Inside this Issue - Redeemer Lutheran College

Principal’s Report
While the performing arts at Redeemer have numerous
opportunities to shine in their individual disciplines, the biennial
musical continues to capture the enthusiasm of the whole
Redeemer community, and this year’s performance of Bugsy
Malone was no different, performing to capacity audiences.
As usual, the standard of the production overall and that of
the major performers was excellent and gained the widespread
appreciation that was deserved. In contrast to recent years the
age of participants was considerably younger on average than
has been the norm, yet the standard was in keeping with what
the Redeemer community has come to expect; a truly excellent
achievement by both students and staff.
From the Principal’s desk, 2011 has been one of those years that
has taken more of its own course, in contrast to conforming with
carefully planned outcomes; and for the most part the outcome
overall has been most pleasing indeed, with much to be thankful
for. Redeemer has witnessed many spectacular achievements
in 2011, some of which I will refer to later, and a settled Staff
Executive has provided excellent and clear leadership to students,
staff and parents of the College.
As referred to variously throughout publications and at P & F
meetings this year, 2011 has seen Redeemer Lutheran College
Council commence reviewing its strategic plan, part of a normal
five year cycle. As the updated strategic plan is finalised, there
will be nothing normal about the next five years of education in
Queensland, with Australian Curriculum now well on its way to
implementation, and Year 7 moving into the secondary years.
It is therefore essential that Redeemer plans carefully to ensure
that it continues to provide relevant and dynamic P-12 education
through the next decade. Inclusive of the redevelopment in the
years ahead is a firm commitment to maintaining three subschools
as the most effective structure to best serve our students;
although it is important to note that sub-school groupings and
both specific academic and pastoral care programs within each
sub-school may undergo significant changes over the next several
years.
Academically Redeemer commenced 2011 with the celebration
of 2010 OP 1 results, which again were very strong with seven
OP 1s, from an OP cohort of 133. Redeemer’s 2010 graduates
also attained 86 VET qualifications with a number of students
gaining multiple qualifications. The very high quality of these
achievements is seen each year in both the tertiary academic
courses secured by Redeemer students through their QTAC
applications and also the Springboard showcase products as
well as the securing of traineeships and apprenticeships for our
Vocational graduates.
In looking to the future Redeemer commenced a phased
implementation of Australian Curriculum this year with Maths
and English programming developed for years P-9. Next year will
see Australian Curriculum implementation expand to include P-10
Science and trials of History units in a number of year levels.
The music department (curricular and co-curricular) again
impressed the Redeemer and wider community. Music
performance across the College has achieved quite exceptional
standards this year, best noted by the Redlands Eisteddfod results
in which each instrumental ensemble achieved first place, with
all choral entries finishing above third place. This is a tremendous
outcome and speaks for itself.
The Drama Department performances across the year also
produced excellent results. While I personally enjoyed the few
performances that I could attend, it was the comments of
admiring surprise that were made to me by parents, or which I
overheard about their own student’s performance, that I found
particularly encouraging, for it is in engaging students and
drawing out of them unexpected achievements that sees sincere
and deep learning occur.
The visual arts were not outdone in the presentation of
outstanding work this year. Visual Art students were acclaimed
throughout the year starting with the Year 12 exhibition and
continuing with achievements in art showings outside of the
college. Arys Wu’s Silkcut Lino Print resulted in her being a
Silkcut national finalist, with her work displayed in Melbourne in
September. Alana Bosgra, Year 12, 2011 also had an impressive
year, having her work achieve a highly commended classification
in the State Creative Generation Awards for Visual Art.
With the arrival of Springboard in the calendar, Redeemer
automatically knows that the Fair is only several sleeps hence,
and an atmosphere of expectation is the result. This year’s
Springboard was larger than ever and the showcasing of Design
Technology, Fashion, Art, Hospitality and Music at Springboard is
very special and quite unique. The extent to which Springboard
has become a special event in the life of the College is evident in
the attendance, not only of students and parents, but also former
scholars, Grandparents and friends of Redeemer.
Twenty Eleven has also been a memorable year for Pastoral Care
activities. The decision by Redeemer Lutheran College Council
to engage another Outdoor Education provider, thus moving
our Year 9 Program from Ballon to Tuchekoi, was not a decision
made without careful consideration of the needs of Redeemer
Lutheran College. The outcome of this decision has resulted
in a re-invigorated program that has this year produced many
outstanding examples of transformational personal growth for
our Year 9 students. It is only natural therefore that College
Executive began to consider other Pastoral Care needs of the
College. The challenge presented by the outcomes of Tuchekoi
is to continue to provide more relevant opportunities for student
2 | REDEEMER ANNUAL REPORT | 2011