Principal's Blog

Farewell 

As I was recently writing this year’s article for our College yearbook, Stepping Stones, I was quite reflective as I looked back on my nine-year journey as Principal at Victory Lutheran College. My heart was filled with an overwhelming mix of gratitude, pride and a bittersweet sense of farewell. Leading this amazing community has been the greatest privilege of my professional life as an educator. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes and continued to build on the legacy of those who have come before and will continue for the years to come.

When I first joined Victory Lutheran College in 2015, I was struck by the spirit of community that radiates throughout the College. This is a school where students, staff, and families work hand in hand, bound by a shared commitment to nurturing young minds and hearts in faith and learning. It is a place where education extends far beyond the classroom walls, cultivating not only academic excellence but also the values of integrity, compassion and service while growing the whole child and supporting them on their journey.

Reflecting on the past nine years, I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together. Our academic programs have grown stronger and more diverse, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to discover their passions and reach their full potential. We have embraced innovation in our teaching and learning, integrating technology in ways that prepare our students for the future while maintaining the core principles of our faith. This was no more evident than during the pandemic years where our Victory community jumped into remote learning by accepting the challenge and stepping up to make the most of opportunities that we were presented with.

But what I cherish most are the relationships that have flourished within this community. I have been blessed to work with an incredible team of educators who bring dedication, creativity and care to their work every single day. I have witnessed our students grow into confident, capable and compassionate young leaders, ready to make their mark on the world. And I have seen the unwavering support of our families, whose partnership has been instrumental in our collective success.

As I prepare to pass on the baton to the next principal, I am confident that Victory Lutheran College will continue to thrive. The seeds planted by the caretakers who have come before will continue to bear fruit and the College’s mission will carry on with the same strong sense of purpose. The next principal inherits a community that is strong, supportive, ever forward-looking and one that I am very proud of.

While I am excited about the new opportunities that await me, I will always carry a piece of Victory Lutheran College in my heart. The memories we have made together—the laughter, the learning, the moments of inspiration—will remain with me forever. I leave with a deep sense of fulfilment and gratitude for the privilege of having been a part of this amazing place.

Finally, thank you to our Victory students, parents/carers and staff, from the bottom of my heart, for your trust, your support and your friendship. As I say goodbye, I do so with the knowledge that Victory Lutheran College will continue to shine brightly, serving the Wodonga community, built on the strong foundations of our Christian faith and the work of those who have come before. Thank you and I wish you all, God’s rich blessings for the rest of 2024 and beyond.

Yours in Christ

Mr John Thompson
Principal