Crises no Impediment to School Growth

Council of Lutheran Education Queensland Chair, Dr Darryl Muller, presented his first report to Synod.

Schools are a mission platform for the church and Dr Muller encouraged delegates and visitors to explore opportunities to build relationships with schools, early childhood and outside school hours care services.

He said with 20,000 students enrolled, there were mission opportunities not only with children but their families as well.

Enrolments grew from 19,451 in 2021 to 20,193 in 2022; this was prompted by the quality of online learning and spiritual support during times of crisis, including the pandemic and weather events.

There are 600 staff employed in 61 educational facilities, providing care to families.

Dr Muller highlighted the importance of faith and spiritual formation in a school setting to delegates.

Director of Identity & Formation, Stephanie Maher, spoke about the Growing Deep leadership and formation framework for Lutheran education, and LEQ’s essential practices including staff formation, Christian studies, service learning, pastoral and restorative practices and chaplaincy.

Examples of where these practices have been incorporated in Lutheran educational facilities were shown through photos and videos.

Executive Director for LYQ, Tanya Crooks, also thanked delegates for their vision in years past to begin the Lutheran educational ministry, starting with St Peter’s Lutheran College and Concordia College, and now blossoming into other schools around the state.