From the Principal

Werte,

Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) has transitioned from its earlier framework, "A Vision for Learners and Learning," to a more holistic and future-focused narrative called "Free to Flourish." This shift reflects a deepening and broadening of LEA’s educational philosophy, grounded in Christian values and responsive to contemporary educational needs. What does this mean for Living Waters? For us it’s a refresh of our common language but not an abandonment of the values of Love, Courage, Endeavour and Service that have defined us for the decade. It is a summary of our action research into best practice in contemporary education. 

Key Aspects of the Transition:

1. Collaborative Review and Development

Between 2021 and 2023, LEA undertook a comprehensive review of its vision. This involved national, regional, and school-based leaders and educators working together to reflect on and reimagine the purpose and practice of Lutheran education. 

2. From Framework to Narrative

While "A Vision for Learners and Learning" provided a structured framework, "Free to Flourish" is described as a story—a narrative that captures the identity, purpose, and aspirations of Lutheran schools and early childhood services. It emphasizes who we are and who we are becoming. 

3. Core Themes of Free to Flourish

"Free to Flourish" is built around four interconnected learner dispositions:

• Adventurous – Embracing curiosity, creativity, and exploration

• Compassionate – Cultivating empathy, justice, and advocacy

• Purposeful – Encouraging identity, agency, and meaningful contribution

• Relational – Valuing interconnectedness and community 

4. Implementation and Immersion

In 2024–2025, twelve focus schools and early childhood services across LEQ, LESNW, and LEVNT began piloting "Free to Flourish." Broader engagement is being supported by regional offices, and immersive experiences are being offered to help educators embody and enact the vision. Living Waters is one of the twelve focus schools, and our research has been on clearly defining who we are and what are our ways of being, and what do we believe about learners and learning? We have created a Matrix that underpins our School Wide Positive Behaviour approach and our deeply held beliefs about teaching and learning. In the matrix below, the dark headings are the vocabulary we explicitly share with our students, and the points underneath are what we agree as a community of learners those statements look like in our context. The matrix brings together four years of work and puts it into one document. 

5. Grounded in Faith and Innovation

The new vision remains deeply rooted in Christian theology, particularly the belief in each person’s God-given worth and potential. At the same time, it encourages innovation, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the evolving educational landscape.

At Living Waters, we believe “Education is not just about the teaching of a what (some particular subject or another); it is also about the growing of a who.” 

Stay tuned for more information about the focus for each cycle of learning this year. 

Blessings,

Lisa 

Devotion

Pastor Ben

This week at worship the Foundations presented on John 13:34. Our simplified version was that Jesus said, “Love everyone just as I love you.” The students had some great actions to go along with this verse. They also did a wonderful job speaking from the microphone in front of the whole school, some of them for the first time. 

So what does it mean to love everyone just as God loves us? We sometimes reduce love to a nice feeling or kind sentiment but it goes beyond this. The Bible teaches us that love is servant-hearted and sacrificial. It puts the needs of others above our own. 

The example Jesus gave was washing feet. In his day this was a lowly task reserved for servants. When I asked the students what some of the worst jobs are around the house, they mentioned cleaning toilets, tubs and cleaning up after animals. Maybe these are similar to foot washing in Jesus’ day!

Shortly before he died Jesus made a point of washing his disciples’ feet to show his love for them and give them an example to follow. One of our foundation students was even brave enough to help me with a reenactment! Jesus teaches us that we should love others by giving up our time, energy, pride and self-interest for their sake. 

He didn’t just command this either. He also lived it. Jesus’ whole life, and especially his death and resurrection, were an act of love for the world. It says in John 15:13, ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ May his love encourage and inspire your own and may we continue to be a community growing in the love of God. 

Prayer Families

At Living Waters, we highlight different families to pray for each week. Praying for people in our community by name shows that we care for them as God does. He knows and loves each of us individually, and when we lift others up in prayer, we recognise their value in His eyes. This strengthens our community by bringing us closer together, reminding us to support and encourage one another.

Week 6

Parker, Pfeiffer, Philip, Porambo, Prasad

Staff: Ms Nicola Venske, Mr Ramzy Ahmadi

Week 7

Puok, Puot Top, Quin, Raj, Ranasinghe

Staff: Mr Harry Armstrong, Mrs Mel Bevan

Week 8

Rangi, Rashid, Richards-Miller, Roy

Staff: Ms Caroline Beven, Mrs Rebekah Clark

Week 9

Salian, Shaiju, Shen-Plesko/McQuern

Staff: Miss Sharreena Delaforce, Mrs Josie Ewin

Important Dates

School Spotlight

Student of the Week

Congrats to Aliana Braun-Butters, Moriah Miso, Aisling Meagher, Gabriella Juarez, Tanina Furber-Bathern, Jake Lawrence, Isaac Edelman, Valentina St Clair, Agastya Singh

Birthdays 

Happy Birthday to the following students & staff:

Damien Shunje, Bianca Abbott, Anne Quin, Mihira Arya, Waylon Bathern, and Mr Shane Jude.

Young Archies Finalists

We're proud of our Living Waters artists who were finalists in the Young Archies - Daniel, Alina, Ruby, Joshua & Thomas. You can check out their great work and the Archibald Prize at Araluen Gallery. 

All student works submitted to the Young Archies (except the finalists) can be seen during the week and at a special weekend viewing during the Sunday Todd Mall Markets at The Residency, 12 Parsons St. 

National Simultaneous Story Time 

This year's book for National Simultaneous Story Time was The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell.

The Truck Cat is a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found.

We had an amazing morning on Wednesday in our multi-age house teams completing challenging activities. 

We also had a visit from our friends at Stanes Transport. Every student got to climb up inside a truck and see how truck drivers live. They even got to toot the horn. Thanks to team Stanes for the real-life experience, and many smiles. 

A huge thank you goes to Miss Mel and her crew for creating such engaging activities.

Children's Charity Network Creatives Visit

This week we had author Harry and illustrator Anne visit some of our classes to showcase their skills and workshop with our students. 

General News

Foundation Mid-Year Entry 2025

We are currently offering a mid-year entry Foundation class in 2025, subject to numbers. 

Registrations for places closes Friday 13th June. Students enrolled in our mid-year entry will complete 6 terms of Foundation.

To register your interest, please call 8950 0700 or email living.waters@ntschools.net

Book Club

ICAS 2025

ICAS 2025 is an Optional Assessment Program. Parents who wish to nominate their Year 2 - 6 child to sit individual ICAS assessments should visit

 https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/TLE734.

Assessments on offer are Digital Technologies, Writing, English, Science, Spelling Bee and Mathematics. Each assessment has a cost involved. 

Nominations close on Monday 28th July, with assessments being held throughout August. Visit ICAS - Leading Academic Competition - ICAS Assessments if you would like more information. If you have any questions, please email living.waters@ntschools.net. 

School Times

School Start and Finish Times (8:20 am – 2:50 pm)

As has been the case for many years, it is an expectation that children arrive at school by 8:15 am at which time teachers collect and take children to class in readiness for roll marking. 

It is vitally important that children arrive at school on time, please. Every minute of learning/classroom organisation is important for each learner. Your assistance in helping us by having your child at school by 8:20 am will be most graciously appreciated. To that end, school commences at 8:20 am sharp, each day. Should your child arrive at school late, then they should present for a late pass, at the office.

Uniforms

Uniform Standards

Parents are reminded of the need to ensure that the wearing of uniforms are in line with the school expectations.

Particularly, we would draw your attention to the following areas:

• Students' hair is to be kept clean, neat and tidy, off the face; of natural appearance, not dyed, tinted or bleached. Hair below the shoulders needs to be tied up at all times.

• Black shoes should be plain, conventional and well-maintained.

• Students may not wear any makeup at any time.

• Girls may wear plain gold or silver studs or sleepers only.

Our students have a responsibility to uphold the ethos of the school, and to show pride in their school by wearing the uniform correctly – both at the school and when in the community. Your support in this regard is greatly appreciated.

Canteen Ordering

If your child is going to be away from school and you have already ordered canteen, please ring or email reception by 8:30am so that your child’s order can be held until they return to school.

The canteen is open all week except for Thursdays.

To order, simply download the School24 app and use School ID: 2513 7963. Orders are due in by 8:20 am each day. 

Please remember that all canteen orders require a bag. Separate bags are needed for first and second break. You can purchase paper or reusable bags through the School24 app when ordering. Please check the 'bags' section of the menu. Students are also welcome to use a lunch bag purchased from elsewhere or brought from home - make sure to clearly label it though. 

Ness in the canteen is always looking for volunteers to help out, particularly on Fridays, but anytime you can give would be much appreciated. To register your interest please email Ness at lwls.canteen@ntschools.net.

2025 Calendar

Student Departure

Families are reminded that in line with our enrolment policy conditions we require a full term's notice of student departures. If you are planning to depart from Living Waters, please let us know by emailing living.waters@ntschools.net as soon as you know. 

SUPA Club

Saver Plus

Could the parents at your school use an extra $500 for education costs? We know that cost of living pressures are continuing to put extra stress on households, with families in particular feeling the effects.

 What is Saver Plus?  Eligibility applies

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about bolstering their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.  

Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 62,000 people to start saving.

It’s helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. And it’s helped set them up for a brighter future. 

 What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education related products or services that:​

• ​Assisting primary / secondary / Tertiary student’s education: 

​

Church News

Facebook Page  

The congregation's Facebook page is now up and running. 

You can check it out by using the QR code or following this link 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557831308251

The purpose of this page is mainly to advertise our services 

and events and share devotional content. 

Please contact Pastor Ben or Liz for more information.  

Vacation Care

Community Calendar

Living Waters Lutheran School

Corner Albrecht Drive & Kramer Street, Larapinta, 0870

P: 08 8950 0700 E: living.waters@ntschools.net

Alice Springs Lutheran Church

49 Gap Road, P: 08 8953 2432

Sunday Service 9.30am

Follow Us on Facebook 

Our Facebook page is regularly updated with information and photos from events at Living Waters. You can follow the page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100024059916012 to see what has been happening around the school.