From the Principal

Inspiring purpose in our community

It has been an exciting and productive first semester at Luther College, starting with our inaugural Opening Service to launch the 2023 academic year and recognise the achievements of our Class of 2022. The Service was also an opportunity to install new staff and college captains and launch the yearlong theme of Inspiring purpose in our community. The theme, chosen by our College Captains and Vice Captains reflects the importance of community, a Luther College value. Strong communities have a significant sense of purpose, that is, people know where they fit, how they contribute and that they are valued.

Each and every student, staff member, parent, alumni and friend of the college has a role to play in the success of our community.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

As you read through this edition of LutherLetter, I invite you to see the many purposeful ways our students, staff and alumni are inspiring each other and the world around them. From Arts Week, where creativity flowed through the lens of music, media, theatre, and visual design to science where students turned theory to practice with physics at Luna Park, environmental science at Melbourne Zoo and rocket making at our STEAM lunchtime club.

Arts Week was a triumph, with accomplished Australian performers Dylan J (singer/ songwriter) and Erin Cornell (musical theatre) plus artist Lou Endicott leading students in chapel and conducting multiple workshops. There was such a great vibe around campus all week as students got creative, putting their artistic passions and endeavours on display for all to enjoy.

This semester we have also celebrated the individual and team pursuits at House Athletics and House Public Speaking, as well as EISM swimming and athletics. It’s always a highlight to see the camaraderie and passion of our students shine through at these events.

After three years of restricted travel, we had our first international trip with ten students and three teachers visiting Germany during the April holidays. It was wonderful to see them immerse themselves in language and culture. In addition to visiting iconic places such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Dachau, Berlin and Munich, students also spent the day at partner school Evangelisches Gymnasium Hermannswerder in Potsdam. Around 40 kms from Berlin, students attended regular classes, even eating in the die Menza or canteen as we like to call it. In July, 50 students will travel to Queensland for our annual music tour, where they will visit schools and perform at a number of venues. To further expand opportunities for our music students our annual concert, Luther in Concert will move to Hamer Hall in August, giving students a world class stage to perform on. Tickets will be open to our whole community, keep an eye on our website or Omnia for more information.

I am excited by what’s to come, particularly as we work towards our 60th anniversary in 2024. Whether you are part of the history of the college, the present or the future, you belong to a thriving community that provides countless opportunities for success.

Jacqui Layfield Principal

Lately I’ve been reminded of the importance of community and care to our identity as a Lutheran School. The idea of community relates to our sense of connectedness to each other, to God and the world, and the sense of responsibility we have for each other.

In the Bible, God encourages us to take care of the people around us - whether they are friends or enemies. It’s vital we remember the importance of maintaining the connection with each other and focus on building a community of love in word and actions. Some of that comes from building up our listening skills and seeking to understand the experiences of those around us, especially when they are different from our own.

1 Peter 4:8-11 says: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of