2025 has marked an exciting new chapter for Lutheran education in the Wimmera region with the official launch of Wimmera Lutheran College (WLC). This amalgamation brought together Holy Trinity Lutheran College in Horsham, St Peters Lutheran School in Dimboola and Nhill Lutheran School under one united banner, symbolising a strong and collaborative future.
WLC Launch
To celebrate the launch, a special Wimmera Lutheran College Launch Day was held in January. The event began with a worship service led by Ps Hans Peethala from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by keynote messages from Mr Colin Minke (LEVNT Executive Director), WLC Board Chair Mr Mark Hughes and the Executive Leadership from across the campuses. Staff from the three campuses connected in a fun and slightly competitive ‘Amazing Race’ activity, and the day concluded with LEVNT’s Kim Powell introducing the “Free to Flourish” learning framework, alongside WLC’s Philosophy of Learning and Learner Profile—a foundational step in shaping the College’s curriculum direction. Since then, the energy has continued to build.
We extend a warm welcome to all our new staff members who have joined the WLC team in 2025. We are blessed to have passionate and skilled educators and staff coming alongside us as we continue to grow and nurture our students.
Official Business
The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) has officially approved the amalgamation and name change, completing a detailed process led by Mrs Tammy Hughes (LEVNT Director of Operations). The newly established WLC Board, chaired by Mr Mark Hughes, has wasted no time setting priorities including:
- Development of a Strategic Plan
- Refinement of branding, logo and uniform
- Review of contemporary learning practices
- Governance and risk management
- Establishment of a Parent Advisory Group
Adding to the significance of the beginning of this new era, Mr Jason Przibilla was formally installed as the inaugural Executive Principal of Wimmera Lutheran College. His leadership marks a unified vision for the College and a strong commitment to Christ-centred education across all campuses.
Student Leaders Unite Across Campuses
Primary student leaders from all three WLC campuses had the exciting opportunity to come together for the very first time to participate in a Student Leadership education day led by Emma Graetz from Australian Lutheran College.
The session focused on developing spiritual and servant leadership, empowering students to live out their leadership roles with purpose and heart. The day also fostered new friendships and connections across the campuses, reinforcing a strong sense of unity under one College. We look forward to seeing these young leaders use their skills to positively impact their communities.
Investing in Learning and Innovation
Recently, WLC staff from all three campuses participated in a Contemporary Learning Tour in Melbourne, engaging with a variety of Lutheran, Independent, and Government schools. Staff connected across campuses, building momentum and vision for future-focused, innovative teaching practices.
During this time, Mr Przibilla took the opportunity to step back into the classroom, spending time teaching and connecting with students at the Nhill and Dimboola campuses. “The warmth, respect and enthusiasm of the students was inspiring,” he shared. “Seeing firsthand the engagement across all levels was a beautiful affirmation of what WLC stands for.”
To support its growing community, WLC has launched a new landing page—a central place to stay informed and connected: wlc.vic.edu.au
As Strategic Planning and branding continue to take shape and collaboration grows across campuses, there’s a strong sense that WLC is already living its vision—nurturing students in Christ, shaping curious minds and building confident futures.
WLC – Dimboola Campus
It’s been a wonderful start to the year at WLC - Dimboola, and we’re excited to embark on this new journey alongside our Nhill and Horsham campuses.
We kicked off the year with 22 students and are thrilled to see our enrolment grow to 24 by the end of Term 1, with another student set to join us at the start of Term 2. Over the summer holidays, our school received a much-needed revamp, with fresh paint and new carpet throughout the building. We’re also looking forward to further improvements during the Easter holidays, including an expansion of our staff room, which will provide our team with more space and functionality.
Term 1 has been action-packed, with students participating in a variety of exciting activities: swimming lessons, our annual swimming carnival, Harmony Day celebrations, Ride2School, and a special "Thank You to the Firefighters" event. We also had the opportunity to be involved in the Steampunk Festival in Dimboola, visit the Dimboola Nursing Home, participate in Clean Up Australia Day, celebrate Shrove Tuesday, attend the Field Days, and take part in a leadership day with Emma Graetz.
It’s been a fantastic and busy start to the year, and we look forward to more enriching experiences as the year progresses.
WLC – Horsham Campus
The start of 2025 has been full of energy and achievement at WLC - Horsham. We warmly welcomed new staff across the campus and celebrated the academic excellence of our 2024 Year 12 cohort, with Rebekah Wundke named VCE Dux (ATAR 99), Cameron Brito-Mutunayagam as Proxime Accessit (ATAR 98.85), and Zachary Jorgensen awarded Vocational Major Dux. Their dedication and perseverance have been truly inspirational.
Our Year 9 students also began their Rite Journey with a meaningful Calling and Departure Ceremony at Mount Arapiles, marking the beginning of their transition to adulthood.
House spirit has been on full display as Wimmera House claimed victory at both the Junior and Secondary Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. Students showed great sportsmanship, pride and participation across all events, setting a strong tone for the year ahead.
Our Year 4 and Year 6 students recently returned from memorable camp experiences. Year 4 enjoyed outdoor challenges at Adekate Camp in Ballarat, while Year 6 explored Melbourne’s cultural and historical landmarks, building independence, teamwork and lifelong memories.
WLC – Nhill Campus
WLC - Nhill has had a successful Term One. This year we started in our new school building, quite a contrast to last year when builders were on site and the school resembled a construction site. We welcomed nine Foundation students to our school, the largest intake from the three Nhill based schools.
The pace of school life has been solid during the first term, with our students completing two weeks of swimming lessons culminating in a swimming carnival; sending all students to the Wimmera Field Days; holding an enjoyable Welcome BBQ; finishing first in the local cross country; NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5; as well as immersing our students in engaging learning opportunities.
