OUR LUTHERAN CONNECTION
PASTORAL SUPPORT
The congregations of St Philip’s Werribee, Christ the Lord Laverton, St Matthew’s Footscray and Martin Luther Altona saw the establishment of a Lutheran primary school as a tangible way to share the word of Christ in Melbourne’s west. The early vision was to provide an opportunity for young people to actively learn in an environment which upholds Christian virtues. “Good News Primary School is a place of support for families, as they seek to nurture their children in a changing and challenging society. The school believes that the teaching of Christian values, together with secular instruction of the highest standard, offers the best basis on which the child’s future can be built.” Roger Schwarz, Principal, 1998 school prospectus The importance of the partnership between the school, parents and the supporting congregations was recognised from the outset and at the school’s official opening, President of the Lutheran Church of Australia (Victoria District), Dr David Stolz, stressed the value of such. Today, the tradition of Christ-centred education continues. GNLC aims to provide an educational pathway for each student, backed by a focus on strong Christian values.
Pastors from local congregations were instrumental in developing the Christian ethos of the College in our early years. One of the Pastor’s roles, in consultation with the Principal, was to encourage and contribute to worship and devotional life within the school. Alumni and staff fondly recall the Pastors’ genuine connection with the school community.
PASTOR MILO VELEBIR Christ the Lord Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Pastor Milo made Good News a high priority in his ministry. He led us in faith and we were blessed by his genuine warmth and kindness towards the students. His involvement included engaging with planning, advising our councils, planting trees and even lowly tasks like collecting horse manure on the school site. Milo recalls the challenges of driving the first school bus: “Oh, that school bus that I was driving, what a pain….losing third gear in the middle of a morning run with 20 kids on board…. Roger, I lost the gear….help!” Our founding Principal, Roger Schwarz, shared that it was Pastor Milo who had been his greatest inspiration. PASTOR JIM WESTPHAL St Philip’s and Martin Luther Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Pastor Jim was also very heavily involved in planning for the school and developing a regular devotional life for the new community. As a councillor for another regional school, Jim brought wisdom and experience to the development of our early school governing bodies. Jim’s favourite recollection of his time at Good News involved “the consistent experience of delightful engagement with the students, while sharing a school devotion.”
PASTOR CECIL SCHMALKUCHE St Matthew’s Psalm 36:7-9
St Philip’s Werribee ▲
Christ the Lord Laverton ▲
“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, And you give them drink from the river of your delights, For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” Although further away, Pastor Cecil was engaged in pre-school planning and supported Pastors Jim and Milo through prayer and involvement in the Wednesday morning worship services of the early school.
PASTOR MARK WINTER Wyndham Hobsons Bay Lutheran Church 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Pastor Mark faithfully continued the school ministry initiated by Pastors Milo and Jim. During his time, both the College and school ministry team expanded, which Pastor Mark recognised as an answer to prayer. Pastor Mark wrote that the school ministry program “began with just me at the beginning of my time and grew to include a College Chaplain, followed by a dedicated College Pastor, and finally a College Counsellor. These have all been great assets to the College and its pastoral care for all who are engaged in the life of the College. I was privileged to have worked with all of these and value their contributions to grow the College on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, the solid rock on which the College has been built.”
St Matthew’s Footscray ▲
Martin Luther Altona North ▲
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