Compass No. 584 September 2020

The summer uniform will commence from Monday 7th September.

Empathy, friendship, connection with the other; these are some aspects that form caring relationships in our neighbourhoods and communities. Many of us have had the experience of C.S Lewis, of going through some adversity or challenge feeling helpless and alone, before that ‘aha!’ moment when we suddenly realise we are not alone. At these breakthrough times, we learn that there are other people going through similar things. Connecting with another human being through shared experience can establish deep levels of trust, empathy and understanding. Realising that we are not the only one going through hardship can turn us outside of ourselves and connect with the humanity we have in common. Lifting our eyes above the immediate, broadening our horizon and connecting with others in profound ways leads to renewed relationship and friendship. That is what we want to be about as a school community here at Pacific. Learning to connect with others in school, in our family and our neighbourhood as we learn through all the ups and downs of life that we are not alone. God has made us for relationship with others. For community, for friendship, for connection. Certain of Jesus’ grace and love, we can connect with others.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

Over the weekend, 32 Senior College students participated in a defensive driving course at the RACQ Driver Training Facility at Mt Cotton. The course focused on the unpredictable nature of the road and how to best avoid certain driving dangers and mistakes. It was a very interactive course with students driving a range of cars to experience the difference between how vehicles react under different circumstances.

Students were exposed to practical experiences such as stopping on wet surfaces, emergency braking, turning blind corners, slalom driving and emergency swerving. Prior to the day, students also received theory instruction online about tyre pressure, braking distances, mass verse speed factors and correct steering methods.

Overall, it was a great day for students and their attitude was exemplary. I thank the parents for their support of this day and congratulate all who attended. A big thank you also to Mr Ben Dutton and Mrs Wanda Hayes for giving up their Saturday to supervise the students.

Sleep Out for the Homeless

The College Captains, combined with the Spirituality and Service Pacific Action Group, have been working on an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to participate in a ‘Sleep Out for the Homeless’ event this year. We are currently after expressions of interest from students who would like to be a part of this evening, which will involve sleeping in a cardboard box in the College gym on Friday 18th September (last day of Term 3). More information will be provided over the next two weeks and we thank the Captains for their leadership of this initiative. All funds raised will go directly to charities involved in homelessness.

Senior Exams

As Term 3 is nearly over, most Senior College students are in the process of end of term assessment. We especially think of our Year 12 students who currently undertaking mock exams to assist in their preparation for external examinations next term. This is a great way for students to gain valuable feedback and also gain confidence on the overall experience. Year 11 students are also preparing for their exam block, which will occur early in Term 4.

With assessments and exam preparation it is easy for pressure to mount and for us to focus on negative thoughts or begin to doubt ourselves and our abilities. However, it is also important to look at the benefits of being stretched and challenged, as this is when significant growth (both academically and personally) occurs. It is often through these times that we learn the most. It also makes it a little easier, when you know that holidays are just around the corner!

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students

Thinking routines teach students to make their ideas visible and accessible. This is done through a variety of graphic organisers, which help structure ideation and reasoning. They are simple to use, yet powerful in impact. The purpose of thinking routines is to promote a deeper understanding of content and help students understand how they think and learn. As Margaret Mead writes, “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think”.

Why make thinking visible?

For many students, the thinking behind answers and how other students and teachers reach conclusions is ‘invisible’. By making thinking ‘visible’ students are let into the ‘secret’ of learning by seeing teachers and peers explain their thinking and reasoning.

“Learning is a consequence of thinking, not something extra we tack on for good measure but something in which we must actively engage to promote our own and others’ learning.” – Ron Ritchhart, Creating Cultures of Thinking (2015)

For learners to thrive in the 21st century, they must be able to share their thinking in the most accessible way for ‘active engagement’ with others.

Teachers at Pacific continue to embed thinking routines into all areas of the curriculum. It’s wonderful to see student thinking on a huge variety of topics, written on sticky notes throughout learning spaces. We have found that our students:

• Show more interest in and commitment to learning.
• Find more meaning in topics and also more meaningful connections between school and their everyday life.
• Are open-minded rather than closed-minded, more curious and ask more questions. They are not satisfied with ‘just the facts’, but want to know more and understand better.

Of all the skills that we want students to gain from their educational journey, the ability to think for themselves is possibly the most important.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

Recent studies have shown that children benefit greatly from having fathers who are present and who interact in everyday activities. This has transformed the understanding of how fathers shape children’s lives from the start, challenging conventional ideas of parenthood and gender. Research also suggests that fathers influence their sons and daughters in different ways, which is especially true during their transition to adolescence. In this Special Report, fathers will learn about the positive impact they can have on their child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring they indulge in a little self-care.

To read the report, visit: https://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

OCEANfest Memories

We’re continuing our trip down memory lane, reliving some of the best OCEANfest moments. Here’s some photos from the archives!

Father’s Day

Even though Father’s Day may look at little different this year, we hope families are still able to celebrate the special day this Sunday 5th September.

Community Connect

A reminder that PLC Community Connect is now live on the College website. Community Connect is an initiative of Pacific Lutheran College and Friends of Pacific, which aims to unite, build and strengthen connections within our community.

To connect with businesses in our community, visit: https://www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au/.

As a past or current family of the College and a business owner, we encourage you to list your business in our free online directory. To be part of PLC Community Connect, simply visit the above link.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Griffith University is inviting students from regional Queensland and their families to tour their campuses and accommodation facilities this September.

Places are limited and bookings are essential.

• Dates: Sunday 6th and Sunday 13th September or during the September school holidays.
• Tour duration: 1 hour.

For more information and to book, visit: griffith.edu.au/campus-tours.

All tours will adhere to the Griffith University Covid-19 safe plan, in alignment with Queensland Government guidelines and social distancing measures will also apply.

ACU University Experience Day

Students and parents are invited to ACU’s University Experience Day to get a taste of university life and try out the degrees you might be interested in studying.

On the day you’ll get to:

• Participate in two hands-on workshops to sample degrees of your choice;
• Meet ACU staff and current students;
• Get a feel for your local ACU campus;
• Learn about different industries and careers; and
• Hear helpful tips on preparing for university.

The Experience Day is on Tuesday 29th September from 9.30am to 2.00pm at ACU’s Brisbane Campus. For more details and to register, click here.

University Scholarships – Applications Open!

All universities offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries to support students with the costs of university study. They aren’t just for high achievers – scholarships and bursaries are also awarded to students who need financial assistance or who demonstrate other achievements, such as sporting excellence or participation in community activities. There are also scholarships for different areas of study or relocation scholarships that support students in their move away from home.

If you are applying for a university course in 2021, you should investigate whether you are eligible for any of the scholarships available at your university of choice. Just search for ‘scholarships’ on the university’s website. In many cases there is a single application form to complete for all scholarships that are on offer. If you need some help, make an appointment to see me.

Defence Careers Information Session

Defence Force Recruiting has scheduled a face-to-face information event in Caloundra at 4.30pm on Wednesday 30th September. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/event/CP3SS3S.

SCTTTC Information Evenings – Trade, Beauty and Aviation

If you are interested in learning more about courses in Beauty or Aviation at the Sunshine Coast Technical and Training Centre, don’t forget to register for the information sessions as follows.

• The event on Wednesday 16th September will provide information about two beauty courses offered at the centre:
  • Dual Certificate II Salon Assistant (Barbering) and Certificate II Retail Cosmetics
  • Certificate III Beauty Services
• The event on Thursday 17th September will provide information about the Certificate III Aviation (Remote Pilot).

If you wish to attend either of these events, you must register in advance. There is a limit of one student and one parent per family. To register, call the Centre on 5499 5222.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Basketball

Well done to all teams for their effort so far this season. The Junior and Intermediate Girls seasons begin this week! We have four out of our six senior teams through to semi-final matches this week. Good luck to all these teams and we hope to see them all progress to the grand finals in Week 9. Well done to the Senior A Boys and the Senior B Girls for their efforts. Unfortunately, both of their seasons have now finished. If those players could please return their uniforms to Mrs Natalie Campbell this week.

It was a tough round for us last Friday with only one team recording a win (Senior A Girls) and one a draw (Senior D Girls). It was great to see the enjoyment from all and the ‘never-give-up’ attitude displayed out on the court.

Rugby

Our three teams played again on Wednesday evening at various locations around the coast. The Under 16 Girls unfortunately lost against Sunshine Coast Grammar School. The Under 14 Boys continued their winning streak against Mountain Creek, recording a 36-19 win. The Open Boys played their first home game in a number of years at Pacific in a Lutheran grudge match against Good Shepherd. After being down at half time, the team fought back to be within one point of Good Shepherd at the end.

Water Polo

On Monday evening our Intermediate A Boys and Girls teams played Good Shepherd. Students were very happy to play in the newly designed Pacific water polo caps for the first time. Unfortunately, both teams were unable to come away with wins on the night. Special mention to Romola Frazer who was MVP for the Intermediate A Girls and Liam Hague who played with plenty of courage against a much larger and physical team in the Intermediate A Boys.

Touch Football

The Junior A Girls recorded their second win in a row over Suncoast Christian College on Wednesday afternoon. Locked at 1-1 with only seconds remaining, Zara Grant intercepted a Suncoast pass to sprint 40m to score to snatch victory. This will most likely be the final game of the season, as the girls with just finish out of the top four on the table for semis.

Unfortunately, the Intermediate A Girls went down 7-1 to Immanuel Lutheran College (ILC). With a number of the girls out due to injury, the team played strongly but were unable to stick with ILC for the entire game. The intermediate girls will play their final game next week against Sunshine Coast Grammar School. Good luck girls.

Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival

Well done to all Prep – Year 2 students who participated in the athletics carnival on Monday afternoon. It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces having a go at the various athletic events. It was also exciting to see the level of athletic ability in our youngest students. Congratulations to Mumba House who were crowned the 2020 champions. The final scores at the end of the carnival were:

• Bula – 987
• Wira – 1065
• Mumba – 1094

Year 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day

The Term 3 Year 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day is next Thursday. A parent information letter was sent out this week with details regarding this event. A reminder that students need to be at school by 8.15am on that morning and need to meet out on the front gym oval to mark rolls and be ready for departure.

Due to COVID school sport restrictions, no spectators are allowed at any of the sporting venues.

Good luck to all teams that are competing next Thursday.

Girls Programs – Caloundra Basketball

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Sport

With only two more rounds until the 2020 season officially concludes, two of our competitive teams, our U12 Barracudas and U14 Eels, are in the running to finish at the top of their ladders. For both teams, their final two games will decide the ultimate placements with dual wins probably needed to secure the number one division spots. We wish the teams the very best for these matches!

Last weekend, we had 13 of our 14 teams playing at Pacific with our club photographer, Shannon Russell, out on location to capture the action. We especially thank our early morning crew for setting up our home games. The early morning starts are a little easier with the warmer spring weather and pack-up sees us leaving at dusk instead of under the stars. Once again, we thank the increasing number of families checking in and out via the EVA app when attending games and respecting the hygiene and social distancing regulations.

Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of our players, coaches and managers who have achieved major milestones with Pacific FC. These members have all made important contributions to our club through their commitment and leadership.

Celebrating Pacific FC 10-Year Players

Lachlan Whincop and Alexander Lee have played for Pacific FC for 10 years. Starting in 2011 in the U6 Pacific Taipans, these boys quickly progressed through the ranks, with the highlight being part of the winning U11A Major and Minor Premiership squad. Over the years, both boys have shown commitment and additional leadership through coaching younger players, volunteering in the canteen and representing the Sunshine Coast region. It’s been a pleasure to watch these boys develop into young men and we wish them well in the continuation of their journey.

Upcoming Events

⚽️ 2021 SCCSA Rep Trials and Preparation sessions for current U8-U16 players in October.
⚽️ 1-1 K3 skills coaching is now available on Thursdays from 4.15pm.
⚽️ End of season Presentation – Saturday 12th September at PLC after each game.

For a wrap up of all of the action, follow the Pacific FC Facebook ​and Instagram pages or email: PacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Rita Williams, Pacific FC President

We are pleased to announce that we will move forward with fortnightly public worship services at 14 Bombala Terrace on the first and third Sunday of each month. Our care is for the vulnerable and wider community with the resources we have at one location.

Commencing on Sunday 6^th September and then Sunday 20^th September there will be services at 8.30am, 9.30am and 10.30am, all with Holy Communion.

Bookings are now available by clicking here, or follow us on Facebook and visit our Church webpage. Please contact Janelle on 0488 556 150 for booking assistance.

Weekly online worship for St Mark’s is also available at our Church webpage or Facebook page.

All are welcome.

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church (0429 856 532 or lutherancaloundra@gmail.com)