A message from the Acting ED
As this year draws to a close, we pause to reflect on the journey we’ve shared. It’s been a year of challenges and triumphs, of learning and growth, not only for our students but for each of us as leaders and educators. You’ve sparked hope and nurtured possibility in countless ways: through lessons taught, care extended, and communities shaped.
And let’s be honest, our calling often brings the unexpected. Some days feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle… in the rain! Yet you’ve met those surprises with grace, creativity, and courage. You’ve turned uncertainty into opportunity and shown that faith and resilience go hand in hand.
Your commitment to Lutheran education is more than a job; it’s a ministry that transforms lives. Thank you for the energy, wisdom, and compassion you bring every day.
As you journey your way into this season of rest, may you find peace in knowing your efforts matter deeply. May joy and renewal fill your days, and may next year’s surprises be slightly less dramatic (but just as rewarding). Together, we look forward to continuing this mission with hope and confidence.
Suzanne Jessen
Acting Executive Director
🎄Christmas Office Closure 🎄
The LEA office will be closed from 20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (inclusive).
Phones and emails will not be monitored during this time. Please send any urgent requests by COB 18 December 2025. Thank you for your consideration.
BLEA & NLT at Trinity Lutheran College
At the final meetings of the year, the Board for Lutheran Education Australia (BLEA) and the National Leadership Team (NLT) gathered at Trinity Lutheran College in Mildura. We were warmly hosted by Principal Lisa Robinson and the dedicated team at the college. A highlight of the visit was participating in the student-led
Junior School chapel, where we witnessed the love of God in action. Our Lutheran schools truly are a gift, and our hearts were full after spending time in this special learning community.
LEA is on the move...
In late November, LEA, together with the Churchwide Office, relocated to our new premises at 139 Frome St, Adelaide CBD. This modern location offers excellent onsite meeting and function rooms, as well as a more collaborative, open-plan working environment.
During this transition, there may be some temporary interruptions as we set up our physical and IT systems. However, you can continue to reach us through our usual contact channels.
Senior School Think Tank Day at LEQ
What a day! We had an energised and passionate group of Senior School Christian Studies teachers and leaders from the Lutheran system networking in November.
During the day, we celebrated what’s working well, reviewed survey results from all regions, reflected on Christian Studies experiences and options for Years 10-12 across all Australian states, considered the voices of our learners, engaged in blue sky thinking, and came to a consensus for a Christian Studies vision in Lutheran education. The teachers who attended highly valued networking with like-minded colleagues.
We are thankful to the staff who attended and the schools for releasing these people to meet in person at LEQ.
Update on 2026 Christian Studies Curriculum Writing
Pictured L-R: Renee Wehner (LESNW), Jodi Blackwell (LEQ), David Spike (LEVNT), Sue Kupke (LEA), Andrea Muller (IGE).
The Christian Studies Curriculum Design and Writing Group continues to shape a refreshed and future-focused Christian Studies curriculum. Throughout 2025, the Design and Writing Group met for eight 3-day writing blocks across all regions. The development of the curriculum is now at the stage that it requires extended blocks of time. These will provide a focused, immersive environment that supports deep thinking, collaboration and sustained productivity.
The CS Curriculum Design and Writing Group has scheduled a number of intensive writing blocks in 2026. In February, the Design and Writing Group will travel to New Zealand for the first intensive writing block.
This model will ensure the most effective use of our collective time, travel and financial resources. Additionally, it provides opportunity for national and regional leaders, and for our New Zealand-based international consultant Andrea Muller, to dedicate focused time on the development of the curriculum.
We look forward to sharing further updates as the Christian Studies curriculum development progresses in 2026.
Lutheran Education & Services Network
The Lutheran Education and Services Network (LESN) is represented by International Mission, Australian Lutheran World Service, Lutheran Care, Aged Care & Community Services, Lutheran Disability Services, Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA and Lutheran Education Australia. We meet to explore current and future opportunities to partner with Lutheran schools and early childhood services. Our 2025 meetings focused on understanding core Lutheran education documents such as Growing Deep and Free to Flourish. After mapping links to the Australian Curriculum and engaging in unit planning with the Empathy to Impact framework through Inspire Citizens, our organisations are keen to partner and cultivate learners who are compassionate, relational, purposeful and adventurous.
On Wednesday 19 November at a middle level leaders workshop, we shared a flyer that outlines opportunities for partnerships with the LESN. This was a valuable time of networking, learning, questioning and conversation for all in attendance.
By partnering with Lutheran service organisations, schools and early childhood services can enhance student learning, support staff development and positively impact communities through practical, meaningful initiatives so that student learning leaves the classroom and makes a difference in communities. If you are interested in more information or receiving a copy of the handout, please contact Sue Kupke (lea@lutheran.edu.au), or Andrew Bradtke (andrew.bradtke@lesnw.edu.au). We look forward to growing our partnerships and connections with schools and early childhood services into 2026.
Free to Flourish
The Free to Flourish Reference Group and Regional Office teams enjoyed two fantastic days of collaboration, planning, and visioning for the next phase of Free to Flourish across Lutheran Education. We met at Immanuel Lutheran College (Maroochydore) to reflect on the story so far — celebrating strengths, exploring future opportunities, and identifying aspirations and potential challenges ahead.
Regional Office representatives then reconvened at Living Faith (Murrumba Downs) with Louka Parry, who began this journey with Lutheran Education in 2021. Together, we built on the previous day’s work. We shaped a shared plan and purpose for the next chapter of implementing Free to Flourish in Lutheran education.
Free to Flourish IS the new vision for learning in Lutheran education. It gives a common language for our system and is one piece of Growing Deep. Moving forwards into 2026, please continue to engage with your Regional Office leaders as we seek to raise awareness, adopt and adapt – so that together Free to Flourish is known and lived by all people in the Lutheran education.
2026 International Confederation of Principals Conference
We are delighted to invite you to represent Lutheran Education Australia as part of a special delegation at the upcoming International Confederation of Principals Convention 2026, taking place in September next year in New Zealand.
This prestigious event offers a unique opportunity to:
- Engage in meaningful dialogue with school leaders from around the world
- Explore innovative approaches to educational leadership and school management
- Champion the values and mission of Lutheran education on an international stage
- Build lasting professional relationships and networks
As leaders in Lutheran schools, your insights and expertise are vital to shaping the future of our communities. Participating in this delegation will allow you to contribute to global conversations, learn from diverse perspectives, and strengthen our collective voice in education.
Places for our delegation are limited and early bird spots are filling quickly. Please contact Suzanne.jessen@lutheran.edu.au as soon as possible to register your interest. We encourage principals from all regions and backgrounds to consider this invitation, your participation will enrich our shared experience.
Let’s come together to celebrate and advance Lutheran education on the world stage. We look forward to your expressions of interest and to making a strong, positive impact as a united delegation.
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