Free to Flourish

Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) has transitioned from its earlier framework, "A Vision for Learners and Learning," to a more holistic and future-focused narrative called "Free to Flourish." This shift reflects a deepening and broadening of LEA’s educational philosophy, grounded in Christian values and responsive to contemporary educational needs. What does this mean for Living Waters? For us it’s a refresh of our common language but not an abandonment of the values of Love, Courage, Endeavour and Service that have defined us for the decade. It is a summary of our action research into best practice in contemporary education. 

 

Key Aspects of the Transition:

1. Collaborative Review and Development

Between 2021 and 2023, LEA undertook a comprehensive review of its vision. This involved national, regional, and school-based leaders and educators working together to reflect on and reimagine the purpose and practice of Lutheran education. 

2. From Framework to Narrative

While "A Vision for Learners and Learning" provided a structured framework, "Free to Flourish" is described as a story—a narrative that captures the identity, purpose, and aspirations of Lutheran schools and early childhood services. It emphasizes who we are and who we are becoming. 

3. Core Themes of Free to Flourish

"Free to Flourish" is built around four interconnected learner dispositions:

• Adventurous – Embracing curiosity, creativity, and exploration

• Compassionate – Cultivating empathy, justice, and advocacy

• Purposeful – Encouraging identity, agency, and meaningful contribution

• Relational – Valuing interconnectedness and community 

4. Implementation and Immersion

In 2024–2025, twelve focus schools and early childhood services across LEQ, LESNW, and LEVNT began piloting "Free to Flourish." Broader engagement is being supported by regional offices, and immersive experiences are being offered to help educators embody and enact the vision. Living Waters is one of the twelve focus schools, and our research has been on clearly defining who we are and what are our ways of being, and what do we believe about learners and learning? We have created a Matrix that underpins our School Wide Positive Behaviour approach and our deeply held beliefs about teaching and learning. In the matrix below, the dark headings are the vocabulary we explicitly share with our students, and the points underneath are what we agree as a community of learners those statements look like in our context. The matrix brings together four years of work and puts it into one document. 

5. Grounded in Faith and Innovation

The new vision remains deeply rooted in Christian theology, particularly the belief in each person’s God-given worth and potential. At the same time, it encourages innovation, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the evolving educational landscape.

At Living Waters, we believe “Education is not just about the teaching of a what (some particular subject or another); it is also about the growing of a who.”