OCTOBER 2026

Part of something bigger

Sometimes we are reminded that we are part of a bigger story. 

Recently, in Alice Springs, LEA had the privilege of walking alongside Rev Dr Anne Burghardt, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, and Rev Dr Rosita Siahaan, Lutheran World Federation Regional Secretary for Asia. 

We visited Yirara College and later I visited Living Waters Lutheran Primary School. We listened. We learned. We shared stories. And we were reminded of the deep and lasting contribution of Lutheran people and communities in this place.

There is something special about being reminded that our work is connected to a story that began long before us and will continue long after us. 

In John 15:16 Jesus said: “You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.” 

There is both comfort and challenge in those words. 

We are called. 

Called to particular places. 
Called to particular people. 
Called to use what we have been given for the sake of others. 

Read the rest of Jodie's message.

Principals and deputies - interested in a one-week leadership exchange to Ontario?

We have a principal in Ontario who is very interested in undertaking an exchange with a school leader in Australia. The exchange would involve a one-week shadowing experience in Ontario, followed by a reciprocal visit to Australia by your Canadian colleague. This is a unique professional learning opportunity to experience principalship in regional Ontario, build international connections, exchange ideas and perspectives, and gain insight into a world class educational context. 

Download the Elevate brochure for more information about the exchange. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please email Suzanne Jessen ASAP. 

A new ALC and LEA initiative

Australian Lutheran College (ALC) and Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) are excited to announce a new joint initiative to strengthen research, scholarship and professional learning across Lutheran education, with the appointment of Tom Brennen as Lutheran Education Research Fellow.

The Research Fellow will strengthen connections between researchers, educators and Lutheran learning communities, support collaborative research projects, translate research into professional learning and connect contemporary educational research with our rich Lutheran theology and practice. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by ALC and LEA to strengthen research capacity in the area of Lutheran Education.

Read the rest of this story.

New Zealand Free to Flourish Immersion: Culture, Belonging and Leadership in Action

"A beautiful blend of being immersed in Māori culture mixed with developing exceptional leadership capacity."

In September, leaders from Lutheran learning communities and education partners across Australia gathered in Wellington, New Zealand, for the 2026 Free to Flourish International Immersion. Over five days, participants engaged in cultural immersion, leadership development, school visits and deep professional reflection. The program included learning alongside internationally respected future-focused education leaders Derek Wenmoth and Maurie Abraham, as well as time spent in Amesbury School, Ōtaki College and Wainuiomata High School ... 

More than a study tour, the New Zealand Free to Flourish Immersion invited leaders to imagine what becomes possible when culture, belonging, purpose and leadership are brought together in service of human flourishing.

Read the rest of this story...

LEA Strategic Planning Update

Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback to LEA’s strategic planning process. Your thoughtful insights and perspectives have helped shape our future priorities. LEA looks forward to sharing and launching the new strategic plan in February 2027.

International Congress of Principals, Auckland

Education leaders from around the world gathered in Auckland from 13 to 18 September for the International Congress of Principals (ICP) Council Meetings and Convention. Representing Lutheran education were Suzanne Jessen (LEA), Colin Minke (LEVNT), and Terri Taylor (St Michael's Lutheran Primary School). 

A strong focus throughout the event was the importance of cultural inclusiveness and creating school communities where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered to thrive. The convention provided rich opportunities to learn from international colleagues, explore innovative leadership practices, and reflect on the ways schools can strengthen culture and belonging. 

Download the Council and Convention report.

For even more inspiration, download the August edition of the ICP magazine, featuring stories and practical ideas from schools around the world that are building strong cultural inclusiveness and thriving communities. 

LEA Service Award - Nominations

A reminder that the LEA Service Award nomination forms should be submitted as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for processing.

The LEA Service Award recognises more than 20 years of distinguished service to Lutheran education and is presented to those who retire or cease substantial service to Lutheran education. Principals are encouraged to identify eligible staff members and submit nomination forms promptly to ensure there is adequate time for processing.

Thank you for helping us recognise and celebrate the dedicated service of those who have contributed to Lutheran education. For further information and to download the nomination form please visit Awards & Scholarships - Lutheran Education Australia

LASTING IMPACT
Jessica Cronin, Pacific Lutheran College

Jessica Cronin, a driven and determined Year 10 student, has been passionate about community problem solving since Year 7 and continues to advocate for positive change across Queensland and beyond.

Her achievements include being named the 2026 Sunshine Coast Young Achiever of the Year, serving as Youth Ambassador for Stationery Aid, participating in youth forums and presenting her project ideas to a range of community audiences.

Since Year 7, Jessica has participated each year in the Community Problem Solving division of the International Future Problem Solving competition, placing second in her division internationally in 2025. Through these experiences, she has continued to build awareness and support for a cause particularly important to her — the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education.

Through her initiative, 2030 in Focus, Jessica has established free street libraries, collected more than 470 kilograms of school supplies and supported children and families both locally and overseas.

Jessica now regularly engages with councillors, community groups, the Sunshine Coast Mayor and local Members of Parliament, demonstrating how the skills and confidence developed through Community Problem Solving can empower young people to create meaningful and lasting change.

As Youth Ambassador for Stationery Aid, Jessica is also heavily involved in the Wear Fluro Like a Highlighter campaign. Pacific Lutheran College looks forward to supporting the campaign in the coming weeks, and we encourage other schools approached by Jessica to get involved too. 

Transfer Fund reminder

For schools who have chosen to be members of the Lutheran Educators Transfer Fund, please be aware that removalists are quickly booking out for end of year/beginning of new year transfers. If you are appointing staff for 2027 that may need to access the fund, please ensure that you are familiar with the terms and conditions, and get applications in as soon as possible.

The Transfer Fund was established to assist participating Lutheran schools with support in relation to funding the cost of locating or relocating teaching staff. Schools can choose to participate in this program. The policy and information pack are available on the LEA website under Publications and Policies: BLEA funds - Lutheran Education Australia

LEADERSHIP

We warmly welcome Mr Richard Davies (Geelong Lutheran College) and Mrs Frew Halbert (Crossways Lutheran School) as they begin their new leadership roles as principals. We give thanks for their willingness to serve, and pray that they will be richly blessed as they lead their school communities. May their time in Lutheran education be marked by wisdom, courage, strong relationships and a deep sense of God’s presence in their work.

IN MEMORIAM

We give thanks for the life of Jerry Smith, who recently passed away, and honour his 42 years of dedicated service to Lutheran education in Australia, including his leadership and service as a principal in LEVNT. We hold Jerry’s family and friends in our prayers during this time of loss.

“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Why Lutheran schools are church

Thank you to Jane Mueller, Governance Leadership Director at LESNW, for sharing her article, ‘Why Lutheran Schools Are Church’, written for Together magazine. We encourage you to share it with your leadership team and staff as a stimulus for reflection and conversation about the place of Lutheran schools within the life and mission of the church. Download the article.

Christian Studies Project - update

Christian Studies Curriculum Reviews

LEA is thankful to the Lutheran education staff who recently reviewed the draft Christian Studies Curriculum in August and September. The staff included primary or secondary Christian Studies and Curriculum Leaders, Deputy Principals, current and past Principals and Education Leaders. From these reviews, refinements have been made to the draft curriculum by the Christian Studies Writing Group in preparation for pilot schools from term 2 2027. Thank you to the staff who accepted invitations to be part of these reviews.

Christian Studies Curriculum Information Sessions

LEA was excited that a large representation of leaders and principals from many of our schools attended one of three recent Christian Studies Curriculum Information Sessions. Thanks for your interest.

EOI – Pilot schools

It has been affirming to receive many Expressions of Interest (EOI) from schools to become 2027 pilots, with EOI closing on 21 October. We look forward to this next critical phase of the project and as we work towards the Christian Studies Curriculum roll out from 2028.

Please direct any questions to your Regional Office’s Christian Studies contact (Jodi – LEQ, Renee - LESNW, David – LEVNT).

2027 Equip

Some adjustments to the current Equip program will be needed to accommodate the Christian Studies curriculum in 2027. Details will be communicated with Regional Office Equip facilitators as dates for recommencement are known.

• Theme: CALLED TOGETHER: Shared story, many contexts 
• For: Ministry staff in Lutheran schools (eg school pastors, chaplains, other ministry staff) 

Meet the 2027 LEA National Ministry Conference Working Party

The Working Party has been meeting online each month during school terms since February this year, to plan the 2027 LEA National Ministry Conference program. The conference is for ministry staff involved in Lutheran education across Australia, and serving in roles such as chaplaincy, school pastor, pastoral care, or Lutheran identity and formation.

(Above, from left) Holly (LEA), Sue (LEA), Christina (Redeemer Lutheran College, Rochedale), Brenton (LEQ), Joel (Victory, Wodonga), Simone (Luther College), Renata (St Peter's Lutheran College, Indooroopilly), Stuart (LESNW), Wesley (St Martin's Lutheran College, Mt Gambier), Dale (Concordia College, Highgate), Greg (Faith Lutheran College, Redlands), absent: David (LEVNT)

The LEA office will be closed from 18 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 (inclusive). Phones and emails will not be monitored during this time. Please send any urgent requests by COB 17 December 2026. Thank you for your consideration.