Compass No. 600 March 2021

Young people notice when an adult speaks down to them or is disparaging towards them because of their age. Have you heard or even said these words, “You’ll understand it someday, just you wait”. “What do you know, you’re just a kid!” or this one that was common in former times; “Children should be seen and not heard”.

These statements are really putting down young people because of their age. Ageism is a real issue in society. We might think of it in terms of older people, but it does exist in our society’s attitudes to young people too. Moreover, young people in our society know and feel this. An organisation called Mission Australia does a survey of 15-18-year-olds each year in Australia. Last year for the first time, even in a pandemic year, over 25 000 young people listed discrimination and equity as the most critical issue facing young people in Australia.

People not valuing the young is an issue that has been around as long as human nature has been broken.

The phrase; Let no one despise you for your youth, was written in a letter by Paul to a young man called Timothy. Paul was mentoring Timothy, who became a leader in the early Christian church. Timothy started as a young person who was thought to be a bit timid, a bit shy. He may have even been an introvert. He may have experienced some sickness too. But over time, with encouragement by Paul, he grew in purpose and became a leader in his community. He taught them and set them an example in speech, in conduct, in love, and in faith.

Timothy’s sense of purpose looked beyond the criticism of others. Over time he grew in meaning and a sense of God’s call on his life despite what he may have thought about his own abilities. We are told that Timothy set his hope on the living God, Jesus, who is the Saviour of all people. May each of the young people in our school community, also like Timothy, find meaning and a sense of purpose in this same hope. Amen.

First Communion

Any Year 4 or 5 families who are interested in First Communion for their children are invited to contact Pastor Tim for more information: tjarick@pacluth.qld.edu.au or 5436 7353.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

Year 10 and 11 students are also approaching various assessment deadlines. During this time, it can sometimes be easy for students to feel overwhelmed. It’s important for students to know that support is available to them from PCG teachers, class teachers, Heads of House and the Heads of Learning. I encourage students to actively connect with these staff who are always happy to help where they can, to offer advice and encouragement. We wish all students all the very best in their studies for the rest of the term. Students results and goals will be discussed over the next few weeks and early in Term 2 with PCG teachers, when they engage in Care Conversations. Care Conversations are a valuable opportunity for all students to be a part of in order to identify areas for growth and celebrate achievements.

At this point in the year, it is important for Year 11 students to start thinking about how they are going to be more active leaders within the school. Students have each been given a leadership reflection document to consider their talents and abilities and how they can best utilise those skills. I have already been impressed with a number of students who have started to show initiatives of their own in volunteering to help in various areas of the college, assisting others and how they interact with one other. I am looking forward to seeing them excel in their two leadership days with the LYQ facilitators in Term 2 and Term 3.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

The International Women’s Day breakfast is on this Friday. I encourage all to come along to celebrate the wonderful gift we have in our sisters, mothers, wives, grandparents and other significant women in our lives. I hope to see you all there.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students

A positive nurturing environment is an indispensable part of learning. It is in a positive environment that a student feels comfortable; a place where healthy relationships with peers and teachers flourish. In a positive environment, the process of learning becomes something that students easily adapt to and look forward to. To achieve this environment, young students need to be nurtured with love, care and support. As we all know, today, learning in a school involves more than just being exposed to information and set content. Research has established that children absorb all that they observe around them and that they learn best when they feel comfortable enough to explore their environment. In a positive and nurturing environment, students show their authentic curious self and paint the world with their unique and individual brush strokes.

Simply put, a positive classroom environment is essential as it enables students to be inquirers, thinkers and explorers and true leaders of their own learning. A positive environment is where children can work as a team, celebrate each other’s achievements and learn from mistakes. It enhances students’ ability to learn and to be productive in the true sense of learning things on their own.

A few factors that contribute to creating a positive learning environment are establishing a supportive learning culture, addressing a learner’s needs, and encouraging a student’s involvement in all activities. Additionally, classroom seating needs to be arranged such that students can learn individually as well as participate in a group activity.

Our teachers keep in mind that the classroom is a child’s second home and therefore, they make efforts to make students feel as comfortable as possible. They strive to create an environment that is more conducive to engagement and learning. A classroom environment that is not positive and full of restrictions and rigid rules, impairs learning by narrowing a student’s focus and inhibiting his/her ability to explore multiple viewpoints and solve problems. A positive classroom environment helps improve attention, reduce anxiety, and supports emotional and behavioural regulation of students.

When we, as educators, foster a positive learning culture; our learners are more likely to acquire higher motivation that leads to wonderful learning outcomes.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

An opportunity exists for Parents and Senior College helpers to volunteer at the Mooloolaba Triathlon next Saturday. This is a fun opportunity to get together with others from our wonderful PLC community and contribute to a great Sunshine Coast event. Pacific receives a donation for each volunteer we provide on the day.

Volunteers will assist competitors to rack their bike prior to Sunday’s race. Volunteers will receive a Moo Tri Volunteer T-shirt and a lunch pack.

• When and where: Saturday 13th March from 10.00am to 4.30pm, Mooloolaba.

If you would like more information or can commit to helping, please see Ms Angela Hill in the Wellbeing Centre or contact Mrs Jenny Lee via email to: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Pacific Together

Pacific Together is a discreet helping-hand offered by Friends of Pacific, in conjunction with Pastor Tim, to College families in times of need.

If you or someone you know within our College community needs extra support anytime during the year, the Pacific Together care group may be able to help in some small way or offer a care package in times of need.

We invite you to contact Pastor Tim Jarick or Pacific Together via the FoP email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Quote of the Week

“The empowerment of women is about the empowerment of humanity.” – Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick

#ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

QUT Advice Night for Year 11 and 12 Students and Parents

Year 11 and 12 students and their parents are invited to get their questions about uni answered at QUT Advice Night on Wednesday 24th March from 5.30pm – 7.00pm. The webinar will offer advice about course and career planning, how to apply to uni, study costs, and resources available to support parents and students throughout the year. There will also be the chance to hear from real students about their uni experience and ask questions about their course and uni life.

ADF Gap Year Applications Now Open

An ADF Gap Year is a unique opportunity to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, without needing to make a long-term commitment. Applications are now open for current Year 12 students.

Students who take part in the ADF Gap Year program:

• Gain valuable skills and work experience.
• Enjoy a great salary package plus free healthcare.
• Live a varied, active and healthy lifestyle.
• Make friends with like-minded people.
• Have the opportunity to see more of Australia.

Whatever your interest, there are a variety of roles to select. These include experiences as an officer, in management, engineering, logistics and warehousing, combat and security and administration.

For more information, or to start the application process, click here.

GriffithBUSINESS Responsible Leaders of the Future Conference

Open to Years 10, 11 and 12, the Responsible Leaders of the Future Conference offers a full-day program that provides a hands-on experience and challenges students to problem solve, develop ideas and suggest solutions to reimagine how organisations and leaders face 21st century challenges.

Students will work together with a diverse and talented cohort to explore how they can disrupt traditional models and explore themes and skills like entrepreneurialism, leadership, sustainability, equity, innovation and adaptability.

• Gold Coast: Monday 24th May 2021
• South Bank: Wednesday 26th May 2021

To register your interest, email: gbs-undergrad@griffith.edu.au.

Women in Trades Speed Careering Event

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is running a series of speed careering events later this year, across Queensland.

If you are a high school girl looking to build your career on a trade such as carpentry, building, electrical or even automotive and mechanical, then NAWIC would love you to join them for an exciting speed careering event.

• Meet tradeswomen who are training, working and running their own businesses in the construction, mining and automotive industries;
• Network with women in various stages of their careers in a broad range of trades;
• Hear first-hand the benefits and rewards of pursuing a trade career;
• Discover how to commence your own trade career; and
• Of course, learn the tricks of the trade!

Register your interest via email towot@nawic.com.au.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Well done to our six Pacific swimmers Emily Lengenberg, Euan Lengenberg, Sam Shefe, Josh Brouw, Abby Novosel and Mae Clarke who represented both the College and Independent District at the Sunshine Coast Regional Swimming Carnival this week. Swimmers from Noosa to Redcliffe took part in this carnival with the top swimmers qualifying to swim at the Queensland State Titles later this month in Brisbane.

A special mention to Emily and Euan Lengenberg who had some outstanding results and have now qualified for the state titles. 

Emily Lengenberg:

• 1st – 100m Butterfly (State Qualifier)
• 1st – 50m Butterfly (State Qualifier)
• 2nd – 100m Backstroke (State Qualifier)
• 2nd – 50m Backstroke (State Qualifier)
• 2nd – 100m Freestyle (State Qualifier)

Euan Lengenberg:

• 2nd – 100m Backstroke (State Qualifier)
• 5th – 50m Backstroke (State Qualifier)

Year 5 /6 Sunshine Coast Primary School Water Polo Competition

Monday night saw the opening games played in the Sunshine Coast Primary School Water Polo Competition. Pacific has entered a mixed boys and girls team made up of Year 5 and 6 students.

The competition is made up of 12 teams from Independent, Catholic and State Schools on the Sunshine Coast. On Monday night our Pacific team played two friendlies with a strong 9-1 win over St Andrew’s Anglican College 7 team and a 1-7 loss to St Andrew’s Anglican College 8 team.

The competition officially commences next Monday. Good luck to the team in their future games.

SCISSA Sport

Week 6 Results

Independent District Teams

Congratulations to the following students for their selection into Independent District Teams.

Monday Night Netball Results

Well done to all Pacific teams for their strong efforts for the first round of competition this week!

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport and Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

Mrs Shea Moor, Tuckshop Convenor

You and your child will benefit from:

• A qualified and experienced team;
• Engaging and purposeful play-based learning, embracing children’s thinking and collaboration;
• A spacious modern facility, full of natural light that supports social interactions between children of different ages;
• A mud kitchen, climbing tree, rainforest walks, library experiences and special visits;
• A foundation of Christian values;
• Being a part of Pacific Lutheran College’s welcoming community; and
• Enrolments that commence from two-years-of-age.

For more information, please contact the centre directly on 5436 7377.

Ms Julie McCosker, Service Leader

5                          International Women’s Day Breakfast (7.00am)

                            Musical Camp Departs

                            Senior Trish Buckley Volleyball – Round 1

7                          Musical Camp Returns

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

11                        Year 4-6 SCISSA Trial Game – SCC

12                        Senior Trish Buckley Volleyball – Round 2

13                        Music Scholarship Test

13-14                  Duke of Edinburgh – Adventurous Journey

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

16                        Year 4 Outdoor Education Information Evening (5.30pm)

                            Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

18                        Year 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day 1

19                        Pacific as a Peace Place

                            Senior Trish Buckley Volleyball – Round 3

20                        Academic Scholarship Test