Compass No 406 - February 2016

From the Principal

Care First

To genuinely care for someone we need to truly see them. This often requires us to listen fully with our ears, eyes and heart. We need to take time to suspend our thinking and really pay attention to the needs of others. One of the secrets of having a positive outlook on life is to be focused on genuinely connecting and caring for those around us.

This week in chapel we heard the story of the Good Samaritan. While we may not physically walk past someone in need, mentally our minds are often so full of our own thoughts and judgments that we miss the need of the person in front of us. Taking time to listen and pay attention opens the door for us to reach out and act in a way that makes a genuine difference for the other person. Jesus has promised that He will always care for us. We are empowered by His loving presence alongside and within us. It is this gift of care that we can share with others.

Principal's Log

It has been very good to feel, see and hear the great start to the school year. Young people have very quickly settled into purposeful learning and it has been great to feel their energy during class and at break times. We have also had a number of very worthwhile presentations from staff at the Year 11 and P-5 Information Evenings. We thank all parents and senior students for supporting these events. We also express our appreciation to Ms Sue Arahill, Miss Kim Stone, Mrs Natasha Purcell, Ms Nell Keen, Mr David Druery, Mrs Sue Zweck and the P-5 teachers for their leadership of these important opportunities for connection and learning.

Now the year has commenced it is a good time to ensure that family and student routines support time for fun, activity, family connection, home learning and rest. The importance of home reading for younger children was emphasised by Mrs Sue Zweck at the information evening. For older students it is important to have a well lit, quiet separate space as well as routine times for home learning. Discussing the learning goals young people have set and helping them to identify the small steps required to achieve them, builds commitment and opportunities for celebration. Where small steps are not realised, we use the language of ‘yet’ and identify what is good about where we are and what is the next small step that can be taken to improve our situation. This type of thinking builds a positive outlook, self-efficacy, resilience and persistence.

May God grant us the stillness to be truly present for others so that we might care first.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the Head of Senior Students

Welcome Back

We extend a warm welcome back to all senior students and their families. As the term starts, it is important that students have established routines and good practices for the academic year ahead.

Senior College Parent Information Evenings

We would like to thank Year 11 parents and students who attended the parent information evening on Tuesday 2nd February. It is pleasing to have the continued support and connectedness of parents during their student’s journey through senior school.

Here are some key links that we encourage families to view:

If you were unable to attend this parent information evening and would like more information about careers or student pathways post-secondary schooling, please contact our Careers Counsellor, Mrs Natasha Purcell (npurcell@pacluth.qld.edu.au or 07 5436 7310).

Year 10 and 12 parents and students are asked to attend their information evenings on the following dates:

  • Year 12 Information Evening – 16th February at 7.00pm.
  • Year 10 Information Evening – 23rd February at 7.00pm.

Senior College events are listed on the College calendar and reminders are uploaded to the College app. 

Year 12 Leadership Day - Year Level Connectedness

This week, Year 12 students participated in a Leadership Day. This day built on established leadership principles and learnt concepts from last year’s leadership discussions. Students enthusiastically participated in activities, which gave them an opportunity to use a range of skills including, teamwork, leadership and reflective skills.

Thank you to the Lutheran Youth of Queensland team for facilitating this day. Particularly, we thank Juliette Warne (Leadership Trainer, Lutheran Youth of Queensland) for leading this team.

 

We look forward to 2016 being a year of deep growth, where senior students take responsibility for their learning, behaviour, actions and attitudes, as they grow their capacity as self-directed young people. Please feel free to contact me via phone 5436 7334 or email kstone@pacluth.qld.edu.au regarding Senior College students.

Miss Kim Stone, Head of Senior College Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Welcome Back

The year has commenced with families and students quickly settling into school routines. Thanks to those parents and family members who were able to attend the P-5 Opening Service last Friday and the P-5 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday night. Your support is much appreciated by both staff and the children. I often refer to the triangle of learning that exists at Pacific. It is the relationships between staff, students and parents that hold the corners of the triangle together and is fundamental in shaping the College’s positive community and our successful learning environment.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival on Thursday. Levels of participation were excellent and the quality of performance high. Participating in a swimming carnival is sometimes challenging for students who are not great swimmers. It was fantastic to see so many students overcome their fears and reach the end of the pool with a smile on their faces. A special thanks to the many parents who assisted in the running of the carnival, without your support the event could not happen. Thanks also to all Year 3-6 classroom teachers and HPE staff for their work on the day and in setting up the site. Particularly, we thank Mr Darren Hooper for organising the carnival. 

You Can Do It

This term, the focus of the You Can Do It program in all Prep –Year 5 classes is Getting Along. Getting Along is revealed when students work cooperatively with each other, resolve conflicts through discussion rather than fights, manage their anger, show tolerance of others and follow class rules. The You Can Do It foundation of Getting Along aims to develop four habits of mind: being tolerant of others; playing by the rules; thinking first; and acting in a socially responsible manner.

At assembly on Monday, we will discuss the first of these habits of mind, being tolerant of others. Being tolerant of others is primarily about accepting differences in the looks, thoughts and actions of others and not rating people negatively based upon these differences and the way they treat others. 

Physiologically, the way we respond to a happening both emotionally and physically, relates to how we think when faced with challenges. Below is an example of this when someone says something disagreeable to another.

Thinking

Feeling

Response/
Behavior

Positive - I don’t like what was said however everyone has a right to their own opinion.

Negative - How dare anyone say that?

Remain calm and confident with no self-doubting.

 

Anger, frustration, stress, self-doubting (maybe what they said is true).

Ignore behaviour, accept difference.

 


Aggressive response, anger and crying.


The You Can Do It program strives to develop positive thinking about how we view the world and interact with others. In a practical sense, the program develops children’s emotional resilience and self-belief when they are faced with adversity. Parents can support their children through discussion and praising tolerant behaviours. 

Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5

Student Awards

Junior College Awards

Click here to download the Junior College Stars of the Week, You Can Do It Awards and Mathletics Awards for this week, Monday 1st February.

Food for Thought

Help Your Child Develop Self Control

Self-control can be defined in many ways – as willpower, self-discipline or conscientiousness. However we define it, self-control is about being able to regulate yourself. Can you resist distractions? Get a handle on your own emotions? Inhibit your impulses? Delay gratification and plan ahead? Read more at:

http://www.ahaparenting.com/blog/Help_Your_Child_Develop_Self_Control

Ms Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Tuckshop

Volunteers Required

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with the operation of our service this year. Following is a rough schedule of what your time with us might involve:

MONDAY is prep, prep, prep! So, if you can shred a lettuce or chop up fruit, Monday will be a great day for you to join in. Help us get organised for the busy week ahead. We aim to have our ‘fresh’ display cabinet looking as healthy and appetising as possible.

TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY are our big cooking days. Did you know we make our own spaghetti, macaroni cheese, baked fried rice, banana and chia bread and hummus? We also poach and shred our chicken breast in the Thermomix, ready for use in sandwiches, wraps, rolls and salad boxes. If you have never used one before, we would love to show you what everyone is talking about!

THURSDAY is a great day for anyone who likes to mix up the routine. We have students with various sporting commitments and we can get very busy in the morning, but also need to find time to prepare for the big one…

FRIDAY is just go, go, go! So, if you like to be kept busy, we would really appreciate your help on Fridays. Wear your running shoes and as one of our volunteers says, have an extra spoonful of chia seeds with your breakfast!

If you feel you’re able to contribute, please complete the volunteer form at the end of the newsletter. Alternatively, email Carrie directly on cldickson@pacluth.qld.edu.au. Any assistance from the College community is greatly appreciated.

Ms Carrie Dickson, Tuckshop Convenor

Current Roster

Click here to download the current Tuckshop roster for Term 1.

Outside School Hours Care

Change to Booking Process

Firstly, we would like to welcome our new Pacific Lutheran College OSHC families to our Service. We hope that your children had a wonderful time with us over the holidays and that the friendships they formed made for an easier transition in the first week back at school.

It has been a very busy and exciting time for Pacific Lutheran OSHC with lots of new friends joining us. Our holiday program was filled with wonderful new experiences for the children and it was lovely to hear so many encouraging comments from our parents. As we jump into Term 1 there are some changes to our booking process that are important to note.

In the past, we have been flexible in receiving casual bookings from families. However, due to growing numbers, we are now limited to our Licensed Capacity. Our Service capacity is 35 children for After School Care (ASC) and Vacation Care and 20 children Before School Care (BSC). These numbers are also subject to a staff/child ratio, so it is important that we know bookings in advance.

On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, ASC is now fully booked and we are unable to take any more bookings for these sessions. We ask you to call our Service Leader Julie McCosker on 5436 7387 if you wish to book a day or cancel a day. We also remind families of the five working day notice period for cancellation and ask that if you are not going to use the day, please let Julie know so we can offer it to other families on a casual basis. 

If bookings are not made in advance through this method, we will not be able to confirm your child’s care. We understand the urgency of care for some families and we encourage you to talk to staff about you options. We recommend that families make permanent bookings so that refusal of care is avoided.

A waiting list will be maintained and families will be called in the order stated. At this stage we have availability for ASC on Thursdays and Fridays. BSC is filling up quickly so if you are considering these sessions, it is recommended you make permanent bookings with either Tanya or Julie. This will also apply to Vacation Care bookings. It is important that families speak to Tanya or Julie directly as the Service will no longer be able to accept walk in and last minute bookings. This information is in our enrolment pack.

Food

It is important that children have some extra food items for afternoon tea. Food can either be given to OSHC staff before the afternoon or stored in children’s school bags. As part of our healthy eating policy and Quality Area 2, we encourage snacks to be healthy and nutritional.

Operating Hours
  • Before School Care: 6.30am – 8.30am
  • After School Care: 3.00pm – 6.00pm
  • Vacation Care (School Holidays): 6.30am – 6.00pm

Ms Tanya Sheldrick, OSHC Coordinator

Secondary College

Japanese Teacher Assistants

Are you interested in hosting a Japanese Teacher Assistant?

I would like to thank all the families who offered to host our Japanese Teacher Assistants (JTA) throughout 2015. Pacific has been fortunate to always have a JTA in our Japanese classroom to assist in students’ learning and to share their diverse cultural knowledge and experiences with us. It is a great benefit to students studying Japanese and host families to have access to a native speaking JTA.

We are currently seeking host families for potential JTAs throughout 2016. JTAs vary in their length of stay and can be either short-term (a few weeks) or long-term (a few terms).

The successful host family will be paid $150 a week to cover costs such as food and utilities. If you believe your family could make a JTA feel like part of our community, please get an information pack and application form from Mrs Michiko Hauser (Toriyabe Sensei) in the S6 staffroom. Alternatively, please email mtoriyabe@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Michiko Hauser, Head of 6-12 Japanese

Mathematics Tutorials

To support students academically, the College will continue Mathematics tutorials this year for students in Years 7-12. These tutorials are on Monday afternoons and are in rooms L13/L14 from 3.20pm to 4.20pm. Students are welcome to come along for a quiet place to complete class work, homework or seek assistance. The expectation is that they remain within the room until 4.20pm, unless picked up earlier by a parent. 

Mr Adam Doyle, Head of Mathematics

Outdoor Education

New Zealand Expedition December 2015

In December last year, nine students, two parents and two staff members completed an 18 day traverse of New Zealand’s South Island (west coast to east coast). Poor weather had a major influence on the first several days with rapidly rising rivers and sleet halting our progress. The first three days of tramping from Arthur’s Pass to Kiwi Pass were particularly hard. Long days with heavy packs became the norm for the group, but we were rewarded with beautiful scenery, great mountain biking and a wonderful group of people to share the adventure with. There were several days of very cold and rainy weather and whilst crossing Fowlers Pass, the group tramped through a snowstorm!

Over the trip, the group hiked or mountain biked across eight alpine passes, all over 1000 metres high. The troupe completed the journey exhausted but with a real sense of accomplishment. The expedition included 126kms of tramping, 97kms of mountain biking and 270kms of rafting. There were many highlights along the way but standout was the five days of rafting down the Clarence River.

 

The College community and the families of the students who attended can be very proud of the way in which the young adults handled themselves. This was the toughest of the five New Zealand expeditions that I have been on. Thank you to Mrs Denise McMahon for her assistance over the eight months leading up to the trip and everything she did whilst we were on expedition. Also, thank you to Mrs Elisa-Jane Brown for being the Australian based safety and logistics coordinator. Elisa-Jane’s job was a very challenging one and the staff and students were very blessed to have her assistance.

Members of the College community can view the expedition DVD by visiting: https://youtube.com/watch?v=3ZzNzED2s0E. It is very good viewing and well worth a watch. It is hoped that the College will undertake another adventure in New Zealand in 2017.

Outdoor Education Expeditions 2016

The College will again offer a number of expeditions over the school holidays this year. The expeditions are open to all Year 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents. Information about these programs will be advertised here in the Compass newsletter and at meetings held during lunch breaks.

The first of these is the White Water Canoeing Expedition in the Easter school holidays. Members of the expedition will paddle 120kms of the Nymboida River in Northern New South Wales from 28th March to 2nd April. Students and parents wishing to receive information about this expedition are asked to contact me directly on 5436 7381 or 0448 277 789.

Other holiday expeditions offered in 2016 include:

  • Tramping Mt Barney National Park from 27th June to 1st July.
  • Mountain Biking Stanthorpe to Sunshine Coast from 17th  – 23rd September.

Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp (13th – 24th June)

The planning for this two-week outdoor education program has already commenced. Over the next couple of weeks I will meet with students to provide information about the camp. Students will have the opportunity to select either white water canoeing or mountain biking as their major activity and will also choose between a 24-hour or 48-hour solo experience.

Year 6-12 Personal Development Classes

Each week, students in the Middle and Senior College participate in a Personal Development class. At present, each year level is working their way through the contents of the Student Handbook. Particular emphasis is being made to the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities and the Student Expectations. Year 10 and 11 students will also closely look at the College’s Assessment Policy, referencing, researching techniques and how to avoid plagiarism. Later this term, each year level will look at study techniques, different learning styles and setting home learning and study planners.

All year levels will also undertake parts of the Mindstar and Smiling Minds programs, which are aimed at assisting students to deal with stress and teach them techniques on how to ‘bounce back’ after set backs in their lives. Parents visiting the College will also see PERMA posters on the walls of classrooms. This term the staff and students will focus on Positive Emotions.

Dr Peter McMahon, Head of Personal Development and Outdoor Education

Cultural News

Senior Drama Production - To Kill A Mockingbird

An inspired cast of 34 students are already in rehearsals for this year’s Senior Drama Production of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’. The play is based on the classic and iconic Pulitzer prize-winning novel by Harper Lee. The performance will be presented at the Playhouse Theatre at The Events Centre Caloundra in May. We wish all students and staff involved the best of luck as they embark on the journey to bring the story to life.

Mrs Janine Delaney, Director

From the Head of Career Development

Key Careers and Application Dates - February

5th February

Academy of Information Technology scholarship applications close: http://www.ait.nsw.edu.au/scholarship/.

2016 Griffith Business Year 12 Program applications are due on 5th February: https://www.griffith.edu.au/business-government/griffith-business-school/high-school-community-programs/griffithbusiness.

Tim Fairfax AC Learning Potential Fund Scholarship application due date for March 2016 outcome: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-prizes/tim-fairfax-ac-learning-potential-fund-scholarships.

6th February

Christian Heritage College LAUNCH program application due date: http://chc.edu.au/index.php/future-students/launch-program/.

19th February

Horizon Scholarship application due date: http://www.rirdc.gov.au/research-programs/rural-people-issues/horizon-scholarship.

24th February

Australian Defence Force Academy Information Session – further details below.

26th February

ADG Engineering Bursary application due date: https://www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships/categories/griffith-sciences/adg-engineers-aust-pty-ltd-bursary.

28th February

Australian Defence Force Academy Education Award application due date: http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa/howToApply/educationAward.aspx.

Career Events 2016
  • Sunshine Coast University Showcase on Wednesday 2nd March. Year 12 students will attend from 11.00am – 12.30pm.
  • Sunshine Coast Health Careers Expo on Friday 6th May in Kawana.
  • Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th May.
  • Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO) at Brisbane’s RNA Show Grounds on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July.
  • Sunshine Coast Careers Expo at the USC Sports Stadium on Tuesday 19th July from 10.00am – 2.00pm and 4.00pm – 7.00pm.
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

ADFA is holding an information session on Wednesday 24th February in Maroochydore. Students who are interested in this pathway are encouraged to attend. The session will commence at 6.00pm at the Defence Force Recruiting office (37 Primary School Court, Maroochydore). To RSVP, contact 13 19 01 or email: defencejobsmaroochydore.dfr.com.au.

University Showcase Day

Year 12 students will attend the University Showcase on Wednesday 2nd March. The showcase is a travelling roadshow of representatives from Queensland universities, TAFE and the Defence Forces. Permission slips will be sent home soon.

Year 12 Parent Information Evening

The Year 12 Information Evening will be held at Pacific on Tuesday 16th February.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor

Junior Sport

Inter-House Swimming Carnival

As always, swimming kick starts the sporting year at Pacific and we have already held the Inter-House Swimming Carnival at Kawana Aquatics Centre on Thursday.

Based on results from this carnival, students will be selected to represent Pacific at the upcoming District Swimming Carnival on 17th February at the Noosa Aquatic Centre. Information and permission notes will be given out to students who were selected in this team next week. If parents could please fill these forms out and return them to Mrs Natalie Campbell.

SCISSA Sport

SCISSA trials will begin next Thursday afternoon during school time, from 1.40pm – 3.00pm. For any new families, SCISSA stands for Sunshine Coast Independent Schools Sport Association. At Pacific, students from Years 4-6 take part in organised SCISSA sport competitions during Semester 1 and 2 across a range of sports. This year, the format of the SCISSA competition has changed to include a Gala Day of competition at the end of each term. Students train on Monday and Thursday afternoons and will play two warm-up trial games against other SCISSA schools. Then, at the end of each term, students will participate in a Gala Day that is run in a round-robin format including finals.

With the increased number of classes across Years 4-6, students also have the opportunity to take part in school dance and kayaking programs. Dance will begin in Term 1 and students will train to perform at various events throughout the year. The kayaking program will begin at the start of Term 2 when Mr Gary Graves arrives back from long service leave.

More detailed information regarding SCISSA trials and the sports available to students will be sent to parents over the next week.

Armidale Rugby Carnival

The Armidale Rugby Carnival is a yearly event that Pacific has attended since 2009. Held from 8th – 10th April, students travel by bus to Armidale and stay in boarding accommodation at the school. About 50 schools and clubs from Queensland and New South Wales attend the carnival. Past Pacific students have enjoyed travelling away for this event and it has been a highlight on the calendar for many years.

If your son is turning 11 or 12 this year and would be interested in attending, please contact Mr Darren Hooper for further information. An information meeting will be held on Friday and next Tuesday at morning tea for any boys interested in attending.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

Secondary Sport

Year 7-12 Swim Carnival (Monday, Week 3)

The Year 7-12 Swim Carnival is on this coming Monday (8th February) at the Nambour Aquatic Centre. All Year 7-12 students are required to attend. There will be a range of competitive and house participation events, so all students will have a chance to swim for their house on the day. A detailed program has been emailed home to parents and students have also received a hard copy.

As the Nambour pool is only eight lanes, we will be running each event in ‘heats’ from which age champion points (and places in the school team) will be awarded to the overall fastest swimmers across all heats. Therefore, it doesn’t matter which race you are in, everyone has a chance to make the team, based on fastest overall times.

Please note that students can only wear Pacific race swimmers, Pacific board shorts, Pacific skins, personal skins (black only) or club race swimmers when swimming. As a last resort, students may wear PE shorts for house point events, but all must be dry before boarding buses.

On the day, all students will be required to come to school wearing their house shirts. Everyone will need to assemble at the front school oval by 8.25am in PCG groups and should only apply face paint, zinc, and supporters dress up once at the aquatic centre.

Year 7-12 School Sport

The Year 7-10 SCISSA Volleyball and Year 11-12 SCISSA Soccer competitions begin on Wednesday next week. All athletes involved will need to return their permission forms to Mrs Natalie Campbell as soon as possible. Only those who have returned forms will be allowed to travel and collect their uniforms.

All students involved in SCISSA are required to compete in all matches and attend all training sessions.

District Trials

District trials are on offer for 15 years and open boys and girls volleyball, touch, rugby league and netball. Students who are wanting to trial for these district sports must collect and return a permission form from Mrs Natalie Campbell by Monday 8th February.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Sport

Monday Night Netball

The start of the Monday Night Netball season is always exciting with new hopes and aspirations for great things to come. To add to this excitement this year the new dress uniform is finally here! This dress is slightly different to the new PLC Netball Club uniform, so if your daughter is playing both, she will need to loan the Monday night uniform from Mrs Natalie Campbell and also purchase the club dress from the College uniform shop.

The girls have received their parent consent and information letters. These are to be returned to the College by Monday 8th February at the latest. 

This Friday, during normal sport time, our first official training session will be held and girls will find out their team and coach for the session. As Year 7 students will be on camp, I will hold a brief meeting with them during lunchtime next week to organise their dresses and inform them of their team and coach.

Each week results and the following week’s draw will be published in the Compass newsletter and the Monday Night Netball Schoology Group. 

I look forward to another exciting season of Monday Night Netball. 

Mrs Leigh Drogemuller, Netball Coordinator

Club Sport

PLC Netball Club

A reminder that the first Junior Netball sign-on day for the 2016 season is this Saturday 6th February from 9.00am to 11.00am at Caloundra Indoor Stadium. Children need to be born in 2008 or later to register. We look forward to seeing old and new players sign-on.

Please feel free to print your own copy of the sign-on sheet and bring it along to make the process shorter. Eftpos or cheques will be accepted. If you would like to pay with cash, please make sure it is the exact amount, as we will not have any change available. Uniforms will not be available for purchase on the day.  

A Suncoast Lynx development clinic will held this Sunday for 5-11 year olds. Click here for further information.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook for any up to date information.

Mrs Sophie McKenzie, Club President

Pacific Soccer

Click here to download the Pacific Soccer Newsletter for this week!

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours and Online Ordering

The Uniform Shop is open from 8.00am to 9.30am every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Orders can be placed online via www.flexischools.com.au and will be delivered to your child the following day.

Mrs Donna Hollindale, Uniform Shop Coordinator

General Notices

Position Vacant - Uniform Shop Convenor

The College is seeking the services of a Uniform Shop Convenor. This is a permanent part-time (term time) position of 12 hours per week. Applications close on Friday 5th February.

See the College website for further details: http://www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au/index.php/about_plc/vacancies/uniform_shop_convenor/.

Professional Photos - College Services

The professional photos from the 2015 Year 12 Graduation Service, the 2015 Closing Ceremony and the 2016 Opening Ceremony are available for purchase at http://www.cherylnonmus.com.au. The photos can be accessed in the Client Viewing Area and are $12 each to purchase.

Upcoming Dates

February
8 Year 7-12 Swim Carnival - Nambour
9 13-19yrs District Trial Day
Music Parent Information Evening (7.00pm)
10 Year 9 Rite Journey - Departure (6.00pm)
Middle College Parent Information Evening (7.00pm)
16 Year 12 Information Evening (7.00pm)
Friends of Pacific (7.00pm)
17 9-12yrs District Swim Carnival
18 13-19yrs District Swim Carnival
23 Mark Church Visit
13-19yrs Regional Trial Day 2
Year 10 Parent Information Evening (7.00pm)
25 13-19yrs Regional Trial Day 3
Years 4-6 SCISSA Trial Game 1
March
2 Year 12 University Showcase Day
3 10-19yrs Regional Swimming Trials
4 International Women's Day Breakfast
Primary Lutheran Swimming Carnival (Morayfield)