Once Were Leaders in Lutheran Schools (OWLS)

Last week, we had the incredible honor of welcoming our OWLS group (Once Were Leaders in Lutheran Schools) – the retired principals, educational leaders, and their partners who helped shape many of our Lutheran learning communities across Australia, including our second Principal at Golden Grove Lutheran, Rainer Mayer (1995-2007) and teacher Brian Wilson (1995-1997).

These remarkable individuals didn’t just lead schools; they planted seeds of faith, learning, and character that continue to flourish in our learning communities today. These early Lutheran leaders made tremendous sacrifices to establish and grow our schools, often with limited resources but unlimited vision for serving families and communities.

As we stand on the shoulders of these giants, we’re reminded that a society grows great when old men and women plant trees whose shade they will never see. The dedication, wisdom, and faithful service of our OWLS created the strong foundation upon which we continue to build.
A culture needs to absorb the legacy of those who have gone before, and yet also point towards the future. Our job is to continue this legacy and make it grow every time we have the opportunity.

Thank you to our visiting OWLS for your enduring legacy of leadership, your ongoing encouragement, and for showing us what it means to serve with purpose and passion. Your impact echoes through every classroom, every student life influenced, and every family served.

The torch has been passed, and we are honored to carry it forward.