LutherLetter Edition 2 2022

LutherLetter

Leading our community

Sharing news of Luther College | Number 2, 2022

Luther College Plymouth Road Croydon Hills Vic 3136

Phone: (03) 9724 2000 Email: reception@luther.vic.edu.au Web: www.luther.vic.edu.au

Principal Jacqui Layfield

LutherLetter Editor Lisa Trent

From the Principal

An exceptional future

As I reflect on the year that has passed, I feel a great sense of gratitude. Being back on campus for a full year of uninterrupted face-to-face learning has been a blessing. Students have immersed themselves in every opportunity, trying new things, stepping out of their comfort zone and courageously embracing all that comes their way. Perhaps a newfound resolve following two years of uncertainty.

With the return of on campus learning, our House competition was reignited this year through swimming, public speaking, chess and cross country competitions –congratulations to Wicklow House for taking the 2022 Cup!

Collaborative learning experiences like Science Week and the Year 7 Pop-Up Ancient Egypt Museum were a great success, with staff highly commended for developing and supporting learning environments and programs that nurture, challenge and motivate.

Our sport program has continued to yield outstanding results with students participating in a wide array of competitions from cross country to basketball, touch rugby and netball. The consistent display of integrity, camaraderie, and sportsmanlike behaviour as students engage in training and competition each week is impressive and demonstrable of our core values in action.

This semester we also celebrated music with our annual showcase Luther in Concert and also with Spring Concert, a performance opportunity for newly formed groups and ensembles.

The introduction of regular online wellbeing surveys through Skodel has contributed to our comprehensive pastoral care program, helping to support individual student wellbeing as well as to monitor cohorts. This is a simple but valuable tool targeting student wellbeing support and providing an additional proactive strategy for pastoral carers.

Another important celebration is the coming together of former students through our annual reunion program. This semester we hosted the Classes of 1992, 2002 and 2012. Next year’s dates can be found in the latter pages of this edition of LutherLetter. Finally, I was delighted to launch the Exceptional Futures Strategic Plan this semester, a three-year plan to guide our work, driven by a reimagined mission and vision. Of particular significance is the addition of Creativity to our core values, highlighting the intentional encouragement of students to explore, be curious, question assumptions and experiment in their learning.

In working towards 2025, this plan sets three significant, overarching goals: to drive innovative contemporary teaching and learning, to build a culture of inclusivity and equal opportunity, and to promote sustainable practices. Supporting these goals is a comprehensive strategy framework including mapped indicators, measurable action plans and an organisation-wide innovation strategy to keep us on track and accountable for the achievement of our goals.

I invite you to explore the Exceptional Futures Strategic Plan which is now available on our website and I look forward to working in partnership with our great team of staff, students and the broader community to achieve these goals.

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11

Please enjoy the pages of LutherLetter which capture some of the wonderful moments at our exceptional college.

Jacqui Layfield Principal

Celebrations

Charlton Burr Premier’s VCE Award

Congratulations to Charlton Burr, Class of 2021 for receiving the prestigious Premier’s VCE Award at a ceremony earlier this year. Charlton received the award for excellence in Further Mathematics making him one of the top Further Mathematics students in the

Daniel Johnston

ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award

This award, established by the Australian Government as a tribute to the veterans of the battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War, recognises a senior student who has shown teamwork, tenacity, compassion and leadership.

As Yarra House Captain in 2022, and in his individual interactions with staff and students, Daniel has been an asset to the Luther College community. He is dedicated to not only achieving his best but assisting others, particularly those in younger year levels to strive to be better, kinder and more hopeful people.

There are so many that we are presented with each and every day, big and small.

In this edition of LutherLetter you will see the many opportunities that our students and college alumni have been presented with. Many have been able to relish these, and soar to great heights. There have been opportunities to be involved in things like: sports carnivals, Book Week, Science Week, Writer’s League and Mustard retreat, leadership opportunities, and then also chances to learn and serve, like through our Central Australia trip, or ALWS Walk My Way.

Sometimes, God presents us with little opportunities to show kindness to those around us. A word of encouragement, a donation, or an errand or other practical means of help.

In Proverbs 3:27 the bible says: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”

For me, there are times when I think about helping others, with great intentions, but then just don’t quite get there. Sometimes we make excuses. “When things settle down, then I’ll…”

But guess what! Things don’t usually settle down, and “If you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never get anything done.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB)

I encourage you today to look out for them. See if you can listen for the Holy Spirit’s promptings on the opportunities before you, and act on them!

Anita Foster Chaplain

state. Just 298 students state-wide were awarded a Premier’s VCE Award.

Charlton was the Luther College Dux in 2021 achieving outstanding results, with an ATAR of 99.3. He was subject Dux of English Language, Mathematics: Further, Methods and Specialist. Charlton is studying Science at Monash University. Congratulations Charlton.

Daniel’s consistent and unwavering attendance to all classes, Homegroup and school events is an example of his driven approach and commitment to the community. Daniel always puts his hand up to help out and consistently contributes to maintaining a happy and healthy school culture.

Be it a quiet word or simply leading through action, Daniel actively instigates and navigates pathways for others to enter more deeply into activities and community events and seems to ‘come alive’ in situations that stretch and challenge him. He is an adept, skilful and generous member of our community. He is accepting of difference and diversity. He willingly advocates for others, has a strong moral compass and supports fairness and just action in regard to personal relationships, the wider community and global issues.

Daniel has been a team player and contributed greatly to the college sport program participating in House athletics, swimming and cross country as well as the Victorian College Basketball Championships and State Basketball Championships and EISM competitions.

Congratulations Daniel, we wish you every success.

What opportunities do you see in front of you at the moment?

Sam Kernich

Luther Medallion

First awarded in 1997, Luther Medallion recipients exhibit leadership qualities, are involved in co-curricular activities, actively support the college ethos and demonstrate academic endeavour.

Sam has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, passion and commitment to his education throughout his six-years at Luther College.

Through his dedicated efforts, Sam has achieved academic excellence and shown strong leadership, evident in his role as Cheong House Middle School Captain and again this year as School Vice-Captain.

Described as a friendly and supportive student, who brings great positivity to the classroom, Sam is a valued contributor. His efforts extending beyond the classroom with outstanding results in sport and music.

Sam has been a member of the State Touch Rugby Team, also competing consistently at House swimming, athletics,

cross country, and public speaking. His skills extending to the EISM competitions where he performed with terrific results, particularly in swimming. Sam is also to be congratulated for competing regularly at the EISM Champions Swimming Carnival.

Sam’s athletic and musical abilities also saw him invited to join the Luther College ASPIRE program which identifies, supports, and recognises students who are pursuing performance excellence in the fields of performing arts or sport.

Sam’s skills as a musician have been showcased regularly with annual performances at the Autumn, Spring and Luther in Concert events plus external events including the Warrandyte Festival and the All-State Jazz Championships where he won best saxophone division and was selected as Alto 1 to perform in the All-State Jazz Band. It’s also not unusual to see Sam take to the Chapel stage to perform alone or alongside his peers in music-based worship.

Sam also performed in the college Symphonic Band, Stage Band, Concert Band and Soul Band.

Sam

The college is proud to award the Luther Medallion to Sam Kernich.

Congratulations Sam we wish you every success for the future.

Lily Messom Ampol Medallion

Presented in many schools across Australia, the Ampol Medallion recognises a student who stands out for their contribution to school life, demonstrates leadership, academic success, involvement in co-curricular activities and who actively supports the school’s ethos.

Lily is a high performing and thoughtful student who throughout her six years at Luther College has demonstrated humility, maturity and resilience beyond her years.

Approaching all tasks with a gracious willingness and infectious smile, Lily’s warm and polite nature has earned her the respect of peers and staff. Lily is a keen and generous collaborator, offering support, always happy to share her God-given gifts and talents with others.

Lily has achieved excellence across all aspects of her education, working hard,

thinking outside the box and combining intellect and creativity for outstanding success.

Lily is a confident and skilled musician, performing at a high level on both the clarinet and tenor saxophone. Her passion for the performing arts always on display, where she leads by example, particularly in her role as college Music Captain this year.

Lily has been an engaging master of ceremonies at a number of events including the Autumn Concert and Luther in Concert, also contributing to this year’s college musical, as a member of the orchestra playing the Reed 2 book.

Lily has been a keen and exemplary languages student, with outstanding results in her German studies. Described as determined and conscientious, Lily consistently sets goals, striving high and gives everything she does her best efforts.

A true servant leader, Lily has also been generous with her time, volunteering for numerous community events during her time at the college.

Lily has been an outstanding student modelling our college values of excellence, integrity, creativity, service and community throughout her time at Luther College.

We wish Lily every future success.

takes great pride in himself and his representation of Luther College, he is community-minded and respected by teachers, staff and peers.

House Cup

The Luther College House program is crucial, and while there are deeper aspects of pastoral care that occurs from being in a vertical Homegroup and ongoing connections with the Home Group Mentor and Head of House, probably the most visible part of the House structure are the annual House events.

This year there were four events making up the House Cup, including swimming, cross country, chess and public speaking. All Houses performed well but it was Wicklow House that took this year’s cup.

Congratulations to Wicklow, followed by Birt and Cheong who came equal second, Nelson, Yarra and Warran

Student Wellbeing Surveys

Last edition we spoke about the introduction of student wellbeing surveys. These surveys, introduced in semester two, allow us to have proactive wellbeing check-ins not just with individual students but across the whole school. Using a short visual survey, students are encouraged to identify and reflect on their emotions, as well as track their responses over time and access resources from renowned clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller.

family and exercise. Heads of Year have been able to target areas of concern for students in their weekly assemblies with topics such as a lack of sleep and coping with schoolwork and assessments addressed. Importantly, our pastoral staff have been able to respond directly to students and help support them on their wellbeing journey over their years at Luther College.

Student Leadership 2023

One of the most challenging opportunities for our students is a leadership role. Leading one’s peers is demanding yet rewarding. Captains get exposed to a range of opportunities including leadership training, leading school events, running House competitions, running House assemblies and school chapels, fundraising events, community building events, and encouraging student voice and agency. A record number of students applied for the 2023 Middle and Senior School leadership roles this term - 130 students across Year 8 and Year 11 for either a sub school Captain role or House Captain role. Criteria for these roles included upholding the school values through to collaborative skills. A wide range of information was gathered on each applicant including written applications, teacher feedback, Head of House feedback, Head of Year feedback, voting and interviews. As one of our applicants aptly wrote, “Leadership is an opportunity for me to grow and flourish.”

Our students have reported high positivity thus far, with one survey reporting 31% positivity with an overall average of 27% for semester two. This is significantly higher than the global average of 10% positivity reported by the many schools using this program across Australia, NZ, Singapore, UK and USA. Students have also reported that what is going well are friends, sport,

Congratulations to our 2023 college leadership team.

Richard Malone

Director of Middle School

Tim Martin

Director of Senior School

WARRAN YARRA NELSON CHEONG BIRT WICKLOW

Introducing our 2023 College Captains

The Luther College community congratulates our 2023 student leadership team on their Captain and Vice-Captain appointments. We wish you every blessing as you serve and lead the college community.

(L-R) Felix, Inari, Callum, Ruby, Hudson and Emily

(L-R) Madeline, Lithika, Caitlin, Jett, Olivia, Tom and Mia

As our Exceptional Futures Strategic Plan is now in place, the goals and targets are clear. Our Contemporary Teaching and Learning Philosophy now providing a launch pad towards the future focussed model we now see as The Luther Learner As the use of a tree graphic (below) suggests, all good growth starts at the roots. With our core values of excellence, integrity, creativity, service, and community underpinning the learning pathways as our students learn to improve, learn to be,

learn to explore, learn to contribute, whilst learning together as a community. The result of these pathways are students with the capabilities that will best position our learners for the future. Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Global Stewardship and Selfmanagement.

As educators we need to constantly challenge ourselves to lead teaching practice that is contemporary, based on the latest research and data, in ways that enable our students to think more deeply and broadly. Through a transdisciplinary approach that leads them towards their senior years, we hope to create experiences that not only engage them but set them on a path to understanding themselves as contributors in the world they will inhabit as adults.

No longer limiting ourselves to only teaching in distinct domains, we hope to collaborate as teachers and find ways to a more holistic experience that empowers our students from the day they join us, as

they prepare for their future careers that we now know will not be as traditional as they once were.

Academic Endeavour and Excellence

This term we launched the use of e-Badges in Omnia as a way of recognising our students’ achievements in a more timely and interactive way. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive as students and parents have received notifications with the sparkle of a celebratory animation! Many students have set themselves goals within Omnia and when they achieve an award this will remain in Omnia throughout the students’ time at Luther College as a visual record of their achievement over many years. 2023 will also see the introduction of e-Badges for other Co-curricular, Service and Community Awards throughout the year.

Deborah Hollis Director of Teaching & Learning

Meet our Heads of Learning Areas

This edition of LutherLetter we are delighted to introduce three of our nine Heads of Learning Areas. We are blessed to have such exceptional leaders and invite you to get to know them and the areas they lead.

Sharyn Taylor OAM Head of The Arts

The Arts are part of our heritage and core to what makes us human. They are central to our development as compassionate and responsive individuals because they help us make meaning of ourselves, others and our world. The Arts at Luther College encompasses a range of artistic disciplines, from music, theatre and dance to visual communication, architectural and industrial design, illustration, ceramics and many other two- and three-dimensional mediums. Each art form is a discrete discipline with distinctive knowledge and skills, each embodying different kinds of literacies and ways of making and representing meaning. We are extremely lucky to have so many practising artists in our arts education team. They have a diverse and ever-expanding knowledge of their field. This ensures that arts experiences at Luther College have the capacity to be unique and distinct for every student. There is also commonality between music, theatre and visual art. They all involve processes that include play, design, experimentation, exploration, communication and provocation. It is these features that draw us together under the banner of one learning area, The Arts.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am both an arts educator and practitioner. I founded and now consult in the development of new works for Fresh Theatre for Social Change, a non-profit theatre company creating performance with and for people in in crisis, new migrant or refugee people, those affected by substance abuse, mental illness, people with disabilities, addiction, and both victims and perpetrators of violence and youth facing difficult life circumstances. I joined Luther College teaching staff in 2016 as an English and Drama teacher. Prior to this I was teacher and lecturer in the School of Communication and Creative Arts at Deakin University as an applied arts industry specialist. I am a member of the International Applied Arts Symposium and currently sit on the Arts Advisory board for the City of Maroondah.

What are you excited about?

Making the arts accessible has been a driving passion of mine for most of my adult life. I strongly believe in the transformative nature of arts experiences in shaping identity, providing wellbeing and forming cultures of learning. Quality arts education offers personal exploration of the world around us as well as the worlds within us. Multiple research studies support the notion that students who engage in the study of the arts perform better academically than those who don't. To ensure the best education for our young people they must encounter the arts, engage in thinking, speaking and interpreting the arts and we as a community must state emphatically, loudly and repeatedly, "the arts matters."' I am proud of the calibre of educators, artists and arts students currently in the Luther College community. I am excited to be part of a team that provides a diverse and engaging arts curriculum that is punctuated by a range of cultural experiences from performances, exhibitions and tours to incursions, festivals and artists in residence. Cultural experiences that not only improve students’ knowledge of the arts, but ignites their desire to become cultural consumers in the future.

What’s your favourite thing about working with young people?

Education, at its core, is a hopeful act. With it comes a desire to see young people create lives of meaning, passion, and fulfillment. Young people keep me hopeful. I actively value my students as individuals as well as integral members of a wider community. I believe mentoring and coaching conversations are fundamental in equipping students with the thirst and tools to become positive agents in their own lives and the lives of others.

Sharyn received an Order of Australia Medal this year for her extensive work supporting young people in crisis through the Fresh Theatre for Social Change.

Fav book

'Cool Things To Do' by Martin and Steele

Fav movie

This is an impossible task for a Media teacher!

Fav Food Anything Spanish Fav travel destination Turkey

My best piece of advice

Normal doesn't change the world.

Lynn Payne Head of English

I am Head of the English Learning Area which currently encompasses the teaching of English, Literature and English Language. Tell us a little about yourself.

I started teaching at Ouyen Secondary College at a time when the VCE was being written and trialled. This led me to becoming a panel verification chairperson in the Mildura region where I was responsible for supporting English teachers to develop their curriculum and moderate their assessments. After four years in the Mallee, I began working at Wesley College (Glen Waverley) who were introducing the IB Diploma programme and the new VCE. My interest in curriculum development led me to complete a Masters of Education (Curriculum Studies) during this time. After working at Wesley for six years, my husband and I relocated to Brunei Darussalam, a small country on the island of Borneo, where I taught GCSE and A-level English and English literature at Jerudong International School. As a member of the founding staff, where teachers initially outnumbered students, I worked collaboratively with staff from around the world to develop our English courses. Around seven years into my tenure, I transitioned out of the classroom to run the school’s Admissions, Marketing and Publications office. This led me to complete a Graduate Diploma in Marketing. I was Head of Admissions and Marketing for six years. After thirteen years in Brunei, our family relocated back to Melbourne where I gained employment at Wesley College (St Kilda Road). This time, Wesley College were introducing the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and I was appointed the inaugural MYP coordinator, responsible for the 7-10 curriculum across all learning areas and leading the campus through to IB authorisation. I held this role for eight years. This is my first year at Luther College. I am enjoying working in a school within my local area and where community, compassion and care is central.

And your goals for the English program?

Ultimately, all English teachers wish to foster a love of reading and discussion while also assisting students to meet their academic potential. It is often a fine line between inspiring students to immerse themselves in literature and destroying the joy of reading through close analysis. I am interested in listening to writers discuss their own novels and characters. Often, they talk about characters as real people who inhabit their imaginative world. When you listen, as I do, to podcasts or interviews about new texts, the enthusiasm and joy of what a book can bring to one’s life by both writers and readers is palpable. However, when you teach works of literature you explore it as a fictional construction that students are tasked with ‘deconstructing’. Even when you teach creative writing, a large part is devoted to students identifying and implementing stylistic features to enhance their work. It is a constant challenge (and goal) to balance these competing aspirations.

Recent proud moments?

Beginning at a new school is always daunting, so I am most proud of taking the risk to apply to Luther College and navigating a new workplace. I have been so warmly welcomed, mentored and supported by those in our community. The teachers within the English Learning Area are an absolute joy to work with; engaged, collaborate, passionate and always seeking ways to enhance learning opportunities for students. So, my greatest achievement this year has been developing collegial relationships with students and teachers.

What are you excited about?

With two new VCE study designs starting in 2023, we are evaluating what we currently offer students. I’m always excited (and daunted) by the challenge of writing new courses but enjoy the opportunities and

Fav book ‘Dirt Music’ by Tim Winton

Fav movie

The Age of Innocence

Fav Food Anything that my children cook so that I don’t have to…

Fav travel destination

Anywhere where I have hiked with my family. We’re finishing the last four days of the Great Ocean Walk over Christmas. The best walks with my husband were the Milford Track in New Zealand (apart from the pouring rain) and the Great Southwest Walk in Tasmania (aside from the snakes)

My best piece of advice …just smile and wave (from the Happy Feet penguins).

professional discussions that this process yields. At the moment, this also means reading a wide range of new texts. Looking ahead, I’m keen to provide opportunities for students to develop their own voice and explore their creativity, both within and outside the classroom.

What’s your favourite thing about working with young people?

The best thing about working with young people is their generosity of spirit, energy and untapped potential. In a single day, you interact with a wide range and number of young people. It is the conversations and questions that I most enjoy. Working in collaboration with young people requires mutual respect and openness. As teachers, we are often rewarded at the end of the year with small notes of thanks. I treasure the cards where students thank me for being patient and caring as well as enhancing their ability to become more critical and confident readers.

Nick Stefanac Head of Technologies

As Head of Technologies, I provide oversight and leadership to the Design Technology, Food Technology, and Digital Technology learning areas. We teach a wide range of subjects that share the utilisation of the design process in order to problem solve. Construction classes utilise 3D modelling, laser cutting, timber, metal and plastic construction in order to fabricate a product to resolve a design brief. Digital technology utilises coding in order to write programs that run data analytics, design and develop software, and drive robotics to achieve determined outcomes. Food technology employs an understanding of the science, environmental context, and methodology of food production and development to produce foods that address a need as determined through design exploration.

Tell us a little about yourself. I started teaching over 25 years ago in the USA and have since taught at a range of state and independent schools. This is my fourth year at Luther College and I am excited about the opportunities that the upcoming Centre for Creativity and Innovation will provide for students and staff alike. I enjoy what I do because it is fulfilling to see students challenge themselves, take creative risks, and achieve outcomes that may be beyond what they thought possible. The buzz of the workshop, with students actively engaged in their projects, is the aspect of my job that keeps me doing what I do. I am also passionate about astronomy and am currently redeveloping our observatory to convert it into a fully automated science and imaging platform.

And your goals for the Technologies program?

My goals within the Technologies program are to help develop a dynamic and responsive curriculum that unifies the three learning areas, that engages and excites students, and helps to develop a greater understanding of the role that design thinking and problem-solving play in the learning environment.

Recent proud moments?

I am proud of the camaraderie within the learning areas in the Technologies Department and the willingness of the staff to engage in the exploration and development of how we create and deliver content to our students. Of course, I am proud of all my students who work diligently to develop their folios and produce such impressive final products.

What are you excited about?

Like everyone in my area, I am excited about the new Centre for Creativity and Innovation. Luther College is committed to building a brilliant new learning environment, with an emphasis on creativity, where the Technologies and the Arts will work alongside one another in a space that will inspire great things.

What’s your favourite thing about working with young people?

It doesn’t get any better than watching a student conceive, plan, develop and produce something that fills them with pride in their achievement.

Fav book Lord of the Rings

Fav movie Bladerunner

Fav Food

Anything spicy and intense

Fav travel destination Wilson’s Prom with my family

My best piece of advice

Don’t worry about finding happiness. Be fulfilled in how you live your life and happiness will follow.

Exploring Ancient

One of the biggest nights of the year for our Middle School is the Year 7 Ancient Egypt Pop Up Museum with over 500 people showing their support for our talented Humanities students. After two years of lockdowns, it was wonderful to see the community come together, moving from room to room perusing displays, asking questions and engaging with one another.

There were online displays using Minecraft to recreate important aspects of ancient Egypt, Kahoot quizzes to test attendees’ knowledge, plus elaborate costumes, clay structures of pyramids and coffins, mummified dolls, weapons and displays showcasing the life of the rich and poor plus much more.

It was visually spectacular, and our students (and staff) should be very proud of the engaging museum they hosted.

Egypt

Helping refugee children get to school

Each year our Year 9 students participate in the yearlong Rite Journey program, designed to support their development, create self-awareness, responsibility, respect, resilience and resourcefulness.

A key aspect of the program, is service learning. In 2022 students have engaged in their own version of Walk my Way, working with Australian Lutheran World Service, the Lutheran church’s development agency. Walk my Way provided students with an opportunity to reflect on where they’ve come from, how blessed they’ve been, and to look for ways to help those who need it most.

The Walk my Way fundraising initiative is a 26km walk however our students engaged in their own version of the 26km walk, earning km points when various challenges were completed. Students in Year 11 Christian studies service-learning classes, set up a physical course and refugee reflection stations to get them earning.

The Year 9 cohort set a goal of sending 200 refugees to school, which they well and truly surpassed. Year 10 students were given the chance to add to their 2021 total in their Christian studies class. As a school we are delighted to support over 350 students to get to school for a year.

A bake sale, Homegroup breakfast plus plenty of practice activities kept students

busy, they even took turns to carry 15 litres of water in pairs around the oval. Students also walked laps around the oval with a heavy backpack, pretended to flee quickly (from danger) with a child, built a shelter, considered how to ration food, and attempted a team building river crossing like activity.

The college is very proud of the commitment, generosity and humility shown by our students. Well done to all involved.

Luther College fosters independent, curious learners to collaborate, innovate, create and achieve using their God-given talents. Lutheran Education’s holistic development of students as individuals enables us to provide educationally relevant, diverse and engaging opportunities to develop the student as a whole.

It has been wonderful to have all of our learning experiences beyond the classroom, events, camps and a plethora of opportunities for students to try something new.

Our sport program has been in full swing with EISM competitions, House

Sport Touch Rugby Gala Day

In October, in partnership with Touch Victoria, the college held its annual Touch Rugby Gala Day. Our students displayed

cross country and swimming events for basketball, netball and touch rugby. Luther College also hosted the Touch Rugby Gala Day in October, where Luther College students competed against a number of different schools and developed their skills.

Congratulations to the Luther College Junior Girls Basketball Team who are competing at the Australian School Championships held on the Gold Coast at the end Term 4. This is following their recent success at the State level competitions, finishing runners up at the Victorian College Championships and third place at the Champions Cup. The team has been very competitive against the top schools, and the amount of basketball talent and ability among the girls is very high and runs deep. We look forward to hearing about their future endeavours at the National Championships.

Luther in Concert and the recent Spring Concert were wonderful celebrations of our talented musicians. From Guitar Ensemble, to Training Band, to Symphonic Band and the Soul Band, there was something for everyone. It was excellent to see the hard work of our music students and to celebration the contributions our class of 2022 students have made to the music program.

Our ASPIRE students have been working hard both academically and in their sport or performing arts pursuits. They engaged in an exclusive workshop with Tom Boyd (Class of 2013) who was the number one draft pick in the AFL in 2013. ASPIRE students were able to ask pertinent questions from a college alumni who has been in their shoes balancing the heavy training demands and academic study.

Tom spoke with them on a number of different topics such as time management, performance pressures, mindsets and beliefs, resilience, maintaining their physical condition, the importance of sleep and many more.

Thirty of our talented Year 7 and 8 students attended the Writer’s League and Mustard (student theology group) retreat held in Marysville. Students were challenged in a supportive environment to develop their talents, connect with their peers and engage in a range of activities promoting deep thinking and reflection.

2022 provided opportunities for transformation and exploration of co-curricular activities with the easing of restrictions, and with 2023 looking bright, we are very excited with what is to come!

Celeste Acfield Director of Educational Operations

great skills developing in their teams as games progressed. Our students played impressively against tough competition from

participating schools. Congratulations to our Year 10 girls, Years 9 and 10 boys and Year 8 boys for winning their divisions.

Touch Rugby

Our Senior Girls Touch Rugby team coached by Mr James Beattie, also had a taste of success in August with an outstanding win, edging out opponents 4-3 in a nail-biting game, played in wet and soggy conditions.

Basketball

In late August the college had six teams qualify for the elite basketball tournament for schools in Victoria - the Champions Cup. The competition was fierce, with players from some of the best junior basketball clubs in the state. Our players were incredible, giving their best efforts and certainly making the college proud. Our Junior Girls and Senior Girls team made it through to the playoff round of the Elite 8 finishing third overall in the state. A very impressive effort and the best results we have had in basketball.

Congratulations also to our Year 7/8 Girls Basketball Team who came runners up at the Victorian College Championship Basketball Finals after winning earlier in the month the juniors event.

We also congratulate our Junior Girls Basketball team for their outstanding efforts at the Australian School Basketball Championships on the Gold Coast in December.

A big thankyou to all of the coaches and the Sport Department for facilitating these opportunities for our students to showcase their talents and develop valuable skills such as teamwork, determination and overcoming adversity.

EISM Cross Country

In a sensational effort, following days of rain, Team Luther won the Open Girls Division and Under 14 Boys Division at EISM Cross Country in late August. It was a day that saw our values in action with students supporting one another with unrivalled commitment and determination.

On the day many of our students stepped up and out of their comfort zones to fill gaps in age levels above them to ensure we remained competitive. Due to illness our team wasn’t at full strength, so this genuine camaraderie was special to watch.

When students weren’t competing, they cheered loudly from the sidelines, making sure their peers felt supported and cared for at the end of races as the exhaustion and fatigue set in.

Cross Country is a team event and would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of students and staff. Well done to all involved.

Standout results included:

Ruby Tinker (Year 8)

1st Place Under 14 Girls

Aiden Marasco (Year 8)

2nd place Under 14 Boys

Keely Pfander (Year 9)

2nd place Under 15 Girls

Adelle Schambre Nickless (Year 10)

3rd Place Under 15 Girls

Emma Starick (Year 10)

3rd Place Under 16 Girls

Lachlan Marasco (Year 10)

2nd Place Under 16 Boys

Mia Elam (Year 11)

2nd Place Open Girls

Our vibrant and engaging music culture was on full display at our annual music showcase Luther in Concert on September 1 in the Luther College Chapel. The packed program included themes from Walt Disney’s Fantasia, performed by the Symphonic Band, Rock Skool lifted the roof with the Avril Lavigne classic Sk8er Boi, and our Double Bass Quartet jazzed it up with a Duke Ellington medley.

Year 12 students Sam Kernich (Saxophone) and Claire Haeusler (Vocal) performed VCE music pieces, while the Training Band showed their progress with Ready to Launch (Adam Arnold) and Deimos (Timothy Loest). It was a fabulous night of music, and an opportunity for families to see the learning that has been occurring behind the scenes on stage.

Luther in Concert Spring Concert

In the final concert of the year, our students had an opportunity to play in their 2023 groups and ensembles on November 9. After farewelling our Year 12 students, the Spring Concert is a wonderful way to ease into the year ahead with many students stepping up into senior roles. Well done to all involved.

Writer’s League and Mustard Retreat

The college has a number of groups, each designed to nurture the talents and interests of our students. In October, despite the chilly somewhat unseasonal weather, our Writer’s League and Mustard Groups packed their bags for a two-night retreat in Marysville.

The retreat was an opportunity to build skills and community, while also practice and reflect on their passions for writing and faith. The Mustard Group meets weekly and is open to anyone. It’s a safe space to gather, explore and discuss Christianity and faith, chat and develop community. You may wonder why its called Mustard? Well, if you have faith, even as small as a mustard seed, you have faith!

The Writers League is a group of passionate wordsmiths who meet weekly to share, writing, ideas and what literature inspires them. The students enter writing competitions and participate in workshops where they open their minds to new ways of thinking about the world. It was a great few days, with plenty of writing, guest speakers, group activities and more.

Year 8 student Piper Banks shared her reflections of the retreat, while Year 10 student Ava Kernich penned a poem about the retreat read to the group on the final day.

The Writer's League and Mustard camp was an absolute blast!

The camp can be simply summed up like this; on the very first day, we were all bouncing up and down with excitement and began unpacking and claiming our beds. After settling down, we began writing poetry for the Poetry Slam Competition. I was a judge and believe me, it's hard to judge seven amazing poems. On Tuesday, Lia Hills (Author/ Poet) came in and taught us about symbolism and metaphors. We wrote about certain objects and our work came out stunning, shocking a lot of people. That night, we ran, literally ran, around the building finalising plans for our Shakespearean plays that we had to perform. Most of the scripts ended with true Shakespearean death scenes and one included a very deadly pen dagger. We even had people running around the stage screaming about dead loves. After cooling down from Shakespeare and recovering from fits of laughter, we played Space Jump; a theatre sports game created for up-and-coming actors. So essentially, on this Retreat, we discovered that a bunch of ‘Mustard Kids’ and a bunch of ‘Writer's League Kids’, are just ‘Theatre Kids’ in disguise.

Piper Banks Year 8

The time for us is now

Now is our time, low lying cloud amongst the mountains. Mist concealing the country’s secrets, the soft pitter patter of the wet. It’s this place, where I can fully let myself feel. The lack of familiarity brings me comfort. Tranquility and peace, drifting in the air. It’s the silence of my life. These windows hold our reflections, and the fire, the warmth of our hearts. Through the power of word, we write. We unite through the strength of metaphor, using a key to unlock every door. Poetry and prose, it’s just the way everything goes. This trip was all about finding inspiration, things to write into each creation. Here we are together, different but also the same. Living by the rules of life’s game. Destined by the twists of fate, intertwined by choice. Tomorrow we may be strangers again, but what matters is who we are today. Separate souls and separate stories will forever go different ways. We will write famous mysteries, shaping the way for histories. And find our true selves. But together, we are in unity tonight, oh, what a beautiful sight. That will forever be held captive by the power of memory. We have mapped the landscapes of our hearts, but now we have to depart. Never forget; that today is our time.

Ava Kernich Year 10

Central Australia Trip

Our annual Year 11 Central Australia Cultural Program was back on in 2022, after a two-year hiatus. The program offers a unique opportunity for students, as they travel to the heart of our nation to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Hear from Year 11 student Alexander Papadopoulos about his experience. Why did you apply for the Central Australia Cultural Program?

As a middle school student, I enjoyed hearing about the Year 11 trip to Central Australia. Groups would return, presenting their experiences in Chapel, which motivated me to be organised and keep up on my work, to ensure I had the best possible chance of getting accepted when the time came to apply. I’ve always had a fond interest in learning about Australia’s First Nation’s people and was keen to extend my knowledge about their culture and issues faced in today’s society. I knew this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of and felt as a group we would become family.

Did it meet your expectations?

Central far exceeded my expectations in every possible way, with each moment offering a unique experience. I was able to easily get along with the amazing group of students that were selected and created memories that will last a lifetime. Although I wasn’t fully sure what to expect, especially since I was visiting a place I have never been to before, it lived up to my expectations, with awe inspiring sights and valuable chats with the locals in which we were able to fully submerge ourselves within it’s warm and inviting environment.

What did you learn?

Despite having a fairly sound knowledge about their culture and traditions, I found it interesting how separated men and women’s business actually was, and what was done during those outings and services of the two groups. I also learnt about how protective they were of these sacred areas, and that specific areas especially around Uluru were not to be photographed out of respect for the Indigenous communities.

What surprised you?

I was surprised about how open and willing the local community was in speaking about their lives and how they perceive the Indigenous communities and in return,

white settlement. It made me think about my future once I finish school and the fact that I would visit again and continue to experience their culture and even purchase artwork from local artists.

What challenged you?

I was challenged at times, by how confronting some of the things we saw were, from people begging on the street for food or money to the large amount of homelessness which surrounded places such as Alice Springs. It was extremely eye opening and made me feel more grateful for all the wonderful people and things I have in my own life.

Did anyone you met really impact or stay with you? Why?

While up in Alice Springs, I was motivated and inspired by a lady named Donna, who moved up there to support and aid young Aboriginal children and teens and run a boarding school to provide education for those in need. It shows how people are willing to go out of their way for the greater good, changing their lifestyle for something they are passionate about. It inspired me to always be grateful for what I have and that if you have a strong interest in anything, that it’s worth going out of your way to make that dream possible.

How has it changed your approach?

After visiting Central Australia, it has made me more aware of Aboriginal issues which they still face to this day, and still sit in horror at the past of the European settlers and what they did.

Message to other students who may be considering applying for this trip?

My message to other students is to take full advantage of this opportunity both from a cultural learning perspective but also for the camaraderie you build. The long bus trips, the loud music and the friendships I made were amazing. It really was a once in a life time opportunity!

Science Week

Science Week provided a great opportunity for students to be curious, investigate and collaborate around a bunch of interesting science-based experiments and concepts. From lunchtime activities, science themed Chapel, paper plane making and bath bombs, students across every year level got involved. Hear from Year 9 students Charlet Montgomery and Imogen Montgomery about their big week of science.

Throughout Science Week we attended the optic fiber experiment, the plastic ocean documentary, the boat making challenge and the homegroup STEM challenges. Science is something that fascinates us because it explains and helps to discover what’s in the universe and how it’s used (often without realising) in day-to-day lives.

Having the opportunity to learn about so many different types of science and being able to expand our knowledge on specific topics (which aren’t always covered in classes) was great. Science Week was also a great way for people to discover their passion for science.

From Charlet

Environmental science is something that intrigues me. I am a huge fan of the environment and the interactions between the solid earth, its air, the water, and its living organisms. Learning about marine debris and the environmental impact on the ocean is something I’m keen to do more of next year and beyond. The plastic ocean documentary screened during Science Week was my favorite activity because it was so informative and important to learn about. Marine pollution is a growing problem so I found this really useful.

From Imogen

In Year 10, Forensic Science is something I would love to undertake as a subject. It interests me because forensic science uses some of my favorite units of science like physics and chemistry. The boat making challenge was my favorite throughout the week because it pressured me to extend my thinking and problem solve when I had limited materials.

Science Week was held nationally in August.

Libraries have been around for centuries, from small quaint spaces to large sprawling halls, and while we have witnessed them change and evolve with the introduction of digital resources, one thing is truer than ever. They are an integral part of education.

At Luther College, our Library is a busy space, with value placed on nurturing learning, culture, inclusivity, critical thinking, curiosity and creativity. Above all we value the unique individuality of each student.

Book Week

It excites and delights us to see students’ eyes light up when new resources are available and this year it’s been great to be face to face once more, with a broad range of educational and recreational activities and events for our students. Here’s a snapshot.

Book Week is always a special week where we celebrate the love of literature and a rollicking good story with a raft of online quizzes, competitions and mind games. Our readers came out in droves!

We continue to have a very strong core of book lovers at the college who we see on a regular basis with weekly Book Club meetings and Reading Circles plus the study of visual literacy and research skills for Year 7 and 8 students.

For the past two years we have entered the Kids’ Lit Quiz, an international competition recognising and honouring the “sport of reading”. This year our team of Elle Whelan, Eleanor Draffin, Olivia Genever and Tayla Wilson had the thrill of again representing Victoria and the experience of travelling to the State Library of NSW in Sydney to compete in the National Championships. We found it hard to pull ourselves away

from “Imagine” – an extensive and beautiful display looking at picture books over the years. After a thrilling final, the girls’ podium finish of third place capped off a fantastic day. We will be entering teams again next year.

We’ve also enjoyed visits from Kylie Dunstan (Australian author and illustrator) and Kirsty Murray (Australian author). Kylie spoke with our Year 7 students about the power of the visual element in books while Kirsty delivered a fantastically engaging presentation on “The Writing Process” at an evening function attended by students, parents and siblings. It was a great family event. Kirsty introduced us to psychogeography in books – where different environments (settings), both natural and built, have an effect on the emotions and actions of individuals (characters). We all practised taking ourselves back to a very special place and reliving our time and emotions in that space.

As you can see, we’ve had a diverse, super-fun and incredibly engaging year in the Library. We can’t wait for 2023!

Jenny Doubleday Head of Library

The Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week theme for 2022 was Dreaming with eyes open. The theme explored how books can take people on a journey into other people’s lives, into other perspectives and new topics, while also teaching and entertaining readers. At the college, we spent the week celebrating books, authors and illustrators with a variety of engaging activities kicked off by a book week themed worship in Chapel. Our library staff ran some terrific competitions throughout the week. Congratulations to Hamish Warner (Year 10) and Hugo Stevens (Year 12) for winning the photograghy competition with their take on this year’s theme. Hamish won Judges Choice while Hugo took home People’s Choice.

Hamish Warner

Hugo Stevens

Kids’ Lit Challenge

Congratulations to Year 8 students Eleanor, Olivia, Elle and Tayla for achieving third place at the Kids’ Lit Quiz National Final for 2022.

The girls travelled to Sydney in August, together with Principal Jacqui Layfield and Head of Library Jenny Doubleday to battle it out with schools from across the country.

Founded by New Zealand quizmaster Wayne Mills, the competition is designed to test the literature knowledge of students aged 10-13 years. It’s fast becoming a global competition, now spanning Australia, Canada. Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the USA.

The National Final, held at the NSW State Library in Sydney provided an incredible learning experience for our students, each of whom represented the college with pride.

Well done Eleanor, Olivia, Elle and Tayla you are amazing!

Our journey to the national stage

We were all excited (and perhaps a bit hyperactive from having woken up at 3am) as we walked into the beautiful State Library of New South Wales. From the multiple levels of aged reference books to the entire exhibit dedicated to the original illustrations of Australian picture books, the library was a booklover's dream. Walking into the designated Kids' Lit Quiz room was a special moment for the team, as several of us had competed at the same national level last year, only virtually. To actually walk into Nationals in SYDNEY felt like such a great achievement.

Many months of reading as wide as possible, stalking the CBCA winners page, visiting local libraries, equipped with lists of all the books that might possibly come up in the quiz finally payed off as we begun the quiz.

Unlike the previous round, where we were given short answer questions for everyone to attempt and write down, the Nationals had longer questions starting vague and becoming more obvious as

they went on. Each team had a buzzer, meaning only one team could get the correct answer to each question. This format prompted a different approach involving whispered discussions over whether to take the guess early on and risk guessing incorrectly, or to wait it out for more clues and risk another team guessing quicker.

There were five rounds, each with a different category. Some were to be expected (Authors, Characters and Titles), whereas the others were unusual (Demigods and Humanoids). We started off with our strongest rounds, Authors & Characters, gaining 11 points over the two rounds and establishing a temporary lead.

Being a part of such a focussed room of people, united over a shared passion was incredible to see. Often, Wayne Mills, the quizmaster, would be only half a sentence in before practically jumping in the air at the immediate correct answer.

One question specifically stood out. It began with "This character was described as having black hair which hung like candles." One of our revision tactics had been to watch an old livestream of the

2019 Word Final, which had paid off, as we remembered the same question had been used then! - it was Captain Hook, in case you wanted to know.

We finished in third place out of thirteen teams from all over Australia. Being able to compete in a competition that celebrated the passion of reading was something that we had never really had the opportunity before and was the best prize of all. Getting involved in the Kids' Lit Quiz is only one of the many opportunities Luther College offers, so get involved and explore your passions in the various clubs and competitions within the Luther College community.

Eleanor Draffin and Olivia Genever Year 8

Year 10 Social

As students move from middle school to senior school there are a number of social events to look forward to. In September our Year 10 students enjoyed their first Social, with a DJ, photobooth, great food and more. A fun night was had by students and staff.

Father’s Day Breakfast

Luther Connect, our parent led community group hosted a special Father’s Day breakfast in September with guest speaker college alumni Tom Boyd (Class of 2013). Principal Jacqui Layfield welcomed guests, before introducing Tom and MC Director of Middle School Richard Malone. Using a Q&A format, they discussed the highs and lows of Tom’s AFL career plus his courageous decision to retire at just 23 years old. They also discussed his mental and physical health and the network of care and support that helped him through that challenging time. Tom reiterated the important role schools and community groups play in helping young people manage.

The interview also celebrated Tom’s Luther College roots with plenty of school related banter plus a hug or two from staff, who just ten years ago taught him. As guests enjoyed a hot breakfast and barista made coffee, Tom signed plenty of copies of his new book as well as footy cards and guernseys. He also took the time to have photos with a large line of very excited students.

Tom finished the morning speaking with our ASPIRE program students, giving them incredible insight and advice around his strategies for success and how to manage stress. Students had prepared thoughtful questions and really engaged in the session.

Tom Boyd Class of 2013

Tom Boyd was destined to achieve great things, his star rising steadily throughout his six years at Luther College. An outstanding athlete, his passion for sport, coupled with superb skills saw him named the AFL’s number one draft pick in 2013.

The same year also saw him produce outstanding VCE results and move to Sydney, starting his career with the Greater Western Sydney Giants just barely 18 years of age.

As detailed in Tom’s recent book Nowhere to hide, his career reached the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, he was plagued by injuries and doubt, growing mental health challenges and the public eye watching his every move.

The impact of Tom’s injuries cannot be underestimated, the time pressures to bounce back and the weight of expectation.

On the flipside, he won a drought-breaking AFL Grand Final with the Western Bulldogs, in what many claim was his best game. He earnt plenty of accolades including a nomination for AFL Rising Star and was given opportunities others could only dream of.

But what makes Tom’s story so interesting is his tremendous courage.

His courage to put his mental health first, to recognise and ask for help when he didn’t feel right, to notice his body breaking down through lack of sleep and rest and finally for his retirement at the ripe old age of twentythree.

His decision to retire and be honest about his mental health struggles, while on a multi-million-dollar contract, just a year after winning the sport’s highest honour drew national attention.

Something Tom handled with grace and humility.

Now dad to Armani and fiancée to Anna, Tom spends his time as a mental health advocate and sought-after public speaker, respected for his raw honestly, advice and bravery for speaking out and raising awareness for a topic that still carries plenty of stigma.

Tom also works with Everperform as a Wellbeing Growth Leader and is an Ambassador for Lifeline.

We were delighted to invite Tom back to the college this year as guest speaker for Father’s Day and to rollout out an important session with our ASPIRE students (students performing at high levels of sport and or performing arts).

Jan Baum (Mattiske) Class of 1969

Jan Baum (Class of 1969) sits across from me, keen to assure me there is nothing particularly exceptional about her story. I disagree. An exceptional life doesn’t come about through one particular act or achievement, in fact it’s the culmination of many inspiring moments, courageous decisions and adventures that make it so. Jan has a wonderful story, is a passionate advocate for health and education and has a lifelong connection with Luther College. Here is her story.

A foundation student at Luther College, Jan started as a day student when the college opened in 1964. Day students were those local to the area, who as the name suggests spent their day at school, returning home each evening. The majority of students however were boarders, coming from regional Victoria to attend the new Lutheran school.

Jan had spent her primary years in Torquay and Ballarat but returned to Croydon with her family the year prior to starting secondary school, excited and nervous for her new adventure.

Jan’s mother Eva, now 98, took an active interest in the school right from the start, even leading the selection of fabric and design with sister Nola, for the first Luther College uniform. It was also through her mother’s links with the school that years later Jan would meet and marry a young chemistry teacher from South Australia.

Jan recalls her time at the college fondly, particularly in the latter years where she enjoyed daily lunches with her besties David Herzog, Bill Wettenhall and Jenny Chapman.

“Luther College was a place of high expectations especially in the early years as they established the school. By the time I graduated, my confidence had grown, and I had formed wonderful friendships with people like David, Bill and Jenny,” Jan said.

“I knew right away what I wanted to do when I finished school was to become a nurse,” she said.

Jan undertook her nursing training through a live in program at the Alfred Hospital, but it was a trip to Alice Springs to visit her twin cousins, also nurses, that cemented her passion for the profession. She saw the difference that could be made for communities with the right access to health care and education.

During her training it was a chance visit home to pick up ‘something’ that she met Bruce Baum. Not realising her parents had company, it was that short meeting that resulted in a marriage proposal three months later.

“That night when I met Bruce, it wasn’t for long, but I knew instantly he was the one,” she said.

Always a thoughtful person, Jan’s mum Eva had invited Bruce over for dinner after talking to him at the college and discovering he knew very few people in Victoria. Good thing she did, for it was that sliding doors moment Jan met her soul mate, future husband and father of children.

Jan and Bruce celebrated the arrival of three sons, Stuart, Michael and Tim, a close-knit family, their boys all educated at Luther College.

Jan’s career in nursing went from strength to strength, while also juggling motherhood in those early years. To keep her finger on the pulse, she would do night duty once or twice a week and worked part-time for many years.

When Jan talks about nursing her face lights up, happy to detail her time as a theatre nurse, assisting hundreds of general and cardiothoracic surgeries, and a long career as an emergency room nurse where she witnessed everything from a stubbed toe to an amputated hand!

She was later headhunted by a plastic surgeon and spent time back in theatre before she began to revaluate her future.

After much thought she moved into Oncology, she missed conversations with patients and knew she could make a difference in the lives of those facing their greatest challenge.

“I was pleased to play a role in helping people understand their treatment, to educate them and make sense of what was ahead for them.

“It’s really important people have the information they need to make decisions and feel confident about their treatment, and I enjoyed being able to provide that,” Jan said.

It was at the same time Jan picked up a paint brush and began to dabble, she found it the perfect escape from the stress of work. Jan has since refined her skills with local courses and plenty of practise!

“I have always had a real love of nature in art and began painting birds, fish and botanicals (to scale) using water colour.

“My paintings can take three to four months because I don’t paint every day but I am

Reunions

Class of 1991 Belated Reunion

The Class of 1991 enjoyed a belated reunion with dinner and drinks at the Imperial Chinese Restaurant in Glen Waverley in August. Special thanks to Matthew Gellert for organising the event. There were plenty of laughs, conversations, and reminiscing.

certainly inspired by my surroundings. Trees like the flowering gum mesmerise me with its intricate detail.

“If I see something beautiful that I can capture and do it justice, I will give it a go. I am in awe of botanical artists like Celia Rosser, so with continued practice and training I’d be honoured to even get near that level of skill,” she smiled.

These days not only does Jan spend her time painting, but she enjoys the company of her adorable three-year-old granddaughter Hadley. At the time of our interview a little voice could be heard approaching, an excited squeal as she spotted Gan, Hadley’s name for Jan (a combination of Gran and Jan).

In that moment you could see pure joy, but before she could be distracted too much, Jan asked me to remind anyone considering a career in nursing to go for it.

“Nursing is a wonderful profession with so many options, it’s flexible, family friendly and importantly gives you the opportunity to advocate for people in need.

“I’ve never taken for granted the special role I had in doing that, it’s incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Jan finished our chat with these words: health and education are everything, they are the foundation on which all is built, so be part of it.

A special thank you also to Jan’s husband Bruce, an accomplished (but partly retired) chemistry teacher who of late has provided many hours of casual relief teaching. We love having Bruce back at the college and thank him for his continued service.

Jan donated two beautiful pieces of artwork to the college for which we are very grateful.

Class of 1992 and 2002 Reunion

In August our Classes of 1992 and 2002 came together to celebrate their thirty- and twentyyear reunions. It was an absolute

pleasure to welcome former students back to campus, starting the day with a champagne, plenty of hugs and chatter before embarking on a tour.

Many changes have taken place over twenty to thirty years, so it was a wonderful opportunity not just to reminisce about the

school, but also to showcase the incredible new infrastructure supporting current students in their learning.

A buffet lunch, delicious barista made coffee and walk down memory lane with videos and photos capped off a wonderful afternoon with this amazing group of people, all of whom shared plenty of laughs throughout the day.

Class of 2012 Reunion

On Sunday October 16 our Class of 2012 celebrated their ten-year reunion with an afternoon of food, drinks and tunes at the Mitcham Social. Over 40 people came together to enjoy the day and catch up on ten years of life post Luther College.

Reunions 2023

If you are a member of a graduating class with a ‘3’ at the end of it, please add the reunion date to your calendar. It’s time to start connecting with friends and encouraging them to attend. Great reunions rely on the domino effect – one person contacting another, contracting another…

All reunions are a ticketed event, by invitation only and will be held on campus. We will post updates with further information on our website or Luther College Alumni Association Facebook page, you can also update your details by visiting www.luther.vic.edu.au