New faces
A new year means many new faces in schools and early childhood services.
I spent part of my recent holidays doing intensive life drawing classes. One whole day was just on eyes, another day was hands and feet. It was a privilege to be allowed to stare at someone’s eyes intensely for 30 minutes in order to draw them. Normally, that would be a very weird thing to do with a stranger.
Across the range of models, I got to see what makes each of us look unique. For example, the shape between the nose and brows (the glabella) is critical. If you get that right, the drawing will look like that particular person; if not, it will look generic-human or sort-of-human. I’ve got a lot more practice to do before I can really capture an individual’s likeness.
Humans have incredible capacity for learning and recognising faces. It is one of the things that binds us in relationships and community. It helps us to see each individual child, colleague and parent as fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139). As you settle into the new year and look into the new faces before you, I pray you find joy in the beautiful differences on the surface and within.
Vale Rev Dr Elmore Leske
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Pastor (Rev Dr) Elmore Leske.
Many of us across Lutheran Education will share happy memories of his contributions to the development of teachers through his work at Lutheran Teachers College.
While we mourn his passing, it is a great blessing to know that his Lord and Saviour has finally called his faithful servant into his loving care.
His funeral will be held at 10:00am on Thursday 27 February at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Flinders St, Adelaide.
Calling LDP Mentors
Our next cohort of the LEA Leadership Development Program are due to commence in semester 2 of this year. We are looking for currently accredited Lutheran leaders to act as mentors for the group. You would need to be available to attend a face-to-face workshop in Adelaide in early July and participate in some online mentor training with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) throughout the 2 years of the program. For more information contact Suzanne.Jessen@lutheran.edu.au or register your interest today.
Growing as Leaders 2025 Release
We are pleased to announce the third series of the Growing as Leaders program has now been released and is receiving enrolments. These live, online sessions are designed for new and emerging leaders to explore the leadership capabilities of Growing Deep. More information on this series can be found here. Series 1, ‘Lutheran Identity’ is available as self-paced modules through ALC iLearn. Series 2, ‘Growing Oneself’ will be available as self-paced modules in early semester two. For further information or to enrol, contact Suzanne.Jessen@lutheran.edu.au.
Accreditation Currency
Our LEA and Regional Formation Leaders encourage leadership teams in Lutheran schools, colleges and early childhood services to plan annual professional learning that assists staff in growing their knowledge and understanding of Lutheran theology and how it applies in educational contexts. The time for these workshops, retreats and professional learning contribute hours towards Accreditation currency for At (Accreditation as a teacher – 5 hours/year), Ac (Accreditation as a teacher of Christian Studies - 5 hours/year) and Al (Accreditation as a leader - 5 hours/year). This professional learning helps accredited staff to maintain their respective levels of Accreditation. For further information, please visit Accreditation programs and Accreditation currency.
LEA Policy Updates
As part of our policy review cycle, three significant and important documents are now available for review. They are the: ‘Spiritual Leadership and Staffing in a Lutheran School Policy’, and ‘New School Development Policy’ with the associated ‘Mission and Lutheran Identity Procedure’. We invite you to provide your feedback and comments. Please click on the button below to access the draft documents and the feedback survey portal.
Transfer Fund Update
The Lutheran Educators Transfer Fund (LETF) has been reviewed and amended. Minor changes were made to reflect an increase in high-cost long-distance and international transfers. The updated policy and information pack are available on the Policies and guidelines page of the LEA website, under BLEA Funds.
2025 LEA Ministry Workshop
Melbourne
30 April, 1 and 2 May 2025
Do you have Ministry staff who need to work towards their Accreditation as Ministry personnel in Lutheran education? The 2025 National Ministry Workshop is fast approaching. It has been designed to support the wide range of ministry personnel in Lutheran schools and Early Childhood Services. Please discuss this with relevant staff. Please note that registrations will close on 2 April 2025. Registrations and further details are available on the flyer.
ACLE 2025
Planning is well underway for the seventh Australian Conference on Lutheran Education (ACLE7)! Important dates to remember:
ACLE7 will be held across 1-3 October 2025 in the Brisbane Convention Centre.
Earlybird registrations are available until April 2025. The deadline for abstract submissions has been extended to 28 February 2025
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