Principal

As we spend time occasionally reflecting and giving thanks for all of those who came before us, this year it’s certainly time to put them in the spotlight as we celebrate 25 years of us.  We have some special events planned to celebrate our 25th year of operation. I look forward to welcoming all members of our community, past and present, to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of Good News Lutheran College. We’re very excited as our upcoming events provide each individual student the opportunity to not only make their own mark by their involvement in our planned celebrations and activities, but for students to know that they can make a difference to the world just as our foundation members, all those years ago.

In January 1997 Good News Lutheran College opened with 27 foundation students. In my discussions with several individuals who started the planning process 5 years prior, they had a genuine calling, a selfless drive to create an opportunity for the younger generations in a rapidly growing community. It was initially members from surrounding churches, with many having no prior involvement whatsoever in establishing a school, but none of them could ever have envisaged the growth and success that would follow. That initial period in our history was very complex; there was no manual for anyone to refer to, no checklists, it was all trial and error. Our enrolment and marketing drive caused some confusion with the locals, we were unknown with no reputation, some even asking for clothing and dry food donations from us. It was a team effort convincing parents to send their children to a brand-new school, writing curriculum, policies and procedures, colour selections for uniforms and of course, hiring talented teachers who had to work in demountable classrooms without hot running water to even wash a coffee cup. I’m not sure how long we could survive! Yet, it’s the generosity, faith, and determination of individuals in those foundation years who every weekend, at minimum, were making it happen with all their family members in tow, pitching in to enable the initial dream to become a reality. From fundraisers, car boot sales, planting trees, providing morning teas to those onsite, donating their time and expecting nothing in return. It’s these kinds of qualities I know our teachers are instilling in our students for their time at Good News and beyond. 

In subsequent years, the College has grown and thrived, and now here we are in 2022, 25 years later officially opening our new junior school development. It certainly highlights the progress in not only architectural and building capabilities but how far the College has blossomed with 1268 students as of this week. We certainly feel blessed and so proud of our college and the flourishing community we have become, as we believe our greatest strength is our people. We have a wonderful College Board, a dedicated Senior Leadership Team and extraordinary staff who continue to reach for the stars and further their skills whilst giving their students the support, opportunities and guidance allowing your child’s individual potential to shine bright. This approach encourages students to adopt a growth mindset which enables them to believe in themselves and work hard to achieve great things. 

An exciting night out to mark down in your calendar is the evening of Saturday 10 September 2022, as it’s our official Good News Jubilee Ball. We look forward to seeing you there, so please keep an eye out as we will be providing more details on how you can access tickets.