Four refugee camps... to here
Last weekend I attended the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) 75th Anniversary events in Albury Wodonga. This included a Walk My Way at the former Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre. At the end of the 10km loop I was delighted to receive a commemorative medallion made by the students at St Paul’s College Walla Walla NSW. Lutheran schools at Jindera, Henty and Wodonga were also represented on the day.
Millions of Europeans were displaced during and after the Second World War. Some estimates put the number of refugees from Europe at nearly 60 million. Around 10 million of these were Lutherans. When train loads of Lutherans arrived on their doorstep near Albury Wodonga, the Australian Lutheran community responded and ALWS was born.
Welcoming them with open arms. Helping them find their feet.
2025 CSCF Roadmap:
Term 1, 2025 update
We are excited to update you on the progress of work in Term 1 on the revision and redesign of the Christian Studies Curriculum Framework (CSCF).
A Christian Studies Curriculum Design and Writing Group (CSCD&WG) has been building on the foundational, inspired work of the 2024 Reference and Focus Groups. This group is pulling together the work from 2024, ensuring that the new curriculum is biblically grounded, theologically sound, and pedagogically effective.
Elevate: Global Leadership Immersion Program
LEA is about to launch the Elevate: Global Leadership Immersion Program, a two-week international shadowing experience for Lutheran principals. Participants will observe a school leader abroad, gaining insights into global education, leadership, and innovation. Their international counterpart will later visit their school, fostering cross-cultural collaboration. The 2026 destination will be Ontario. Stay tuned for more information coming before the July launch. Contact Suzanne.jessen@lutheran.edu.au for more details.
Welcome, new principals
for 2025
This year, LEA is delighted to welcome a number of principals to their new roles. Some have previously served as principals, and some are new to the role. Some will be familiar, having worked in our schools for some time, and others are new to our education family. LEA Executive Director, Lisa Schmidt, has enjoyed attending installation services wherever possible, and has been blessed to witness the strong sense of support from the Lutheran community of principals. Please join us in welcoming:
- Dr Susan Carter, Prince of Peace Lutheran College, Qld
- Mrs Ruth Ferguson, St John’s Lutheran School, Qld
- Mr Stephen Illingworth, Eastside Lutheran College, Tas
- Mr Brad Moss, Victory Lutheran College, Vic
- Mr Jason Przibilla, Wimmera Lutheran College, Vic
- Mr Darrin Schumacher, Redeemer Lutheran College, Qld
- Mr Geoffrey Strauss, Waikerie Lutheran Primary School, SA
- Mr John Thompson, Immanuel College, SA
We acknowledge the highly valued work of all Lutheran school principals, including those who are acting or interim. We thank you for your service and all that you give to your school communities.
Accreditation: School-based Connect Facilitators
The National Formation Team met in Brisbane in February. We reviewed aspects of Connect to provide some modifications and clarifications to the Connect material. As School-based Connect Facilitators, please plan to attend a Connect Facilitator Training hosted by your Regional Office in 2025 to hear about these adjustments. Please note that you will need to contact your Regional Office’s Connect Facilitator in LEQ, LESNW or LEVNT for access to the workshop materials - including the Session Padlets.
LEA Policy Updates - consultation period extended
The consultation period for feedback on the ‘Spiritual Leadership and Staffing in a Lutheran School’, and ‘New Schools Policy’ has been extended to Wednesday 2 April 2025.
Please click on the button below to access the draft documents and the feedback survey portal.
School Choice Counts -
ISA Campaign
Independent Schools Australia has launched the “School Choice Counts” campaign to advocate for fair funding and support for independent schools. They have developed a suite of resources to inform and equip schools, parents, and the wider community as we head towards a federal election. LEA would like to encourage all Lutheran school leaders to consider the campaign and explore the resources.
ACLE 2025 - Earlybird registration available until 25 July 2025
The programme for ACLE7, to be held in Brisbane across 1-3 October 2025, is almost complete! We expect a draft programme to be released within weeks. In the meantime, the Keynote Speakers have been announced on the ACLE website, and abstract submissions are being reviewed.
Earlybird registrations are now available until 25 July 2025.
Visit the website for more information.
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