Discover our Next Chapter

Our theme Bible verse is from Hebrews 12:2, and I particularly like the way it reads in the Amplified version:

[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

When the student leaders were developing the theme, they understood that in 2026, we are not at the end of the story, but it’s just the point in the story where you turn the page to a new chapter. That means change is coming.

Change is hard to embrace, but no matter what is changing, we are not alone.

God is with us! God is in tomorrow! God is in the next chapter!

It’s a narrative of movement -

• Of going forward
• Of trusting in what God says
• And what God wants us to do
• And then trusting God enough to do it
• To keep moving forward
• To not look back

We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.

It takes courage! Joshua 1:9 reminds us, ‘Be strong and courageous’.

Do not fear, God is already on the next page! Enjoy the read!

Prayer
Gracious and loving God, we know that change is inevitable, but we also fear change. Help us to work through our life journey with You, season-by-season, moment-by-moment, day-by-day.

Carry us as if on the wings of eagles and soar into new chapters of life with the knowledge that you will be with us for each new challenge. Help us to learn and grow as followers of models of Your great love.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

• This year, we will be praying for families in our community and their needs: Abbato, Adams-Jones, Addison-Finnigan, Admiraal, Adula-Taylor, Ahitaan
• Pray for our students and staff as they begin a new year of learning.
• Pray for the Leadership Team, for wisdom and energy as they lead the school during this time of transition to a new Principal.
• Pray for our Student Leaders as they take up the responsibility of leading the student cohort, that they will lead with dedication.
• Give thanks for our FOLS, parents, and volunteers who give their time to support the school.

Welcome to LORDS 2026

A warm welcome to all of our students who have returned from holiday, ready for learning.  A special welcome to our new students and their families.  We have had a very positive start to the year.  Students have been connecting with each other, getting to know their teachers, and enthusiastically engaging in their learning.

Opening Worship Invitation

Please join us for our Opening Worship Services at Highway Church on Monday, 9th February. New staff will be installed, and 2026 Student Leaders will be presented with their badges. Secondary School will begin at 9.00am, and following the service, we will be presenting the Awards to our 2025 Year 12 cohort as we recognise their Academic Achievements. The Junior School service will begin at 11.30am.

New Principal Announcement

Our LORDS School Council Chair; Mrs Karen Koehler, shared the following message with the LORDS community this week:

"I would like to again acknowledge the remarkable legacy Ms Jodie Hoff has gifted to LORDS. As our Foundational Principal, Jodie has shaped LORDS into a school of choice and a leader in pastoral care, Christian service, and student opportunity. Her vision and commitment have helped create the vibrant learning community we see today, and I know many of you are eager to witness the next chapter of the LORDS story unfold.

On behalf of the Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School Council, I am delighted to announce that Mr Craig Brown has been appointed as the next Principal of LORDS. Craig brings a wealth of leadership and educational experience and currently serves as Head of St Peters Lutheran College, Springfield. His personable approach, strategic mindset, and heart for service will be invaluable as LORDS continues to grow.

Craig is himself a graduate of Redeemer Lutheran College and is actively involved in Arise Lutheran Church. His Christ-centred approach, commitment to nurturing the whole community, and focus on respectful relationships sit at the heart of his leadership, and we know these qualities will be warmly welcomed by the LORDS community.

Mr Brown will commence his service at LORDS in July 2026, ready for the start of Term 3. We are fortunate to have Mrs Selina Kinne continue in the role of Acting Principal for all of Term 1 and 2. We are deeply grateful for Mrs Kinne’s steadfast leadership and willingness to serve the community during this transition."

Mr Brown has shared the following greeting message to the community…

“It is with deep gratitude and a genuine sense of privilege that I accept the appointment as the next Principal of Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School. I am particularly mindful of the significant contribution of Ms Jodie Hoff as the founding Principal of LORDS and the strong foundations that have been established through her leadership. I feel honoured to follow in her footsteps and serve the LORDS community into the future.

As an educator and leader, I am passionate about the importance of growing every day, service in our community, holistic learning, and Lutheran Education. It is this deep alignment in values that has drawn me to LORDS, especially the approach of ensuring that students are ‘Learning for Life’."

Leave Requests

Families are reminded that requests for leave need to be in writing to both your class teacher and the Head of Sub School.

P-6 Head of Junior School:

Mrs Rebekah Bruyn rebekah.bruyn@lords.qld.edu.au 

7-12 Acting Heads of Secondary School:

Ms Michelle Nisbet michelle.nisbet@lords.qld.edu.au
Ms Lauren Krenske lauren.krenske@lords.qld.edu.au

We strongly encourage you to check the school calendar on TASS Parent Lounge and talk through your request for leave with the school before you go ahead and book or plan any activities.

There are certain times of the term that are not ideal for leave regarding the learning and teaching process. We understand that certain family circumstances may require leave (eg compassionate leave) and are understanding of these requests and will support families in these situations.

Term 1 Dates

• Mon 9th February: Secondary School Opening Worship at Highway Church 9.00am
• Mon 9th February: Junior School Opening Worship at Highway Church 11.30am
• Wed 11th February: Inspiring Great Humans Tour 5.00pm
• Mon – Wed 23rd – 25th February:  Year 7 Camp at Luther Heights, Coolum Beach
• Wed-Fri 11th-13th March: NAPLAN
• Mon 30th March: Secondary School Easter Worship at Highway Church 9.00am
• Mon 30th March: Junior School Easter Worship at Highway Church 11.30am
• Mon 30th March: Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews 3.30pm-6.00pm
• Thu 2nd April: End of Term 1

Discover Our Next Chapter

As we begin the 2026 school year, our theme “Discover Our Next Chapter” invites us to imagine learning as a story—one that each student is writing day by day. Just as every great book begins with a strong opening chapter, the start of a school year holds incredible influence. It sets the tone, establishes expectations, and builds a sense of anticipation for the growth ahead.

For our students, these early weeks help form the habits and attitudes that will guide their journey through 2026. At LORDS, we believe that when students start well, they position themselves to flourish.


Setting the Tone for Learning

In the same way that an author carefully crafts the opening pages of a book, our students begin shaping their own narrative through their daily actions. Arriving ready to learn, engaging positively with teachers and peers, and approaching challenges with perseverance all help set a tone of confidence, capability, and purpose.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of where we fix our focus:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith”
(Hebrews 12:2).
As students begin their new chapter, we encourage them to look to Christ—our constant guide and source of strength—so their story is shaped with hope, integrity, and resilience.

Clear Expectations Guide Every Story Forward

Just as every meaningful story is anchored by structure, direction, and clarity, our school year is shaped by expectations that support student success. This year, we are encouraging students to prioritise habits such as:

• being punctual to school and lessons
• arriving prepared with the necessary materials and a positive mindset
• staying organised and managing time effectively
  
• engaging thoughtfully in class activities
• persevering when learning becomes challenging
• always striving to do their best
• wearing their school uniform with pride
• following school rules
• treating staff and fellow students with respect

When practised consistently, these habits develop strong character—and character, more than anything else, determines the quality of the “story” each student will write this year.

Preparedness: Building the Momentum of Learning

Preparedness is one of the most powerful contributors to student success. Students who come ready each day—with equipment, focus, and eagerness to learn—create their own momentum. They participate more confidently, retain more deeply, and experience greater enjoyment in their learning.

Preparedness is more than being organised; it is a posture of the heart and mind. It is the willingness to embrace new ideas, accept feedback, and face challenges with courage. This mindset helps transform an ordinary school day into an opportunity for growth.

Thank You for a Strong Start

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents and caregivers who attended our Parent Connect Evenings this week. Your presence, engagement, and partnership mean so much to us and to your children. Beginning the year together—listening, learning, and connecting—strengthens the home–school relationship and sets a positive tone for the months ahead. We are grateful for the conversations shared and the commitment you show to your child’s education.

A Special Invitation: Opening Worship

We warmly invite all families to join us for Opening Worship on Monday, 9th February at 9:00am at Highway Church. This gathering is a significant moment in our school year as we dedicate 2026 to God and come together as a community to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter. During the service, we will install our new staff, acknowledge our 2026 School Leaders, and present the Class of 2025 Academic Honours. Students are expected to attend in their formal uniform.

Partnering Together in the Learning Journey

As the semester unfolds, we look forward to sharing each student’s learning story with you. In many ways, this is like being invited to read chapters as they are being written—offering encouragement, partnership, and celebration along the way.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we begin this new chapter together. Let’s continue to partner in helping our young people write a story filled with growth, curiosity, character, and Christ-centred purpose.

Michelle Nisbet and Lauren Krenske

Joint Acting Heads of Secondary School

Inspired by Melbourne street artist Daniel Lynch (Junker Projects), our Year 8/9 Art as a Statement students have been creating their own interpretations of his sculptures using found and recycled materials. Like Lynch’s work, these small sculptural "sentinels" transform discarded objects into personal expressions that invite the viewer to reflect on waste, consumption, and the stories hidden in everyday rubbish.

Designed as watchful guardians, the sculptures encourage us to think twice before littering and to consider the impact of our waste as consumers on the environment.

Through this project, students explored how art can communicate powerful messages about responsibility, sustainability, and care for shared spaces.

Please join us in welcoming the following teachers to the LORDS Team 2026.

Leon Loreaux - Year 7-12 Head of Faculty, The Arts

Dean Cobler - Year 7-12 Teacher Design/Digital Technology

Brayden Lang - Year 7-12 Maths/Science Teacher

Carina Goebel - Year 7-12 Maths/Science Teacher

Welcome Back to 2026!

A very warm welcome back to all our families, both new and returning, as we begin the 2026 school year. It has been a wonderful start to the year, and it has been a joy to see our school community come together so positively.

Our Orientation event in Week 1 was a wonderful way to ease into the new school year, and it was lovely to see students settling into their new classes with confidence and excitement. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and contribute to such a welcoming atmosphere. It was lovely to see families and staff enjoying the opportunity to chat, make connections, and begin building strong partnerships for the year ahead.

We look forward to continuing this sense of community as we gather for Opening Worship next Monday at Highway Church at 11:30am. We warmly invite families to join us as we come together to mark the beginning of the year.

A quick uniform reminder for families: traditional black leather school shoes are required to be worn with the formal school uniform, unless alternative arrangements have been previously discussed with your child’s teacher.

As we move into the year ahead, our 2026 theme, Discover Our Next Chapter, invites us to grow together, building on strong foundations, nurturing curiosity, and embracing new opportunities for learning and connection. We are excited to partner with you as we discover all that this next chapter will hold.

Blessings,

Rebekah Bruyn

Head of Junior School

Our Year 6 students were all smiles as they proudly wore their brand new Year 6 shirts for the first time.

These shirts symbolise leadership, growth, and the exciting year ahead as our students step into their final year of Junior School. We can’t wait to see them wear them with pride as they lead, learn, and support others throughout the year.

What a great start, Year 6!

Caretakers of Creation

As an entry event for our Project-Based Learning unit, Caretakers of Creation, our Year 3 students were excited to welcome Wild Rangers for a hands-on learning experience all about endangered animal species.

Students met an incredible line-up of native wildlife, including a blue-tongue lizard, a Woma python named Leroy, a possum, a black cockatoo named Poppy, and even a saltwater crocodile called Chomp!

It was a memorable experience that sparked curiosity, wonder, and important conversations about caring for God’s creation and protecting our natural world.

Mrs Carr was very brave to hold that big snake!!

On Monday night, we welcomed our Prep to Year 6 parents for our Junior School Parent Connection Evening.

This was a valuable opportunity to connect, share, and begin conversations around the LORDS Strategic Vision launching in 2026 — reflecting on how we can work together to support our children’s learning and strengthen our school community.

Thank you to our families who joined us and contributed their voices. Your insights, partnership, and commitment to LORDS truly matter.

We look forward to continuing these conversations throughout the year.

What five things would you put in an ‘All About Me Bag’ that would tell people about yourself and what is unique and special about you?  Mrs Kinne and Mrs Carr got to share with students in Year 3B what they would include in their bag, while students also shared something about themselves. It was a great way to connect with each other, practice active listening, developing empathy and understanding, and building a sense of belonging and community.

Please join us in welcoming the following teachers to the LORDS Team 2026.

Shandy Iurato - Junior School Teacher, Year 2
Alexandra Coumbe - Junior School Teacher, Year 3
Hannah Jones - Junior School Teacher, Year 4
Natalia Greenwood - Junior School Teacher, Year 5
Nicki Taylor - Junior School Music Teacher

Dezmond Cutter will be coaching our Running Club students every Friday from 7:15am - 8:15am.
Here's his message to our runners:

"I am keen to return to where it all started and coach/support you guys! I am currently in the mountains of Falls Creek, training hard with some of the best runners in the world.

I graduated from LORDS in 2020, assuming some of you may have been quite little! I have now run for 7 QLD teams, and I am currently the reigning state cross-country champion.

My biggest achievement would easily be the Australian U23 development team I was selected for last year. I went on to win 2 international gold medals in the 1500m and 3000m for Australia on the track in Tonga, a part of the Oceania Cup! I have won the 96km Kokoda back to back as well. I am currently training to break 14 minutes in the 5km and qualify for nationals in Sydney. Can’t wait to hear all your goals too, so that we can smash them together. See you all soon!"

My current PRs:

1500m: 3:52 - world ranked 1462 in the world
3000m: 8:26
5000m: 14:42 - world ranked 1797 in the world
10,000m: 30:48
21,000m: 1:09:09

Congratulations to Year 5 student Heath N, who played in the Oz Tag State Championships for the Coomera Chiefs U10 team, which ran over 3 days.
There were 20 teams in the U10 age group. The team made it to the finals and won the runner-up prize of silver medal.

Congratulations, Heath. We are very proud of you.

Futsal Trials continue at LORDS

An opportunity for students to trial for our representative Futsal Teams.

📍 7:15–8:15am
📅 Wed 18th Feb – U16 Boys
📅 Thu 19th Feb – U12 Boys & Girls
➡️ Eligibility:
12’s: 2014–2016 | 16’s: 2010–2011

Bring your energy and compete for selection. 

Below are the dates and times for Bugsy Malone Musical; ticket information will be released shortly.

Program Updates

Concert Band
Welcome back to our returning Concert Band students and a big welcome to our new members. We’re looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, collaboration, and music-making.

Sapphire Concert Band
Our new and improved Sapphire Concert Band will be rehearsing on Thursday mornings 7.30am to 8.30am. This ensemble is open to students in Years 6 to 12. Please contact Mrs Laura Guiton at Laura.Guiton@lords.qld.edu.au if you have any questions.

Strings
Welcome back to all Strings students, and a special welcome to our Year 3 students who will be participating in weekly class lessons with Mrs Coles.

Junior School Choir
Choir is back and better for 2026!
Bel Canto Choir rehearses on Monday mornings from 7.45am to 8.30am in G1.
If your child is interested in joining, please contact Ms Nicki Taylor at Nicki.Taylor@lords.qld.edu.au

We're thrilled to provide all the details about our Music ensembles. Please see the information below:
For more information, please visit our Performing Arts website by clicking here.

Junior Ensemble Opportunities:

• Bronze Strings: Tuesdays, Period 1 8.55am to 9.45am
• Piccolo Choir: TBC
• Sapphire Concert Band (Year 6 to 12): Thursday, 7.30am to 8.30am
• Junior Strings Ensemble: Thursdays, 7.45am to 8.45am
• Bel Canto Choir: Fridays, 7.45am to 8.30am

Senior Ensemble Opportunities:

• Senior Strings Ensemble: Mondays, 7.45am to 8.45am
• Senior School Choir: Monday, 7.30am to 8.30am
• Gold Strings: Wednesdays, 7.30am to 8.30am
• Silver Strings: Wednesdays, 8.30am to 9.00am
• Sapphire Concert Band (Year 6 to12): Thursday, 7.30am to 8.30am
• Senior Vocal Ensemble: Friday, 12.45pm to 1.25pm

Private Lessons offered at LORDS for the following Instruments/Vocal:

• Brass (Euphonium, Trombone, Trumpet)
• Woodwind (Clarinet, Flute, Alto and Tenor Saxophone)
• Drumkit
• Guitar (Electric, Acoustic, Bass)
• Piano
• Strings (Cello, Viola, Violin)
• Voice (Choir, Senior Ensemble)

If you wish to sign up, please click here. We look forward to seeing you in our ensembles or Private lessons!

With just over two years of planning, work has commenced on our new Multipurpose Centre project.

The new centre is an indoor space with air conditioning, large fans, 500 bank of retractable seats, a multipurpose court, refurbished staff room and amenities, additional storage spaces, and a new serving kitchen.

The space will host assemblies, Chapel services, sports, PE, musicals, various events, and a whole lot of learning and fun.

Special thanks to our architects, Burling Brown, https://www.instagram.com/burlingbrown/,
and Crest Project Management, https://www.linkedin.com/company/crestprojectmanagement/
who are managing the build, and our builders, Trowse Constructions

The project is due for completion in late 2026. We are really looking forward to the next chapter in the LORDS story.

It was a great celebration to see so many of our students back on campus connecting and getting ready for the 2026 school year.

Our LORDS Tuckshop is open every day except Thursdays.
We provide a range of fresh, healthy, affordable food options for both morning tea and lunch.

All Junior school orders must be placed online via the Flexischools app. Instructions on how to set up new accounts can be found on the LORDS website: https://www.lords.qld.edu.au/c...

Secondary School students and staff can preorder on the Flexischools app or purchase over the counter using cash or eftpos.

Cut-off time for ordering is 8.15 am.

Our tuckshop is very busy, so we recommend placing your orders early so you don't miss out on your favourite items. We look forward to serving all our new and returning students this year.

If you have any questions about our tuckshop service, please email tuckshop@lords.qld.edu.au

Your Tuckshop Team,
Liz, Cassie, Sonia and Chloe

Outside School Hours & Vacation Care

Before and After School Care is available on site at LORDS Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays.

Please contact the coordinator Amanda Johnson at lords.oshc@qlecs.org.au for details. For change of bookings please text 0437 519 754.

Uniform Purchases at The School Locker

LORDS uniforms are available at The School Locker, 3892 Pacific Highway, Loganholme Phone 3440 9701.

Our uniform policy for 2026 is located here

Second Hand LORDS Uniforms

Sustainable School Shop enables parents to buy and sell second-hand LORDS uniform items online.

To search for items in the Sustainable School Shop go to: http://www.sustainableschoolsh...

School Office

Our office hours are between 8.00am – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday with the exception of Public Holidays.

School Policies

You can access our Child Protection Policy and Grievance Policy on our website or a hard copy at Reception in the Administration Building.

Tuckshop

Our Tuckshop on Wheels operates for morning tea and lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Orders are to be placed online via Flexischools prior to 8.15 am each day. Students from Years 7 - 12 and staff may purchase over the counter with cash or eftpos at break times. We do not allow Junior School students to purchase items over the counter. All Junior School orders must be placed using Flexischools.

http://www.flexischools.com.au...

Reminder: No Nuts or Nut Products at School

A reminder to all families that our school is a nut-free environment to protect students with severe anaphylactic allergies. We ask that no nuts or nut-based products (including items like Nutella or peanut butter) be brought to school in lunchboxes, snacks, or for sharing during special events.

This applies to all year levels from Kindergarten to Year 12, and includes all school events, excursions, and activities.

Please note that while we aim to be nut-free, some pre-packaged items may contain traces of nuts as stated by manufacturers. We encourage parents to check labels carefully and choose safe alternatives.

Thank you for helping us keep all students safe.

The LORDS Parent Handbook can now be accessed by logging into Parent Portal and looking under Parent Forms.

Alberton Lutheran Parish

Phone: 0490 456 624

St Peters (Alberton, Alberton Rd): 8.00am

Bethlehem (Stapylton-Jacobs Well Rd, Woongoolba): 9.30am

Bethesda Lutheran Church Divine Service

Phone: (07) 3807 6600

(81 City Rd, Beenleigh)

8:30am HC every Sunday

Pastor David Haak

Bethania Lutheran Church

Phone: (07) 3200 5357

(5-17 Church Rd, Bethania): 9am

Pastor Peter Laihia

Our Business Directory is now live on our website.

Please click here to access it.

Disclaimer: Information provided in the online directory or advertising pages on this website is intended to provide a guide to businesses, organizations, and resources that support the faith-based community. LORDS or any of its employees neither endorse, warrant, nor guarantee the products or services advertised in the directory or on any website page.  The information provided in each listing on this website is published as obtained from external sources that provide the information.