A message from the Acting ED

The 2025 Australian Conference on Lutheran Education, held in Brisbane from 1–3 October, was a wonderful celebration of faith, learning and leadership. Under the theme Free to Flourish, over 600 educators, leaders, and partners gathered to explore how Lutheran education nurtures learners who are compassionate, purposeful, adventurous and relational.

Keynote speakers such as Rev Dr Sarah Hinlicky Wilson, Hugh van Cuylenburg, and Tod Bolsinger challenged delegates to lead with resilience and grace. And there were exemplary moments - conversations over coffee, the Spring Flourish Gala Dinner, prayers placed on the Free to Flourish tree - where unexpected blessings emerged.

Collegiality was a real focus of ACLE7. Through panel discussions, worship, and the ALWS “Flourishing for All” initiative, delegates were reminded that flourishing is not a solitary pursuit but a shared journey. 

As we return to our communities, may we carry forward the hope and courage to help others flourish, in classrooms, staffrooms, and beyond.

Suzanne Jessen
Acting Executive Director

Celebrating a wonderful ACLE

Artwork (above) by Kirsten Munchenberg (St Peter’s Lutheran College, Indooroopilly) as part of a devotion at ACLE reflecting on Free to Flourish

How exciting to see, hear and learn from staff of our Lutheran education communities who have been engaging with Free to Flourish during ACLE! THANK YOU to the staff who shared their journeys through display boards, presentations, videos or panel conversations.

We have new assets on our website where you will find a new video, style guidelines, the Free to Flourish cards (as a pack and individual), and the individual graphics and icons for each disposition. Additional material to be uploaded in the near future include other videos and the Free to Flourish song (music scores and words).

In November, the Free to Flourish Reference Group meets for a final time to reflect upon and celebrate the journey to date. During this meeting, we will consider and plan for the needs of Lutheran schools and Early Childhood Services as Regional Offices increase their support with Free to Flourish into 2026 and beyond.

Christian Studies Review Update

The Christian Studies Writing Group met in Adelaide mid-October to finalise the Years 10–12 Christian Studies survey, plan the upcoming Year 11–12 Think Tank Day, and continue developing the new Christian Studies curriculum.

Across all strands from Foundation to Year 10, over 140 Inquiry Questions have now been created to align with the Core Concepts — an exciting milestone! These will be reviewed by the Christian Studies Review Team later this month.

Check out the graphic (shared at ACLE). Phase 1 is drafted and Phase 2 is being actioned now. Teachers of Years 10-12 Christian Studies have access to the survey link via Christian Studies Leaders. We look forward to the teacher spotlight on Years 10-12 Christian Studies now, with student voices to be gathered early in 2026.

The Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey

The Australian Principal Occupational, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey, jointly conducted by researchers at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Deakin University, is an independent longitudinal study of health and wellbeing for all Australian school principals, deputies, assistants and vice principals. All Lutheran Principals and senior leaders are highly encouraged to participate in this survey as LEA looks to work more closely with ACU in this space. Your data will help inform this work and guide us to create and provide the most appropriate resources for you. Learn more about participation here. The survey will close at the end of October.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Exploration of AI's impact on schools and learning environments.
• Leadership Development: Strategies and viewpoints for developing effective student leaders.

This issue brings together perspectives from principals and educators around the world, offering a truly global outlook on key educational themes. You can read the latest ICP magazine issue here.

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.

Mercer Support webinar opportunity

Mercer Insurance are offering national webinars to provide support to schools both big and small with the many changing challenges. From feedback received Mercer has identified the top three challenges schools are facing:

• Meeting Legislative requirements
• Attracting and retaining staff
• Cyber security

The first webinar in November will focus on Work Health and Safety legislative requirements and support available (risk assessments, audit support identifying hot spots (traffic management, kitchen set ups etc). There will also be information provided on psychosocial updates and requirements, and a ‘Psychosocial maturity survey’, as well as a Legislation gap analysis tool.

The webinar will likely be recorded for distribution to those who cannot attend. Target audience are Principals, BMOs, WHS officers, HR. Contact lisa.hewitt@mercer.com for more information and to register your interest.