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Why St Martins Lutheran College had such an influence on her as a young teacher and how it impacted her career going forward – a career that sees her highly regarded in the national Lutheran education system

“The community of St Martins is what stood out to me the most. As a young teacher, living away from family, I felt very quickly that my ‘other’ family became those that I was around in the school community. Twenty-two years later I am still fortunate to be in touch with some of those special people and even have the grandchildren of Tracey Auld as students of my current school in Mildura. “It was a privilege to serve at St Martins in the role of Deputy Principal and I have been shaped by that opportunity for my professional career, even today. As a young administrator at the time, I will always be grateful for the opportunity and experiences that St Martins gave to me and in return hope that I was able to provide leadership and service that has helped the college too.

“Working alongside John Alexander, as the principal, I will never forget the day that we received approval to offer the secondary years at St Martins. The years of demographic studies, consultation and paperwork for school registration and approval was all worth it in that moment. We knew that St Martins was special, and the community was special. The school offered an education where each child was valued and accepted and a high academic standard, we felt that our students deserved the right to stay in that setting for a seamless P-12 education.

Jason Buckland – Former St Martins Lutheran College chaplain now Middle & Senior School Christian Studies teacher

“Secretly, I think my love of learning space design began all those years ago, in the design and planning for the first of the secondary buildings.

“St Martins was where I began my career in Lutheran education. Fast forward 22 years and I am still in Lutheran Education, thanks to St Martins. The Christian love and care of the staff, the students and the parent community will always be close to my heart. Lutheran education allows us to provide a quality education for children in a setting that welcomes everyone, to push the boundaries and think outside the box to offer a learning experience that sets the scene for life. St Martins did that for me as a young educator and as an individual.

“St Martins embodies the values of Lutheran Education Australia. Having taught and held Leadership roles across three states of Australia I will always hold dear to me the staff bond that we shared, the uplifting and encouraging times of chapel, the community events and the ability to support each child to be the best they can be. Recently I led a workshop for 500 Lutheran educators from across Australia focussed on developing our vision for learners in Lutheran schools across the next 20 years. Without a doubt, what I learnt and experienced at St Martins has shaped me as a leader and Principal and has shaped the desire for us to provide children with a place to love, a place to learn and a place to feel they belong…that is St Martins.”

ON THE COVER: Founding staff member Shirley Crook, deputy principal & head of junior school Robyn Teakle, Eloise Beveridge, head of middle school Damian Bradley, administration Tracey Auld, with former staff Karen Blok & Cherylynn Perryman.

What role has St Martins Lutheran Coillege played in his life

“ I have been unofficially involved at St Martins Lutheran College since 2002 when I married my wife Jen. Officially I became the School Chaplain in 2008, the first year that the college had a Year 12 cohort. I served in that role until 2019, and have been teaching Christian Studies in the Middle & Senior Schools since.

“A major highlight was the opportunity to be part of a Habitat 4 Humanity Build with 4 students in Cambodia in 2013.

“The introduction of Veta Morphus, a Certificate III course in Christian Ministry and Theology has also bee a major highlight; being able to watch students really grapple with their faith and be encouraged to grow in their faith during their latter years of college.

“The sense of community is a key strength of SMLC. The connections between staff, and the connections between students in various year levels really helps to bring people together. Times have changed recently with the pandemic, but the opportunites to gather together as large community were key strengths.” ABOVE: Jason Buckland working side by side with former teacher Shirley Crook during a 2022 lesson

Next week’s issue of Lifestyle1 will feature more photos and memories from key staff in part two of the St Martins Lutheran College 40th anniversary feature

St Martins Lutheran College key dates

• 1982 – on February 7, St Martins Lutheran Primary School opened at the St Mary’s site, Pick Avenu,e with 33 students on the first day.

• 1987 - the construction of a new school facility at its current site on St Martins Drive, was complete.

• 1995 - given the growth of student enrolments, the school began the process of double streaming classes throughout the primary years.

• 2004 - St Martins Lutheran Primary School became St Martins Lutheran College and expanded to include secondary students, with the first class of Year 12 students graduating in 2008.