Compass No. 601 March 2021

From the Principal

Respect As A Foundational Value
Respecting the dignity and worth of all people is the key to living life in a welcoming and uplifting way. Speaking kindly and respectfully to, with and about others creates the freedom for people to take risks and explore potential. Being respectful to others opens the possibility of strengths coming together to achieve a greater good. Where there is a culture of mutual respect, people flourish. 

Before God, all people are equally loved parts of His creation. We have a mutuality of falling short of what God would have us be and being in need of God’s love, grace and forgiveness. Respect does not need to be earnt, it should be a given that flows from our common humanity.

 
Principal's Log

There was a great deal of enthusiasm that flowed during and from the Grease Musical Camp at Luther Heights over the weekend. Staff and students enjoyed the opportunity to spend an extended time rehearsing and honing their performance. We look forward to seeing the lively production in Term 2. Thank you to all cast members for the time they have contributed. Productions provide unique opportunities for young people to connect with each other and to grow their talents. We thank Mrs Janine Delaney, Mrs Alisha Marxen, Mrs Ceilidh King, Mr Alex O’Connor, Mr Neil Booth, Mrs Wanda Hayes and Ms Ally Hickey for generously giving of their time and talent to provide this rich opportunity for our young people.

There was a good vibe as more than 300 parents and friends of the College and a large contingent of students came together to celebrate International Women’s Day last Friday. We reflected on the importance of respect as a foundational and empowering value in our relationships. People appreciated the opportunity to connect with each other as they were entertained by the talents of our music students and enjoyed the wonderful food prepared by our hospitality students and staff. We thank Mr Mark Hauser and Mrs Leanne Bevis for their organisation, our music and hospitality staff and students and a further 40 students who volunteered to help set up very early in the morning and carry food from the kitchen across to the gym. 

Recently there has been considerable media attention on the issue of consent. As a school we continue to emphasise the importance of respectful relationships in all areas of life and will review with staff, students and parents our learning in the area of consent. Parents play a very important role in ensuring that their children learn about respectful relationships, boundaries and understand what consent means and the implications surrounding it. Parents are welcome to contact the College for further information or support.

We wish all students calm minds as they prepare for and complete assessments. Steady, ongoing study and revision is key to building understanding and retention of learning. A focus on growing capacity and learning how to improve understanding and review strategies rather than focussing on results opens minds to learning through the assessment process and feedback. No matter where we are in the process, the question of what next step can be taken to improve and then committing to completing that step helps to build capacity.

May God grow in us the humility and graciousness to be respectful in our thoughts, words and actions.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

Honesty

Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving. – James E. Faust

Honesty is the devotional thread of the college over the next two weeks and it is also a character strength used in positive psychology. When we think about honesty as a character strength, a quality that we all know deep down we need and want to have, we soon realise that honesty has got to do with a lot more than just telling the truth or not telling lies. Honesty has to do with being a person of authenticity and integrity. Honesty is about being a person you can trust. It’s got to do with showing courage when we are tempted. The more we practice honesty and surround ourselves with people who are honest the more it will grow in our character. We don’t have to let our old habits rule us. Like any character trait, we can grow, develop and increase honesty with practice, learning from our mistakes when we fail, and asking for God’s help and strength.

Martin Luther hit the nail on the head when he explained the 8th Commandment in his Small Catechism. Concerning the commandment; You are not to bear false witness against your neighbour (or in more everyday language) You shall not lie, Luther said this; We are to honour and love God, so that we do not tell lies about other people, talk about them behind their back, or damage their reputation in any way. Instead, we should speak up for them and explain their actions in the kindest possible way. Luther explains the commandment very positively, how we are to speak about others so that we live, speak and encourage honesty amongst everyone. What wise words we would do well to remember in our relationships and speech to one another. Imagine if we were to put into practice that last phrase; explain people’s actions in the kindest possible way. Imagine the honesty, the trust, the integrity people would see growing in us if we put this into action each day, in each of our relationships.

As you develop this character strength of honesty in your life may God give you everything you need to explain everyone’s actions in the kindest possible way. 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

From the Director of Students

An Honest Place
Earlier this week at assembly I asked the Middle and Senior College students to identify the pace they were operating at, now we are seven weeks into Term 1. I asked them to consider the pace at which they were working within their year group, their classes and especially as individuals. Were they working at a pace that was too slow, too fast or at a pace that was not reflective of the activity within which they were engaged? Were they satisfied with their pace or did they need to be working at a more honest pace? Or were they operating at a pace that was sufficiently challenging that resulted in ‘academic sweat’? At Pacific we provide opportunities for students to be academically stretched. It is at this point that positive learning gains are made.

As a learning community we acknowledge that there is a collective responsibility to work with our young people to ensure they are able to stay the course, to build their ‘academic fitness’ throughout the terms, semesters and year. Similar to a coach we are tasked with providing the appropriate learning plan and advice to support them through the various assessment seasons where the academic pace really intensifies. Nevertheless, any athlete will attribute their success to the daily practice of their training, long before the main competitions. Likewise, it is with learning, students need to grow in their capacity to commit to their plan daily, working with and alongside their teachers and receiving the necessary pep talks from their support network; families, friends, and other adult connections, including their PCG teacher. One simple, yet effective way of supporting at home, the learning that is happening at school, is showing an interest in your child’s day. I encourage you all to take the time of an afternoon or evening to talk to them about their day and what work they have been doing and especially so at this crucial time when there are many assessments being completed.

Goal Setting

Currently our Year 11 and 12 students are engaging in care conversations with their respective PCG teachers to identify strategies to support their progress across various domains. At the same time the Year 7-10 students have been steadily focusing on areas they can improve upon from Semester 2, 2020 in preparation for their care conversations in early Term 2. Whilst goal setting has and continues to be covered within Personal Development lessons and Pastoral Care time, I would like to share with you the rationale of a SMART goal. A SMART goal should be:

S: Specific, to what the young person is focused on for improving.

M: Measurable, to the extent that they might consider a grade they are working toward or striving for a personal best time.

A: Attainable, such that the goal is not beyond their reach entirely.

R: Relevant, so that they are striving for something that aligns with their purpose

T: Time-bound, whereby there is an end point to their goal, whether it be a short (1 semester) or long-term goal, (the entire year).

Pacific as a Peace Place

Each year the College undertakes an audit of the students’ perceptions related to a range of domains including but not limited to safety, harassment, support networks, pastoral care and happiness. The information we collect is anonymous and via an online survey that is completed individually. Held during the same time period as the National Day of Action Against Bullying toward the end of Week 8 (and again in Term 3), it is an opportunity to celebrate the great work that is undertaken in making Pacific a truly peaceful place. It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the areas where we need to improve and direct more attention to, in supporting students, both socially and emotionally. More information will be relayed to students in the coming week to support them in being able to complete this survey.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

From the Acting Head of Staff and Students P-5

Pastoral Care

A few years ago, the senior students at the College were challenged to design a logo that encompassed the essence of what Pastoral Care looks like at Pacific.

As the logo reflects, Pastoral Care is a combination of methodology, research, and interpersonal skill building.

The imagery of interconnected community reminds us that Pastoral Care is a collective experience and for us to flourish in this journey, we are reliant on each other to share the journey.

At the centre of the logo lies the empty cross. This intentional placement reminds us that our connections, choices and processes are performed with Christ guiding us. We can hang our disagreements and troubles on the cross safe in the knowledge that we build strength through weakness.

Our thread for the next two weeks of term surrounds honesty and the reminder that being honest takes courage. By being truthful, we begin the process of healing and when damage has occurred, we are taking the first steps in repairing our relationships that may have suffered as a result.

Care for Self

Over the course of this term, I have and will continue to explore the notion of how we exhibit care. This week we concentrated on caring for self by being kind to ourselves when we make a mistake and that making mistakes is a natural progression in our academic and inter-personal growth.

As we know, everyone makes mistakes, and they provide valuable opportunities to reflect on where we may do things differently in the future. Elements of Our You Can Do It Program explore the notion of ‘catastrophising’ and making small missteps is something that can sometimes become all encompassing.

The first stop in forgiveness is forgiving ourselves. By acknowledging and understanding that we err because we are human, we give ourselves the permission to be honest with ourselves and move on to keep improving as people.

Stopping the Snowball

Also mentioned during our Assemblies is how we have the power to change the course of problems and situations that we encounter from becoming bigger. I have used the analogy of a snowball rolling down a hill. When a snowball starts, it begins small and is easily stopped. If, however, left unchecked, a snowball grows and grows becoming unstoppable eventually damaging everything that is in its wake. Luckily, there are many techniques we can use to stop a problem from growing into an uncontrollable landslide.

One such tool is the ‘high five hand’ – speak friendly, speak firmly, ignore, walk away and report or get help. Students are reminded of their role if they are involved or witness to problems, they have a range scope of problem-solving strategies that aim to solve potential issues between students.

In line with our COVID safe plan, parents are permitted to attend our assemblies. They occur from 8.30am on Monday mornings and go for approximately a half an hour.

National Ride2School Day

National Ride2School Day is coming up on Friday 19th March 2021. This initiative is run by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and encourages students to use active travel to get to and from school because:

  • Children arrive at school feeling more alert and ready to learn;
  • Active travel helps students to achieve their recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, and
  • Fewer cars on our local streets improves road safety around our school.

Sunshine Coast Council is offering great prizes this Ride2School Day including 4 x $500 bike shop vouchers. You can register your children for Ride2School Day at: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ride2school. Children can ride, scoot or skate to be eligible.

This year Council is encouraging students to ‘buddy up’ with their friends and ride to school together. Parents can join in by riding with children. Families who live far from school can still participate. Just park the car a kilometre away and ride, scoot or skate the rest of the way.

All students riding to school are required to wear helmets (this includes children on scooters and skateboards).

Take care and God bless.

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

Food for Thought

Building Resilience
The most important job any of us will ever have is raising our children. We parents embrace this opportunity with joy, but also worry. Often parents focus on two questions:
  • “What is the best way to raise a wonderful human?” We want to prepare our children to be contributing, caring, successful individuals.
  • “How can I keep my child safe?” We also want to keep our children protected from harm and danger.

Click here to learn more.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community
Mooloolaba Tri Volunteering Opportunity

Thank you to those who have volunteered to help at the Mooloolaba Triathlon this coming Saturday. It promises to be a fun opportunity to get behind the scenes of a great Sunshine Coast event and volunteer with others from our wonderful community. Pacific receives a donation for each volunteer we provide on the day and we thank you for your service. 

We look forward to the opportunity to volunteer for future triathlons later this year.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 16th March. We meet in the College Library at 6.30pm and all are welcome to attend. Please register your attendance via email to fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Quote of the Week

“The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.”  Paulo Coelho

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Library News

Book Club
Book Club order forms were distributed to P-7 last week. Orders must be placed online before 9am Monday please.

Lunchtimes and Expectations in the Library

On the one hand, the library is a vibrant, exciting place to be – just look at the range of activities that were happening this week. On the other hand, the library must also provide a quiet place to read and study. In order to cater for both, students are asked to adhere to the following expectations:

  • Junior students need to wear a lanyard while in the library. Once all 50 lanyards are gone, no more students may enter.
  • Middle and Senior College students must be quietly reading, working or engaged in one of our activities such as board games, VR or our Wednesday craft day. Students who are merely socialising will be asked to move outside.
  • The hub areas are reserved for students doing quiet, individual work.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

College News

Year 5 Bushfire Unit
This term, Year 5 students have been learning about bushfires. As part of this unit, they have explored how extreme natural events can affect people and places and how these affects can be reduced. They created bushfire artwork and wrote poems to illustrate their understandings of the impact.

This week, to consolidate their learning, students enjoyed a visit from Bruce Linfoot, a station officer for Queensland Fire and Rescue. Bruce discussed ways in which people can be prepared for bushfires and the steps we should take to make sure our homes are bushfire ready. Year 5 students will now write a report of how their own homes will be ready in case of a bushfire and will be including floor plans and evacuation routes.

Mrs Melanie Percival, Year 5 Teacher

Design a Student Garden Competition
The Pacific Gardening Club is running a competition to design a student garden that we would like to build here at our school. There will be different categories for Prep – Year 3, Year 4-5 and Middle and Senior College.

To enter the competition, you will need to bring in a gold coin donation and draw your design on the entry form or you can be more creative and include designs on Minecraft, a model or even Lego.

If you are interested in entering this competition, please collect an entry form from P-5 Students or the Wellbeing Centre. There will be a submission box in both these offices as well. Don’t forget to include your gold coin donation, which will go towards more gardening club projects such as a new vertical garden. Entries will close on Wednesday of Week 10 and results will be announced early in Term 2.

Mrs Linda Sydes, Year 6 Teacher

Cultural News

'Grease Is The Word!' - Productive Musical Camp
Over the weekend, 44 students and 7 staff enthusiastically engaged in an intensive ‘Grease’ Musical Camp at Luther Heights. It was a treat to have the brand new ‘Ocean Outlook’ Facility to use for the weekend. Luther Heights staff were so excited by what they heard of our rehearsals, so they encouraged the cast to give an impromptu performance for them in the dining hall.

We can’t wait to get this high-energy, iconic and extremely popular musical to the stage! Thank you to the students and staff for an amazing weekend full of very hard work and lots of fun!

Tickets go on sale at the start of Term 2. Don’t miss out!

Mrs Janine Delaney, Director

Dance News
Co-curricular

Great vibes have returned to the dance studio this week as the Pacific Dance Academy team has been finalised and rehearsals are well underway. Led by our senior dance students, Zoe Clewett and Nicola Hewitt, the team has been working towards our first competition, the Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod, which will be held at the Caloundra Events Centre in May.

We welcome our new members; Mia Smara, Evangeline Bloomfield, Ruby Pederson and Amber Taylor to the team and look forward to collaborating with them.

It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that we embark upon this years’ opportunities to showcase our talented dancers in representing the College, in both the College and outside community. 

Uniforms

Dance uniforms are available for purchase through the uniform shop for dance students wishing to purchase for training and rehearsals. Due to the great enthusiasm for the uniforms so far, some sizes are running low in stock. Thank you for your patience as we reorder more sizes and await their arrival.

Thank you to those students and parents who have supported the purchasing of dance uniforms already. The dancers are enjoying the functionality of this uniform and the professional presentation is excellent.

Mrs Kristy Astwick, Dance Coordinator

College Tuckshop

Tuckshop

Due to system errors between our system and FlexiSchools, we are temporarily unable to accept Student Cards over the counter. Students and parents are encouraged to order online or pay over the counter with EFTPOS.

We apologise for the inconvenience. Our IT Department is working with FlexiSchools to resolve this issue.

Mrs Shea Moor, Tuckshop Convenor

From the Head of Career Development

Interested in Studying Medicine?
Year 12 students who are intending to study Medicine next year need to register now to sit UCAT – the Medicine Admissions Test. You will find information about how to register and book your test here. If you haven’t already done so, you should also make an appointment to discuss your plans with me as soon as possible.

University Subjects at School

Most Universities offer programs that allow Year 11 and 12 students to complete one or two university subjects while they are in their final 2 years of high school. There are two programs that are accessible for PLC students.

USC runs the program under the name Headstart. Our students who take on a University subject at USC through Headstart have the option to attend classes live, or to study their subject online.

Our students can also take on a University subject at QUT, where the program is called START QUT. QUT offers a range of subjects that can be studied online through this program.

Both programs give Year 11 and 12 students a real university experience, and set them up for their future, allowing them to study first-year uni subjects and receive credit to take time off their degree.

Any students who are considering adding a University subject to their senior program of study should make an appointment with me to discuss how the program works. In addition, they should attend the information session at whichever university they are interested in.

Headstart applications for Semester 2, 2021 will open to current Year 11 students after the Headstart information evenings, on Thursday 18 March at USC Sippy Downs, or Tuesday 23 March online. You should register online here for the session you wish to attend.

START QUT applications for Semester 2, 2021 will open to current Year 11 students on Wednesday 31 March and close on Monday 31 May. To find out more information about studying a university subject while still in high school, be sure to register for the START QUT Information Webinar on Tuesday 30 March.

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, go to https://www.defencejobs.gov.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 to wot@nawic.com.au.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Sport News

Student Recognition
Well done to all our students who participated in recent representative trials.

A special mention goes to Emily and Euan Lengenberg for their strong performances at the Sunshine Coast Region Swimming Trials. Emily got a 1st in the 50m Butterfly, 1st in the 100m Butterfly, 2nd in the 100m Backstroke, 2nd in the 50m Backstroke and 2nd in the 100m Freestyle. Euan achieved 2nd in the 100m Backstroke and 5th in the 50m Backstroke. Both Emily and Euan have made state selection for each of these events.

Congratulations to all students listed below for their selection into representative teams.

Sport

Division

Student Selected

Team

Volleyball

16-19 yrs Girls

Carys Mahoney

Independent District

Swimming

12 yrs Girls

Emily Lengenberg

Sunshine Coast Region

Swimming

10 yrs Boys

Euan Lengenberg

Sunshine Coast Region

Water Polo

Open Women

Cossette Winter

QLD Country

Rugby Union

11-12 yrs Boys

Saxon Mathers

Independent District

Netball

10-12 yrs Girls

Ana-belle Mogg

Kayla Sanderson

Independent District

Independent District

 

Sport Selection

Sport selection for Term 2 is now open for students on the 7-12 Sport Nav Page. It will stay open until lunchtime on Friday afternoon. This was announced to students on Tuesday morning. Students can again pick from Competitive Sport, Sport Development and Sport for Life Options. Some options have been indicated as having limited numbers so students picking these have been asked to list second choices when choosing their sports. Week 1 of Term 2 will be an opportunity for students to trial their sports and make a change if required. From Week 2, we will be encouraging students to stick with their sports for the remainder of the term.

Running Club

On 1st April, Pacific Lutheran College will be holding their annual Cross Country event. More details will be sent to families in the next week. All keen runners are encouraged to train for the event by participating in Running Club on Tuesday mornings at 7.15am. There are lots of students, staff and parents involved in this already and it makes for a great start to the morning. There is a breakfast option available for purchase at the tuckshop (please book online) and there are showers available for students after the session. If you would like more information on how to register or further specifics about Running Club, please email Mr Cameron West-McInnes cwestmcinnes@pacluth.qld.edu.au or Mrs Kim Kiernan kkiernan@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

SCISSA Sport

Congratulations to the Open Boys 2 soccer team for their 3-0 win on Wednesday afternoon.

Well done to the following students who were awarded MVP this week: Dafydd Thomas, Niels Whiteley, Chantelle Page, Abigail Tracey, Charlise Bell, Zac McCarthy and Holly King.

There is one more round of fixtures before the SCISSA finals this term. The finals draw and scheduling will be organised at the end of next week.

Monday Night Netball Results

Well done to all Pacific teams for their strong efforts this week!

Team

Results

MVP

PLC Crystal

BYE

-

PLC Amber

Won

Whole Team

PLC Emerald

Won

Kate Williams

PLC Jade

Lost

Meleika Clarke

PLC Opal

Won

Gracelyn Brown

PLC Pearl

Won

Ruby Smith

PLC Sapphire

Won

Imogen Hiley

 

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

Pacific Early Learning Centre

Book a Tour
Many of life’s big lessons are learnt before beginning school. Learning how to interact, the power of curiosity and the importance of love and understanding. We believe that nurturing your child’s character and sense of wonderment is as important as keeping them safe.

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

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Worship @ St Mark's

Sharing a common mission and ministry with Pacific Lutheran College

“Growing in faith and sharing God’s love with others”

Weekly worship services are held at 14 Bombala Terrace Caloundra at 8.30am and 9.30am. We are thankful that we are able to meet together each week for worship. As we do this, there are still physical distancing, signing in, and hygiene requirements we need to follow in order to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our community.

Our worship services are intergenerational with a blend of traditional and contemporary.

You’re welcome to follow us on Facebook and visit our Church webpage.

All are welcome at any of our services.

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

Upcoming Dates

March
 

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