Compass No. 535 May 2019

Sometimes when we are in the middle of something tough, or an experience that requires persistence, we can find it hard to appreciate the positives of what we are going through. School life is a classic example of this. In the middle of our school journey, if someone were to ask us what we appreciate about school, we would probably answer quite differently than if we were asked years later after we had finished school.

Whether it is our journey through school, our workplaces, or another experience in life, to be in a positive space of truly appreciating something, we often need distance and hindsight — reflecting with wisdom after the event is easier than finding perspective during it. That sense of perspective, of retraining our minds to think differently when we are in the thick of something, is difficult. I like to think of this mental switch as ‘mindsight’. Rather than hindsight, it takes mindsight when you are in the middle of something to value it and see it in a different way. To take the example of school or work, instead of catastrophising over exams, assessments, workloads, or what other colleagues or peers think of us or say about us online, in our mind’s eye how can we reframe our negative thoughts? How can we rethink what’s happening in our brains so as to focus on what is excellent?

In Philippians chapter four, Paul writes, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things.

Is Paul saying here; be positive, think positive thoughts? Will that change the focus of our minds?

Sometimes the more we try to have positive thoughts, the worse it can get, especially when we are stressed. Someone telling us to be positive and think positive thoughts, can have the opposite effect on us. Paul does not mean this here; rather, he is saying, yes, be aware of what our minds are thinking, but also focus our minds on what is worth time and energy, what is beautiful and true and builds people up. This is what can bring peace to our thoughts.

God’s peace is beyond human understanding. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds and keeps us safe in Christ Jesus. This is the promise of God for us, the peace of Jesus, which is able to calm the most troubled person and mind.  

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

For the past six years now, the Year 12 cohort has come together to participate in the annual Relay for Life challenge, to raise funds for cancer research. This year was no different. It was great to see the cohort come together to support this cause in an event that was coordinated by the students’ own initiative. We congratulate all who were a part of this event and celebrate with Sam Henderson, who was awarded the ‘spirit’ award on the night for his outstanding enthusiasm and dedication to the cause. Sam was recognised by the organisers for his outstanding contribution to the event in the lead-up to and throughout the night. A superb effort, for a great cause. We look forward to seeing future year levels continuing the tradition in their own ways.

It was a privilege to see the hours of hard work and dedication come to fruition over the weekend, first hand, at the College’s production of Oklahoma. The cast and crew should be commended on their efforts and professional approach to this production. To juggle the demands of a production as well as an academic workload is a remarkable feat. We wish you all the very best for your upcoming exams and pray that you have a smooth end to the term as it approaches quickly.

This week, the Year 12 cohort spent their Tuesday lunchtime connecting with their Year 2 buddies in a shared lunch activity. Seeing the excitement on the faces of the Year 2 students shows what strong connections have been formed already this year. Thank you to Year 2 teachers Mrs Leonie Prout, Mrs Tanya Graves and Mrs Jodie Connors for their support and help with this event. Well done to the Year 12 students for the way they have interacted with their buddies and the enthusiasm they bring. We look forward to the next ‘picnic’ in Term 3.
 

With the change in the senior curriculum comes a change in a lot of routines for the College. One area that has been up for review in light of these changes, has been the date of the Year 12 Formal. After discussions with parents, students, staff and administration, we are pleased to announce that next year’s formal date will remain the same as previous years (at the end of the Year 12 school year). As all graduating students will need to attend school in their final week (after external exams have been completed), it is fitting to end their educational journey at Pacific with their formal. We thank parents, students and staff for their input regarding this matter.

It was wonderful to see so many students, parents and staff come together last weekend, with more than 180 people volunteering a small part of their Sunday to put in a huge effort to support the Salvation Army’s work. The Door Knock Appeal managed to raise a huge amount of money to help those less fortunate and in need, and the effort was very much appreciated by Auxiliary Lieutenant’s Karen and Tim from the Salvation Army. Thank you to Mrs Leanne Bevis for her work in coordinating this event and to our community for their support.

On Tuesday 4^th June, class and individual photos will be taken. Students who have HPE lessons on Tuesday will need to be dressed in their formal school uniform for all photos.

Next Friday 7^th June, our Year 5 classes will be running a Market Day to raise funds for the Australian Lutheran World Service Gifts of Grace. Students will be selling a variety of products including arts and crafts, food and drinks. Prep – Year 5 students will visit stalls in their class groups. A letter providing further information will be forwarded home to parents. Click here to download the flyer!

This term, all students in Prep – Year 2 have been training for their Cross Country Carnival, which will be held on Wednesday 19^th June from 1.40pm to 3.00pm. A letter providing details of this event was sent home this week. All parents are warmly invited to come along and support their children’s participation.

Negative habits of mind greatly fuel emotional discomfort. These negative habits of mind include self-downing, the need to be perfect, the need for approval, the ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I can’t be bothered’ mindsets and being intolerant of others. This week, I would like to continue sharing some strategies from the You Can Do It Program, which may help eliminate or balance these negative mindsets.

The need for approval is another negative habit of mind which can be detrimental to a child developing resilience.

To Eliminate ‘Needing Approval’

In order to help a child who is overly concerned with what others think about them, you should find an opportunity to explain that while it is nice to be liked and approved of, you do not need the approval of teachers or friends all the time. The following should be communicated:

“There are very few things we actually need in life and these include food, shelter and clothing. It may feel like we cannot stand it when someone disapproves of something we did or that it is the worst thing in the world to be teased or criticised. However, it is important to know that while it is not pleasant, it is something that you can put up with and survive.”

You should emphasise to your child that while it is preferable to try to be accepted and approved of, it is equally important to be ‘independent’ and to try new things even if others think you are silly. Try to eliminate your child’s dependency on seeking your assistance with schoolwork and their fear of being criticised for not having done it well enough.

Suggestions to eliminate your child’s needs for approval include:

• Encourage your child to complete his/her schoolwork independently. If your child has a question, you should use the Praise, Prompt and Leave procedure (e.g. say something positive about what you child knows or has done, provide a brief prompt about the next step and then walk away).
• Recognise your child when they complete work independently.
• Teach your child not to judge or evaluate his/her work until after a certain period of time.
• Don’t give your child too much attention when he/she expresses negative feelings about work.
• Encourage your child to participate in social activities, rather than avoid them.
• Acknowledge your child when he/she has ‘survived’ being in social situations he/she experienced as stressful. Say: “See, you are strong enough to put up with unpleasantness”.

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

Health is not just a science, but an ongoing creative adventure that often takes some interesting twists and turns. The Institute for the Psychology of Eating has 10 tips for staying healthy that can help us feel happier, healthier and more in tune with our world. Learn more at: https://psychologyofeating.com/10-tips-staying-healthy/.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Pacific and IBN Private Golf Day – Sunday 9^th June

We’re looking forward to our upcoming Golf Day on Sunday 9^th June. Spots are filling fast but there’s still time to join the fun. If you are interested but don’t yet have a team, please contact us so we can place you in one.

Resident golf pro, Atomu, will be there with handy tips for players. Look out for the activities on selected holes, courtesy of our sponsors:

• IBN Private
• Mooloolah Valley Pharmacy
• Forensix Group
• Fowler Lawyers
• Computer Cut Signs

There are trophies and prizes on offer for our place winners in addition to prizes for the nearest to the pin, longest drive and more. Plus, don’t miss our Golf Day Raffle. Bring some spare change to get your tickets!

The program of events at Pelican Waters Golf Club will be as follows:

• 8.30am – registrations open
• 9.00am – brunch is served
• 9.45am – putting competition
• 10.30am – shotgun start
• 3.30pm – meal and presentation at the 19th. Families of players are invited to meet and have a drink at the clubhouse. 

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 and contact our Golf Day organisers, Erin and Darren Carter on 0403 125 824 or via email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

For the past 19 years the Australian Library and Information Services (ALIA) has held its National Simultaneous Storytime event. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian, is read (usually) simultaneously the country. Our event took place on Monday this week at the Junior College Assembly and in our Early Learning Centre. Matt Cosgrove’s highly entertaining book ‘Alpacas with Maracas’ was a colourful and lively choice for this year’s read-aloud and our two ‘alpacas’, Mrs Peta Griffin and Mrs Lily Smith, were a huge hit. We thank them both for their willingness and creativity to ensure we were able to once again promote the joy of reading to our students and staff.

Book Club orders are due next Friday 7^th June.

Ms Sue Warren, Teacher Librarian

Last week, Year 3 students participated in a food tasting event, sampling some delicious and healthy Japanese food. As part of their unit on studying Japanese sports and healthy foods, students ate edamame, miso soup and green tea. The edamame beans (soybeans) were a definite favourite with the students, followed closely by miso soup. Thank you to the Year 9 Japanese students for their assistance with the event. おいしかった！

Outdoor Adventure Opportunity – Rock Climbing and Abseiling

We are pleased to announce the confirmation of an Outdoor Adventure opportunity taking place in early Term 3. 

The Rock Climbing and Abseiling Adventure will take place over a weekend at Brooyar State Forest and is available to Senior College students (Years 10-12) and our Duke of Edinburgh participants in the Bridge (L1 and L2) or Bronze Awards.

This Outdoor Adventure opportunity will be held from Saturday 20^th – Sunday 21^st July and there are costs involved in attending.

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Mr Nick Tait or Mrs Natalie Campbell prior to Friday 7^th June.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Background

In 2019, The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is celebrating 60 years. The Award has been operating in Australia for 58 years and is one of 130 countries who have adopted the program. 

The International Award provides a supportive structure for the personal development of students aged 14 – 25 years old, as they work towards finding their purpose, passion and place in the world.  

To achieve an Award, each student must learn a skill, improve their physical wellbeing, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment. The award recognises student’s efforts in setting individual goals and their development through persistence and achievement.

The Award has three levels:

• Bronze – Students must be over 14 years and requires a minimum six months commitment
• Silver – Students must be over 15 years and requires a minimum 12 months commitment
• Gold – Students must be over 16 years and requires a minimum 18 months commitment

Students and parents who are interested in the Award can contact Mr Nick Tait or Mrs Natalie Campbell for further information.

Mr Nicholas Tait and Mrs Natalie Campbell, Duke of Edinburgh Award Team

Donate for Round 8 – Salvos Appeal

Thank you to the Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer Association families who generously donated non-perishable goods to the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. Pacific FC is proud to be involved with Pacific Lutheran College and give back to the local community through such a worthwhile cause. This is the Salvation Army’s signature fundraising drive which helps fund their vast network of social and community services.

U7 Tigers

T is for TIGERS! Our U7’s had loads of fun on Saturday. It was great to see a fabulous support crew on board as well!

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week gave us a special opportunity to thank our coaches, managers and volunteers with a small gift. Every time our volunteers help out, we put their name into the draw to win a $50 Rebel Sport gift card. This week, congratulations goes to Frances from the U8 Pacific Dolphins, who won the draw.

Looking Ahead…

Round 9 is this Saturday 1^st June. We have been advised that the Caloundra District Netball Association games scheduled for this weekend at Pacific have been cancelled. However, all Pacific FC games will go ahead as normal (except in the case of extreme wet weather). We also have a new winter menu in the canteen including soup and hot rolls. Parents, please check the Pacific FC Team App for the canteen and field set-up rosters. Please check SCCSA for any changes to the draw in the case of wet weather.

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