Compass No. 544 August 2019

From the Principal

Home Learning

Simple rephrasing of language can help to re-orientate ourselves about the way in which we think about home learning as distinct from homework. Hattie’s research shows that home learning does have an increasing impact on student outcomes as young people move through secondary school. For younger students, engagement in reading and regular use of mathematics, including speed and accuracy in recall of number facts, also builds capacity. 

Revisiting and consolidation of learning completed in the day helps to build patterns in the mind. Revisiting material repeatedly over an extended period also helps to build retention. Building effective study habits is an important part of the middle and senior years’ experience. As in all areas of life, the Goldilocks Principle of just the right amount and the right type of home learning is important. Our Pacific staff are mindful in guiding young people to build capacity and progressively take greater responsibility for their home learning in an age appropriate manner.

Principal's Log

We congratulate our Year 7 and 8 Mathematics teams who performed well at the recent Queensland Association of Mathematics teachers (QAMT) annual interschool competition last week. The competition involved five rounds that tested students on their estimation, speed and problem solving as individuals and teams. Our team of Amedy Buchanan, Beyonce Matthew and Cooper Kiernan came third and will compete at the regional final later this month. Year 9 students also participated in the finals of the USC Maths Modelling Challenge having won their division in the earlier round of competition where they had to develop a mathematical solution to a problem and presented their findings. Students enjoyed the opportunity to respond to an open-ended mathematical problem based on this year's National Science Week theme 'Destination Moon: More Missions, More Science'. We thank our Mathematics teachers for their support of these teams.

This week teachers across Queensland will be lodging two of the three internal assessments that Year 12 students will complete in 2020. The new QCE system involves teachers submitting assessment for endorsement the year prior to students completing it. The endorsers will then spend time in Brisbane over the weekend of 24th and 25th August, reviewing assessment across the state and providing feedback. We congratulate Ms Michiko Hauser who has been appointed as a lead endorser for Japanese, Mrs Claire Richards as a lead endorser for Physics, Mrs Janine Stone who is a lead endorser for Digital Solutions and Mr Gary Graves who is an endorser for Physical Education. The process involved in becoming an endorser has required considerable time and we appreciate the professional commitment of these staff to support the learning of young people across the state.

May God equip our young people, their teachers and parents to revel in the adventure of learning.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the Director of Students

Motivation and Engagement

Last week I was fortunate to hear from Professor Andrew Martin who was speaking at a seminar on the topic of Enhancing Student Motivation, Engagement and Achievement. His address focused on the pathways to personal potential. An internationally respected researcher in this field, Professor Martin spoke of the need for students to develop their academic buoyancy in the face of setbacks, academic challenge and the pressures of schoolwork. According to Professor Martin there are five elements of academic buoyancy; confidence, coordination, commitment, control and composure. It is the latter, composure, which is considered one of the most important traits to develop in students as they cope with anxiety.

Year 9 2020 Subject Selection

This week, our current Year 8 students and their parents and carers, began the process of selecting subjects for Year 9 in 2020. This is an important stepping stone for students to focus on particular talents and passions and to choose subjects that reflect this. Mrs Rae Hall (Head of Teaching and Learning, Middle College) spoke of the need for students to appreciate the freedom to choose electives that motivate and engage them. We thank Mrs Hall for leading the night with a thorough outline of how the College supports a holistic education across a range of domains and all the Heads of Department who gave of their time to answer questions from curious students and parents.

Trust

This term, I have had the opportunity to conduct College tours for prospective families wishing to join the Pacific community. Recently I was astounded by the insightfulness of one young man who, at the end of his tour, identified just how trusting we are as a school. He spoke of the freedom our students have to collaborate in class, to be reliable with industrial machinery and to make their way to class without the need for a single bell. Whilst I applaud the young man for his honesty and intuition, I equally applaud all members of our College, that a culture of trust is something which is visible to those yet to join.

Looking Ahead

We wish all students competing at the 13-19yrs District Athletics the best of luck this Thursday and Friday and thank the staff accompanying them on these days. A reminder too that the Year 9 Camp Information Evening is on Tuesday 20th August, commencing at 6.00pm at the College. Both parents and students are required to attend this information session.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

With the recycling of organic waste occurring at the College, the next step in the process of lowering our environmental footprint will be continuing to focus on the collection of recyclable material and reducing the waste going to landfill. At assembly, I spoke with students about placing recyclable waste items into the yellow recycling bins located throughout the Junior College campus. This concept has been well supported by our ‘Waste Warriors’ who are doing a great job during break times.

I also encourage parents to consider this when preparing food for lunches and morning teas. As a parent, I appreciate the convenience of snap-lock plastic bags, plastic food wraps and fruit juice packed in tetra packs (which are recyclable). However, there are alternatives for replacing much of the plastic used in lunches. Although the use of paper bags is not ideal, paper is certainly preferable to plastic. Reusable stainless-steel water bottles and cutlery can be used instead of plastic. Reusable containers are great for storing snacks and meals as well.

Developing a social culture of sustainability and environmental awareness begins in childhood. By involving students in the practical application of such a philosophy, as a school we can help students grow into adults who are environmentally aware and who practice simple forms of waste management and recycling. Individually, we may perceive our actions only make a small difference, but collaboratively, the impact can be immense and make the world a better place.

 
Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival

All Prep – Year 2 students have begun preparing for their Athletics Carnival, which will be held on Monday 2nd September. The Carnival will start at 1.00pm and conclude by 3.00pm. Parents are most welcome at this exciting event.

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

Food for Thought

Beauty - The Real Picture

Beauty – The Real Picture is a program for girls aged 10-12 years and will be held in the September school holidays.

We know that self-esteem and body image are prevalent issues for pre-teen and teenage girls, particularly as we live in a society that is focused on beauty and perfection. Beauty – The Real Picture focuses on the development of healthy self-esteem and positive body image. The program is delivered in a fun and engaging way using a variety of activities, teamed with the use of multimedia and interactive discussion.

To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.headstartpsychology.com.au.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Blockbuster Trivia Night

This Saturday’s Pacific Blockbuster Trivia Night is SOLD OUT. We do however have two seats on a table available for any last minute participants. Please contact the main office or email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au. We look forward to coming together in community for this fun event. Teams, a friendly reminder:

  • Organise your movie-themed costume for the Devil Wears Prada Best Dressed Competition.
  • Arrive from 6.30pm, ready for a 7.00pm start.
  • BYO food and table decorations to match your theme.
  • The Titanic Bar will cater drinks on the evening, so please don't bring your own. BYO drinking glasses if you wish to be more environmentally friendly.

There are amazing prizes up for grabs for the trivia winners and round winners, Fast and Furious table challenges and best-dressed themed tables and individuals. Don’t miss the Diamond Raffle and Live Auction, with prizes generously donated by Sunstate Jewellers, F45 Training, Ramada Resort Golden Beach, Harry's on Buderim, Scratchy Nails, Sunshine White,  KISS Photography, Shine Beauty, Zarraffas Currimundi, Anaconda Kawana, Kathmandu, the College and loads more. If your business would like to be part of the night by donating a prize, please contact: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

IRONMAN 70.3 Volunteering Opportunities

Want the best seat in the house? Want to gain experience in the event industry? Pacific is volunteering with IRONMAN 70.3 on Sunday 8th September and we are looking for parents and Middle / Senior College helpers who would like to join the Pacific / FoP volunteer team. It’s a six-hour commitment at Mooloolaba and promises to be a rewarding experience. Volunteers receive a t-shirt and a cap and will generally be helping on drink stations. Pacific will receive a donation for every volunteer we provide on the day, which will help us raise funds for the installation of more water refill stations at the College. If you would like more information or can commit to helping out, please contact Allyson Sarvari on 0402 276 988 or email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Father’s Day Stall

FoP will host the annual Father’s Day Stall for Prep-Year 12 students on Wednesday 28th August. All gifts are $5 each. If parents have an hour or two to spare on the morning to help out, please contact our stall coordinator, Mrs Teena Thompson or email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Next Meeting

Please join us for our next meeting at 6.30pm on Tuesday 20th August in the library.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Library News

Book Week is Nearly Here!

Next week is Book Week, which is celebrated Australia-wide to promote the importance of books and reading in our lives. This weekend, the winners of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards will be announced. Prep – Year 5 students have been busy exploring the books in their library classes this term.

During Book Week there will be a number of events and competitions running across Prep – Year 5 and Year 6-12, including our dress up day for Prep – Year 6 students who are encouraged to come to school dressed up as a book character on Wednesday 21st August. Click here to download the full list of activities.

Book Club

Book club order forms were distributed to Prep – Year 7 classes this week. Orders are due by next Friday 23rd August.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

Secondary College

QAMT Quiz

Year 7 and 8 students continue to set high standards in Mathematics after the Pacific A team won third place at the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers (QAMT) annual inter-school quiz last Tuesday. The Pacific B team also performed well, compiling a high score.

The students were tested over five rounds including estimation, speed, problem solving (individual and team) and general knowledge. The aim of the quiz was to engage high achieving students in Mathematics and encouraged teamwork and cooperation. Our students competed with enthusiasm and showed great commitment to solving complex problems.

The Pacific A team will now move on to the regional final later this month.

Congratulations to the following students on their efforts:

  • Team A: Amedy Buchanan, Beyonce Matthew and Cooper Kiernan.
  • Team B: Harrison Hockam, Kielana Clewett and Ayanna Nath.

Mr Andrew Block, QAMT Coordinator

Commedia Dell‘Arte Workshop

Last week, Year 10 Drama students engaged in a full day workshop on the 400 year old comedic and satirical art form, Commedia Dell‘Arte, with theatre industry professional, Clint from Humonculos Theatre. Clint has toured both nationally and internationally with his clowning, comedy and Commedia performances and his unique talents have recently seen him chosen as a clown for Cirque Du Soleil when they tour Australia. Clint inspired students with his knowledge of the masked theatrical style of Commedia, the stock characters and the improvised scenarios and they also delighted in his humour and supportive coaching throughout this very worthwhile experience.

Mrs Janine Delaney, Head of Drama

Cultural News

Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod

Throughout July and the start of August, more than 150 music students participated in the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod. Pacific was represented by 17 ensembles and numerous duets, trios, quartets and solo performances. Our students enjoyed many successes, but in particular we congratulate Kai and Evy who both placed 1st in their respective age championship vocal groups. Well done to all students on their performances and thank you to our tutors Miss Moniqua Lowth, Mrs Jenna Woodforth, Mr Piri Broughton and Mrs Annette Fowler, capably led by Mrs Helen Williams, for their support and preparation of our students.

Tornado vs Hurricane

Last week Middle College student Julian Schirripa became a published poet when his poem ‘Tornado vs Hurricane’ was selected to appear on the Australian Children's Poetry website as their 'poem of the day'. It was also sent out to hundreds of subscribers in their blog.

Julian is in good company – many of the poems published on this site are by well-known poets such as Celia Berrell, Australia's favourite 'Science Poet'. Ms Berrell even took the time to comment on Julian's poem, noting its "clever layout and concise information". The poem is written in the form of a Partner Poem, where you need two opposing voices to perform it. Each voice provides a different point of view and compares and contrasts (in this case) factual information. As well as fact-checking the scientific information, Julian 'beta-tested' the poem with a friend during his Speech lesson to make sure that the language flowed easily for performance.

How appropriate that it should be published in time for Science Week. Well done to Julian on this exciting achievement! Visit the following link to view the published poem: https://australianchildrenspoetry.com.au.

Mrs Lisa McKibben, Speech and Drama Tutor

Junior Sport (P-6)

Prep - Year 2 Athletics Carnival

The Prep – Year 2 Athletics carnival will be held in Week 8 on Monday 2nd September. Please note that there has been a slight change to the start time listed on the College calendar, with the first events starting at 1.00pm. The carnival will conclude at 3.00pm and families are welcome to come along and support their child on the day. 

Student Success – Rugby Union

Well done to Middle College student Izaac Grime who recently played in the U12 Sunshine Coast Schoolboys Rugby Union team. Izaac travelled to Townsville for the State Championships and the Sunshine Coast team won six out of their seven matches during the tournament. Unfortunately, they went down in the semi-final game, but still finished in third place overall.

At the tournament, Izaac was named man of the match in the game against the Darling Downs. Well done, Izaac!

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

Secondary Sport (7-12)

Kayaking

Last week at training, students were privileged to have a special lesson with aspiring C1 Olympian, Louise Yabsley. Louise is currently training on the Sunshine Coast and saw our students using a C1 canoe, so thought she would offer her assistance. Louise worked with students on their technique before running drills with them in the water to work on their stability and strokes. The C1 is an incredibly rare sport in Australia, with only about 20 competitive paddlers. Louise was very impressed with our program and was excited by the opportunity to work with some female students and get them interested in the sport. She explained that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is the first event where females can compete in the C1. We are very grateful for Louise’s time, expertise and guidance of our students.

Mr Gary Graves, Kayaking Coordinator

Monday Night Water Polo

Team

Opposition

Score

Result

MVP

Intermediate Girls

GSLC

1-24

Loss

Catalina Stylianou

Intermediate Boys

Siena

1-10

Loss

Finn Davis

Senior Girls

Sunshine Beach

8-17

Loss

Cosette Winter

 

SCISSA Touch Results

Team

Opposition

Score

Result

MVP

Junior Girls A

MFAC

ILC

2-5

7-2

Loss

Win

Jessica Lloyd

Katie Graves

Junior Boys A

MFAC

2-10

Loss

Jack Packer

Junior Girls B

SCGS

3-12

Loss

Zara Grant

Junior Boys B

MFAC B1

4-10

Loss

Luke Sentell

 

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

Club Sport

Pacific FC

This season we have two teams in contention for finals – our U11C Barracudas and U13 Eels. The final round this Saturday will determine the top four placings on the ladders.

Upcoming Events

  • Round 18 – 17th August is an away game for the final round.
  • Saturday 24th August is our last home game for the season with the U6 and U7 Rooball Carnival. All U6-U10 carnival locations and times are now available for viewing at: http://www.sccsa.org.au.
  • 24th and 31st August and 7th September: U11-U14 semi, prelim and grand final matches.
  • Friday 13th September: U11+ SCCSA Adermann Night (SCCSA invite only). Our table theme is South Africa.
  • Sunday 15th September: Pacific FC end of season family fun day and presentations at the College. All Pacific FC families welcome.
  • 12th, 19th and 26th October: SCCSA Representative Trials for the 2020 season (U10-U16) at Mudjimba Multisport. All current U9 (born 2010) – U16 players are welcome to trial.

Mr Zane Russell, Pacific FC President

PLC Netball Club

Last weekend was the Caloundra District Netball Association Club Carnival. The Carnival is held in a round robin format and there were more than 20 clubs competing on the day. The event is a little different as it is age based, so Pacific fielded six teams in U11 (2) through to U15 (we usually play with mixed age teams, based on skill).  

It was a very successful day with both our U15 and U14 teams going through undefeated. The U15 team were Carnival Champions, whist the U14 team were runners-up (they drew with the winners in the last game and were placed second on goal difference). This represents our most successful carnival in recent years. Well done to all of those who participated.

We also thank the BBQ team, Pacific staff, team managers, coaches and parents for making the day the success that it was.

A reminder that our Club presentation night is coming up on 15th September at Laserzone commencing at 5.30pm.

Mr Trevor Colton, PLC Netball Club 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

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Service Notice

 

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

General Notices

LLL Banking

Pacific provides opportunities for children and parents to operate savings accounts with the Lutheran Laypeople’s League (LLL). The LLL is a charitable financial institution which provides savings accounts and has been trusted since 1921.

The LLL has a variety of savings accounts: personal and joint accounts; guardian accounts for children; and Business accounts, including self-managed super funds and not-for-profit organisations.

LLL Savings Accounts have many features, including:

  • A great interest rate;
  • No fees or charges at all;
  • Internet banking;
  • No minimum balance or deposit requirements;
  • No ‘bonus’ interest hurdles; and
  • Your money is available to withdraw at any time.

For further information regarding the LLL, visit the College’s Business Office or www.lll.org.au.

Pacific Fitness Hub

Pacific Lutheran College is fundraising with Entertainment™ again this year. Order your NEW 2019 | 2020 Entertainment™ Books and Entertainment™ Digital Memberships today and 20% of the proceeds will go towards Pacific Lutheran Early Learning Centre!

To order your book or digital membership, visit: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/230p536.

Pacific Fitness Hub

Parents have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in Pacific Fitness Hub’s classes! The classes are a great way to keep fit and make new friends.

  • Training: We will be offering a mix of various types of training, tailored to each individual, including high intensity, weights, cardio, core training, yoga/ flexibility.
  • Transformation: Mason will track your progress and achievement of your goals.  Functional fitness assessment, body composition measurement and goal related fitness assessment will be recorded at commencement and on completion.
  • Goals: Improve strength, increasing lean muscle, increasing endurance, mobility, flexibility, reducing body fat percentage, improving sleep, concentration and mood and increasing energy levels, nutrition changes.

For enquiries and registration please contact Mason on 0433 421 969 or email: kawanaforestfitness@gmail.com.

Upcoming Dates

AUGUST

16                    13-19yrs District Athletics Carnival

                        Year 5 Camp Returns

17                    Friends of Pacific Trivia Night (6.30pm)

19                    Trimester 3 Commences

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

19-23               Book Week

20                    Staff and Co-Curricular Photo Day

                        Year 9 Camp Information Evening (6.00pm)

                        Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

22                    Years 4-6 SCISSA Trial Games

25                    St Mark’s @ Pacific Grow and Share Event – Pet Blessing (9.30am)

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

27                    Year 6 Canberra Tour Information Evening (6.00pm)

28                    Friends of Pacific Father’s Day Stall

29-30              13-19yrs Regional Athletics Carnival

30                    Celebrating Dads’ Breakfast (7.00am)