Compass No 464 - July 2017

From the Principal

Seeing and Softening Through Our Jagged Edges

In our families, friendships, work places and community groups, we see many examples where relationships become damaged and sometimes even fractured. When we drill down to the root cause of these breakdowns, it often revolves around not having the capacity to move gently around each other’s jagged edges. A wise friend and mentor once advised that there is very little in life worth damaging a relationship over. Within a family and school context we can grow the capacity to recognise the jagged edges that we bring into relationships. By doing this we let go of the expectation that people in our life are perfect. Instead, we see that as human beings we all have our messy jagged edges that at times hurt and disappoint. Learning to build relationships through these times is an important life skill. Within a school context we do this through restorative practices where there is open discussion about the hurts caused, consequences experienced and relationships restored. 

One of the core teachings of the Lutheran Church is that we are all born sinful and in need of God’s grace. Our real self is less than our ideal self. Recognising this in ourselves and others helps us to slow down and appreciate the messiness of being human. There is time and space for perspective to be gained as we quietly turn to God and pray for guidance and wisdom to strengthen relationships, even when different perspectives are held.

Principal's Log

Earlier this week, Year 9 families learned about new subjects that will be offered as they progress through their senior years. All subject offerings at Year 10 are being re-versioned to take into account the new syllabuses that will come into place for the current Year 9 students as they move through their senior years. As new elective subjects, Year 10 students will have the opportunity to study Literature and STEM to enrich their learning in the areas of English and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. We thank Ms Sue Arahill, Mrs Natasha Purcell and the Heads of Department for their leadership of the subject information evening, the ongoing career advice and the development of the senior curriculum.

Last week, our Year 1-4 students enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the Gubbi Gubbi people as they participated in an Indigenous learning experience with the Goombuckar Indigenous Cultural Bus. It was a delight to see the excitement in the young people as they made canoes with materials from the natural environment, painted their faces and learned more about the Gubbi Gubbi culture. It was gratifying to hear deep appreciation being expressed by the Goombuckar staff, Kerry and Lauran, about our young people’s depth of knowledge and respect for our indigenous community. 

  

Over this fortnight all families will have the opportunity to participate in staff, student and teacher conferences. We thank the Prep – Year 5 staff and families who have made good use of this learning opportunity this week and remind Middle and Senior College students and parents to book for next week’s important learning conversations.  

May God soften our hearts and jagged edges so that we may walk gently together for good.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

A Father’s and Mother’s Love

As a parent, it can be easy to come down hard on your children when they do not behave or lash out in the heat of an argument. It takes a certain amount of emotional intelligence to work beyond that as a parent. There is a particular piece of wisdom in the New Testament for fathers in the way they relate to their children. In the Old Testament, one of the Ten Commandments is addressed to children; honour your father and mother. Then in the New Testament this passage specifically addresses fathers; Fathers don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Why would this instruction be included in the Bible? Are Dads more inclined to provoke their children? Are fathers stricter than mothers in their parenting?

The way fathers and mothers relate to their children’s behaviour is key to the emotional health and spiritual climate of a family. Children get a picture of God and how to relate to others through the way their fathers and mothers parent them. It is important for mothers and fathers to ‘be on the same page’ and have a consistent approach to parenting. Often in family dynamics, one parent can fall into the disciplinarian role more than the other. The way that we were parented has a big effect on us. We can follow in those parental footsteps or react against this personal backstory. Parenting our children with kindness while trying to develop resilience and maturity, especially when there is disagreement or conflict, is a challenge. Developing that emotional and social intelligence within ourselves and our children is an important skill as a parent.

The further instruction we are given as parents is key. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. When our children are small we do take them by the hand and lead them as we walk beside them and guide them. As they learn to walk, to ride a bicycle, or drive, we get alongside them and model and lead. As we walk beside our children to lead and guide them in their life journey we want them to grow spiritually in the way of the Lord Jesus. To learn that there is a way to relate to others which is respectful, gentle, yet firm and strong. All the qualities Jesus showed in his relationships to others. The good news is that we too share in a Father’s love. A perfect love from a Heavenly Father, as we take our children by the hand and lead them through life. 

Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.” Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. – Ephesians 6:1-4 (The Message)

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Head of Senior Students

10 Year Reunion Celebration – Class of 2007

We look forward to celebrating with the class of 2007 this Saturday 22nd July. The reunion event provides a great opportunity to reconnect with past students and their families. 

Year 12 - Photos

In preparation for the Year 12 End of Year events, we would like to begin gathering approximately three photos of every Year 12 student, which highlight moments during their schooling at Pacific. Thank you to those who have already followed this up.

Families are welcome to email Mrs Leanne Bevis at lbevis@pacluth.qld.edu.au, or bring the photos on a storage device (clearly named) to the Middle/Senior Administration office. If you are emailing your photos, please put your name in the subject line. The due date for these photos is by the end of Week 4 this term.

Miss Kim Stone, Head of Senior College Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

General P-5 Update

Congratulations to the Year 5 leaders for this term who were installed and presented with their leadership badges at Monday’s assembly.

Thank you also to those parents who attended the Prep – Year 5 parent teacher conferences this week. As the learning journey at Pacific is shared between parents, staff and students, these conferences play an important role in enabling parents to be a part of their child’s growth and development.

As I entered the College yesterday, one of the students greeted me with a hearty good morning and held the gate open for me to enter. Often, we undervalue the positive impact that small acts of kindness can have on another person. A smile, speaking in a friendly voice, helping another or doing something thoughtful or generous for others can brighten a dull day and invigorate our feelings and emotions. Acting kindly towards another not only makes the receiver feel good, but the person performing the actions finds their endeavours fulfilling and satisfying.

Are such behaviours innate or do they need to be learnt? Recent scientific evidence has found that surprisingly, our brains are actually wired to be benevolent. Our social environment is often directed towards an ‘every man for himself attitude’, based upon success at the expense of others.

Like any skill, how to speak and act with kindness is something that can be taught. At the College, the development of social and emotional competencies in students is a major focus. Research regularly reaffirms that happy, confident and resilient children perform more successfully academically.

Each year, students study the You Can Do It program, which includes lessons on Getting Along, Persistence, Confidence, Organisation and Emotional Resilience. Students work within the framework of Restorative Practices and the Christian Studies and devotions program. In support of these programs this term, students will be trialling study in developing the concept of kindness.

The concepts translate easily from school to home. As a parent, we all want our children to be happy, confident and resilient. We also want our children to act with thought and kindness without the need for extrinsic forms of motivation (prizes). A quick internet search reveals there is a great variety of interesting material available on the topic. The following site, which contains a program used successfully in the Colorado Schools District in the United States, acts as a great starting point if you are interested in the topic: http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/.

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

Important Notices

2017 Early School Leavers Survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual state-wide survey of students who left school in Years 10, 11 and prior to completing Year 12 during 2016. The Early School Leavers survey is a short, confidential survey that collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school.

Between July and August, students who left school in Years 10, 11 and prior to completing Year 12 last year can expect to receive an invitation 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.

For more information, visit www.education.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Food for Thought

Would your children leave their smartphones at home during a family vacation?

One parent shares their experience about going tech-free for a family holiday: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/tech-talk-tuesdays/have-you-thought-about-having-your-kids-leave-their-smartphone-at-home-during-your-summer-vacation.

Ms Annie Williams, College Counsellor 

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Through the Ages Trivia Night – Saturday 2nd September

Middle Ages, Ancient Greece, Roaring Twenties or Happy Hippies – the possibilities are endless! Gather your team of 8-10 (adults, alumni and Year 11 and 12 students only) for a night of fun and laughter at our Through the Ages Trivia Night hosted by our quiz master Russell Ousley and quiz scribe, Leah Croke.


Kicking off at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start, tickets are $10 per person for entry, with food stalls and a bar on offer too. There will also be some great prizes up for grabs including wine baskets, gift vouchers and lucky door gifts from our fabulous sponsors so far - Mooloolaba Music, Ezyfit Kawana, Rosetta Books, Sarah’s Unplugged Maleny, Maleny Dairies and Fowler Lawyers.

Appoint a captain to make your team booking and payment at the Junior or Middle / Senior College Offices. Click here to download the Through the Ages Trivia Night flyer and booking form!

Stockland Caloundra ‘School Rewards’

The Stockland Caloundra School Rewards promotion kicked off last week. Simply register as a customer online and shop at Stockland Caloundra to start collecting points for Pacific. There are great prizes up for grabs for both participating customers and the College including gift cards, iPads and cash! For more information and to register, visit: www.caloundraschoolrewards.com.au.

Woolworths Earn & Learn

Woolworths Earn & Learn is back and it is now easier than ever to earn valuable resources for Pacific. From next Wednesday 26th July to Tuesday 19th September, when you shop at Woolworths you can collect Earn & Learn stickers from the checkout operator or through an online order. Customers will receive one Earn & Learn Sticker for every $10 spent (excluding liquor, tobacco, and gift cards). Simply place them on the Sticker Sheet, which will be sent out next week in student homework folders or print copies using this link: https://wowpmediaaae.azureedge.net/content/content/earn-and-learn-sticker%20sheet.pdf.

Once completed, place the Sticker Sheet in the PLC Collection Box, either at your local Woolworths (Currimundi, Buddina and Pelican Waters) or in the boxes located at the College (at Prep and the library).

Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival BBQ

Friends of Pacific will be running a BBQ and canteen at the Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival next Tuesday 25th July. Any parent help on the day would be greatly appreciated.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Junior College

OPTI-Minds Workshop

Last week, our OPTI-Minds team members participated in a workshop with Mr Eric Frangenheim from Rodin Educational Consultancy. The workshop focused on mind-set training and divergent thinking, encouraging students to strive to be extraordinary! Mr Frangenheim talked about right and left-brain processes and guided students through a number of exercises to expand their lateral thinking skills. He also provided some helpful tips for the competition; expressing his belief that attitude is key when it comes to team challenges.

  

We also had a number of teachers present who were keen to learn from Mr Frangenheim’s wealth of experience on how to best utilise and engage higher-order thinking skills. The workshop was a fantastic way to commence our preparation for the OPTI-Minds competition in August and we thank Mr Frangenheim for his time.

Mrs Lu Pollard, OPTI-Minds Coordinator 

Secondary College

Welcome Akito and Mayumi!

On Monday this week, we welcomed Akito Iwase and Mayumi Katayama from our sister school Seishin Gakuen. Akito and Mayumi will be completing their Term 3 studies at Pacific on the Inbound Exchange Program. On Monday morning, nine senior students travelled to the Brisbane International Airport to greet our exchange students. Akito and Mayumi will be immersed in Pacific’s Year 10 classes so that they are able to fully experience student life in Australia. We thank the Dines, Watson and Cheney families for being able to host Akito and Mayumi this term.

  

Mrs Michiko Hauser, Head of Japanese 6-12 and Exchange Coordinator 

Coral Cafe

It’s been great to see members of our community relaxing and connecting at Coral Café! Staff and students have also started a ‘pay it forward’ movement, encouraging positivity and kindness among café goers!

Coral Café is a student led directive that commenced this term. From 7.30am – 8.20am each day, senior hospitality students operate the café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks as well as a small breakfast menu. Coral Café is located under H Block. Click here to download the menu.

  

Mrs Colleen Beattie, Head of Hospitality and Food Technology

After School Mathematics Tutoring

To support students academically, the College will continue Mathematics tutorials for students in Years 7-12 who would like extra assistance or clarification of concepts. These tutorials will be held weekly and will commence next week on Monday afternoon in rooms L13/L14 from 3.20pm to 4.20pm. Students are welcome to come along for a quiet place to complete Maths class work, homework or ask for assistance. The expectation is that students 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

University Open Days

The following universities have their open days in the coming weeks. We encourage students in Years 11 and 12 to attend. Year 10 students may also find it beneficial to attend so they can start their planning, tour campuses, speak to faculty area coordinators and hear about university life.

University Scholarships

A reminder for students in Year 12 who are applying for tertiary study next year, to check application due dates for University Scholarships. There are many, many scholarships on offer with varying criteria – so check the institution’s websites for their scholarship options and apply, apply, apply!

QUT Creative Industries

QUT Creative Industries courses including a Bachelor of Design (Fashion), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting, Dance Performance, Dance, Music, Visual Arts) and Bachelor of Music have early application requirements of portfolios, auditions or interviews that require a separate application to be lodged to QUT by 15th September as well as QTAC applications by 29th September. Refer to the course information on the QUT website (https://www.qut.edu.au/study) or phone 07 3138 8114 for more information.

Online Resources
  • Making decisions: To help students with course and career decision making, QUT’s career practitioners have developed a free online course, Kickstart Your Career. Register now for the next course commencing on 7th August. For more information, visit: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/kickstart-your-career.
  • UQ publications: UQ’s full range of 2018 publications are now available online for digital download. Visit their website to find copies of the 2018 UQ Undergraduate Guide, faculty publications, Parents Guide, Accommodation Guide and more: https://future-students.uq.edu.au/publications-and-forms. 
Subject Selection Evenings

If you were unable to attend the recent subject selection evenings, please refer to the following link to locate the subject handbook to guide student’s subject selection: http://www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au/learning-journey/subject-offerings.

Students will meet with the Careers Counsellor this term to discuss their subject selection and their pathways through senior schooling. Parents are welcome to attend the meetings – watch your emails for your student’s scheduled time.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor 

Sport News

PLC Running Club

This week, our Running Club students participated in a workshop with Lisa from Sunshine Coast Marathon. Lisa spoke with students about how to run efficiently and complete appropriate warm ups. She then led students through a series of practical exercises. We thank Lisa for her time; our students had a great morning!

  

Mr Stuart Pohlner, Running Club Coordinator 

Secondary Sport

Friday Night Basketball

Well done to all teams for outstanding performances in the first week of competition last Friday. There were some great games and we have once again started the season very well, with all but one team managing wins (or a draw). The Intermediate C girls, despite not having played before, had a fantastic game as well and we look forward to seeing them improve over the season.

Congratulations to the Junior A Girls (won against St Andrew’s Anglican College), Junior A Boys (tied with St Teresa’s Catholic College), Intermediate A Girls (won against St Andrew’s Anglican College), Intermediate B Girls (won against Glasshouse Christian College), Intermediate B Boys (won against St Andrew’s Anglican College), Senior A Girls (first ever A-division win against St Andrew’s Anglican College) and Senior C Boys (won against Glasshouse Christian College).

A reminder that all players must be dressed in their full Pacific uniform (no casual clothes to and from venues) and arrive at playing venues at least 20 minutes prior to the start of their game.

We wish our teams the best of luck for their games this week (see details below). If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Mr Mark Hauser.

Round 2 – 21st July

Team

Time

Venue

Opposition

Jnr A Girls

5.40pm

PLC

NCC

Jnr A Boys

4.50pm

PLC

Meridan

Int A Girls

4.50pm

SCGS

SCGS

Int B Girls (Blue – Yr 9)

BYE

-

-

Int C Girls (White – Yr 10)

6.30pm

MCSHS

MFAC Blue

Int B Boys

6.30pm

PLC

SCGS

Snr A Girls

6.30pm

SCGS

SCGS

Snr C Girls

4.00pm

PLC

Unity

Snr C Boys

5.40pm

SCGS

SCGS

*Please check the website for up-to-date information on draws, ladders and results: http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-7260-0-458713-0&a=COMPS. 

SCISSA Touch

Week 2 – 19th July

Team

Snr Boys A

Snr Girls A

Jnr Boys A

Jnr Girls A

Opposition

NCC

NCC

SAAC

SAAC

Score

8-6

8-0

2-5

3-0

Result

Win

Win

Loss

Win

MVP

Sam Henderson

Shelby Bennett

Sam Williams

Bethany McKenna
Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival

The Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival will be held next Tuesday 25th July at the University of the Sunshine Coast. The carnival will run from 8.30am – 3.00pm. Click here to download the program.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

Club Sport

Pacific Soccer
  • Games This Week
  • National Pyjama Day
  • Match Reports
  • Pacific Soccer App
  • Pacific Soccer Contacts

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

Mr Matt Gigney, Pacific Soccer Secretary 

PLC Netball Club

This week we congratulate our Ponies on their 23-9 win last Saturday! With four rounds left in the season, this win places the team two games clear of fifth place with a strong chance of making the finals.

On Saturday afternoon, Laura Langman conducted two NetFit sessions in the Pacific gym, which included 11 girls from the club. The session was both challenging and demanding, particularly for our Brumbies who came straight from their game. The ongoing use of the school facilities by CDNA is a positive endorsement of the growing importance of the club within the association.

Congratulations to Tayla Gorham (Year 9) who’s umpiring performances have seen her graduate from ‘Junior C’ to ‘Junior B’ and then to ‘Junior A’ in just three weeks. The next step for Tayla is to begin umpiring women’s games in a quest to achieve a ‘National C’ grading. We wish Tayla ongoing success in her umpiring endeavours.   

As the year progresses it becomes more difficult to select our players of the week, however, the recipients for their efforts on 15th July are:

  • Unicorns – Teagan Weldon for excellent defence;
  • Mustangs – Amelia Holmes for a great effort;
  • Brumbies – Elizabeth MacLean for excellent movement and persistence;
  • Fillies – Evy Gover great defence; and
  • Ponies – Elyse McFadyen for great shooting.

Save the date: The club presentation night has been scheduled for 10th September from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. The event will be held at Laser Zone and the whole family is welcome to attend.

Mr Trevor Colton, President PLC Netball Club

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 Convenor

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Grow and Share Event – Favourite Bible Characters

The College community is invited to attend the next Grow and Share service with St Mark’s Lutheran Church this weekend. The service will be held in the College music rooms on Sunday and will commence at 9.30am. 

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra

Weekly Services

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra

General Notices

LLL School Banking

Pacific provides opportunities for children and parents to operate savings accounts with the Lutheran Laypeople’s League (LLL). The LLL is a non-profit financial institution established in 1921. All LLL Deposit Accounts are ‘at call’ accounts and there are no LLL fees or charges.  All LLL deposit accounts have an attractive rate of interest with no ‘Bonus’ rate hurdles to jump.

The LLL pays a $5 gift to the first savings account opened for the child.

Deposits can be made through the College’s Business Office each Tuesday before school. To find out more, visit the Business Office.

Entertainment Books

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: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/230p536. 

Upcoming Dates

July
20-21 Voices on the Coast
23 St Mark’s @ Pacific – Grow and Share (9.30am)
24 Year 3-7 Athletics Training (3.15-4.15pm)
25 Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival – USC (8.30am-3.00pm)
26 Year 6-12 Parent / Teacher Interviews
27 Australian Mathematics Competition
  9-12yrs District Track and Field Events
   
August
4 Prep – Year 3 Author Visit
7 Trimester 3 Begins
  Year 7-12 Schools Water Polo Season Commences
  Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)
8 Year 6-7 Theatre Incursion
10-11 13-19yrs District Track and Field Event
11 National Education Support Staff Day
   

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