Compass No. 548 September 2019

From the Principal

Travelling Through Time and Space with Books

Having the luxury to spend time reading a book is a real gift. When we read, we learn to walk in other people’s shoes, can sit at the feet of wise people and travel in time and space. Books enhance our world view as we are exposed to different viewpoints. They also provide a great way to relax. Currently, I am reading Richard Flannagan’s ‘The Narrow Road to The Deep North’. This book, which won the Man Booker Prize in 2014, gives some insight into the suffering, courage and alternative cultural perspectives of people involved in the construction of the Thai-Burma death railway. Books such as this gives some insight into the resilience of human beings, reminds us to be deeply thankful for the sacrifices made by others and the blessings we have in our own lives. They also put some of our daily challenges into perspective. Books can help us to re-centre as they provide a space for us to take a breath. Developing the family habit of reading, no matter how busy we are, is an important gift. This could even be as little as a page or two from a book before we go to sleep.

The Bible is a great book that enables us to sit at the feet of God. It has the unique ability to enable us to gain an insight into His relationship with thousands of humans over thousands of years and at the same time, God speaks personally to us, knowing us intimately and inviting us to be in relationship with Him as a unique and loved part of His creation. It is a book we can reread because it speaks to us differently in different times of our lives. It is the book of wisdom, love and hope that is an essential travel companion as we travel through time and space.

Principal's Log

As staff, students and parents, we were naturally disappointed to not be able to continue with the Year 9 Expedition planned for this fortnight. We keep this disappointment in perspective when compared to significant losses and challenges experienced by others through this time. We are currently working through different alternatives and will keep our Year 9 families informed. Planning for trips such as this are complex and changes do require considerable time and careful consideration to ensure the safety of all concerned.

Next week we begin construction of the expansion of the library to include a senior learning space, a Prep – Year 5 STEM innovation hub, an incubation centre, outdoor garden learning area and a Prep – Year 12 learning enrichment centre. We will also be constructing a Year 6-12 STEM area between our existing science labs. This construction is expected to be completed ready for the start of next year and will mean that the library space will be unavailable for Term 4. Borrowing of books will still occur through the front foyer and we appreciate the flexibility of our library staff through this time.

We congratulate our musicians who enjoyed being part of unique performance opportunities over the past fortnight. Our Junior Strings students grew through working with Mr Mark Sullivan, a highly accomplished and renowned string expert. The Jazz Ensemble entertained the community at Double Bay Park as part of an event organised by the Kawana Island Residents Association. Our senior music students also had their performance evening on Wednesday where they showcased the pieces they’ve been working on this term. We thank our music staff of Mrs Helen Williams, Mrs Aleisha Tuaine and Mr Steven Lake for organising these opportunities for our musicians.

This week we farewelled Ikumi Shinotsuka and Koki Higuchi, our two exchange students from Seishin Gakuen who have been with us throughout Term 3. We thank them for their warmth and graciousness in engaging with our community, host families the Ousley’s, Buchannan’s and Swindles’ and Mrs Michiko Hauser for her organisation of this inbound experience. We wish our outbound exchange students Alex Jose and Holly Ubrihien all the best as they travel to Japan for their Term 4 experience.

In a weekend of netball finals, we wish the PLC Fillies all the best for their game this weekend.

We say a prayer of thanks to God for the volunteers in our community who keep us safe and enrich us by their generosity of heart.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

People of the Book

When you read God’s Word, you must constantly be saying to yourself:
“It is talking to me, and about me.”

- Soren Kierkegaard

Muslims, Jews and Christians are sometimes called ‘people of the book’. It is an Islamic phrase, but it is a reminder of some of the common stories of our sacred scriptures and how important we view reading, learning and meditating on these writings. Christians, Jews and Muslims share some of the same prophets and stories in their scriptures. Each religion says their book is from God, but there are significant differences, particularly between the Koran and the Bible.

We are also called people of the book because books are an important part of Christian faith, culture and life. Libraries have been valuable centres of learning in Christian countries and communities. From the monasteries of Western Europe to the great universities of England, the Christian Bible has greatly influenced western culture and history, literature, language and law, art and music, politics and poetry. The Bible is the most read book of all time, outranking popular contenders like the Koran, Harry Potter, Mao Zedung’s works and even Ikea catalogues!

One of the reasons for this is that the Bible has the power to change people. Unlike any other book in history, the Bible’s main message is to point people to Jesus, who is unique. Jesus was a real historical flesh and blood person, whose life, death and resurrection are recorded by eyewitnesses in the gospels. If you find it hard to interpret the Bible, Jesus is the key to unlocking it’s meaning for us. Christians believe that by reading the Bible, God gives us His Holy Spirit so that we grow in faith in Jesus. Ultimately, this is why billions of people have read the Bible; it has the power to change us, through encountering who Jesus really is, God.

Bono, the lead singer of rock band U2, once said this to a music journalist about what he encountered in the Bible; “You see at the centre of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you; an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics, every action is met by an equal or an opposite one…And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so you will sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.”

No matter who you are, every human being is searching for grace, truth and love. Through reading God’s word, Jesus promises to give us these things and change us to be the people God intended us to be. ‘People of the book’ who are ‘People of Grace’.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Director of Students

Water for Life

It is quite remarkable to think that Stanthorpe and surrounding communities will, based on the latest data and usage figures, run out of water by the end of the year. Whilst by distance they are several hundred kilometres away, there are people who are bringing their plight to our doorstep. The Sunshine Coast Water Angels provided support to our rural neighbours by seeking donations of bottled water to send to drought-stricken Stanthorpe. Thank you to Mrs Peta Griffin and Mrs Libby Anderson for their leadership of this initiative and thank you to members of our community, who together donated more than 800 bottles of water!

Year 6 Canberra Tour

A reminder that the Year 6 Canberra Tour will be held early next term from Sunday 13th October to Friday 18th October. This tour is a significant learning journey for our young people and brings to life the many hours of learning that has taken place at school in the lead up to this experience. We thank Mr Nick Tait for his leadership in planning and coordinating this experience with the Year 6 teachers of Mr Stuart Pohlner, Mrs Linda Sydes and Mrs Kim Kiernan and support staff. Year 6 parents who require further information can contact Mr Nick Tait directly (ntait@pacluth.qld.edu.au) or your child’s class teacher.

End of Term

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Pacific community for what has been a positive and productive term. I hope that over the holidays our young people reflect on the term that has been with a sense of pride in their achievements and a resolve to engage in new learning at the commencement of Term 4. May you all have a safe and relaxing break.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Chess

On Monday, 26 students from Years 2-8 represented the College in the Sunshine Coast Schools Chess Tournament. All students enjoyed the day and played very well. The team of Shyam, Rylan, Joshua and Catherine placed second on a countback in the Primary B Division and in individual results, Liam placed second in the A Division and Shyam finished in first place in the C Division.

Thank you to Mr Scott Crompton and Mr Norman Stone for their coaching and supervision of students at the tournament.

During Term 4, the Junior College Chess Tournament will be held. Students will be able to compete in either the U10 age division or 10yrs + division.

A reminder also that after school chess lessons will continue during Term 4 on Tuesday afternoons, commencing on 15th October. Lessons will be run by Chess Mates. Chess Mates teach younger students through songs and stories and with older or more advanced students, they focus on openings, strategies and forward planning. Lessons are held from 3.10pm to 3.55pm and cost $10 each.

A Chess Mates registration form and a College consent / medical form will be available this week. If you would like your child to participate in these lessons, please complete all forms and return to Mrs Sue Kleinschmidt in the P-5 Student Admin. Payment for lessons is completed online directly to Chess Mates. Please note, students who have already registered with Chess Mates do not need to re-register.

If you have any questions about the classes please email: info@chessmates.com.au.

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

Food for Thought

Helping Children with Frightening World Events

As events of violence and terrorism are more common and regularly reported in the news, an increasing number of children are being affected by exposure to these frightening stories. There are a number of strategies parents can use to ‘protect’ their children. Click here to learn more.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Important Notices

2020 Book Packs

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.

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Ironman 70.3 Volunteers

On Sunday, 22 volunteers from Pacific supported athletes from across the globe at IRONMAN 70.3. It was great to have a broad range of students, parents and staff from across our community get involved. For our efforts, Friends of Pacific will receive a cash donation, which will help raise further funds for the installation of water refill stations at the College. Thank you to everyone who gave of their time and to Mrs Allyson Sarvari for her leadership and organisation of our team. We look forward to continued involvement with the event in the future.

Next Meeting

Please join us for our next meeting at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17th September in the library. Our 2019 College Captains, Michael Hewitt and Rebekah Pierce, will be providing an insight into their time at Pacific including how it has prepared them for life outside of the College and what their future plans are.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Library News

Library Closed for Renovation

Students and parents are advised that the library will be closed for the rest of the year while building works are underway. Shelves have been set up in the library foyer so that students may still borrow books, but the main body of the library will not be accessible. Students may still wait in the library foyer after school.

Periodic Table Competition

Congratulations to Jasmin Groves and Sebastian Box who won our scavenger hunt celebrating the 150th anniversary of the periodic table. They collected 22 of the chemical elements and each won books and a movie pass!

Overdue Notices

Overdue notices will be emailed to parents this week. Please encourage your children to return their books before the end of term.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

From the Head of Learning Enrichment

Programs to Support Literacy Development

There are lots of programs to boost our children's literacy, many offer quick fixes and some are very expensive but, do they work? Before parting with your hard-earned cash and subjecting your child to hours in front of a computer or program, it is worth doing some research. SPELD QLD provides a good starting point for information: https://www.speld.org.au/. Whatever program you embark on, it is important to note, there is no magic formula. For any program to be successful, it requires practice, time and energy. It is also important to remember that parents are key stakeholders in their child's literacy journey, particularly if there are underlying difficulties. Here at Pacific, we use MiniLit and MacqLit literacy intervention programs to support children in Years 1-2 and 4 -5 respectively. We also use Nessy Reading and Spelling for students in Years 3 and 4. Each of these are evidence-based programs supported by Dyslexia UK and Dyslexia Australia. If you suspect your child of having difficulties with reading or writing, it is important to speak with your class teacher as soon as possible. If you have questions or would like more information, you are also welcome to contact me via email: staverner@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Ms Sara Taverner, Head of Learning Enrichment P-5

Cultural News

Music Performances

It has been a very busy and very exciting month in the Music Department! For the past two weeks, the Junior String Ensemble has had the opportunity to rehearse with renowned strings and conducting expert Mr Mark Sullivan as a part of a collaborative project with students from Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Siena Catholic College, Buderim Mountain State School and the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra. Each group worked on two shared pieces and one individual piece in preparation for a final concert. On Sunday, they combined with all schools from the program for their final workshop, which made up an orchestra of more than 80 students. The workshop concluded with a rousing concert – the sound from the 80 strong orchestra certainly filled the room! This was a wonderful opportunity for our young string players to extend their skills and to build relationships with likeminded musical students from all over the Sunshine Coast. Thank you to everyone who participated in this workshop opportunity.

Also on Sunday, the Pacific Jazz Ensemble was invited to perform at Double Bay Park as part of a community event run by the Kawana Island Residents Association. It was a beautiful day to be outside and we were thrilled to be able to perform for the wider community. We welcomed past student, Ryan Smart, who supported us as we performed a number of jazz standards and popular tunes. It was a fantastic afternoon and we look forward to playing at more of these events in the future!

The Senior Music classes held their performance evening on Wednesday. It is always a lovely evening to sit and hear the pieces students have been working on. This semester, the Year 10 Music students were also invited to participate. Although it can be a challenging to stand up and perform to an audience, each of our students did a wonderful job on the night and we are very proud of their efforts! 

Now, we begin preparing for our Ensembles Concert in Week 5 next term!

Mrs Aleisha Tuaine, Head of Music and Mrs Helen Williams, Head of Instrumental Music

Goodbye Ikumi and Koki!

At Tuesday’s assembly, we farewelled Ikumi and Koki, our two Inbound Exchange students from our sister school, Seishin Gakuen. Ikumi and Koki have attended Pacific over the past eight weeks to experience life as an Australian student. They have enjoyed participating in classes such as Drama and STEM, which are not common subjects taught in Japanese secondary schools. Both students have also experienced a range of College events such as the Athletics Carnival and Celebrating Dads’ breakfast, while making lifelong friendships with students all around the College. Thank you to all Senior College students for the way in which they welcomed and supported the students. A big thank you in particular to Ikumi and Koki’s hosts, Ella Ousley, Lachlan Buchannan and Patrick Swindles and their families for generously hosting Ikumi and Koki throughout Term 3. We wish Ikumi and Koki all the best as they depart on Sunday morning.

Mrs Michi Hauser, Head of Japanese 6-12 and Exchange Coordinator

From the Head of Career Development

SCTTTC

Beauty and Barbering

The Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre (SCTTTC) is introducing two new programs next year. From 2020, SCTTTC will offer a dual certificate course in Hairdressing and Beauty and a certificate course in Barbering. SCTTTC also offers Certificate II Salon Assistant, Certificate II Retail Cosmetics and Certificate II Salon Assistant (Barbering). Click here for more information.

Trade Courses in 2020

SCTTTC offers Certificate courses in Electrotechnology, Plumbing, Automotive, Construction, Aviation, Built Environment and Design, Beauty and Hairdressing. You can find out more about these courses at an information evening for students and parents on Tuesday 29th October. Click here to learn more about this event.

Expressions of interest to join any of these programs in 2020 are now open. Applications will be accepted later this year. Contact SCTTTC to obtain an expression of interest form or visit: https://sunshinecoastttc.eq.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx.

'Getting into Uni' - Information Evening

USC is holding an information evening for students and parents on Thursday 19th September at their Sippy Downs campus, from 4.30pm to 6.00pm. The evening will include information on the HeadStart program, as well as information about pathways to tertiary study at USC, including their Diploma courses and the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) program. You can register for this event at: https://www.usc.edu.au.

Your QUT

Students considering studying at QUT can visit during the September school holidays to tour the campuses, collect course information and attend a seminar about applying to QUT, upgrading pathways, life as a university student, study costs and more. You can register at ‘Get Ready for QUT’: www.qut.edu.au

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Secondary Sport (7-12)

Friday Night Basketball Results

Team

Opposition

Score

Result

Intermediate A Boys

MFAC

40-32

Win

Intermediate A Girls

GSLC

37-10

Loss

Intermediate B Girls

MCSHS

40-21

Win

Intermediate D Girls

St John’s

40-19

Loss

Junior A Girls

Siena

57-16

Win

Junior B Boys

MCSHS

42-35

Win

Junior C Girls (Year 7)

SCGS

32-12

Loss

Senior A Boys

Unity

37-32

Loss

Senior A Girls

MFAC

58-29

Win

Senior C Boys (Year 11)

Siena

24-15

Win

Senior C Girls (Year 11)

NCC

20-19

Loss

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

Club Sport

Pacific FC

2019 Presentations and Free Family Fun Day

Our end of season Presentation Day will be held on Sunday 15th September from 10.00am to 2.00pm. All Pacific FC players and their families are welcome to attend. Thank you to those families who have already RSVP’d for the event.

Fair Play Awards

To encourage the positive spirit in which sport should be played, throughout the season referees rate each U9-U17/18 team for best team spirit, best coaching spirit and best attitude towards referees. At the end of the season, each team is given a Fair Play ranking. We are pleased to announce our club’s highest-ranking U09 / U10 team is the U10 Vipers (ninth) and for the U11 to U17/18 age group, the U11 Barracudas (eleventh). Congratulations to the players and also the coaches and managers of these teams, Greg Lee and Julianne Gigney (Vipers) and Andrew Whatham and Rod McGregor (Barracudas). Each team will be awarded with a Laserzone pizza party at our upcoming presentations.

Chaplain's Award Nominee

The Chaplain’s Award is presented to a volunteer, administrator, player or group for providing an outstanding service to the community, which includes their involvement in soccer. In 2016, Mr Ian Barnes, PFC Club President, was the worthy recipient of the award. This year, Andrew Whatham has received a nomination and will attend the SCCSA Adermann Awards on Friday evening where the winner will be announced. Over the past nine years, Andrew has shown he is reliable and very capable in the roles of coach and co-coach. This season he trained three teams, earning himself the title of ‘super coach’. He has always been a keen BBQ cook and canteen helper and, in recent years, took out the title of ‘King of the BBQ’. We congratulate Andrew on his nomination and thank him for his very valued contribution to Pacific FC.

Representative Trials

On 12th, 19th and 26th October, the SCCSA Representative Trials for the 2020 season (U10-U16) will be held at Mudjimba Multisport. Please note, a new U9 age division has been added to the 2020 representative program. All current U8 (born 2011) – U18 players (up to 2002) are welcome and encouraged to trial. Pacific FC will hold a free pre-rep information and trial session for interested players and their families in late September. Please let us know via email if your player is interested in attending. Click here to register for the trials.

Mr Zane Russell, Pacific FC President

PLC Netball Club

On Saturday, the PLC Arabians took on the Pacific Swoopers in what was a hard fought semi-final match. Unfortunately, the Swoopers got a break on us in the third quarter and hung on to win 35 to 25. The game was a lot closer than the score board reflected, with the Arabians having their chances throughout the game. For a team of younger plays, all of which were playing their first year in Division 2, it was an outstanding result and the girls can be very proud of their efforts. Also, a special mention to Jayde, who closed out her first year of coaching for the Club. Well done!

Our attention now turns to the PLC Fillies who take on the Meridan Scorpions at 9.00am on court 4 this Saturday. There has been nothing between these teams all season and the girls will have to be on their game, so come down and support them in their quest for glory!

A reminder that the Club Presentation Night will be held on 15th September at Laserzone, commencing at 5.30pm. All of the family is welcome for pizza, drinks and chocolate frogs!

Mr Trevor Colton, PLC Netball Club President

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop

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

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.

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

SEPTEMBER

17                    Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

19                    Years 4-6 SCISSA Photos

20                    K-12 Chapel

                         Term 3 Concludes

OCTOBER

4-7                   Melbourne Arts Tour

7                       Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

8                       Term 4 Begins

9                       Years 7-10 SCISSA Soccer Season Begins

13-18              Year 6 Canberra Tour

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

21                    Student Free Day – Verification

22                    Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

24                    Year 7 Immunisations – Round 2

25                    World Teacher’s Day

                         Grandparents and Special Friends Day

                         Viva La Arts (6.00-8.00pm)