St Paul's College, Walla Walla
Encyclopedia
St Paul’s College is a coeducational day
and boarding school
providing secondary schooling in Walla Walla
, New South Wales
, Australia
. It is a member school of Lutheran Education Australia, a network of 85 schools and 42 kindergarten/early childhood centres educating approximately 38,000 students Australia wide, and it forms part of the Riverina
group of Lutheran schools together with Lutheran Primary School Wagga Wagga, St Paul's Lutheran Primary School Henty
, St John's Primary School Jindera and Victory Lutheran College Wodonga
(Victoria
).
St Paul's College provides a Christian Education to all who are willing to experience its ethos. This education is values-based and it focuses around Love, Justice, Compassion, Forgiveness, Service, Humility, Courage, Hope, Quality and Appreciation which are common to all Lutheran schools. The student body is drawn from a wide range of Christian denominations and it includes families not associated with a church.
The mission of St Paul's College is to provide an education that is "complete, distinctive and of quality" with the vision of being a "Christ-centred community valuing people and learning"
. Walla Walla is a town of approximately 600 people located 40 kilometres north of the cities of Albury-Wodonga
and 100 km south of Wagga Wagga; 540 km south-west of Sydney
and 350 km north of Melbourne
.
in 1885.
The desire of the local community for Christian secondary education
led Pastor JTP Stolz to begin the planning that would lead ultimately to the establishment of St Paul’s College. On Tuesday 10 February 1948, 28 foundation students answered the roll called by Mr Werner Hebart, the founding Headmaster. Thirteen of these students were boarders and they resided with local families. The College was established in the conviction that “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1), meaning that “the gospel of Jesus Christ
must inform all learning, teaching, human relationships and activities so that young people can be prepared for their fullest and best lives” (Wegener, 2002:19).
The College moved onto its current premises, from its temporary location in Zion church in 1950. Since that time there has been extensive development and refurbishment of buildings and facilities, together with the establishment and modification of curricula and programs.
Milestones in the history of St Paul’s include
Strategic planning during 2008 set the direction for St Paul's future, in line with the vision of its founders, that St Paul's be a "Christ-centred community valuing people and learning." This plan focuses on what is central to St Paul's - developing its people and enhancing the quality of the learning that takes place.
are Christian Education, A Safe and Caring Community, Quality Education and "Country Goodness". At St Paul's, Christian Education is understood as an umbrella term describing all the activities that take place at the College. This section describes the Pastoral care, Educational and Boarding Programmes at St Paul's.
House or Leidig House and he or she remains in this caregroup for the duration of his or her schooling. This structure facilitates the development of strong relationships within the college community. Daily devotions
, either in Care Groups or within the whole school assembly, are an important aspect of the holistic development of students.
subjects to meet students’ interests and aspirations. Some students take the opportunity to specialise in Equine or Agricultural Studies, which are two high profile areas of learning at St Paul’s. Nonetheless, a broad curriculum is offered for the majority of the students who do not wish to gain employment in an agricultural field or have an interest in Equine sports.
As part of their learning, all students learn about Christianity
and other major religious groups
. In Years 7-10, students learn about the Christian faith using curriculum materials from Lutheran Education Australia and they engage in service learning. The NSW Board of Studies subject, The Study of Religion, is taught in Years 11 and 12. Christian faith
is neither presumed nor demanded from students.
Students’ learning in agriculture is supported by practical activities on the College’s farms (totalling 92 ha) that are used for livestock
, cropping and pasture production. The White Suffolk
stud
provides experiences in the production of sheep and wool; the preparation and showing of sheep; and the techniques of modern studwork. The College also runs a small commercial herd of cows, along with steers that are prepared for showing and carcase competitions. Show teams visit local agricultural show
s and the Royal shows in Melbourne
and Sydney
.
The focus of the Equine studies programme is on the equestrian
industry rather than the racing or breeding industries. Many students, including beginner riders, choose equine as a way of following their interests and developing a range of equestrian skills. The Equine centre includes stables, yards and paddocks, dressage
and jumping
arenas, a round yard and a cross country training circuit. Boarding students agist their horses at the Equine centre and College horses are available for students who do not have their own horse. Supervised riding takes place after school and boarding students have the opportunity to compete at local shows
and gymkhana
s.
is an important component of St Paul’s; from the time when the College was first established to the present time when approximately 30% of the students are boarders. At various times the boarding population has comprised over 80% of the enrolments with up to 160 full and weekly boarding students. Presently, boarding students are drawn from communities within the Greater Hume Shire, the Riverina
, North Eastern Victoria and further afield from the cities of Sydney
, Canberra
and Melbourne
.
Weekly boarding students return to their homes on weekends and College operated transport services are provided to and from Wagga Wagga and Wodonga. Full boarding students remain on campus on weekends. An organised activity is provided each weekend and boarders are encouraged to play tennis
, netball
, cricket
and football
with local teams.
Day school
A day school—as opposed to a boarding school—is an institution where children are given educational instruction during the day and after which children/teens return to their homes...
and boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
providing secondary schooling in Walla Walla
Walla Walla, New South Wales
Walla Walla is a town in Greater Hume Shire Council in New South Wales, Australia. It is about north of Albury-Wodonga and south of Wagga Wagga.Walla Walla had a population of 581 people in 2006 and has the largest Lutheran church in New South Wales....
, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. It is a member school of Lutheran Education Australia, a network of 85 schools and 42 kindergarten/early childhood centres educating approximately 38,000 students Australia wide, and it forms part of the Riverina
Riverina
The Riverina is an agricultural region of south-western New South Wales , Australia. The Riverina is distinguished from other Australian regions by the combination of flat plains, warm to hot climate and an ample supply of water for irrigation. This combination has allowed the Riverina to develop...
group of Lutheran schools together with Lutheran Primary School Wagga Wagga, St Paul's Lutheran Primary School Henty
Henty, New South Wales
Henty is a town on the Olympic Highway almost midway between Albury and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, Australia. Henty is situated on the border of the South West Slopes and the Riverina districts. At the 2006 census, Henty had a population of 863 people....
, St John's Primary School Jindera and Victory Lutheran College Wodonga
Wodonga, Victoria
Wodonga is a small city on the Victorian side of the border with New South Wales, north-east of Melbourne, Australia. Adjacent to Wodonga across the border is the New South Wales city of Albury. Wodonga is located wholly within the boundaries of the City of Wodonga LGA...
(Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
).
St Paul's College provides a Christian Education to all who are willing to experience its ethos. This education is values-based and it focuses around Love, Justice, Compassion, Forgiveness, Service, Humility, Courage, Hope, Quality and Appreciation which are common to all Lutheran schools. The student body is drawn from a wide range of Christian denominations and it includes families not associated with a church.
The mission of St Paul's College is to provide an education that is "complete, distinctive and of quality" with the vision of being a "Christ-centred community valuing people and learning"
Location
St Paul's is located in a rural setting on the northern outskirts of Walla WallaWalla Walla, New South Wales
Walla Walla is a town in Greater Hume Shire Council in New South Wales, Australia. It is about north of Albury-Wodonga and south of Wagga Wagga.Walla Walla had a population of 581 people in 2006 and has the largest Lutheran church in New South Wales....
. Walla Walla is a town of approximately 600 people located 40 kilometres north of the cities of Albury-Wodonga
Albury-Wodonga
Albury-Wodonga is the broad settlement incorporating the twin Australian cities of Albury and Wodonga, which are separated geographically by the Murray River and politically by a state border: Albury on the north of the river is part of New South Wales while Wodonga on the south bank is in...
and 100 km south of Wagga Wagga; 540 km south-west of Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
and 350 km north of Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
.
History
When the Lutheran forefathers first settled Walla Walla they established their church and a day school. However, this school was short-lived and it was handed over to the NSW Department of Public InstructionNew South Wales Department of Education and Training
The New South Wales Department of Education and Communities, a department of the Government of New South Wales, is responsibile for primary schools, secondary schools and Technical and Further Education colleges...
in 1885.
The desire of the local community for Christian secondary education
Christian school
A Christian school is a school run on Christian principles or by a Christian organization.The nature of Christian schools varies enormously from country to country, according to the religious, educational, and political cultures...
led Pastor JTP Stolz to begin the planning that would lead ultimately to the establishment of St Paul’s College. On Tuesday 10 February 1948, 28 foundation students answered the roll called by Mr Werner Hebart, the founding Headmaster. Thirteen of these students were boarders and they resided with local families. The College was established in the conviction that “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1), meaning that “the gospel of Jesus Christ
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
must inform all learning, teaching, human relationships and activities so that young people can be prepared for their fullest and best lives” (Wegener, 2002:19).
The College moved onto its current premises, from its temporary location in Zion church in 1950. Since that time there has been extensive development and refurbishment of buildings and facilities, together with the establishment and modification of curricula and programs.
Milestones in the history of St Paul’s include
- 1948 Founding of St Pauls College
- 1950 Movement onto the present campus
- 1955 Enrolments pass 100
- 1963 Emergence of a heightened focus on Agriculture
- 1966 Enrolment of the first second generation student
- 1978 Introduction of the Equine program
- 1979 Commencement of an extensive building program
- 1985 Establishment of the Vertical care group structure
- 2000 Enrolment of the first third generation student
- 2005 Commencement of an extensive program of refurbishments
- 2008 60 year anniversary celebrations.
Strategic planning during 2008 set the direction for St Paul's future, in line with the vision of its founders, that St Paul's be a "Christ-centred community valuing people and learning." This plan focuses on what is central to St Paul's - developing its people and enhancing the quality of the learning that takes place.
Programmes
The four pillars of a St Paul's education, as identified by researchers from Charles Sturt UniversityCharles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University is an Australian multi-campus university located in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. It has campuses at Bathurst, Canberra, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Burlington, Ontario...
are Christian Education, A Safe and Caring Community, Quality Education and "Country Goodness". At St Paul's, Christian Education is understood as an umbrella term describing all the activities that take place at the College. This section describes the Pastoral care, Educational and Boarding Programmes at St Paul's.
Pastoral care
St Paul's has a vertically arranged pastoral care group system consisting of students from Years 7 to 12. This structure, which was introduced in 1985, replaced the typical structure of having a year coordinator assigned to each year group. Each student is assigned to a care group, either within KavelAugust Kavel
August Ludwig Christian Kavel . Pastor Kavel was a founder of Lutheranism in Australia.-Training and Early Ministry:Kavel was born in Berlin, Germany 1798...
House or Leidig House and he or she remains in this caregroup for the duration of his or her schooling. This structure facilitates the development of strong relationships within the college community. Daily devotions
Worship
Worship is an act of religious devotion usually directed towards a deity. The word is derived from the Old English worthscipe, meaning worthiness or worth-ship — to give, at its simplest, worth to something, for example, Christian worship.Evelyn Underhill defines worship thus: "The absolute...
, either in Care Groups or within the whole school assembly, are an important aspect of the holistic development of students.
Educational
St Paul’s offers a relatively wide range of academic and vocationalVocational education
Vocational education or vocational education and training is an education that prepares trainees for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities, traditionally non-academic, and totally related to a specific trade, occupation, or vocation...
subjects to meet students’ interests and aspirations. Some students take the opportunity to specialise in Equine or Agricultural Studies, which are two high profile areas of learning at St Paul’s. Nonetheless, a broad curriculum is offered for the majority of the students who do not wish to gain employment in an agricultural field or have an interest in Equine sports.
As part of their learning, all students learn about Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
and other major religious groups
Major religious groups
The world's principal religions and spiritual traditions may be classified into a small number of major groups, although this is by no means a uniform practice...
. In Years 7-10, students learn about the Christian faith using curriculum materials from Lutheran Education Australia and they engage in service learning. The NSW Board of Studies subject, The Study of Religion, is taught in Years 11 and 12. Christian faith
Faith
Faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing, or a belief that is not based on proof. In religion, faith is a belief in a transcendent reality, a religious teacher, a set of teachings or a Supreme Being. Generally speaking, it is offered as a means by which the truth of the proposition,...
is neither presumed nor demanded from students.
Students’ learning in agriculture is supported by practical activities on the College’s farms (totalling 92 ha) that are used for livestock
Livestock
Livestock refers to one or more domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. The term "livestock" as used in this article does not include poultry or farmed fish; however the inclusion of these, especially poultry, within the meaning...
, cropping and pasture production. The White Suffolk
White Suffolk (sheep)
White Suffolk is an Australian breed of meat sheep developed for Australian conditions. Work commenced on a breeding program in the mid-1970s with experimentation conducted by Professor E. Roberts . His aim was to produce a breed with the conformation, structure and growth of the Suffolk but with a...
stud
Stud farm
A stud farm or stud in animal husbandry, is an establishment for selective breeding of livestock. The word "stud" comes from the Old English stod meaning "herd of horses, place where horses are kept for breeding" Historically, documentation of the breedings that occur on a stud farm leads to the...
provides experiences in the production of sheep and wool; the preparation and showing of sheep; and the techniques of modern studwork. The College also runs a small commercial herd of cows, along with steers that are prepared for showing and carcase competitions. Show teams visit local agricultural show
Agricultural show
An agricultural show is a public event showcasing the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with agriculture and animal husbandry. The largest comprise a livestock show , a trade fair, competitions, and entertainment...
s and the Royal shows in Melbourne
Royal Melbourne Show
The Royal Melbourne Show is an agricultural show held at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds every September. The Royal Show began in 1848. The focus of the show is the display of rural industry, including livestock and produce. There are associated competitions and awards...
and Sydney
Sydney Royal Easter Show
The Sydney Royal Easter Show, also known as the Royal Easter Show or simply The Show, is an annual show held in Sydney, Australia over two weeks around Easter.It is run by the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales and was first held in 1823...
.
The focus of the Equine studies programme is on the equestrian
Equestrianism
Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
industry rather than the racing or breeding industries. Many students, including beginner riders, choose equine as a way of following their interests and developing a range of equestrian skills. The Equine centre includes stables, yards and paddocks, dressage
Dressage
Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as "the highest expression of horse training." Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the World Equestrian Games...
and jumping
Show jumping
Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping," "open jumping," or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes commonly are seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics...
arenas, a round yard and a cross country training circuit. Boarding students agist their horses at the Equine centre and College horses are available for students who do not have their own horse. Supervised riding takes place after school and boarding students have the opportunity to compete at local shows
Horse show
A Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and...
and gymkhana
Gymkhana
Gymkhana is a typical Anglo-Indian expression, which is derived from the Hindi-Urdu word for "racket court," is an Indian term which originally referred to a place where sporting events take place. The meaning then altered to denote a place where skill-based contests were held...
s.
Boarding
BoardingBoarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
is an important component of St Paul’s; from the time when the College was first established to the present time when approximately 30% of the students are boarders. At various times the boarding population has comprised over 80% of the enrolments with up to 160 full and weekly boarding students. Presently, boarding students are drawn from communities within the Greater Hume Shire, the Riverina
Riverina
The Riverina is an agricultural region of south-western New South Wales , Australia. The Riverina is distinguished from other Australian regions by the combination of flat plains, warm to hot climate and an ample supply of water for irrigation. This combination has allowed the Riverina to develop...
, North Eastern Victoria and further afield from the cities of Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, Canberra
Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
and Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
.
Weekly boarding students return to their homes on weekends and College operated transport services are provided to and from Wagga Wagga and Wodonga. Full boarding students remain on campus on weekends. An organised activity is provided each weekend and boarders are encouraged to play tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
, netball
Netball
Netball is a ball sport played between two teams of seven players. Its development, derived from early versions of basketball, began in England in the 1890s. By 1960 international playing rules had been standardised for the game, and the International Federation of Netball and Women's Basketball ...
, cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
and football
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
with local teams.
Facilities
There has been substantial investment in new facilities and the refurbishment of existing facilities in the last decade. New and refurbished facilities include:- Two year round sporting ovals irrigated by reclaimed water from the township of Walla WallaWalla Walla, New South WalesWalla Walla is a town in Greater Hume Shire Council in New South Wales, Australia. It is about north of Albury-Wodonga and south of Wagga Wagga.Walla Walla had a population of 581 people in 2006 and has the largest Lutheran church in New South Wales....
. - Seven synthetic surface tennis courts, which are shared with the local community.
- The Equine Centre comprising dressageDressageDressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as "the highest expression of horse training." Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the World Equestrian Games...
and jumpingShow jumpingShow jumping, also known as "stadium jumping," "open jumping," or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes commonly are seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics...
arenas, a round yard, stables, tackrooms, paddocks and a cross-country circuit. - The College farms totalling 92 hectares that replicate the agricultural industry in this part of New South Wales.
- A Computing and Design Technology Centre equipped with metal and wood-working plant including CNC technology (opened 2005).
- Refurbished Science laboratories.
- A Chapel and auditorium, which seats 350 people.
- Modern computer laboratories with wirelessWireless LANA wireless local area network links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method , and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network...
connectivity across the campus. - A modern boarding house for male students (opened 2004).
- New toilet block and changing rooms (construction 2008-2009).
- Refurbished gymnasium.