As we finish the year at LORDS, I keep thinking about how often God’s grace shows up in the everyday moments in the smiles across classrooms, in the quiet care our staff and families offer, when no one else sees it. These small things add up. They tell a story of a community held together by kindness and hope.

Christmas reminds us why this matters. It’s the season where we hear again the simple, beautiful truth that “a light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can’t put it out.” (John 1:5) God’s love comes close, not loud or flashy, but steady, warm, and real.

That’s why our connection with ALWS and Gifts of Grace fits so naturally with who we are. These gifts may look small- a goat, a school kit, clean water but they change someone’s whole world. They’re grace in practical form. And every time someone from our community chooses a Gift of Grace, we’re helping God’s light reach a little further.

This year at LORDS, we’ve seen that same light in the way people show up for one another. Students trying hard things. Friends walking alongside each other. Families supporting from the sidelines. Staff giving their best because they believe in our young people. These are the moments that shape us.

As we head toward Christmas, my prayer is that you find some space to breathe, to rest, and to notice the good that God is weaving into your days. May the light of Jesus — the light that darkness can’t overpower — give you peace, hope, and joy as you spend time with those you love.

Let’s pray:

Loving God, thank you for this year for all the ways you’ve been at work in our community. As Christmas comes, fill our hearts with your light and your peace. Bless our students, staff, and families with rest and joy. And use our Gifts of Grace to bring hope to people around the world. Help us to keep walking kindly and loving well. Amen.

GIFTS OF GRACE WEBSITE

• This year, we will be praying for families in our community and their needs: Dhaliwal, Diaz, Dickson, Dixon, Djokovic, Dominic
• Give thanks for the community and the gift of what has been achieved throughout 2025

Community Reminder — Finishing the School Year Well

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we want to remind our LORDS families of the importance of finishing well. These last days matter for learning, for celebrating, and for giving our students a strong and positive end to their year.

A few key points as we approach the end of term:

Every day counts. Teachers are still running meaningful learning experiences, reflection activities, and class celebrations. Being at school helps students finish with confidence and connection.

The last day of school is Friday, 5th December. We ask that all students attend right through to the final day so they can take part in class wrap-up activities, receive important information, and say proper goodbyes.

A strong end helps students step into the new year feeling settled, prepared, and proud of their efforts.

Thank you for your support in helping our young people finish the year positively. We’re grateful for the partnership we share with our families and the care you show for your children’s learning and wellbeing.

We’re looking forward to celebrating the final weeks of 2025 together.

Leave Requests

Families are reminded that requests for leave need to be in writing to both your class teacher and Mrs Bruyn rebekah.bruyn@lords.qld.edu.au (P-6) and Mrs Kinne selina.kinne@lords.qld.edu.au  (Year 7-12). We strongly encourage you to 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.

Christmas Worship and Celebrations

Carols by Candlelight at Jacobs Well: Sunday 7th December (starting 4.00pm)

Christmas Eve Worship (24th December): Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Woongoolba, 7.00pm

Christmas Day Worship (25th December): St Peter's Lutheran Church, Alberton, 8.00am

Farewell and Thank You to Our 2025 Departing Staff

As we come to the end of another year at LORDS, it is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge staff who will be leaving our community at the conclusion of 2025. Each person has contributed richly to the story of our school, shaping students, shaping culture, and shaping what it means to learn and grow together. We give thanks for their service, their hearts, and the imprint they leave on our community.

Ms Clachere Beard
After 11 years at LORDS, we farewell Ms Clachere Beard, who began her journey with us as a graduate teacher and has since become a defining presence in our Visual Arts program. Clachere’s creative energy, leadership, and unwavering high expectations have shaped and formed the Arts at LORDS into a vibrant, thriving learning area. As Head of Arts, she has championed student voice, encouraged imagination, and ensured that every learner could see themselves as an artist. Clachere has made a wonderful contribution to school musicals during her time at LORDS. We thank her for her contribution and wish her every blessing for the future.

Mr Stephen Blair
After an incredible 39-year career in education (including the last 7 years at LORDS), we celebrate and thank Mr Stephen Blair as he retires from full-time teaching. As Head of Technology, Stephen has grown our design and technology offerings, expanded opportunities for practical and creative problem-solving, and encouraged students to see possibilities in every idea they explored. His wisdom, expertise, and generosity of spirit have been a gift to students and colleagues alike. We wish Stephen a joyful and fulfilling retirement.

Ms Amanda Watson
We also farewell Ms Amanda Watson, who has served LORDS for 8 years. Amanda joined us as a Year 5 teacher before moving into the Secondary School, where she taught mathematics and science and played a key role in introducing Psychology as a senior subject at LORDS. Amanda’s versatility, care, and commitment to student learning have been highly valued. She now moves to Coomera Anglican College, and we extend our thanks and prayers as she begins this next chapter.

Mrs Karyn England
After 8 years of dedicated service, we thank Ms Karyn England, who concludes her role as Junior School Student Mentor. Karyn’s presence, her steady support, and the care she has shown to students and families have been deeply appreciated. Her work has made a difference to countless young people, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Mr Kevin de Goede
We extend our thanks to Mr Kevin de Goede for his dedicated service to LORDS over the past two years. His leadership in establishing Rugby 7s at LORDS has created wonderful opportunities for our students.
Mr de Goede will continue to support our community through relief teaching. We are grateful for his ongoing contribution.

Finally, we extend our thanks to Mrs Kathy-Lee Bamford, and the following staff members finishing contracts at the end of the term;  Mrs Lucy Mladenovic, and Mrs Danielle Gillin for their service throughout 2025. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart they have brought to LORDS and wish them well as they conclude their roles this year.

End of Term Dates

P-11 students finish on Friday, 5th December.

Parents are reminded that students are to attend school until the final day of school, as learning, exams, assessments, and end-of-year celebrations will occur until the final day.

CLASS OF 2025 | Year 12 Celebration Day!

Our final Year 12 cohort laced up their skates and headed to Planet Chill for a morning of fun, laughter, and a few spectacular slips on the ice!

It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of their school journey together, making memories that will last long after the ice has melted. We’re so proud of how far they’ve come and can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

Well done Year 12—what a wonderful way to wrap up your final days at school!

Celebrating the Class of 2025 — A True P–12 LORDS Moment

We gathered as a whole school community to honour our wonderful Year 12 graduates of 2025. From the joyful family breakfast to the heartfelt Junior School Guard of Honour, it was a beautiful reminder of what it means to be a P–12 community where every learner, every journey, and every story matters.

Watching our youngest students line the pathway for our seniors, clapping, waving, and smiling, was a wonderful moment of connection. It captured the heart of LORDS: a place where belonging is real and where we grow together in hope, courage, and faith.

To our graduates: thank you for the way you have left well with gratitude, kindness, humility, and a deep respect for those who have supported you along the way. You have shaped our community, and you leave a legacy that inspires the learners who follow.

As you step into your next chapter, may this blessing guide you:

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

Go with confidence, grace, and every blessing for a bright future.
Well done, Class of 2025 — we are so proud of you!

Celebrating the Class of 2025
Valedictory Service – A Moment for a Better Tomorrow

We gathered as a community to honour our Class of 2025 at their Valedictory Service. What a joy it was to celebrate who they have become and the promise they carry into the future.
We gave thanks for their resilience, their hearts for others, their willingness to step up, and the way they have embraced both challenge and opportunity.

Thank you to the staff, students, and parents who offered prayers and words of encouragement for our young people.

Congratulations, graduates. We are so proud of you.

Our 2026 Year 7 cohort enjoyed a day of connection and exploration at the LORDS Secondary School, supporting the big step that is the move into Year 7.

The students started their day with flying drones in STEM, creating rainbows in Science, getting active in Drama, constructing a Christmas ornament in Design Technology, and trying out their sports skills in HPE. They met a range of teachers and support staff and are feeling more confident with finding their way around the Secondary School campus.

In the middle session, the students were encouraged to connect with each other through group games with Chappy Jez, Mrs V, and the Year 7 Pastoral Care teachers through a get-to-know-you chat, and with the current Year 7 students through an Expert Panel Q&A session.

To finish the day, everyone feasted on a pizza lunch before heading off for an afternoon of ten-pin bowling!

We can’t wait to welcome our Year 6 friends back next year as they start their Secondary School journey!

Four Year 8 and 9 students put their critical thinking and moral reasoning to the test last week as they competed in the Middle School Ethics Olympiad. Representing our school with confidence and curiosity, the teams tackled a range of contemporary and classic dilemmas while applying philosophical and ethical frameworks to guide their responses.

Students explored issues such as whether an artist’s behaviour should influence how we judge their work, the ethics of harming video-game characters, and the complexity of verbal versus physical bullying. They were challenged to justify their positions, consider opposing viewpoints, and adapt their reasoning as new ideas emerged.

What truly stood out was the teamwork: calm discussion, respectful disagreement, and shared leadership. Our students demonstrated maturity well beyond their years and proudly represented the values of thoughtful, ethical citizenship.

We congratulate Lily W from Year 8, & Amy P, Eve M & Isabella H from Year 9 for their dedication, preparation, and spirited engagement in this challenging academic event. They should be immensely proud of their achievement!

The Year 11s and Preps spent some special time together today, building connection and excitement as they prepare for Monday’s Jersey Presentation.

Moments like these remind us how powerful cross-year relationships can be — learning, laughing, and supporting each other as a LORDS community.

We can’t wait to celebrate our Year 11s on Monday!

The Year 9 Dinner Dance was held last Friday night at Gainsborough Greens Golf Club, where our Year 9s and their teachers celebrated in style — the perfect way to mark the end of their Middle School journey!

A big shout-out to our amazing MCs, Rico and Hanna, who kept the evening flowing with confidence and enthusiasm. We are also grateful to Lara and Avani for delivering such heartfelt and inspiring speeches — you truly made the night even more special!

From the photo booth fun to the Nutbush on the dance floor, from shared laughter to unforgettable moments with friends, Year 9 made this a night to remember.

What a fantastic way to finish Middle School — well done, Year 9- we are so proud of you!

The Year 8/9 Elective Japanese students enjoyed meeting new friends last week when they took part in a Zoom session with the Year 7 students at Narakawa Junior High School in Nagano.
The LORDS students introduced themselves in Japanese, sharing information about their families, hobbies, favourite subjects and foods, and their shopping habits. The Year 8 students then interviewed the Narakawa students in Japanese about how they spend their free time, and the Year 9 students led a game in Japanese – Pictionary proved to be a hit!

The LORDS students were excited to speak in Japanese and loved the applause they received from the Japanese students! The Narakawa students also shared their self-introductions in excellent English, and it was amazing to discover how much we have in common!

We recently mailed a package of Aussie treats to Narakawa Junior High School, and the Year 7 students will be trying Vegemite for the first time next week! We can’t wait to see their reactions!

To help prepare our students to become safer drivers and passengers on the roads, our Year 10 students participated in RACQ’s Driver IQ Learner Program.

Through this interactive lesson, students learned practical strategies to help them get the ‘P plate experience’ whilst they have the safety net of their Learner License and support from their supervisor. The program also explored ways that passengers can support drivers to concentrate on the road ahead.

We are proud to share some graduation pictures of some of our Year 12 students who successfully completed a Diploma of Business through Strategix Training. Congratulations to all students.

Year 12 graduates of the Diploma of Business are:

Sienna C

Zoe G

Ava H

Jessica H

Rishima L

Katelyn L

Summer M

Dakota O

Natalia S

Gracie W

Information has been emailed home to current Year 11 families with a link to RSVP to this very special event.

End of Year Reflection

As we come to the end of another wonderful year in the Junior School, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible learning, growth, and community spirit we have shared.

Our Year 1 Showcase of Learning was a delight, offering families a glimpse into the inquiry, creativity, and enthusiasm that fill our classrooms. Next week, we look forward to welcoming families to the Year 2 Showcase of Learning, as well as the Year 6 Human Library Showcase, where our students will share their passions, experiences, and inspirations in a unique and meaningful way.

The Year 5 Market Day was a huge success once again. Students demonstrated impressive teamwork, entrepreneurial thinking, and problem-solving as they designed, marketed, and sold their products. The excitement on the day was contagious, and we thank our community for supporting this important learning experience.

We also enjoyed a fantastic Junior School Swimming Carnival. The energy poolside was incredible, with students cheering each other on and giving their best in every event. Congratulations to Pimpama for taking out the win this year. We also congratulate Logan for winning House Spirit. Thank you to families who came along to cheer, and to staff for ensuring such a smooth and positive event.

Our Year 3 and 4 Bike Program was another highlight, with students developing confidence, coordination, and important bike safety skills. It was wonderful to see so many smiles as they participated in hands-on activities and built their independence.

As we approach the final week, we look forward to celebrating our Year 6 students at their Celebration Dinner, a special milestone as they prepare to take their next steps into secondary school. We are also excited to gather with students and families for our upcoming Awards Assemblies, where we will honour achievements, growth, and the efforts of all learners across the year.

Thank you to our staff, students, and families for your partnership, positivity, and support throughout 2025. It has been a privilege to share this year with you all.

Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas season and a safe, restful holiday break.

Blessings,

Rebekah Bruyn
Head of Junior School

Our Year 1 students were so excited to welcome their families to their Science Showcase! As part of their Project-Based Learning unit on weather, the children dressed up as little meteorologists and confidently shared what they’ve been learning about different types of weather and the seasons.

They also proudly talked about Australian animals and their habitats, showing just how curious and knowledgeable they’ve become this term.

Adding a festive touch, Year 1 featured a Christmas Wishing Tree. Students selected a special message from the tree and read it aloud to their visiting family member or special person—such a heart-warming moment to finish the morning.

Our talented Student Mentor, Miss Blair, has been working hard on decorating the windows and doors of the Year 1 classrooms. They look amazing!

Thank you to all the families who joined us. What a wonderful celebration of learning!

On Monday, 17th November, our Year 5 students brought energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit to their annual Market Day!

From handmade goodies to fun activities, our students worked together to plan, create, and run their own market stalls. It was wonderful to see their teamwork, problem-solving, and big smiles as the school community came along to support them.

A huge well done to our Year 5s for their enthusiasm and hard work — and thank you to everyone who joined in to make the day such a success.

On Wednesday, 26th November, LORDS held its annual Year 3–6 Swimming Carnival. On a warm and sunny day, students embraced the opportunity to participate, have fun, and represent their houses with pride. It was wonderful to see so many children giving events a go, focusing not on winning but on challenging themselves and being part of the team.

The atmosphere poolside was fantastic, with plenty of cheering and outstanding team spirit on display.

Logan House was recognised for its spirit and enthusiasm throughout the day, taking home the Spirit Cup.

In the race for Overall House Champion, Pimpama proved far too strong and secured a well-deserved victory.

A number of students achieved remarkable individual results. A huge congratulations to:
• Scarlett, who broke all four records in all four of her races
• Bentley, who broke three records
• Ethan, who broke two records
• Oliver and Finlay, who each broke a record

We also extend a big thank you to the Pimpama Sports Hub for hosting our carnival at their fantastic venue, and to the many parents who came along to cheer from the stands—your support added greatly to the day.

That wraps up Junior School Sport for 2025 at LORDS. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support in what has been our biggest year of sport yet. We’re already looking forward to an even bigger and better 2026.

Our Year 8 students had the wonderful opportunity to take part in an Indoor Cricket excursion as the culminating experience for their current unit of work. The session was delivered by World Cup-winning indoor cricketer Beau Zorko, brother of Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Zorko, alongside two highly skilled members of the QLD U22 squad, Olivia and AK.

Students enjoyed a mix of skill development and gameplay, benefiting greatly from the expertise and professionalism of the coaching team at the Gold Coast Indoor Sport Ashmore. It was a valuable and enjoyable way to conclude the unit, especially when Harry M bowled AK out, and Oliver H caught him out!

If you'd like to give Indoor Cricket a try, the centre holds a variety of holiday clinics for players up to 14 years of age. Give Brett or Beau a call!

Our Year 3 and 4 students participated in the AusBike for Schools program — AusCycling’s official bike education program for schools. The aim of this initiative is to give students the opportunity to learn about bike safety and develop their riding skills in a fun, engaging, and educational way, all within the school environment.

The sessions were led by two experienced coaches from AusCycling who guided students through a range of activities both on and off their bikes. It was a fantastic day of learning, confidence-building, and active fun for all involved.

The much-anticipated Week 6 off-site recreation activities were a huge success! As part of what we hope will become an annual tradition for each year level, the schedule was as follows:
• Year 7: Game Over
• Year 8: Ice Skating
• Year 9: Challenge Rooms
• Year 10: Top Golf
• Year 11: Bowling

It was a fantastic way to come together as cohorts as we approach the end of the school year and wrap up another year of Thursday Sport. Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm and energy throughout the program. Check out the photos - what a blast!

Please keep an eye out for email communication coming soon about nominations for your Semester 1 Sport in 2026. We would like selections completed before the holidays so we can plan pre-season trials and training. These will begin in Week 2 of Term 2, with two to three weeks of trials followed by two weeks of team training before the AGCC season begins.

Anyone who does not complete their sign-ups by the deadline will be assigned a sport, which they must attend for at least the first week.

Please note:
• Training will be mandatory for all A-team players in 2026 and strongly recommended for B-team players.
• Training attendance will be an eligibility requirement for selection in any tournaments for that sport.
• B-team players are encouraged to attend, as opportunities may arise if A-team players do not meet training expectations.
• We have employed several high-quality external agencies to coach in 2026, including PURE Soccer, MVP Basketball Performance Academy, Creadaptic Volleyball Club, and QLD Touch Footbal,l just to name a few. Trainings will be mostly FREE, funded through the SS Sports budget, with a couple of exceptions.

We are hoping to offer 3–4 tournaments in each sport next year. Training will run before or after school, according to the schedule:  TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR 2026 SEMESTER 1 (with some minor changes possible). Please use the holidays to ensure you have plans in place should you be selected for a team.

Congratulations to Avani K, who has been selected for the 2026 Senior Age Representative Team with Pimpama United Netball Association. She will be part of the U16 squad and will travel to Townsville in April 2026 to participate in the State Age Championships.

She will also take part in Senior Representative Carnivals at various locations from January to March 2026. Well done, Avani, we are so very proud of you.

Congratulations to Arushi K, who has been selected for the 2026 Junior State Age Representative Team in the Pimpama United Netball Association. She will be part of the U12s Team and will participate in the State Age Championship at the Hinterland District Netball Association on July 26. She will also participate in Junior Rep carnivals at different locations from January to June 2026.

Well done, Arushi! We are so very proud of you.

One of our Year 2 students, Kalani C, participated in the INFQ State Indoor Netball competition held during the September School holidays and has been selected for the Queensland Rising Stars program to be held in December.

Congratulations, Kalani, we are very proud of you.

One of our Year 8 students, Manvi K, has been selected from across the region to represent BEARS in their upcoming QJC and Development carnivals Under-15 team, playing in Toowoomba in December. 

Congratulations Manvi, we are very proud of you.

Holiday Pass 2026 – January Summer School Holidays. GET IN QUICK, LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!! Holiday Pass gives you access to 8 x 1.5-hour sessions per location across a 3-week training period!

Keep your skills sharp over the holiday period and get a head start on your 2026 volleyball goals. While everyone else is resting, you’ll be building momentum! Holiday Pass is designed to offer high-quality training, flexible scheduling, and an affordable way to stay on court. Attend all or as many sessions as you like, and register for the school grade you’ll be entering in 2026.

The Dates:
Week 1: 5th, 7th, 9th January (sessions run on these dates — please find the timetable on our website for more details)
Week 2: 12th, 14th, 16th January (sessions run on these dates — please find the timetable on our website for more details)
Week 3: 19th, 21st January (sessions run on these dates — please find the timetable on our website for more details)

We usually hit capacity pretty quickly, so if you're interested, sign up today to secure your spot!!

Visit our website for more information http://www.https/sharksvolleyb...

Celebrating Our 2025 Performing Arts Award Recipients

At the final assembly, we proudly recognised our 2025 Performing Arts Award recipients, students who have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership, creativity, and commitment across The Arts.

These students have enriched our school community through performance, discipline, teamwork, and a genuine passion for the arts. Their dedication to rehearsals, performances, and ensemble participation has not only strengthened our programs but also inspired their peers.

We congratulate all awardees on this well-deserved achievement and thank our Performing Arts staff, tutors, and families for their ongoing support throughout the year. We look forward to another exciting and creative year ahead in 2026!

Please click here to see the students who received awards: ARTS AWARDS

The Arts – End of Year Wrap-Up

What a year! Our Arts students have filled 2025 with music, movement, creativity, and lots of memorable moments. Thank you to our teachers, tutors, families, and supporters, and huge congratulations to our talented students. We’re excited for even more creativity in 2026!

Our last tuckshop day will be next Wednesday, 3rd December.
Please place your last orders online via flexischools as soon as possible to assist us with catering for stock in our last week. 

Sonia, Cassie, Chloe and Liz thank everyone for supporting our tuckshop service. Together this year, we have served a record 37,000 meals to our school community!

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

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 2025 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.