Compass No. 567 April 2020

Each year, ANZAC Day comes directly after or within weeks of Easter. Over the years of telling the Easter story and commemorating ANZAC Day, I’ve noticed some similarities and differences between the ANZAC and Easter stories. The ANZAC story, as we remember in Australia, is very much about sacrifice and mateship. The sacrifice of soldiers who have died for us and the freedoms and democracy we enjoy today. And mateship as we perceive it, is about being concerned for your friends and sticking by them no matter what.

You can see that in these themes of sacrifice and mateship there are points of connection with the Easter story of Jesus. Jesus calls us mates, friends and He sacrifices himself, dies for us. There are definite similarities there. But a big point of difference with the Easter story is that Jesus’ friends did not have His back when it came to the crunch. One of Jesus’ closest mates, Peter, denied Jesus three times and another of His 12 mates, Judas, betrayed Him which lead to his arrest and death by an occupying army.

In the ANZAC story, our soldiers sacrificed something for us, so that we can enjoy the freedoms and democracy we experience today. Those who served in war sacrificed time with families. Some also sacrificed their wellbeing as they came home from overseas with scars and wounds, external and internal. Some soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice in being killed for their country. In the Easter story, Jesus life on earth involved sacrifice too. He sacrificed himself to give us freedom. But His sacrifice was unique. He died as God’s Son to conquer death and give us hope and new life. Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all to show a different way of dealing with violence, conflict and war; selfless love.

Similarities and differences between the ANZAC and Easter stories abound. We take this time in the term to honour and respect our defence force personnel and returned service men and women. Even in times such as these when we cannot gather in public for Dawn Services and other community celebrations, we still remember them. But ANZAC Day falling so close to Easter each year is also a reminder of these similarities and differences with the story of Jesus.

Similarities and differences which we can hear in these words from Jesus from John chapter 15: This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. (The Message)

As you remember ANZAC Day this year, in these very different times, may God who, in love, sacrificed His Son, give you the Holy Spirit as you befriend others with His love. Amen. 

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

A warm welcome back to all Pacific families as we begin our learning journey into Term 2. It is certainly a different way to begin our term and although we may not all be together physically, we remain connected through community. A special welcome also to new families joining the College this term.

I have been amazed by what has transpired as we have transitioned into online learning. The flexibility of teachers, parents and students has enabled us to turn a challenge into an opportunity to upskill and collaborate to continue to grow as learners.

Thank you to our Prep – Year 5 staff who have all risen to the challenge and provided high quality learning experiences for our students this week. Thank you also to our support staff who have proactively guided students on campus. The dedication to maintaining a high standard of learning, within a new digital context has allowed our students to maintain a sense of normality and familiarity in unfamiliar times.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our parents for your patience and flexibility. As we journey through this term, we may encounter difficulties and challenges. As smoothly as our learning has begun, may I remind you that communication is key during this time. Our continuous learning document that was emailed to families, provides a range of guidelines and tips to help you best support your child in their learning. It also has the contact details of people at the College who will be able to assist in specific areas of your child’s learning.

For parents whose children have been attending the College this week, an extra special thank you for respecting the guidelines on campus. We are very grateful for the way you have worked with us regarding sanitation and social distancing.

This week we will pause to remember the sacrifice our service men and women have given in times of peace and conflict. This week, our College community commemorated ANZAC Day with online services. Our Prep – Year 5 students will connect for this on Friday morning during their Chapel time. We thank Pastor Tim for his organisation and coordination of this special service.

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5

This year, the College commemorated ANZAC Day differently, with Year 6-12 students participating in an online service on Thursday morning. The service included contributions from our College community and was a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice the many men and women paid in serving their country. We thank all students, families and staff for their involvement with this year’s service.

A parent of our community has also shared the attached, which you may want to share with your children on Saturday as you commemorate ANZAC Day.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

In addition to family-oriented activities, such as movie nights or story time, parents also need to focus on their own wellbeing. We must “put our masks on first” so that we may care for others. The first step may begin with creating a self-care (self-love) plan. This plan must be intentional and designed to maintain balance, health and optimism. Parents should be creative.

Visit the following link for some self-care activities: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/resilience-in-the-shadow-catastrophe/202004/balancing-self-care-parenting-and-working-remotely.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

NBN is working with internet providers to make network connections cheaper in eligible households. To assist unconnected low-income families with school children, NBN will be waiving its monthly wholesale charge for internet providers so they can pass on the savings to families with more affordable offers. For further information on the package, click here.

We are pleased to announce that an online sports group will be launched this week in Nav for students across Year 4-12.

With the majority of students at home and unable to participate in regular sport with social distancing rules, we are providing opportunities for our students to participate in basic skill and movement activities. Regular physical activity plays an essential role in both our mental and physical health, so we have worked with some of our sports coaches and local businesses to produce online videos for our students to complete.

Students at home are encouraged to watch and participate in one or more of these online sports during their normal Thursday (Year 4-6) and Friday (Year 7-12) sport time. Students still at school will participate in the same online programs, under teacher supervision.

Currently, students have the opportunity to participate in following sports or activities:

• Soccer
• Netball
• Basketball
• High Intensity Fitness
• Lower Intensity Fitness

We will be working to introduce more sports and interactive opportunities for students over the next few weeks such as surfing and running.

The Nav sport pages can be accessed under My Groups in the left menu bar.

Students and families must watch the safety induction from Mr Darren Hooper before scrolling down to choose your sport from the folders listed.

Working out at home is very different to being in a big space at school. There are a number of things that students and families need to ensure prior to completing any of these online sessions.

• Parent supervision is required for all sessions. Parents are also required to ensure the activity area is safe for the sessions to be completed.
• A safe activity area must be established – including but not limited to: a flat floor, clear space away from any obstacles or anything breakable including glass windows/doors, good clearance above your head and arms for jumping.
• Students must wear workout clothing – sports clothes must be worn including sports shoes, hat and sunscreen if you are outside.

Students can access all sports sessions. There is also a survey component attached to the page where students can provide feedback.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Sport

Flexischool uniform orders are still open for students at school: www.flexischools.com.au.

Orders placed online can be collected after morning tea from the Wellbeing Centre (for Year 6-12) and the P-5 Students class pigeon holes on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

An email will be sent to the contact on the Flexischool order and the student (Year 6-12) advising when the order is ready for collection.

Winter sports tracksuits and formal jumpers are now all in stock.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Shop Convenor

Pastor Ray Morris 0429 856 532 ray.morris@lca.org.au www.stmarkslutherancaloundra.net

Pastor Ray, St Mark's Lutheran Church