Compass No 417 - May 2016

From the Principal

Engagement Through Being Just

People flourish where there is a feeling of safety and justice.  We grow the culture of justice by living in this way for others rather than fiercely focusing on what we perceive as just for ourselves.  A key part of justice is having the capacity to listen well.  This means to suspend our judgment until we have fully engaged with the person and understood what is really being said.  This means listening for the spoken and the unspoken and having the capacity to view things from the other person’s perspective.

In living justly, God encourages us to be merciful and to act with compassion and humility.  It is through compassion that we engage and build engagement.

Principal's Log

Over the last week staff, students and families have been invited to participate in the Lutheran Education Australia Quality Schools Survey via email.  One third of families and students across Years 5 to 12 have been invited to provide their reflections on the teaching and learning and pastoral care programs of the college as well as reflecting on the culture of the college.  This survey managed by the Research Australia Development and Innovation Institute, provides the opportunity for members of our community to give confidential feedback.  We look forward to using the data to celebrate areas of strength and to identify areas for development.

Next week students across Years 3, 5 7 and 9 will be involved in NAPLAN testing.  We thank our teachers for the calm way they have prepared children as part of the young people’s learning experience rather than the focus of it.  We wish all students well as they engage in this learning experience and look forward to using the data as part of the improvement process for individual children, their cohorts and the teaching and learning programs of the college.

Next week we will be farewelling our Year 6-12 Head of Learning Enrichment, Mrs Lesley Onyett, who will be retiring from teaching.  I will reflect on Mrs Onyett’s very significant contribution to the support of young people and their families and staff in next week’s newsletter.  In the coming week, people are encouraged to express their own appreciation for the support Mrs Onyett has provided to them.  We are in the final phase of decision-making for Mrs Onyett’s replacement who will commence at the start of Term 3.  For the remainder of Term 2 our Head of Careers, Mrs Natasha Purcell, will be our Acting Head of Learning Enrichment and Careers.  Mrs Purcell has had extensive experience in learning support and we are deeply appreciative of her willingness to lead these areas over the coming weeks.  Parents wishing to contact Mrs Purcell for learning enrichment purposes are asked to use the new email address learningenrich@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

May God grant us patience, wisdom and gracious hearts to live justly with humility and mercy.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

It's Not Fair!

Moving into my new house I did not expect that it would take three weeks before we got the phone line connected. Worse still, horror of horrors for our family, during that time we had no Wifi. No Wifi, the disastrous problem of the modern family!  Some members of our family, myself included were tempted to complain; it’s just not fair!

Many of the things which we think are unjust in our lives are what some people call ‘First World problems’.  They are problems that only the few wealthy people across the face of the globe have to deal with. While the majority of the earth’s population are trying to live with enough food and water, remain safe from war, disease or natural disasters.  What we might think of as a justice issue is not really what God thinks of justice.

God’s sense of justice comes from mercy and humility. God wants us to be people of justice because all people are created equal in his eyes.  All people are created in the image of God and are worthy of love, care and compassion. God wants us to treat his creation justly and with mercy.  Jesus showed us what the kingdom of God looks like.  It looks like good news for the poor, the oppressed, the vulnerable, the captive.

When we contemplate some of the challenges our world faces, it’s easy to get lost and disheartened by these huge global inequalities.  But the challenge for all of us is to think locally and take a stand in the small things where we can make a difference. And to do this with the humility and mercy that God provides for us in Jesus.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Head of Senior Students

Service Opportunity

The Red Shield Appeal Doorknock will take place on Sunday, 29th May.  It would be appreciated if students are available to volunteer to assist the Salvation Army with the Annual Red Shield Doorknock.

The Salvation Army has allocated Wurtulla, Creekside, Kawana Forest and part of Currimundi as areas for our Year 6 - 11 students to collect in. The Year 6 - 11 students are asked to meet in the park on the corner of Moondara Drive and Parkhaven Drive, Wurtulla at 8.30am.  Students will be driven to the streets that they will collect in. Four students will travel to each collection site and then will collect in pairs. We are in need of parent drivers as the Salvation Army is unable to provide any drivers to assist us.  A pair of students will door knock either side of the street with an adult (either from the college or a parent). 

The Year 12 students will be collecting in the Pelican Waters area. Year 12 students are to meet in the park at the corner of Mahogany and Midden Streets, Pelican Waters at 8.30am. Students will be allocated in walking groups. Student drivers need to have written permission from passenger’s parents/guardians if choosing to drive for the Red Shield Doorknock collection.

The actual collection time will be from 9.00am to 11.00am and students are to wear full winter formal uniform.

The students will be returned to the park at approximately 11.15am. There will be a cold drink provided as a token of thanks.

Please return the permission slip to the Middle/Senior office by Friday, 13th May and list who they would like to collect with.

In the past, we have had an amazing response from the students and it would be disappointing if we are unable to fill the designated areas for the Salvation Army.  Should you require any further information, please contact the Middle and Senior College Administration on 5436 7338.

Miss Kim Stone, Head of Senior College Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

SCIPHA Chess Tournament

Congratulations to those students from Years 4 and 5 who represented the college at the SCIPHA Chess Tournament which was held at Immanuel Lutheran College on Friday, 29th April.  A detailed report on our stunning results is included later in this newsletter.

NAPLAN

This year’s National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be held from 10th – 12th May.

Allergy Awareness Week

This year, Allergy Awareness Week will be held from 15th – 20th May. Pacific has a number of students who suffer from life threatening allergies. As such, it is an issue that affects the entire College community. In the case of nut and food allergies, complete avoidance of the food trigger is the only way to prevent a reaction. We request that parents do not send nut or peanut products of any kind to school with their children. Examples of products that contain peanuts are Peanut Butter, Nutella, peanut bars and some muesli bars and health bars. Please read food labelling to ensure that foods sent to school do not contain peanuts.

Walk Safely to School Day

On Friday 20th May, the Sunshine Coast Council is encouraging students to walk, scoot or skate to school for Walk Safely to School Day. Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual community event that promotes road safety, health, public transport and the environment. By walking to school, you’ll get some great exercise and quality time with friends, as well as assist in reducing traffic congestion and pollution around the school. To ensure the safety of our students, parents are also invited to join for all or part of the commute from home to school on the day.

If you live too far to walk from home, students and parents are welcome to meet at Oakdale Park on Oakdale Circuit, Currimundi and join us for a short walk to school. Mr David Druery will be there to meet students at 8.00am, for an 8.05am departure.

Register online before 20th May to go in the running to win great prizes: www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

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

Important Notices

School Photos

Year 6-12                    Tuesday 17th May

Sibling / Family           Tuesday 17th May

Prep - Year 5              Tuesday 24th May

For the convenience of our school community, school photos can be ordered and paid for online using a secure platform. Orders placed online are paperless and DO NOT require an envelope with cash/cheques to be returned to school.

Photos can also be purchased in the traditional manner using an envelope, with cash/cheque enclosed. However, the preference of the College is that orders and payments are made online, as this reduces administration time and security issues related to the return of cash on photo day.

To place your order, visit www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code B7H 8V9 RRH. This code can also be found printed on your envelope. Please be aware that:

  1. Sibling / Family photos can be ordered online or via envelope. Online orders for Sibling / Family photos will be cut off at 12.00am the night before so a run list can be compiled. Sibling photos can still be ordered after the online cut-off date by collecting an envelope from the office and returning the envelope on photo day with your payment enclosed.
  2. All online orders should be placed on or before our day of photography.
  3. The online code above may also be used to order sports and other group photos.

All orders placed online will be delivered to the College for collection.

Library News

Voices on the Coast

This week, students in Years 4-9 were invited to apply to attend the Voices on the Coast Literature Festival, to be held at the University of the Sunshine Coast.  This is always a very popular event, with more people applying than we have places for, so get your application in early.

The Year 4-6 day will be on Monday, 6th June and students will have the opportunity to see Andrew King, author of the Engibear series; Deborah Abela, author of books such as the Grimsdon series, Ghost Hunters and Max Remy: Super Spy; Jan Latta, wildlife photographer and author; and a performance based on books by Roald Dahl.

The Year 7-9 day will be on Tuesday, 7th June and older students have the opportunity to select which four sessions they wish to see.

Applications are due Monday, 9th May for Years 7-9 and Friday, 13th May for Years 4-6.

Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian

Junior College

SCIPHA Chess Tournament

The annual SCIPHA Chess Tournament was held at Immanuel Lutheran College on Friday, 29th April.  Players competed in seven games over five hours, testing their mental endurance and powers of concentration along with their chess skills. 

Pacific sent three teams to compete in the Novice division:

Team 1:          Will Butler, Christian Schlotterbach, Hobie Barry and Ethan Benson

Team 2:          Harrison Angel, Jack Brewer, Georgia Fergusson and Ryan Salvesen

Team 3:          Lachlan Currey, Callum Foley, Alex Lee and Rhys Veizer

Our team results were truly impressive. In the Novice division, Pacific swept the individual medal positions while Teams 1 and 2 won Gold and Bronze in the team standings. The individual winners were:  Hobie Barry, Gold; Will Butler, Silver; and Ethan Benson, Bronze.  All of our players competed well and represented the school with their usual good sportsmanship, exemplary behaviour and infectious enthusiasm.

This will be the last year that Tony Powell runs the SCIPHA tournament.  He has been a driving force for chess on the Sunshine Coast, and hopefully will continue to contribute his energy, expertise and joy of the game.  

Mr Norm Stone                                                                                                                                                                                   

Secondary College

Business Department News

The first trimester has finished and we have said goodbye to our first Year 8 students who studied Enterprise Education.  Our Year 8’s looked at consumer rights and responsibilities and how they can best protect themselves in the 21st Century.  Students formed groups to research how to become an educated consumer and presented their findings through a number of amazing different ways.  Miss Stone and Mr Warner saw the students create innovative board games, infomercial movies and video games.  These artefacts are the start of the education in the Business Department.  If students decide to continue their learning journey, they will discover many facets of business.

This trimester sees our Year 9 students discover what it takes to write application letters based on selection criteria as well as understanding the importance of personal budgeting.  While the Year 9’s are learning how and why they should save, our Year 10’s have started their $20 Boss Venture.

The $20 Boss program was developed by the Foundation of Young Australians (FAA) and proudly sponsored by the National Australia Bank (NAB).  With online modules and class work, our 46 Year 10 Business students are launching their businesses this week.  They are encouraged to develop a business idea with the $20 seed capital given to them by the FAA and NAB.  Any profits made by the ventures are kept by the students, however we have a strong focus on social entrepreneurship and we encourage the students to write into their business plans how a percentage of their profits will be donated to a local charity or community event.  The idea of giving back is ultimately a Christian obligation.

Our Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies students are getting ready for their end of semester exams.  The Year 11’s are studying criminal law whilst the Year 12’s are about to undertake a unit in International Law.

Finally, our Accounting students are now at a stage where they can work out the profitability ratios of a business, analyse the end of year reports and provide recommendations to improve a business. 

All of the students that study a subject in the Business Studies learning area have done incredible things in the past 1½ terms.  I am looking forward to what comes next.

Mr Wes Warner, Head of Business Studies

Hospitality - Boat Shed Dinner

This year's annual Boat Shed Dinner will be held on Tuesday 31st May. Come and support our Year 12 Hospitality students as they experience running a restaurant. Click here to download further information. 

Mrs Colleen Beattie, Head of Hospitality and Food Technology

Cultural News

SCYO 2016 Strings Concert

Saturday, 7th May – 2.30pm (Entry ‐ gold coin donation)
Stella Maris Primary School Hall, McKenzie Dr, Maroochydore

Please come and support the wonderful string players of the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra as they present a wonderful afternoon of string music from boot stomping Amati fun to Vaughan Williams’ haunting melodies and Shostakovichs famous Waltz. There will definitely be music to please everyone.

Chamber Strings directed by Maria Salmon

Amati conducted by Maria Salmon and Isabelle McCafferty

Sinfonia conducted by Jo Ramsey

Youth Symphony conducted by Maria Salmon

Presentation of the Audi Bursary for 2016 Dekota Berkery

SCYO members arrival time Youth Symphony and Chamber Strings 12.15pm, arrival time for Amati and Sinfonia 1.15pm

Dress: formal black (blue ties for boys)

Mr Adrian King, Head of Instrumental Music

From the Head of Career Development

Interior Decorating Workshop

Tahn Scoon, an interior stylist, consultant and author, is offering one-day decorating workshops in Brisbane on weekends.  See http://www.tahnscoon.com.au/workshops/ for details.

James Cook University (JCU) Information Sessions

These information sessions will help you explore your study and career options,­ particularly those considering Veterinary Science, Marine Biology or other. They will be held:

Upcoming Dates

10th May

11th May

12th May

16th May

  • Griffith University Q&A Sessions – Gold Coast and Nathan Campus. Book a 30 minute personalised appointment with a member of the student recruitment team, to help find the right degree for you and get personalised advice about your study options. You can also find out about scholarships and discover pathways to university.

18th May

  • Medicine Information Evening at Griffith University South Bank campus: https://www.griffith.edu.au/. You are invited to attend Pathways to Medicine Information Evenings.  The evenings will include a presentation about your study options and an opportunity to meet Griffith University lecturers and admissions staff.  The evening will be split in two sessions; the first seminar at 5.30pm for graduates and final year Griffith students, with the second seminar at 7.30pm for high school leavers and parents.

19th May

27th May

27th May - 28th May

Queensland Engineering Link Projects (ELP) Open for Registrations

ELPs are two-day workshops for Year 11 and 12 students.  They provide an opportunity for students to test their interest in engineering through hands-on, problem-solving activities and access to people already working in the engineering field.  The following ELPs to be held during the 2016 June/July school holidays are now open for registration:

  • 7th and 8th July -  South-Queensland Engineering Link Project, QUT Brisbane

Visit http:  //telg.com.au/register/ for more information and to register.  Places fill fast for these events, so get in early.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor

Junior Sport

Years 3-6 Independent Cross Country Carnival

Last Wednesday an excited team of 47 students from Years 3 – 7 made their way to Buderim for the annual Primary Independent Cross Country Carnival.  All students ran to the best of their ability on the day and there were some fantastic individual achievements by some students.

Congratulations to the following students who finished in the top five places for their age group:

  • Katie Daniels - 4th place, 9 years girls 2km
  • Olivia Cooke - 4th place, 11 years girls 3km
  • Luke Becker - 3rd place, 9 years boys 2km
  • Jason Wulff - 3rd place, 12 years boys 3km

Special mention to the 9 years boys who had four runners finish in the top 20 places. Luke Becker (3rd place), Darcy Connors (6th place), Sam McKean (13th place) and Hayden Burnett (17th place). The boys were able to finish in second place on scores for their age group with the second lowest total of 39 points just behind Immanuel on 37 points.

Overall, Pacific finished in fourth place out of the ten schools competing, which is a great effort by the team.  Congratulations to Jason Wulff and Olivia Cooke who have been selected to represent the Independent District at the upcoming Sunshine Coast regional cross-country trials.

Thanks to Mr Stuart Pohlner and the many teachers who contributed to the running club each Tuesday in preparation for the cross-country season. Their efforts and enthusiasm positively contributed to the student’s success on the day.  

SCISSA Sport

Reminder to parents that after school SCISSA training begins again next Monday afternoon from 3.15 - 4.15pm.  All sports will train here at school during that time except kayaking.

Kayakers will catch the PLC 56 seater from out the front of the college at 3.00pm.  All students will need to have their own transport arrangements home once training has finished at 4.15pm.  There will be no bus back to the college.

Due to the world outrigger championships being held at Lake Kawana we are unable to use the lake for kayak training for the next two weeks.  Mr Graves has moved the location to Coongarra Esplanade, Currimundi Lake (Northern side of Currimundi Lake, across from Sunshine Toyota).  This will be the location for both junior training 1.30pm - 3.00pm and senior training 3.30pm - 5.00pm today and next Thursday and also for the next two Monday afternoon training sessions.

Kayak training will occur at Coongarra Esplanade for the following dates whilst the lake is unavailable: 

  • Thursday, 5th May 
  • Monday, 9th May
  • Thursday, 12th May
  • Monday, 16th May

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Graves on 0407 370 747.

Years 3-7 Athletics Carnival

The Year 3-7 Athletics Carnival will be held in Week 9 on Tuesday, 7th June at The University of the Sunshine Coast athletics track.

Prior to the carnival, students will participate in 100m and 200m sprint trials on Thursday, 19th May, Week 7.  During this time, students will also compete in the discus events, which will be used to determine age championship points and district selection for that event.  Discus will be done here on the college ovals with the sprint trials being run down on the Meridan Fields.

Student Success

Congratulations to Jonti Fisher who was recently selected in the Sunshine Coast Under 12 Girls Soccer Team. Jonti travels with the team to compete at the state champions in June at Stanthorpe.

Also congratulations to Storm Sawyer, Lara Pointon, Nikita Gallagher, Ivy Panoho, Brianna Smart and Sophie Dahl who were all selected in the Independent Under 12 Touch Football Team. They will compete at the end of this term at the Sunshine Coast trials.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

Secondary Sport

Welcome to the 2016 Kayaking Season

Marathon training has commenced each Monday and Thursday after school from 3.30pm - 5.00pm and also during sport time on Thursday afternoons for the Year 4-6 students. We are looking forward to a new season and also upgrading some of the equipment.  It is great to see those already training hard.  

Year 4-7 students compete over 1500m, 13/14 year olds paddle 3km, 15/16 year olds paddle 6km and the Opens compete over 9km. Students are required to compete in both doubles and singles and can chose to race in either a TK1 or K1 craft.

If you would like to join the kayaking club, please contact Mr Graves, Mrs Hall or Mrs Beattie at school.

SCISSA Volleyball

It was a tough week for volleyball this week, with Pacific hosting St Andrews at Pacific. Congratulations to the Year 10 and Year 12 girls teams who came away with victories on the night.  All teams played well, but lost in extremely close matches (most being only a few points away from success).

 

The season continues next week with the following match ups:

Team

Venue

Opposition

Time

Bus Details

11/12 A Boys

MFAC

MFAC

4.00pm

Depart: 3.15pm

Return: 6.00pm

11/12 A Girls

MFAC

MFAC

4.45pm

11/12 B Boys

MFAC

MFAC

4.00pm

12 B Girls (PLC 2)

MFAC

MFAC 2

4.45pm

11 B Girls (PLC 3)

SAAC

SAAC 3

4.00pm

Depart: 3.05pm

Return: 5.30pm

10 B Girls (PLC 4)

PLC

SCGS 2

TBA

NA
District Representation

Congratulations to the following students for being selected in the Independent District teams this week:  Georgia Harle (soccer), Brooke Tait (soccer), Stephanie Keenan (soccer), Jake Hynes (cross country), Jazz Morris (cross country), Bailey Hockman (cross country).  We wish them all the best at the next level.  Great work on making it into the District team!

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Sport

Club Sport

Pacific Soccer
  • QCSA State Titles – 29th April to 2nd May
  • Rounds 19 - 21 for U11B Pacific Cobras
  • What is Sportsmanship?
  • Round 6 – 7th May
  • Pacific Soccer Contacts 

Click here to download the Pacific Soccer newsletter for this week.

Mr Ian Barnes, Pacific Soccer President

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 Peta King, Uniform Shop Coordinator

Church News

St Mark's Lutheran Church Caloundra

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra

General Notices

Entertainment Books

Pacific Lutheran College is fundraising with Entertainment™ again this year. The NEW 2016 | 2017 Entertainment™ Book and Digital Memberships are available now and are packed with thousands of up to 50% OFF and 2-for-1 offers. From every Membership we sell, 20% of the proceeds go towards our fundraising for Pacific Lutheran Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre! Click here to order your book or digital membership: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/230p536. 

Toastmasters International

Become the speaker and leader you want to be!

Announcing a brand new club for the Meridan Plains area.  Join us at our first sample meeting - it’s free.

Thursday, 26th May at 7.00pm - Kawana Forest Meeting Place, 60 Woodlands Blvd, Meridan Plains  (opposite the Pacific Lutheran College and a few minutes drive from the Kawana health precinct).

Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way for you to gain communication and leadership skills.  You will become more persuasive, confident and articulate, meet like-minded people and have a great time while practicing your speaking and leadership skills.  The environment is friendly, supportive and self-paced. And you will love the applause!

For more information and RSVP, please contact: Chris and Dell Parminter on 5498 3224 (please leave a message if service is unattended).  Email - csandl20@bigpond.com

Sponsor Club: Caloundra

Upcoming Dates

May
6 Sunshine Coast Health Careers Expo
10-12 NAPLAN
13 Under Eights Day
13-14 To Kill A Mockingbird Production
17 Year 6-12 Sibling Photo Day
  13-19yrs Regional Trial Day 4
  Year 10 Camp Information Evening (6.00pm)
  Friends of Pacific (7.00pm)
19 8-12yrs Athletics Trials
24 P-5 Photo Day
  Year 9 Altitude Day
26 SCISSA Trial Game 4
27 Caloundra Show Holiday
27-28 Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo
31 10-19yrs Regional Cross Country
  ICAS Science Competition

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