“Whoever hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
– Matthew 7:24

The morning of the 8th November, was a special occasion for Nhill Lutheran School, with the official opening of the new school building. Mr Colin Minke, Executive Director of LEVNT, had the honour of cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque which now adorns the front entrance area of the school. Proceedings commenced with the school captains welcoming guests, acknowledging country and leading the singing of the National Anthem. Mr Damon Prenzler then spoke to the audience sharing some of the story of the building journey, and Mr Colin Minke also Mrs Michelle Pipkorn, on behalf of Rachel Boyce (NLS Board Chair) shared a few words. The gathering then relocated to the front of the school where Pastor Carl Thiele led the Rite of Dedication, before Mr Minke cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque. Guests could then explore the school building and enjoy a morning tea.

Special invited guests included:

• Mr Colin Minke, Executive Director of Lutheran Education Victoria, NSW, Tasmania;
• Associate Professor Lisa Schmidt, Executive Director of Lutheran Education Australia;
• Emma Kealy MP, Member for Lowan;
• Monica Revell, CEO of Hindmarsh Shire;
• Fellow Lutheran School Principals, including Jason Przibilla who will be the inaugural Executive Principal of Wimmera Lutheran College;
• Derek Fauknall also from Shape, who was the site manager of the building project, and endeared himself to our community, so much so that the children named a fluffy bear after him;
• Pastor Carl Thiele, pastor of Nhill Lutheran parish;
• Past and present members of the Nhill Lutheran School Board;
• Friends, parents, parish members, and most importantly, the students.
• Bishop Lester Priebbenow, Bishop of Lutheran Church of Australia Victoria and Tasmania, unfortunately was unable to be here today and was an apology, but sent his greetings to our school community, as did Rachel Boyce – chairperson of Nhill Lutheran School Board.

We give thanks to God for this time in the life of our school, and for the provision of a wonderful new facility for our community. Like the wise man in the parable, we hope this school will be firmly built on the rock of Jesus.

As far as building plans go, our attention now turns to the large space at the front of the school where the old school was recently removed.

See all the photos in the issue.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 13 November 2024.