Compass No. 540 July 2019

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – If anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9

Have you been motivated to get out of bed on these cold mornings we have had this week? Motivation can sometimes be lacking first thing in the morning, especially when we are in a warm bed. Have your children and teenagers been motivated to come back to school after the holidays and get back into the swing of things? Are your students motivated to learn, to do their best at school this term and achieve what they are capable of? The motivation to achieve is the thread for the start of this term and the remaining threads for the term focus on commitment to learning and engagement and bonding to school.

What drives motivation has been of great interest to parents, teachers, employers, social researchers and philosophers for years. In the Bible reading from Philippians, the writer Paul picks up on some of this thinking as he tells us of ways to be motivated. In this text, Paul tells us two things. First, he writes; ‘whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, think about these things’. Here, Paul encourages us to be motivated by what is good, what is true and what is beautiful. For thousands of years, philosophers have been on the quest for goodness, truth and beauty in life. Over time, the search for these virtues has motivated people because they have the power to build people up, grow deep character, help create community with others as well as bring purpose and meaning in life.  

Second, Paul says; ‘whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you’. What motivates us can come from what we have learnt, received or seen in others and especially that which has been put into action, lived out in practice in people’s lives. We are not motivated by wishful thinking, imaginary goals or plans that don’t involve hard work or effort. We are motivated by achievements that have been accomplished by tangible results lived out in the lives of role models. For Christians, the Holy Spirit motivates us as we follow Jesus and God works in us. We can be motivated by higher causes, including the certainty that by focusing on what is good, true and beautiful in life, we are working for the things of God.

All Year 4 families are invited to a special intergenerational service at St Mark's @ Pacific on Sunday 28^th July. At this service, the College and church are introducing a new milestone of gifting an ‘Adventure Bible’ to all Year 4 students. The service is taking place at 9.30am in the Pacific music rooms; entry is via Red Cedar Drive. Please RSVP to the Year 4 teachers or myself (tjarick@pacluth.qld.edu.au) by Wednesday 24^th July. 

A warm welcome back to the start of Term 3. We hope that all members of the Pacific community enjoyed time with family and friends over the break and that students had the chance to recharge in preparation for the term ahead. We welcome back the 20 students who toured Japan over the holidays and thank the staff who accompanied them, Mrs Michiko Hauser, Mr Mark Hauser and Ms Marg Gunn. If you kept track of their travels on the College Facebook page, you would agree that their experiences were truly once in a lifetime.

It was a privilege to attend the Year 4 Camp at Luther Heights recently. In the last week of term when it is safe to say everyone is feeling a little tired, I was, as were the staff in attendance, incredibly impressed with the energy and effort put in to the various activities the students were involved in. The testing weather conditions did not dampen their spirits in any way. However, it was still pleasing to see the sun shine on the last day! Thank you to Mr Nick Tait (Head of Outdoor Education), Mr David Druery (Head of Staff and Students P-5) and the Year 4 teachers and support staff, Mr Damian Davis, Mrs Amanda Empson, Mr Scott Crompton and Mrs Pia Foxlow for their support and leadership of students.

For many, Term 3 may be described as the ‘camping’ season. No less than four trips are scheduled to depart this term with Years 5, 8, 9 and a senior combined group all undertaking various outdoor experiences. We thank Mr Nick Tait in advance for his leadership in ensuring all participants, regardless of age, are able to engage in meaningful and challenging experiences with the support of teaching and support staff. Whilst Outdoor Education will have a different meaning for different students, all will have the opportunity to be enriched as they fully engage their senses with nature.

We look forward to another productive term, working and learning together.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

We hope all families spent a relaxing and enjoyable time together over the holidays.

Research continues to recognise the important role that parent support plays in creating an environment where children can achieve their academic potential. Next week, parent teacher conferences will be held for Prep – Year 5 students. The conferences provide an ideal opportunity for parents, teachers and students to discuss each child’s progress and development. Although the conferences are not compulsory, we encourage parents to attend if they have questions regarding their child’s academic performance and development. 

This term across Prep – Year 5, the focus for the You Can Do It program relates to developing wellbeing with a focus on resilience and happiness. Life is full of challenges and being resilient enables us to deal with these experiences positively, enhancing our wellbeing and happiness.

So, how can parents enhance their children’s wellbeing, enabling them to become resilient, happy human beings?

Last term, SchoolTV provided an excellent resource outlining strategies and information designed to assist parents. Research shows that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult. Learn more at: https://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me

Students and parents are reminded that the College hat is an important element of the school uniform. During break times, students need to wear a hat or they are required to stay out of the sun. Students should also be wearing their hats when travelling to and from the College

Students in Years 1-5 may only wear their sports uniform to school on the days they have HPE lessons. Years 4 and 5 students may also wear their HPE uniforms to school on Thursdays for SCISSA sport. Students might also be requested to wear their sports uniform to school for carnivals or excursions. On all other occasions, students should attend school in their formal uniform.

If for some reason your child is unable to wear the correct uniform to school, please send a note to your child’s class teacher. A uniform reminder letter will be forwarded to parents whose children are in the wrong uniform without a note

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

Blockbuster Trivia Night

The Pacific Blockbuster Trivia Night is shaping up to be bigger than Ben-Hur. Tables are selling faster than tickets to the Star Wars Trilogy or Bohemian Rhapsody. We’re now at 75% capacity so don’t delay in booking your table. This event will sell out!

Gather your team of 8-10 for a night of fun and laughter on Saturday 17^th August. We welcome back our quiz scribe, Mrs Leah Croke and MC, Mr Russell Ousley and wait in anticipation to see which team will be crowned champions. Plus…come dressed as a character from your favourite movie for more laughs. The Avengers, Cars, Three Men and a Baby, Bruce Almighty, Jurassic Park, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Wayne’s World, Bridesmaids; the possibilities are endless!

Kicking off at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start, tickets are $10 per person. There will be a fully stocked Blockbuster Bar and you’re invited to BYO food and table decorations. There will also be some amazing prizes up for grabs for the trivia winners and round winners, table challengers, best-dressed themed tables and individuals. Don’t miss our Blockbuster Live Auction, which will include the famous Pacific car park space! Plus… get your raffle and lucky number tickets for your chance to win fantastic prizes from F45 Training Caloundra and many more.

To book…

1. Get your team together and appoint a captain. No need to worry if you don't have a full team, we can place you with others (adults, alumni and Year 11 and 12 students).

2. Click here to download the booking form. Complete the details and return via email to: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au">fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au before tables sell out!

3. Look out for clues. The earlier you book your table, the more chances you’ll be given to gather hints.

4. The best-dressed Blockbuster-themed tables and individuals will win prizes!

Woolworths Earn and Learn Program

It is with great pleasure we announce that students and families collected 49 020 stickers during the recent Woolworths Earn and Learn program! This exceeded our previous effort by 15 000 stickers.

Your amazing support will enable Pacific to gain valuable equipment and supplies. Mrs Sue Zweck has now placed an order on behalf of the College and we hope to receive our goods in Term 4. Thank you to everyone who participated in the program.

Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival – BBQ Stall

FoP will once again host the BBQ stall at the Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival next Friday 26^th July at USC. We will have a sausage sizzle, drinks and muffins available for purchase throughout the day. Thank you to Mrs Allyson Sarvari for once again coordinating the stall. If parents have time to help on the day for an hour or so, please send a quick email to: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Pizza and movie tickets are on offer in this year’s Book Week competitions for Middle and Senior College students. Book Week is in Week 6 of this term and the theme is ‘Reading is my Secret Power’. Each week from now, we will be posting a new activity on our Book Week page: http://libguides.pacluth.qld.edu.au (password is plc). For each activity completed, students will receive an entry into the draw for a movie pass to Event Cinemas. Any student who completes all five activities will also get an invitation to our Book Week pizza party. This week’s super simple activity involves finding out your super hero name.

This week, across two days, library staff took 55 students to the Voices on the Coast Literature Festival. Students were able to listen to authors speak about their books, see performances, listen to poets and hear from illustrators about how they create their art. During their free time students enjoyed meeting authors and getting their books signed, exploring the University of the Sunshine Coast campus and socialising in the cafeteria. This is always a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking day.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

During the recent school holidays, nine intrepid adventurers took the long ride south to embark upon a white-water canoeing experience on the Clarence River. Students across Years 8-12 with a mixture of Duke of Edinburgh attainment levels participated in the experience that emphasised leadership attributes, decision-making and group management processes.

Students worked together to communicate within their canoe pairings to navigate some challenging rapids and as canoe pairings were regularly changing, students had to change their communication styles to suit. Students were involved in the decision-making processes of negotiating each rapid, departure times, campsite selection and general group duties such as cooking, waste management, hygiene and toileting. Each participant had a go at being the leader for a section of the day, which allowed for the practicing of such attributes in a guided and supported environment.

The river looked after us and sustained our journey. A big thank you to all nine participants for their enthusiasm and approach to this experience. We also thank Clarence River Canoes for their expertise and guidance, allowing us to soak up some of the rivers secrets and magic.

Mr Nick Tait, Head of Outdoor Education

Commencing this term, there are a number of new lesson times available for Speech and Drama Tutoring before, during or after school with past student Imogen Joppich. If you are interested, please contact Mrs Lisa McKibben at lmckibben@pacluth.qld.edu.au or on 0439 622 371.

Mrs Lisa McKibben, Speech and Drama Tutor

For new families to the College, SCISSA is the inter-school sport competition that Pacific’s Year 4-6 students participate in. Students train and play in various sports in preparation for a Gala Day competition at the end of each term. Students also have the opportunity to take part in two inter-school trial games each term, which are played during school time on Thursdays.

Students have already selected two sports they would like to try before committing to a sport for this semester. These come and try sport afternoons will occur during sport time on Thursday (1.40pm – 3.00pm) in Week 2 and 3. Students who have chosen water polo will need to bring their swimming attire, goggles, towel and a plastic bag to place wet gear into.

Students will then start afterschool training on Monday 12^th August (Week 5). Afterschool training dates for each term can be found on the College calendar. More detailed information regarding Semester 2 SCISSA sport can be found in CareMonkey.

Over the recent school holidays, Junior College student Thomas Ackhurst represented Pacific at the 2019 Northern New South Wales and Queensland Interschools Snowsports Championships at Perisher.

Thomas competed in three events including moguls, alpine and ski cross and won bronze in the ski cross event! Congratulations Thomas!

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

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

Sunday Worship Times St Mark’s Church @ Pacific 9.30am Pacific Lutheran College (Entry via Red Cedar Drive, Meridan Plains) Google Maps St Mark's Lutheran @ Pacific   Are you looking for a friendly church where young people, old people, children, families and singles are appreciated, empowered and encouraged to grow as Christians? Everyone is welcome! Get in touch: Pastor Ray Morris 0429 856 532 ray.morris@lca.org.au www.stmarkslutherancaloundra.net

Pastor Ray, St Mark’s Lutheran Church