Principal's Report

Living Purposefully

To be purposeful is to be calculated, deliberate, determined, persistent, resolute. Each of these definitions or synonyms are strong words!

Applying these words to the way we do things and the way we live, gives a strong message.

One great pleasure of working in a school, is the opportunity to observe students involved in a variety of tasks as they share their passions. These experiences are, for me, a great source of energy and enjoyment. As I meet students in the yard, through their learning and as they reflect, overwhelmingly I see students who are deliberate, determined, persistent and resolute in what they do!

Let me share some recent examples:

The Year 10 Drama production, 143 Monster Avenue, reflecting hours of work, commitment and on-stage presence, timing and fun.
The amazing products displayed in General Reception, that have been created, designed and constructed by the Year 12 Design and Technology and Advanced Manufacturing classes.
Students that recently competed in the Tournament of Minds competition, working collaboratively as groups on projects completely created and organised themselves.
The Drive 19 project completed by Year 9 Language, Literacy and EALD classes, researching and presenting their learning in many creative and engaging ways.
Students excelling in their sporting pursuits, many in SACSA teams, in Community Sport and others umpiring and coaching. The Vista Netball and Badminton teams competed on Tuesday in their Grand Finals.
Endeavour’s Got Talent lunchtime event was an opportunity for students to use their talents to entertain others. Organised by the SAT leaders, many students and staff witnessed magicians, vocalists, dancers, a ukulele player and whistle players, with one student composing their own music.
Centre Stage, an evening of music provided by bands and vocal groups who displayed their high-quality skills and teamwork; a result of many hours of practise and preparation.
Internal Chess finals developing wonderful problem-solving skills
Middle Years Leaders sharing a Devotion at Middle Years Assembly
Year 7 museum of significant people showcasing projects that were shared with an audience of grandparents and friends.
The Pedal Prix teams’ commitment to hours of training and competing over 24 hours in varying weather conditions, with lack of sleep and a determination to improve on previous performances! Many parents also showed dedication and persistence as they supported their children’s passion.
Health and Physical Education Week through a range of events organised by the Sport Leaders and the PE learning area.

As parents and caregivers, sadly you are not always able to witness your children and the broader school community in action, engaged in their learning that they find purposeful. Their deliberate focus on the things they enjoy, their determination and persistence to keep perfecting their work and to achieve their best, is amazing to see. This is Living Purposefully!

Professional Development

Professional learning is an important part of ensuring our staff continue to provide relevant learning opportunities in line with our mission and the future requirements of our students.

On the show day, staff attended a variety of industries and post school learning institutions that our students may access into in the future. Some of the sites we visited included: Tonsley TAFE SA and Flinders University, BAE Systems (Edinburgh Parks), UniSA City West Campus, Lot 14 and the MOD. We are grateful to the institutions that opened their doors to our staff to share their programs with us. In addition, staff new to the College completed required training for teaching in a Lutheran School.

In the afternoon, staff engaged in a variety of Service activities at the following places: West Terrace Cemetery; Lutheran Community Care; Puddlejumpers; Containers of Hope and Helping Hand.

As we complete the term, we wish Daniel Wooldridge a relaxing and refreshing time as he takes Long Service Leave for Term 4. His duties as Year 12 Year Level Leader will be assumed by Lauren Gray, and we welcome teacher Ashley Nott, who will teach his Music and Food Technology classes.

Four students and three staff are travelling to North Sumatra in Indonesia during the school holidays to serve in three Indonesian schools. Students and staff Sandra Barry, Lauren Dutton and Brenton Herne will support the learning of English in a primary, middle and secondary school. They will enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the Lutheran Church in Indonesia, will do some sight- seeing in the region and have a day of fun in Singapore on their return from the tour. We wish them God’s blessing on their work with our Indonesian friends and pray for their safety as they travel.

We also pray God’s blessing on Lisa Schlicker and Jared Hunter who will get married in the holidays.

Just a reminder that further building work is being completed internally in the Mall and other classrooms during the holidays. Whilst this will not directly impact most students, those coming in for Year 12 study reasons should avoid the Mall and enter through General Reception.

I wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Blessings

Heather Vogt

Principal

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; Ecclesiastes 3:12-14