Principal's Log

There was a very warm feeling around the college as we farewelled our Year 12 students through their graduation service, final chapel and walk from the college and their formal on Friday night. In her article, Miss Kim Stone has highlighted the range of people who assisted with the events and we thank them and Miss Stone for the leadership of the Year 12 students and these events. We also thank Ms Sue Arahill and the Heads of Department for their leadership in the finalistion of all the academic processes over the past fortnight. 

On Tuesday afternoon, Pastor Rick Zweck joined the college staff to dedicate our new labyrinth. In the latter part of his ministry, Pastor Rick travelled to France to learn about the use of labryinths in supporting quiet reflective stillness as a means of spiritual growth. We appreciate the care and thought that the groundstaff of Mr Mick Vidulich, Mr Damien Nolan, Mr Craig Baker and Mr Chris Porter have put into making this a very special place at the college and look forward to it becoming a place of restoration and rejuvenation for many.

All Principals across the state have had the opportunity to meet as small groups with the leaders of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority to discuss and learn

about improvements to the existing Year 12 certification system and the processes likely to be associated with the new system. One of the strong messages from the day was the reinforcement of the strengths of our current internal assessment regime including improved quality assurance across the state. Some of these processes have already begun to be implemented this year and we look forward to the continued strengthening of these into the future.

The Intermediate Boys soccer team played well last night, in a very tightly contested grand final match. After a season of being undefeated they were disappointed to lose the grand final 2-1, after St Andrew’s Anglican College scored a goal in the final few minutes. It was a very good game to watch and the boys should be proud of the spirited and skillful way they played. Thank you to our parents for your support, well done to the boys and thank you to Mr Brendan Delaney who coached the team.

I am pleased to announce the following staffing appointments for next year. Mr Stuart Polhner, who has had extensive experience in teaching and leading at Lutheran schools, returns to teach in the Middle College next year and Mrs Fiona Schefe, who has been recently working with Education Queensland, also returns to teach across Prep – Year 6. Mrs Anna Maher joins us as a very capable early learning teacher, after teaching at Immanuel this year. Mrs Natasha Purcell from Education Queensland will take on the role of Careers Counsellor. Mr Wes Warner, who has had many years experience leading Business departments in Catholic and Independent schools, joins us as Head of Business from Genesis Christian College. Mr Adam Doyle, who has previously held positions of Head of Innovation and Head of Mathematics and Science, comes to us from Concordia College in Toowoomba to take on the role of Head of Mathematics. Both Mr Warner and Mr Doyle have presented at conferences about innovative ways to enhance student engagement. We look forward to the expertise and experience that all new staff will bring next year.

At the end of this year we will farewell Ms Adrianna Schuster, who has very capably taught Year 5 and grown into a leading teacher in our community. Her passion and commitment to education and supporting people in their faith journey has been greatly valued by staff, students and parents alike. After many years of great service to education, Mrs Ainslie Reid will be retiring. We have greatly appreciated her generosity of time and expertise as a Careers Counsellor. Her warm professionalism has been appreciated by staff, students and parents. It is a testament to her capacity that past students often return to seek her advice. She has been a leader of Career Counsellor networks and will be missed within that context as well. We will also farewell Ms Karen Schultz as Head of Business. Her background as an accountant has enabled Ms Schultz to very capably establish the business department. She has had a significant impact on the culture of the college through her leadership of our Cambodian service learning project and has grown to be a recognised leader of service learning across Lutheran Education Australia. 

We thank Mrs Jasmin Steven for the role she has played in leading the Mathematics department through the implementation of the Australian Curriculum and significant changes to the senior Mathematics curriculum. Her high level of organisation and gentle coaching of people has enabled the department to make great gains. We look forward to Mrs Steven continuing in her capacity as a teacher at the college.

We will also farewell contract staff who have filled various positions over the past six months. We thank Mr Mark Petch who has very capably taught Information Technology, Enterprise Education and SOSE and Mrs Helen Nitschke who has very capably supported learning in the area of Christian Studies. We farewell Ms Sonia Shin who has guided Japanese students across Prep – Year 5 very well. We look forward to the return of Ms Michelle McMillan and Mrs Jo Bailey from long service leave at the start of next year.

Finally, I would like to thank all parents, staff and students for the many and varied ways they have contributed to another year of growth here at the college. It is the strength of our community that makes a difference to many. Thank you all for the very important part that you have played. We look forward to celebrating together at the Carol’s Night, the Prep – Year 5 End of Year service and the Middle and Senior Collge Closing Service.

As the final newsletter for year, we wish you all a very happy Christmas where the peace, joy and hope that comes through an everpresent loving God, restores and rejuvenates. For those who take holidays over the Christmas break, we wish you a refreshing and relaxing time as you enjoy a well-earned rest. 

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal