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news
Term 3, Week 8
Coming up this week
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Upcoming Events
MISSION STATEMENT
To serve in a Christ-centred community, connected with families, nurturing students to grow in a love of learning and flourish in every part of life.
VIsion Statement
Shaping faithful hearts and curious minds for a life of purpose.
From The Principal
The importance of Independent Schools
Did you know that independent schools’ contribution to the Australian economy is similar to the entire Gold Coast?
A new national report (click the link) shows that Independent schools generated $45.7 billion for the economy in 2023-24 and saved governments more than $12.5 billion.
That means families choosing an Independent school aren’t just investing in their child’s future; they’re supporting jobs, regional development, and easing the burden on public education.
In NSW, Independent schools contributed $14.9 billion in economic activity and provided 33,760 full-time equivalent jobs – that’s more than Telstra or Qantas nationally. They also supported a further 43,182 jobs in flow-on employment AND saved taxpayers $4.92 billion in school operating and construction costs.
Lutheran School Wagga Wagga is proud to be part of a sector that delivers such wide-reaching benefits to our community and our country.
Looking ahead to Term 4 and Planning for 2026
As a school, we continue to focus on students’ connection with one another. Students who have a sense of belonging will experience feelings of security, identity and community, which in turn supports their academic, psychological and social development. We know that you want that for your children too.
In Term 4, we begin planning for the transition into the new year levels. We will not know which teachers will be in which year levels, and we won’t know that until late in Term 4. Hence, we don’t take any specific teacher requests for subsequent years. However, if you have things you would like us to consider in the placement of your child into a classroom in 2026, please email us at [email protected].
Your requests cannot be guaranteed but will be given careful thought in our planning.
Also, we will soon begin ordering materials for 2026. If you are planning to leave the school for relocation or other reasons, please let the office know no later than the first day of Term 4. As per enrolment contracts, families should give the school one full term’s notice prior to leaving to avoid charges for Term 1 2026.
Attendance Matters
We want to do all we can to be sure your child achieves their potential and enjoys being in school. We know that school is the best place to learn. By attending school every day your child will get the most out of their learning and improve their career and life options.
When your child is absent, it is important you let the school know via Parent Lounge or the school app, including the reason why, on the day or the day before. This helps make sure we know where our students are and offer support for you and your family if needed.
If you are having trouble getting your child to school every day or on time, please talk to your child’s teacher so we can work together, because every day counts. We can provide support; however, we need to be aware of the issues you may be facing.
Travel
Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, please discuss this with your child’s teacher and myself. An Application for Extended Leave may need to be completed. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year.
Blessings,
Hollie Kinning
Principal
From The DEPUTY Principal
Our Term Three Casual for a Cause will be held on Thursday 25 September to support AT – Ataxia (Aye-TACK-sia) + Telangiectasia (Ta-LAN-jick-TAY-sha).
At last week’s assembly, Sonny Forsyth gave a wonderful insight into this rare and currently incurable disease that affects children from a local family. Inspired by their story, the SRC voted to hold a Pyjama Day fundraiser to show our care and support.
Students are reminded that while pyjamas are encouraged, enclosed shoes must be worn (no slippers or Ugg boots, please). A $2 donation on the day will be greatly appreciated.
To add to the fun, we’ll also be running a “Big UNO” challenge in the Chapel during lunchtime and afternoon tea. We’d love to see as many students as possible join in and enjoy some friendly competition across multiple UNO games!
FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
Thank you to all the fathers and significant father figures who attended our Father’s Day breakfast. It was such a delight to see so many people there, enjoying some breakfast in the morning sunshine, and time together before school started. A special thank you goes to all the staff who volunteered to set up, cook, clean, serve and make the day so special.
EISTEDDFOD
Our choir participated in the Wagga Wagga Music Eisteddfod on the 4th September where they came equal first with TRAC. Thank you to Stephanie Johnston from The Riverina Conservatorium of Music for all her time and effort in preparing the students.
Miss Guymer’s two spectacular dance groups will compete on Friday 12th September, followed by the Year 1 students performing their poem in the Choral Speech section on Friday 19th September. We wish all students well.
END OF TERM
Our Closing Chapel Service will be held on Thursday 25 September at 2:20pm. All parents and friends are welcome to attend.
SCHOOL UNIFORM TRANSITION
As the temperatures begin to change we do allow flexibility either side of the term break due to the variable weather conditions. Students may choose to wear either their summer or winter uniform from Monday 15th September. Parents are able to use their discretion during this period; however, please ensure that the correct summer or winter uniform is worn and not a combination of both.
STUDENT LEARNING CONFERENCES
Bookings are now open for our Student Learning Conferences, which will be held during the final week of term. These conferences are student-led, giving your child the opportunity to share their learning journey with you, so please ensure you book a time when they can be present.
Please note:
- KW and 3MT conferences will be held on Monday 22nd September and Tuesday 23rd September.
- Thursday 25th September all other classes will hold their Conferences and Friday 26th September is a pupil-free day, with some conferences scheduled for that date.
Bookings will close at 3:00pm on Thursday 18th September. We encourage families to secure their time promptly. Our students are excited to share their achievements and progress with you.
Bookings can be made through Parent Lounge https://lounge.lpsww.nsw.edu.au/parentlounge or through the school app.
(you may need to copy and paste into a browser) Use your five-digit account number available on your fees invoice as the username. If you have not set, or can’t remember your password, click the link “Forgot Password?” at the top right and follow the instructions. The email address must be, for security reasons, the one advised to the school. You will then be able to book an appointment.
If you have any problems, please email [email protected]
Emma Davenport
Deputy Principal
Stage In The Spotlight
VISUAL ARTS
Spotlight on Kindergarten: Integrating our knowledge of the alphabet into our art.
Last week in Art, Kindergarten made marble roll painted backgrounds inspired by the artist Jackson Pollack. We used these as our placemat background for our table setting art with alphabet soup bowls and napkins. They are so colourful and all students were so successful with this piece of work.
Kindergarten also explored some of the work of Jasper Johns who also used the alphabet in his artwork. They used oil pastels and watercolours to make their own alphabet chart. There was lots of “alphabet singing” whilst they finished their artwork.
What a Drama! …but in a good way!
Improvised conversations have been happening in the Drama Room for every class group over the past few weeks. The short conversations for the students in Years 1-6 have been Informercials, with one student taking the role of the host, while their partner is ‘selling’ a product that appears in their story text. Kinders have been creating their short scene based on shops and services – one is the customer or client, the other a retailer or service provider.
For their class performances, our young actors have been given a short preparation time with their partner beforehand.
Why are we doing this? Improvisation activities are beneficial as they help develop confidence and self-acceptance as we try out ideas. We also learn to deal with, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances, many of which we have helped to create. It can increase the ability to focus and concentrate on what is going on – the need to listen carefully and think fast. When inventing in front of others, we need to be both courageous and vulnerable. We have to be prepared to ‘follow through’ with ’the story’ that is being created. But most of all, improvisation is inclusive so everyone ‘has a go’ and it is loads of fun for the performers and the audience.
In the longer term, improvisation can assist in leadership development, whether it’s self-leadership or leadership of others, as it imparts crucial life skills that every person needs.
Physical Education – Fitness Testing
Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 have been participating in a variety of fitness tests during their PE lessons. These tests are designed to assess both health-related and skill-related components of fitness.
Some of the tests include:
• Beep Test and 12-Minute Run – assessing cardiovascular endurance
• Sit-Ups and Push-Ups – testing muscular endurance and strength
• Sit and Reach – measuring flexibility
• Standing Long Jump and Vertical Jump – evaluating power
• 50m Sprint – measuring speed
• Agility Test – assessing agility and quickness
• 30-Second Catch and Throw for Distance – testing coordination and throwing accuracy
These tests help students understand their own fitness levels and learn about the different elements that contribute to overall physical health and athletic performance.
Finance
Please see below for September and October direct debit dates:
September
Weekly
Thursday 11, 18 & 25 September
Fortnightly
Thursday 11 & 25 September
Monthly
Tuesday 30 September
October
Weekly
Thursday 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October
Fortnightly
Thursday 9 & 23 October
Monthly
Friday 31 October
Any changes to bank accounts or credit cards please let me know as this could result in a payment being declined.
If a payment is declined this can be paid either through direct deposit, credit card over the phone, or in person at the office.
*Term 3 fees are now due for families not on a direct debit – reminder statements have been email out this week*
Feel free to email me [email protected] call 69238100 or pop into the office and see me with any queries regarding your account.
Jenny Hausfeld Payroll/Finance Officer
Values Focus
Compassion Helps us Be Brave
This term we’ve continued to think about compassion in Chapel. God gives us compassion so we will feel brave enough to make choices that ease the hurt of others. We may think that being brave is only for big scary things, like getting on a reallllllllly tall slippery slide, or skydiving, perhaps we think that being brave is only for superheroes.
Being brave doesn’t mean we don’t feel scared, it’s perfectly normal to be scared. Being brave means we’re scared but still make the choice to help others. Compassion helps us be brave, to make friends with a new student, help someone when they need it, or maybe to go without something so someone else can get what they need… Sometimes being brave means being like Jesus and really loving and accepting everyone. Perhaps this week you can talk with each other about how you can make brave choices and love each other?
Bible story we’ve shared this term: Mark 2:1-12
Prayer for the dinner table:
Dear Jesus,
Your compassion always looked like courage.
Strengthen our hearts with your bravery
As we risk, reach out, love and lift up our siblings near and far.
Help us keep our eyes on you.
Amen
Curriculum Matters
Tournament of Minds
The Tournament of Minds Competition was held on Sunday 31st August. Lutheran School entered two teams into this year’s competition. The TOMplex Minds – Harry Antrim, Charlotte Lieschke, Jessica Stormonth-Flood, Indi Walker, Aowyn Sanders, Anaea De Mattia and Charlie Forsyth competed in the Social Science Challenge, and The TimTOMS – Quinny Sankar, Kingsley Cheung, Ella Labens, Laia Donaldson, Amelia Gooden, Rosie Molineux and Reena Cheung competed in the Language Literature Challenge.
Both teams delivered outstanding presentations to the judges and audience, demonstrating impressive skill, dedication, and confidence. Their performances were a true reflection of their commitment to inquiry, teamwork, and a genuine passion for learning. After many hours of preparation, it was wonderful to see both teams crowned champions in their respective categories. Achieving 1st place against schools from across the Riverina is an incredible accomplishment. Every student is to be commended for their remarkable efforts, achievements, and collaborative spirit.
A very special thank you goes to Mrs Whatmuff for coaching the students throughout the year and giving up her time on the weekends to support and lead the teams.
Also a huge thank you to the many students, parents and staff who volunteered in a variety of ways to ensure that our first time of hosting Riverina Tournament of Minds for 44 other school teams went smoothly.
We wish the students all the best for the upcoming State Finals to be held in Sydney on Sunday 14th September.
Premier’s Reading Challenge
We’re excited to celebrate that 115 students have now completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year! It’s wonderful to see so many young readers developing a love of books and exploring a wide range of literature.
There’s still time to get involved—the challenge closes on 19th September, giving students just over a week to log their books before the deadline.
Keep turning the pages and enjoy the adventure that reading brings!
Jane Antrim
Learning Innovation Coordinator
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P&F News
It has been a really great (and big!) couple of weeks for P&F with Tournament of Minds and our Father’s Day stall both in the same week.
Thank you
We are so grateful for the generosity of our extended school community in donating grocery items, cakes, soup and their time to make these events a success. From the P&F team, to everyone that assisted, thank you.
Meetings
P&F met last night and welcomed some new faces. There were many things on the agenda as we rounded out Term 3 and look towards Term 4. Our next meeting will be in Week 2, Term 4. We would love to see as many parents and carers as possible. If you cannot attend in person, please feel free to join in via zoom. More details will come closer to the time.
Jodie Graham
P&F Chair
From The Sports Desk
National Interschools Snow Sports Championships
On Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 September, Euan and Jack Nicholas competed at the National Interschools Snow Sports Championships held at Mt Buller. Competing alongside some of the best young skiers from across the country, both boys delivered exceptional performances, placing in the top 20 in their respective age groups.
Euan
• Ski Cross – 7th and Alpine – 33rd
Jack
• Ski Cross – 13th and Alpine – 13th
Congratulations to Euan and Jack on their amazing results and for reaching such a high level of competition. A big thank you to Paul and Kate for their support throughout the event.
CIS Athletics Championships
On Friday 5 September, our Athletics team travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to compete in the CIS Athletics Championships. It was a fantastic day, with our students delivering many impressive performances.
Special congratulations to:
• Harry MacGregor, who won gold in the 13 Years Boys 100m.
• Jordan Tracey, who claimed silver in both the 11 Years Boys Shot Put and Discus.
As a result of their achievements, both boys have qualified for the NSWPSSA Athletics Championships, which will take place in Sydney next term.
Individual Results
• Harry MacGregor: 13yrs Boys 100m – 1st (14.81) and 12-13yrs 200m – 17th (29.82)
• Jordan Tracey: 11yrs Boys Discus – 2nd (32.02m) and Shot Put – 2nd (12.15m)
• Sam Barrett: 8yrs Boys 100m – 6th (16.50)
• Ryan Carvosso: 8-10yrs Boys Shot Put – 19th (7.32m)
• Molly Nicholson: 11yrs Girls Shot Put – 19th (7.10m)
• Artie Barrett: 11yrs Boys 200m – 28th (32.98)
• Kingsley Cheung: 11yrs Boys Long Jump – 29th (3.09m)
• Harriet Chapman: 8yrs Girls 100m – 27th (18.25)
Junior Boys 4 x 100m Relay
• Sam Barrett, Ryan Carvosso, Max Davis, Liam MacGregor: 25th (1:06.54)
A big thank you to all the parents who helped transport and support our students in Sydney.
Congratulations to all our students on their wonderful achievements.
Touch Football Gala Day
On Friday 5 September, our Year 4 students represented our school at the Wagga Wagga Touch Football Gala Day, held at Jubilee Park. We entered two boys’ teams and three girls’ teams for this modified event. Each team participated in six 15-minute games throughout the day.
It was fantastic to see both new and experienced players enjoying themselves, building confidence, and working so positively together on the field.
A big thank you to NSW Touch for organising this event and to our staff coaches, Ms Davenport, Mrs Richards, Mrs Medau and Mr Brown for their support and enthusiasm.
Trent Barrett and Mortimer League Stars Gala Days
On Tuesday 2 September and Tuesday 9 September, our Stage 2 and Stage 3 Rugby League and League Tag teams took part in the Trent Barrett and Mortimer League Stars Gala Days.
We entered five teams (two boys’ teams and three girls’ teams) in both events. Across both days, our students displayed excellent sportsmanship, impressive skills and had lot of fun representing our school.
Stage 2 Coach’s Awards
Max Ockerby, Tom Goldsworthy, Fareeha Ayeni, Theia Curtis and Sophie Cannon
Stage 3 Coach’s Awards
Jordan Tracey, Kenny Poole, Miranda Silberberg, Ella Labens and Maddie Adams
A big thank you to our wonderful parent and staff coaches; Tim Sheather, Jenna Lamont, Mrs English, Mrs Molineux, Miss Smith, Mrs Bowman, Miss Tilyard, Mrs Martin and Mr Richards for their time, encouragement and support in making both days such a success.
Caroline Stewart
PE Teacher/Sports Coordinator
OSHC
Other Information
Families leaving the school
Please note that one full term’s written notice is required if you are withdrawing your child from Lutheran School. We purchase learning materials based on projected enrolment numbers at least one term in advance. Hence, the enrolment contract you signed specifies that failure to provide a term’s notice will result in you being charged for the subsequent term.
Uniform Shop Orders
If you would like to purchase uniforms from the Uniform Shop, please email [email protected]
We will email you once the order is ready to be picked up from the office. Thank you.
