Compass No. 547 September 2019

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
Each of us should please their neighbour for their good, to build them up…
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity
among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:1-2, 5)

When we are fast heading towards the end of a term, this thread of bonding to school is very appropriate. At this time of the term, people get tired and sometimes the bonds that connect us to our school are stretched. This is where these words from Romans speak to us. Paul describes two kinds of people – the strong and the weak. There are times when we feel we belong to either category. But Paul’s image is all of us helping each other, like spokes in the wheel of a bicycle. When we are feeling frayed and vulnerable, we need the support of those beside us, to help ‘hold us together’.

That’s what our school community is, a place of support and encouragement, particularly for the tired, the weak, the strong. By coming together onto the one campus, we are, in a special way, bound together on our journey and given opportunities to look out for each other and to help one another, especially in difficult times. Paul uses our Lord Jesus as the example of someone who kept his eyes open on the needs of others. The same Lord Jesus who gives us endurance and encouragement as we follow him, even to the end of term.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

This week marked a massive milestone for our Year 12 students as they completed the QCS Test over two days. The results of these tests contribute to their OP score and signifies the start of the countdown to the end for the cohort. It was great to witness the coming together and participation in a long-held tradition for Year 12 students, the singing of the ‘Wade in the Water’ hymn, enthusiastically led by our Principal. The enthusiasm and vigour with which the whole cohort engaged in the process was exceptional and set the tone for the start of their first exam. We congratulate all students who completed the test with a smile on their face and wish them the very best for their results.

It is also at this time of term that all Senior College students find themselves in the middle of heavy assessment loads. When this occurs, it is easy for all of us to begin to focus on negative thoughts or begin to doubt ourselves and our abilities. However, it is also important to consider the benefits of being stretched and challenged, as this is when significant growth (both academically and personally) occurs. It is often through tough times that we learn the most. We encourage all students to focus on their strengths and calmly identify the next step to continue building on their learning. It also makes it a little easier to get through, knowing that holidays are just around the corner!

Throughout Term 3, the College has hosted two Year 10 students, Koki and Ikumi, from our sister school in Japan, Seishin Gakuen. It has been a valuable learning experience for both Seishin and Pacific students to engage in a cross-cultural exchange. Koki and Ikumi have enjoyed the Australian lifestyle and have made considerable improvements in their English understanding. Pacific students have also formed strong bonds with Koki and Ikumi and have learnt as much from them as they have learnt from us. We thank our host families – the Buchanan’s, Swindles’ and Ousley’s – for their generosity, enthusiasm and care. We wish Koki and Ikumi all the very best for their future in Japan and hope to see them again in the near future.

Senior student Sam Aitken has long been known to us as someone with great musical talent and has been managing his pursuit of a musical career with his final year of schooling. Sam’s group, Sametime, will be performing a private event at Venue 114 this Friday 6^th September and our Year 10-12 students are invited to be part of a ‘staged audience’ for a promotional video for the band. The event starts from 5.30pm. This is a great opportunity for members of the school community who enjoy and follow Sam’s band to support him. We wish Sam all the very best in his musical pursuits as he progresses with his career in the industry.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students

Thank you to the many parents and family members who attended the Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival on Monday. Children participated enthusiastically in all events and cheered loudly for their houses. A special thank you to Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Natalie Campbell for coordinating the event and all Prep – Year 2 teachers and aides for supervising and encouraging their students during the carnival.

With Father’s Day only celebrated last weekend and the holidays just around the corner, it is an ideal time to focus on how dads can assist in building their children’s literacy.

Research clearly shows that dads play a critical role in their children's literacy development and levels of academic performance — by modelling reading, sharing stories, exploring the world together and engaging in meaningful conversations that build critical thinking skills. Boys in particular respond to positive modelling by older males. Following are some helpful tips from Reading Rockets.

What should I read?

Children will respond to your enthusiasm. You can select age appropriate nonfiction books about famous people, places, or how things work, or fiction. The important part is that you are enthusiastic about the book. Read slowly, talk about what you read.

What if I’m not with my child every day?

If you don’t see your child each day, try arranging a regular time to read books over the phone. Your child will look forward to this individual time with you and you will also be modelling behaviour that will keep your child on a path toward improved levels of learning.

What if I don’t like reading?

Even if you’re not a reader yourself, research has shown that your participation in literacy activities at home, can have a profound impact on your child’s academic achievement. You just have to send the message that reading is important. Some other simple ways to incorporate literacy into your everyday routine with your child include:

• Tell stories about when you were young;
• Recite nursery rhymes or jingles;
• Read environmental print (for example road signs or brand names on food containers)
• Ask your child about their day. Conversation with adults helps children learn new words and practice creating a narrative – both linked to better reading skills;
• Check out books of photography or art and talk about the pictures;
• When you are doing household projects, describe what you are doing to your child;
• Involve your child in everyday writing tasks like shopping lists or paying bills; and
• Create games that use letters, words or problem-solving.

Use the language you are most comfortable speaking. Reading skills transfer between languages and you will be better at playing with words and language in your native tongue.

Walk the walk

Your child learns from what you do. Make sure the messages you are sending about reading reinforce that knowledge and literacy are valuable, achievable and powerful.

For more information on reading with your child, visit: www.ReadingRockets.org/article/c442/.

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

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

Information regarding the 2020 Book Packs will be sent out with the Principal’s letter over the upcoming school holidays. However, please note there are changes to the process across Prep – Year 5. From 2020, stationery resources and textbooks for Prep – Year 5 students will be supplied by the College as part of the Resource Levy within the school fees. The stationery resources and textbooks will be supplied to students by their classroom teachers on their first day of the school year. Year 6-12 students will still receive book lists as per normal. Any questions relating to this matter can be directed to our Purchasing Officer, Mrs Sanet Strong on sstrong@pacluth.qld.edu.au or 5436 7344.

IRONMAN 70.3 Volunteers

We are looking forward to our community coming together at IRONMAN 70.3 this Sunday 8^th 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 17^th September in the library.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Following the Future Problem Solving qualifying event earlier this term, two of our Middle College teams have been invited to participate in the 2019 National Finals.

Jasmin Groves, Sebastian Box, Piper Reid (Year 9) and Trixie Willett (Year 8) prepared one of the successful qualifying booklets, tackling the issue of Food Loss and Food Waste in the future. Charles Box (Year 9) submitted a qualifying booklet in the individual division. It is to the great credit of these creative thinkers that they have reached the national stage of the competitive program, as it places them in the top tier of the teams in their divisions. Congratulations!

The National Finals take place from 18^th – 20^th October at Moreton Bay College. The topic will be ‘Coping with Stress’ and finalists will consider how exponential change and fast-paced trends in society will increase stress in the future. Issues may include the personal and societal impacts of stress, how different countries and cultures deal with stress and whether promoting healthier lifestyles might help people to cope with stress.

After attending the opening ceremony and dinner, students will complete a six-step booklet in two hours and perform an Action Plan presentation.

Well done to all students who participated in the Future Problem Solving program this year and we wish those students who have made the finals the best of luck.

Thank you to Mrs Rae Hall, Ms Petta Scheiwe and Noah Beasley for their time and assistance in coaching our teams.

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Enrichment

After spending all term training and learning new skills, our Prep – Year 2 students enjoyed the chance to represent their house at the Athletics Carnival on Monday. With beautiful weather conditions, a large number of spectators cheered students on as they participated in various events during the afternoon.

This year, students participated in sprints, shuttle relays, ball games, sack races, high jump, long jump and plastic javelin throws. It was fantastic to see high levels of speed, coordination and sportsmanship displayed by students from all year levels.

At the end of the carnival, scores were tallied from all the events and the overall champion house was announced.

• Bula – 882 points
• Wira – 939 points
• Mumba – 968 points

Congratulations to Mumba who were crowned champions for 2019!

The Pacific Pulse Surf Contest has been running for 14 years and involves six primary schools from the Sunshine Coast. Each school enters a team of competitors who participate in individual and team events. This year’s contest will be held on Wednesday 30^th October at either Kings Beach or Currimundi Beach (depending on conditions) and we have 48 surfers competing.

We have sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses who would like to donate merchandise or direct financial support. In return for your support, your business logo will be displayed on all promotional items including a competitor shirt, which is provided to all 48 surfers in the contest. Depending on your level of support, there are also other opportunities for your business to be promoted.

This is a great community event that is highly enjoyed by all participants. Sponsorship provides a great opportunity for businesses to connect not only with the Pacific community, but with students and parents from across the Sunshine Coast.

If you are interested, please contact either of our event coordinators – Mr Darren Hooper (dhooper@pacluth.qld.edu.au) or Mr Damian Davis (ddavis@pacluth.qld.edu.au).

Our third SCISSA Gala Day for 2019 will take place on Thursday 12^th September. Students will need to arrive at school by 8.10am on this day and make their way to the front oval (between the gym and the front car park) for roll call. It is important that all students arrive to school on time so we can leave at the scheduled departure time of 8.25am. All sports, with the exception of dance, will be travelling.

The venues for sports this term are as follows:

• Girls Basketball – Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Stringybark Road, Buderim
• Girls Volleyball – Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North Street, Caloundra
• Girls Soccer – Maroochydore Soccer Club, 462 Maroochydore Road, Kuluin
• Boy Touch – Noosa Touch Association, Shields Street, Tewantin
• Boys Volleyball – Nambour Christian College, McKenzie Road, Woombye
• Boys AFL – Maroochydore Rugby League Club, Wises Road
• Water Polo / Flippa Ball – Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Mons Road, Forrest Glen
• Dance – Pacific dance studio

More detailed information has been sent out via CareMonkey this week.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

Teams of the week: Senior C Girls and Senior C Boys.

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