Compass No. 585 September 2020

On Tuesday, the College hosted a small service to officially open the STEM Classes and Library Extensions, which were completed earlier this year. Attendees engaged in a short service, before touring both spaces.

For many years, Pacific has been intentional in employing a rich, contemporary educational approach that supports differentiated learning contexts and this has included a commitment to transforming physical learning spaces.

In keeping with the College’s commitment, the library and Year 6-12 STEM innovation area are flexible in design, providing visual and physical connection across multiple spaces.

The library extensions include a P-5 STEM innovation area, a senior learning area with kitchenette facilities and the Head of Career Development and Head of VET offices, a virtual learning area, an outdoor garden learning area and an Ideation Hub for staff and students. The extension has also enabled the P-12 Learning Enrichment team to be brought together in a new expanded space. Students have greatly enjoyed and benefitted from the vibrancy, openness and flexibility of the new library.

The Year 6-12 STEM innovation area has quickly become a hive of activity, with staff and students making full use of the space to explore the STEM curriculum. The flexibility of the design means that learning can quickly change between collaborative or student or teacher directed experiences in small or large groups.

We thank our special guest Mr David Baird, CEO of Praesidium Global, who officially opened the spaces, our Year 9 and 10 STEM students who showcased their work throughout the new space, Pastor Tim Jarick for his leadership of the service and our Hospitality Department who prepared a delicious afternoon tea.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke Chapter 10) is embedded in our culture, society and language. For many people, the two words ‘Good Samaritan’ are known to mean helping someone, particularly a stranger, who is in need. Churches, hospitals and schools are named after this parable and famous artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh have depicted the parable as well as sculptors, poets, authors and filmmakers. Interestingly the term has also entered government legislation and law to allow people to come to the assistance of persons in distress, without the fear of being sued.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is also crucial for us as a school because it gets to the heart of who we are; a community gathered around the cross who practice care, dignity and respect. This story of Jesus has been an impetus for our pastoral care and wellbeing programs. Helping our neighbour and welcoming the stranger are keys concerns for any flourishing community, especially a Christian school community. At the end of a long term, the caring school climate thread is a great one to explore.

However, a challenge in being a caring school environment, where Good Samaritan behaviour is lived out, is what has been called the ‘bystander effect’ or ‘bystander apathy’. This theory by researchers suggests that individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when there are other people present. You may have seen YouTube clips of social experiments where a person who is dressed ordinarily lies down in a busy city area and the camera rolls to see who stops to help them. Often, because of busyness, fear or not wanting to get involved, the person in need is not helped for a long time. It takes someone to do something different, to be an upstander, to stand up and break the inaction of the crowds walking past.

Standing up for someone in need, that is one way to help encourage a caring school environment. To move beyond the bystander effect, not be afraid to stand up and reach out and care for the other person we notice. It takes a different mindset to do this at the end of term when you are tired, concerned with your to-do list, or focused on other things. Nevertheless, it is a mindset that God can create in us, as His word in this parable works in our lives.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

Thursday 10th September is a day when as a nation we ask the question to another, R U OK? Importantly, the day is designed to raise awareness of the importance of how a conversation could change a life. Likewise, it is a reminder that every day is a day to be asking the question R U OK? The message for this year’s R U OK day is “There’s more to say after R U OK”. Thankfully at Pacific we are blessed with a culture where checking in with another peer, student, staff member or parent is second nature. The College values of Care, Dignity and Respect are foundational to growing all students’ capacities to ask the question and display empathy for those who are struggling with life. However, the challenge is to continue engaging in those conversations that require courage and the skills to listen. There are a range of domains where students are exposed to opportunities to grow their capacity to understand the importance of empathy and compassion; Pastoral House Group sessions, Personal Development lessons, Service Learning opportunities and weekly Chapels. We also have a dedicated Wellbeing Team who collaborate with staff to ensure all students feel safe and ok.

Perhaps the most important domain where this learning occurs is during students’ breaks at recess and lunch. Whilst it is certainly a time for students to enjoy some food, drink and outside time socialising or playing, I encourage all students to be alert to those who may need their support. Below is an indication of what to say after R U OK? Further information may be found at: https://www.ruok.org.au/.

PLC Blake Prize

We look forward to seeing all the fabulous entries for this year’s PLC Blake Prize. The competition celebrates the convergent aspects of religion and art and has a rich tradition at the College. We thank Mrs Denise McMahon and Miss Michelle McMillan for their leadership of this competition. Entries are due by Tuesday 15th September.

Finally, I wish you all a wonderful break with family as the end of term approaches. A reminder that the last day of school for students is next Friday 18th September. It has been a very purposeful and productive term and I believe we will all welcome the time to recharge for those two weeks when they arrive.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

As part of our You Can Do It program, during our last three assemblies, we have been focusing on what it means to be organised and how being organised aides and builds our personal capacity.

Techniques that we use to organise ourselves have a direct connection to the success of an educational journey. Being able to have the correct equipment, prioritise and plan ahead are all skills that allow students to ‘clear the clutter’ from their minds and engage more fully in processes that positively shape us.

By encouraging children to be organised and take an active interest in planning ahead, we are empowering our young people. We know that when students come to school, they are required to have their hats and jumpers and be organised. If they fail to meet these expectations, they quickly find out that they either aren’t allowed to play outside or are cold. These are the direct consequences of being unorganised and are valuable learning moments that connect responsibility and organisation.

However, we can all agree that sometimes it is difficult to get children to be organised! Difficult, but not impossible. Dan Pink in the book ‘Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us’, points out that by focussing on the benefits of the task rather than the task itself, we create an environment where we begin to see how our actions help make our lives easier. By focussing on the positives of being organised, we build a culture that facilitates a sense of achievement and increased personal capacity rather than the how or repetitiveness of what is to be required.

Another simple way of aiding organisation is by using the priority matrix. This simple organiser provides a common ‘language’ when children are faced with numerous tasks and don’t know where to start. This is especially helpful for time management. It may prove useful to print and place in a prominent position for those busy mornings before school!

Forgiveness

When resolving conflicts and breakdown in relationships, children will often bring up issues that they feel have remained unresolved. At assemblies, we have also been focussing on what it means to forgive. A wise Year 2 student suggested that by not forgiving others we put down an anchor that doesn’t allow us to move forward. At the crux of forgiveness between children and adults is the sincerity of the apology. We continue to discuss what an acceptable apology means and how it allows us to move forward. Elements of a purposeful apology are:

1. If harm has occurred, tell them how your actions have made them feel.
2. Admit your mistake and how it has affected them.
3. Make the situation right by words and actions.

In the middle of the word ‘forgiveness’ is ‘give’. To move forward, we all need to give in some form or another. Whether it be by owning up to our mistakes or by accepting an apology from someone who has made an error in judgement. By giving, we haul up our anchor and move toward the horizon.

Athletics and SCISSA

With our inter-house athletics carnivals completed for the year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Natalie Campbell who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make these events a success. I would also like to thank our wider College community for their cooperation in adhering to the restrictions in our COVID safe plans. Your support is very much appreciated. We look forward to welcoming parents and guardians back to events like these when the current restrictions ease.

Today, our Year 4-6 students participated in their SCISSA Gala Day for Term 3. Well done to all students who represented Pacific.

Take care and God bless.

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

With R U OK? Day this week, experts are encouraging parents to speak openly with their children about mental health. Headspace national adviser Simon Dodd suggested telling your child you have noticed they are struggling.

“Use sensitivity and compassion when enquiring and asking or checking in with a young person on how they’re feeling and what’s going on for them,” he said.

“Offer avenues of support, such as talking with a trusted relative or friend, their GP or headspace.”

He also advised for parents to be aware of behavioural changes. “This might be changes in eating, sleeping or withdrawing from things they usually liked to do,” Mr Dodd said

Click here to learn more.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Trivia Night Memories

We’re continuing to reminisce about our past events. Our Trivia Nights are legendary – full of fun and friendship. It was only a year ago that we held our Blockbuster Trivia Night and enjoyed the company, fashion and the serious brain-strain that trivia brings!

   

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.

Pacific Together

This year has been tough for everyone, but for some more so than others. If you or someone you know within our College community needs extra support anytime during the year, please contact Pastor Tim Jarick or the Pacific Together FoP team. The Pacific Together care group may be able to help in some small way during times of need. Simply email: //fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au/">fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Quote of the Week

“You will find, as you look back on your life, that the moment that stand out are the moments you have done things for others.” – Henry Drummond.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th September at 6.30pm via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP via email to: //fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au/">fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

This week, families will receive emails about books which are overdue. Children are encouraged to return overdue items before the end of term. In the final week of term, students may borrow extra books for the holidays if they wish.

Spring into the Library

This week, students celebrated the arrival of spring by making paper flowers in the library at lunchtime.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

The RMIT Scavenger Hunt is a national event, open to all Year 9-12 students. This is a chance for you to have some fun during the school holidays and go in the draw to win some awesome prizes such as an Apple iPad. The event takes place on Wednesday 23rd September. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au.

QUT Parents Information Seminar

Students and their parents are invited to attend QUT’s online Parent Information Seminar on Thursday 15th October to learn about career decision making, getting in to university, student life and financial support. To learn more and to register, click here.

Preparing for University – Year 12 Students

To be eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP (Commonwealth assistance), students must provide a Tax File Number (TFN) and a Unique Student Identifier (USI) (applicable to all new students from 1st January 2021) on their Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF). To obtain a TFN and create a USI, students should apply online.

The TFN and USI application processes are free and quick and students will be required to provide proof of identity. Students should apply early, as it can take up to 28 days to process an application.

When applying for a HELP loan at university, it is necessary to ensure that all personal details including your full name, date of birth and tax file number, exactly match those that are held with the Australian Taxation Office. Learn more at the StudyAssist website.

Virtual Reality Career Exploration

Year 9-12 students who are interested in exploring possible career pathways now have access to a virtual reality platform, which allows students to visit workplaces, observe people at work and even ask questions – all through virtual reality. This is a new product that is being developed in Brisbane and it’s currently in its pilot phase. New careers are being added to the platform each month. The list of careers currently available on the platform include:

• Civil Engineer
• Bioprocessing Scientist
• Molecular Microbiologist
• Exercise Physiologist
• Landscape Architect
• Dentist
• Park Ranger
• Pharmacist
• Mechatronic Engineer
• Timber Researcher
• Cotton Farmer
• Electrical Engineer
• Physiotherapist
• Podiatrist
• Water Engineer
• Agronomist
• Quantity Surveyor

Any students who are interested in having a look at any of these careers are welcome to make an appointment with me, any time.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

A wet start to the week led to the cancellation of the Independent District Athletics Carnival. The Independent District was the only district which attempted to run an athletics carnival this year following the cancellation of regional, state and national championships due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, the carnival will not be rescheduled.

Competitive Sport

Basketball

Last Friday, four Pacific senior basketball teams played semi-final matches in the Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools Basketball Competition. Well done to the Senior E Boys who were convincing winners and now progress through to the grand final this week. They take on Matthew Flinders at 4.00pm at Caloundra on Friday and we wish them all the very best.

Unfortunately, they were the only team this year to make it that far. Our Senior D Girls lost to Nambour Christian College in a tough game. The Senior D Boys were involved in a nail-biting match against Siena Catholic College where the boys made several comebacks from behind, to come agonisingly close to winning. However, they went down by two points in the final seconds of the game. The Senior A Girls played their hearts out, despite facing a range of barriers to their finals campaign. It was always going to be a challenge to come up against an undefeated team, when three of your five starters are out through injury or sickness.

Rugby

Both the Under 14s and 1st XV played home games at Pacific this week. The Under 14s took on an undefeated Chancellor State College team in what turned into a high scoring game. Pacific looked to be in control of the match in the early stages only to let Chancellor back into the game in the second half. In the end, Pacific managed to hang onto the lead to record a 45-36 win thanks to strong performances by Jack Packer, Tom Johnston and Cooper Johnston. 

The 1st XV played Sunshine Coast Grammar 2nd XV in the last game of the season. In a tight game, Pacific managed to keep Grammar scoreless in the second half but were unable to come away with victory going down 21-14. Mr Josh Cummins made special mention of Hamish Singleton and Niels Whiteley who played strongly on the night.

Water Polo

Unfortunately, on Monday both the Junior A and Intermediate A Girls opposing teams forfeited, so our girls did not get to play. Our Intermediate A Boys played Grace Lutheran College in an entertaining game. The boys were able to secure a fantastic 14 -7 win on the night, with special mention to Jack Smith who had an awesome game as goalkeeper. 

Touch Football

Touch Football games for the Year 7-12 Pacific teams finished this week with our Intermediate A Girls playing their last game against Sunshine Coast Grammar School. Both the junior and intermediate teams just missed out on finals this year but showed plenty of skill and determination during the season. The Intermediate A Girls finished their season with a great win on Wednesday evening, 4-2 over Sunshine Coast Grammar School. Jess Lloyd, Abigail Tracey and Roze Stockwell played strongly on the night.

T20 Cricket

Last Friday a keen group of Pacific cricketers, led by Mr Stuart Pohlner, gave up their pupil free day to represent the College in first round of the Street Smarts T20 Cricket Competition. Our team played two strong matches against Burnside State High School and St Andrew’s Anglican College (SAAC) winning both – 176-53 against Burnside and 112-96 against SAAC. The boys swung the willow making two impressive scores against both teams, which was too much for both schools to reach. They fielded strongly, backing up, taking exceptional catches and put immense pressure on their opposition. Their bowling was very accurate, shutting down both schools so they were unable to score. Overall, it was a sensational effort; well done to the boys.

   

Mr Pohlner’s highlights from the day were:

• Henry Friend’s spectacular left-handed diving grab.
• Lachlan Embleton’s 4 wickets in 2 overs to dismiss SAAC.
• Logan Pohlner’s magnificent 50!
• Will Rabnott’s incredible wicket keeping for both games.
• Angus Friend, bowling one of the best under 14’s batsmen on the Sunshine Coast.
• Will Whittingham’s 6 that went for miles!
• Lachie Currey’s king of spin and shutting SAAC to a crawl.
• Jack Packer getting 2 wickets for 4 runs off 2 overs in the first game.
• Harman Dahiya’s incredibly powerful cover drives for 4.
• Cooper Kiernan’s determined batting to save the second game.
• Alex Lee’s incredible captaincy – one of the best performances I’ve seen!

Well done boys and thank you to Mr Pohlner for coaching the boys during lunchtimes and organising the day.

Caloundra Cricket

Registrations are open for Caloundra Cricket’s junior teams and U5-9 Cricket Blast Program. Click here for more information on the programs.

Visit the PlayCricket website to sign up: https://www.playcricket.com.au/.

CareMonkey Name Change

The Sports Department communications platform CareMonkey has recently rebranded to Operoo. The rebrand involved a name change and logo change only. How we use the service, as well as the ownership and operation of the company, has remain unchanged. Text messages and emails will now come through from Operoo. Parents are asked to be mindful to check ‘junk/spam’ files during the early days of this change.

As always, it is important to keep your contact and medical details up to date on both Operoo and on the TASS parent portal. Operoo accounts are ‘owned’ by parents and as such we are unable to update these details on your behalf.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Sport

Last weekend we had all of our 14 teams playing at Pacific. While the final scores for two of our competitive teams who were near the top of the ladder, our U12 Barracudas and U14 Eels, didn’t go our way, we can take heart that their effort and confidence in pursuing the top spot was absolute. Our U14 Eels still have the opportunity to close in on the number one spot, depending on the results of the other top teams and if they come away with a win this Saturday. Both our U13 Seals and U15/16 Cobras had draws last weekend, with the Cobras game unofficially named the best match of the season! The dedication, skill and sportsmanship of all our competitive players should be commended. It makes us very proud to be involved with such an association. Once again, we thank the set-up and pack-up crew, the BBQ crew, our club photographer Shannon and all the SCCSA families for checking in and out via the EVA app when attending games at Pacific.

With the final round for 2020 approaching this Saturday, we have highlighted some of our players, coaches, managers and volunteers who have achieved major milestones with Pacific FC. These members have all made important contributions to our club through their commitment and leadership.

Celebrating 5 Years with Pacific FC

The following players and volunteers have dedicated 5 years to Pacific FC. We thank them for their service and commitment to the club.

• U12 Luca Francesconi Silveira, U14 Will Stephenson, U10 Charlie Dee, U10 Benn Rifai, U10 Flynn Bowering, U10 Nathan Russell, U10 Blake Tadgell, U13 Joshua Anderson, U13 Connor Ransome and U13 Max Styles.
• Canteen Player Volunteers – Zaida Williams, Astrid Williams and Alex Lee.
• Manager – Rod McGregor.
• Volunteer and Committee Members – Rita Williams and Paul McFadyen.

Celebrating a Decade of Dedication with Pacific FC

This year we recognise and celebrate the amazing contribution Jenny Lee has made to Pacific FC. Jenny's enthusiasm and passion for the Club is boundless and reflects in all the little touches which make Pacific FC such a unique club. Many never see the long hours Jenny devotes to ensure the smooth running of the Club for the benefit and enjoyment of both players, parents and visitors. I'm personally grateful for her assistance to me in fulfilling the role as President. Thank you, Jenny!

Upcoming Events

⚽️ End of season Presentation – Saturday 12th September at PLC after each game.
⚽️ K3 Holiday Camp at Pacific from 28-30th September. Book via: https://k3coachingaus.wufoo.com/forms/k3-coaching-2020-september-camps.
⚽️ 2021 SCCSA Rep Trials and Preparation sessions for current U8-U16 players in October.

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 6th September and then Sunday 20th 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)

Pacific Lutheran College is fundraising with Entertainment™ again this year. Order your Entertainment™ Books and Entertainment™ Digital Memberships today and 20% of the proceeds will go towards Pacific Lutheran Early Learning Centre. For a limited time, when you purchase an Entertainment™ Book, an additional $10 or $20 will also be donated to our Early Learning Centre.

To order your book or digital membership, visit: https://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/230p536