Exploring History at Bethany Lutheran Church – Sunbury
It was a bright and sunny morning as Year 5 Mission and Worship Leaders from Good News Lutheran College gathered to visit Bethany Lutheran Church at Sunbury. The students learned that the building was constructed using handmade mud bricks and how the members of the congregation, along with their families, had come together over many weeks and months with dedication to build a place of worship.
The students marvelled at the old photographs that showed the construction process and the way the church had evolved over the years. "I can't believe they made all these bricks by hand," whispered one student to another with amazement. "This place is really special," said one of the students as they explored the building and in particular the beautiful stained-glass windows that illustrated the four seasons of the calendar year.
The students divided into groups, with the task of helping with activities around the church grounds. Armed with rakes, brooms, and a whole lot of enthusiasm, the students set to work. They picked up leaves, raked gardens, and swept the floors of the church and its surrounding areas.
As the day came to a close, the Year 5 Service Leaders thanked the church members for their hospitality and for sharing the history of Bethany with them. “We've learned that service is an important part of building a community," said one of the leaders.
The idea of naming our new Junior Years building after Bethany has been brewing at Good News Lutheran College for some time. The students' visit has reinforced the sentiment and the Sunbury church members were touched by the students' enthusiasm and their eagerness to continue a strong association. As the bus pulled away from Bethany, the students were filled with an appreciation for the connections they had forged.
In 2024 Good News Lutheran College will officially name the Junior Years Building “The Bethany Building". The name will serve as a constant reminder of the connections we have with our founding congregations. May this visit to Sunbury and the association between Good News Lutheran College and Bethany continue to flourish!
Harmony Week – Celebrating our diverse community
Earlier this year in recognition of Harmony Week, Good News Lutheran College (GNLC) celebrated the gifts we have in our diverse community. We not only recognise our differences, but we seek to accept differences in each other. We are fortunate to have a rich and diverse student and staff cohort that represents a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. As a community, we celebrate our differences and recognise the strength and value that diversity brings.
At GNLC, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We recognise that diversity is not just a buzzword or a checkbox, but an essential component of our community that enriches our experiences and broadens our perspectives.
Mambourin Campus – Our Community is Growing
Good News Lutheran College has announced a second campus, following the acquisition of a 6.8ha site for a new P-12 private school in Frasers Property Australia’s Mambourin estate. The campus will open on-site in 2025 and has already generated significant enrolment interest. The establishment of a second campus at Mambourin was needed to service the high demand for quality private faith-based education in the west.
This year and in 2024, students enrolled at Good News Lutheran College Mambourin will undertake their classes at the Tarneit campus while the Mambourin facilities are being constructed. This year we have two Prep classes and a Year 1 class enrolled. In 2024 this will grow to seven classes from Prep to Year 2. In 2025 the College will open with classes enrolled from Prep to Year 6 and eventually grow to offer P-12 education. The campus will feature purpose-built classrooms, sports fields, play areas and many specialist facilities.
