‘Feeding God’s lambs’
In the early 1950’s Pastor Ben Schwarz, a relieving minister at the Portland Lutheran church (Victoria, Australia), spoke of the importance of ‘Feeding God’s lambs’ through a Christian School. It was 20 years later when Pastor Schwarz again spoke of the idea of establishing a Lutheran School in Portland, this time the dream took hold.
Land aquisition - 1974
The congregation appointed a committee and in late 1974, the congregation purchased land in Must Street.
‘Feed My Lambs Fund’ - 1975
In 1975 St John’s Church established the ‘Feed My Lambs Fund’. In 1977, Mr Bert Porte passed away and donated a substantial contribution that enabled the congregation to proceed establishing a school debt-free.
Construction begins - 1978
In 1978, the land in Must Street was deemed unsuitable to develop a school. Through the generosity of Mr Vic Mibus, the congregation was offered 10 acres of prime land in Trangmar Street. The Must Street block was sold as the reality of a school created excitement within the church.
In 1978, a selected congregational committee agreed that a Lutheran School will commence in 1980. This decision ignited a lot of activity and many hours were devoted to fundraising, clearing the land, building plans and preparing the site for the first demountable classroom.
School Opens - 1980
St John's Lutheran Primary School Portland opened in 1980. Since the first day, St John’s has continued to be a community-based Lutheran school.
Today
St John's has grown into a flourishing Christ-centred community with hundreds of students from early learning through to year 6. Our vibrant school environment develops self-discipline and respect for others through our core values of love, justice, humility, courage, hope, quality, appreciation and compassion.
Find out about our school governance.
