A small group of Year 7 students, accompanied by Pastor Dale and Mrs Molloy, visited the Lutheran Archives to deepen their understanding of early Lutheran missionaries and their extraordinary impact on the Kaurna people. This excursion formed an important part of our ongoing commitment to learning about and honouring the First Peoples of the Adelaide Plains.

Students explored the remarkable work of Clamor Schürmann and Wilhelm Teichelmann, two Lutheran missionaries who arrived in South Australia in 1838. Unlike many others of their time, Schürmann and Teichelmann showed great respect for the Kaurna people, forming genuine relationships and working closely with the community. Their detailed recordings of Kaurna language and culture have played a vital role in the revival of Kaurna language today.

One of the highlights of the visit was viewing Schürmann’s original diary, a treasured historical artefact that vividly documents early encounters on Kaurna Country. Students were also fascinated by a seemingly ordinary wooden walking stick that, when its handle was pulled, revealed a hidden sword once carried by a Lutheran pastor.

Early in 2026 these students, together with a broader team from all three campuses, will now begin planning a visual display for each of our College libraries. Their project will celebrate the legacy of the Lutheran missionaries and acknowledge their contribution to preserving Kaurna language for future generations.

We are especially grateful to Old Concordian Bethany Pietsch for leading this wonderful learning opportunity and generously sharing her knowledge with us.

Hajnalka Molloy
Learning Resources Manager

Pastor Dale Gosden
College Pastor