Compass No 422 - June 2016

From the Principal

Keeping the Balance

There are two ways we can frame our expectations within our relationships, families and communities. Language is a subtle and powerful tool in the shaping of our relationships. It can promote growth and engagement or restrict it. In all relationships there are expectations and boundaries. There are times where simple, clear statements of what we should or should not do are important and provide safety. We can quickly come up with a list of these. Generally, they relate to matters of safety or good order for others and ourselves. At others times, we could choose to frame our expectations in a broader, growth-oriented way that grows the capacity to develop discernment and an inner moral compass. The framing of the College’s guidelines for our interactions with each other involves both simple, clear directions and broader statements such as ‘respect others’. Instead of an extended list of required behaviours in a variety of contexts, there is an expectation of personal decision-making and growth of discernment as to what this statement means in action. 

In the Bible we find both types of statements as important guides for our lives. The Ten Commandments provide clear statements of what we should and should not do. We also see broader statements such as Jesus’ reflections of the two great commandments as being “love your God with all your heart” and “love your neighbour as yourself”, which challenge us to think about what living these commands might look like in our daily life. There is the expectation of discernment and personal responsibility and action. As we use our words to guide others, it is important that we are mindful of times where clear direction is required and those times where broader statements may provide greater space for growth.

Principal's Log

Over the weekend, the College joined with the St Mark’s congregation to host the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District Synod. Together, the Pacific community and St Mark’s congregation were very welcoming hosts. It is a delight to be part of a community where we respond generously to the invitation to help others. Thank you to everyone for your support of this important event. A particular thank you to Mr Mike Healy for his very significant part in the oversight and organisation of the event, our grounds and IT staff, parents, staff and students for their leadership of the music, the hospitality staff and students and parents who provided general assistance. 

The Independent Schools Queensland Block Grant Authority visited the College on Monday morning to hear our request for a grant that will assist in the extension of the library, construction of stage 1 of the new administration building and three more general learning spaces, similar to that currently being used as Year 4 learning spaces. The group of visitors were very impressed with the pedagogical framework of the College, our strategic development of facilities and the financial management of the College. We will be notified of the outcome of the grant process at the end of the year. We are expecting to commence construction of the new facilities mid-way through 2017 for use at the start of 2018. These new facilities will replace the oldest of our demountable blocks, currently used for Year 3 classrooms and storage.

The Year 3-7 Athletics Carnival was a great success with very good spirit and high levels of participation. Well done to Mrs Natalie Campbell and Mr Darren Hooper for their organisation of the day, sport staff and general teaching staff for their leadership, ground staff for their assistance, our students for their enthusiasm and participation and to our parents and Friends of Pacific for their support.

Over the next two weeks, our Year 10 students will be away on their outdoor education experience. This is a tremendous time of growth where our young people have the opportunity to enhance their sense of self, their place in the world and relationships to others, the environment and God. Across the two week period, the young people will engage in a variety of activities including white water canoeing, mountain biking and bushwalking as well as times of personal and spiritual reflection. We wish our students and staff team of Dr Peter McMahon, Mr Nico Prinsloo, Miss Alisha Jansen, Mrs Sharon Middleton and Mr Ben Dutton and past students and outdoor education specialists a safe, rich and fulfilling time of enjoyment and growth. A special thank you to Dr Peter McMahon for his very thorough preparation and organisation. 

We pray for all those who are unwell and those people affected by the storms over the last week.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Council

College Council Update

At the May College Council meeting, Councillors were privileged to hear from the teaching and learning leadership team. This was an opportunity for us to hear how our strategic plan is being developed and implemented with the staff of the College. The team also highlighted some of the innovative and exciting ways that this is flowing through to the classrooms, influencing the creative thinking and learning of students.

In May, the Property and Development Sub-committee welcomed Mr Bayden Dodds as a new member. We thank Bayden for his willingness to share his knowledge and support the ongoing development of the College. The Property and Development Sub-committee is currently investigating the cost and feasibility of temperature control in the remaining learning spaces that do not have air-conditioning within the College. Once this has been determined, staging of its implementation will be worked through so that upward pressure is not placed upon school fees.

Mr James McLellan, a long-standing Council member, tended his resignation at the May meeting. James has been a thoughtful and genuine contributor to the processes of Council and a valuable source of wisdom in decision making and strategic direction. We thank James for his willing and conscientious involvement over many years and wish him well in his new endeavours. Following the installation service for Pastor Tim Jarick we also were able to acknowledge the generous contribution of Mr Russell Kleidon, who will be retiring from Council later this year.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude not only to the Councillors, but also to the Principal, staff and parents for your enduring commitment to the growth and development of our College community and the enrichment of our students. May we continue to grow deeply under the umbrella of God’s grace and love.

Mrs Ruth Zerner, College Council Chair

From the College Pastor

Negotiating Rules

As a teenager walks out the door, a parent may ask, “When are you coming home?”; “Who are you going out with?”; “Have you got your phone?”. This week at the Middle / Senior College chapel, we looked at family boundaries and provided some practical tips on how teenagers can attempt to negotiate rules with their parents. All families need boundaries and rules to survive and thrive, but they are often sticking points when it comes to dealing with teenagers. Teenagers sometimes complain that their parents do not give them enough freedom. To address this, I suggested students have a ‘family meeting’ with their parents. Setting a specific time and a place to talk about their family’s boundaries and hear from their parents is a positive practice. When kids are honest in their communication and responsible in their behaviours, the possibility of negotiating appropriate boundaries can occur as there is mutual trust and respect.  

In chapel we also looked at the New Testament quote of the commandment to, “Honour your father and mother”. The verses from Ephesians 6 go on to say, “Fathers do not exasperate or provoke your children”. Children have a responsibility to honour and listen to their parents but parents also have a responsibility to not exasperate their children with unwarranted boundaries and unfair expectations. I know that for myself as a parent, I need to hear this sometimes. Boundaries are certainly needed in every family, but if they constantly lead to conflict and anger with your teenager, it is not what God desires. Family boundaries provide a safe place where there is care and concern but also freedom to move within parameters. Why not talk to your teenager about your family’s boundaries and give them permission to negotiate?

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Director of Students

Gratitude

Recently, there has been much research completed on gratitude in education. Kerry Howells from the University of Tasmania has published an interesting new book titled ‘Gratitude in Education A Radical View’. Kerry Howells sums up the research with the following key points. Increased gratitude leads to:

  • A greater sense of wellbeing;
  • Increased optimism;
  • A tendency to exercise more often;
  • A decrease in depression;
  • A greater sense of connectedness;
  • A greater ability to deal with adversity;
  • Improved relationships; and
  • Greater joy and satisfaction.

Concentrating on the emotion of appreciation for prolonged periods of time not only leads to improved health, but also to enhanced cognitive ability. The research revealed that students of all ages and levels showed a significant increase in positive emotional wellbeing, classroom behaviours, learning and academic performance.

Gratitude is at the heart of all major world religions and it is a theme that commonly permeates religious cultures. Common themes in Christianity include worship with gratitude to God for His many gifts and mercies. Therefore, gratitude is not a new concept; modern positive psychology is reminding us to build it into our daily thinking again.

Gratitude has also been equated with feeling positive and is a cornerstone of Dr Seligman’s PERMA and the Positive Education Movement with strategies such as ‘What Went Well’ today. At Pacific we will continue to focus on Gratitude as a key part of Positivity.

“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.” – William Shakespeare

Mr Brendan Delaney, Director of Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Year 3-7 Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday under clear blue (cool) skies, the Year 3-7 Athletics Carnival was held at the University of the Sunshine Coast. The standard of competition and the spirit displayed by all students was outstanding. A special thank you to those parents who acted as officials, provided food to students and staff and supported their children at the carnival. We also thank Mr Darren Hooper who coordinated the event and all staff who helped set up and supervised on the day.   

P-2 Cross Country

This term all students in Prep – Year 2 have been busily training for the P-2 Cross Country Carnival, which will be held on Wednesday next week (15th June) starting at 9.00am. All parents are warmly invited to attend and support their children’s participation in the event.

Emotional Resilience

Emotional Resilience is essential in our daily lives, especially to help us deal with confrontations, making choices, getting bad results, encountering negative situations that are beyond our control or struggling with difficult day-to-day activities.

As adults we generally face such difficulties with varying levels of resilience. Equipping children with the skills to develop emotional resilience is an important facet of their growth.

Negative Habits of Mind greatly fuel emotional discomfort. These negative habits of mind include self-downing, the need to be perfect, the need for approval, the ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I can’t be bothered’ mindsets and being intolerant of others. This week, I would like to continue to share some strategies from the You Can Do It Program, which may help eliminate or help to balance these negative mindsets.

To Eliminate ‘Needing To Be Perfect’

Explain to your child that he/she shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes. Explain that mistakes are a natural part of learning and while it is good to try your best, it is not helpful to insist that everything is done perfectly. Explain that even the greatest scientists and inventors bumble and stumble their way to success. For older children, you can also explain that demanding perfection of oneself can lead to being so worried that it actually lessens one’s ability to perform well. Encourage your child to develop the positive type of thinking called ‘Risk Taking’. In ‘Risk Taking’, a person prefers to do his/her best but accepts that mistakes are inevitable and frequently important as one is learning something new.

Other suggestions for eliminating your child’s need to be perfect include:

  • Help your child become more aware of his/her perfectionism and its negative effects on his/her anxiety.
  • Have your child make a list of the things he/she always wanted to do but was afraid of not doing perfectly. Encourage your child to try one of these activities.
  • Encourage your child to identify areas of weakness. Have him/her try activities in these areas. When he/she has attempted such an activity, point out that he/she now has evidence that he/she can tolerate doing things imperfectly.
  • Encourage your child to stop ruminating about grades and instead, get involved in activities unrelated to school.
  • Teach your child that there is a continuum of achievement and that achievement is not an all (perfection) or nothing (complete failure) outcome. Encourage him/her to set goals at a place on the achievement continuum where he/she does not have to be the best in order to learn something and have fun.
  • Acknowledge and praise your child for attempting things and not doing them perfectly.

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

From the Head of Learning K-5

Pacific Gardening Club

Welcome to our first College gardening club article. Mrs Monica Naples, Mrs Colleen Beattie and I are running a lunchtime gardening club on Wednesdays. The plants are flourishing in our new ‘no dig’ gardens and this week we are making basil pesto!

Garden Club is an initiative that aims to introduce kids to the pleasure of growing their own food while learning about soil cultivation and composting. We focus on seasonal vegetables and herbs with an emphasis on companion planting.

Students are actively involved in planting, caring for and harvesting produce in the raised garden beds, looking after plants in the school grounds and gathering lunch scraps for the compost bins.

 

As well as helping children lead happier, healthier lives, research shows gardening also helps them acquire the essential skills they need to fulfil their potential in a rapidly-changing world and make a positive contribution to society as a whole. Specifically, it found that gardening in schools encourages children to:

  • Become stronger, more active learners who are capable of thinking independently and adapting their skills and knowledge to new challenges at school and in future;
  • Gain a more resilient, confident and responsible approach to life so they can achieve their goals and play a positive role in society;
  • Learn vital job skills such as presentation skills, communication and team work and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit;
  • Embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle as an important tool for success at school and beyond; and
  • Develop the ability to work and communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds.

We look forward to expanding our gardens, acquiring a garden shed and involving our community in the year ahead.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Teaching and Learning K-5

Important Notices

Graduating Class of 2006

We invite Pacific Lutheran Alumni who graduated in 2006 to make contact with the College if you are interested in leading the organisation of your 10-year reunion event later this year. Please contact the Middle/Senior College Administration on (07) 5436 7315 or PLCSeniorCollege@pacluth.qld.edu.au. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

Student Awards

Stars of the Week

This Week Monday 6th June

Prep:  Rose McKibbin, Matthew Carlaw and Cody Walker.

Year 1:  Lanayah Howlett, Cade Miles and Kyah Morgan.

Year 2:  Gemma McVean, Carter Kiernan, Holly Targato, Kahlia Taylor, Zoe Woods, Isabella Lee, Hayden Greenough, Amelie Bradley, Ashtyn Gigney and Ned Brandenburg.

Year 3:  Holly King, Hannah Meekan, Grace Cawley, Riley Shepard, River Boyall, Emily Holliday and Angus Friend.

Year 4:  Romeo Paora, Paige Whincop and Luke Harrys.

Year 5:  Mia Sheridan, Ethan Benson, Jack Packer, Evie Jaques, Evy Gover, Allegra Pollack and Tamara Zolotar.

You Can Do It Awards

This Week Monday 30th May

Confidence:                Liam Loane.

Persistence:               Jada Baker and Taylah Jarrett.

Organisation:             Zara Koebsch.

Getting Along:            Alexis Jarrett. 

Food for Thought

Six ways to support positive mental health in children

Keeping children healthy and happy involves looking after their mental health as well as their physical health. Mental health is about having a healthy mind and body and influences how we feel about ourselves, what we do, how we think and how we relate to others. Good mental health helps us to form positive relationships with others, handle ups and downs and generally enjoy life. With good mental health, children can feel good about themselves and be more open to trying and learning new things.

For more information on how to support your child’s mental health, click here.

Ms Annie Williams, College Counsellor

OCEANfest

OCEANfest Update

Uni Industries has come on board to support OCEANfest this year! Uni Industries is a family owned and operated local business with over 30 years experience in residential and commercial solar, electrical and air-conditioning. Uni Industries loves to give back to their local community and as such, would like to offer Pacific families a special deal: receive two free panels with any new solar system purchased! Just mention ‘OCEANfest’. Terms and conditions may apply. To find out more, contact: (07) 3285 7776 or visit: http://www.uni-industries.com.au.

One of the most loved attractions at OCEANfest, the animal farm, will be back again this year courtesy of Nefertiti Pearce - McGrath Estate Agents – Caloundra! Don’t miss your chance to hand-feed the lambs and hang out with heaps of fury friends.

The Sebel Pelican Waters has donated a fabulous accommodation package for our raffle, valued at over $600. The package includes two nights accommodation in a deluxe spa suite with daily breakfast, complimentary wi-fi and parking!

 

OCEANfest 2016 Committee

Library News

Voices on the Coast

This week, 47 students across Years 4-9 attended the Voices on the Coast Literature Festival. Students experienced the University of the Sunshine Coast campus and lecture theatres, met favourite authors and illustrators, had books signed and learned the secrets to being an author and getting published. It was a fun day!

 

Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian 

Early Learning

Meet Our New Teachers

Pacific Early Learning is very pleased to introduce Miss Teagan Frawley and Ms Sarah Arthur who have joined the teams at the Early Learning Service and Early Learning Kindergarten.

Sarah has accepted the position of Early Childhood Teacher in the Junior Kindergarten Room and holds a Cert III, Diploma in Children’s Services and a Bachelor of Education. Teagan has accepted the position of Early Childhood Teacher in the Kindergarten and holds a Bachelor of Learning Management in Early Childhood Education.

Parents are invited to a Meet and Greet with our new teachers on Tuesday 14th June. RSVPs are due this Friday 10th June.

Click here to download the invitation.

Mrs Julie McCosker, Service Leader

Outside School Hours Care

Farewell and Good Luck, Tanya

Leadership and staff would like to wish Ms Tanya Sheldrick from our Outside School Hours Care service a wonderful last day on Friday 10th June. After nine years of dedication and hard work, we wish her well in her new endeavours. Many blessings from OSHC and the ELS.

Mrs Julie McCosker, Service Leader

Secondary College

Boat Shed Dinner

 Last week, our Year 12 Hospitality students took over the reins at popular Cotton Tree restaurant, The Boat Shed. The annual event was a sell-out with nearly 100 patrons dining over the course of the night.

Restaurant staff daringly handed over control to our students who have been perfecting their skills in all aspects of running a restaurant including waiting tables, working behind the bar and helping out in the kitchen. The evening allowed students to demonstrate their practical knowledge and understanding in a real world environment to further enhance their learning.

Students were responsible for creating the invitations and designing the menus, taking bookings, organising uniforms, arranging 

entertainment and, not to mention,preparing and serving food and beverages on the night. They conducted themselves in a professional and mature manner and should be proud of their achievements.

A big thank you to Dion Sparato at The Boat Shed for enabling the students to use their top class facilities and to those who attended to support student learning. Well done Year 12 Hospitality!  

Mrs Colleen Beattie, Head of Hospitality and Food Technology

Young Driver Seminar

On Friday 29th July, the University of the Sunshine Coast is hosting a Young Drivers seminar. The seminar will present some of the latest research from Australia and Germany on young driver road safety.

Click here to download the information flyer, which includes details on how to register.

Miss Kim Stone, Head of Senior College Students

Cultural News

Semester 1 Music Examination Results

Congratulations to the following students who have achieved a brilliant standard of excellence in their music studies.

  • Noah Bennett, Drum Kit:  Distinction - Grade 2 - Trinity Board
  • Thomas French, Piano for Leisure:  Credit - Grade 3 - A.M.E.B.
  • Kate Monroe, Violin:  Honours - Grade 3 - A.M.E.B.

May you continue and strive to progress to your next level of attainment in the following period of learning.

Mr Adrian King, Mr Basil Barletta and Miss Karlee Hutchinson

Japanese Speaking Competition

This year, Pacific Lutheran College will be holding its first ‘Foundation Cup Japanese Speaking Competition’. Participants can earn points for their house as a part of the Foundation Council Cup. The competition is open to students in Years 3-12 and is divided into four categories: Year 3-5, Year 6-9, Year 10-12 and background speakers.

 

The competition also provides an opportunity for our students to showcase their language skills to teachers from Seishin Gakuen, as it coincides with the biennial visit from the College’s Sister School next term. 

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places as well as special commendation for outstanding performance. The Japanese department is looking forward to seeing many students participate in this exciting event.

Please see your Japanese teacher for more details.

日本語 を 話しましょう!

Schlotterbach Sensei, Japanese Teacher

From the Head of Career Development

Where do I get information about jobs I'm interested in?

An important part of the career decision-making process is investigating the jobs you are currently interested in. There are many sources of career information available. The following are some ideas to get you started.

Read about jobs: The following websites have information on hundreds of jobs.

Talk to people: People already in jobs are a great source of information.

  • Your parents and relatives can tell you about jobs they have had. Also, as they know you better than most other people, they may be able to help you choose an occupation that suits you.
  • Develop your own information ‘network’: family friends, neighbours, sports coaches, friends’ parents and people you work with. These people all have knowledge about work and are generally happy to share information with you.
  • People who currently do the job can help. Don’t be too shy to approach these people even if you don’t know them – most don’t mind talking about their own work as long as you are polite, show interest in their work, come prepared with questions and don’t take up too much of their time.
  • Employers can often give you a full picture of how the job you are interested in fits into their organisation as a whole. Ask them about educational requirements, employment opportunities and conditions of work but remember that these aspects may vary among employers.
  • Course providers can tell you about the occupations their courses prepare you for. They can also give you information about the courses.

Go and see: Many events are held throughout the year to help you gather information.

  • Visit career markets and expos such as the Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo on Tuesday 19th July – http://www.careersevent.com/sunshinecoast/.
  • The Tertiary Study Expo (TSXPO) in Brisbane on 16th and 17th July provides opportunities to find out about courses that can help you get into the job you want – http://www.careersevent.com/tsxpo/.
  • Attend university and college open days. University open days usually occur in July and August each year while private college open days occur throughout the year. Take a generic list of questions to the open days so you can compare similar information while still asking institution specific questions.
  • Work observation or work shadowing – follow a worker around for a day.

Experience: The best way to check out a job is to try it.

  • This may be possible through work experience or by holiday or part-time jobs.
  • Undertaking a vocational education course while you are at school is another way of experiencing the tasks and skills required in a specific occupation or industry you are interested in.

‘The Job I Love’ website:

  • This website focuses on jobs in 12 different service industries including business, fitness, community pharmacy, retail, hairdressing, beauty, community recreation, outdoor recreation and floristry. The information provided for each industry includes the jobs available, the duties for each job and the training required for each job. The website can be accessed at: http://thejobilove.com.au/.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor 

Secondary Sport

Netball Grand Finals

Well done to the PLC 2 netball team who played in the SCSNA grand final on Monday night. They came up against a very strong Mountain Creek State High School team, who were top of the ladder all season. The girls fought hard throughout the game, but lost by eight points in the end. Pacific dominated possession in the game, but was overcome by a very good opposition.

 

Congratulations to all the girls for making it to the grand final and well done also to Mrs Melissa Pietrala for her coaching expertise.

Regional Cross Country

Congratulations to Olivia Cooke, Jason Wulff, Jazz Morris and Jake Hynes who represented the Independent District at the Regional Cross Country trials last week. All athletes competed well and placed very highly in their age divisions. Jake Hynes (3rd) and Jason Wulff (4th) were selected in the Sunshine Coast Regional team to compete in the State Championships later in the year. Jazz Morris (11th) narrowly missed out on selection. Well done to all who competed.

Term 3 Basketball and Touch

Please note that Term 3 touch and basketball competitions begin in the first week back next term. SCISSA touch is played on Wednesday afternoons and basketball will begin on the first Friday night back. All players involved will need to listen to notices, assembly and check Schoology for updates throughout the season.

Please note that all players representing the school have made a commitment to attend all training sessions and games throughout the season.

Secondary (Years 8-12) Athletics Carnival

The Secondary Athletics Carnival will be held next term, with javelin and the 1500m events being held on the first Friday after school resumes (15th July). All students will be required to attend and compete in all events. The main carnival will be held on Tuesday 26th July (Week 3). More information will be coming out early next term.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Sport

Club Sport

Pacific Soccer
  • Round 10
  • Upcoming Home Games
  • Combined Soccer and Netball Games This Weekend
  • Grandparent's Day - 11th June
  • Team Photos - 18th June
  • Challenge Cup - 9th July
  • Looking Ahead...
  • Pacific Soccer Contacts

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

Mr Ian Barnes, Pacific Soccer President

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours - Week 10

Next week, the Uniform Shop will be open on Tuesday instead of Friday. Opening hours as follows:

Tuesday         8.00am – 9.30am

Wednesday    8.00am – 9.30am

Thursday        8.00am – 9.30am

Friday             CLOSED

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 Convenor

Church News

St Mark's Lutheran Church Caloundra

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra

General Notices

Parent Effectiveness Training

A Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) course is being held in Kawana on 21st July. The course is suitable for parents of toddlers, teenagers and everyone in between!

Learn how to:

  • Resolve parent / child conflicts positively;
  • Reduce sibling fights;
  • Grow children’s confidence / assertiveness; and
  • Much more!

Click here for more information.

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

Upcoming Dates

June
6-10 Senior College Exams
7 Year 3-7 Athletics Carnival - USC (9.00am - 2.30pm)
  Year 9 Camp Information Evening (6.00pm)
8-10 Middle College Exams
9 SCISSA Primary Gala Day 2
13-14 Year 12 QCS Practice
13-24 Year 10 Camp - Uki
16 Year 4-6 SCISSA Team Photos
23 K-12 Chapel
  Year 7-8 Vaccinations
  Year 4-6 Foundation Cup
  Term 2 Concludes
July
11 Student Free Day (Kindy Open)
  Staff Day
12 Term 3 Commences
  Year 8 Camp Information Evening (6.00pm)
13 Year 10 2017 Subject Selection Evening (7.00pm)
  Year 8 and 9 Kathmandu Gear Night (5.00pm - 7.00pm)