Beginnings are easy to celebrate. Births, housewarmings, flowers in spring…
Transitions are somewhat easy too, as while one thing is ending another is beginning. For example, ending primary and starting secondary school. Endings can be a time of celebration too.
This eNews shares the decision that Vineyard Lutheran Primary School in Clare will be closing at the end of this year. The closure of the school will affect 27 students enrolled in Reception to Year 6, their families and staff. The School Board will be selling the site, preferably to an existing education provider, and this process is well underway.
School closures are not unusual although always tinged with sadness for the affected community. Each school or early childhood service is of its time – times change and communities evolve. With each iteration, we are given an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks to God.
The closing of Vineyard is no exception and we thank everyone associated with Vineyard from its beginnings 21 years ago to now. We appreciate that this is a challenging time for the staff, students and community and we give thanks for their service. The Vineyard school community will be kept in our prayers.
As LESNW Executive Director John Proeve has said, “We’re looking forward to finishing the year really well at Vineyard Lutheran School so that there can be many points of celebration as we come to the close of 21 years of Christian education within the Lutheran context in the Clare Valley. We know that there have been many children and families positively impacted by the educational experience they’ve had at Vineyard.”
To celebrate a beginning, I am delighted to announce that Suzanne Jessen has been appointed Director of Leadership for Lutheran Education Australia, commencing in January 2023, following the retirement of Dianne Eckermann at the end of 2022.
Having attended Lutheran schools as a student, completing educational theology at Lutheran Teachers College (now ALC) and working most of her adult life in Lutheran education, Suzanne is very comfortable and familiar with the ethos of Lutheran education. In many ways, returning to the Lutheran system will be like returning home. Suzanne’s faith permeates all that she does. Through regular community worship she is strengthened by the body of Christ, His church, and transformed in ways that no one can achieve alone. Visit Suzanne’s LinkedIn profile at Suzanne Jessen – Professional Learning Leader – Queensland Association of State School Principals | LinkedIn
Our prayers are with Suzanne over the next few months as she prepares for her future in LEA.
Lisa Schmidt