Compass No 450 - March 2017 | Pacific Lutheran College

From the Principal

Breathe, See and Think

It is easy to be so caught up in the rush of life that we miss the depth and beauty in the people we encounter and the places that we walk. Creating times of stillness, where we are disconnected from electronics and have the time to fully see the people in our lives, enriches us deeply. Stilling our mind to listen carefully to another person is key to our relationships. There is a danger where we are always thinking about the next text that may be coming, wondering about the reaction to our latest Facebook post or thinking about our next response in an online game that we are only partially present for people. Centring ourselves in the moment by breathing deeply and bringing our eyes and ears to fully see the person speaking to us opens opportunities for deep growth.

Taking the time to be still in God’s presence is also an important growth area in our life. We open ourselves to deep growth by taking a breath to slow down our minds and then to be present with God. We can do this either by reading or listening to His word from the Bible, being still in a simple prayer that begins with “Dear God, thank you for all that I have, I am still and I am listening”, or even being still in nature. As we disconnect, we are letting go of ourselves and creating space for God and others.

Principal's Log

Last Friday, two wonderful community events provided a great opportunity for people to connect. In the morning we enjoyed the International Women’s Day Breakfast. The food and coffee provided by the Hospitality Department was outstanding and people enjoyed the opportunity to listen to student music performances as they connected with each other. Thank you to our Hospitality staff and students for the professional preparation and service of food and to the Music Department staff and students for their entertainment.

In the evening we enjoyed having the opportunity to tap our feet and swing our bodies to sounds of the Bushland Boogie band as we relaxed with food and beverages provided by the Friends of Pacific team. We thank the Friends of Pacific for their organisation and leadership and all parents, staff and students who supported both events to make them a great success. Over 300 people came to each event, making them both wonderful community events. We particularly thank our ground staff who supported both events extremely well.

I had the pleasure of walking through the Year 9 STEM class earlier this week as they were working on projects to solve real world problems they had identified. The passion with which each student spoke about their ‘inventions’ was energising and it was exciting to see their products taking shape under the guidance of Mrs Claire Richards and Mrs Marnie Whittaker. We look forward to seeing their ongoing progress over the next term.

We congratulate Mr Doug Fitzpatrick who will be taking up a ministry position with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Buderim. Mr Fitzpatrick will be finishing at the College at the end of Term 1 to take up his new position in mid-May. Over the past 12 months, Mr Fitzpatrick has been engaged in a process to lead to ordination within the Lutheran Church. It is exciting to see him near the end of this important process, which will enable him to pursue this calling to serve people in a new way. Having conducted extensive interviews for Early Learning teachers at the end of last year the College is in the final stages of confirming the appointment of an experienced Early Childhood teacher. It is expected that we will announce the appointment next week and that the teacher will commence at the College in the middle of the second last week of Term 1 to ensure there is a smooth transition for our Year 2 children.

Two important learning opportunities are available for young people in the coming weeks. The first is to be reflecting on how they can improve their learning in a given area as they receive feedback through assessment. Parents can positively assist this process by asking their young people, “What have you learnt?” and “What can be done to improve your learning?”. Asking these types of questions helps young people to focus on assessment as an important part of their learning. When confronting disappointment, it is an important life skill to focus on what can be learnt rather than the unchangeable moment that has occurred. The second learning opportunity for Prep – Year 9 students is to be involved in parent, student and teacher conferences. These three way conversations also have a growth focus and build a sense of efficacy in young people, as they are part of these important learning conversations. In both contexts, there is calm recognition and celebration of where we are in our learning and then formulation of plans to move forward.

May God strengthen us to create those quiet still moments where we can fully see the richness of the people and places that surround us every day.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

Deep Spirited Friends

Philippians 2:2-3 – If being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care, then do me a favour: agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends (The Message)

If being in our Pacific community means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. This is how Paul, the writer of Philippians, describes the sort of relationship we can have with each other, as deep spirited friends. Deep spirited friends connect with each other on a grounded level because they talk to one another. They connect with one another soul to soul. It doesn’t matter how cool they look, act, or dress because they spend time face to face developing relationship and growing in love. Deep spirited friends enjoy life because they enjoy being in the presence of another person, soaking up their personhood, sharing in their life.

There is a real challenge for us to have this sort of relationship in our digital world. Technology and media saturates us and demands our attention. It takes a lot of self-control for us to have regular times disconnected from devices. But we need it for our own wellbeing and health. Just think there was a time long, long, ago where people did not constantly check their mobile phones or worry about not having Wi-Fi access.

Strengthening relationships with our friends, our parents and our teachers takes time and patience; it is not an instantaneous thing. There is no app for it, or technological device that does it for us. If you want a deep friendship with someone else, if you want a connection where you feel another human being gets you and really knows you, put down your phone, get off your social media account and talk and listen to them face to face. Be a deep spirited friend.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Director of Students

Uniforms

At a recent assembly, I thanked the students for the positive manner in which they have been wearing their uniforms. As we are now into Week 8 it is worth reminding the general Pacific community of the importance of personal pride and uniform. Key uniform areas that have come to the attention of Pastoral Care Teachers and Heads of House are:

Females

Jewellery – girls may wear one pair of plain studs or sleepers (one in each ear in the lower lobe only). Girls may wear a cross and a chain and a wristlet watch. No other jewellery is to be worn by girls, with the exception of Medi-Alert bracelets.
Hats – the dress hat is to be worn by Middle and Senior School students to and from the College.
Shoes – should be black lace up leather dress shoes.

Males

Hair – must be no longer than collar length, above their ear lobe and should not hinder their vision.
Shirts – should be tucked in.
Jewellery – boys may wear a cross and a chain and a wristlet watch. No other jewellery is to be worn by boys, with the exception of Medi-Alert bracelets.

Please also remember to clearly label uniform items with student’s full names.

Well done to our Pacific Action Group Captains who have been engaging the College community in a range of creative, cultural, spiritual and environmental events this term. Also, well done to the Year 9 captains for their recent support of the International Women’s Day Breakfast and their video on positivity that was shown at assembly this week.

Mr Brendan Delaney, Director of Students

From the Head of Learning K-5

Bring out the best in your child

Parents with children across Kindergarten to Year 5 are invited to an upcoming presentation about bringing out the best in your child. The presentation will be held in the College library on Tuesday 28^th March from 2.00pm to 3.00pm.

Develop your child's growth mindset by fine-tuning key effective communication skills for everyday family life. Discover surprising roadblocks that hinder communication and damage relationships. Sometimes parents think they are being helpful with their child’s development yet the very opposite may be occurring. Offering refreshing, inspirational alternatives to avoid you and your child being driven to frustration, this workshop will be stimulating, fun and interactive using real life scenarios.

About the Presenter

Kathryn Tonges is a highly experienced parenting educator, author and teacher. She has taught from early childhood to tertiary level lecturing in child development and effective communication for over 30 years. Kathryn recently returned from living and working in Beijing for seven years where she taught parenting and personal empowerment courses to expatriates and wrote for an expatriate and a Chinese national parenting magazine. Find out more about Kathryn at her website: (http://theparentwithin.com).

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

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Parent Teacher Conferences

Research continues to recognise the important role that parental support plays in creating an environment where children can reach their academic potential. Next week, parent teacher conferences will be held for Prep – Year 5 students. The conferences provide an ideal opportunity for parents, teachers and students to discuss each child’s progression and development. We encourage parents to attend these conferences as an important opportunity for growth.

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

General Notices

Flashing Lights Now Active

This week, flashing light school zone signs have been installed on Woodlands Boulevard. Pacific was nominated to receive these new signs as part of a Queensland Government commitment to improve school road safety.

Parents will notice that the new signs look similar to standard school zone signs with the addition of a red flashing ring around the speed limit as well as two flashing yellow lights at the top of the sign. The installation of flashing light school zone signs is proven to improve visibility of school zones, serving as an active reminder for motorists to slow down.

So next time you’re dropping off or picking up your child, keep an eye out for the new signs and make sure you stick to the signed speed limit.

Mr Mike Healy, Business Manager

Hospital Bus Stop

In preparation for the opening of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital precinct, we have scheduled a stop at the bus stop behind the private hospital. If you would like to take advantage of this stop, please contact the Business Office for further details.

Mr Mike Healy, Business Manager

Food for Thought

Seven rules for digital technology that every parent should know

Digital technology is here to stay. It connects us to each other in ways we couldn’t imagine even a decade ago. It enables us to communicate to our children when we don’t know where they are. It creates new interests and cultivates creativity. However, there’s no doubt that children’s digital technology needs to be managed and monitored by parents. That means parents need to have some rules and guidelines in place.

The following link provides more information: http://parentingideasschools.com.au/getattachment/363e2acf-8863-4377-b450-39c66b829b7d.

Ms Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Barn Dance Wrap Up

Our inaugural Cat & Fiddle Barn Dance was held on Friday evening and it was a wonderful event! Thank you to the 300+ students and family members who came to dance and dine the night away in our beautifully decorated College Barn. Thank you to our fabulous sponsors and talented band, Bushland Boogie. Thank you also to our volunteer helpers (parents, staff, students and alumni) who made it all possible, from planning, set up, pack up and everything in between.

Congratulations to our Best Dressed winners on the night and also to our colouring-in competition winners, as follows:

Prep – Year 2

Major Prize Winners

Lennon Biggs
Ava Gear

Runners up

Alice Balderson
Elijah Naus
Amelia Walsh

Years 3-5

Major Prize Winners

Max Styles
Zaice McLachlan

Runners up

Madyson Pearce
Holly Targato
Georgina Walsh

The final tally of funds raised on the night will be announced next week … YEEEHAAAWW!

March Meeting

Friends of Pacific invite all parents/guardians, staff and friends of the College to attend our next meeting on Tuesday 21^st March at 7.00pm in the College library. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow parents, hear updates from our Principal and help plan for future events. Even if you can only attend one meeting a year, we would love to see you there!

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Library News

Changes to Code Club and Maker Space

Next term we will be combining the Code Club and Maker Space activities. This new group, for students in Years 4-6, will run on Wednesday afternoons from 3.00pm to 4.00pm in the library. Each term will focus on a different STEM area. Students may sign up for all activities or just pick the ones that interest them. There will be a limit of 25 students per term.

Term 1: Coding
Term 2: Electronics
Term 3: Robotics
Term 4: 3D Printing, Virtual Reality and Construction

Coding will continue to be available as a Monday lunchtime activity all year. Maker Space will no longer run at Tuesday lunchtime but students are welcome to use the Maker Space equipment any lunch time or before and after school.

Students who wish to attend must collect a form from the library or their class teacher.

Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian

Junior College

Harmony Day – Free Dress Competition

The Japanese Department invites Prep to Year 5 students to share in a cultural experience to celebrate cultures, language and difference. The continuing message for Harmony Day is that Everyone Belongs, which means all Australians are a welcome part of our country, regardless of their background. It's a time to reflect on where Australia has come from, recognising the traditional owners of this land. It's also about community participation, inclusiveness and respect – celebrating the different cultures that make Australia a great place to live.

On Tuesday 21^st March, Prep to Year 5 students are invited to celebrate multiculturalism by dressing up in an outfit of their choice, which represents a particular culture such as a kimono for Japan or a kilt for Scotland. Need some inspiration? Head to: http://costumes.lovetoknow.com/National_Costumes_of_the_World.

Some guidelines do apply. Students must wear enclosed shoes and their outfit must be appropriate for class and culturally sensitive. Students need to wear a College hat during break times and HPE lessons. Students that have HPE classes need to wear appropriate footwear and may change into sports uniform.

Japanese Department staff will judge the best dressed on the day with winners being announced at assembly on Monday 27^th March.

Mrs Jo Bailey, Head of P-5 Japanese

Secondary College

Mathematics – After School Tutorials

To support students academically, the College offers Mathematics tutorials 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

From the Head of Career Development

International Women’s Day 2017 – Defence Force Leadership High Tea

‘Strike a pose’ was given renewed meaning as Intelligence Officer Lieutenant Kelsee Ravell referred to Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk on ‘Body Language Shaping Who You Are’ and using the ‘Power Pose’ to increase confidence prior to interviews or when facing other life challenges.

At the Leadership High Tea celebrating International Women’s Day, Lieutenant Ravell, who studied a dual Arts/Science degree at UQ before entering the Defence Forces, went on to expose just how many women suffer self-doubt or undersell themselves and hold themselves back as a result. With the World Economic Forum reporting gender equality and equal pay in the workplace being predicted to take another 170 years to eventuate based on current trends, Lieutenant Ravell urged young women to “establish your own personal identity by challenging yourselves to become your most confident self”. She went on to encourage young women to play a role towards Gender Equality stating, “you have something unique to offer and to add to our nation so don’t let your mind hold you back”.

Major Rebecca Conway stressed the importance of being accountable and responsible for all of your actions and to celebrate yourself and others. “Don’t judge but celebrate other women,” Major Conway urged. A key message from Submariner Leading Seaman Olivia Brown was to celebrate diversity within women and to “find a strong female role model or be that person to others”. She reiterated this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Be bold for change.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the high tea hosted by the Australian Defence Force. They gave insight into the lives of women in the Defence Forces, shining light on the equality now evident between genders. The guest speakers, one from the Air Force, Navy, and Army, spoke of the challenges they had personally faced and overcome, as well as challenges for women in general. It was not at all what I expected. These women lived normal lives and had so many highlights to their experience in the Defence Force that most had been in it for at least 15 years. The sheer strength of these women was inspiring and gave me a widened perspective on International Women’s Day, making me think of all the strong women I know and all of those I wish to be like.” – Georgia Woods, Year 12 Student

2017 Next Step Survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2016. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Further information on Next Step is available online at www.education.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2017.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor

Junior Sport

SCISSA Gala Day 1

Last Thursday was the first opportunity for students to participate in a Gala Day sports carnival for this year. Excited students arrived at the College and were transported off to various locations around the Coast to participate in their sporting competitions. We also had a group of committed dancers who remained on campus to take part in dance rehearsals for their upcoming eisteddfod as well as participate in some dance workshops.

Students greatly enjoyed the interschool interaction that the Gala Day carnival provided, with a number of our teams finishing first in their pools at the completion of competition.

Netball – Division A
Netball – Division B / Pool 1, Pacific tied first place
Touch Football – Division A, Pacific tied first place
Touch Football – Division B / Pool 1, Pacific tied first place
Basketball – Div B / Pool 2, Pacific tied first place

Monday afternoon SCISSA training has now finished for the remainder of this term. Students will still take part in Thursday afternoon sporting activities during school time for the remainder of this term.

Year 3-7 Cross Country

The Cross Country carnival for Year 3-7 students will be held on Friday 31^st March (last day of Term 1) around the College grounds and Meridan Sport Fields. The aim of the carnival is for students to have fun and develop house spirit. The first six runners in each age group will then go on to represent the College at the District Cross Country Carnival in May.

Course Distances and Order of Events

10.45am Students move over to Meridan Sports fields
11.00am 8 years boys/girls (born 2009) 1km
11.20am 9 years boys/girls (born 2008) 2km
11.40am 10 years boys/girls (born 2007) 2km
12.00pm 11 years boys/girls (born 2006) 3km
12.20pm 12 years boys/girls (born 2005) 3km
Students born in 2004 will need to run with the 13 years age group after lunch.
12.40pm Presentations. Students’ will then move back to school for lunch.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

Secondary Sport

SCISSA Volleyball and Soccer – Results

Our soccer teams continue to impress with their goal difference now being 28 goals for and only 11 against! Keep up the awesome effort!

A special mention to our Intermediate Girls A volleyball team, who has hit their stride and recorded two wins in a row. Finish strong girls!

	VOLLEYBALL					SOCCER
Team	Jnr. Girls 1	Jnr. Girls 2	Int. Girls A	Jnr. Boys	Int. Boys	Snr. Girls	Snr. Boys
Opposition	SUN	MFAC	SUN	SUN	SUN	SCGS	SCGS
Score	0-2	2-0	2-1	0-2	0-2	5-1	2-0
Result	Loss	Win	Win	Loss	Loss	Win	Win
MVP	Lucy Burnett	Carys Mahoney	Sophie Empson	Harry Tenkate	Elijah Modlin	Georgia Woods	Harry Turner

Year 8-12 Cross Country

The Year 8-12 Cross Country carnival is fast approaching. It will be held on the last day of Term 1, Friday 31^st March. All boys will run a 4km course, except the 13-year-old age group who will run a 3km course with all girls. Students are encouraged to start training for the event. The Pacific Running Club is on every Tuesday morning at 7.15am on the oval. See you there!

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

Club Sport

PLC Netball Club

A special thank you to everybody for your participation and enthusiasm during the round robin and march past last weekend.

The girls looked the part with the whole club sporting the new netball dress for the first-time. The girls were able to carry their style onto the court with a number of very solid performances. A special mention to the Unicorns, who played their first games of competition netball.

To foster leadership opportunities for our senior players, it has been decided to establish a Club Captain position. Congratulations to Caitlin Hall who has been appointed Club Captain for 2017. We wish Caitlin all the best for her new role.

There were a number of fine performances across all of the teams on Saturday. The Arabians and Brumbies had particularly successful days and were undefeated in their three games. Whilst it was difficult to select our players of the week, the recipients for are:

Unicorns – Zaice McLauchlan for her enthusiasm and effort.
Mustangs – Huntyr Wortley for an awesome display in her first ever game.
Ponies – Sophie Bloomer for her defensive play.
Brumbies – Ainslie Colton for her court movement and passing.
Fillies – Ruby Akporhonor for her defensive play.
Arabians – Atlanta Hopewell and Sophie Heidrich for great first games.

Mr Trevor Colton, President PLC Netball Club

Uniform Shop

Stock Update

Winter stock has now arrived, even if winter hasn’t! We have full stocks of formal jumpers (Years 1-12), sports jackets (P-12) and tracksuit pants (P-12). Please place your order online with Flexi-Schools or pop in to the shop and get ready for winter. Girls Middle College ties (Years 6-9) are also back in stock. The smallest size girls formal and sports socks (5-8 shoe size) are also back in stock.

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 Convenor

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Animal Blessing

On Sunday 26^th March, the College community is invited to a ‘Blessing of Animals’ Service with St Mark’s Lutheran Church, as part of the Grow and Share initiative. The service will be held in the College gym at 9.30am and will be followed by a morning tea.

Weekly Service

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra

Upcoming Dates

March

17	National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
18	Academic Scholarship Test
	Year 11-12 Safe Driver Test
20	Year 7 Immunisation - Round 1
21	Friends of Pacific (7.00pm)
21-23	P-5 Conferences and Portfolios
22	Year 10-12 Drama Excusion - Queensland Theatre
23	Year 4-6 Foundation Cup
24	Year 11-12 HOSP Industry Day
25	Music Scholarship Test
26	St Mark's @ Pacific - Grow and Share (9.30am)
28-29	Middle College Conferences
30	Years 4-6 Foundation Cup
31	K-12 Chapel
	Year 3-12 Cross Country Carnival (10.00am-3.00pm)
	Term 1 Concludes

Compass No 450 - March 2017

LEARNING JOURNEY

ENROLMENTS

NEWS

MY PLC

Growing people to make a difference