Compass No 490 - March 2018

From the Principal

Easter, A Time of Relaxation and Restoration

Easter is a time when we are reminded of God’s grace and love for each of us. We are invited to pause and pray for God’s forgiveness for our part in broken relationships and for those times where we have been less than God would have us be. The good news is that we can leave these failings at the foot of the cross and step forward with faith in a loving and gracious God. Unburdened, we can lift our eyes to the fullness of life that surrounds us each and every day. By putting God and others at the centre we can let go of ourselves and restore and refresh.

Principal's Log

Thank you to all staff, students and parents for the part you have played in supporting a rich culture of learning this term. Students have been involved in great learning opportunities in the classroom and through their involvement in sporting, music, cultural, service learning and a range of other co-curricular activities. Engagement with all of these activities supports growth in the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, physical and cultural dimensions of life and enables people to ‘flourish through a culture of thinking’. We appreciate all that staff, students and parents have given in shaping and nurturing a rich culture of growth.

Harvard Consultant Mr Mark Church returned to the College this week to continue to support the professional learning of our teachers. He worked with two different groups of teachers to coach them in the use of Inquiry Action Groups and Learning Labs as a means for professional reflection and action. Teachers gain a great deal of insight from the international perspective that Mr Church brings as a result of his engagement with educators and educational research around the world. We celebrate that our staff are committed to ongoing learning and development within their practice and thank Director of Teaching and Learning Ms Sue Arahill and Head of Teaching of Learning K-5 Mrs Sue Zweck for their leadership of these important activities.

We congratulate the Year 10 Girls A Volleyball team who reached the grand final and played with great tenacity, skill and spirit in a high quality game last night. In a tightly contested final they narrowly lost. We congratulate the girls and coach Mrs Marg Gunn on their tremendous growth this season. 

We also congratulate the U13 Futsal team who have represented Pacific in the Sunshine Coast Futsal Summer League. After being undefeated throughout the season the boys narrowly lost the final 4-2. Well done to the team and coaches Mrs Virginia Schlotterbach and Matthias Schlotterbach on a very successful season.

Middle and Senior College families will be able to access student reports over the holidays. All families will be notified by via text message when the reports are available for viewing online. Middle College parents, students and teachers will have their conferences in the first week back of Term 2 on the 18th and 19th April. Parents will be invited to book in for these conferences via email over the holidays. Senior College Conferences will be held on 23rd and 24th April and families will be able to book these during the first week of next term. 

At the end of this term we farewell our Systems Administrator Mr Alan Palethorpe who will be retiring and Middle and Senior College Science and Mathematics teacher Dr Helen White who will be returning to veterinary practice. We thank Mr Palethorpe for many years of service where he very capably led the IT Service Department. It is a credit to him that we have been able to successfully move forward with a very flexible and effective system that supports student learning well in a Bring Your Own Device environment. We also thank Dr White for her passion in supporting the Science and Mathematics learning of her students throughout Term 1. We wish Mr Palethorpe and Dr White every blessing as they move into the next phase of their lives.

We wish everyone a safe and happy time of rejuvenation and restoration. May God bless you all richly over the Easter break.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

Important Notices

Cross Country Carnival - Postponed

Due to the weather today and the conditions of the grounds, the Years 3-12 Cross Country Carnival has been postponed until Friday 20th April (first Friday of Term 2). All other event details will remain the same.

Accessing Student Reports

Middle and Senior College student reports for this term will be made available for download from the Parent Lounge over the holidays. Parent Lounge is accessible through the ‘My PLC’ portal on our website: http://pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au/my-plc. When the reports are available, a text message will be sent to notify parents.

Please use the following details to login to Parent Lounge:

Username = XXXXXX (your parent code which is the account number on the top right corner on your fee statement)

Password = XXXXX (your BPay reference number on the top right corner on your fee statement)

If you have any questions regarding the download of student reports over the holidays, please contact administration.

2019 Prep Enrolment Interviews

Prep enrolment interviews for 2019 will commence in Term 2. Application forms are available from our College Registrar Mrs Chris Henschke. Please contact Mrs Henschke directly via email admin@pacluth.qld.edu.au or telephone 5436 7321.

From the College Pastor

Holy Week

This last week of term is a special one, not just for the upcoming holidays but also because of the holydays of Easter. In fact, Christians call the week before Easter ‘Holy Week’. Holy Week is the pinnacle celebration for Christians because it focuses on the events that led to the death and rising of Jesus.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus triumphantly entered the city of Jerusalem as king and palm branches were placed down before him. What is sometimes called ‘Spy Wednesday’ is remembered as the day Judas arranged to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is when Jesus celebrated the last supper, washed His disciples’ feet and went into the garden to pray before he was arrested and taken away. On Good Friday, Jesus was tried before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, flogged and then taken to his place of execution where he died on a cross. Finally, we have Easter Sunday where Jesus’ body, which was placed in the tomb and sealed, was gone. Early in the morning, Jesus appeared to the women and to his other disciples and then later to hundreds of people as proof that he had indeed resurrected from the dead and was miraculously alive. Holy Week is central to Christian belief, in Jesus the Son of God, who defeated death and gave new life, hope and forgiveness to all. 

On the last day of term (Maundy Thursday) four young people from Years 4 and 5 at Pacific will be celebrating their First Communions. In the evening at St Mark’s Lutheran Church, these students will be involved in some traditional rituals including foot washing, receiving the bread and wine of Holy Communion and stripping of the altar. On the night when we remember that Jesus changed the Passover meal to give his disciples and the church today his body and blood, we will witness a very special holy event in the life of these children, their families and our College and church communities.

Prayer: Gracious God we thank you for your Son who undertook betrayal, suffering and death for us. Give us hope and peace as we reflect on the events of Holy Week. Bless the children of our College and congregation as they partake in this holy meal, the Lord’s Supper. Watch over and protect us during the holiday break. Amen.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Director of Students

Importance of Nature

Now that the first term has concluded, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of getting out in nature.

In her book Building Emotional Intelligence, Linda Lantieri discusses the importance of encouraging children to honour nature by being outdoors. According to research, nature provides important moments for stillness as we connect to something larger than ourselves. At the most basic level, outdoors there is room for children to run, shout and play, releasing pent-up energy from their bodies accumulated through various stressors. Children can breathe more deeply outdoors, simply because there is more oxygen than inside. When children look at a faraway horizon or sky, it can help them gain perspective. A relationship with nature is like any good relationship, it needs to unfold over time and be respectful.

ANZAC Day

All members of the Pacific community are invited to attend the Caloundra ANZAC Day March in Week 2 next term (Wednesday 25th April).

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

Mr Brendan Delany, Director of Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Term 1 Concludes

Thank you to all parents and families for their support and involvement in the many and varied aspects of life in the Prep – Year 5 area of the College this term. Your support and involvement is greatly valued and welcomed by students, staff and the entire College community. Have a happy and holy Easter and a great holiday break.

Term 2

Term 2 commences on Tuesday 17th April. Students who have HPE on this day will need to remember to wear their sports uniform to school.

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

Food for Thought

Raising Children of Character

Parents often ask how to raise a child with good character and values. The simplest answer is that children learn what they live, so if you live your values, your children are likely to as well. For more information, visit: http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/good-character.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

ALOHA OCEANfest 2018

Our year level stalls have now been confirmed for Aloha OCEANfest 2018, click here to view. Our fabulous parent representatives will be in touch with their class groups to provide further information and outline how you can be involved.

We are also very excited to announce one of our first Aloha raffle prizes from Sunstate Jewellers. Rita has designed and created a gorgeous 18ct white gold tanzanite and diamond halo ring especially for this OCEANfest to reflect the blue waters of the Polynesian Islands. Valued at $4575, the ring will be one of the star prizes on offer in the raffle.

If your business would like to offer sponsorship for this event, please contact us at: FoP@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Sponsorship of OCEANfest 2018 is a unique opportunity to connect with our ever growing and diverse community. Throughout the years of successful OCEANfests, we have forged many successful partnerships that have enabled us to raise funds, support our community and our students’ academic, sporting, social and cultural experiences.

Can your business assist the Pacific Mentorship Program?

Pacific’s Careers Counsellor Mrs Natasha Purcell is seeking mentors for our students in their career exploration. Exposure to fields of interest can allow students a real insight into the world of work and assist them to make informed decisions about their future pathways. If you can offer any of the following throughout the year, please let Natasha know via email: npurcell@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

  • Work experience opportunities
  • Work shadowing opportunities
  • School-based Traineeships or Apprenticeships
  • Informational interview or informal chat about working in your field
  • Presenting to a cohort of students about your field (feel free to indicate preference for large or small cohorts) at the College or within your workplace
  • Work place tour or visit

Coles Sports for Schools

Thank you to everyone who has been collecting the Coles Sports for Schools vouchers. We have collection boxes at Kawana and Caloundra Coles as well as the Junior and Middle / Senior College offices. Simply collect vouchers and follow the steps at: https://www.coles.com.au/sportsforschools#howdoesitwork. Our College will gain valuable sports equipment with every voucher collected.

April Meeting

The next Friends of Pacific meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th April (first day of Term 2) from 6.30pm in the College Library. All welcome to attend!

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Outside School Hours Care

Vacation Care

The school holidays are now upon us! If you are looking for vacation care that is full of fun, why not book your children into our fantastic program here at Pacific’s OSHC. Our program has been planned around the children’s ideas and interests. With incursions like bubble soccer, in house activities such as engineering day and interactive excursions to Sea Life Mooloolaba and Maleny Dairy, there is something for everyone!

Please contact us for more information on:

The program and booking form can also be accessed at: https://www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au/college-community/outside-school-hours-care.

Mrs Natalie Sorbello, OSHC Service Leader

Library News

Geek Girls

All Year 4 and 5 girls received a brochure this week (click here to view) outlining the new program for Term 2. Geek Girls runs during Tuesday lunchtimes from 1.00pm – 1.30pm and introduces students to a range of STEM activities including coding, robotics and engineering challenges.

Code Club continues to run afterschool on Wednesdays.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

Junior College

Music for Sharing

This term, Class 5P has been fortunate to participate in the Music for Sharing program at IRT Woodlands with our older community members. Each Friday, students and teachers visited IRT Woodlands to join with their buddies and maestro Sharon in song. We celebrated the term by finishing with a concert last Friday 23rd March. 

Many parents attended the concert and students and residents presented an entertaining and engaging afternoon. We even got to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Frank, who turned 100 on Tuesday.

  

This term in Christian Studies, students explored Christian Living and the belief that as Christians we are here to serve others. The students of 5P came to recognise that the time they were giving to the IRT residents for this program was an act of service. They saw the appreciation their new friends had for their company and contributions and they proudly wanted to participate actively and engage in the program each Friday.

Abigail Christie wrote the following poem as a reflection on the experience:

Service

S inging, serving and connecting with the elders.

E xpecting nothing in return.

R especting others and doing kind deeds.

V oicing new songs with a positive attitude.

I R T was amazing and gave me something to look forward to.

C oncerting with the Woodlands community was an uplifting experience.

E njoying it every single week and making memories with our buddies.

Mrs Lu Pollard, Year 5 Teacher

Secondary College

Duke of Edinburgh Award

It is with great pleasure that we announce the attainment of three Duke of Edinburgh Awards in Term 1. Earlier in the year, Rebekah Pierce attained her Bronze Award and has since commenced her Silver Award with the College. This week at assembly, Guy Minns officially received his Bronze Award and Marissa Rudd received her Silver Award. These students should be commended for their efforts and commitment to their individual learning and community engagement, well done!

Pacific highly values the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the advantage it provides our young learners. As such, we subsidise 50% of the cost for all College students wishing to attain this internationally renowned accreditation. It’s never too late to sign up, so interested students are invited to contact me directly for further information.

Mr Nicholas Tait, Head of Outdoor Education

Cultural News

PLC Blake Prize

Mrs Denise McMahon and Miss Michelle McMillan

From the Head of Career Development

Career Exploration - Health

The school holidays are the perfect time for students to focus on career development and exploration. The My Health Career website has information on pathways to 10 different medical specialisations. The video section has interviews with practitioners involved in dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, optometry, occupational therapy, pharmacy, psychology, physiotherapy and podiatry. Through this website, students can also subscribe to receive a regular health careers newsletter.

USC Bachelor of Medical Science

Pacific Lutheran College graduate Olivia McCluskey features in this short video about the new Bachelor of Medical Science offered through the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Further information about this course and its entry requirements can be found at: https://www.usc.edu.au/learn/courses-and-programs/bachelor-degrees-undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-medical-science.

UQ Holiday Robotics Workshops

The Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology at UQ will offer different workshops in robotics for primary and secondary school students during the school holidays. Learn more at: https://www.eait.uq.edu.au/school-holiday-workshops#introduction-robotics.

STEM at QUT

Vice-Chancellor's STEM Camp: This free, five-day STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) camp is for high achieving Year 11 students. It will be held from Sunday 23rd September – Friday 28th September this year. During the camp, students will work with QUT researchers and current students to engage in solving some of the major challenges facing our society and planet today. Applications are now open, visit: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/stem-for-schools/vice-chancellors-stem-regional-camp.

Subject Selection for STEM Careers: Find out which senior high school subjects prepare you for successful studies at QUT in Science, IT, Engineering, Mathematics, Health and Education at this free event on Wednesday 9th May from 4.30pm – 8.00pm at the Gardens Point campus. To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/undergraduate-study/are-you-the-parent-of-a-school-student/news-and-events/news?news-id=126281.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor

Secondary Sport

SCISSA Volleyball

Our Year 10 Girls A team played the grand final against Glasshouse Christian College last night. They were narrowly defeated 25-22 in the first set and 25-21 in the second. It was an exceptional effort by all team members, well done! Thank you to Mrs Marg Gunn for her dedication and enthusiasm in coaching this team.

Futsal Summer League

Last week, eight students competed in the U13 grand final of the Sunshine Coast Futsal Summer League. Representing Pacific, the boys were undefeated in a season that stretched from October 2017 to March 2018. The boys gave it their all during the grand final match, narrowly losing 4-2 and finishing runners-up.

The following team members are to be congratulated: Matthias Schlotterbach, Matthew Becker, Jack Miller, Jack Connors, Deepal Maharaj, Ethan Daley, Ethan Prosser, Kane Christie and Harrison Whitelaw. Thank you to Mrs Virginia Schlotterbach and Matthias Schlotterbach for coaching the team.

Monday Night Netball Results

TEAM

OPP.

SCORE

RESULT

MVP

PLC 1 (Snr A)

MFAC

11-31

Loss

Kate Cameron

PLC 2 (Snr B)

GCC

24-9

Win

Louella Hindmarsh

PLC 3 (Int A)

SCC

8-29

Loss

Ella Ousley

PLC 4 (Jnr A)

SAAC

17-17

Draw

Imogen Hiley

PLC 5

STCC

17-2

Win

Elizabeth Maclean

PLC 6

BYE

-

-

-

Caloundra Basketball Programs

Caloundra Basketball offers a range of programs for children of all ages and abilities; visit the links below for more information:

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

Club Sport

Pacific FC

It was great to have all teams playing last weekend after all the rain we’ve experienced this month. To view photos from the games, visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209586372509789.1073742023.415996788535422&type=1&l=d279687d34.

We now have a three-week break for Easter and the school holidays. We will receive the draws over the holidays but the next round is scheduled for Saturday 21st April.

U6 Tigers

The Tigers came up against a very well organised Mooloolaba Dolphins. It was great to see everyone on the pitch and getting involved in the game. Kruz championed our scoring, but Sophia's courage and skills and Talia's great saves in goal saw them win the player awards. Luke’s performance in goal during the first half was excellent and he, Axel, Jimmy and Nicholas were all fantastic in the field.

U6 Razors

The U6 Razors were well organised when they faced the Mooloolaba Turtles last weekend. Jacob opened the scoring for 2018 with a fine shot on a tight angle. The Turtles got one back against the run of play, but the Razors were just too strong and quick with Jackson adding to the score line to take the win 5-1. The player awards went to Rachel for a great performance on her debut and Quinn for sensational passing, but everyone was sensational!

Brisbane Roar Program (RAP)

The children finished their RAP sessions last week and they all had a great time. The Roar brought the inflatable field which was super fun to play in.

U11+ Grading Announcment

For the 2018 U11+ grading divisions, please visit the documents section in Team App: https://pacificsoccer.teamapp.com.

New Canteen Sponsor – Focus Family Law

Welcome to our new Canteen Sponsor, Focus Family Law. This season we have a new canteen sign and menu board – all thanks to our friends at Focus! If you need any family law advice, please call Michelle on 5493 9888.

Volunteering

Thank you to all of our valued canteen and field helpers at our home games. We greatly appreciate the support, but we could always do with help. An extra pair of hands and feet makes a huge difference. Please get in touch with your Team Manager if you can offer any assistance.

Pacific FC events

We will have some social events over the Easter and school holiday break, so keep an eye on our communications. The first event will be a climb up Mt Coolum for all children and families. Meet at the Mt Coolum car park at 9.00am on Easter Saturday. For further details, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/519680111766524/.

Pacific FC Sponsors

We are very lucky to have such wonderful and supportive sponsors. The businesses that help our club and children with Encouragement Awards and sponsorship need to be supported themselves, so please make sure that you show your patronage to them. When you use your vouchers please say thank you and let them know that Pacific FC supports them. Please use the vouchers with some discretion (do not use all the vouchers at once) and also keep in mind that some have expiry dates and terms/conditions.

Pacific FC Contacts

  • Jenny Lee (Canteen)
  • Lisa Ackerman (Registrations)
  • Louise Currey (Treasurer)
  • Esta Styles (Vice President)
  • Matt Gigney (President)
  • Zane Russell (Grounds)
  • Rob Moffitt (Director of Coaching)
  • Rita Williams (Equipment)
  • Margie Hickey (Uniforms)
  • Paul McFadyen (Grounds)

If you have any queries, or if you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at: pacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mr Matt Gigney, Pacific FC President

Uniform Shop

Term 2

The Uniform Shop will reopen in Term 2 on Tuesday 17th April from 8.00am – 9.00am. Usual opening hours and days will resume from Wednesday 18th April.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Shop Convenor

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Holy Week and Easter 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 Musical Performance

To commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I, Sunshine Coast Choral Society presents ‘Requiem’. Composed by Sir Karl Jenkins and conducted by Mr Adrian King, this performance will be a memorable experience for all attendees.

Upcoming Dates

March
29 Term 1 Concludes
   
April
16 Staff Day
17 Term 2 Commences
  Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)
18 Years 11-12 SCISSA Volleyball Begins
18-19 Middle College Conferences
23 P-5 ANZAC Day Service
23-24 Senior College Interviews
24 Years 6-12 ANZAC Day Service
25 ANZAC Day Public Holiday
29 St Mark's @ Pacific Grow and Share - Pet Blessing
  PLC OPEN DAY (12.30-3.30pm)