2026 Bishop’s greeting to our schools

2026 Bishop’s greeting to our schools

Reverend Dr Mark Vainikka, Bishop LCAQD, delivers a greeting to Lutheran schools in Queensland as they begin the 2026 school year. You can watch the video here.

Hello everyone,

Grace and peace to you. Welcome to a new school year in our Lutheran schools. I’m Bishop Mark, the bishop of the Lutheran Church in Queensland.

To all our students, staff, and families, especially those who are new, it’s a joy to greet you as you start this year together. Whether today is your first day or you are returning, you are part of something special.

I pray that this year brings you meaningful fulfilment, learning, growth, curiosity, and joy.

For those starting at our schools, new students, staff, and families, I offer a special blessing and prayer: that you quickly find a community where you belong, a family where you are known and valued, and a place where your gifts are welcomed and encouraged.

I hope you find our schools to be places of kindness, safety, and hope, where questions are welcome, faith is lived with humility, and learning is shaped by love.

Thank you to our dedicated staff for the care, wisdom, and faith you bring each day. To our students, I hope this year helps you discover new knowledge and new confidence in who you are, and who God calls you to be.

May God bless each of you this year. May Christ be with you in every classroom and playground, and may the Spirit guide, encourage, and support you in all that comes.

God’s peace be with you, and every blessing for the year ahead.

Bishop Mark