Compass No 483 - February 2018

From the Principal

'Can Do'

Growing the sense of ‘can do’ is key to supporting people to flourish. Shifting language from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I haven’t learnt it yet’ changes the mindset to one where we are open to exploring opportunities and exploring the toolkit of strategies we have at our disposal. When deep learning occurs there will be times of frustration and confusion as we learn new ways of thinking and new skills. Whether learning to tie our shoes, read, ride a bike, prove complex mathematical relationships, use new ways of thinking in our work places, adapt to new phases of life or build effective relationships with a range of people, there will be times where we will find ourselves in what James Nottingham describes as a learning pit. Learning to recognise when we are in the learning pit and prompting ourselves to ask, “What is familiar here?”, “What do I know?”, “What could be helpful?”, “What is my next step?” helps us to engage our minds in proactive action. Learning to focus on ‘what I can do’ grows a sense of self-efficacy.

(James Nottingham, 2016, The Learning Pit, viewed February 2018, http://www.jamesnottingham.co.uk/learning-pit/)

God has created each person as uniquely gifted, with different strengths and capabilities. Each of us is and has what God intended for us to live rich and purposeful lives together in community. He has gifted each person with a free mind where every day we can choose that next step. He has given us life to live, one small moment at a time. In this moment, by God’s grace, we can choose to do.

Principal's Log

At the information evening held this week, families across the Middle College took advantage of learning more about their role in supporting the learning of their children in partnership with teachers. Parental influence and the culture of learning in homes play an important role in young people’s achievement at school. Where there is alignment and reinforcement between home and school then there is greater opportunity for deep growth to occur. We thank our staff and our parents for their support of these evenings, which are important in building effective learning partnerships between teachers, parents and students.

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) have provided rich online professional learning for teachers to gain accreditation and deeper understanding of the new senior syllabuses that will be implemented in 2019. Pacific teachers have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with these learning opportunities and the conversations that have flowed from them. The online learning complements the face-to-face subject related learning that the QCAA is continuing to provide to senior teachers.

It has been good to see students starting to strongly engage in various co-curricular activities across the College. The Three Musketeers cast have enjoyed learning the art of fencing as part of the production and many new students have already enrolled for instrumental music lessons or have joined our various music ensembles. Students have also appreciated the opportunity to get started with SCISSA sport and many have also registered to be a part of Pacific FC and Club PLC Netball teams. All of these activities occur because of the generous time given by both our staff and parents and we thank you for your support. Participation in these activities is a great way for parents to become a connected and contributing part of the community. If parents would like to become more involved or if your child is interested in joining a particular group, please email admin@pacluth.qld.edu.au and we will redirect your interest to the appropriate person. We look forward to a strong year of growth in these areas.

May God help us to grow in our capacity and confidence to utilise our gifts for the betterment of others.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

Self Esteem

A basic definition of self-esteem, the thread for this week, is ‘confidence in one’s own worth or abilities’. Healthy self-esteem is about self-confidence. You can’t give a child or teenager self-confidence, but you can give them opportunities to learn it. Teachers and parents can give a young person praise and encouragement but what really gains traction in improving self-esteem, is the individual learning confidence themselves through overcoming challenges or failures.

The etymology of the word confidence is interesting. Confidere is Latin and means to trust fully. Children must learn to trust themselves and to trust their own abilities. They need to be coached on how to attempt things, how to overcome obstacles, to get up again when they fail, learn from that failure and go on. It's down to the good old-fashioned basics of hard work and persistence: http://www.youmeworks.com/childselfconfidence.html.

A prayer for self-esteem…

Gracious God, you have created us as complex people of great abilities, talents and worth. Sometimes though our negative thoughts and self-talk can seem to take over. When this happens help us to not compare ourselves to others or give in to these thoughts. Give us confidence and persistence and a healthy self-esteem that comes from knowing we are loved by you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Director of Students

Year 7 Camp

Year 7 students had a wonderful experience on their outdoor education camp last week. There were many laughs as students displayed great teamwork and supported each other through a range of activities such as high ropes, canoeing and mountain biking. In the evenings, students also had the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and walk a labyrinth.

  

Day 1

We all met at the Meridan football fields excited to go to our Year 7 camp. When we arrived, we ate lunch and then were introduced to our awesome Camp Somerset instructors. Next, we got ready to go Mountain Biking. Our group was so excited. After we had sorted our packs, we set off for our campsite. The mountain bikes were Merida’s and were really good quality. It was fun and somehow no one in our group fell off! As soon as we got to our campsite we set up our tents, ate dinner and all slept well. – Ben McCormack

Day 2

It started off as a cool day. The day before was bright and sunny but in the middle of the night, due to a wind change, the temperature dropped. We got up 5.00am to prepare for the day and the challenges that lay ahead. The first activity we had was the giant swing, which was 9-10 metres high. It was so big we had to wear two types of harnesses – a hip harness and a full body harness. Then we did archery. One person even got a bullseye. After lunch we had the option to canoe or mountain bike to our campsite. I chose mountain biking. Everyone enjoyed this experience. The outdoor camping was a great experience and good preparation for Year 8 camp. – Lillian Atkinson

Day 3

On the last day of camp it was raining. We woke at 6.00am to get ready for the day. Once we had packed our bags it was time to head back to Camp Somerset. To get there we had to canoe in the rain. The cold rain and the strong wind made the journey even harder. But we had a few girls that encouraged us by singing, ‘How Far I’ll Go’. Once we got back to Camp Somerset we said our goodbyes. The group leaders made the camp so much fun and we thanked them for the awesome time. However, the camp couldn’t have happened without Mr Tait and Dr McMahon. Thank you also to all the teachers who attended! – Caitlin Moffitt

Mr Brendan Delaney, Director of Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Prep – Year 2 Car Park

Before school each morning and in the afternoon, the Prep – Year 2 car park can become congested. Often students are alighting from or entering vehicles and moving through the car park. To ensure their safety, parents are reminded not to park in the drop off zones on the eastern side of the car park (near the Prep rooms) as this can cause increased congestion. Drivers are also reminded to follow signage and road markings as well as the directions of staff on duty. Your assistance in keeping our students safe and lessening stress and congestion in the car park is most appreciated.

General Reminders

Communication With Staff

Often, parents need to communicate information to teachers regarding changes to their child’s routine or exemption from participation in sport, specialist lessons or activities. To avoid confusion and to ensure students are where they are meant to be, particularly at the end of the day, we ask all parents to put these changes in writing. All teachers can be contacted by email and Prep – Year 2 teachers can also be contacted through their classroom communication books. A short note can also be sent with students to advise their teachers of any changes.

Hats

Students and parents are reminded that the College hat is an important element of the school uniform. During break times, students need to wear a hat or they are required to stay out of the sun. Students should also be wearing their hats when travelling to and from the College.

Uniforms

Students in Years 1-5 may only wear their sports uniform to school on the days they have HPE. Years 4 and 5 students may also wear their HPE uniforms to school on Thursdays. Students might also be requested to wear their sports uniform to school for carnivals or excursions. On all other occasions students should attend school in their formal uniform.

If for some reason your child is unable to wear the correct uniform to school, please send a note to your child’s class teacher. A uniform reminder letter will be forwarded to parents whose children are in the wrong uniform without a note.

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

Lost Property

Donation to Sippy Creek Animal Refuge

In Term 4 of 2017 there was an abundance of unnamed, uncollected lost property in the main administration office. Some of these pieces had been in the lost property for the majority of the year.

In an effort to reduce the amount of clothing, it was decided to sell each piece for $5. $125 was raised and this was donated to the Sippy Creek Animal Refuge. In 2018 we will continue with this practice in the main office. Please feel free to come and browse the merchandise.

We also encourage you to name every article of your child/children’s school uniform and if lost, please come to the main office to see if it has been handed in.

Mrs Maree Hooper, College Nurse

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Thank you to Mrs Allyson Sarvari for organising and coordinating the lunches for staff and volunteers at both the Years 3-6 and Years 7-12 Swim Carnivals over the past week. It was very much appreciated!

Aloha OCEANfest 2018

Proudly supported by Newwave Orthodontics – Friday 17th August

We’ve had a good response from interested parents who are keen to help out in the lead up to OCEANfest! In order to meet one another, we are holding an informal coffee morning next week. If you are new to the College and would like to meet other parents, this is a great opportunity. Please contact us at fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au for further information.

First Meeting 2018

We invite all parents, friends and staff to join us for our first FoP meeting for 2018 on Tuesday 20th February at 6.30pm in the College library. No need to RSVP – just come along!

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Library News

Library Monitors

Library monitors are valued members of the library team, assisting staff at lunchtimes and at events. Our library monitors received their badges this week on assembly and will have a pizza lunch on Monday to welcome them to their service.

Congratulations to:

  • Ayrisa Jones
  • Archie Palmer
  • Kyla Chirgwin
  • Kirrily Petfield
  • Tamsyn Doyle
  • Tom Zorgdrager
  • Georgia Fergusson
  • Ella Kidd
  • Dan Whittingham
  • Coby Smith
Parent Information Evenings

At the Prep – Year 5, Middle College and Year 11 information evenings over the last couple of weeks, Ms Sue Warren and I have spoken about the resources available from the library website for students. Please take the time to have a look at our LibGuides and the library websites and feel free to contact library staff if you have any questions.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

Secondary College

2017 New Zealand Adventure

In December last year, nine students, three staff and three parents undertook the adventure of a lifetime – tramping, mountain biking and rafting across the South Island of New Zealand. Here’s a snapshot of the adventure:

  • During seven months of training, the group ascended more than 7000 vertical metres of stairs and clocked more than 300kms of walking from the College to Pelican Waters.
  • The group attended more than 20 logistical meetings and made many phone calls to New Zealand to organise transport, land access and camping permissions.
  • Of the 23 nights they were away, only five were spent in permanent shelters, all other nights were spent in tents.
  • In total, the group tramped 145kms, mountain biked 150kms and rafted 270kms.
  • The group crossed eight mountain passes, each over 1100m high.

  

The weather was very kind to the group, but the little rainfall meant the rivers were quite low. This was good for crossing them but not so good for paddling on them! Group members’ feet were constantly wet with more than 90 river crossings in the first three days alone. One of the many highlights of the trip was witnessing first-hand the significant impact the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake had on the environment.

Thank you to the staff at Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre and Clarence River Rafting New Zealand for the assistance they provided to make the journey such an amazing experience. Thank you also to staff members Ms Angela Hill and Mrs Libby Anderson for everything they did in assisting the students and myself throughout the time we had together.

To view all the highlights of the trip, visit: https://youtu.be/1X_OjW1EeQc.

Dr Peter McMahon, 2017 New Zealand Adventure Coordinator

From the Head of Career Development

Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Work Experience

Joining the ADF is a lifestyle decision, so it is essential that students explore this career option thoroughly. One way to do this is through work experience. Visit the Defence Work Experience Program website to look for work experience options in Queensland. Students should also discuss their interest with our Careers Counsellor before applying.

Gap Year

The ADF offers gap years with a difference. This is an excellent way for graduates to try out a defence job and gain real insight into a career in the services. Applications for the 2019 ADF Gap Year program will open in March. Students can register their interest on the ADF Gap Year website to receive updates.

Gap Year Programs

Students considering a gap year after finishing school should start planning early. Following is information about some upcoming events and opportunities:

  • Applications for the Letz Live UK Gap Year Program in 2018/19 will close on 6th April. Students should register their interest early. For more information regarding inclusions, eligibility and costs, visit their website.
  • Southern Cross Cultural Exchange will hold an information session from 7.00pm – 9.00pm on Tuesday 13th February at Ruth Fairfax House (89-95 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane). Visit their website to register your attendance.
  • Student Exchange Australia and New Zealand will hold an information session from 7.00pm on Wednesday 28th February 2018 at Brisbane Square Library (Community Meeting Room, 266 George Street). Visit their website to view upcoming sessions throughout 2018, their On Demand presentation or attend one of their Live Online Information Sessions.
  • World Education Program (WEP) will hold an information evening from 6.30pm – 8.00pm on Thurday 1st March at the Lake Kawana Community Centre (114 Sportsman’s Parade, Bokarina). Please register to attend via their website.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

2018 STEM Workshops

QUT’s STEM workshops are focused on extending students knowledge in physics, engineering and mathematics to real-word applications. For more information regarding upcoming Science, Coding, Engineering and Mathematics workshops, visit: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/stem-for-schools/workshops.

Applications Open – 2018 High School STEM Internships

Students in Year 12 can apply to undertake a weeklong work placement at QUT’s state of the art science and engineering facilities, where they will work in small groups on a research project of choice. Students must meet eligibility requirement for entry to this program. Visit the website for more information: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/undergraduate-study/do-you-advise-school-students/stem-for-schools/high-school-research-internships.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor 

Junior Sport

Years 3-6 Swim Carnival

Well done to all students who participated in the Years 3-6 Swim Carnival last Thursday. Conditions were challenging on the day, with cold and wet weather impacting on logistics. However, the weather did not dampen students’ enthusiasm with a very high level of participation and house spirit on display.

  

A special thank you to Mrs Natalie Campbell and all teachers, staff and parents who provided assistance on the day. Due to the weather, there were a number of changes to the program and without the support of these people the carnival would not have been the success it was.

Congratulations to students who were awarded age champions and runners up and also those who broke records on the day. To view the full list of students, click here. At the completion of the carnival, Bula was announced as the winning house. Well done, Bula!

  • Bula – 1918 points
  • Mumba – 1720 points
  • Wira – 1497 points
SCISSA Sport

Year 4-6 students began SCISSA training this week. Monday afterschool training commences next week and runs from 3.15pm – 4.15pm, all dates can be found on the College calendar. Training is compulsory for all students. If your child is unable to attend training, please send a short email or note to their coach. 

Independent District Sport Trials

Pacific Lutheran College is part of the Independent District and provides students with the opportunity to progress through to regional, state and even national levels for school sport.

There are a number of upcoming trials for a range of sports. If your child would like to trial for any of the following sports, they need to collect a form from Mr Darren Hooper. Forms need to be signed and returned prior to students attending these trials.

  • Under 12 boys and girls soccer
  • Under 12 boys and girls basketball
  • Under 12 boys AFL
  • Under 12 boys and girls hockey
  • Under 11 girls netball
  • Under 12 girls netball

Sport News

Pacific Board Riders

This year, Pacific will again offer the opportunity for Years 5 -12 students to join the Pacific Board Riders (PBR). The aim of the program is to provide a structured opportunity for students to develop their surfing skills and grow the culture of surfing within the College.

Weekly sessions will be held on Friday mornings at various locations around the southern end of the Sunshine Coast (primarily Currimundi and Caloundra), depending on conditions. Term 1 sessions will commence next Friday 16th February (Week 4).

To register your interest, students need to see Mrs Natalie Campbell at her office (near the tuckshop). Participation in the program will be capped at 24 students.

Requirements For Participation

PBR is not a ‘learn to surf’ program. To be eligible to participate in PBR, participants must be able to swim and surf competently (negotiate the break and catch waves unassisted) in various surf conditions and provide all their own equipment (surfboard, wetsuit). Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from the session venue each week.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

Club Sport

Pacific FC

Teams Filling Fast!

Our Come & Try Session last Saturday was a huge success with more attendees than ever before! Thank you to our coaches for providing an enjoyable morning for our young ones.

With many of our teams filling up quickly, please do not delay in signing-up. Go to: http://www.sccsa.org.au. If a particular team is marked as full on the website, please email PacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au to waitlist and check other options.

U15/16 Snappers – Calling all players born 2004, 2003 and 2002! We would like to fill this team, so please let your friends know there are places available.

Upcoming Events

Working Bee and Welcome BBQ on Saturday 17th February.

Mr Matt Gigney, Pacific FC President

PLC Netball Club

This Saturday between 9.00am – 11.00am, the second round of registrations will be held at CDNA. Registrations to date have been very pleasing, however there are still opportunities for girls born in 2011 and older to play in 2018. Register online via the PLC My Netball PLC Registration Page (PLC Portal) or visit our friendly staff at our PLC registration stand this Saturday. The total cost for the season is $210.00, including dress hire.

Returning players are asked to complete their registrations as soon as possible to assist the club with finalising teams.

Thank you to Trisha McFadyen for her efforts in setting up the Club’s website and Facebook page. Stay up-to-date at: https://www.facebook.com/PLCNetballClub and http://www.caloundraplc.qld.netball.com.au/.

Non-compulsory pre-season training continues next Tuesday 13th February at 3.30pm for U12 teams and older. Formal training for all teams will commence on Saturday 17th February at 4.00pm, details as follows:

  • 4.00pm – team and squad training;
  • 5.30pm – issue of hire dresses;
  • 6.00pm – announcement of teams and key appointments for 2018; and
  • 6.30pm – movie screening of ‘A Night at the Museum’. The club will be running a BBQ and there will be ice creams and popcorn for sale as well. Attendees are also welcome to bring a picnic basket and blanket. 

This evening provides a great opportunity for us to gather as a club, meet parents from other teams and also the committee. I encourage everyone to attend and ‘meet the team’.  

Mr Trevor Colton, PLC Netball Club President

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

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.

Upcoming Dates

February
9 Years 6-12 Thursday Timetable Periods 6 and 7
12 9-12yrs District Swim Carnival
  Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15pm-4.15pm)
  Years 7-12 Schools Netball Begins
13 Shrove Tuesday
  13-19yrs District Swim Carnival
  Year 12 Information Evening (6.00pm)
14 Ash Wednesday
19 Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15pm-4.15pm)
20 Year 10 Information Evening (6.00pm)
  Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)
23 Primary Lutheran Swim Carnival
25 St Mark's @ Pacific Grow and Share - ELC Blessing (9.30am)
26 Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15pm-4.15pm)
28 10-19yrs Regional Swim Carnival