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FAITHNEWSAutumn 2019

- Faith News Autumn 2019

Faith Lutheran College - Faith Middle & Senior Campus130 Magnolia Road, Tanunda, South Australia, 5352

Phone 08 8561 4200 faith.sa.edu.au

http://faith.sa.edu.au

Faith News Autumn 2019 -

Welcome to the Autumn edition of Faith News. As I write these words

of welcome, the first term of 2019 is coming to an end and it is clear the season is changing. The leaves on the trees in the College grounds are changing colour and falling, students are swapping shorts for long pants and blazers, and the morning temperatures have become fresh and crisp. Many of you reading this publication will be aware of the words found in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. Within this chapter we are reminded ‘there is a time for everything and a season for all activity’. We learn that the proper activity at the right time, bringing

Principals Welcome

Steven Wilksch - Principal Faith Middle & Senior Campus

Year 7 students Lewis Bulla & Ayla Loan during their ‘Café Culture’ elective with Principal Mr Steven Wilksch

about God’s purposes, is a beautiful part of God’s overall plan. We are certainly experiencing a season of great change, high energy and excitement. After years of planning, this year we welcomed our inaugural Year 7 students as well as our new Year 8 students. In total, over two hundred new students commenced in 2019. New facilities have now been opened to accommodate additional students and fourteen new staff joined our team.In this season, we can see God’s hand at work within the College and the lives of staff and students. We can see God blessing us with the opportunity to serve a growing

community through the provision of quality Christian education. We trust the significant changes to the College are all part of God’s plan for his people in our region and we trust our efforts will bear fruit in the lives of those involved with the College.As you read the Faith News, I trust you will sense the current ‘season’ at the College and you too will see how God is at work in and through all members of our community. These are exciting times indeed!


Class of 2018 results

Our 2018 Year 12 students continued the College’s tradition of achieving outstanding academic results.

SNAP SHOT… 98.4% of eligible students achieved their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)

10 STUDENTS achieved an ATAR OVER 95 (8%)



30% OF RESULTS A- AND ABOVE

98% of all subject scores were either A, B OR C

Particular congratulations are extended to the 2018 Dux, Thomas Krahling who achieved an ATAR of 99.5, placing him as one of the highest performing students in South Australia. The College further congratulates James Mattiske who achieved an ATAR of 99.0, and Rachael Matthews who achieved an ATAR of 97.35.

TOP 10 FAITH ATAR SCORES• Thomas Krahling – 99.50• James Mattiske – 99.00• Rachael Matthews – 97.35• Anna Davidson – 96.75• Lucille Robinson – 96.60• Alana Steicke – 96.60• Caitlin Holt – 96.25• Maddie Schuster – 95.80• Samuel Rosenzweig – 95.70• Riley Bourne – 95.40

VET RESULTS 36 students completed Certificate III's in Vocational Education & Training as part of their senior secondary studies and have had their VET results recognised as Stage 2 ATAR accredited subjects.• Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology • Certificate III in Agriculture • Certificate III in Rural Operations • Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care• Certificate III in Individual Support• Certificate III in Design Fundamentals• Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and

Technology • Certificate III in Retail• Certificate III in Fitness• Certificate III in Hospitality• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

CONGRATULATIONS to the following students who achieved SACE merit awards.• Psychology – Nicole Poulton• General Mathematics – Lucille Robinson• General Mathematics - Henry Schutz

A FIRST FOR FAITHJaydon Kovarik was the first Faith Lutheran College student to successfully complete a Diploma whilst undertaking SACE. Congratulations to Jaydon for achieving a Diploma in Aquaculture.

COMPLETED SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICESHIPSHaydn Amery, Henry Schutz and Ethan Gant completed their school based apprenticeships and now move into full time apprenticeships.

2018 DUX Thomas Krahling with an ATAR score of 99.50

Henry Schutz and Lucille Robinson at the 2018 SACE Merit Award Ceremony at Government House


Just over 100 special guests including founding Principal Mr Brian Eckermann and wife Elizabeth, former Principal Mr Gavan Cramer, Mr

Stuart Traeger, Spiritual and Cultural Leader Lutheran Education SA/NT/WA and Mr Craig Vale of ArkVale Architects attended the East Wing dedication service on Sunday 24th February. Guests were officially welcomed by College Leaders Benjamin Roennfeldt and Anneka Wilksch before Principal Steven Wilksch publicly commended Mr Craig Vale of ArkVale Architects particularly valuing his ability to genuinely listen, ensuring the world class design supported the College’s philosophy for Middle School education. Thanks was also extended to SARAH Construction, Faith’s Business Manager Mr Stephen Grieger, ICT Operations Manager Lachlan Gierke and the Faith College Board. For the first time, Principal Steven Wilksch shared the news of a very generous bequest of over $500,000 from past Lyndoch residents and siblings, Daphne and Wally Krieg. Represented on the day by close family friends Peter and Marie Hage, proceeds of the bequest have supported the Middle School development. He also shared some of the spiritual symbolism within the building including the locally sourced stones within the polished concrete, reflecting the solid foundation of the building and the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation found in Jesus Christ. (Luke 6:47-49) A time of worship followed before the ribbon was cut by Mr Stuart Traeger signifying the official opening. Guests enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea and tour of the Middle School Building featuring musical entertainment by current music students Rachael Meissner, Ellie Schaefer, Anneka Wilksch and Nicole Poulton.

East Wing Dedication

Year 12 students Ellie Schaefer and Anneka Wilksch

Mr Gavan Cramer, Mr Brian Eckermann and Mr Steven Wilksch

College Leaders Aaron Bert, Margot Pick, Anneka Wilksch, Jonty Nokes, Benjamin Roennfeldt

College Leaders visit Parliament House

On Thursday 14th February our College Leaders travelled to Parliament House to meet the Honourable Stephan Knoll.

“It was really fantastic to meet a member of our local Parliament and receive valuable advice, as we serve the College through our leadership positions. Personally, I really valued witnessing our local governing body in action and was inspired by the bountiful levels of dignity, respect and dedication shown.”Jonty Nokes“Our visit and lunch at Parliament House was filled with many highlights. As we entered the ‘Strangers Dining Room’ we were joined by member for Parliament the Honourable Stephan Knoll. The elaborate menu made choosing an entrée and main course a very challenging task. After lunch, a quick trip to the viewing gallery was taken as we watched and listened to the Leader of the Opposition Peter Malinauskas make a speech. My highlight for the trip was certainly our lunchtime conversations with the Honourable Stephan Knoll as we discussed many relevant and interesting topics. My steak for main course was also a highlight!” Benjamin Roennfeldt.

As part of the College’s Easter celebrations, more than fifty Year 12 students performed a powerful and moving Easter service from the perspective of those closest

to Jesus. Co-written by students and Chaplain Adam Yeager, the group interpreted the scriptures to compose a play highlighting the anguish, fear and betrayal felt by Jesus’ disciples, Pontius Pilot and his mother Mary during the time of his crucifixion. Accompanied by musicians and vocalists, the riveting performance served as an undeniable reminder of God’s love for us, and how his sacrifice offers forgiveness, hope, and eternal life for all who believe.

Ellie Schaefer delivering a moving

monologue of Mary’s suffering

after Jesus’ unfathomable

death.


Beyond the scriptures


To encourage our school community to think and act globally, last year ‘Serving Indonesia with a Heart’ (SIWAH) was founded. The vision for

SIWAH, was to form a partnership between SMA HKBP 1 Tarutung and Faith Lutheran College, where each school community could serve the other and make a difference in the lives of our students.

In July 2018 the inaugural Faith visit saw six Year 11 Faith students, two staff and two parents visit Indonesia and the reciprocal partnership was successfully formed. During Week 6 of Term 1, the Faith Community were absolutely thrilled to return the hospitality by welcoming six guests from SMA HKBP 1 Tarutung in Indonesia including Mr. Tumbur (Principal), Ms. Anna (Chemistry teacher), Ms. Niki (English teacher), and 3 students, Ika, Warti, and Kurnia.

During their time at the College, our guests immersed themselves in many classes, observing, taking notes and videoing Faith’s teaching and learning practices. They were particularly impressed by the diversity of subjects offered and our wine program. When asked what they (the Indonesian staff) could take back to Indonesia and use in their teaching practices, Ms. Anna replied, “I want to ask more questions of my students, rather than just tell them information. I want them to think about their learning more.”

SIWAH holds a special place in the heart of Principal Steve Wilksch who mentions “...everything we want to achieve in relation to the mission can be accomplished through this relationship.

As the College unpacks the Philosophy set by the International Baccalaureate®, SIWAH encourages our students to become internationally minded, understanding the world through the eyes of other people. SIWAH also gives real-life learning opportunities, encouraging students to celebrate and appreciate their similarities and differences in a global context. Through these relationships we have an opportunity to serve and learn from each other.”

Global Connections How we teach and learn

Anneka Wilksch with Ms Anna during Year 12 Maths

Craig Moore, Ika, Ivan Muster, Principal Mr Tumbur, Warti, Ben Roennfeldt, Kurnia, Sarah Herrmann, Craig Chidgey, Debbi Holding, Ms Niki, Amy Doecke, Anneka Wilksch, Ms Anna, Carolyn Heintze

Warti, Principal Mr Tumbur & Ika in the Wine Education Centre

The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and

caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.


Mel Mann, Riley Westbrook, Ashleigh Chishaya

At the beginning of Term 1 our Year 12 students participated in a team building program facilitated by YLead from Queensland.

YLead is an organisation offering leadership and positive education programs designed to develop the leader within, demonstrating everyone can make a positive contribution to their school community.Students learned how to work effectively in small and large groups and break down barriers by listening to each other speak about people who have had a positive impact in their lives. Students also had a visit from Headspace and were introduced to the Flexible Learning Program.

Year 12 Focus Day

“I thought the day with Ylead was definitely a day to remember. It taught me how to be a leader and a role model not only for my year level, but for younger kids looking up to me. It was an eye opening session where it was preparing us to step up and become mature for the people who look up to us. It definitely has made my outlook on high school very different, I feel as though before school started I went in stressing and not knowing how I was going to cope. YLead taught us that we have each other, our cohort is our support system and that we should definitely rely on each other’s support through our final year of high school.” Ashleigh Chishaya

In preparation for our annual Ash Wednesday service Village staff and students were invited to write down on a piece of red paper one thing they would like to lay-down or let go of

in 2019. Participants could write down a personality trait they would like to change, e.g. ‘anger,’ ‘self-doubt,’ or ‘fear of failure,’ acknowledge a habit they would like to stop or anonymously outline a situation with friends or family that seemed to be controlling or unhelpful.

At Chapel the student worship leaders and Chaplain Adam Yeager led the College in a time of Lenten reflection commencing with the Ash Wednesday tradition of honoring a time to reflect and let go. During the service College leaders hammered the red notes onto a cross. Worship Leaders Benson Heintze and Ariel Heinrich encouraged the audience to leave their burdens at the cross forever, making room for something new. The service further strengthened this week’s Lenten message after students polished off almost 600 pancakes lovingly prepared by staff as part of the Shrove Tuesday tradition marked by feasting before a time of fasting.

Time to Reflect and Let Go

Pictured right: Staff members Nicki John, Bob Mitchell, Pauline Sachse and Nerida Harris preparing pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

Benjamin Roennfeldt, Anneka Wilksch, Aaron Bert, Margot Pick, Jonty Nokes


On Friday 1st March students and staff had the privilege of hearing from 96-year-old

guest speaker Mrs Lissie Amstberg. Mrs Amstberg grew up in Berlin during Hitler’s era. She was a member of Hitler’s League of Maidens and recalls being very enthusiastic about it, attending a motorcade where she saw Hitler himself. She was 16 when the war started. She married a German soldier who was one of Hitler’s guards. She experienced bombing and near starvation towards the end of the war. She witnessed the atrocities of the Russians at the end of the war. She and her husband and three children lived in East Berlin under Stalin’s rule, until they escaped across the border, eventually migrating to Australia.

Living History

History teacher Victoria Newbold interviewing Mrs Amstberg with Barossa Village CEO Simon Newbold

Year 12 students Daria Gerlach, Jessica Scott, Amelia Ramsey, Sarah Page, Rhea Cameron with Lissie Amtsberg

YEAR 10 STUDENT RECOUNTS“It was inspirational to hear stories first hand about the history of the world in times of conflict. The way people were forced to live was horrendous. It puts into perspective how fortunate we are here in Australia today.” Jordi Wilksch “I found it really interesting to hear Mrs Amstberg’s story. Her life was really interesting. It was very sad to hear what she and many other German people had to go through. One thing which stood out to me was the fact that her family had to survive on stinging nettle for such a long time and how a Russian soldier rescued her family from starvation by providing them with bread.” Lauren Cornish

“It was interesting to see and hear Mrs Amstberg as a first-hand witness. Also to hear even as a wife with a young child she had to work for a whole day just so they could get a ration card.” Erin Andretzke

YEAR 12 STUDENT RECOUNTS “I thought it was very interesting listening to Mrs Amstberg’s life story as I have never had the opportunity to speak to someone who was impacted by World War II. It was devastating to hear how disrupted her life was by bombings and having to run away from her country! It makes me realise that we are so lucky to live a content life where we don’t have to worry about these things. I am very happy we got to listen to Mrs Amstberg.” Jessica Scott

STUDENTS MESMERISED BY WORLD WAR II SURVIVOR


HIROSHIMA“We organised a day out to Hiroshima. We went to the Peace Park, Hondori shopping mall, and finished the day off with a dinner at an okonomiyaki restaurant. We all loved seeing our plans come together finally in Japan. This included organising transport, budgets and transporting 1000 cranes to the Peace Park. We learned a lot about ourselves and developed our independence skills throughout the trip.” Hannah Stevenson and Georgia Mannion

In the Term 3 holidays of 2018, 16 students and 3 staff chaperones embarked on a two

week tour of Japan which started in Tokyo and finished in Kyoto. The purpose of the Study Tour was to immerse students in the Japanese language and culture. Students participated in a five day homestay with families from Seibo Gakuen which is situated about 1 hour north of Tokyo in Saitama prefecture. Through this opportunity, students participated in various classes and club activities with their host student and many experienced catching a train or two to school.For the first time, each student group had the responsibility of running a day of sightseeing including setting a budget and organising transportation and activities. It was pleasing to see so many students develop their problem solving skills through this experience. It is hoped students who participated in the trip will feel more confident about travelling independently in the future. Highlights of the tour included Tokyo Disneyland and a visit to Peace Park in Hiroshima.

HIMEJI CASTLE“Towards the end of the trip we got to go to Himeji Castle and meet with students from Meisho School. It was really fun to explore some of Japan’s history with really cool students who helped show us a little part of Kyoto in such an exciting way. They were all very inviting and I think I gained at least 10 new Instagram followers as well as a really cool gift bag, that was given to all of the Japan Trip students. It will be a day we all will remember for a very long time!” Oscar Seppelt

HOME STAY“When attending Seibo Gakuen I had the amazing experience of staying with host families. I was so nervous but throughout the week I became close with my family and made amazing new friendships. It is a once in a life time opportunity and it was the highlight of my trip.” Lauren Heinjus

Japan Study Tour


Sparking creativity, flair and curiosity, the Year 7 electives program focuses on subjects students are passionate about. Delivering hands on, real

life learning opportunities.

GARDEN GRUBS Carenza Finch, Olivia Heinrich, Isaac Schultz, Calvin Steinert

DRONE ACADEMY Coby Ahearn and Flynn Myers-Assender

MECHANICS 101 Braydon Schultz and Daniels Baikovs

CREATING WITH CLAYEmelia Schwartz with her clown fish creation

With great anticipation Café 7 opened its doors for the first time on Monday 25th of March. Set within the heart of Faith Lutheran

College, Café 7 is the brainchild of 16 enthusiastic Year 7 students who identified modern dining trends in their elective to establish a ‘pop up’ café.Research, planning and collaboration guided the process, with customers heralding the opening of the café as a great success.Menu items were trialled and refined in the Hospitality kitchen over several weeks, with students working together in teams to fulfil café orders on the day. A relaxed courtyard atmosphere was created as the friendly student service team took orders and chatted happily with customers as they waited. Popular menu items included smoothie bowls, layered yoghurt pots and Vietnamese rice paper rolls and coffee.

Year 7 staff Emily Bert, Linda Heinrich, Simon Hermann, Tania Schutz and Jo Jenkins

Year 7 Electives

5 star review for Café 7

Charli Martin and Miah Armstrong performed Waves and Riptide on their Ukeleles

On Thursday 28th March, Year 7 Creative Arts students staged their inaugural ‘Faith Fringe’ event.

Students chose from creative genres such as dance, visual arts and music to develop a showcase for the event. Student organisers worked diligently to create a program of events, with the Middle School learning areas serving as ‘pop up’ Fringe venues. Staff and fellow students were treated to a diverse range of entertainment including comedians, musical theatre, a DJ, visual arts and multimedia art.

Our Year 10 cohort were blessed with two beautiful weeks of sunshine and good weather for retreat this year. With a smaller team of

students in 2018, all class members attended retreat at the Tothill Ranges in a variety of challenge groups. Mountains were climbed, empty rivers were crossed and many great bonds and memories were formed. The Year 10 students embraced the challenges of retreat by strapping their equipment on their backs and heading into the bush to camp with limited to no facilities. A huge amount of resilience and teamwork was shown by all and the vast majority of students walked away with a positive smile on their faces and many fond memories to reflect upon.

Back Row L-R: Owen (Wilderness Escape), Ellie (Wilderness Escape), Stacey Thom, Ethan Battersby, Lewis Cowham, Jake Tobin, Josh Newman, Isaac Werner, Kyle Wilkinson. Front Row: Archie Hadden, Abby Griffiths, Jonah Baldwin, Brady Griffiths.

There were some impressive bush MasterChef’s on retreat this year with a variety of delicious meals being prepared. The stand out of the program was hand popped popcorn utilising the camp stoves (Trangias), which is no mean feat for anyone who has handled the infamous Trangia before.

Students were encouraged to call upon their resilience during the program. You will forget the pain over time, but the bonds and memories you make will last a lifetime.

Daniel Gogoll, Teacher

Year 10 Retreat

Inaugural Faith Fringe



The Rite Journey

The Rite Journey is a new initiative introduced to the LIFE program for Year 9 students. The program commenced with students and

staff attending a ‘Calling and Departure’ evening at the beginning of the term. The event involved a shared BBQ dinner, parent information session, ceremonial visit to Mengler Hill and overnight campout on the College ovals.

Significant item exchanged for pebble, Joshua Munzberg & Mr Craig Chidgey

Challenge activity during Mrs Vanderloo’s class

Mengler Hill Lookout with Year 9 students

I appreciated the way the rocks represented my adulthood. Joshua Munzberg

I enjoyed going to Mengler Hill to watch the sunset. Regan Schulz

Within their individual classes, students have also been discussing traditional rites of passage and the ways in which they may or may not be effective in measuring readiness for adulthood. We have also discussed the transition of modern children away from childhood and into adulthood through the construct of adolescence, and particularly how it is a relatively recent idea within our society. The students had the opportunity to create a group ‘talking stick’ and undergo a variety of challenges aimed to help them understand concepts of maturity. Later this year students will look at their own family backgrounds and what impact these have had on the people they are becoming. Students will also write a gratitude letter and identify a mentor to support them on their journey towards adulthood.


The first taste of the 2018 Mengler View vintage flowed into glasses as the Chamber Orchestra played to over 100 guests at the Mengler View

Wine Launch held on Friday 16th November 2018.Guest speakers William John and James Fox spoke about real life learnings from being involved in the Faith winemaking program, and where their wine journey has taken them since graduating in 2010. The current team of Year 10 Assistant Winemakers were acknowledged for their enthusiasm and dedication to the vintage. In particular, Caitlin Stafford was awarded the ‘2018 Kalleske Excellence Award in Wine Studies’ for her exceptional involvement in all aspects of the wine program this year. The 2018 wine label depicting the stained glass window at Faith Campus was designed by Lucille Robinson during Year 11 Visual Arts – Design. Alongside the wines, performances from the Faith Lutheran College Jazz Choir and Senior Choir added to the special ambience created on the evening. The restaurant quality menu was developed for the launch by Year 11 Hospitality students, who carefully prepared and presented the meal on the evening to complement the wines. Tiffanie Gaczol serving pre dinner canapes

Mengler View Wine Launch

Ms Marianne Nelson with Caitlin Stafford, winner of the ‘2018 Kalleske Excellence Award in Wine Studies’

Bruce Thiele Red Wine Club Dinner

Maegan Pfitzner & Tabrett Roocke hands-on in the Mengler View winery during the tour

Thirty one members of the Bruce Thiele Red Wine Club were welcomed by staff and students from the Year 10 Wine Education program and

Year 11 Food and Hospitality classes on Tuesday 26th March. Club members enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and a tour of the Wine Education Centre before enjoying a food and wine matched dinner and structured wine tasting in the Barossa Arts & Convention Centre foyer.

Faith Lutheran College

Saturday, 10 August at 7:00pmWINE AUCTION AND DINNER

The auction features a collection of wines from prominent and emerging wineries of the Barossa who have donated their flagship wine to go under the hammer.

Barossa Arts & Convention Centre, 130 Magnolia Road, Tanunda Bookings phone 8561 4299. All tickets: $50.00

Includes 3-course dinner and arrival drink. Bar facilities available. No BYO. Please advise dietary requirements upon booking.


Year 12 students Hannah Clarke, Molly Rogers, Leticia Semmler cooking breakfast for staff and students

Team Banner winners Langmeil

Athletics Day

Old Record New RecordU16 GIRLS 3000M

13.47.00 Jacqui Bayha (BTY 2012)

13.02.00 Stacey Thom (EBR 2019)

U15 BOYS HURDLES

16.11sec David Trotta (2011)

15.55sec Liam Tappert (BTY 2019)

OPEN BOYS JAVELIN

41.66m Thomas Hanna (GOM 2002)

43.70m Daniel Bussenschutt (KDF 2019)

OPEN GIRLS DISCUS

30.70m Tammie Stephen (SWL 1997)

31.06m Katelyn Young (SGF 2019)

The annual Faith Athletics Day was held on Friday 15th March. The weather was very kind making for excellent conditions for all competitors across

the day. This year an U/13 age group was added to the program of individual events. The level of competition was high and it was very exciting to see a number of long standing records broken. The Student Council initiated a Sport Colours Day, a Team Spirit Award and a Team Banner Award.

Team Spirit winners Hoffnungsthal

New Records


DOMINIQUE SLEEP YEAR 12“I have been playing football since 2017 and I am currently playing in the Crows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Academy [ATSI]. I've also represented Central Districts in the SANFL for the past two years. I am a descendant of the Wirangu people from the West Coast of South Australia. I was privileged enough to play my first AFLW game on the 10th of March and, although we lost by 8 points, it was an amazing game and I am so proud to have been a part of the Crows history. The guernseys we wore on the day were actually designed by the players using various Indigenous symbols and illustrates our journey to the Crows. I would love to see more girls playing footy in the future because it has given myself and others so many amazing opportunities.” Dominique SleepView Dominique’s interview with The Point on NITV about her Crows Academy position at https://youtu.be/QSL2o-1eP3E

BRADLEY BUTLER YEAR 9Bradley Butler, pictured centre, recently placed first in his ‘U15 State Triathlon Event’. In the near future, Bradley will travel to Queensland to represent South Australia in the National Triathlon Championships.

DECLAN MALONE & SIMEON SOLOMOUYEAR 12“Our competition is in early April taking place in Sydney. It is the Under 19’s Junior Gridiron Nationals.Playing for South Australia we will be facing NSW, WA, VIC, QLD and the “all stars” (other states combined). We have now been training with our team for over 3 months. To get selected is just like any other sport team we had to go to early trainings and the coaches had to decide whether we were good enough for a position in the squad and then in the starting team. Simeon’s positions are Defensive End and Guard/ O Line. My positions are Tackle, Guard, Defensive Line and Linebacker.” Declan Malone

Sporting Achievements

Declan Malone

Simeon Solomou

KADEN LIEBELT YEAR 7 Kaden recently competed at the Traditional Shotokan Karate Do Federation Australasian Championships in Taupo New Zealand. Kaden won a gold medal for his Kumite (fight) and a bronze medal for his Team Kata.


Help us find students from your graduating year. Visit us on Facebook and share the event details.

10, 20 and 30 Year Reunions

Class of 1999

Class of 2009

Class of 1989

As our Alumni fraternity continues to strenghten we are thrilled to

welcome past staff and students for our inaugural 30 year reunion and the annual 10 and 20 year reunion. This year’s event will continue with the same relaxed and progressive feel, by setting aside Facebook posts for a real life update.

Book Now

Sunday 15th September 2019 1pm

$15 per adult $5 per child 5 to 16 years Children under 5 years free

• Live music

• Giant Chalk and ball games for the kids, backyard cricket

• Optional Tour of College after lunch

Please advise any dietary requirements at time of booking.

What to Bring Picnic rug & deck chairs, BYO beer, wine & soft drinks.

Bookings Essential Tickets now on sale through Barossa Arts & Convention Centre Ph 8561 4299

Further Information Kelly Rowett (nee Fromm) Class of 1995 Email: [email protected]

mailto:communityrelations%40faith.sa.edu.au?subject=Alumni%20enquiry%20from%20Faith%20News

mailto:communityrelations%40faith.sa.edu.au?subject=Alumni%20enquiry%20from%20Faith%20News


ALISHA O’BRIEN CLASS OF 1994 WOFF Alisha O’Brien of Headquarters Air Mobility Group received a Conspicuous Service Cross for her services in restructuring the loadmaster and crew attendant workforce.

NATALIE WILLIAMS CLASS OF 1994In March 2019, Natalie presented a satellite seminar streamed from Madley Studio, University of Adelaide to the Barossa Regional Gallery called COMPOSING CAREERS. Hosted by Leah Blankendaal, Natalie spoke about the skills needed to succeed as a contemporary composer or songwriter; the compositional process, networking and entrepreneurship, commissions and industry opportunities. Natalie works as a composer and is a permanent resident in the USA. Her works have been commissioned and performed by international ensembles including the Atlanta Opera, Omaha Symphony, the Berkeley Symphony the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Musica Viva, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, the Australia Ensemble, Adelaide Baroque, the Sydney and Melbourne Youth Orchestras, the Australian Youth Orchestra, Indiana University Chamber Orchestra, and the Plathner’s Eleven Chamber Ensemble (Germany), the Doric String Quartet (UK), the Pavel Haas Quartet (Czech Republic) and the Sydney Conservatorium Wind Symphony. Her music has been championed by performers and toured throughout Europe, Australia and the United States.

Faith Alumni

EMMA SCHULZ CLASS OF 2017

Emma Schulz will be showing her Elouise Designs fashion pieces at Raw - Natural Born Artists, ‘Impact’ event in Adelaide in May.Emma’s Artist statement - I am an aspiring fashion/costume designer currently studying my second year at Flinders University. I have been sewing since a young age and love the way fashion expresses who we are as people and brings the catwalk to life. I design, pattern make and create/sew the designs all myself and complete custom orders for clients as well as a small accessory line.For more information Visit www.rawartists.org/elouisedesigns

http://www.rawartists.org/elouisedesigns

http://www.rawartists.org/elouisedesigns


Faith AlumniJARROD SCHMIDT CLASS OF 1991After graduating from Faith, Jarrod worked in his family’s market garden business for four years before spending seven years at Yalumba Wine Co. Jarrod began in the Wine Room and Special Events before completing a wine sales traineeship which saw him experience the Cellar, Nursery and bottling department allowing him to deepen his knowledge of grape to bottle and wine sales. For the past 17 years Jarrod has been working in a sales role at A. P. John Coopers in Tanunda selling barrels and oak products to the domestic and international wine industry. Jarrod has been married to Jerie for over 17 years and they have two children, Will aged 14 and Maddie aged 12. “I feel incredibly blessed to have my family and enjoy what I do daily. I meet many great people professionally and with-in social circles. I certainly would not have picked what I am doing from a school leaver’s manual, but have always trusted that I am being led to do what is right for me.” Jarrod Schmidt

Page 19 - Faith News Autumn 2019

PETE WILLIAMS CLASS OF 1997 Pete spent eight years in the Advertising industry before attending Met Film School (London) in 2009. He had immediate success after graduating, winning three consecutive MoFilm Awards at Cannes Lions and over the next few years directed commercial content for some of the world’s biggest brands. In 2014, Pete created a successful TV series for Channel 4 (UK) called MAKERS and in 2015 moved to Los Angeles to start work on his debut feature film: THE NEW BREED, a documentary about young entrepreneurs using business to tackle social issues. The film is now finished and doing the rounds of international film festivals. THE NEW BREED: https://newbreed.tv

ENGAGEMENT NOTEOn August 19 2018, Matt Ransom (class of 2009) got on bended knee and asked his girlfriend of over 10 years, Nicole Pope (class of 2011) to marry him. He enlisted the help of a very cute ring bearer named Asko, who was fresh off the plane from Melbourne! The couple live together in their own home at Grange, Adelaide.

Jarrod pictured with Faith staff member Bob Mitchell in the Wine Education Centre. AP John Coopers generously sponsor the Mengler View Wine Program.

https://newbreed.tv


JOSHUA TYLER AND TAHLI TYLER (NEE VOGT) CLASS OF 1997Joshua Tyler and Tahli Tyler (nee Vogt) became friends in the drama and music classes of Faith. They went on to study acting in Adelaide and later married. They now live on a hobby farm in Victoria with two children, Louis 6 and Maeve 4. They have both worked in various roles in the theatre, TV and film industry. Josh and Tahli recently attended the Sundance Film Festival in Utah for the world première of Josh’s film ‘Top End Wedding’. Josh produced and co-wrote the

film with Miranda Tapsell. The film received rave reviews and is due for release in Australia on May 2nd. Josh also used hometown Barossa as a location in his comedy TV series Plonk for Channel Nine. Josh and Tahli are currently working on theatre and TV projects both here and in LA.

JOSHUA MOLLART CLASS OF 2006Since graduating, Joshua Mollart undertook a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2007 at Elder Conservatorium, The University of Adelaide, graduating in 2010. Continuing his studies, he gained his Bachelor of Music Honours degree in Performance (Classical) in 2012. Josh has performed at corporate and private functions and continues to tutor individual piano students. Following a number of teaching appointments since his graduation from University, Josh has recently gained a permanent full-time Music Teacher position at the Gawler & District College B-12.Josh and his partner Rizz Anne Lim married on 12th October 2018 in the Queen’s Garden, Barossa Chateau, Lyndoch. His attendants consisted of Corben Semmler (Class of 2005), Corbin Schuster (Class of 2006) and Ryan Hawkes (Class of 2005).

BENJAMIN LOWKE CLASS OF 2007Ben is currently the Assistant Vineyard Manager for Schild Estate in Lyndoch and has been working with them for about nine years. Ben and his wife Sara purchased a coffee trailer in September 2017 and began their mobile coffee business called the Barossa Bean Bar. They have been married for almost four years, currently raising their family Georgia 8, Gracie 5, Ollie 4 and Isla 1½ in the Lyndoch area.

Joshua Tyler and Tahli Tyler at the Sundance Film Festival

Faith Alumni


PAUL ROHRLACH 2007 - 2010 As written by Paul – “Always disliked school. Finally got out of it at the end of Year 11 in 2010. I then undertook a diesel mechanic apprenticeship at Kevin Schulz Mechanical. Thought I’d love life being out of school but working at Kev’s and then home on the vineyard after work and Saturdays, really wasn’t cuttin’ the custard either. I was ready to give up on life. But then God got involved... Which ultimately resulted in me becoming chairperson at Bethany Lutheran Church in 2017.I had started working at home on the vineyard full time after vintage 2015. God wanted more though, he said I’ve got to put him first, before work, I kinda thought I was, I’d become chairperson and I thought things would be good. It took a fair bit of figuring out what this meant and what to do about it. But it led to going on Young Life summer camp at the start of this year, which was absolutely amazing, previously I’d never considered taking the time off. It’s been the best start to a year I’ve ever had (although not going back to school at the start of 2011 was pretty good too).As a result I now aim to genuinely put God first and let everything else fall into place. Being where, and doing what God wants me to do is the most satisfying thing ever. I now have a sense of purpose and fulfilment.”

Paul’s motivational song references ‘Hell Of A Ride’ Adam Brand, ‘Better At Being Who I Am’ Jason Aldean, ‘This Is How We Roll’ Florida Georgia Line

HILARY COMMANE CLASS OF 2005After graduating, Hilary worked in Adelaide before moving to Hamilton Island to work in the food and beverage industry. Hilary then relocated to Vancouver where she lived in the city for two years. Hilary married her husband Zaid in 2015 and they have a son called Oliver Omar Khan. Hilary has travelled extensively and spent 5 years in Bermuda before relocating to Seattle. Hilary works at the Hyatt Regency Seattle in the Group Sales department.

Above left Nathan Bruhn (class of 2011) and Paul Rohrlach.

Inset: Paul Rohrlach

ALISTER MCNEIL CLASS OF 2014Alister studied Certificate II in Electro-technology as a Faith VET student and now is a highly valued employee at Torrens Valley Electrical, where he completed his apprenticeship.Recently, Alister received Runner Up Industrial Apprentice Electrician of the Year (2018) for SA/NT with his employer, Andrew Tilley.

Faith Alumni


LANE BLIESCHKE CLASS OF 2017Congratulations to Lane who was the successful recipient of the 2019 Thomas Scholarship award presented on Thursday 21st February. Foundation Barossa’s Executive Officer Annabelle Elton-Martin stated, “Lane is incredibly impressive and we wish her the best with her studies.”Lane mentions, “The Foundation Barossa Thomas Scholarship has provided me financial support throughout my time at university, as well as a mentor to help me grow and succeed during my studies. This year I began a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Advanced) at The University of Adelaide. I have begun the year at university with so much excitement and confidence thanks to the support I’ve received from Foundation Barossa, as well as support I received throughout my schooling. I have never been so motivated to pursue a career in the healthcare industry and give back the wonderful Barossa community which has provided me with the knowledge and skills.”

MADISON HEINZE CLASS OF 2012Madison completed her Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts in 2016, specialising in photography, from Adelaide College of the Arts. During this time, she discovered a developing passion for cinematography. Madison currently resides in Sydney and completed a Diploma of Camera at the Australian Film Television and Radio School in 2017. Also, in 2017, she began freelancing as a camera assistant, and has worked in camera department on Fighting Season (Foxtel Showcase Mini Series Drama) and Bite Club (Channel 9 Drama). Amongst short films and commercials, a few notable jobs Madison has worked on includes Gone (International Missing Children’s Day Campaign), Dark Emu (for Vivid Sydney, Bangarra Dance Theatre) and as a camera operator for the 2019 Tropfest Masterclass. Madison currently works at Lemac Film and Digital as a Rental Prep Technician and plans to take on a Masters in Cinematography in the near future.

We would like to CONGRATULATE the following students from the CLASS OF 2018 who were selected to participate

in the 2019 SACE Art Show.

Jayden Linke | Drift Surf BrandSamuel Rosenzweig | Be a MateAlana Steicke | Lighting Design

CHARLOTTE VIERGEVER CLASS OF 2011 Charlotte completed a law degree at the University of Adelaide and also holds a degree in Psychological Science. Prior to being admitted as a barrister and solicitor in the Supreme Court, Charlotte volunteered at the Women’s Legal Service SA and the Adelaide Legal Outreach Service, and worked as a paralegal at a criminal practice. During her time at university she also studied as an exchange student in the Czech Republic and represented the University of Adelaide in the 2016 Harvard Model United Nations Conference in Rome. Charlotte is currently on the board for the Adelaide Lutheran Sports Club where she plays netball.

Faith Alumni


JANE BAGSHAW 16 years

BARB GARWOOD 24 years

LORRAINE JAUNAY 27 years

A combined 98 years of service to Faith Lutheran College. May God bless these staff in their new journeys. We sincerely thank them for their service.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT to Joanne Buck whose contract as Venue Manager for the Barossa Arts & Convention Centre concluded at the end of 2018. We thank Jo for 31 years of service as a teacher and Venue Manager for the Barossa Arts & Convention Centre.

Staff News

JOANNE BUCK 31 years

FAITH COLLEGE SERVICE AWARD 2018 Presented to Alison Halliday and Ivan Moll at the 2018 Valedictory Service, Ben Schwarz acknowledged Alison and Ivan’s creative, generous and dynamic service contribution to the College’s Musical endeavours. Alison worked on ten Faith musicals spanning nearly twenty years starting with ‘HMS Pinafore’ in 2000 and was well known for her meticulous attention to detail particularly for the Seussical set. Ivan’s first Faith musical was the 1990 production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ and his most recent musical accomplishments included building the amazing set for CATS.

WeddingNew Arrival

Emma Johnson (nee Zbierski) Class of 2005Emma, Matilda and staff member Sean Johnson are excited to announce the arrival of ‘Ava Louise Johnson’ Born at Kapunda Hospital, on Date: 4.10.18 at 1.15am

RETIRED STAFF

Staff member Lisa Britcher (nee Norwood) married William Britcher at Howard Vineyards in the Adelaide Hills on 15.4.18.

The next edition of Faith News will be published in Spring 2019. Please email [email protected] with your photos and stories

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