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St Martins Lutheran College is spending 2022 marking its 40th anniversary. A recent celebration dinner brought members of the school community from the past four decades together and staff and students, past and present have been taking long walks down memory lane as the 40 year journey of Mount Gambier’s only Lutheran education facility looks back at just how they have developed and celebrating the many people who have been a part of creating the school that has a sense of community, like no other.
Alan Connah – St Martins Lutheran College principal
Why he joined the St Martins Lutheran College community, what he sees as the strengths of the school and where to going forward
“I was first attracted by the family friendly feel of the college and the true sense of community. As a Lutheran I was also attracted by the fact that it is a Christian school in the Lutheran tradition.
“I believe our strengths as a college are that we are a caring, friendly and inclusive community, which endeavours to provide for the learning and wellbeing needs of each child. We work hard to deliver a contemporary holistic education which offers a range of different pathways to graduation.
“Christian values and positive relationships are at the centre of everything. Our desire is to provide students with the opportunity to discover and develop their individual interests and talents, so that they can pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
“I think the main difference lies in our purpose as a school, which is to be ‘a welcoming, caring, Christ-centred learning community where students grow, flourish and are inspired to make a difference’.
“Our key priorities are that our students feel safe, cared for and that they belong. That they are supported and challenged in their learning to achieve their best. That our teachers, programs and learning environment will inspire them to pursue their interests and develop important skills for life. That each student will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of Christian living in keeping with our school values of: Respect, Compassion, Growth, Faith, Encouragement and Hope.
“In August last year the college adopted a new five-year strategic plan with three main focus areas: whole college wellbeing, contemporary teaching, learning and curriculum and college facilities. On the back of this, the college has just finalised a new Campus Master Plan which provides for the development of a range of exciting new facilities over the next few years.
“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary as a school, the college is entering an exciting phase with a bright future. We are very grateful for the support that we receive from our school families, college friends and the wider community. We thank God for the many blessings that we have received.”
Halle & Bella – St Martins Lutheran College students
Why the current students have treasured their time at the school
Both Bella & Halle have completed their entire schooling at St Martins Lutheran College with Bella tackling her Year 11 studies in 2022 and Halle working towards graduation as a Year 12 alumni.
Bella – Year 11 student (pictured right)
“St Martins has changed a lot since I began in Reception. The library was the first big change along with the Year 5 and 6 classrooms. The Year 4 classrooms were built, followed by the expansion of the Middle and Secondary School with new classrooms, art, and cooking facilities and most recently the new Trade Training Centre classrooms.
“My fondest memories of my time at St Martins would be the Year 4 camp to Monarto Zoo and Kangaroobie in Year 5, being School Captain in year 6 and performing in the Year 6 musical production The Amazing Adventures of Super Sam. In 2019 I got to travel to China with the college and that was an incredible experience I won’t forget. Being the St Martins 500th student was also pretty memorable.
“The teachers who have had the biggest influence on me would have to be Mrs Versteegh who taught me in both Year 3 and 6, she taught me to be organised and hardworking, Mr Bradley for always making everyone laugh while also keeping us in line, Miss Van der Berg because she is positive, encouraging, honest and pushed me to be the best I can be. All of my teachers over the years have had an impact on my education and the person I am today.
“I would recommend St Martins for families looking for a school for their children because of the amazing community. At St Martins everybody knows everyone and supports and encourages one another. It’s like a big family. St Martins small class sizes and strong community has allowed me to develop strong relationships with my teachers and peers and has enabled me to work closely with them to achieve my personal goals.”
Halle – Year 12 student (pictured left)
“The biggest changes I have seen is the growth in the Senior School and the new classrooms I use daily.
“My fondest memories throughout my time at St Martins are the annual sport days, especially when I was captain in Year 6 and 12, as we won both years. Year 5 camp has also been a memory that stuck with me, as a result of the fun I had with all my teachers and peers participating in many activities.
“I have been extremely lucky to have many positive experiences with all my teachers throughout my schooling. In particular, my Year 4 and 5 teachers, Mrs Burch and Mr Bond as they assisted in developing my confidence in a fun way. Mrs McDonnell and Mrs Tarca helped me to comfortably transition into Senior School and Mr Minuzzo and Mr Shepherdson have also played a huge role in the enjoyment of my last year at school.
