Dads and men play an important role in the support and formation of children and young people both within families and within our community. This week, we have the opportunity to pause and be thankful for the role that dads and significant male figures play in our lives in their various roles as parents, teachers, pastors, coaches, mentors, playmates, friends and enablers. As a community, we are very thankful to the many men who, as parents and teachers, generously give of their time to maximise growth and opportunity for our young people. As a community we say thank you! All that you do and are is greatly appreciated.
Compass No. 546 August 2019
From the Principal
Celebrating the Dads of Our Community
Principal's Log
This week there has been considerable commentary about NAPLAN results across the country. Many different factors impact on cohort and group results and simplistic interpretation of results can be misleading, particularly where there are different groups and percentages of groups completing the test. The data is most useful at a school and an individual level, where it is used as one piece of data along with other information to gauge the progress of a young person, where the characteristics of that person as a learner are known and understood. Pacific has a very high percentage of students completing the test each year and uses the data in conjunction with other data to review and enhance student learning on an individual and cohort level. In comparison to the preliminary state and national data that has been released, Pacific has performed above national and state means in all areas of the test for all cohorts, with the exception of Year 3 spelling where the mean was above the state and slightly below the national mean. Once we have received the hard copies of individual results, they will be posted to families with an accompanying letter. Families with questions are welcome to make contact with myself, Mrs Rae Hall as Head of Middle College Teaching and Learning and Mrs Sue Zweck as Head of Teaching Learning Prep – Year 5.
A letter from me, detailing the outcome of the external investigation into a phishing attack on 7th June, has been emailed home today. Due to the very quick action of our IT Department, only a very small number of email accounts were breached. Families are asked to read this letter and take note of actions they can take to reduce the likelihood of their accounts being susceptible to future events.
It was a pleasure to listen to the Year 11 students as part of the inter-house public speaking competition yesterday. The quality and depth of thinking they presented as they shared their thoughts about ‘the greatest gift’ was uplifting for the audience to reflect upon. Well done to all the students and thank you to Mrs Tina Cox for her organisation.
Music filled with heart and feeling flowed from the music rooms yesterday afternoon as the Pacific Junior Strings Ensemble rehearsed with renowned strings and conducting expert Mr Mark Sullivan for a collaborative project. Students from Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Siena Catholic College, Buderim Mountain State School and the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra are also part of the project. The project will culminate on Sunday 8th September, when all students will combine for a workshop and performance day. This is a great learning experience for our Junior Strings students and we thank Mrs Helen Williams for her coordination of this exciting opportunity.
We look forward to tomorrow morning’s Celebrating Dads’ Breakfast where we celebrate our dads as fathers and also as generous leaders within this community. May God give all the men of our community a strong sense of purpose and value in the important role they play in the growing of young people within their families and community. Happy Father’s Day to all of our dads.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
From the College Pastor
Bonding to School
“I was a smart kid, but I hated school.” – Eminem
It would be interesting to dig deeper and ask the rapper, Eminem, why he hated school so much? Also, what he would do differently if he could go back to school and be a student all over again? The thread of bonding to school is certainly critical to students making the most of their formal education, both within the classroom and the wider school community.
A school is a place of formation, where we can grow to become better people in the world. This thread invites a school community to see itself as a living organism, made up of the rainbow of personalities that are the students, staff and families. One purpose of a school is to encourage that ‘living organism’ to blossom and shine in the world – to bless people in the wider community and bring glory to God. Many young people spend their whole schooling life being formed by the one school – and in this, they themselves, leave their mark on that school. This is what bonding to school is all about. A student being open to learn, change and be transformed but also learning to lead in such a way that they leave a legacy to their school community.
The Bible text for this thread is about looking around yourself, to the community in which you are placed, and asking: “how can I do good for others here?” Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on your enemy’s head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-13, 20-21)
In this passage from the letter for the Romans, we notice that St Paul develops a lengthy list of things to be done, to build up others in community. At the very start, this list has the basic premise, “Believe that God’s ways are good ways”. St Paul invites us to be faithful to God and to serve God in doing good for others. This includes praying for others and resisting the temptation to be vengeful. This is a great place to start when thinking about how a student can bond to their school community.
Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor
From the Director of Students
Father's Day
This Sunday we acknowledge the fathers and father figures in all of our lives and remember those who have passed by honouring the legacy they have left. It is my hope that all students have, at some stage, been witness to the actions of a positive male role model. Actions which should include demonstrating respect for women, showing empathy and emotion, as well as helping around the house. According to Steve Biddulph, one of the world’s leading parent educators, male adolescents in particular, need more than just their father figure in their lives. Biddulph refers to these external role models as male mentors and indicates the significant place these males have in an adolescent’s life as they grow into adulthood. I encourage you all to consider who are the male role models in your child’s life and to celebrate this Sunday with them too.
Middle College and Leadership Interviews
Over the past fortnight, I have had the privilege of being involved in two distinct interview processes. The first being the Year 5 interviews for students entering Middle College in 2020. Middle College is a time for students to begin spreading their wings and grow into confident, creative and curious learners. Research tells us that students need to feel connected to school in some way in order for them to truly make gains as learners. We are truly blessed to have such connected children at Pacific.
The second group of students I interviewed were those in Year 11 applying for 2020 leadership positions. Together with the Head of Senior College Students Mr Mark Hauser and the Heads of House Mr Chris Mundey, Mr Damien Evans and Ms Leigh Finter, interviews took place over the course of several days. The calibre of candidates was truly remarkable. All applicants demonstrated a deep desire to lead the College across a variety of domains. We thank Mr Hauser for his leadership of this important process.
Middle College Academic Awards
At the Middle College assembly this week, we celebrated the academic achievements of our Year 6-9 students in Semester 1. The recipients of the Academic Excellence and Endeavour Awards demonstrated grit and determination and true effort in their studies throughout Semester 1. I encourage all students to develop these traits as they progress into Semester 2 studies and beyond.
Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students
From the Head of Staff and Students P-5
Growing Independence and a Sense of Responsibility
Recently whilst on car park duty, I asked a young student if he had his hat with him. He replied rather sheepishly that he had left it at home. I reminded him that he needed a hat at lunch break and that if he did not bring it to school he would not be able to play on the oval. His dad, who was helping other children get out of the car, thanked me for questioning his son as he, like many parents, is working towards making his son more independent and responsible for himself.
As parents, we are all naturally protective of our children. However, if we want our children to be independent, resilient, confident individuals, it is important that they are given opportunities to be responsible. Carrying school bags, answering questions themselves, remembering hats and uniforms are all simple tasks that can lead to developing responsible individuals.
Speaking of dads, we wish them all a happy Father’s Day on Sunday. According to fathers.com dads are “part companion, part playmate, part teacher, part pastor, part chef, part protector, part judge and jury, part coach and forever father”. Like mums, who also fulfil a multitude of roles, being a dad involves a lifelong commitment to all of the above and more. Have a great day!
Thank you to our Friends of Pacific for their organisation and leadership of the Father’s Day Stall this week. Students appreciated the variety of gifts available and enjoyed selecting something special for their dads.
Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival
The day has almost arrived! The Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday 2nd September from 1.00pm. Parents are most welcome at this exciting event.
Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5
Food for Thought
Identifying Bullying
Sometimes, unkind behaviour may not be ‘bullying’. The following article discusses the differences between unkindness and bullying and how defining the two correctly can help build resilience in our children and teach them how to cope with conflict.
Click here to learn more.
Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor
Important Notices
School Photos
This week, class, individual and family photos were handed out to students.
Even if you did not order a photo, every student has received a slip with a personal code to enable you to order in the future.
For those parents who have requested to collect their child’s photos, these are available from the Main Reception. If your child was away or has not received their photos, they can also collect from Miss Carolyn Sainty in the Main Reception.
Friends of Pacific
Connecting College and Community
Father’s Day Stall
With Father’s Day just around the corner, we hosted the annual Father’s Day Stall for Prep – Year 12 students this week. Students appreciated the wide range of gifts available and we thank stall coordinators, Mrs Teena Thompson and Mrs Sanet Strong, for their planning and organisation. We also thank the helpers who assisted on the day. On behalf of FoP, we wish the dads in our community a very happy and relaxing Father’s Day.
IRONMAN 70.3 Volunteers
We have had a wonderful response from our community to volunteer at IRONMAN 70.3 on Sunday 8th September. We now have our team organised and Pacific will receive a donation for every volunteer, which will help us raise further funds for the installation of water refill stations at the College. Thank you to Mrs Allyson Sarvari for her administration and coordination of the upcoming event.
Next Meeting
Please join us for our next meeting at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17th September in the library.
Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson
Library News
International Year of the Periodic Table
The United Nations has declared 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table. This is to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the creation of the periodic table of the chemical elements by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869. Check out the display in the library!
We are also holding an online scavenger hunt to celebrate the periodic table. Students are encouraged to take photos of themselves with as many chemical elements as they can find. Download the free Goosechase app from the App Store: https://apps.apple.com and get snapping. The code to join is PERGVM. There will be prizes for the most elements found, the most creative response and the rarest element found.
Write Like an Author – Holiday Writing Camp
Write Like an Author is an internationally acclaimed writing course that teaches young writers the skills and techniques that professional authors use to create their stories. During the camp, each participant will develop and write an original creative story under the guidance of a well-known, professionally published author. It is an ideal opportunity for young people who have a dream of becoming a published author or anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
The camp will be held at Immanuel Lutheran College during the school holidays, starting on Tuesday 24th September 24 and running until Thursday 26th September. It is non-residential and runs from 9.00am to 4.00pm each day. The course fee is $180.00, which includes a discount for early registration. Click here to download further information.
Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library
Junior College
Year 2 Excursion
On Monday 19th August, Year 2 enjoyed a fantastic excursion to Ewen Maddock Dam, to consolidate our learning in Science about water. On arrival, we met our host for the day, Michael from SEQ Water. He shared the story of Ruby, a little girl whose family first cared for the dam. We saw where Ruby lived and played by the dam’s edge, as she became its first ‘water investigator’. Year 2 students then became investigators too, exploring how water is collected in the catchment area. We then walked onto the dam wall to see the spill way, which is where the dam lets out water when there is too much rain. We also looked at the Water Treatment Plant to see how the water is made ready for use. After that, we discovered the dam’s riparian area and learnt why it’s important to care for it. Next, we used nets to try to collect a range of bugs that live in the water. It was interesting to learn that a healthy waterway is full of bugs! After lunch, we participated in a role play to show how raw water is treated with chemicals and filtered to make it safe and model making to demonstrate the journey water takes from rain to the tap. Thank you to all parents who came along to help. It was an amazing day of learning!
Mrs Leonie Prout, Mrs Tanya Graves and Mrs Jodie Connors, Year 2 Teachers.
Secondary College
Year 11 Fitness Excursion
Last week, the Year 11 Fitness class visited the Human Performance Centre (HPC) on the Gold Coast. HPC is a leading provider of Certificate III and IV Fitness courses and has a state-of-the-art training facility with the very best and modern training equipment.
Each student participated in a full body scan, which provided detailed information on personal fitness such as bone density, muscle mass, body fat and muscle symmetry. Students learnt how to train using Keiser machines, which use air pressure rather than traditional weights, and also had the opportunity to use the very best and latest Hammer Strength equipment.
This was a fantastic learning opportunity for our students and we thank HPC’s Edward Hayward for his time and expertise.
Mr Gary Graves, Head of Health and Physical Education
Cultural News
Success at Japanese Speech Competition
On Sunday 25th August, Junior and Middle College students competed in the MLTAQ Speech Competition held at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
For the first time, the event offered a Year 3 division. Our young participants (Asha Rudes, Natahlia Bailey and Abbey Linfoot) spoke confidently with Natahlia awarded second place and Abbey receiving a highly commended. In Year, 4 Isabel McKeown delivered an excellent speech to win the division and Rachel Monroe was awarded a highly commended. Well done to Izabelle Britton who also represented the College in this division. The Year 5 division was one of the largest groups and Jemma Linfoot, Orly Sillar and Phoebe Shearer had some tough competition. All students performed well and Jemma and Phoebe were both awarded a highly commended.
In Year 6, Alexander Schlotterbach, Abigail Christie and Jasmine Corliss represented their individual classes, with Alexandra performing skilfully to place third in the division. Well done to Abigail who received a highly commended from the judges. The College was represented by Blake Kopcikas-Moore, Kirrily Petfield, Ayanna Nath, Tom Zorgdrager and Jackson Bailey in the Year 7 division and all students performed admirably against strong opposition. Kirrily and Tom achieved impressive results, placing second and third in their division. A special mention to Year 9 student Catalina Stylianou who was awarded a highly commended and to Tanushi Nath who presented a challenging speech in the Year 10 division.
On behalf of the Japanese Department, congratulations to all participants who gave their time to showcase their Japanese skills against a high calibre of competition.
Mrs Mel Pietrala, Japanese Teacher and Mrs Jo Bailey, Head of Japanese P-5
Orchestra Workshop
Last Friday evening, three Pacific violinists, Kate Monroe, Sebastian Box and Eden Williams, were invited to be a part of a workshop run by the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra ‘Chamber Strings’. Students worked on the specialist topic of period performance as well as adapting their bowing techniques to support the writing of the era. The evening culminated in a spectacular concert. Although this workshop was physically demanding (including a three-hour standing rehearsal), all students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have gained a valuable insight into period performance.
Thank you to the Sunshine Coast Council for supporting and making this event happen.
Mrs Helen Williams, Head of Instrumental Music
Junior Sport (P-6)
Pacific Board Riders Club - Surf Camp
Over the weekend, members of the Pacific Board Riders Club travelled to Casuarina Beach in Northern New South Wales to attend a two-day surf camp at Surfing Australia’s High Performance Centre (HPC). In partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Olympic Committee, HPC is a purpose-built surf facility that aims to develop Australia’s elite surfers for both the World Championship Tour and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. HPC also offers surf coaching sessions tailored to everyday surfers who would like to improve their surfing technique, fitness and ability.
Our surfers had the opportunity to work with Level Two surf coaches in three different sessions. The coaches utilised their specialised technical knowledge and the latest video technology to provide individual feedback to each participant during each of their sessions. Within the camp program, club members also participated in trampoline, skateboard and surf specific gym training sessions, all designed and facilitated by the HPC coaches. In conjunction to these sessions, our surfers had access to 80 demo surfboards and a huge FCS fin range that they could use over the weekend.
All students, parents and teachers who participated in the program greatly benefitted from the various sessions and the improvement in their surfing performance was clearly evident during the last surfing session.
A special thank you to the families who travelled down to support the trip, especially Darlene Burnett and Michelle Davis who helped organise lunches on both days and also Mali Davis who captured photos and video footage of the weekend.
Pacific Board Riders look forward to reconnecting with HPC in 2020 as we aim to make this trip a permanent fixture on our board riders’ calendar.
Independent Primary Cricket Carnival
Last Friday, Pacific entered two teams of Year 5 and 6 students in the 2019 Independent Cricket Carnival. Whilst our teams did not come away with any medals this time, students played well and displayed great sportsmanship. Combined, both teams won five of their eight games during the day with the Pacific B team finishing in 4th place and the Pacific A team in 5th place out of the eight teams that played.
Well done to all students who represented the College and thank you to Mr Stuart Pohlner and Mr Brad Ilott who coached our teams.
Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival
The Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival will be held next Monday 2nd September. Please note 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.
Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport
Secondary Sport (7-12)
Monday Night Water Polo
|
Team |
Opposition |
Score |
Result |
MVP |
|
Intermediate Girls |
MFAC |
3-22 |
Loss |
Amie Hague |
|
Intermediate Boys |
KWSC |
3-14 |
Loss |
Ruben Devine |
|
Senior Girls |
Siena |
9-10 |
Loss |
Macey Winter |
SCISSA Touch Results
|
Team |
Opposition |
Score |
Result |
MVP |
|
Junior Girls A |
SCGS |
7-0 |
Win |
Mona Finney |
|
Junior Boys A |
SCGS |
4-8 |
Loss |
Lachlan Woodward |
|
Junior Girls B |
MFAC |
2-2 |
Draw |
Jessica Lloyd |
|
Junior Boys B |
BYE |
- |
- |
- |
Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport
Club Sport
Pacific FC
Rooball Carnival
There were smiles all round as Pacific hosted the Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer Association U6 and U7 Rooball Carnivals last Saturday. It was fabulous to see the effort and commitment each team displayed on field and also heart-warming to see the celebrations when team mates thanked each other and their coaches and managers for the season!
It was our final home game for the season with the Sharks, Bears, Lions and Tigers all playing at home while the U8, U9 and U10 teams played at various other locations across the coast.
Thank you to all our canteen and set-up / pack-up helpers from the Sharks, Bears, Tigers and Lions and also to some of the players from the U14 Pacific Cobras, who helped during the carnival. Congratulations goes to Amanda from the U7 Bears who won the $50 Rebel Sport gift card simply for helping out! Our home bakers, Narelle and Leanne, also provided the most amazing array of treats for the day. For more photos, please visit our Facebook page.
Adermann Awards Night
We are looking forward to the upcoming SCCSA Adermann Awards Night on Friday 13th September. Our club’s World Cup theme for this event is South Africa.
End of Season Presentation
Our end of season presentation will be held on Sunday 15th September from 10.00am to 2.00pm. All Pacific FC families are welcome to attend our family fun day and presentations at the College. A reminder for our players that your training shirts are yours to keep while your jerseys must be returned. Coaches and managers are asked to please return your team’s equipment, including washed jerseys and bibs, on this day.
Representative Trials
On 12th, 19th and 26th October, the SCCSA Representative Trials for the 2020 season (U10-U16) will be held at Mudjimba Multisport. All current U9 (born 2010) – U16 players are welcome to trial. Click here to register for the trials.
Mr Zane Russell, Pacific FC President
PLC Netball Club
The home and away season is complete, which means it’s finals time for all U11+ teams! This weekend, the following teams will be playing:
- PLC Arabians at 8.00am on Court 1;
- PLC Fillies at 10.00am on Court 3; and
- PLC Palominos at 11.00am on Court 4.
For our non-competitive U7 to U10 teams, Saturday marked the end of what, for many, was their first season of netball. Being non-competitive age groups, each player received a participation award from Netball Queensland, which was a very special occasion for these young girls.
Once again, we thank all of our coaches, team managers, committee members, parents and players for the support they have provided the girls throughout the year. Without the dedication and support of these individuals, there would not be a PLC Netball Club.
A reminder that the Club Presentation Night will be held at Laserzone on 15th September commencing at 5.30 pm.
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
Baby Bundles
As part of the St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra congregation’s outreach to the wider community, we prepare Baby Bundles to give to struggling families. These bundles are passed on to Community Health Caloundra for distribution. Over the past 14 years we have assembled hundreds of bundles to show God’s love to people in need.
In past years, families from Pacific Lutheran College have been generous in donating items, used and new, for the bundles. We are appealing to families again to help us with donations that assist in this ministry.
Each bundle contains clothing for newborns up to about size 2 and items such as bunny rugs, sheets, baby shoes and soft toys, depending on availability. The bundles also include some consumable items such as baby wipes, baby cream, powder, disposable nappies and hair brushes.
If anyone has any of these items in good condition and would like to donate them, it would be greatly appreciated. Even if you could perhaps purchase one or two items of consumables or clothing when you do your shop, this would be greatly appreciated. Just one or two items from each College family would make a great difference. These bundles go to very needy families and are much appreciated.
If you would like to give to this worthy cause or know more about it, please contact our Baby Bundle Coordinator, Robyn Kruger, by phone on 5493 6968. Thank you in advance for your support.
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 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.
Entertainment Books
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
30 Celebrating Dads’ Breakfast (7.00am)
SEPTEMBER
1 Father’s Day
2 Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival (1.00-3.00pm)
Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)
3-4 QCS Test
5 ICAS Science Competition
9 Year 9 Camp Departure
Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)
12 Years 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day
17 Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)
19 Years 4-6 SCISSA Photos
20 K-12 Chapel
Year 9 Camp Returns
Term 3 Concludes