This strategic plan, ‘A strategy for the future 2023 - 2028’ has been created at a time of significant change in our society, in education across Australia, and as a Lutheran Primary School community. Prayerfully and strategically, this plan will help Peace walk confidently into the future as it continues to excel in providing the Lockyer Valley with a primary years learning community that is second to none.
Our Lutheran identity is central to all that we do at Peace Lutheran Primary School, and there is much in our current culture, vision and values that will remain relevant to the needs of learners for years to come, and the lives they are likely to live. We value the fundamental importance of co-education in Primary education, of our commitment to a holistic education, and our culture of inclusiveness.
All of this takes place in a caring, Christian environment where each student is valued as they learn not only about themselves and the world around them, but also about God’s love for them as seen through the gift of his Son, Jesus.
Students are encouraged to see service to others as an important life skill. They are supported by staff so that they may grow in themselves to be caring, compassionate, considerate young people who strive to live in peace with one another. Peace sets high expectations for students and supports them to strive to reach their potential and develop a mindset that will enable them to survive and thrive in an ever-changing and fast-paced world.
In an ever-changing educational landscape, Peace’s ‘A strategy for the future 2023 - 2028’ will act as a guiding blueprint, not a definitive plan. Continual review and recalibration will be necessary as we stay tuned to new possibilities and opportunities. A culture of continuous improvement, adaptation and reinvention is essential as we strive to keep our school both relevant and forward thinking.
We look forward, with hope and confidence, to the role education plays in the formation of our children, as they become well equipped to make an enduring difference in the world. The sense of belonging and personal confidence fostered in every student at Peace Lutheran Primary School, is grounded in our belief that each person is a unique creation of God, and underpinned by our values of ‘Learning, Courage, Compassion and Relationships’.
“We praise you God because we are lovingly and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful” (Psalm 139:14)
Every blessing!
Mr David Haak
Mr Mark Blackwell Council Chair Principal Peace Lutheran Primary School Peace Lutheran Primary School
Founded in 1982, Peace Lutheran Primary School started with only seventeen children in seven grades. In many ways students and staff were a special family; older ones helped younger ones, and all learnt together. Much hard work was done by both the teacher and the children. Mr. Schiller served as the first principal of the school and worked tirelessly with congregation members to have everything ready for the new school to commence. Mrs. Schiller helped with the younger children, using her teaching skills in a voluntary capacity to help this new fledgling school. Parents worked tirelessly to raise money for much needed equipment. It was a credit to the people at the time to bring to fruition the vision of starting a Lutheran primary school in the Lockyer Valley. Second–hand school furniture was purchased before school commenced and during the early years, Pastor, Principal, and a number of faithful helpers restored desks and chairs for the growing number of children. Play equipment was installed as people met for working bee after working bee. The parents were an enthusiastic and proud bunch. The freshly painted flagpole was in place for the opening service.
The first year was extremely full and busy. The congregation was faced with the decision of having to buy the land surrounding the school. This was a tough decision when less than twenty children attended the school. Some doubted if the school would grow to be much over one hundred, but in faith the decision was made to buy the land. Peace grew to twenty-six students by the end of the first year and started the second with forty-nine children and three teachers.
Since those early days, Peace Lutheran Primary School has become a central cornerstone of the Lockyer Valley and of the Gatton area and surrounds more generally. Today, Peace provides a supportive, caring, and future-focused learning environment for nearly 300 students. We look back and give thanks for all who have helped shape our school into a thriving community. We now also look forward, under God’s grace and guidance, to continue to support young people and nurture and develop in them the skills and abilities they need, to be confident and caring people who have a love for themselves and for others. All of this is anchored in Christ and in the true and lasting hope that is given through him.
Peace continues to be a small school, achieving big results!
Our MISSION
Through Christ: LEARNING | LIVING | LOVING | MIND | BODY | SOUL
Our VALUES
To achieve our mission at Peace Lutheran Primary School, we will value: LEARNING | COURAGE | COMPASSION | RELATIONSHIPS
Our VISION
Striving for Excellence in Christ-centred education
At Peace Lutheran Primary School, our FUTURE will be one in which our values of learning, courage, compassion and relationships are at the forefront of our planning and actions.
Our FUTURE will continue to be centred on providing an excellent, Primary, mission focused, Christian education in the Lutheran tradition, for families of the Lockyer Valley. Our FUTURE is committed to building a focused synergy between all Lutheran bodies within the region.
Our FUTURE includes a best practice approach to strategic planning, governance, resourcing, risk management, personnel management and marketing.
At Peace Lutheran Primary School, our PASTORAL CARE and WELLBEING is core to the future development of a healthy and considerate school community. We seek to strengthen our school culture by nurturing our students, staff and families in an environment that values positive and respectful relationships.
As we support our PASTORAL CARE and WELLBEING, we aim to provide students, staff and other members of the Peace Lutheran Primary School community with opportunities to engage in programs that build knowledge and resilience, and develop respectful relationships centred on hope and grace through Christ Jesus.
At Peace Lutheran Primary School, our TEACHING and LEARNING occurs in an environment that encourages all children to thrive as they seek to become enthusiastic life-long learners.
As we continually review our TEACHING and LEARNING, we will seek to broaden the curriculum, reflect on our teaching methodology, and strengthen student engagement through the implementation of research based educational initiatives, professional opportunity, and focused feedback aimed at supporting school improvement.
At Peace Lutheran Primary School, our FUTURE will be one in which our values of learning, courage, compassion and relationships are at the forefront of our planning and actions.
Our FUTURE will continue to be centred on providing an excellent, Primary, mission focused, Christian education in the Lutheran tradition, for families of the Lockyer Valley.
Our FUTURE is committed to building a focused synergy between all Lutheran bodies within the region.
Our FUTURE includes a best practice approach to strategic planning, governance, resourcing, risk management, personnel management and marketing.
To achieve OUR SCHOOL and its FUTURE, we will:
1.1 Work constructively with Lutheran Education Queensland, and the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District, as we plan a strong, vibrant, and sustainable future for Peace Lutheran Primary School.
1.2 Explore the possible opportunities of utilising the adjacent school owned properties for the purpose of supporting the educational, wellbeing, or allied health needs of PLPS –including the Kindergarten.
1.3 Investigate the option of Peace Lutheran Primary School owned or leased buses to enhance the current public transport arrangements.
1.4 Strengthen connections, share our good news, and tell our story throughout the wider community by developing a clear and effective communication strategy.
1.5 Review the current Masterplan and Business Plan in light of ‘Peace Lutheran Primary School: A strategy for the future’, with the purpose of continuing to provide students and staff with the opportunity to learn and teach in a purpose built and well-resourced environment that supports the school’s strategic direction.
At Peace Lutheran Primary School, our PASTORAL CARE and WELLBEING is core to the future development of a healthy and considerate school community. We seek to strengthen our school culture by nurturing our students, staff and families in an environment that values positive and respectful relationships.
As we support our PASTORAL CARE and WELLBEING, we aim to provide students, staff and other members of the Peace Lutheran Primary School community with opportunities to engage in programs that build knowledge and resilience, and develop respectful relationships centred on hope and grace through Christ Jesus.
To enhance OUR PASTORAL CARE and WELLBEING, we will:
2.1 In consultation with staff, construct a whole of school, student-centred, research based social-emotional wellbeing program that develops compassionate, respectful and resilient young people.
* Consideration will be given to building a ‘common language’ across the school community through existing resources such as ‘Play is the Way’.
2.2 Explore ways to consistently celebrate student and staff achievement, and foster a sense of belonging and pride in the school community.
2.3 Develop, with parents and other local agencies, an educational program of health and wellbeing opportunities for school families, and the wider community.
2.4 In consultation with staff, explore opportunities or alternatives to the daily school and classroom structures.
At Peace Lutheran Primary School, our TEACHING and LEARNING occurs in an environment that encourages all children to thrive as they seek to become enthusiastic lifelong learners.
As we continually review our TEACHING and LEARNING, we will seek to broaden the curriculum, reflect on our teaching methodology, and strengthen student engagement through the implementation of research based educational initiatives, professional opportunity, and focused feedback aimed at supporting school improvement.
To support OUR TEACHING and LEARNING, we will:
3.1 Review the scope and sequencing of our Prep to Year 6 curriculum, with a focus on integrating the following components across the learning programs of the school:
* Project Based Learning
* Focus on First Nations Perspectives
* Service Learning
3.2 Acknowledge the recent improvement in our sporting program, and continue to grow the school’s extra-curricular offerings to include such activities as music, interest clubs, and other outside of school programs.
3.3 Update the ‘Supporting School Improvement’ program with ISQ, and merge the general data and findings with the Strategic Plan.
3.4 Work closely with staff to implement a framework that develops and recognises professional needs and opportunities. The sharing of professional experiences, capacity building for the staff team and individual members, and encouragement to engage with the strategic planning of the school will be key attributes of the framework.
