Encounter Lutheran College at Victor Harbor will expand its enrolment capacity from next year.

In a letter to parents, Principal Kelvin Grivell says the Board unanimously agreed to include an extra year seven class from next year.   

The three classes would have a maximum of 24 students each.

Currently the school has two classes at each year level. 

Mr Grivell says the growth would be, “strategic yet measured”, and would eventually allow for more elective and SACE subjects to be offered in the senior and middle school.

He assured parents that it was not a step towards the College becoming, “too big and disconnected with its students and their families”.

Encounter Lutheran was established in 2000 initially as a primary school. It began to add middle school year levels in 2012 and now has students from Early Learning to Year 12.

The south coast has seen an influx of new residents since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating increasing demand for additional school places.

The new Goolwa High School on the site of the former Goolwa campus of Investigator College is also due to open next year, providing places initially for year 7 and 8 students. 

The bus service that currently takes students from Goolwa to Eastern Fleurieu School in Strathalbyn will cease at the same time.