New formation director for Lutheran Education Australia

Sue Kupke is the new Director of Formation for Lutheran Education Australia (LEA), with her role to begin this month.

Most recently the Education Leader for Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA, Sue has taught in Lutheran schools in Victoria, SA and WA and completed educational theology qualifications at Lutheran Teachers College (now ALC). She succeeds Anne Dohnt, who has served as LEA Director of Formation for 10 years and has taken up a role at Calvary Lutheran Primary School at Morphett Vale in suburban Adelaide.

LEA Executive Director, Associate Professor Lisa Schmidt, said Sue was extremely well prepared for the Director of Formation role, with strong connections across LEA regions.

‘Sue has just completed her doctorate and brings new insights to Lutheran education from her research on the cultural perspectives of students, staff and parents of a Lutheran primary school’, Lisa said. ‘Her vision for formation in Lutheran education is that each person associated with a Lutheran learning community will have the opportunity to experience Lutheran theology in action based on the gospel of Jesus Christ, which connects with them and shapes who they are becoming.

‘Her hope is that staff, students, families and governing councillors in Lutheran education will be immersed and shaped by Lutheran theology, so they grow and flourish as the humans who God created them to be through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

‘We also recognise the outstanding contribution by Anne Dohnt in this role and thank her for her service. Our prayers and support are with Anne and Sue over the next few months as they prepare for their respective futures. Formation in Lutheran education is important work of the church in outreach for those with little or no Christian faith, to plant seeds of belief and faith in God. Formation also nurtures Christians by deepening their knowledge and commitment to Christ.’

Sue said that having taught in Lutheran schools across three states and having served in the regional Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA role, she had ‘connected with and supported numerous teachers at varying stages of their vocation’.

‘I look forward to bringing this professional knowledge and experience into the national role’, she said. ‘I have assisted teachers during planning times and through Equip as part of their accreditation to teach Christian Studies in Lutheran schools.

‘I am keen to be part of the Formation Team at a national level, as we work towards strengthening Lutheran identity through our staff, students, families and governing bodies in Lutheran schools and Early Childhood Services.

‘Our Lutheran learning communities have the privilege of bringing Christ’s love to each person associated with that community – through head, heart and hands.’