Grace Lutheran College: A Holistic Education in Queensland

Grace Lutheran College (GLC), or simply Grace, is a co-educational, private high school with campuses in Rothwell and Caboolture, Queensland, Australia. Founded in 1978, the college caters to students in Years 7-12, offering a comprehensive academic and co-curricular program rooted in Christian values.

A Welcoming Community

Guided by the teachings of Jesus, Grace Lutheran College embraces diversity and inclusivity. The college welcomes individuals of all ages and stages, races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Grace is committed to fostering anti-racism and compassion for all marginalized people. Through worship, education, service, and social activities, the college strives to create a loving and supportive environment where every student feels valued and respected.

History and Development

Grace Lutheran College was established in 1978. The Caboolture campus was founded in 2008, expanding the college's reach and impact. In February 1978, Viv Kuhl, who later became the deputy principal, was the first teacher at the school with an initial enrolment of 15 students. The current principal, David Radke, assumed his position in 2017, following the retirement of Ruth Butler, the school's second principal. By the start of the 2011 school year, the college's enrolment had grown to over 1800 students.

Academic Excellence

Grace Lutheran College offers a diverse curriculum with over 50 subjects, designed to cater to a wide range of student interests and academic needs. The college prides itself on its strong academic focus, encouraging students to achieve their full potential. Each year, the college demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence by paying the entry fees for every student to participate in the University of New South Wales academic competitions in Mathematics, Science, and English. The college consistently achieves a high number of awards in these events, showcasing the talent and dedication of its students.

Before 2008, the school only enrolled students from Year 8-12, however Year 7s were incorporated in 2015. This structure divides the college into a middle school (Years 7-9) and a senior school (Years 10-12).

Co-curricular Opportunities

Grace Lutheran College is well-regarded for its extensive co-curricular offerings, with over 100 options available to students. These opportunities include 90 sporting teams and over 20 performing arts ensembles that regularly perform and tour.

Performing Arts

The college has a dedicated Performing Arts department called Grace Academy. Each year, Performing Arts students participate in a variety of plays and productions as part of their course. These productions typically include junior and senior plays every second year. Every second year, the college also hosts a musical production, which is often popular within the community.

Robotics and STEM

The college has a purpose-built Robotics teaching space, which is used to train teachers and students in STEM developments in the area of Robotics. Staff from institutions in the United States and South East Asia have visited Grace Lutheran College to learn about FIRST Robotics Competition. The college actively promotes STEM education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for future success in these fields. The college participates in the FIRST Robotics Competition as "Team 6063 - QLA Pineapples".

Sports

Grace Lutheran College has a history of succeeding in district and metropolitan finals and co-curricular competitions such as ISSA, Uhlsport Cup, and Bill Turner Cup. Soccer achievements include the girls' Uhlsport Cup in 2006, the ISSA Cup in 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2011, and 2012, and the final 8 of the 2007 Bill Turner Cup. The boys have also made the semi-finals in both the Uhlsport Cup in 2008 and Bill Turner Cup in 2007.

Vocational Education

In addition to its academic and co-curricular programs, Grace Lutheran College offers vocational education opportunities through its Vocational Education Department. This department provides students with access to certificate courses and school-based traineeships, along with a state-of-the-art Trades Skills Centre. These programs equip students with practical skills and experience, preparing them for future careers in various trades and industries.

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Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Grace Lutheran College emphasizes the importance of pastoral care, ensuring that each student is nurtured as an individual within a supportive community. The college is committed to fostering the personal and spiritual growth of its students, providing a safe and caring environment where they can thrive. The college's approach to education extends beyond academics, focusing on the holistic development of each student.

The Grace Way

Grace students are known for their character, friendliness, and employability, embodying what is referred to as The Grace Way-demonstrating grit, growth, and grace. This ethos reflects the college's commitment to instilling strong values and character traits in its students, preparing them to be responsible and successful members of society.

Notable Alumni

Grace Lutheran College has produced many successful alumni, including Kaylee McKeown, an Olympic 3x Gold Medalist in 100m Backstroke, 200m backstroke and 4 × 100 m medley. She is also a bronze medalist in 4 x 100 mixed medley and Youth Olympian.

Grace Lutheran Primary School

Grace Lutheran Primary School is located in Clontarf, approximately a 10-minute drive from the main Grace College Campus at Rothwell. This primary school provides a strong foundation for students before they transition to Grace Lutheran College for their secondary education.

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