Redeemer Lutheran College was established at the beginning of 1980 in a rural setting at Rochedale on the southern outskirts of Brisbane. The founding Headmaster was a distinguished Lutheran educator, Mr L R Kleinschmidt OAM.
In the first year of operation it enrolled fifty six students in Year 8 with all classes in one building. The college was officially opened on 13 April 1980, by the then Premier of Queensland, Sir Johannes Bjelke-Petersen.
Redeemer developed a strong academic tradition and in 1994 was number 6 in the Courier Mail’s list of Queensland’s Top 20 schools. In 2005, 60% of eligible Year 12 students received an OP of between 1 and 10, well in excess of the state average, and in 2009, nine students received OP1.
In 1999, Redeemer opened a Middle School for students in Years 6, 7 and 8 which more effectively meets the particular social and education needs of that age group. Its success was the subject of a case study in the Queensland Government’s White Paper on Education and Training Reforms for the Future.
The founding Headmaster, Mr Robin Kleinschmidt retired in 2001 following 20 years of service to the college. Following Mr Kleinschmidt's departure, Mr Richard Hauser was appointed as Head of College in 2002 until his retirement at the end of 2008 when Mr David Radke was appointed as Principal and served in this role from 2009 until the end of 2016. Mrs Tanya Crooks commenced as Redeemer's fourth Principal in January 2017.
A Junior School for Prep to Year 5 was added in 2007 offering a seamless education for Prep through to Year 12, with the first permanent Junior School building (JB Block) opened in 2011 together with the Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC). This facility is located in the Junior School. The Multi-Purpose Centre provides a multi-purpose stage; basketball court; amenities; a canteen; and three Junior School classroom spaces (JB Block), as well as a Junior School Learning Enhancement Centre (downstairs).
In 2012, Queensland Premier Campbell Newman officially opened JG Block located on the edge of the Junior School. This two storey classroom building incorporates three classrooms on each level. A brand new Junior School Playground was also constructed as part of the project.
Redeemer Lutheran College was awarded the prestigious Prince Albert Cup in 2013, acknowledging past student Andrew Trotter (Class of 2004) as Redeemer's first ever Rhodes Scholar. Other recent notable Alumni include: Claire Small (86) Qantas 2015 Australian Woman of the Year in the UK; Matthew Keith (93) Australian Farmer of the Year 2016; Hon Mick De Brenni (94) State Member for Springwood, Minister for Housing and Public Works; Tim Delport (09) Sir John Monash Scholar 2017.
The College has a great reputation for providing a caring, secure environment for its students. Discipline with Christian love and forgiveness has always been an integral part of Redeemer’s philosophy.
In 2014, Redeemer's sub-school campus structure changed to Prep to Year 6 for the Junior School, and Years 7-12 for the Senior School years. A specifc Middle Years program was introduced in the Senior School for students in Years 7-9.
The College's Master Plan for 2018 and Beyond was launched in March 2018.
In 2020 Redeemer launched its new purpose statement for the College, which is that we're empowering Curious, Courageous, Christ-led learners who co-create and serve God's world.
40 Years of Flashbacks: 1980-2020
Across 2020 as we have celebrated the 40th Anniversary since the establishment of Redeemer Lutheran College, we have also enjoyed looking back at some of the special memories, milestones and people who have helped shape Redeemer into the College that we know and love today. Enjoy this look back at the journey of Redeemer Lutheran College.
