On Sunday, 21st September, Encounter Lutheran College proudly celebrated its 25th Anniversary - a milestone that brought together old scholars, past staff, and former parents to reflect on the journey and spirit of Encounter.

The afternoon began with an optional tour of the College campus, where many took the opportunity to walk through familiar grounds and rediscover the spaces that shaped their time at Encounter. It was a heartwarming start to the afternoon, filled with laughter and storytelling as guests reconnected with former classrooms and learning spaces.

One particularly nostalgic moment came as visitors stepped into what are now the Foundation (Reception) classrooms. These very rooms once accommodated the entire school, and sparked fond memories of a simpler time. “We used to all fit in here!” was a sentiment echoed often, as former students and staff stood side by side, recalling how much the College has grown.

From those humble beginnings, Encounter has expanded significantly in both facilities and community reach. For founding students and staff, it was a moving experience to see the College’s transformation, now including state-of-the-art developments like the Lighthouse Early Learning Centre and the Wilderness Centre.

Principal Kelvin Grivell, who has been part of Encounter for 19 of its 25 years, shared heartfelt reflections during the reunion:

“25 years is a long time… and just as we did from the early days, we’re thriving now, and that’s wonderful. It’s so much more than the buildings… it’s all about the people.”

Kelvin paid tribute to those who shaped the early culture of the College and helped lay the foundations of its caring, Christ-centred environment:

“Those of you who have been staff, especially those in the early days who helped establish who we were, what our culture was - that's such a privilege to honour today.”

The official gathering continued at Yeo Haus in Port Elliot, where guests enjoyed a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Attendees were invited to browse through photo albums, past issues of the Encounter school magazines, and a display of Year 12 jumpers dating back to the first graduating class of 2016. These memorabilia pieces served as a tangible reminder of how far the College has come and how many lives it has touched.

The day was filled with reconnections, laughter, and stories - many of them sparked by photos, others simply by familiar faces. It was a celebration not just of the past, but of the community that continues to define Encounter Lutheran College today.

To all those who joined us, thank you for being part of such a special day. Your presence made it truly memorable, and your contributions, whether big or small, are part of the rich tapestry of our College’s history.

We encourage all Old Scholars and former staff to stay connected with us. Keep your contact details up to date via the link below, and consider joining one of our Old Scholar Facebook groups, also linked on that page.

Here’s to the next 25 years of Encounter, built on strong foundations, enriched by community, and always growing with heart.