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Our College

College History

Our Journey & Heritage

The foundations of Lutheran education in Hamilton were laid in 1953, born from the mission, vision, and devotion of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation. Today, Good Shepherd College continues to honour that foundational promise: sharing the love of Jesus and preparing young people for a purposeful life.

Discover the milestones that shaped our vibrant learning community.

Milestone Timeline

  • 1953: The Vision Begins – The Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation lays the initial plans to establish a dedicated Lutheran school in Hamilton.

  • 1962: Primary School Opens – Classes officially begin for 63 foundational students under the leadership of Mr Bruno Matuschka, our founding Headmaster.

  • 1977: A Generous Gift – The Victorian District of the Lutheran Church moves to establish a co-educational Secondary School, accelerated by Miss A.E. Kannenberg’s generous donation of 45 hectares of land on the town's outskirts.

  • 1980: Temporary Campus Setup – A temporary Secondary School complex is constructed on the existing Primary site, welcoming its first cohort of students the following year.

  • 1983: The Senior Campus Opens – The Secondary College permanently relocates to its official home on the land donated by Miss Kannenberg.

  • 1986: First Year 12 Cohort – A historic milestone as the college celebrates its very first class of graduating Year 12 students.

  • 1992: Boarding Program Debuts – Good Shepherd introduces experimental boarding in Hamilton to support regional families.

  • 1993: Becoming Good Shepherd College – On 1 October 1993, the Primary and Secondary schools officially amalgamate to form the unified Good Shepherd College you know today.

  • 1994: Permanent Boarding Facilities – Construction begins on a permanent boarding community on the Senior Campus, culminating in the official opening of the Grandview Cottages in 1995.