Compass No 494 - May 2018 | Pacific Lutheran College

From the Principal

Shaping a World of Possibility Together 2028

Over the past four days Lutheran Principals as part of the National Lutheran Principal's Conference have been involved in considering how changes associated with education, religion, technology, community, social and cultural understandings, economics, the environment and politics on a local, national and global level could impact on the way we conceive education and life beyond school in 2028.

We were challenged to consider alternative scenarios that our students, staff and families may encounter both within formal education and beyond. It is important that as we plan and take account of where we are, we focus on growing our young people for the world that will be, rather than the world that was. Our goal is to plan for members of our communities to be equipped to live hope-filled purposeful lives in rapidly changing and often uncertain contexts. Significantly as we plan for the future we need to think from a mindset of possibility.

Hope and possibility open thinking to rich alternatives. Hope in an ever present gracious God grounds us as people and challenges us to have an eye for the good of all people and for the planet as we move forward together. We look forward to engaging parents, students and staff in this exciting journey.

Principal's Log

Pacific Lutheran College was one of 16 schools selected by Independent Schools Queensland to participate in the ISQ Curriculum Innovation IDEAS EXCHANGE in Brisbane. Each school was given 10 minutes to pitch their idea to university and industry representatives as well as share ideas with other schools. Our Head of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Business, Mr Wes Warner and I were delighted to showcase student learning in the Year 9 and 10 STEM elective subjects. Learning in these subjects involve students developing and solving problems utilising cross curricular learning in the areas of digital technology including robotics, underwater drone technology and the designing and building of bionic hands, mathematics, environmental science and optics.

We have begun conversations with one industry partner who valued the way in which the skills of innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, entrepreneurship, communication and problem setting were integral parts of these learning experiences. We thank Mrs Marnie Whittaker, Mrs Claire Richards and Mr Wes Warner for their innovative leadership and our Heads of Department in the areas of Science, Information Technology, Industrial Technology and Mathematics who have worked collaboratively with our team to shape rich learning.

As part of our process of capturing where we are, every two years, staff, students and parents are invited to participate in the Quality Schools Survey conducted by Lutheran Education Australia. All students across Years 5-12, all staff and all parents will have the opportunity to complete this survey.

The survey provides very important information for the future planning of the College, including the shaping of our strategic plan which is due for renewal this year. Parents involved in the survey will have received an email this week from Dr Jean Thompson at surveys@radii.org (Research Australia Development and Innovation Institute). All families are encouraged to take this opportunity to contribute to the shaping of the College’s forward thinking.

As well as possessing capacities for creativity, critical thinking, communication, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital proficiency and social emotional capabilities students also need high levels of skills in literacy and numeracy. Engagement with NAPLAN provides Pacific and our parents with useful data in this one dimension of schooling at an individual and cohort level. We wish our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students involved in these tests next week all the best.

To all of the wonderful Mothers - Happy Mother's Day! I hope you all enjoy being celebrated and appreciated this weekend. Thank you for being an integral part of our school community.

May God grant us the insight and humility to walk graciously together into new hope filled futures.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

Being Humble

I pray for humility, honestly, because it's very easy to be caught up in this world.

Katy Perry

Being grounded and humble must be a huge challenge for a pop star celebrity like Katy Perry who has 100 million followers on Twitter and sold 125 million records. If you know Katy Perry’s story she started off as Katheryn Hudson, a pastor’s kid who sang gospel music. Her parents wanted to keep her away from all things secular and sinful so she only started recording popular music when she was twenty-three years old and moved to Los Angeles. Her Christian background though has had a lasting influence on her. In an interview in 2013, the year she became a hit with the song “Roar”, she admitted to not being a Christian but still having a deep connection with God and that she prayed regularly giving thanks and asking for self-control and humility. As her fame and wealth have increased along with relationship breakdowns I don’t know how she has continued to learn humility but it seems like it is something she is mindful of.

Praying for humility is a very worthwhile prayer for anyone and everyone. It is worthwhile because it is practicing a character trait which is counter-cultural. In our world of instant gratification, selfies and ‘likes’, being humble and acting humbly is a rare gift. So, in praying to God for humility we are not only asking for this gift of humility but we are also actively demonstrating it by acknowledging that we can talk with someone who hears our prayers and has the power to answer them. We are not able to journey through life very far without the help and strength that comes from God. And more than that, humility is part of God’s character. God showed us his humility by sending his Son into the world to become human and die for us. This humility of Jesus is our gift as we live in this life by faith. When we bring our pride and the ways in which we get caught up in this world to Jesus in prayer, God is able to grow his humility in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament letter of James (4:10) puts it this way; Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up.

A prayer to be people of humility…

Lord Jesus, you told your disciples that you came to earth not to be served but to serve others and to give your life up as a ransom. Free me from all my pride, selfishness, troubles and insecurities today so that I can put the needs of others before myself and serve with humility. In your name we pray. Amen.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

Important Notices

Quality Schools Survey 2018

Parents should have received their email invitation and link to the 2018 Quality Schools Survey earlier this week. If your family has not received this email from Dr Jean Thompson at surveys@radii.org (Research Australia Development and Innovation Institute), please ensure that it has not been redirected to you junk email box.

We encourage you to respond to the survey as this will provide valuable feedback to the College. The data that is collected will be used by the College and Lutheran Education Australia to develop strategies and implement initiatives to improve the quality of education offered by Lutheran schools.

All survey responses go directly to RADII and are not identifiable by the College, unless you wish to indicate that you want your feedback to be identified. All data will be stored securely and the anonymity of all participants is assured. When the feedback from the survey is received we will share the findings with you.

Thank you for supporting the survey process.

Child Protection Policy

Every student has the right to be safe and free from harm while at Pacific Lutheran College and all College staff have mandatory child protection reporting responsibilities designated by legislation.

Our Child Protection Policy has been updated to clarify reporting responsibilities. Should a staff member receive any information alleging harm to a student, the staff member is required to report this to the Principal. In the instance that the Principal is alleged to have caused the harm to a student, the information must be reported to the Executive Director of Education, Lutheran Education Queensland if it relates to sexual, or likely, sexual abuse, or to the Council Chairperson, in all other instances of harm. A copy of the Child Protection Policy is available in Parent Lounge.

Ms Margaret Gunn – Director of Staff

School Photos

Prep - Year 12: Tuesday 22^nd May
Siblings: Tuesday 22nd May

A reminder that class photos for Prep – Year 12 and sibling photos will be taken on Tuesday 22^nd May. Individual order envelopes were handed out last week. If you would like a sibling photo taken, please collect an order envelope from the main office.

Online Orders

Photos can be ordered and paid for online using a secure online platform. Orders placed online DO NOT require an envelope, cash/cheques or paperwork returned to school. To place your order, visit www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code B7H 8V9 RRH. This code can also be found printed on your envelope.

To ensure a smoothly run photo day, online orders for Sibling / Family Photos will be cut off at midnight on Monday 21^st May to allow a list of students that require Sibling / Family photographs taken to be compiled. Sibling photos can still be ordered after the online cut-off date by collecting an envelope from the office and returning the envelope on photo day with your payment enclosed. All online orders should be placed before our day of photography.

Envelope Orders

Photos can also be purchased in the traditional manner using an envelope, with cash/cheque enclosed and handed into the main office prior to 22nd May 2018.

Car Park Upgrade

Upgrading of the Prep to Year 2 car park is due to commence next week and is expected to be completed by early Term 3. The first stage involves construction of a new section along the fence line between the current car park and the hall. There should be minimal traffic disruption during this phase but pedestrian access from Woodlands Blvd will be via the main gates. There will be further updates as the works progress with some parking disruption expected in later construction phases.

Mr Mike Healy, Business Manager

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

National Walk to School Day

PLC Students are encouraged to join with thousands of other school children across Australia and walk, scoot or skate to school for Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 18^th May 2018.

Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual, national event that celebrates primary school children walking and commuting safely to school. It seeks to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment.

This year all students at PLC are invited to participate in this event - by walking to school, you’ll get some great exercise and quality time with friends, as well as reducing traffic congestion and vehicle pollution.

If you feel you live too far away to walk from home, an alternative is to meet other students, staff and families at Oakdale Park, Oakdale Circuit, Currimundi and walk to school from there. It’s a short walk - approximately only 850 metres. PLC staff and senior students will be there at 8.00am for an 8.05am departure.

If possible, parents and or carers are invited to join with their children in walking, all or part of the way from home to school on the day, to ensure the safety of our students.

Year 4 Cycle Skills

All students in Year 4 will have the opportunity to undertake a Cycle Skills Program on Thursday 17^th May 2018.

The program is funded through a Department of Transport Road Community Road Safety Grant that was successfully applied for by the Friends of Pacific. The program aims to teach all students a variety of skills so that they ride safely.

Parents are reminded that permission slips allowing students to participate in the program need to be received by class teachers prior to students attending the sessions, so that numbers of students needing to borrow equipment can be ascertained.

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

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Mother’s Day Stall Wrap Up

With a beautiful blue-sky backdrop, our annual Mother’s Day Stall was a hit! This event is not only a great fundraising activity for our community, but it also provides our students with the opportunity to select that special gift for Mum/Nan, all by themselves. There were some very excited first-time buyers, coupled with some serious decision making! Thank you to our wonderful Year 4 parent volunteers who helped make this event possible.

Thank you also to our Prep to Year 5 teachers who walked their class groups over to the stall and supported the event. And thanks to you all the Pacific families who supported the stall by sending money in with your children. Our Early Learning Centre Reception will still have gifts on display available for purchase until tomorrow (Friday 11^th May 2018).

ALOHA OCEANfest: Thank You Hunts Fitness

Our heartfelt thanks goes to a generous Pacific family, the Thiele family - owners of Hunts Fitness, for their wonderful donation of a ONE YEAR Premium all-inclusive membership package.

Hunts Fitness is an exclusive boutique fitness club offering 7 styles of Yoga including aerial, seven strength and conditioning classes from boxing, bootcamp, Hiit and cardiofit. Located in the KonTiki Building on Plaza Parade in Maroochydore. Hunts Fitness also has a full-time barista onsite and full-time trainers. Everything is included within your membership. Valued over $2,020 - this exciting prize shall be up for grabs as part of our OCEANfest Raffle. Thank you Thiele family!

Bringing a taste of Hawaii¹s tropical culture to the Sunshine Coast, Pacific Lutheran College’s Aloha OCEANfest 2018 promises something for the whole family! The colourful celebrations will include flavoursome food, the Aloha Bar, fireworks, educational and interactive stands as well as plenty of rides, stalls and live entertainment. Plus - don’t miss the Aloha Raffle, Cent Auction and Big Kahuna Live Auction.

Aloha OCEANfest 2018, in conjunction festival partner Newwave Orthodontics aims to showcase the College and create an environment for the community to join together for an evening of fun. Funds raised will see an investment in digital, interactive technology to enhance our learning spaces at PLC.

OCEANfest 2018 is also proud to support the PLC Cambodian Project in their endeavours, working alongside the Lutheran Church of Cambodia’s Rainbow Hostel and Life Centre.

If you wish to be a part of OCEANfest as a sponsor or donor please contact our organising committee via fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au

BBQ Volunteers needed at Junior Athletics Carnival at USC

Any junior school parents who are able to offer their time on Wednesday 6^th June 2018 at USC to assist on the Pacific FoP BBQ, please contact fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au Even if you only have an hour to spare, your help is greatly appreciated!

Next Meeting: Tuesday 22 May

Our next Friends of Pacific meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 May from 6.30pm in the College Library.

All welcome to attend!

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Library News

LibGuides for English Extension

Seventeen LibGuides have been created recently for the Year 12 English Extension programme. The home page for this subject is here http://libguides.pacluth.qld.edu.au/home/extension. Families are reminded to check the libguides available for their year level to optimise learning opportunities.

Happy Children's Day

Last week, the library celebrated Kodomo no Hi, Japanese Children's Day. On Monday, Momo Taro (Peach Boy) was the featured story in story time, while on Tuesday students had the opportunity to make origami samurai helmets. Finally, students made candy sushi out of rice bubbles, marshmallow and lollies.

Electronic Cards for Mother's Day

In Geek Girls this week, students used light-emitting diodes, copper tape and coin-cell batteries to construct a circuit within a Mothers' Day card, allowing the card to light up when the circuit was closed.

Miss Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian

Secondary College

Robotics Club

Robotics Club will be commencing Thursday 10^th May in L10 at 3.15pm until 4:30pm.

Students from Years Six to Nine can collect an expression of interest from Mrs Stone or the Middle College office.

Mrs Janine Stone, Head of Information Technology

Red Shield Appeal

As we now move into the Month of May, the College is again asking students to show hope for the less fortunate members of our own community by supporting the Red Shield Appeal. Through the month we will be asking PCG and primary classes to bring in non-perishable food and personal items. These will be donated to the Caloundra Salvation Army and distributed to local families.

We are also asking students to collect for the Red Shield Appeal on Sunday 27^th May 8.30am to 11.30am.

Permission slips to take part in the collection have been sent home. Additional forms can be collected from the Middle/Senior College Office.

The Salvation Army has allocated specific areas for Pacific students to collect in. We will be meeting at the Middle/Senior office. Groups of four students will travel, [with a parent] to each collection site and will collect in pairs. Therefore, we are also in need of adult/parent drivers as the Salvation Army is unable to provide any drivers to assist us. In the past we have had an excellent response from students and parents to support the Christian hope offered by the Salvation Army.

Mrs Leanne Bevis, Administration Assistant – Middle/Senior College Office

Cultural News

Count Down to the Three Musketeers!

The cast and crew have been working tirelessly in rehearsal over the last two months, honing their acting skills, fencing skills and perfecting the many comic moments in this very funny new take on the original story.

Tickets went on sale Monday 30th April and are available either by contacting The Events Centre (54914240) or online www.theeventscentre.com.au.

Don't miss out, bring the whole family!

ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!

Mrs Janine Delaney and Miss Alisha Janssen

From the Head of Career Development

Big Day In

Georgia Harle and Ella Block attended the Big Day In last week as Student Ambassadors for Study Sunshine Coast, promoting the benefits of studying on the Sunshine Coast.

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

11^th & 12^th May 2018 - The Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo is a leading career, training and education event. You will be able to connect with organisations for guidance, clarity and opportunities in relation to career opportunities. It is free admission and a great opportunity to discover the many pathway options open to you.

JMC Academy Open Day

12^th May 2018 - Want to know more about what you can study and achieve at JMC? At their open day you will take a campus tour, undertake a focused overview on your course of interest, speak first-hand with current students, scholarship winners and the Heads of JMC Academy's Music, Audio, Animation, Game Design, Film and Television, Digital Design and Entertainment Business Management departments. View student work, listen to bands, view student films and even see live audio and film production in action. Find out more by visiting their website.

Queensland School of Film and Television (QSFT) Video Production Workshop

QSFT offers a range of weekend workshops focusing around media production. They will be running workshops in May on:

12th May - Shoot it! - Introduction to Phtography
12th May - Make It! - Introduction to Prop Preparation for film
26th May - Film It! - Introduction to Video Production
26th May - SFX It! - Introduction to Special Effects Make Up

For more information and to submit and expression of interest visit their website.

Pilot Aptitude Training Systems (PATS)

PATS, located in Melbourne, offer training packages to help Year 12 students with their application for pilot cadetships and for the Defence Force. This includes assistance with the application form, CV, interview and to increase aptitude test scores. For more information on pilot cadetships and how PATS can assist you here in Queensland, go to the PATS website.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) News

15^th May 2018 - Information evening for parents and students - Parents/guardians of senior high school students and students are encouraged to attend the Parent Information Seminar and find out about making course and career decisions, entry to university and study costs and take part in an optional twilight campus tour. Click here to register now.

The Engineering Link Project

The two-day Engineering Link Project in July gives Years 10, 11 and 12 students the chance to get hands on with university-level projects, working with practicing engineers and experiencing activities that will open their eyes to possible career paths. Register now.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor

Junior Sport

Indendent District Cross Country Carnival

The Independent District Cross Country Carnival has been postponed until Wednesday 23^rd May 2018. All other details pertaining to this event remain the same. The PLC Senior Cross Country team will be leaving the college at 10.30am and returning to school by 3.00pm.

3-6 Athletics Carnival

The athletics season is upon us for another year with students beginning to prepare for the Inter-house Athletics Carnival in their Physical Education lessons. The Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday 6^th June (Week 8) at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Students will travel by bus to and from the carnival which runs from 9.00am to 2.00pm.

Prior to the carnival student will participate in 100 and 200m sprint trials as well as their discus event.

The 100 and 200m sprint trials will be held on Thursday 17^th May, Week 5 from 1.40pm–3.00pm. During this time students will compete against fellow house members from their age group to determine A, B and C division rankings for the carnival. Students will need to wear their house shirt on this day.

The 3-6 Discus event will be held prior to the Athletics Carnival on Thursday 24^th May. Students will participate from 1.40pm–3.00pm and will also need to wear their house shirt on this day. More detailed information regarding the Athletics Carnival has been sent home to all parents via CareMonkey.

4-6 SCISSA

A reminder to all parents that as per the College calendar, Monday afterschool SCISSA training will start next Monday 14^th May. Training will run each Monday afternoon from Week 5 through to Week 9 (Monday 11^th June). Students will train from 3.15pm–4.15pm in their chosen SCISSA sport. If your child is unable to attend a training session, please send a short note or email to their coach.

Caloundra Basketball Programs

The Super Hoopers and Little Legends Basketball Programs will be run by Caloundra Basketball at PLC during May and Jun

Mr Darren Hooper – Head of Junior Sport

Secondary Sport

Indpendent District Cross Country Carnival

The Independent District Cross Country Carnival has been postponed until Wednesday 23^rd May 2018. All other details pertaining to this event remain the same. The PLC Senior Cross Country team will be leaving the college at 7:45am.

Regional Sport Representatives

Elijah Modlin made the U15 Regional Basketball team yesterday. An awesome achievement with over 40 boys trialing and only 10 selected. He will compete at the State Carnival in August. Sam Larsen made the U15 Regional Rugby Union Team. This is an awesome achievement and we wish him all the best at the state carnival in Brisbane in July!

Well done Elijah and Sam and we wish them all the best.

7-12 SCISSA Results - Wednesday 9th May 2018

Team	COACH	Opposition	Score	Winner	MVP
VOLLEYBALL
Open Girls A	Mrs Marg Gunn	NCC	0-2	NCC	Katelyn Connors
Open Girls B	Mr Gary Graves	SAAC	2-0	PLC	Atlanta Hopewell
Open Boys A	Mrs Deb Turner	MFAC	0-2	MFAC	Connor Hirst
TENNIS
Open B Division	Mr Ben Dutton	SAAC	4-3	SAAC	N/A
RUGBY
U15 Boys	Mr Josh Cummins	SAAC GCC	10-21 19-0	SAAC PLC	Oliver Frazer Campbell Williams
U17 Girls	Mr Darren Hooper	SCGS GSLC	25-10 15-10	PLC PLC	Natasha Whiteley Georgia Harle
U13 Boys	Mr Scott Crompton	Siena	44-15	Sienna	Thomas Johnson

A special mention to the U17 girls rugby 7s team for 2 wins from 2 games this week. The girls are improving very quickly and are a pleasure to coach.

PLC Kayaking

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

Club Sport

Pacific FC

Upcoming Events

Round 6 - 12 May (Away)
Round 7 - 19 May (Away)
Round 8 - 26 May (Home + netball)
Round 9 - 2 June (Home + team photos)

END OF SEASON PRESENTATION - 9 September

Sunshine Coast Representative

Well done to the Pacific players who represented our club at the two-day Queensland State Titles at Redbank on the weekend. Joey Harrys unfortunately suffered a buckle fracture to his wrist before the games began but was there to cheer on the U10 team the whole time.

It was a mammoth effort for both players and families due to weather interrupted training sessions earlier in the season. The effort however was well rewarded when the Sunny Coast teams placed well in the final results!

U10 SCCSA South 2nd place - Nicholas Currey, Bailey Ackerman and Joey Harrys
U12 SCCSA South 1st place - Luke Harrys
U13 SCCSA North 2nd place - Alexander Lee
U16 SCCSA South Girls 4th place - Astrid Williams

Congratulations to Alexander Lee on his selection in the QLD U13 State Development Squad as a goalie.

We also would like to gratefully acknowledge Mrs Rita Williams (Cobra's Manager) for her dedication to the SCCSA U16 team. Her encouragement and positive attitude is second to none!

[PIC: L-R Nicholas Currey, Bailey Ackerman, Alexander Lee. Middle PIC: Right - Astrid Williams. Far Right PIC: Luke Harrys]

Team building with Pacific FC

Last Saturday saw the dawn of a beautiful day and the opportunity for another club member catch up. This time, parents, players, family and friends met at Kondalilla Falls for a bush walk down to the waterfall. Most braved the jump from the cliffs and enjoyed the chilly water below. A leach or two may have made its way home with a new family but otherwise everyone had a great time connecting with nature.

Stay tuned for our next club catchup!

Pacific FC Sponsors

Pacific FC Contacts

Jenny Lee (Canteen)
Lisa Ackerman (Registration)
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

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

Tuckshop

Volunteers Required!

Calling all parents, grandparents and friends of the Pacific community! We would love to see some new faces at the Tuckshop this term! Your time and effort will be most appreciated by staff and students. If you are unsure about what is involved, please feel free to pop in, meet our Tuckshop Convenor and have a look around. There are jobs to suit everyone and it’s a great way to meet new people and lend a helping hand. Click here to download the Volunteer Form.

Ms Carrie Dickson, Tuckshop Convenor

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Weekly Services

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.

Health News

Tips for Keeping Germs Away this Flu Season

Upcoming Dates

May

7	Labour Day Public Holiday
9	Friends of Pacific Mother's Day Stall
	9-19yrs District Cross Country
14	Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)
15-17	NAPLAN
17	Years 3-6 Athletics Sprint Trials
20	St Mark's @ Pacific Grow and Share - Prep Bibles (9.30am)
21	Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)
22	Prep - Year 12 Photo Day
	Friends of Pacific Meeting (6.30pm)
24	Year 3-6 Athletics - Discus Events
25-26	Senior Drama Production
27	Red Shield Door Knock Appeal
28	Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)
29	ICAS Science Competition
31	Under Eights Morning

Compass No 494 - May 2018

Team

COACH

Opposition

Score

Winner

MVP

LEARNING JOURNEY

ENROLMENTS

NEWS

MY PLC

Growing people to make a difference