Luther Letter
Sharing news of Luther College Number 2, 2025
Principal’s Welcome
I am pleased to welcome you to this edition of LutherLetter. Within these pages you will find stories that reflect the achievements, creativity, and growth of our students and staff, and capture some of the experiences that make our college community distinctive.
“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). This verse is a steady reminder of the blessings we continue to experience together. It is evident in the energy of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the support of families who partner with us in the education of their young people.
As I reflect on the past five years as Principal, I am continually encouraged by the way our staff go about their work with professionalism and care, and by the growth we see in our students as learners and as people. Each term brings fresh examples of curiosity, perseverance, and kindness; qualities that prepare our young people not only for future pathways but also for lives of purpose and service.
This edition highlights many moments across Terms 2 and 3. Our House events again brought students together in spirited competition but more importantly in connection and friendship. Learning programs across year levels have stretched students to think deeply and work collaboratively, while the social and pastoral opportunities offered throughout the term have strengthened the relationships that are central to our community. Together, these experiences remind us that a Luther College education is both broad and holistic.
I am also delighted to introduce our new Pastor, Nathan Hedt, who has already brought warmth and wisdom to our spiritual life. I encourage you to take time to read his feature later in this edition and to join me in welcoming him to our community in this role.
The sense of belonging has been clearly visible in major events such as House Performing Arts, Luther in Concert, and our Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts. These occasions remind us that schools are communities of people and that education involves shared experiences that build memories for students and families alike.
It is also a pleasure to share stories of our alumni. Their journeys beyond Luther College provide inspiration to current students and demonstrate the enduring value of their time here.
I trust this edition of LutherLetter gives you both a celebration of what has been achieved and an invitation to continue engaging with the life of our school.
Jacqui Layfield Principal
Christ’s love and grace binds us together, offering unity and peace.
From the College Chaplain
How do you connect with people? How do you celebrate and recognise important moments or milestones? I have recently been reminded of the powers of connection, kindness and being authentically YOU – operating in a way that matches your talents, giftings, passions and how they can best serve our community and wider world.
As you can see from the pages of LutherLetter, life in a school community is a hive of activity. With so many different things going on, it can be easy to forget what is going on beyond your own area, or behind the scenes. It can be easy to lose sight of deeper connections, purpose, and the things that bind us together.
Colossians 3:14-15 says: Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which
binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Christ’s love and grace binds us together, offering unity and peace. Even though we each have different roles and gifts like different parts of a body – be it students, parents, teachers, operations staff and even past students, we are all an important part of something larger than ourselves. In taking the time to connect with people, gathering around meals, celebrations, learning, struggles, and acts of service – we can reflect Christ’s love, peace and unity.
Anita Foster Chaplain
Our Centre for Creativity and Innovation Takes Shape
Excitement is building as our Centre for Creativity and Innovation nears completion, ready to welcome students and staff in 2026.
This new building will serve as the heart of multi-disciplinary collaboration and learning innovation, featuring two levels of
carefully designed general and specialist learning areas. While the Centre will have a strong focus on The Arts and Technologies,
it’s designed to complement and enhance learning opportunities across the entire school, creating dynamic spaces where creativity
and innovation can flourish. Recent months have seen significant progress across multiple fronts:
Exterior: The facade works have reached a major milestone with the external glass installation now complete, giving the building its distinctive modern appearance. The installation of glulam timber fins has commenced, adding both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits to the structure. These striking architectural features create an impressive visual impact.
Specialised Learning Spaces:
The Food Technology area is taking shape beautifully, with plaster, paint, ceiling, and vinyl flooring all installed. The specialised joinery for this area is onsite and will be installed shortly, bringing this cutting-edge learning environment closer to completion.
Interior Development: Work continues on internal glass and plaster installation throughout the
building, creating bright, flexible spaces designed for collaborative learning. A particular highlight is the completion of the presentation lantern ceiling – a feature so amazing that our construction team couldn’t resist reaching up to touch it when it was finished!
Final Touches: The lift installation, scheduled for the end of term, will complete the building’s accessibility features, ensuring all students and staff can fully utilise both levels of this innovative learning space.
The Centre for Creativity and Innovation represents more than just a new building – it’s a commitment to preparing our students for a future where creativity, technology, and collaboration are essential skills. When it opens in 2026, it will provide an inspiring environment where students can explore, experiment, and excel across multiple disciplines.
Food Technology taking shape
Glulam Timber Fins
View from Quadrangle
College Captains site visit
Middle Years Captains site visit
Entry
Cladding goes in
Lantern ceiling (and scaffolding)
Deep Dive: Understanding Immersive Learning
In our last edition we introduced Simone Boland, our Director of Teaching and Learning, and it was here she detailed goals for teaching and learning at the college.
One particular aspect she discussed was the introduction of immersive learning particularly for our middle years students, and with three terms now complete, here is a deeper dive into the thinking behind immersive learning and an example of it in action.
At Luther College we are always looking for opportunities to deepen learning, practice innovation and find ways to keep students engaged and excited about their learning journey. Immersive learning, particularly for our middle years students has many benefits.
Immersive blocks have been introduced across a number of learning areas including The Arts, Technologies, Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Many subjects within these areas benefit significantly from concentrated periods of study and increased contact time, which ultimately helps build more sophisticated understanding.
Extended timeframes allow students to move beyond surface-level facts to explore complex relationships, nuanced concepts, and interdisciplinary connections. Through immersive learning students can develop substantial projects, iterate on ideas, and experience the full creative cycle rather than working in fragmented pieces.
"The concentrated nature of these blocks for some learning areas essentially allows for more authentic, meaningful learning experiences that better reflect how knowledge is used in real-world contexts," Ms Boland said.
Luther's immersive learning approach allows students to develop what cognitive scientists call "deep work" capabilities – the ability to focus intensively on cognitively demanding tasks. This skill is increasingly valuable in our distraction-rich world and is essential for university success and professional effectiveness.
Our forward-thinking approach directly mirrors the intensive learning models used in higher education. Universities have long recognised that meaningful learning occurs when students can engage deeply with material. Additionally, the focus on immersive learning on middle years students, is deliberate, given adolescents are at a unique developmental stage where they're capable of more sophisticated thinking than younger children. Immersive opportunities also build the teacher student relationship, as they see fewer students throughout the day, creating opportunities for more individualised attention and deeper connections.
“These relationships are particularly crucial during the middle years when students are developing their academic identities and learning to navigate increasingly complex social and intellectual challenges,” she said.
As Luther continues to develop its immersive learning program, the college is also changing the way it measures student growth.
Mangrove Biome at Rhyll
“As part of the Melbourne Assessment Communities (MAC), a collaborative network of schools and networks that engage in research-practice partnerships with the University of Melbourne, the college is focused on transforming learning though innovative assessment and recognition practices.
“Last term we replaced learning behaviours with capabilities as a way of measuring student growth, with communication, collaboration and agency the starting point for measurement,” Mrs Boland said.
With a rapidly changing global landscape, together with the evolution of tertiary admissions, these skills have never been more important.
Immersive learning and measuring student growth are just a few ways Luther College is positioning students not just for academic success, but for the kind of deep, sustained thinking that will serve them throughout their lives. This helps ensure our young people are well-rounded individuals with the ability to thoughtfully contribute to many areas of life.
Geography Immersive: Exploring the Mangrove Biome at Rhyll
Year 9 students complete a term rotation through Geography, History and Commerce immersive subjects in Terms 1-3 and then in Term 4 pick an elective from one of the disciplines that has piqued their interest.
Through Geography Immersive, students learnt about the importance of the mangrove biome at Rhyll and Western Port Bay by discovering the ecological significance of this unique environment. Students explored how Western Port Bay holds the prestigious distinction of being one of five UNESCO world networks of biospheres in Australia, as well as being listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
"Hands-on experiences like the mangrove biome immersion at Rhyll make learning unforgettable. Students don't just learn about geography, they experience it," said Head of Humanities and Social Sciences Kelli Ashton.
During their field study, students discovered fascinating facts about local wildlife, including learning that the short-tailed shearwater migrates a massive 16,000 kilometres in under four weeks from Alaska via Siberia and Japan to reach Rhyll. They also learned about the mangroves' significant role in controlling climate change, with these remarkable ecosystems capable of sequestering up to 50 times more carbon dioxide than a terrestrial forest.
The students were fortunate to work alongside staff from Western Port Biosphere and Parks Victoria, engaging in hands-on activities that brought their classroom learning to life. They explored the intertidal zone hunting for crabs, identified native oysters, planted mangrove plants, participated in bird watching sessions, and completed detailed scientific drawings in the field. These immersive experiences provided students with an authentic understanding of this critical ecosystem and its role in our environment.
House Competition
House spirit has never been stronger! Our students have been thriving across an incredible range of competitions this year, from Swimming and Athletics to Cross Country, Public Speaking, Chess, and our Performing Arts Festival. After showcasing our athletics and swimming achievements earlier this year, we’re excited to share highlights from our most recent competitions.
Cross Country
Following a morning full of colour, cheer and anticipation, our House Cross Country didn’t disappoint. With determination students tackled the 3km course running, walking or skipping to the finish line. From vibrant dress-ups to strong finishes, it was fantastic to see so many students giving it their all and earning points for their House. Commitment and training paid off, with some really impressive individual results.
Individual winners per year level:
Year 7 - Zach (Warran) and Isabelle (Yarra)
Year 8 - Harvey (Nelson) and Asher (Warran)
Year 9 - Willow (Wicklow) and Tilly (Birt)
Year 10 - Nathan (Nelson) Ava (Yarra)
Year 11 - Henry (Cheong) and Ruby (Warran)
Year 12 - Darshan (Wicklow) and Annie (Birt)
Congratulations to Cheong House who took the cup.
Chess
Every House brought their A-game, with fierce competition, clever strategy, and great sportsmanship on display throughout the day. After a series of close and exciting matches, it was Wicklow House who stole the show and claimed the top spot. Congratulations to all players for a fantastic tournament. A special shout-out to Jack from Nelson House, who was named Player of the Day for his exceptional performance.
Public Speaking
Teams from each House and year level, comprising writers, editors, and speakers, stepped into the spotlight to tackle bold, thoughtprovoking topics with clarity, conviction and creativity. From debating the use of AI, exams as the only form of assessments, politics is all about personality, the social media ban for under 16s and much more, students delivered arguments filled with insight, passion, and purpose. Congratulations to Wicklow House for their win.
30 Years of House Performing Arts
The inaugural House Performing Arts Festival was held for the first time on a Thursday night in August 1995.
The competition, as it remains today, was studentdirected, with each performance including a massed choir, a musical ensemble, a solo item, and a dance group. Birt, Cheong, Nelson and Wicklow spent the night showing off their hard work and competing for first place. Following the event, then principal Graham Ottens said the school had received many expressions of appreciation from families. Teachers also recalling the teamwork and camaraderie the newly established competition showed.
Since then, the biennial House Performing Arts Festival has been a highlight of the school calendar. Over the years, students have enjoyed these evenings immensely, looking forward to the opportunity to showcase their strengths and creativity. According to the 2003 Analecta, one student watching that year said she was hooked through the whole performance and that she couldn’t stop smiling and tapping her feet! The House spirit has sometimes led to friendly rivalries, but most students can’t wait to do it again in two years’ time.
The theme of the 2025 Performing Arts Festival was Unity. In addition to putting on creative and engaging productions to impress their audiences, each House also strived to present a story which showed the importance of resolving conflict and working together. This House competition has formed a rich tradition at Luther College over the last 30 years and will continue to be a fantastic night of fun, talent and friendship.
Abbey Malone
Archives
An Opportunity to Shine
On Tuesday, 2 September, Luther College presented its annual music showcase, Luther in Concert, at Hamer Hall. For our students who practice together week after week, performing on this prestigious stage was something special.
The evening featured a wonderful mix—classical pieces, contemporary music, VCE soloists, and dance. Each act bringing something different, showcasing the breadth of talent across our college.
There’s a real thrill for students performing on stage and standing
backstage at a venue where so many renowned artists have performed. You can feel the history, and for many of our students catch a glimpse of what their musical journey could become.
We’re fortunate at Luther College to be able to offer experiences like this, with moments that stay with our students and inspire them to keep reaching higher.
Thank you to our Year 12 Music students for all their contributions, this concert was their final bow.
EISM Cross Country
A chilly spring day provided the perfect backdrop for the annual EISM Cross Country Carnival held at Ruffey Lake Park. Despite the cool conditions, our students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.
The Division 1 EISM event saw students tackle each hill, straight, and bend with gusto, demonstrating resilience and sportsmanship throughout the course. Students pushed themselves to perform at their best, with many crossing the finish line with personal achievements to celebrate.
The day was made even more special by the courage shown by a number of students who stepped up to compete in age groups above their own, showing true grit and competitive spirit in the face of additional challenge. Special recognition goes to William M for placing 3rd in the U13 Boys, Tilly Y for placing 2nd in the U14 Girls, Tahlia K for placing 3rd in U15 Girls and Ruby T for placing 2nd in Open Girls. Well done Team Luther we are proud of you.
Mother's Day Breakfast
Our annual Mother's Day Breakfast welcomed families for a morning of celebration and community. Guest speaker Abbey Holmes shared her story with the large gathering, offering insights from her diverse career and her own impending journey toward motherhood.
Abbey's path has taken her from elite sport to media. As the first woman to kick 100 goals in a season and a Premiership player with the Adelaide Crows, she later moved into AFL broadcasting and reality television. Her career shows what's possible when you back yourself, even when the path isn't clear.
She spoke honestly about the setbacks and sacrifices along the way, explaining how uncomfortable moments often led to growth. Expecting her first child at the time, Abbey reflected on her own mother's support and the importance of strong relationships in achieving goals. She has since welcomed baby Braxton.
Her message to students was straightforward: embrace opportunities, stay curious, and believe in yourself when facing challenges. She encouraged them to take that first step toward their dreams, even when it feels daunting.
The morning highlighted the connection between mothers and families, with Abbey's story serving as a reminder that perseverance and self-belief can open unexpected doors. It was a fitting celebration of the women who shape and inspire the next generation.
Father's Day Breakfast
On Friday 5 September, our community gathered in to celebrate Father’s Day with a hearty breakfast and an inspiring guest speaker, Mark ‘Squiz’ Squirrell OAM.
With stories spanning from Gaza to Pakistan to Nepal, Squiz shared lessons of leadership, resilience, and communication drawn from his extraordinary career as an Australian Commando, International Aid Worker, and humanitarian. He engaged guests with real-life scenarios and challenged us to consider the impact of choices, demonstrating how context, courage, and perspective can shape outcomes.
Families, fathers, and students alike were captivated by his anecdotes and reminders that, in our own lives, we can rely on the guidance, support, and example of those around us - especially our dads.
It was a wonderful morning of connection, reflection, and gratitude, shared over breakfast on a chilly spring day.
Sport
Our students have delivered exceptional results across multiple sports in Term 3, with teams claiming premierships, reaching state finals, and earning individual honours in competitions ranging from local leagues to statewide championships.
Our Senior Girls claimed the EISM football premiership, while our Senior Boys brought home the EISM Soccer premiership. Both Senior Boys and Girls teams qualified for the Herald Sun Shield and Premier Schools Soccer Championships, representing our school at the highest level.
Individual excellence has shone through with Alex Watts (Year 12) winning the EISM Tennis Open title, while Elyssa Aretis (Year 9) finished second in the same competition. Our netball programs continue to excel, with Intermediate Boys winning the State Netball Championships and our Intermediate Girls competing in the State finals. The excitement continues with Year 7 Boys, Year 8 Boys, and Year 8 Girls all advancing to the AFL 9’s state finals, while our Under 13 Boys relay team earned silver at the All Schools Track Relay Championships.
Congratulations to all our athletes, coaches, and supporters who continue to make us proud.
Wildlife Encounters Bring Geography to Life
Year 10 Geography students recently embarked on an extraordinary educational journey, coming face-to-face with some of Australia’s most iconic and endangered wildlife species.
This immersive experience provided students with a rare opportunity to observe and interact with animals whose populations have faced severe threats due to environmental pressures and human impact.
The wildlife encounter formed an important component of the students’ comprehensive study of environmental issues, examining the complex relationship between human activity and ecosystem health. Through direct observation and expert-led discussions, students gained invaluable insights into the various strategies employed to manage environmental challenges across Australia’s diverse landscapes.
This meaningful educational encounter reinforced the importance of environmental awareness and inspired students to consider their own role in addressing the environmental challenges that continue to face Australia’s precious wildlife populations.
Our Sister School Visit
At the start of Term 3 we had the pleasure of hosting six students and their teacher from our sister school, Nanjing Number 12 Junior High School. After almost ten years of partnership, our relationship continues to flourish into something special - a reciprocal bond that enriches both our school communities.
Our Chinese visitors experienced the very best of Australian hospitality, staying with Luther host families who opened their homes and hearts. Our guests shadowed our students, immersed themselves in classes, and even
tried their hand at Food Technology - creating Aussie classics like sausage rolls and honey joys! It was a week packed with unforgettable experiences including a special welcome ceremony in Melbourne CBD, a tour of the iconic MCG, and
countless classroom collaborations and cultural exchanges. The adventure continues when our students head to Nanjing April 2026.
Science and Book Weeks
Back-to-back we celebrated two of the biggest weeks on the educational calendar with Science Week followed by Book Week in Term 3.
Our talented Science Department created an outstanding week of activities and experiments, from Chapel presentations to hands-on lunchtime experiments, guest speakers, and even a staff morning tea with deliciously questionable culinary creations. Students created cacti gardens, met evolutionary biologist Dr. Chris Freelance virtually, painted chemical symbols on ceramic tiles for our periodic table wall, participated in
a scavenger hunt, and made ice cream by creating a reaction using salt, ice, sugar, cream, milk, and vanilla and a whole lot of shaking. Houses also competed in science quizzes during extended Home Group.
This year’s Book Week invited us all to “Book an Adventure” - a chance to journey into new worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and discover stories that can take
you anywhere… even to places you never knew existed. From fantasy quests and real-life heroes and hidden treasures, students and staff embraced the adventure through Chapel reflections, daily library challenges, competitions, and plenty of prize-winning fun. The week wrapped up with our much-loved Book Week Lunchtime Trivia Competition, where staff and students went head-to-head in a battle of book knowledge.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Our Year 9 Musical Production students transported audiences down the rabbit hole into the whimsical world of Wonderland in a colourful, high-energy production where curiosity reigned and imagination knew no bounds.
With sold-out performances and a stage bursting with vibrant characters, catchy songs, and creative storytelling, students brought Alice in Wonderland to life. From clever choreography to lighting, sound, costume design, and marketing, students wore so many hats - both literally and figuratively - showcasing incredible flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork.
Stories in the Dark
Year 12 Theatre Studies students captivated audiences at the Knox Community Arts Centre with their powerful Unit 3 performance of Debra Oswald’s Stories in the Dark. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn city, the play follows a young boy seeking shelter in a bombedout house, and Anna, a sharp-witted survivor with a mysterious past. Students brought to life a poignant and imaginative journey, blending folk tales, mythology, and raw realism. Their work, both on stage and behind the scenes, was expertly supported by a passionate group of Year 10 students.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Germany Tour
Our senior German students enjoyed an unforgettable journey through Germany in April, from bustling Berlin to the fairy-tale beauty of Bavaria. Embracing local life in Potsdam, students cycled past palaces and strolled cobbled streets as they made their way to school at Evangelisches Gymnasium Hermannswerder with their host families. In Berlin, history and creativity collided at the DDR Museum, East Side Gallery, and Checkpoint Charlie, while street food stalls added flavour to their urban adventures. Bavaria brought castle views at Neuschwanstein, moments of reflection at the Dachau Memorial, and excitement at the BMW Museum. Students returned with new perspectives, lifelong connections, and a deeper sense of global citizenship.
Central Australia
Our Year 11 Christian Studies and Aboriginal Cultural Studies students returned from a transformative two-week journey through Central Australia in May, bringing profound insights into First Nations culture and contemporary life. Students immersed themselves with Elders, educators, and local students at Yirara College and the Ntaria Lutheran community, experiencing powerful onCountry learning through shared meals, stories, and
breathtaking landscapes. The adventure delivered unforgettable moments - sunrise over Uluru, biking through ancient country, traditional bush foods, and storytelling with Traditional Owner John Little under star-filled skies where students spotted a comet. Students discovered deep appreciation for kinship systems, language diversity, and Indigenous art, moved by the strength and resilience of Aboriginal peoples and their emphasis on community belonging.
CENSUS 10
Each year our Year 10 students spend a week at the end of Term 2 undertaking the City Experience, New Sites, Understanding Situations program or as its commonly known - CENSUS 10.
The program transforms Melbourne into a dynamic classroom, offering students a week of real-world learning, discovery, and personal growth. Students engage in a rich blend of civic participation, cultural immersion, and self-development, stepping inside iconic institutions like Parliament House, the State Library of Victoria, and the Magistrates’ Court to deepen their understanding of democracy and the justice system in action.
Their journey also included creative and reflective experiences, from exploring art and design at the NGV, to walking Birrarung Marr with Indigenous guides, to seeing firsthand the homeless epidemic existing in Melbourne’s city centre. Along the way, students shared meals, reflected on their experiences, and grew in knowledge and confidence.
Year 10 Social
The Manningham Function Centre came alive late in Term 3 as our Year 10 students celebrated their first major social milestone since entering secondary school. This highly anticipated event marked a true rite of passage into the senior years.
The evening delivered non-stop dancing, incredible fashion, and endless photobooth fun. Students showed off their moves on the packed dance floor with incredible tunes from the DJ. The photobooth became an instant hit, with queues of friends capturing memories to treasure.
This wasn’t just a party—it was their first real taste of senior school celebrations, and the joy throughout the venue confirmed it lived up to every expectation.
Year 11 Ball
This year’s Year 11 Winter Ball was nothing short of spectacular. Held for the first time at Bramleigh Estate in Warrandyte, the new venue set a stunning backdrop for an evening filled with elegance, laughter, and celebration.
The night featured a three-course dinner, photobooths, and a DJ who kept the dance floor full all night long. Everyone looked fabulous, and the energy in the room was unforgettable.
What a memorable night to celebrate connection, community, and the joy of being together.
IGNITE@Luther Turns One
In August the college celebrated the first birthday of IGNITE@Luther, our student-led worship community.
With a wonderful turnout of families past and present, friends of the college, and staff, the evening was filled with joy as we ate together, worshipped, danced, laughed, and shared birthday cake. More than just a celebration, it was a beautiful reminder of IGNITE’s first year of growth, faith, and fellowship — and of what makes this community so special.
At its heart, IGNITE@Luther is about living with authentic faith, building genuine Christian community, reaching out in love, multiplying across generations, and investing in the next generation of leaders. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has guided and nurtured IGNITE over the past twelve months. To every family and staff member who has shared their time, energy, and heart - your support is what makes this community flourish. Here’s to the next chapter of connection, worship, and growing together in faith.
Meet our Pastor Nathan Hedt
Class of 1991
Luther College has welcomed a familiar face into the role of College Pastor, with Class of 1991 alumni Nathan Hedt joining our Ministry Team.
Pastor Nathan completed Years 11 and 12 at Luther as a boarder, an experience that shaped both his faith and his future calling. For this country boy, boarding at the college opened doors to lifelong friendships and gave him his first real taste of Melbourne life.
“Boarding was a great experience,” he reflects, recalling standout memories that many alumni will recognise. Adventure beckoned through Outdoor Education trips to Mount Arapiles for rock climbing, while creativity flourished in House Drama. Even the sporting struggles became cherished memories –when their “seriously awful” senior soccer team finally broke their losing streak and won their only game in two years.
But it was the spiritual dimension of Luther life that left the deepest impression. Christian Youth camps and the faith development opportunities at the college became highlights that shaped his vocational calling. The pastoral care he received was exemplified by figures like Mrs Marion Kleinberg, who became a surrogate ‘mum’ to many boarders, welcoming them for meals and helping them feel at home.
Even as a young man, he knew he wanted to pursue pastoral ministry, though his fascination with science and mathematics led him first to complete a Bachelor of Science at Monash University. After meeting his wife Yvette, his path toward ministry took shape, and he began studies at what is now Australian Lutheran College in Adelaide. During his theological studies, the couple welcomed three daughters – Bethany, Rebecca, and Sylvia – who according to Nathan have grown into strong, independent young women.
His pastoral journey has taken him across diverse contexts and continents. His first calling was to
Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, where he led mission trips to Uganda, providing trauma training. He then served as Pastor for Tertiary and Youth Ministry for the Lutheran Church in Victoria, facilitating cross-cultural trips to Central Australia and working with Lutheran communities in Western Arranda and Pitjantjatjara regions.
A passion for growing worship opportunities led him to serve as College Pastor at Lakeside College in Pakenham, where he helped establish a new congregation. This experience proved both challenging and rewarding, deepening his conviction about church planting as a powerful way to share the gospel with new communities. His expertise in this area eventually saw him called to a national role as Pastor for New and Renewing Churches, overseeing and mentoring church planters across Australia.
Being called to Luther this year, brings Nathan’s family connection full circle – his mother one of Luther College’s earliest teachers, establishing roots that run deep in the school’s history. “I never would have thought God would lead me back to Luther College as College Pastor,” he admits. “It’s a privilege to be here in this role, and I really believe God has opened the door for this ministry.”
Beyond his pastoral qualifications – which include a Master of Arts in Theology and current preparation as an International Coaching Federation accredited coach
– he is a passionate cricketer (where he’s scored a coveted century) and loves hiking, kayaking, board games, and reading. In a testament to his hands-on approach to life, he has even restored a 1975 classic Mini Cooper himself – a project he describes as “at least as intensive as finishing my Master’s degree!”
One of Nathan’s first Chapel presentations to students was the story of meeting his Mini Cooper and bringing her back to life and in the days that followed students were seen standing around the car admiring his work and perseverance.
Perhaps most unusually, Nathan holds a world record in Theoretical Scrabble, an intellectual pursuit involving the highest possible combined scores using legal but highly unlikely words.
His philosophy centres on two key principles. “Above all, I want to point people to Jesus,” he explains. “As I’ve gone through life I’ve become more convinced of the beauty, truth, power, purpose, and healing that knowing Jesus brings.” Equally important is his passion for “growing good humans” at Luther, helping staff, students and families fulfill their God-given purpose.
His advice to current students reflects the wisdom gained from his varied journey: “Remember that
academic performance, especially at the end of Year 12, is important but it is not the be all and end all. If you do super well, it doesn’t define your life, and if you do less well than you would have liked, it doesn’t define your life. Let what is ultimate be your ultimate priority!”
As Luther College begins this new chapter with their returning alumni at the pastoral helm, the school community can look forward to leadership that combines deep institutional understanding with broad life experience, all grounded in an unwavering commitment to faith and service.
Welcome home, Pastor Nathan.
Nathan and his parents Eric and Lenore (nee Heintze)
Bethany, Rebecca and Sylvia with Nathan and Yvette
Rob Goudswaard
Class of 1977
Rob Goudswaard, Class of 1977, knows that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you share the journey with. From the classrooms of Luther College to the boardrooms of Australia’s major financial institutions, Rob has always believed in the power of connection and community.
Now, alongside fellow alumni Karen Dymke and Raeanne McLean (Brookman), Rob is helping organise their class’s 50-year reunion—bringing together friends whose stories began half a century ago.
“Raeanne and I went to kinder, primary and Luther—14 years learning side by side,” Rob reflects. “Those early friendships helped shape who we are. And staying connected over time is a gift you only appreciate more with age.”
Luther gave Rob a strong foundation—but his career has taken him far beyond the Yarra Valley. He spent seven years living in the Middle East and the Solomon Islands, with leadership roles in Bendigo and Brisbane along the way. Yet no matter how far he travelled, the Goudswaard’s always found their way back to Melbourne—and back to Luther. All three of Rob’s children attended the college, and the family’s connection to the school now spans generations.
Rob’s 30-year career at ANZ laid the foundation for a remarkable journey through Australia’s financial sector. His leadership strengths soon attracted other opportunities, leading to his appointment as CEO of Rural Finance, a Victorian Government-owned entity focused on supporting farmers and regional businesses.
“That role changed me,” Rob says. “It taught me that leadership means listening. Rural communities don’t need someone to talk over them—they need someone who’ll understand what matters to them.”
That insight helped shape his next challenge—as CEO of Credit Union Australia (now Great Southern Bank),
Fav Food: Sweet n Sour Chicken and rice with Rollmops!
Fav Movie: Forest Gump
Fav Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins
Fav Quote: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
– Peter Drucker
Advice to Year 12s:
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Stay curious. Work hard. Be someone others want on their team.
If I could tell my 17-year-old self one thing: Say yes to opportunities that scare you a little. There is a crack in everything, that how the light gets in (Leonard Cohen). That’s where the growth is.
where he led the organisation through a period of bold growth and modernisation. Under his leadership, CUA partnered with the Brisbane Heat cricket team— combining business strategy with his lifelong love of sport.
Today, Rob serves as a professional Board Director, with a portfolio that spans finance, technology, and purpose-led organisations: Revolut Australia, ANZ Loan Mortgage Insurance, Cornerstone, a Real Estate Investment Trust, and several software companies.
He also chairs Sports Chaplaincy Australia, a national organisation that supports athletes’ mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Despite a career in high-level strategy and innovation, Rob’s heart remains grounded—literally. He and his wife Cathy escape to a 580-acre farm in Alexandra, where they planted 50,000 eucalyptus trees in 2008–09. The land, the trees, and the cattle represent Rob’s belief in sustainability, legacy, and stewardship.
“Our best time is spent at the farm,” he says. “It’s where the noise stops. I can watch the footy (Go Cats) with a mob of cattle for company and know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be,” he said.
Karen Dymke Class of 1977
You might say Karen Dymke holds tight to her Luther memories, or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that Luther College has woven itself so deeply into the fabric of her life that the two have become inseparable.
As both a proud member of the Class of 1977 and a staff member who returned to fulfill her passion for teaching at the place she holds dear, Karen’s story is one of coming full circle—bringing decades of expertise and innovation back to where it all began.
“I loved Luther and I tried everything!” Karen recalls of her student days. “From camps to athletics to musicals and more, nothing seemed off limits.” Her enthusiasm was infectious even then, particularly evident in her memorable performances in Oklahoma, Godspell, and a play called Unhand Me Squire, where she shared the stage with her brother Anthony, whose character—the unforgettably named Princess Licky Cooky Pot— became family legend.
After training at the Lutheran Teachers College in Adelaide, Karen’s career path began at Redeemer College, Rochedale, though life soon brought her back to Melbourne when her first husband Richard took up a position at Luther College. It was here
As Rob works with Karen and Raeanne to bring the Class of 1977 back together, he’s applying the same values that shaped his career: trust, collaboration, and a deep respect for shared history. Their reunion planning reflects the best of what Luther instilled— community, service, and the idea that relationships are investments that compound over time.
From playing cricket under Mr Harms to advising fintech startups, Rob’s story is one of growth grounded in gratitude. He never forgot where he came from— even as he helped shape the future of Australian business.
that Karen discovered her gift for innovative teaching through Scripture workshop, a drama elective that perfectly combined her theatrical background with her educational calling.
Life’s unexpected turns often lead to the most meaningful discoveries. When family circumstances required Karen to step back from traditional teaching to care for her son Jordan, who was born with cerebral palsy and dyspraxia, she found her way into adult education—teaching literacy for just two hours a day at Morrison House. “I found my niche,” Karen reflects, and indeed she had. Those ten years in adult
education would shape her understanding of how to reach learners who needed different approaches, laying the groundwork for her later innovations.
Her second marriage brought another Luther connection when her son Nicolas attended the college alongside AFL superstars Dan McStay and Tom Boyd. Karen’s claim to fame? “They walked me out of the Valedictory Dinner when I was the Director of Learning!” The moment perfectly captures how Karen’s personal and professional Luther connections intertwined throughout her life.
Karen’s commitment to educational excellence has been recognised at the highest levels. Among her proudest achievements is the 2017 Department of Education and Training International Specialised Skills Institute Fellowship, along with the Outstanding Teacher/Trainer of the Year award from the TAFE Directorate in 2002. These accolades reflect a career dedicated to pushing boundaries and finding new ways to reach students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Her work as a curriculum writer and developer of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) saw her leading the three-year rollout of this groundbreaking program across Victoria. She also spearheaded projects like ‘Learning Differently’—
Calling the Class of 1977
assessments and resources for dyslexia—and served as senior curriculum writer for ‘Risk It!’, a national curriculum for students at risk. Her expertise took her across Australia, presenting professional development programs and sharing strategies for working with disengaged young learners.
Karen’s current marriage to Jonathan Pietsch has brought both stability and joy. After fifteen years together, Karen notes with characteristic humour, “we broke the record.” Their blended family now includes eight grandchildren, creating a bustling household full of love and laughter.
The passion for teaching that has driven Karen’s career lives on through her eldest daughter Erin, now an English and Drama teacher herself. As Karen moves into retirement, she remains selective about her commitments, accepting invitations to present workshops and webinars while focusing on what matters most—family and the eight grandchildren who keep her endlessly entertained.
Karen’s journey from that enthusiastic Luther student trying everything to an award-winning educator who revolutionised curricula for at-risk youth demonstrates the profound impact one person can have when they follow their passion, embrace life’s unexpected turns, and never lose sight of where they came from.
If you are part of the Class of 1977 and haven’t been in touch with Rob or Karen please reach out. They are keen to bring the entire cohort back together for their 50-year reunion. Contact Rob via rob@goudswaard.com.au
Reunions 2026
Nothing beats a face to face catch up with old friends at your high school reunion! So if you are a member of the Class of 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 or 2016 it’s time for your reunion!
In addition, anyone from the Class of 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 or 1975 you are also welcome back as we celebrate fifty years or more since graduating from the college. Anyone who may be interested please contact the college via alumni@luther.vic.edu.au to update your contact details.
A reminder that great reunions rely on the domino effect and are driven by you! One person contacting another and so forth, with people moving and changing email addresses we don’t always have up to date information so get busy!
All reunion information can be found via our website www.luther.vic.edu.au under the Community section. The reunion usually takes place in the first few weeks of October.
