Leadership and School Council

LORDS is governed by a School Council and sub-committees. Our LeadershipTeam works together to achieve common strategic goals and provide leadership in their areas of responsibility within the school. 

Jodie Hoff is the Principal of LORDS (Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School). She has worked in Lutheran Schools for over 25 years and has held various leadership positions during this time. Jodie has a passion for service learning and embedding it into school culture. She has worked regionally and nationally to develop resources to support schools with their service learning journey for Lutheran Education Australia and has most recently facilitated service learning units for educators through Australian Lutheran College and the University of Divinity. 

Jodie has served on many community and church boards and committees. She is the Chair and board member for ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service). Jodie loves seeing young people use their gifts and talents to meet real needs in the community.

Rebekah Bruyn is the Head of Junior School and is responsible for Prep – Year 6, providing leadership and support to students, staff, and parents by effectively managing the daily operations of the sub-school. Rebekah has served in Lutheran schools for the past 12 years. Her teaching career spans Primary and Secondary Schools. She has held previous leadership positions including Deputy Head of Junior School Learning and Teaching.

Rebekah is passionate about creating an environment where each child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their personal best. Education is a journey of discovery, not only of knowledge but also of one’s gifts, abilities, and character. Rebekah firmly believes in a Christ-centred approach to learning, where students are supported to grow academically, spiritually, and socially through strong partnerships with staff, parents, and the wider community.

It is a privilege to serve in a community where God’s word and His love are being brought to life through our learning, our experiences, and in our relationships with others.

Selina Kinne is the Head of Secondary School and is responsible for supporting and leading the community of students, staff, and parents across Years 7 - 12. The role involves overseeing the daily operations of the Secondary School, as well as actioning the school's Strategic Direction through student learning and engagement, and staff professional practice.

Selina is an experienced educational leader, working in Catholic Schools and Education Department schools in Tasmania and Queensland.  She had taken on many roles including Acting Deputy Principal, Leader of Student Services and Administration, Director of Learning and Teaching, and Head of Technology and Applied Sciences.  Her teaching areas are ICT, Robotics, Business, Mathematics, and Religious Education. 

Selina believes in educating the whole child with a faith-based world view centred on Biblical principles and encourages students to be challenged to become creative and innovative problem solvers. She serves the LORDS community with "hand, head, and heart" and works together with the leadership and staff to ensure students are engaged in quality education within a safe, nurturing and Christ centred environment.

Michelle Nisbet, the Director of Studies Years 7- 12, is responsible for teaching and learning including timetabling, subject selection, NAPLAN, pathways, QCAA compliance, and student tracking. Michelle Nisbet has worked in Lutheran Schools for 30 years.  She has experience as a Teacher, Pastoral Leader, Head of Teaching and Learning, and Head of Campus. She brings a wealth of experience in managing Senior Learning and is committed to empowering young people on their learning journey and embracing a holistic approach to student progress. Her priority is to create a supportive and inclusive environment with students, staff, parents, and the wider school community and develop a community of learners.  

Lauren Krenske, the Year 7-12 Director of Wellbeing, is responsible for all matters relating directly to Year 7-12, the overall welfare of students, and for promoting and fostering the development of a positive and cohesive sense of community amongst students and staff.

Lauren has worked in Lutheran Schools for the past 15 years, with experience in Junior, Middle, and Senior Schooling. She has served as a Teacher, Pastoral Care Leader, and Chaplain in previous settings. Lauren is trained in Restorative Practices and cares deeply about the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Lauren is passionate about Pastoral Care and believes in a holistic approach to education that includes a strong connection between personal wellbeing, social and academic growth. 

Fiona Smith, the Deputy Head of Junior School, is responsible for the overall welfare of students and for promoting and fostering the development of a positive and cohesive sense of community amongst students and staff.

Fiona’s background includes a variety of community and educational-based projects. She completed studies in Health Science, Psychology, and Theology prior to completing her education degree. Fiona has been a teacher at LORDS for the past 9 years. During her time at LORDS, she has devoted time to developing positive and productive relationships with students, staff, and families. She is an active member of the local community and aims to instill the LORDS values across the LORDS community.

Emily Schoff, the Director of Innovation and Learning (P-6), is responsible for the development and implementation of innovative learning methods and strategies within LORDS Junior School.

Emily’s background encompasses 24 years at several Lutheran Schools. Her strengths are in Early Childhood Education, the Primary Years Program, and inquiry-based education. Emily attained her Diploma of Theology through the Australian Lutheran College. She has also taught Christian Studies and has fulfilled a Chaplain role at previous schools.

Emily loves being a part of a young person's learning journey and feels privileged to serve in Lutheran schools sharing the gospel with children, staff, and families. She looks forward to working in an innovative school community where all members are seen as lifelong learners who can serve others in the world.

Stuart Halsall is the Business Manager at LORDS. Stuart has worked in the education sector for 17 years, and has previously held Property Manager roles at large independent schools in both New South Wales and Queensland.  Stuart is currently the National Chair of the Association of School Business Administrators - Facilities Managers (ASBA FM), and for many years has helped to build support networks and improve education opportunities for school facilities managers both with regards to maintenance and design of the built environment.  Education and the opportunities that are available to students are always evolving and the role of the Business Manager is to support the school’s wonderful educators to achieve the best outcomes for our LORDS students, and help guide the future direction of the school.


2024 SCHOOL COUNCIL

Chairperson - Mrs Karen Koehler

Vice Chairperson - Ms Allie Ernst

Secretary - Mrs Madeleine von Muralt

Other Members:

Mr Will Callaghan

Mr Jacob Fanning

Pastor Matthew Thomas