From the Leadership Team

Today, we farewell the Class of 2024 as they complete their formal lessons and turn their focus to final assignments and preparation for exams. Throughout the year, they have experienced many 'lasts,' culminating this week with their final Chapel and today’s final assembly. 

It was a pleasure for staff to serve the students their breakfast as one last thank you for their contributions to the College. 

The Year 12s decorated the Mall with a range of personal and witty images and quotes from staff collected over the years, along with a playlist to set the celebratory mood. 

The morning culminated in Crystal Manning sharing a video she had created featuring six years of memories and moments from the 

Class of 2024 – there was barely a dry eye in the house!

Prior to recess, all students in the College gathered in their Villages one last time with the Class of 2024, to celebrate them and the time they’ve spent together. 

The Village communities are amazing to watch on these mornings as they celebrate, each with their own activities and traditions that remain strong throughout the years. 

Thank you to all staff and students who contributed to the Village activities this morning.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our 2024 College Captains and Student Action Team Captains, Jack, Vinka, Amelia, Crystal and Miles, 

who have demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the year. Their commitment to serving the student body, leading by example, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment has been truly commendable. Their efforts in organising and leading the 

Final Day activities and today’s Final Assembly was a fitting culmination of their hard work and dedication. On behalf of the entire College community, we thank them for their outstanding contribution to student leadership and wish them every success in their future endeavours.

As we look to begin farewelling our Year 12s, 

I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our teachers and staff who have worked tirelessly to support the Class of 2024 throughout their journey, not just in academic preparation but in fostering personal growth, resilience, and leadership. Their guidance has been integral to the success of our students, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment.

I also want to thank you, the parents and caregivers, for the trust you have placed in our College to educate and nurture your children. 

It has been a privilege to be a part of their journey, and we are proud of all they have accomplished. We wish them, and you, every blessing as they step into this exciting next chapter. I look forward to celebrating the successes of the Class of 2024 at our Valedictory Service on Thursday, 21 November.

As the Class of 2024 prepares to leave the College, we are confident they are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and character to thrive in their future endeavours. 

Whether pursuing further study, entering the workforce, or exploring new opportunities, we know they will carry with them the values and lessons learned during their time here.

Following a rigorous selection process involving written applications, interviews, and speeches presented to the entire College, 

we are pleased to announce the appointments to our 2025 Student Executive. 

Congratulations to Emily Becker and Luke Pegoli on their selection as College Captains, and to Noah Berghout, Amelia Knott, and Aiden Young, who have been appointed Student Action Team Captains. 

We are grateful for their willingness to serve our community in these important roles, and we wish them every blessing as they prepare to begin their duties next week. 

To support their transition, the 2025 Student Executive will participate in leadership development opportunities, including working with student leaders from Lutheran Colleges across the state later this term, and attending the Australian Student Leadership Conference early next year, where they will connect with leaders from a range of Adelaide secondary schools.

As we prepare to hand over leadership of the senior year level to the Class of 2025, the application process for the next round of leadership positions begins. During the Year 11 camp in Melbourne last term, all Year 11 students participated in a leadership workshop run by Pastor Chris. 

This provided them with the opportunity to reflect on their own leadership abilities, learn from one another, and consider how they might contribute to the College community.

Applicants for leadership roles will not only showcase the skills they have developed but also share the ways they are already engaged in both our school and their wider communities. We wish all Year 11 applicants the best as they prepare their applications and trust that parents will encourage and support their children during this important process. 

Earlier this week, I also spoke with our Senior Years Care Group Teachers about the encouragement and guidance they can offer to the Year 11s as they step forward.

As we navigate this busy period, both farewelling our senior class and fostering the future of student leadership in the College, it is important to reflect on how we nurture leadership potential in our students. 

Next week on Thursday, 31 October, Year 7, 8, and 10 students will share their reflections on the learning skills and attributes they have developed, as well as the goals they have set for future growth at our Care Group Connection Night. For Year 10 students, this reflection will also include a career they have researched, considering the education and skills required for that pathway.

These student-led discussions provide a significant opportunity not only for reflection but also for developing the ability to advocate for themselves - an essential skill when applying for leadership roles or future job opportunities. Being able to confidently discuss personal strengths, growth, and aspirations is a critical part of interviews and applications. 

By supporting your children in developing these skills, you help equip them for success in whatever paths they choose. We appreciate the ongoing support of our families and look forward to hosting you on Thursday evening as we engage in these important conversations.

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” - attributed to philosopher Seneca

Daniel Wooldridge

Acting Director of Senior Years