Midway through Term 2 is a good time to revisit this year’s theme of Quality, A Focus For Life. The words ‘quality’ and ‘quick’, although beginning with the same letter, would rarely occur together in the achievement of an outcome. The growth of quality takes time and persistence. It requires us to take the long view, to be patient, persistent and purposeful. Quick gains are often just as quickly taken for granted. Quick solutions to complex problems rarely succeed. Quick learning is often quickly forgotten. Quality learning requires deep engagement, as ideas are unpacked, and involves problem solving and persistence as new challenges arise. Quality learning fosters new perspectives and connections as understanding evolves. It requires time for people to chew things over and reflect.
The same is true for quality relationships. God invites us to come into a quality relationship with other people and with Him. In giving us the Bible rather than a simple list of what to do, we were given a guidebook that encourages engagement, rumination and a long view. Through ruminating on the stories within the Bible and through prayer, we can deepen our relationships as we come to better see ourselves, other people and God. The Bible stories speak to us differently at different times of our lives. Taking the time to grow quality in our relationships with people and with God has us centred on and enriched by the important things in life.
Parent attitudes to reading and learning play a significant part in the level of success young people experience as they move through school. Reading to children in their early years and fostering a love of reading and learning in the home adds significantly to children’s learning capacity. As children grow older, ensuring there is time for effective home learning to occur on a daily basis and engaging in conversation around what is being learnt, builds positive conditions for effective learning. In 2009, an OECD study found that children had performed better when parents had read to them in their first year of school and when parents were strongly engaged in their children’s lives once they were 15 years of age, including where parents talked about life and discussed learning. Ensuring that young people take responsibility for their learning and build capacity to persist when learning is challenging are important life skills. Important opportunities for growth are lost where adults ‘chew’ the learning for children or, for older students, where there is limited time for calm, independent reflection and connection building at the end of a day.
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.
Thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers who assisted with the organisation and running of the Mother’s Day Stall. Many hours were spent selecting, organising and wrapping the lovely gifts on offer.
This year the Year 3 cohort focused on our chicken coop as part of their Life and Living Strand in Science. Students took great pride in caring for our resident ladies and ensuring they were well fed and cleanly housed.
Boat Shed Dinner 
Congratulation to the following boys who have recently represented the College in sport and have been selected in district or regional teams.
Congratulations to Natasha Whiteley who recently competed in the Oceania Judo Union Championships. After winning the Cadets and Junior Women U52kg divisions at the Canberra International Open, winning the Cadets U52kg Queensland International Open and placing second in the Junior Women U52kg division, Natasha was selected to represent Australia in the Oceania Judo Championships in Tonga. She placed second in both Cadets and Junior Women. Well done to Natasha on this fantastic achievement!
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: