use to describe FIRE – a youth ministry style event that was held last week. Across the day, approximately 160 students attended this Chapel alternative that allowed students the opportunity to express themselves, worship God through songs, and discuss various topics. 

This week in Chapel, a “choose-your-own-chapel” format was adopted. Students could choose from the following options: Chosen Cinema, Christmas Edition, Christmas Craft, Christmas Cookies, Tinsel Tag, Dodge Ball Bauble and Carols & Cocoa. Students love being able to select an area of interest while remaining focused on Christian subject matter.

It brings me great delight to share that with the money donated during Faith Festival last term, the College has successfully purchased $2,000 worth of support packages to people in need through Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) – four chickens, four goats, four school sponsorships, four lots of farming assistance, one water pipeline and one teacher training package.

May God bless you and your family this weekend.

Ps Nathan Glover
College Pastor

My Favourite Subject

We have released this year's My Favourite Subject videos showcasing students in the Exploration Phase. You can watch them by using the following links:

• Aussie Socks, Jocks and Chops
• Craftsmanship with Timber
• Dance Anatomy
• Detective Investigations
• Marine Science
• Real Estate Matters

These subjects have been developed by Faith's talented teaching staff to provide students in Years 9 and 10 with innovative and engaging subjects that inspire them in their learning. Each subject is rigorously mapped to the Australian Curriculum across two KLAs (Key Learning Areas).

Congratulations to Will, Genevieve, Mabel, Layla, Amelia, and Johnathon for their excellent work with these videos!

Bianca Coleborn
Director of Marketing

Building Empathy and Understanding: Year 7 Take on the ALWS Refu.Me Challenge

This term in Christian Studies, our Year 7 students have stepped into the shoes of refugees through the ALWS Refu.Me Challenge - a series of hands-on activities that build awareness, compassion, and resilience. Each challenge asks students to experience a small part of what many people around the world face daily, from collecting water to navigating uncertainty with limited resources.

What has stood out most is the way students have connected these experiences to their own wellbeing learning. They have reflected deeply on courage, gratitude, problem-solving and the importance of community support. The unit has created meaningful links between curriculum content and the social-emotional skills we nurture at Faith, encouraging students to think about how they can show empathy and service in their everyday lives.

A powerful student reflection came from Stella Kluck after the Shelter Challenge:

“I learned that serving others means helping people when they need it, even if I don't get anything in return.

“This challenge helped me appreciate my home and how I can stay safe from storms and other natural disasters”.

“Faith in action looks like having sympathy towards someone and then deciding to help someone because that is what God would want us to do for others”.

These insights highlight the impact this unit is having on our young people as they grow into compassionate, globally aware citizens.

We look forward to sharing more of their journey, along with photos captured throughout the challenges.

Kate Manthey
Head of Wellbeing - Foundation 7

It has been an exceptionally busy and rewarding week in the Graduate Phase. Our 2026 Year 12 students have been working diligently as they prepare for their upcoming exams. This period is an important step in their transition into senior leadership, and we are proud of the maturity, focus, and determination they are showing as they consolidate their learning for the year. Their efforts now lay a strong foundation for their final year of schooling.

As always, we remain mindful of student wellbeing during this important time and encourage all students to balance study with rest, sleep, nutrition, and recreation. Teachers will continue to be available in H Block and the Heads of Phase (Wellbeing and Learning) will also be present throughout the exam period to assist with any questions or concerns.

For our Year 12s, this week marked a significant milestone. Having now completed their final external exams, we were delighted to celebrate the end of their schooling journey with a series of special events. The cohort enjoyed a Retreat Breakfast on campus before heading to Wet n Wild for a well-earned day of fun and relaxation. We concluded the celebrations with a meaningful Retreat Dinner back at the College, providing an opportunity for students and staff to reflect on their years together.

We also gathered as a community for our Valedictory Service, where we formally farewelled the graduating class and acknowledged their achievements, growth, and contributions to the College.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Year 12 students and wish them every success as they move into the next chapter of their lives. It has been our privilege to walk alongside them.

Kevin Abaraham
Head of Learning – Graduate Phase