HORSHAM’S Holy Trinity Lutheran College community will share memories and celebrate the growth and development of the school as it marks a major milestone.
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The school celebrates 40 years this weekend. It first opened its doors in 1978.
The school has undergone significant developments in both education and facilities throughout its history.
Fiona Friberg is head of the junior school and was once a student. She said it the visible changes to the school were evident.
“I started teaching here in 2000 but was a student here in 1989. I've seen the school in many of its stages and it has been wonderful to see the growth,” she said.
“Our core essence hasn’t changed at all. As a student here, you had the feeling of acceptance and noticed how Christ-centred our school is.”
Teacher Chris Surridge, also formerly the principal, started working at the school in 1991 when it had about 70 students.
“We only had the original wing at that stage,” he said.
The school has since grown to more than 500 students today.
Mr Surridge said technology had taken a massive leap.
“We had one floppy disk in our class (at one point) – so things have changed pretty significantly since then, from buildings to technology and to staff,” he said.
Emma Huff is a teacher at the school but started as a prep student in 2000.
“There are amazing new buildings, opportunities, subjects. There are amazing things the students can do,” she said.
The school has undergone three name changes since its beginnings. It was originally named Horsham Lutheran Primary School before the name changed in 2008 to Holy Trinity Lutheran School. The final change to Holy Trinity Lutheran College came in 2017.
The school opened as a primary school but as of 2014, when middle schooling was introduced, the college provided secondary school pathways to create a foundation for year 12 which will begin in 2019.
Former student Debbie Russell said the students were always well looked after. She said it was exciting to see the school evolve over the years. Her son Joshua Russell now attends the school.
“I remember popping in on working bees with Dad and watching things come together,” she said.
Mrs Russell remembered the first classroom at the school, which was transformed into a uniform shop and is now an office.
“To see the growth of the school and the amount of students coming in is really phenomenal,” she said.
Mrs Russell said the leadership at the school had been outstanding.
“That comes from the principals all the way through and also comes from the strong Christian foundation. The teachers really believe it and put it into action,” she said.
“As soon as you walk into the place, you feel a positive energy.”
Mick Parish was one of the first students at the school, starting in year one.
“It was such a tight knit community. Everyone knew everyone,” he said.
Wayne Jakobi was also among of the school’s first ever year one class.
“Being a small school was different for a start. You were mixed in with all of the grades… preps through to grade six. At playtime you mingled with everyone,” Mr Jakobi said.
“That was a good way to make friends of all age groups and then ongoing friendships after that. I had a lot of good times in primary school.”
Mr Jakobi said when the school started there was roughly 40 students.
“It just got bigger each year after that. Another great thing about the school is the Christian aspect of it – having devotions and chapels. It’s a good foundation to be brought up in,” he said.
Year 10 student Sara Jakobi said the school community remained close, even though the number of students had increased over the years.
“It’s a good place to learn because there are really nice people at the school,” she said. “You know the teachers will take care of you as well and the classes are well set out.”
Year seven student Joshua Russell said the teachers were supportive.
“All the teachers always try their best to understand you and help you when you’re struggling,” he said.
Principal Daniel Weller said there were a number of events to celebrate the milestone on Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s a great opportunity to not only celebrate with the school community but our church community,” he said.
The celebrations begin with a tour of the school, which will show its development over the years. The tour will depart from the office at 3pm.
“We have a dinner on Saturday night at the town hall. We have a church service on Sunday morning, which is followed by our autumn fair,” Mr Weller said.
All tickets to the formal dinner have been sold.
The thanksgiving worship service will be at the Lutheran Church and starts at 9.30am on Sunday.
The fair will be at the Holy Trinity Lutheran College from 11am to 2pm.
Mr Weller said the school would have traditional school milestone port for sale.
“We will also have a glass with the 40 year celebrations on it. We are putting together a book to show the growth of the school over the 40 years which will be available later in the year," he said.