Compass No. 601 March 2021

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

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

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

• “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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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)

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