Compass No. 531 May 2019

Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. Love one another deeply…Bless those who hurt you…Don’t pay back evil with evil…Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good. - (Romans 12:9-21, selected verses)

The thread for the start of the term is love; one of the core values of our College, Lutheran education and the Christian faith. Next time you walk into the new reception foyer, you will notice each of the 10 Lutheran values, together with Pacific’s mission, written on the wall.

Central to this thread of love is the issue of revenge. Whenever humans reflect on love and the love they show or don’t show to one another, the issue of revenge raises its head. The Apostle Paul says; “love must be honest and true, hate what is evil and hold onto what is good. Don’t pay back evil with evil. Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.” One of the reasons why we find it hard to love others is because revenge is an all too common human response to the acts of evil, violence, hurt, abuse and anger we sometimes experience.

The old way of acting in the world is revenge, repaying evil with evil, or that mentality of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’. On September 12^th 2001, after the World Trade Centre tragedy, a minister in Washington DC read a sermon; “if we live by that motto, then how quickly will we become an eyeless and toothless nation”.

Children and young people need to hear the message that there is a better way forward than revenge. This is especially important in a 21st-century cinema culture where many movies use revenge as a central theme and where revenge can be carried out anonymously on social media platforms. Using that ‘mental switch’ of practising the pause, controlling our words and actions, resisting our initial human reaction to give as good as we get, are all skills to model and encourage in children as we love one another deeply.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

Having been at Pacific for almost 15 years, something that has always stood out for me is the emphasis on the phrase ‘everyone is a leader’. I have used it on assemblies, talking to sporting teams, in class and around the school yard many times. Typically, the first week of a school term can be a settling in phase where the focus is more about reengaging in study habits and home learning. However, in just the opening two weeks of the term, I have been blown away by the response of many students who have stepped up and shown a tremendous amount of leadership.

Last Wednesday was the first Leadership Day for the Year 11 cohort. It was interesting to see how the group interacted and how students took the messages and themes on board throughout the day. I look forward to walking alongside them throughout the year, as they approach their final stages of school life.

It was great to see a variety of students across P-12 march for the ANZAC’s in remembrance of their service to our country last week. It was a powerful statement to honour those who sacrificed their lives and to have more than 200 Pacific students participate was truly inspiring. To top off an already big week, many of those who marched on Thursday once again supported the College with their attendance at our Open Day on Sunday. Students performed, assisted in learning spaces and led tours for prospective families. All students did an amazing job representing the College and their efforts were very much appreciated. Once again, the vision of leadership across a range of age groups was very evident and the selfless attitude of all involved made me very proud to be associated with Pacific.

There are many more opportunities for leadership and service that students can be involved with throughout the year, starting with the Red Shield Doorknock Appeal this month. At the Middle College assembly this week, we were given details about the ways in which we can all be involved in supporting the community and we encourage all who are able to, to help support those who are less fortunate. Students and families can do this with their time and donations throughout the month of May. I’m sure that once again, Pacific will be at the forefront of the Red Shield Appeal, demonstrating our leadership and service to one another.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for children to progress through school and life. From 14^th – 16^th May, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

In preparation for the upcoming tests, parents are encouraged to click here for more information.

Mrs Rae Hall, Head of Teaching and Learning Middle College and Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Teaching and Learning K-5

Do your children sometimes stress you out? Do they know how to ‘push your buttons’ and draw you into an argument? If so, you're not alone! While parenting has its rewards and joys, it can also be challenging. Many parents wish they could have less conflict and more understanding. Believe it or not, it starts with focusing more on yourself and less on your children. Learn more at: https://www.empoweringparents.com

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Open Day BBQ

Our BBQ on Open Day gave us a chance to catch up with students, staff and both current and prospective families. Thank you to the parent volunteers who helped set-up, cook and pack down the tent including Allyson Sarvari, Josh Sarvari, Teena Thompson, Bronwen Butler and Zane Russell. Your assistance was greatly appreciated!

Woolworths Earn & Learn

Pacific is participating in the Woolworths Earn & Learn program again this year. From Wednesday 1^st May until Tuesday 25^th June, when you shop at Woolworths you can collect Woolworths Earn & Learn Stickers and place them on a Woolworths Earn & Learn sticker sheet. Shoppers receiver one sticker for every $10 spent. Completed sticker sheets can be placed in the collection boxes at the P-5 Student Administration, the Wellbeing Centre, outside the Prep rooms and the Library. You can also place them in the Pacific box at Woolworths Currimundi, Caloundra and Buddina.

Each Prep – Year 5 student will have recently received a sticker sheet. Year 6-12 students and families can print off a sticker sheet at: https://d4iqe7beda780.cloudfront.net/resources/site/wr/files/earnlearn19-printable-sticker-sheets.pdf.

Bonus: Look out for the double sticker offer this Saturday and Sunday!

Mother’s Day

FoP will host a Mother's Day Stall on Tuesday 7^th May (P-5) and Thursday 9^th May (Year 6-12). We thank Mrs Teena Thompson, Mrs Sanet Strong and the Year 4 parents who have been busy organising the gifts. Prep to Year 5 students will visit the stall in their class groups, while Year 6-12 students can visit the stall during morning tea outside Coral Café. All gifts are $5 each.

Athletics Carnivals

FoP will also support the Athletics Carnivals with a BBQ and drinks stall on Wednesday 8^th May (Years 3-6) and Friday 26^th July (Years 7-12).

Golf Day

The Pacific and IBN Private Golf Day is on Sunday 9^th June at the Pelican Waters Golf Club. The Golf Day has been designed particularly for parents to connect. We'd love to see a team of four from each year level, so please share the event with your class/year level and encourage maximum participation. Click here to download the Registration Form. The registration fee includes a cart, brunch and a meal at the 19th. It will be a whole lot of fun, so gather your team together now! Plus…look out for entertaining activities on various holes from our sponsors:

• IBN Private
• Mooloolah Valley Pharmacy
• Forensix Group

We also have some fantastic prizes in our Golf Day Raffle including a BBQ, a photo package and a travel prize! If your business would like to be involved in sponsoring hole or donating raffle prize, please let us know via: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Last week, children shared their understanding of ANZAC Day with their peers. Children displayed great knowledge of what the day means and shared what they would be doing with their family to commemorate ANZAC Day. Children also engaged in a number of activities which are displayed in our multicultural area.

Book Club order forms were issued this week to students across Prep – Year 7. Please return your order forms to the library or order online by next Friday 10^th May.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

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

Pastor Ray, St Mark’s Lutheran Church

5                       Labour Day Public Holiday

7                       Friends of Pacific Mother’s Day Stall – Prep – Year 5

7-8                   Senior College Parent Conferences

8                       Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival – USC

                         Year 11-12 Drama Excursion – Brisbane

9                       Friends of Pacific Mother’s Day Stall – Years 6-12

12                    Mother’s Day

13                    Trimester 2 Commences

13-14               Middle College Conferences

14-16              NAPLAN

20                    Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

21                    Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

24                    9-12yrs District Athletics

24-25              Oklahoma!

                         Brisbane Careers Expo

26                    Red Shield Door Knock Appeal