Compass No. 597 February 2021

Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine…David said to the Goliath, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 17:40,45.

In this classic bible story of David felling the giant Goliath, David had merely five smooth stones as his weapons. All he needed to defeat Goliath was one of those stones in his sling. One stone was thrown from his sling with deep trust in God. David, the shepherd boy, came in God’s name to defeat the towering Philistine. Goliath, the great, was a warrior with the weapons of war; sword, spear and javelin. David, the dwarf, had one smooth stone from the stream. For the people on the sidelines watching, it was not just the size of the Philistine, which was an unfair advantage, but also his multiple weapons of war. This is not just a story of the underdog defeating the giant against all odds. It is also a story of the God who works through the small and humble, through insignificant and unachievable means. Think about it; what does the God of David call for, trust. Trust that he, David, has what he needs to defeat Goliath, confidence and trust in God’s name.

That is what the thread for this week, self-esteem, is about. For us as at Pacific, self-esteem is more than feeling good about yourself. That is part of it but not the full picture. We know that children and young people have a healthy and growing self-esteem when they learn to trust in their abilities, in the care of other adults, and in the God who cares deeply for them. Our job as a school community is to grow a sense of confidence in what God has given each of our children and teenagers. Encouraging and coaching them to see and enhance the talents, abilities and gifts they have been given. Picking up their five smooth stones like David and learning to use one with all their might.

Growing self-esteem in young people is largely about growing confidence. Confidence to trust in overcoming the barriers and obstacles in their way, with the help of others. And confidence to get up again after their challenges and trust in the God who is with them through it all.

A prayer for self-esteem…

Gracious God, you have created us as people of extraordinary abilities, talents and worth. Sometimes we think we cannot do the challenge before us, that we do not have what it takes to battle our giants. When this happens, help us to not give in to these thoughts. Give us confidence, persistence and healthy self-esteem that comes from knowing we are loved by you. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

I hope that all students have felt positive about the start of the academic year. I also hope that all families have felt supported as new learning begins for their child in a climate of academic care. It has been a busy few weeks and you would be forgiven for feeling that the holidays are now a distant memory. I have been incredibly impressed with the overall attitude of students in and out of the classroom as they engage in their work and interact with one another.

Year 7 Outdoor Education

We welcomed back the Year 7 students last Friday as they returned from their 4-day program at Camp Somerset. Students experienced a diverse variety of activities including how to cook for themselves, work collaboratively while canoeing, navigate social and emotional concerns, abseil, mountain biking, and have fun in a safe and inclusive way. Of those I asked across a number of groups, one of the most popular activities was the Giant Swing.

Harnessed and lifted to a height of almost twenty metres by your peers before you release the rope that allows you to swing, the activity captures many of the elements of the program. Each student has a choice as to how high they go and being able to communicate this to their team of “donkeys” is crucial. Students have a tremendous view ahead of them. Meanwhile, they are the only one to decide when to release their hold that sends them swinging into action. My hope is that they carry their experience of this into all aspects of their learning, spiritual and social and emotional growth; through stepping out of their comfort zone, working closely with a strong support network and reflecting upon the courage it will take to let go and take flight into the unknown. I thank Ms Kim Wood for her leadership and organisation, parents for allowing us to take your child away for several days, and all staff who attended in various capacities.

Robotics meets Positive Psychology

I was amazed at the energy coming out of the Year 7 Information Technology class I visited the other day. Focusing on EV3 robots, students were highly engaged and in flow as they attempted to code their robots to navigate a simple route. Research in the field of positive psychology informs us that those who experience high levels of flow report high levels of wellbeing. Working in small groups, each student had a specific role and executed this with increasing precision and a strong sense of purpose. The collaboration and initiative on display reflected in many ways some of the skills the same students developed whilst on their outdoor education program. I thank Mrs Kate Vaney for allowing me to observe her robotic technicians in action.

Student Handbook

All students in Years 6-12 are in receipt of a student handbook. The handbook is a tremendous resource for referring to key policies and procedures, recording work and assessments to be completed and as a conduit for maintaining a strong home-school partnership. To this end I would kindly ask that parents and carers with children in years 6-10, sign their handbook on a weekly basis please.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

This term, our focus as a Junior College will be about achievement and what it can take to achieve a goal. On Monday morning’s assembly, Mrs. Atkinson spoke to the Junior College about confidence, and growing as a confident person enables us to achieve. Mrs. Atkinson had key points that can grow our confidence including;

• Visualising success- having a picture in your mind of achieving a goal
• Believe in your ability to improve.
• Having a growth mindset- a belief we all can improve, and
• Practice failure

As technologies continue to evolve our lives can become easier to navigate. We have the combined world knowledge at our fingertips and are increasingly connected. Although at times, the struggle or practice of failure can be missed. Encouraging our children to keep resilience in the face of adversity encourages confidence and resilience and provides a “working tough” mentality when faced with challenges. Starting small with achievable goals can help to create a positive mindset. By giving effort and promoting an “I can do it” encourages us all to enhance our agency and flourish as learners and as individuals.

Entry and Exit

With the reintroduction of the community onto the College, the parking around the College has been put under increased pressure. All carparks, particularly at pick up, are very busy. Our staggered finish times are designed to have specific areas of the College clear for all areas to flow adequately. Below are key reminders to alleviate congestion.

• The P-2 carpark is available for all parents with a child in the Foundation College.
• Parents across P-2 with additional children in Years 3 and above, will be able to drop and pick up from this car park or if more convenient, collect them from the Year 3-12 drop off zone.
• Students, unless siblings of foundation students across Years 3-5, must be collected from the Year 3-5 drop off space.
• On Wednesday, your child will receive two laminated cards for use in multiple cars with your family name to access to the P-2 carpark.
• Parents and guardians are welcome to use the Stop and Go space in the P-2 carpark, but we ask you to remain with your car and move off quickly to enable traffic to continue to flow.

By arriving near to or just after children are released from classes, saves time for you as a family, supports a smooth flow of traffic and creates space for others.

P-5 Parent Information Evening

We thank-you for the support of Prep-5 information evening last Wednesday night. The night provided an opportunity to connect with the Junior College Admin as well as your child’s teacher. If you were unable to attend last week, the presentation in the Gym has been recorded and communication regarding the viewing of the evening has been emailed home during the week.

Parents and Community on Campus.

This week we have the pleasure of being able to welcome our wider community back to our chapels and assemblies here at the college. As COVID restrictions remain, attendance must be within the guidelines and all adults are required to use the QR code for each event, sanitise on entry and maintain social distancing. We look forward to including you in our celebrations and worships.

Take care and God Bless.

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

Many kids miss school, social activities, and a good night’s rest just from the worried thoughts in their head. Many parents suffer from frustration and a feeling of helplessness when they witness their child in this state day in, day out. For strategies click on the link below.

https://gozen.com/

Problem Solving Workshop

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific AGM

You are invited to the Friends of Pacific AGM and first general meeting for 2021 on Tuesday 16th February at 6.30pm in the College Library.

Friends of Pacific play a vital role in strengthening community. As a member, parents have a unique opportunity to grow our College culture and build connections with students and families.

A child’s transition into adulthood is strengthened with positive adult role models who join in community together. Throughout the year, Friends of Pacific support a variety of events and College initiatives including Open Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, sport carnivals, Trivia Nights, Golf Days, OCEANfest and much more.

Monthly meetings are held on campus, typically on a Tuesday evening at 6.30pm. These meetings offer a welcoming space to connect, share, reflect and plan for upcoming events, as well as explore fundraising opportunities and worthy causes to support.

If you would like to attend the upcoming meeting, please RSVP by Monday 15th February via email to: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mooloolaba Tri Volunteering Opportunity

Pacific is volunteering at the Mooloolaba Tri on Saturday 13th March, 10am - 4.30pm, and we are looking for 20 parents and Middle / Senior College helpers who would like to join the Pacific/FoP volunteer team. It’s a six-hour commitment at Mooloolaba and promises to be a rewarding experience assisting competitors to rack their bike prior to the race on Sunday. Volunteers receive a t-shirt and food. Pacific will receive a donation for every volunteer we provide on the day.

If you would like more information or can commit to helping out, please contact Ange in the Middle College Office or Mrs Jenny Lee.

• Moo Tri Volunteer Team – Saturday 13th March – Register here

For any queries, please contact us via email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Junior Fiction

Wolf Girl Series by Anh Do

Fans of the Wolf Girl series by Anh Do will be thrilled with the release of the 3rd and 4th books in the series. In Book 3 of the series, The Secret Cave, Gwen returns to the search for her family and in Book 4, The Traitor, Gwen must face the challenges that are chasing her, including giant snakes, Komodo dragons and a new wolf family. This series is perfect for young readers who enjoy chapter books but still want visual aids to guide their reading. Each of the Wolf Girl books have black and white illustrations on every page and bold fonts that bring the story to life. Lovers of adventure and animals will enjoy this fantastic series.

Middle Grade Fiction

We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad

Do you enjoy stories from the past? You might like We Are Wolves. This book is about the Wolf family, who are fleeing from East Prussia and the Russian Army at the end of World War II. When the three Wolf siblings find themselves lost and alone, Liesl knows it is up to her to keep her family safe. Based on a true story, this is a heart-warming book about survival, courage, hope and family.

Senior and Adult Fiction

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Read this one before it becomes a film in 2022. If you enjoy fantasy novels, check out Children of Blood and Bone. Narrated in three alternating perspectives we meet Zélie, one of the few left who can still do magic and wants to bring retribution down on the leaders who killed her mother and other mages; Amari, a princess who is finding her own way in life against her family’s rules and joins with Zélie; and Inan, the prince who is caught between two worlds and forced to decide which side he is on. With great fantasy world building and strong characters, you’ll love Children of Blood and Bone.

You can find book 1 in the series in the Library and both books in our ebook collection: https://plcs.wheelers.co/

Ms Madison Dearnaley, Teacher Librarian

Did you know that recycling is an important way that we can help our planet and community? 

There are 5 reasons why you should recycle:

• Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
• Recycling conserves natural resources such as timber, water and minerals.
• Recycling increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials.
• Recycling prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials.
• Recycling saves energy.

The 2021 Gardening Club has started, and we have many eager Year 6, Year 7 and Year 8 students who are interested in gardening and learning about the ways that we can recycle, compost, plant and improve our carbon footprint at PLC.

If you have any ideas or ways that you can assist us with this, please contact Mrs Sydes

Mrs Linda Sydes, Year 6 Teacher

12                        Music Camp Departs

14                        Music Camp Returns

15                        Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15pm – 4.15pm)

16                        Shrove Tuesday

                            Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

17                        Ash Wednesday

18                        13-19yrs District Swim Carnival (Twilight Meet)

                            9-12yrs District Swim Carnival

22                        Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15pm – 4.15pm)

25                        Voices on the Coast – Years 7-12

26                        Voices on the Coast – Years 4-6