As we move towards the end of the year, it is important that we continue to give our best and challenge ourselves to grow just that little bit more each day. Every day provides us with the opportunity to take a small step forward that will improve some area of our life. As we reflect on different aspects of our learning, relationships, wellbeing or even leisure activities, we can reflect on what small step we can take to make things that bit better. Identifying what we can do moves us to focus on our area of influence and gives energy as we take a proactive approach to making a difference. Going beyond the ‘can do’, to the ‘will do’ means we make a commitment to ourselves and we gain further energy as we see ourselves in action.
Having a purpose to the ‘will do, can do’ beyond ourselves provides ongoing momentum. Usually positive proactive action has an impact beyond ourselves and can spread a contagion of possibility. Growing a habit of identifying the ‘can do’ and then following through with the ‘will do’ after both success and failure nurtures a hope-filled life. Looking to God for guidance in those steps and then trusting He walks with us, refreshes and strengthens us from within.
Tuesday 31st October was a very significant day for our College community. Not because it was Halloween, but because it was exactly 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to a church door in Wittenberg Germany. Martin Luther was a German Roman Catholic monk and university teacher who created a furore in the church in 1517 that led to a period of time called the Reformation. The Reformation was a turning point in European history and western civilization. 
“On Thursday 12th October, the Year 6 group visited the Australian War Memorial. The first place we went to was the museum. The first exhibit we explored was the air force section where we learnt about a WWII Lancaster bomber called George. George was one of the only planes to survive relentless missions. Lancaster bombers were only made to withstand 30 flights, however George withstood 80! We also learnt about three miniature submarines that snuck into the Sydney harbour. We then viewed two movies and toured the VC Hall, which contained 61 VC medals awarded to Australian soldiers. Next we visited a very special place, the ANZAC courtyard, which includes the Roll of Honour of 102,000 Australian soldiers that have died fighting for Australia and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For me, both places were extremely emotional. We were also very privileged to attend the 100th anniversary of the battle of Passchendaele service. After visiting so many amazing places in Canberra, the Australian War Memorial was the most impressive. Thank you to Dr McMahon, our teachers and the College for organising this wonderful trip for us. I will never forget it!” – Eamon Mahoney
“My favourite part of Canberra was the Australia Institute of Sport (AIS). On Wednesday, we spent an afternoon playing sports with the AIS staff. We learnt how to play new sports from different countries and my favourite sport was dodgeball. On Thursday, we had a tour of the AIS. First of all, my group went to the swimming pool. Did you know that it is the best in the Southern Hemisphere? It can be turned into a 25m pool or a 50m pool. Next, we went to the gym where we were lucky to see para-athletes train. They were so inspirational. Then we went to the volleyball courts. We learnt that you have to be 6 foot 8 (2m and 32cm) to be a part of the volleyball team. We also saw the gymnastics room. Gymnasts have to train the longest out of any athletes, up to 8 hours a day. The last stop on our tour was the stadium, where people can come and watch the athletes perform. After our tour, we had free time to participate in all sorts of fun activities.” – Tamara Zolotar
“From 8th – 13th October, Year 6 went to Canberra and stayed at the Australian Institute of Sport. In Canberra, we saw and did so many amazing things, such as visit Questacon. Questacon is the National Science and Technology Centre. There were many wonderful exhibits and activities such as the free fall, which is a vertical slide where you hung onto a bar and then dropped onto the slide. My favourite exhibit was the caged thunder. I thought this was cool because it showed how lightning formed and it looked and sounded so awesome.” – Elyse McFadyen
This term, a number of before and after school activities are being held. On Tuesday afternoons, more than 30 students are participating in the Rookies2Reds rugby program and 18 students are engaging in the Chess Mates program. On Monday morning this week, surfing lessons commenced with more than 20 students beginning their day in the ocean. As the opportunities available to students continue to expand, the wholeness and variety of a Pacific education is progressively enhanced. A special thank you to those staff who organised and/or are leading these events.
Last Thursday and Friday, I had the pleasure of joining Year 3 students on their first outdoor education camp at Luther Heights in Coolum. Students and teachers left the College on Thursday morning and returned excited, if not a little tired, on Friday afternoon. Whilst at Luther Heights they completed a variety of activities including low ropes, mini flying fox and a treasure hunt, all of which were aimed at developing cooperation, teamwork and confidence. The students’ behaviour was impeccable and they participated enthusiastically in all activities. Thank you to the Year 3 class teachers Mrs Tanya Graves, Mr Joe Doran and Mrs Lu Pollard and outdoor education aides Madi Bell, Josh Grimley, Susan Kerr and Andrea Prinsloo.
We are having great (and noisy!) fun in the library during lunchtimes this week as we celebrate the joys of playing table top games. Some will be making appearances on a regular basis as they have proved to be so popular! With Christmas coming up, it might time to have another look at some games that the whole family can play. We’d be happy to share the names of our ‘greatest hits’.
Australian Mathematics Competition
On Monday morning this week, 24 keen students from Years 2-4 woke up bright and early for their first Weet-bix Surf Groms lesson. Students learnt the basics of surfing such as how to carry their board, negotiate the break, paddling and positioning on the board and how to ‘pop up’ when riding a wave. Conditions were ideal and all students managed to catch and stand up on numerous waves! The program will continue over the next three Mondays.
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: 