Welcome to the new school year, and particularly to our new students, families and staff that join our wonderful community. We have been blessed with an energetic and positive beginning to the year, underpinned by our College wide theme – ‘Live. Love Learn.’

The College wide theme is grounded in a passage from Luke 2:52, “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and all people”.

Of course, each and every day we gather under our Mission Statement as a community: “Teaching the love of Christ for a fulfilling life which values self-worth, pursues excellence and serves others”.

Our Mission Statement and our College Theme are inevitably linked. As we come to experience the love of Christ each day in our learning environment, we do so in hope that each child will also experience a sense of achievement, purpose and self-worth, loved and lived real experiences in our community.

As we consider what it means to live, love and learn at Tatachilla Lutheran College this year, we are challenged individually and collectively to reinvent and refresh ourselves for another journey.

At our Opening Service some very special moments were held. This included the installation of new Executive staff including, Mrs Marylyn Marshall, Head of Senior School; Mr Neil Leek, Business Manager and Mr Andy Edelsten, Human Resources Manager.

In addition, we welcomed back some of the Class of 2016, particularly Samuel Brown, our College Dux for 2016 after attaining an ATAR score of 97.70 and Merit recipients, Madeleine Camm, Nabil Humphrey, Kelsey Spears, and Tahlia Zadow.

Reflecting on his commitment, dedication and hard work throughout last year Sam wished the Class of 2017 all the best for the coming year.

As we connect together at the beginning of a new year, it is our hope that each child finds their place in our community where they can come to know and understand their own self-worth, where they can come to excel through their personal goals and where they develop a deep understanding of how they can serve beyond the immediate.  

One of the hallmarks of our community is our ability to embrace, welcome and support new students and families as they come to experience and grow in our community for the first time. Times of change can be challenging and demanding, however our College is well equipped with professional and collaborative staff to ease the change process. Please do not hesitate to speak to our staff should you have any questions as the new year commences.
 

Year 12 2016 Results 

Further to the outstanding results of Samuel Brown, I extend congratulations to all members from the Class of 2016.

Just under 20% of our cohort received ‘A’ grades last year, while the following students were commended last week at our Opening Service also for attaining an ATAR score over 90:

• Samuel Brown 97.70
• Nabil Humphrey 97.10
• Morgan Gomer 95.95
• Tahlia Zadow 95.00
• Harriet Trubshaw 92.65

In addition to these outstanding achievements, university offers in January provided 83% of students who applied for university entry being offered their first choice of course.

We wish each and every one of the Year 12 students from 2016 every blessing for their future pathways.
 

Major Events 

Thank you to the many parents and caregivers who have attended recent Information Nights – Reception, Years 7-10 and this week Years 11 and 12. Next week our Years 1-5 families will have an opportunity to hear from teachers and leadership staff.

In addition, parents and caregivers are warmly invited to attend and support our Swimming Carnival which will be held next Tuesday at the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Marion from 10am.

All students in Years 7-12 are expected in attendance for this compulsory school event, with some Years 5 and 6 students also participating.

As we commence 2017 I wish each member of our community peace, joy and hope for the coming months.

Yours in Christ

Mr Cain McDonald
PRINCIPAL