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10 October 2013 No. 17

Welcome to Term 4

Be Transformed! ACLE 4 has been and gone – at least for another four years. In 2017 there will be another opportunity to gather, this time in Adelaide, to celebrate Lutheran Education in Australia and what it means to be a part of this system. The fourth ACLE conference in Brisbane from September 30 to October 2, (previous conferences were held on the Gold Coast, in Adelaide and in Melbourne) had, as its theme, Wise Up! Transforming Mind, Body and Heart in Lutheran Education. The three days of the conference were filled with uplifting worship opportunities, stimulating key note addresses and a vast array of elective workshops, covering a diversity of topics for those in education, governance, finance and administration. In addition (and this was probably my favourite activity!) the conference provided a number of social activities and refreshment breaks when attendees could re-new acquaintances and catch up with colleagues from around Australia and beyond. There were a number of conference highlights for me but here I want to make mention of just one that I feel encapsulated the theme of the conference and spoke strongly to all of us who work in Lutheran schools. The newly appointed Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia, Rev John Henderson, led the Opening Worship and was present throughout the conference. Here are a few excerpts from his opening address. You might like to spend some time in your schools unpacking just what some of these statements mean in terms of the daily life of a school and how the dialogue between theology and education is central in the transformation process. Martin Luther once said, “… what I value, I believe to be right.” If we do not know what is right, and what we value, then we should not be in the business of influencing the minds, bodies and heart of young human beings. St Paul writes from the viewpoint of transformation. We are not, primarily, in the business of buildings, facilities, grants, curricula and systems. They are just tools. Christian educators offer so much more – their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

Please ensure that this publication is forwarded on to all staff and school councillors

LESER Networks can also be found on our website http://www.leser.lutheran.edu.au/publications/newsletter/

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The most important component in a Lutheran school, therefore, is the living people – flesh and blood – who inhabit it: you, your students, their families, fellow teachers, the maintenance person, the receptionist, the IT guy, the delivery person, and yes, even the principal. Real, living, loved, regular transformed human beings. Transformation invites you to be fully present to God and each other as you “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1-2) Wise Up! God is transforming your mind, body and heart. That’s what you are here to explore. You don’t know what adventure it will lead you on. Independence of mind, losing the shackles of conformity, and a transformed heart can have unintended consequences. Are you Lutheran educators ready for that? I trust ACLE 4 has provided a stimulus for some exciting transformation – in mind, body and heart!

Liz Pietsch

Education Officer liz.pietsch@leser.lutheran.edu.au

Retreat for school leaders The Campion Experience

Retreat 2 – 2013 12 – 14 November

A time of spiritual nourishment and encouragement for the task of spiritual leadership We pray that participants will benefit from this time of professional development in one of the most

critical areas of leadership for a Lutheran school. Registration forms can be found at

http://www.leser.lutheran.edu.au/publications/ Neville Grieger

Assistant Director neville.grieger@leser.lutheran.edu.au

Principals’ and Business Managers’ Day

Friday 15 November Quality Hotel, 265 Mickleham Road, Tullamarine

9.00am – 4.00pm

Guest Speakers: Michelle Green: Chief Executive, Independent Schools Victoria Ellen Young: Manager, Victorian Registration & Qualifications

Authority Schools Unit Jonathon Krause: Communications Manager, Australian Lutheran

World Service It is assumed that you will be in attendance on this day.

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From the Director… Welcome to Term 4, the beginning of the end of the school year. We wish school communities every blessing during this often hectic time where staff are not only frantically planning activities for the end of school year but also starting to cast one eye to the beginning of the next. As we are now entering the period of valedictory and end of year services, the LESER staff will make a concerted effort to attend all services. Attending these important events is a terrific way to connect to school communities, reaffirming the service of the staff and celebrating the achievements of the school community. ACLE 4 ACLE 4 was a wonderful celebration of Lutheran Education. The general attendance was excellent with around 980 registrations (an ACLE record) and the content was at times quite uplifting with keynote addresses from the President of Lutheran World Federation, Bishop Younan and Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia, Bishop Henderson inspiring the audience with their message of the transformative power of the Gospel. The conference certainly had an energizing ambience, with the powerful combination of rich learning experiences and vibrant collegiality evident throughout the three days. Many thanks to those staff members from the South East Region who attended the conference and contributed to this wonderful celebration. Overall the conference was an outstanding success and Lutheran Education Queensland staff are to be commended for the highly professional way the conference was organised. Lakeside Announcement We are excited to announce that David Spike has been appointed as principal of Lakeside Lutheran College. David is currently Assistant Principal of Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School, Croydon and previously served as School Pastor at Luther College. David has a Bachelor of Theology, Graduate Diploma in Ministry and a Graduate Diploma in Education. David has had a rich career as a spiritual leader and highly competent school leader and administrator. We wish David every blessing as he takes up this position for the 2014 school year. Welcome to the Region This term we welcome two interim principals into the region. Stephen McGrath will be taking the lead at Trinity Lutheran College, Mildura while Andrew Leske is on sick leave (and recovering extremely well). Stephen has been a past deputy principal of St Andrews Lutheran College, Tallebudgera, Queensland. We also welcome Brian Allen to Nhill Lutheran School. Brian is part of the Principals First consultancy team (who specialise in principal appraisal and wellbeing) and has previously been principal of Great Ryrie Primary School, Heathmont and Carrington Primary School, Knoxfield. We warmly welcome both Stephen and Brian to their respective schools and thank them for their willingness to serve these school communities. Geelong Lutheran College Year 12 Approval Congratulations go to the Geelong Lutheran College community on the exciting news that final approval has been given by VRQA for approval to go to Year 12. This approval is the culmination of many years of hard work by principal, Garry Jewson, the school leadership team and college council. This approval is a critical step along the road of what has been a demanding yet incredibly exciting journey of expansion. We wish the college community every blessing as they celebrate this wonderful achievement. Premier to Visit Tarrington Lutheran School Tarrington Lutheran School has scored quite a coup, with the Premier, Dennis Napthine confirming his attendance at the opening of their new classroom block on October 18th. Mr Napthine’s children attended the school during a period of time and he has previously spoken positively about his

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relationship with Lutheran schools in the media. As I will also attend the opening, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to connect with the premier to raise awareness of the wonderful way Lutheran schools and Early Childhood Centres serve their communities in Victoria. Hub Conferences During the past months we have been having discussions at the Secretariat about proposed regional conference formats for 2014. We are aware the last conference held in the region was in 2010 and it has been commented at Principal Hub Meetings that the practical difficulties involved in bringing staff into a conference in Melbourne are significant. With this in mind we would like to consider the concept of arranging three one day Hub Conferences. These conferences would be located in a school within the hub area which would be accessible to schools within this particular area. Accessibility would be critical as the focus would be on ensuring as many staff (teaching and non-teaching) could attend. While the format and content could certainly have a local context, we feel a spiritual theme which in part focuses in on the essence of Lutheran education could be a theme which would have relevance to all staff. At present we are liaising with Hub Group Principals to confirm dates and venues.

Trinity Lutheran College, Qld Please find attached communication from Lutheran Education Queensland. Ann Mitchell will continue on as Chair of Lutheran Education Australia.

Paul Weinert Director

paul.weinert@leser.lutheran.edu.au

Western Hub Meeting Monday 14 October

Tarrington Lutheran School

Riverina Hub Meeting Tuesday 29 October

St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School, Henty

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PATHWAYS: Vocational Date: Tuesday, November 19 Venue: Holy Cross Conference and Retreat Centre

207 Serpells Road Templestowe

Facilitator: Neville Grieger If you have a staff member who has completed Pathways: spiritual and Pathways: theological then please invite them to attend this day-long workshop in order to complete accreditation as a teacher in a Lutheran school. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. (no cost to schools). More details will be provided on registration. Please RSVP to liz.pietsch@leser.lutheran.edu.au Phone: 9236 1271

Attention LEXICON Data Base Administrators Early Reminder – END OF YEAR STAFF CHANGES

We wish to thank you for your efforts this year in assisting us with this important task. It is vital that the information provided from LEXiCON is the most up-to-date.

DATA ENTERED BY MID – JANUARY 2014 WILL BE USED TO PRODUCE THE LESER SCHOOL DIRECTORY 2014

Recording of Pathways training in LExICON During the year it is likely that you have delivered the Pathways program – Pathways Spiritual and/or Pathways Theological. Could you please now ensure that this information is entered into the LExICON database? If you encounter difficulties with the database please contact me immediately so that I can work with the person who enters the data. My aim is to have accurate, up-to-date accreditation information entered for all staff in schools by December 1, 2013. This will assist my planning for 2014. Thank you.

Liz Pietsch Education Officer

liz.pietsch@leser.lutheran.edu.au PH: 03 9236 1271

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LESER Calendar Dates – 2013

ISV Professional Learning Independent Schools Victoria provide some excellent professional development seminars and can be found by clicking on the below link: http://www.is.vic.edu.au/services/professional-learning/calendar/index.shtml

CLE Meeting 10 October Good News Lutheran College, Tarneit

Equip Module 10 – Melbourne 11 October Quality Hotel Melbourne Airport

Western Principals’ Hub Meeting 14 October Tarrington Lutheran School

Equip Module 10 – Riverina 18 October Lutheran Primary School, Wagga Wagga

Riverina Principals’ Hub Meeting 29 October St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School, Henty

Melbourne Cup Day 5 November

College Of Directors 11 -12 November LESER – Box Hill

LESER Leaders Retreat 12 – 14 November

Campion Centre, Kew

LESER Principals’ & Business Managers’ Day

15 November Quality Hotel Melbourne Airport

Pathways: Vocational 19 November Holy Cross Conference & Retreat Centre, Templestowe

LESER Staff training days (Office Closed) 21 – 22 November

CLE Meeting 28 November TBC

LESER Planning Day (Office Closed) 29 November

LESER Office Closes 20 December

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LEA News for school leaders: 9 October 2013

From the LEA Executive Director [Stephen Rudolph]

LWF Welcoming the stranger

Earlier this year, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President, Bishop Dr Munib Younan, endorsed a LWF historic code of conduct declaration that calls for faith leaders, faith based organisations and communities to enhance efforts to embrace and support millions of refugees, internally displaced and stateless people and to stand against xenophobia. The LEA Assistant Directors, Anne Dohnt and Shane Paterson, read this LWF statement, Welcoming the stranger, at the LEA introductory words at ACLE4 in Brisbane last week. This statement’s reading was encouraged by Rev John Henderson, LCA bishop, and is included in this edition of LEA News so all Lutheran ECEs and schools can refer to it and use it wherever necessary. It has also been included on the LEA website. Click here to view.

ACLE 4 appreciation

While there were words and gifts of thanks expressed during and at the conclusion of ACLE4 to the Organising Committee and particularly to Sue Kloeden, Anthony Mueller and the LEQ team, I wish to express the deep appreciation of the LCA and LEA to all who organised, attended and involved themselves in such a successful and engaging conference. May God bless your service now and into the future. Thank you.

LWF President Younan lauds Australian Lutheran Church schools

BRISBANE, Australia/GENEVA, 2 October 2013 (LWI) - Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, President of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), has told Lutheran educators from across Australia that education can act as an instrument for peace and understanding among diverse communities.

“Education gives us the tools to transform the world,” Younan told 1,000 delegates at the Australian Conference on Lutheran Education (ACLE) on 30 September in Brisbane.

Click here to read more

ABC Qld interview with ALCE elective presenters

Rev Dr Mark Worthing and Dr Juhani Tuovinen co presented an ACLE elective titled World’s best education and its Lutheran origins: A fresh look at the theological foundations of the Finnish education system. Steve Austin of ABC Qld radio followed up aspects of their presentation in an interview. Listen to the ABC radio interview by Steve Austin

ACLE4 follow up

An end of year publication of ACLE4 reflections will be prepared and sent to all Lutheran early learning education centres, schools and colleges, as well as to LCA district and national offices. While this will provide a grand pictorial ACLE4 summary, Rev Dr Mark Worthing (ALITE) will also be providing a written summary of ACLE4 with recommendations for future considerations. In anticipation, we wish to thank the numerous Lutheran school writers who will be contributing to this publication.

ACLE5 planning

At the final ACLE4 worship and conference conclusion, the ACLE candle was handed from Sue Kloeden (LEQ Director) to John Proeve (LSA Director) as a symbol of ACLE4 (2013 – Brisbane) to ACLE5 (2017 – Adelaide). While ACLE is an LEA responsibility, it would not happen without one of the three school regions taking on a significant organisational load. In 2014 it is likely that LEA and LSA will form an ACLE5 orgnaising committee. While details of all state and territory 2017 holiday dates are not yet available, past experience informs us that ACLE5 is most likely to again be set for the 2017 September / October holidays – similar to this year. The ACLE5 organising committee will inform Lutheran early learning Education centres, schools and colleges as soon as further details come to hand.

Connect with your federal member

Whilst LEA has written to Mr Abbott and Mr Pyne, it is requested that all ACE directors and Lutheran school principals please write, if you haven’t already done so, to your local federal member for your electorate, congratulating them on their recent electoral success. Please also express your commitment to working with them over the next three years and even plan to invite them to your early learning education centre, school or college, to attend a 2013 closing service, a 2013 valedictory / graduation service, a P&F meeting or some other school event or activity.

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An early relationship building visit is an excellent investment in progressing your local needs as well as promoting Lutheran education across Australia.

Exploring future leadership in Lutheran schools survey

Next Monday, 14 October, all Lutheran early childhood education centres, schools and colleges will receive an LEA request inviting all teachers, directors and principals in all Australian Lutheran ECEs, schools and colleges to participate in a survey titled Exploring future leadership in Lutheran schools. Rev Dr Philip Hughes (Christian Research Association), with the support of Rev Dr Mark Worthing (ALITE) and LEA staff, has developed this survey which aims to explore with teachers their possible interest in positions of leadership and, with current leaders, their experience of leadership. All principals are requested to positively encourage your teaching staff to participate as well as to complete the survey yourselves. A final report will be presented by Philip Hughes to BLEA in February 2014 when the Board, CoD and additional LEA and regional staff meet for an annual workshop.

Lutheran Education Association (LEA) Convocation (USA)

Later this month, a group of Australian Lutheran education leaders will be attending the LEA convocation (USA) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The 2013 Convocation has the theme rise and Shine and approximately 3000 participants are expected to attend. At ACLE4, Jon Laabs and Rich Fischer were our USA guests, with Jon presenting an ACLE4 elective titled The changing landscape of Lutheran education in the USA. At the LEA convocation Steve Rudolph will be presenting Social Justice and service learning in Australian Lutheran schools at the international forum which is held prior to the Convocation. At the Convocation, the following Australian attendees will form part of the LEA session titled Lutheran schools in Australia – a snapshot.

Stephen Rudolph (LEA Executive Director)

Shane Paterson (LEA Assistant Director: Leadership)

Simon Hughes (Principal, Good News Lutheran College, Werribee Vic)

Jenni Krenski (Principal, Redeemer Lutheran College, Biloela Qld)

David Field (Principal, Maitland Lutheran School, Maitland SA) LEA acknowledges LPA and the regions in their support to these leaders.

ALC graduates

A reminder to principals that thirty four teaching graduates who have completed the

Lutheran Strand will graduate from Australian Lutheran College with a Vocational Certificate this year (19 in SA, 10 in Qld, 5 in Vic). As these graduates have completed units with ALC as part of their BEd, they can be ‘fast-tracked’ through the accreditation process. Principals looking to appoint a graduate can access the list at: http://www.lutheran.edu.au/school-professionals/teaching-in-a-lutheran-school/alc-graduates-2013/ Graduate CVs are available from the LEA national office lea@lutheran.edu.au.

LEA Service Awards

Schools are strongly encouraged to nominate staff who will retire this year for an LEA

Service Award. Eligible staff will have served in Lutheran schools for 20 years or more. The nomination form and further information is available on the LEA website at http://www.lutheran.edu.au/assets/Uploads/pr/policies/Awards%20Scholarships/ServiceAward.pdf

From the LEA Assistant Director: Leadership [Shane Paterson]

Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships currently available:

Irene Scholarship: The next round of the Irene scholarship is now open to educators in

Lutheran schools. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator in our system to pursue stimulating spiritual and professional growth across a range of areas. Key areas of focus for this scholarship include peace promotion in Lutheran schools and spiritual formation. Full details and application form are available at http://www.lutheran.edu.au/school-professionals/scholarships-and-awards-for-staff/ You are asked to encourage staff members to apply for this wonderful opportunity. Applications close 1

st November

Teachers on Net / LEA scholarship: As advertised at the LPA meeting, applications are

now being called for this scholarship of $2000 for a principal in a rural / remote school in each region. Further information can be found at http://www.lutheran.edu.au/assets/Uploads/pr/general/Scholarships%20and%20awards/TONScholarship%20October%202014%20-%20Final.pdf Applications close on 1

st November.

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Leadership Development Program (LDP)

What does a ‘theology of the cross’ leader look like? This was the intriguing and deep question posed by the ALC staff in their second workshop for the LDP unit, ‘Education and Theology in Dialogue’. These workshops have been stimulating and the discussions in each of the three regions has been rich and insightful. If you have LDP participants in your school, take the time to discuss this unit with them.

From the LEA Business Manager [Stephen Kroker] LEA levies 2014 LEA levies for 2014 were approved by the Board when it met in Brisbane last week as follows:

2014 Proposed 2013

National Office Levy $34.25 $33.25

Safe School Liability Fund $0.75 0.50

Sick Leave Emergency Fund $8.00 $12.00

Transfer Fund $4.00 $6.25

$47.00

$52.00

2013 AGSRC supplementation information [26 September 2013]

LEA was recently advised by DEEWR that the Governor-General has signed the Schools Assistance Amendment (2013 Measures No. 1) Regulation 2013 providing for supplementation of recurrent, capital and targeted funding under the Schools Assistance Act 2008. This Regulation will come into effect the day after it is registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (FRLI): www.comlaw.gov.au/Browse/ByTitle/LegislativeInstruments/. The Regulation will provide for the following amounts:

2013

Primary AGSRC amount $10,411 an increase of 3.5 per cent over 2012

Secondary AGSRC amount $13,032 an increase of 4.7 per cent over 2012

Indigenous Supplementary Assistance – Primary non-remote amount

$2,073

Indigenous Supplementary Assistance – Primary remote and very remote amount

$4,986

Indigenous Supplementary Assistance – Secondary non-remote amount

$2,916

Indigenous Supplementary Assistance – Secondary remote and very remote amount

$5,700

Capital expenditure supplementation number 1.000 This provides an unchanged total of $133,827,000 for capital expenditure.

Literacy, numeracy and special learning needs – guarantee amount

$315,817

Targeted expenditure supplementation number 1.032

Overall, the financial impact of the Regulation results in estimated additional funding of $315.1 million to non-government schools for the 2013 calendar year.

LEA Canberra connections

Have your say on initial teacher education [26

September 2013]

What attributes are essential for those starting out on the journey to become a teacher? Have your say on the personal qualities needed for teaching (in addition to academic

achievement). Read more

AITSL eNews AITSL news September 2013

Grants enable educational equality for country kids [16 September 2013]

REAPing Rewards is a national small grant program that supports education in rural,

regional and remote Australia from preschool to senior secondary college. The program is open to not-for-profit groups such as parent committees, community-based preschools and day care, and services involved in delivering quality, positive educational experiences for the benefit of children and youth (0-18 years) and their educators. The Foundation is inviting applications for funding requests. Applications close Friday 18 October 2013. Read more

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ACARA Update [16 September 2013]

ACARA published the 2013 NAPLAN Summary Report on Friday 13 September. The

Summary Report provides nationally comparable data for the 2013 national and state/territory results for each year level (3, 5, 7 and 9) and for each test domain (reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy). It also gives comparisons of national and state/territory achievement in each year and test domain between 2008 to 2013 and 2012 to 2013. According to Robert Randall, Chief Executive Officer of ACARA the results give a first look at how students performed in this year’s NAPLAN assessments. Read or download the 2013 NAPLAN Summary Report ACARA Update September 2013