Primary Years, Tarneit

Faith and Reassurance in Routine, Relationships and Expectations

As the new school year begins, our Primary Years focus is on creating calm, productive learning environments where students feel they belong. To build this foundation, we prioritise relationships, routines, and expectations.

When I first started teaching, the approach was strict—no smiles until Easter, no first names, and making an example of disruptive students. Thankfully, teaching has evolved into a more relational practice. This doesn’t mean teachers are friends with students, but rather that they are warm, approachable, and caring.

However, relationships alone aren’t enough. Clear expectations and routines are essential. Routines provide structure, help manage time, and reduce decision-making stress. It’s been encouraging to see these being explicitly taught in classrooms to establish strong learning habits. At home, consistent nighttime routines—dinner, bath, book, bed—also set students up for success.

Walking through the school, it’s been great to see expectations for behaviour, learning, and interactions being developed with student input. When students help shape expectations, they take ownership of their learning and are more invested in demonstrating our College values: Grace, Respect, Integrity, and Courage. For new students, this may be a different approach, but it reflects our Christian-based values and makes us unique.

Thank you to parents who attended ‘Meet the Teacher’ sessions last week—building these relationships is key to supporting student learning. As we move through the year, remember that success takes many forms, and learning is a journey, not a fixed outcome. By focusing on these areas, we are laying a strong foundation for student growth.

Maria Denholm

Deputy Principal - Primary

Meet the Primary Years Leaders

During the first Primary Years Assembly of the year, the PY Leaders received their badges. Congratulations to the following students on being appointed to these positions.

Khushi Chand and Mia Pinto - Primary Years Ambassadors

Aishvi Lakhani and Ethan Lui - Armstrong Art and Sport Leaders

Maiya Harben and Lay Patel - Baker Art and Sport Leaders

Anna Qin and Zeal Purohit - Chirnside Art and Sport Leaders

Jaelynn Lodding and Himnish Batish - Hume Art and Sport Leaders

They are looking forward to serving the Primary Years students as part of their roles.

Maria Denholm

Deputy Principal - Primary

Pancakes for Children

On Tuesday 4 March, Shrove Tuesday, all GNLC students will have an opportunity to order, buy and enjoy a pancake as part of fundraising for the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) campaign to help support 75,000 children to receive the essentials of life. 

Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in Christian Churches which finishes on Good Friday, the crucifixion of Jesus. As Christians prepare for the Lenten time, Shrove Tuesday has many customs to do with food. Pancakes are traditionally prepared to use up eggs, flour and fat and therefore the day is often referred to as Pancake Tuesday. 

Using the link below all staff and students can order a pancake. These will be delivered to Primary Years – Tarneit and Mambourin classes in time for recess and available from the Chapel kitchen for Secondary Years students. Cash can be brought in on the day. Orders close Friday 28 February.

Order a pancake for $2:

Walk My Way 

On Sunday 30 March, GNLC will be further supporting ALWS through Walk My Way. We are encouraging students and their families to sign up and walk either 3 or 12 km, once again to raise funds for children in need. See College News articles in this Newsletter to find out more.

Maria Denholm

Deputy Principal - Primary

Upcoming NAPLAN Assessments

In a few weeks, our Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 students will be participating in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN assesses the skills of students across reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. It is the only national assessment that all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake, providing valuable information on student progress.

More detailed information was emailed to the families of Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 students last week.

Please note the scheduled dates for Good News Lutheran College on the timetable below. We appreciate your support in ensuring students are prepared and present on these dates. If you have any questions regarding the NAPLAN schedule, please contact Rebecca Moore or Rizal Ahmad.

Rebecca Moore

PYP Coordinator

Melody Makers Openings for new Prep Students

Unleash Your Musical Potential with Melody Makers!

GNLC is reopening enrolments for Melody Makers, our fun and interactive music tuition program, exclusively for new Prep students!

Instruments available in 2025:

• Electric/Acoustic Guitar
• Vocals
• Piano
• Violin (Tarneit Campus)

More instruments may become available later—join the waiting list to stay updated!

Program details:

• 16 x 35-minute lessons per semester
• $400 per semester (added to tuition fees)
• Small group lessons (max. 4 students)
• Led by professional multi-instrumentalists Mr Jack Simmons & Mr Steve Davies
• Rotational schedule to minimise class disruptions
• ANZCA & AMEB exam preparation available

Students must bring their own instruments. Need advice? Contact us or consider hiring through Music Corp.

📩 Questions? Email: melodymakers@goodnews.vic.edu.au

Register now: http://portal.clipboard.app/goodnews (Sign in with Microsoft)

Places are limited and subject to availability. Acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

We look forward to cultivating your child's musical talents at an early age!

Jack Simmons

Instrumental Music Coordinator