Compass No. 510 September 2018

When I was a young teenager I entered a competition in a local newspaper and won a box of  a hundred Kit Kat chocolate bars. It was a culinary dream come true! A seemingly never-ending supply of chocolate on tap. When I got the box of chocolates home I put them in the fridge and for the next hundred days showed great restraint as I opened only one packet per day to share with my parents. Well, for most of the time I did. For nearly one hundred days pacing myself, learning self-control, regulating my impulses and desires, sharing those snapable wafer fingers of goodness with my family was an exercise in self-regulation and prudence. Themes which are behind this thread for the end of term, restraint.

Restraint involves showing self-control when it comes to what our bodies consume through our mouths, how we exercise and rest, what we watch and view with our eyes, and what we desire and do with our bodies. In exploring this thread our hope is that children and teenagers begin to learn to self-consciously regulate what they feel and do. That they begin to learn to be in control of their appetites and emotions. That they grow in being prudent, thinking before they act and are careful, wise and reasoned in their choices and behaviour. These are all big lessons for any person to learn in life as we mature and are more connected with our bodies, desires and behaviours. But learning this skill of restraint is important for our holistic wellbeing. It is important for us spiritually also, for our soul. Self-control is named in the Bible as one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Restraint and self-control are strong inner core values that come from convictions and beliefs which have been formed in an individual or family. They are values which guide our choices and decisions, and influence what we do and say. Restraint is a positive value about caring for others and honouring ourselves. As we consider this thread, a good question, which we reflected on in chapel is; How good or maybe not so good are you in regulating yourself and showing self-control? In what areas of your life do you find it a struggle?

A prayer for the gift of restraint…

Gracious God give us all restraint and self-control in the way that we live our lives. Grow in us the capacity to say ‘No’ to those things in life which are harmful to our bodies, our emotions, our minds and those things that are harmful to others. Give us restraint in how we use our words when we speak to others, how we use our bodies when we are tempted by our desires, how we use technology when we become attached to it. Grow in us this gift of restraint. In your name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor 

As a Christian school, compassion is at the centre of who we are. Compassion can be defined as that feeling of distress at the suffering of others that is combined with the desire to alleviate it. Watching the World News on any evening shows us a great need for compassion in the world today. Therefore, as the world wrestles with problems, compassion is the solution to these problems. In our chapels and assemblies at Pacific, as well as across our approach to student learning, we aim to grow empathy and compassion in our students.

Jamil Zaki’s brain imaging work at Stanford University shows that we are hardwired neurologically to act with compassion and that being kind to others activates similar reward pathways in the brain as eating chocolate. Our neurochemistry awards us much more when we act in the interests of the group compared to when we act with self-interest. As international citizens our aim should be to develop compassion on a world scale.

A few weeks ago, several students approached me about the plight of Australian farmers. They were very concerned about the drought, and the suffering of the farmers, their families and their animals. They wanted to fundraise as a community to help them and to promote that our farmers were suffering to others. Students often bring many worthy causes to my attention and it shows that our message of compassion for others is getting through.

At OCEANfest members of the community were able to buy a hay bale to help the farmers and recently our Casual Day and collection at the Celebrating Dad’s breakfast raised $1,740.80 for the Drought Angels organisation.  Thank you to the whole community for this support.

Compassion is the radicalism of our time - The Dalai Lama

Mr Brendan Delaney, Director of Students Senior and Middle College

Chess

Last Monday over twenty students from Years 2 -8 represented the College in the Sunshine Coast Inter-School Teams Chess Tournament.  I am happy to report that overall all students enjoyed the day and played very well.

The team of Austin Lauritzen, Aidan Matthew, Riley Shepherd and Liam Hague placed first in the Primary B Division and Liam Hague placed first in the individual placings for B Division.  Amelia Walsh and Shyam Sathish also received certificates of merit in the Novice Division.

A special thanks to Mrs Schefe and Mr Stone for supervising the students at the Tournament.

During Term 4 the Junior School Chess Tournament will be held. Students will be able to compete in either the under 10 years-of-age division or 10 years and older division.

A reminder also that after school Chess lessons will continue during Term 4 on Tuesday afternoons starting on Tuesday, 16 October.  Lessons will be run by Chess Mates.

‘Chess Mates specialises in teaching chess to children of all age groups and skill levels. Our team is dedicated to teaching chess in a fun and engaging way, so that children of any age can join in regardless of experience level. We teach younger students through songs and stories, for older or more advanced students we teach openings, strategies and forward planning. We don’t focus on winning (in fact, we teach kids how to deal with winning and losing). Instead, we focus on making new friends and having fun while learning.’ Chess Mates 2018.

Here is a link to news feature that channel 7 did on Chess Mates - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYnGPD1wjz0&t=2s

Classes will be held from 3.10pm to 3.55pm on Tuesday afternoons. The cost for the classes $10 per lesson.

A Chess Mates registration form and a PLC parent consent/medical form will be forwarded to all parents this week. If you would like your child to participate in these lessons, please complete all forms and return completed forms to Mrs Kleinschmidt in the Junior School Office. Payment for lessons is completed on-line directly to Chess Mates.

Please note students already registered with Chess Mates do not need to re-register

If you have any questions about the classes please e-mail info@chessmates.com.au .

Year 5 Camp 

A reminder to parents of Year 5 students that medical and permission forms for the Year 5 camp need to be returned to your child’s teacher as students depart for Year 5 camp on Tuesday 9^th October (Week 1 Term 4).

Students today have extremely busy schedules, with ever increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many kids, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at riskof sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a child’s development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a child's growth, learning ability and overall wellbeing. Sleep is vital to a child’s overall health and is as important as diet and exercise.

Sleep also strengthens a child’s immune system and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child’s health and wellbeing. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition and we always welcome your feedback.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to this month’s edition http://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/sleep
 

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

Parents, please watch Hugh van Cuylenburg, founder of The Resilience Project, who visited India and noted that children living in third world conditions were full of joy and made comparisons to Australian children's wellbeing. Hugh later studied a post grad degree in what makes kids happier, healthier and more thankful and shares his insights within this clip.

https://www.9now.com.au/today/2018/extras/clips/clip-cjlobfcm6002z0snqtg60dj74

Mrs Annie Williams, School Counsellor

Thank You Parent Representatives

 A heartfelt thank you to all parent representatives across the College for your time, commitment and energy this year.

 Your efforts in keeping parents connected and informed is invaluable and we greatly appreciate the part you play in our College community.Thank you for your leadership throughout OCEANfest and for your support with additional events such as year level social gatherings.

Your Invitation… Wine + Cheese 

 We warmly welcome new guests and current members to our P&F (Friends of Pacific) September meeting.

 Friends of Pacific come together once a month to share ideas, plan events, connect with fellow parents and the College Leadership Team. Come join us for a glass of wine to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities and help plan for 2019!

Our next Friends of Pacific meeting will be held on Tuesday 18 September from 6.30pm in the College Library.

All are welcome to attend!

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Only one more week until we hit holidays and PLC Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) would love you to join us for our vacation program these holidays. We have an array of activities provided for all age groups including:

• Nerf extravaganza
• Camping
• The Rollerdrome
• Strawberry Farm
• Learning about Healthy Bodies and Food
• Pamper Day

And so much more…

You can find the full vacation care program and booking forms on the College website or pop in to see Natalie in our OSHC building.

Mrs Natalie Sorbello, Educational Leader

Students across the Primary and Middle College competed in a highly contested field at the MLTAQ Japanese Speech Competition at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, 25 August.

In Year 4 Phoebe S, Jemma L and Hayley P competently represented their classes, with Phoebe commendably winning the division. In Year 5, Abigail C, Kirra B and Amelia H proudly represented their classes, with Abigail being awarded 3^rd place.

In Year 6, Ayanna N, Jai B and Jackson B represented their individual classes, with Jackson performing admirably to win the division.  Enthusiastic participants in Year 7 included Elizabeth M and Gabrielle M, while Catalina S, Sierra L and Tanushi N proudly represented their respective Year 8 and 9 Japanese classes.     

Mrs. Joanne Bailey, Ms. Melissa Pietrala and Mrs Virginia Schlotterbach

QUT School holiday tours and seminar – Get Ready for QUT

Thursday 27^th September Garden’s Point Campus – Tours 12.00 noon, 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm. Kelvin Grove campus – Tours 1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm and 4.00pm.

Friday 28^th September Garden’s Point Campus – Tours 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am and 12 noon. Kelvin Grove Campus – Tours 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am and 12.00pm.

Seminar: Thursday 27^th September Kelvin Grove Campus – 6.00pm -7.30pm. Covering topics including how to apply, getting into Uni and entry requirements, ordering your preference for QTAC, life as a Uni student, transition to university and support for students, study costs and financial support.

Register: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/events/get-ready-for-qut

James Cook Uni – Virtual Tour

Tuesday 25^th September 3.00pm -7.00pm. Explore JCU's campuses, facilities and courses from the comfort of your own home. Our Virtual Open Day is a customised virtual event, where you can:

• Access and download course information
• Visit virtual booths
• Attend presentations
• Network with current students
• Live chat with academic staff, and
• Explore our virtual campus.

Details and Registration: https://www.jcu.edu.au/events/2018/september/jcu-virtual-open-day

Applying to study Interstate?

Key dates for UAC – on time applications due 28^th September midnight https://www.uac.edu.au/key-dates  Late fees apply.

Key dates for VTAC – on time applications due 27^th September 5pm http://www.vtac.edu.au/dates.html Late fees apply.

University of Melbourne - Interstate Student & Parent Information Day

5^th October Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm Location: Parkville Campus, University of Melbourne, Melbourne. Details and Registration: https://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/explore/events/victoria_and_interstate/victoria/interstate-student-and-parent-information-day-oct

Basair Brisbane Career Info Seminar

9^th October - Learn about a career as a Commercial Pilot at one of our free information seminars. Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Location: Archerfield, Building 8 Grenier Drive, Archerfield Airport. Details and Registration: http://www.basair.com.au/Events/Register/119?��

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

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

Calling all parents, grandparents and friends of the Pacific community! If you can volunteer for only 45 minutes, (from 12.45 to 1.30pm) then we'd love to hear from you! We have volunteer positions available to serve at the front counter.  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