National Lutheran Principal Conference

Conference History

The National Lutheran Principal Conference promotes spiritual and professional growth among principals through studies and discussion on Lutheran theology, wellbeing and education, whilst providing a forum for mutual sharing. Former conference themes have included:

• Anchored in Faith, Leading with heart (Melbourne, 2026)
• Still Waters Running Deep (Brisbane, 2024)
• Embracing the Past, Inspiring our Future (Hahndorf, 2022)
• Leadership in Challenging Times (Hobart, 2018)
• Keep the Fire Burning (Cairns, 2016)
• Spirit in the Centre (Alice Springs, 2014)
• Silver or Copper (Canberra, 2009)

The next conference will be held in 2028. Details will be released during mid-2027.

The Reuther Oration

The Reuther Oration acknowledges the outstanding service of the Rev TT Reuther to Lutheran education in Australia from 1955, when he began duties as a chaplain at St Paul’s College, Walla Walla, NSW, to 1993 when he retired from the position of National Director for Lutheran Schools.

Pastor Reuther’s life within Lutheran schools commenced when he was a student first at Light Pass Lutheran Day school and later at Immanuel College. After completing theological study at Immanuel Seminary he took the opportunity to undertake post graduate studies from 1950-1954 at Concordia Seminary, St Louis. Whilst on board ship (returning from the USA) he received a call to become chaplain at St Paul’s College, Walla Walla, where he served to 1962.

After serving two parishes (Appila and Coonalpyn) from 1963-1968, he was called to be Headmaster of Concordia College Adelaide, where he joyfully served for fourteen years plus one term until 1983 where he accepted the invitation to become the inaugural national Director for Lutheran Schools.

During his outstanding service to Lutheran schools in Australia, he also completed Master Studies in Educational Administration. He was an active member of the former Headmasters’ Conference, member of the Australian Council of Education Administration, and honoured for his services to education by being made a Fellow of the Australian College of Education.

His ministry to Lutheran schools was highlighted by a professional approach based on a clear theological thinking. In the inaugural Reuther Oration, Pastor Reuther spoke of faithfulness, which was a characteristic that those associated with schools admired in him. He modelled faithfulness.

The Reuther Oration is designed to provoke and promote thinking about an aspect of Lutheran education and is delivered as part of the National Lutheran Principal Conference Welcome Ceremony.

Former Reuther Orators

2026 Greg Schneider
Living Your Legacy

Robert Hoff AM, 2024

Dr Roger Hunter, 2022

2018 Neville Grieger
(Spiritual) Leadership in challenging times: Moving on from a flat-earth spirituality

2016 Richard Hauser
Big Waves, Tall Grass and Flickering Fires: The Plight of the Modern Lutheran Principal

2014 Bronwyn Dolling
At the Edge of the Precipice: Fighting or Flying?

2011 Neville Highett
Some Reflections on, Thoughts and Challenges for Lutheran Education

2009 Barry Kahl

2007 Ruth Butler
FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN..AND FROM THE INSIDE LOOKING OUT A View to the Third Way

2005 Norm Habel
Social Justice in a Lutheran School Context

2003 Loyd Fyffe
WINDOWS: Views, perspectives and reflections on contemporary education, framed with particular focus on the Lutheran School

2000 Robin Kleinschmidt
JANUS AT THE CENTURY’S GATE: LOOKING BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS AT LUTHERAN EDUCATION

1997 Malcolm Bartsch
Where is wisdom to be found? Finding meaning in the web of information

Please contact executiveofficer@lpa.edu.au for further information.