PRINCIPAL'S

MESSAGE

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Experiencing our College for the first time gives many parents a sense of relief and a feeling of confidence about the holistic education of their children. They describe the friendly welcoming atmosphere, the feeling of family, the respect and good manners shown by our students, and the genuine caring and personal attention our staff extend to each child.

Of course, we have more to offer than just those attributes. The Christian ethos that guides our teachers and support staff and our small school environment truly underpins a distinctive culture of learning and development that isn’t offered anywhere else in Hobart. The College offers a strong focus on educating the whole child and this includes educational programs developed for the individual needs of each child and guided by the Australian Curriculum. Our students benefit from small class sizes with the additional support of teacher aides in most classes.

It takes a special person to work at ELC and teachers and support staff don’t 'turn off' at 3pm. Our teachers and support staff are highly trained and committed to the education of each child. They go above and beyond to develop caring and positive relationships with each child in their care. At ELC, we believe all our students have gifts and talents and we believe all students can achieve. The challenge and 'science of teaching' is to design and implement programs that unlock that potential and assessment that allows students to show what they know. We have a strong commitment to working with students 'where they are at' and challenging them to achieve. Our staff are accessible and approachable and genuinely want to work in partnership with parents and carers to achieve the best possible outcomes for each child.

If you would like to be are part of our College Community, please contact the College and I will introduce you to our students and staff and take you on a tour of our attractive and expansive grounds and well-equipped classrooms.

Wendy Ruback

OUR VISION AND MISSION …......................................................................................................................................

At Eastside Lutheran College, we focus on developing the whole child, and educating their hearts, minds and hands. This is reflected in the overarching principles and values of the College that permeate all that we do. We are guided by the following ...

Mission: We exist to provide a caring, stimulating and safe environment, where students are challenged through high quality educational programs and practices to strive towards personal, social and academic excellence. Staff, parents, students, the church and the wider community actively collaborate to provide an environment where all can strive to r each their full potential under God.

Vision: To lovingly support a thriving, caring community of lifelong learners, each one a special child of God.

THE EASTSIDE DIFFERENCE ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

We are a small school and that means all students are known to all teachers and peers and this makes a

difference. Studies show that when teachers and students know each other, the teachers expected more

from their students because they cared about what happened to them. At ELC, teachers and students

know one another personally. This knowledge fosters a sense of community and promotes a climate of

mutual respect, resulting in an environment that's tolerant, caring, and safe.

At ELC our smaller class sizes within the small school environment makes a big difference. Everyone is

noticed. It's very hard to get lost in the sea of only 15 to 18 students. If a student is having a bad day, it's

noticed and then they can be helped. No one gets left behind. Teachers can take the time to get to know

each student and how each individual works. Because ELC teachers know every student in the College by

name, they often call on other teachers and use a 'collective wisdom' when supporting a student.

Having smaller classes enables teachers to meet the needs of each student while also encouraging all

students to meet higher expectations. At ELC, smaller class sizes enable the teachers to better know the

academic strengths and weaknesses of each of their students and tailor their instruction accordingly. At

the same time, because teachers know their students better, they have higher expectations for them.

Being able to individualize student work allows students to be challenged at their level, resulting in

improved results.

By and large, students at smaller schools experience less anxiety and enjoy more close friendships

than if they were to attend a larger school. Students at ELC feel that they "fit in,' with a group

because of the close interactions with all the teachers and students. Having to get along with all

students also promotes an important life skill; valuing differences. Student's anxiety is also reduced

when students know what to expect every day, and it's much easier for them do what is right. As a

small school, organization and school structure at ELC is more readily managed and carried out in

every classroom which, in turn, helps students bypass distractions and focus on what's important -

learning.

Our values are based on the Gospels. ELC operates as a Christian community and our Christian

ethos is the glue that holds us together. The College 's motto 'Christ Our Rock' underpins our

values and these are not just taught in a Christian Studies class. The Word of God permeates each

class at ELC and is evident in our words and actions. As we (staff and students) actively grow in our

relationship to God, the Gospel of Jesus teaches us to be in service to one another, love our

neighbour and to embrace diversity.

What's so special about us? Christ IS Our Rock.

Matthew 16-18

And so, I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even

death will ever be able to overcome it.

OUR FAITH .............................................................................................................. At Eastside Lutheran College, we are unapologetic about our faith.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ informs all learning, teaching and human relationships. Through daily devotions, weekly chapel services and dedicated Christian Studies lessons, we aim to impart and maintain a framework of Christian attitudes and relationships, with each child knowing they are a special child of God.

The teaching and learning programs of the College promote the characteristics of God through the explicit teaching of core values of:

• love

• justice

• compassion

• forgive ness

• service

• humility

• courage

• hope

• quality

• appreciation

We also aim to grow Christian attitudes and relationships which permeate and integrate through a child's entire life and work, thereby helping them grow as a caring community of lifelong learners. We seek to inspire young people to learn and serve, as we prepare them for their life beyond school.

LEADERSHIP & SERVICE ..............................................................................................................

At Eastside Lutheran College, we recognise the intertwined relationship of leadership and service. We call on all students to serve as leaders through the service of others. As Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us, "you are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven."

Our students are encouraged to stand as principled and resilient leaders who use their gifts and talents to serve others and to really make a difference in the world around them. We provide students with opportunities to lead and serve through a variety of experiences and activities, including:

• Duke of Edinburgh Award

• Young leaders of Tasmania Program

• Hands on Learning

• Regis Care Intergenerational visits

• Landcare Stewardship Program

• Outdoor Education and School Camp Program

• The Hub Program

• Breakfast Club

• Youth United Nations

• Social Justice Committee

THE EARLY YEARS (K-2) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Eastside Lutheran College is firmly committed to play-based education in the Early Years. We acknowledge that physical, social, emotional, personal, spiritual, creative, cognitive and linguistic aspects of learning are all intricately interwoven and interrelated.

Play is a context for learning that:

• allows for the expression of personality and uniqueness

• enhances dispositions such as curiosity and creativity

• enables children to make connections between prior experiences and new learning

• assists children to develop relationships and concepts through rich and authentic learning experiences

• stimulates a sense of wellbeing.

Students in the Early Years at Eastside Lutheran College are immersed in a r ich, nature inspired learning environment where they have opportunities to engage in meaningful activities which will foster growth and development. Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy concepts is embedded in al l learning areas to enable capable learners, who are able to contribute meaningfully to their own learning through decision-making and investigative learning experiences.

We value the importance of the outdoors and believe it is the ideal context to encourage children to learn, to be themselves, to explore, to experiment and to move.

THE MIDDLE YEARS (3-6) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Experiential learning forms the foundation for students in the Middle Years at Eastside Lutheran College. Student s in Years 3-6 engage in a progressively broader range of developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based experiences in order to nurture and develop caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.

Students are exposed to a wide range of academic, sporting and extra-curricular activities that endeavour to enhance and enrich their primary school experience. Literacy and numeracy remain in the foreground and seen as the vital building b locks for other subjects, with small class size s ensuring that each child is given every opportunity to shin e. Primary students engage in weekly specialist subjects including LOTE (AUSLAN and Japan ese), Music, Visual Arts, Information and Communication Technology and Christian Studies.

Students in years 3- 6 are navigating new and exciting challenges in terms of interpersonal relationships, social responsibility and emerging independence. Explicit social skills teaching using the Zones of Regulations Program is embedded throughout the curriculum.

For students in Year Six, the transition to Secondary School can be a never-wracking time. We view this transition as a process, not a one-off event, which re qui res both time and commitment. It is a process of building relationships and understanding, with the aim of supporting students in their transition, identifying barriers to a student’s learning and ensuring that students feel comfort able as they continue their learning journey. Eastside Lutheran College offers an intensive transition program for students who are moving int o the Secondary Years in terms three and four.

THE SECONDARY YEARS (7-10) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The Secondary Years at Eastside Lutheran College are a time for co-collaboration and higher order thinking. Through a carefully planned and articulated flexible program catering for individual learning needs, students are given meaningful opportunities to engage in real world learning. Our approach to learning and teaching in the Secondary School is one that supports individual development in a caring and supportive environment. Students grow and learn at very different rates during these years, and we ensure that programs are individualised so that students experience success in these fundamental years of their formal education.

Secondary students are encouraged to be independent learners who are curious and creative in their approach to problem solving. Literacy and numeracy understanding remains the major curriculum priority- we are committed to small class sizes and fluid groups based of individual students. Our rigorous curriculum is complimented by a focus on the development on 21st Century skill s. These skills are skill s our students need to help them adapt to life in an ever changing, technologically rich world.

The Secondary Years are also a time for students to strengthen their social skills and develop positive relationships with their peers and adults, both within the College and in the wider community. Secondary schooling at Eastside Lutheran College is characterised by an increasingly high expectations for leadership and service. Students are given the opportunity to partner with a range of community organisations, and work across the College to assist with younger students.

NON-CORE SUBJECTS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

As students progress through the Secondary Years, they are encouraged to make decisions about their own learning pathways to further develop their interests and skills. Throughout this time, students are given the opportunity to explore new areas of study and select module units covering a range of subjects from a wide variety of disciplines. While in Year Seven and Eight, students have experiences in each subject option, while students i n Year Nine and Ten make selections based on interest areas.

Non-Core Subject offered at Eastside Lutheran College include:

The Arts Science Humanities & Social Sciences

Health, Sports and Recreation

Design &

Technology Languages

Visual Arts Animal Studies Psychology Sports Science Multimedia Japanese

Drama Physics Child Studies Aqua Awareness

Grow Your Own Food

Indonesian

Dance Chemistry Global Studies Duke of

Edinburgh Design

Technology Mandarin

Photography Biology Business studies

Outdoor Education

Food Technology

Music Specialist Maths

Textiles

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS ..............................................................................................................

Eastside Lutheran College is committed to providing holistic and well rounded educational opportunities for all students. We recognise that learning does not, and cannot stop at the classroom walls. Educational experiences, including camps, trips and excursions are recognised as essential to the Eastside Lutheran College curriculum.

Outdoor learning and nature pedagogy are embedded in the curriculum for students from Kindergarten to Year Ten. A.s a College, we believe that learning outdoors provides unparalleled opportunities to develop self-reliance, interdependence and leadership, the development of an adventurous spirit, managing personal risks, safe journeys in nature, health and well-being, and is conducive to developing deeper human-nature relationships.

Students in Years Nine and Ten are encouraged to complete the Duke of Edinburgh' s International Award. This is internationally recognised program for young people, building their skills to equip them for life and work. By creating opportunities for young people to develop skill s, get physically active, give service and experience adventure, the Award can play a critical role in their development and is designed to challenge young people.

Eastside Lutheran College is proud to offer Hands on Learning to selected Primary and Secondary Students. This program caters to the different ways young people learn, helping students build confidence, engage and achieve at school. Students thrive developing the creativity, self-discipline and interpersonal skills vital for the 21st Century workforce. On a weekly basis, students work in collaboration with artisan-teachers to create valuable structures for the school and community.