Pacific has continued to evolve in supporting the quality of young people’s growth. Open Day this Sunday provides the opportunity for families to visit our new hospitality area, refurbished science lab and visit the new learning spaces in our Early Learning Centre. There is the opportunity to learn about future building plans and curriculum offerings, as well as to speak with teachers about the next stage of your child’s learning journey.
Pacific has remained committed to providing a stimulating and engaging approach to learning that fosters creativity, enjoyment and deep understandings. At the heart of this has been the increasing personalisation of learning, building our young peoples’ capacity to take responsibility for their learning both independently and collaboratively and nurturing their social and emotional capabilities through strong engagement with a culture built on Lutheran traditions that are enriched by current research.
We encourage families to invite friends and neighbours and to take the opportunity to attend themselves to learn more about the opportunities available for their children.
Students have enjoyed taking advantage of the new seating in our outdoor café area, which was installed at the end of last week. The new seating provides a great shaded outdoor learning space as well as a space for students to relax and connect at break times. The senior hospitality students are also looking forward to establishing a breakfast café out of this space in the near future. We thank Mrs Marnie Whittaker and Mrs Colleen Beattie for their creative design of this area, which has resulted in a space with a very warm ambience.
This week at the Middle / Senior College Assembly, a representative from the Salvation Army spoke to students about the upcoming Red Shield Appeal. Children and Families Minister Worker, Cathy, explained that many more Australians are experiencing hardship due to the increased cost of living. The Sunshine Coast is an area where housing and rent in particular is very expensive and as a result, more homeless people are coming into the Caloundra Salvation Army Centre to seek help.
On Friday 19th May, Sunshine Coast Council is urging students to join thousands of young people across Australia and walk, scoot or skate to school for Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD). All students at Pacific are encouraged to participate in this event.
Our annual Mother’s Day Stall will be held next Wednesday 10th May for Prep – Year 5 students and Thursday 11th May for Middle and Senior College students.
Have you ever been asked to walk in somebody else’s shoes? Last Wednesday, the Year 6 students were asked that very question when they attended the ALWS Awareness Day. The ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service) is an organisation that helps refugees in developing countries get back on their feet. The day provided an educational and insightful experience for our Year 6 students. We learnt so much about how people in poorer countries live by putting ourselves in their shoes and walking their way for a day.
Our Year 10 Japanese students enjoyed the opportunity to remember their early Japanese days during a recent visit to the Prep classes. Two of our current senior students fondly recalled their first ever introduction to the language many years ago. Students engaged in Japanese songs, storytelling and the art of origami. Thank you to Bailey Sensei and the Prep students for allowing us to join them for a wonderful afternoon.
Last Thursday, Year 11 and 12 IT students took part in the Big Day In at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Speakers from a variety of technology industries inspired students, providing a great deal of information. They advised students to learn a variety of coding languages and play with programming not only at school but in their own time to develop their 
skills and passion.
This year's annual Boat Shed Dinner will be held on Tuesday 30th May. Come and support our Year 12 Hospitality students as they experience running a restaurant. 
Pacific kayaking training has now commenced for 2017. Training occurs from 3.30pm – 5.00pm at the start tower at Lake Kawana. The College provides all equipment for training and students can paddle a boat suited to their standard. This year, Caitlin Gilliman, who has represented Australia, and brother Mike Gilliman will be helping to coach students. New paddlers are more than welcome! Please see permission and training information on CareMonkey or contact Mr Gary Graves or Mrs Natalie Campbell at the College.
Congratulations to the three Pacific Soccer representative players who participated in the QCSA State Titles last weekend. Astrid Williams played in the U14 Division where her team had an amazing last game. Down two nil in the first 17 minutes, the team quickly levelled the score at two all and held their ground for the second half.
The U12 Sunshine Coast South team was undefeated and only conceded a single goal all tournament. A fantastic effort! The U12 Sunshine Coast North team claimed runners up, making it a Sunshine Coast top two finish! Two of our very own Cobras participated in this fantastic result, Alex Lee and Jack Styles. Congratulations to our fantastic players!
Pacific Lutheran College is fundraising with Entertainment™ again this year. Order your NEW 2017 | 2018 Entertainment™ Books and Entertainment™ Digital Memberships today and 20% of the proceeds will go towards Pacific Lutheran Early Learning Centre! To order your book or digital membership, visit: