JUNE 2026

Anchored in Faith. Leading with Heart.

It was wonderful to attend the Lutheran Principals Australia (LPA) conference in Melbourne last week. Thanks to LPA for creating such a rich program of learning, spiritual reflection and connection.

The theme Anchored in Faith. Leading with Heart. stayed with me throughout the conference. It speaks so clearly to the calling we share in Lutheran education. To be anchored in faith is to remember that our leadership begins not with our own capacity or certainty, but with the faithfulness of God. In the middle of change, challenge and responsibility, Christ remains our sure foundation.

The second part of the theme is just as important. To lead with heart is to lead in the way of Jesus with compassion, courage, presence and grace. In our schools, leadership is always about people. It is about walking alongside students as they grow, supporting staff in both joy and pressure, and building communities where families know they are seen, valued and cared for.

What I appreciated most about the LPA conference was the opportunity to pause, reflect and be encouraged alongside others who share this vocation. The program offered rich learning, but also something more a reminder that we are part of a wider community of leaders seeking to serve faithfully and lead well. There was real encouragement in gathering together, praying together and being reminded again of the purpose at the heart of our work.

As we reflect on the conference, I am reminded that faithful leadership is not only about what we do, but about who we are becoming. When we remain anchored in Christ and open-hearted in our leadership, we create spaces of stability, hope and grace for others. That feels like a timely encouragement for all of us as we continue to lead, serve and care within our school communities.

Leadership Update

APPOINTMENTS

Head of Campus

• Helen Jamieson St Peters Lutheran College, Springfield Qld

Principals

• Richard Davies, Geelong Lutheran College, Geelong Vic
• Michelle Kearney, Good Shepherd Lutheran College, Hamilton Vic
• Tyson Kenny, Faith Lutheran College, Plainland Qld
• Shane Jurecky, Encounter Lutheran College, Victor Harbor SA (from the start of next term)
• Leila Mattner, Waikerie Lutheran Primary School SA (from the start of next term)
• Craig Brown, LORDS (Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School) Pimpama, Qld (from the start of next semester).

Acting Principals

• James Heyne, St Pauls Lutheran Primary School, SA (from the start of next term)
• Sharon Kotzur, St John’s Lutheran Primary School, Portland Vic (for the remainder of this year)
• Juanita Eime, Peace Lutheran College, Cairns Qld (until the end of the year)
• Tsae Wong, Geelong Lutheran College, Vic (for term three).

We give thanks for their willingness to serve in these important leadership roles and pray that God will bless them with wisdom, courage and grace as they begin this new chapter. Each appointment reflects a deep commitment to Lutheran education and to nurturing school communities where students, staff and families can flourish.

RETIREMENTS

• Sue Ellis (Geelong Lutheran College, Vic)
• Tara Pritchard (St Johns Lutheran Primary School, Portland Vic)
• David Radke (Grace Lutheran College, Qld)

Sue, Tara and David will be retiring at the end of this semester. We give thanks for their years of dedicated service to Lutheran education, and for the wisdom, care and leadership they have brought to their school communities over many years. Their contribution as teachers and leaders has shaped the lives of countless students, supported colleagues, and strengthened the communities they have served. As they move into this next season, we extend our warmest thanks and every blessing for a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.

Bronwyn Dolling (Pacific Lutheran College, Qld) and Anton Prinsloo
(Concordia Lutheran College, Qld) will also be retiring at the end of the year. We will have another opportunity to give thanks for their leadership towards the end of 2026.

SCHOOLS RECRUITING FOR PRINCIPALS

We ask that you keep these communities in your thoughts and prayers:

• Immanuel Lutheran Primary School, Gawler SA
• Maitland Lutheran School, SA
• Grace Lutheran College, Qld
• Peace Lutheran College, Cairns Qld
• Pacific Lutheran College, Caloundra Qld
• Concordia Lutheran College, Toowoomba Qld.

Growing Deep and Free to Flourish

In mid-August, LEA staff and regional representatives will gather in Adelaide to further shape our work in Growing Deep and Free to Flourish. The workshop will help us build shared language, a shared story and a practical pathway for implementation across LEA nationally and regions locally. 

By the end of the gathering, we hope to: 

• clarify how Growing Deep and Free to Flourish connect in practice
• develop shared, clear and compelling messaging.
• clarify the future role of the Free to Flourish Reference Group
• agree on a realistic 12–24 month implementation approach for Free to Flourish. 

A guiding question for the workshop will be: How does Free to Flourish sit within and alongside Growing Deep in a way that is clear, compelling and practical for our schools and early childhood services? We will update learning communities on the progress of this work towards the end of this year. 

Update from Independent Schools Australia (ISA)

New national research released in late May suggests many families are doing all they can to keep their children in Independent schools, even as household budgets come under pressure. The study, carried out by Insightfully for Independent Schools Australia (ISA), found that cost of living is the biggest concern for families, with 66 per cent naming it as the top issue they want government to address. It also found that three in four families (75 per cent) have adjusted their spending in the past year to stay at their chosen school. Nearly 60 per cent have been putting money aside for school fees for three years or more, and one in five receive help from extended family. ISA CEO Graham Catt said the findings challenge the common perception that Independent school families are all financially comfortable. Download the 2026 ISA Snaphot. 

Applications open!

The Elevate: Global Leadership Immersion Program, a two-week international shadowing experience for Lutheran principals and deputies, is now open for applications for travel in 2027. Participants will observe a school leader abroad, gaining insights into global education, leadership, and innovation. Their international counterpart will also visit your school, fostering cross-cultural collaboration. The 2027 destination is Ontario, Canada. Further information, including details on how to apply, can be found in our information pack. Download the pack.

Christian Studies Curriculum Project

Thank you principals, deputies, heads of schools and other school leadership staff for supporting our recent Christian Studies Leaders’ Days. The Christian Studies Writing Group were very pleased to have over 70 Christian Studies and/or Curriculum Leaders attend workshops in Melbourne, Adelaide or Brisbane. Read more (including about pilot applications) ...

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Introduction to Ministry in Lutheran Education