Compass No. 608 May 2021

From the Principal

Richness Through Humility

Many of us will have experienced the joy of letting good soil flow through our hands. The word humility shares its derivation with the latin word for soil, humus. When we are able to let go of ourselves and see our strengths and weaknesses we can live as grounded people. We can let go of the anxiety of having to prove things to ourselves and to others and instead live freely. We can make the most of the moment and our gifts to learn, live fully and make a difference for others. We can walk gently on and as part of the earth.

Being grounded in God’s love means that we trust that all of our gifts flow and are enriched from our growing relationship with Him. We can stand and grow in God’s rich soil nourished by His Word and grace. We trust that He will provide all that we need and breathe deeply. We are then free to live gratefully, graciously and generously.

Principal's Log

It was good to see our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students calmly engage with their NAPLAN tests this week. The NAPLAN data provides one important piece of data about the progress of student learning in the areas of literacy and numeracy. This assessment, along with other data collected through standardised tests, formal assessment and informal observation enables teachers to reflect on their literacy and numeracy programs. They are then better able to plan for the cohort and the individual student. It is important that this is seen as one element of a young person’s education. The intentional development of the whole child is our focus. This includes the skills of innovation, entrepreneurialism, life-long learning, creativity, communication, critical thinking and information technology. Deep understandings and appreciation in the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, physical and cultural realms of life provide a rich foundation for young people to flourish. 

It was a delight to celebrate the achievement of our Year 12 students who have performed at an outstanding level in their academic achievement and approaches to learning at this week’s assembly. We congratulate all of these students and thank their teachers for their strong encouragement and support. 

Our debaters have continued to make strong progress this year with our Senior Students participating in the Brisbane zone and the Middle College students in the Sunshine Coast Zone of the QDU debating. The senior students are now also enjoying the opportunity to engage in an invitational online debating competition on the Sunshine Coast. Having been runners-up last year, the team is keen to go that one step further. We thank Mr Alex O’Connor for his leadership of our teams and also thank our coaches, Mrs Ceilidh King, Mr Joshua Zanker, and past students Mr Austin Beasley and Miss Anna Krashnefski.

We look forward to welcoming back our Year 4 students from camp this week. Our Head of Outdoor Education, Ms Kim Wood has continued to work hard with our teachers to provide a continuity of learning that connects the rich experiences of students’ outdoor education and their broader learnings whilst at the College. We thank Ms Wood for her overall leadership and Mr Davis, Mrs Empson, Mr Doran, Mrs Atkinson, Mrs Sara Taverner, Pastor Tim Jarick, Ms Pia Henriksen and Mrs Natalie Rollings for their guidance and support of the Year 4 students on camp.

We look forward to our Open Day this Sunday. As part of the COVID requirements for the event, parents and visitors will be required to register prior to, or on arrival. There will be limits on numbers of adults per room and other protocols in place to ensure we are running the event in a COVID safe way for our community. We look forward to celebrating the growth of learning within the College with our families and the broader community.

May God grow a rich humility in us all so that we graciously and generously provide a place of welcome and opportunity for others to flourish within.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

Humility

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

James 4:6

The following text is a guided meditation on humility that I used with the college staff this week. If you can, find a quiet place as you read this reflectively.

Let’s be grounded, that’s what humility is all about. Let’s put our two feet firmly on the floor, our backs straight on the chair, and take a deep breath and relax. Let’s take a breath and feel the tension in our neck and shoulders subside as we breathe out.

Let’s still our minds now as we picture these words of Jesus being spoken to us; Blessed are the meek, the humble, for they will inherit the earth.

Picture Jesus beside you, speaking these words to you. Blessed are the humble. You might not consider yourself humble, but Jesus is there in front of you, speaking these words humbly to you. The one who came from God to earth, to humble himself for you, is speaking these words to you.

As you hear these words, Blessed are the humble. Let them sink into your head and your heart. As they filter through you, you know where you are not humble in your life. You know the places inside you where there is no humility. You know the times when you have been far from humble with other people. The times that pride and selfishness have surfaced, the times it has come out in your relationships.

But Jesus is beside you, not demanding humbleness from you but calmly reassuring you. Blessed are the humble, the grounded, those aware of what is happening inside them. 

You know the pride inside you but God gives grace to the humble. That is what you need, that is what Jesus is offering you, placing in your hands and in your heart as he speaks these words.

You are in Jesus’s presence, and he gives you grace, the grace to be humble, to be aware of your inner compulsions, your automatic reactions, the grace to think of yourself less, to focus on the needs of others, the grace to show humility to those dear and near to you.

And that is enough. That is all you need for this moment, this day, as your life unfolds. That is God’s desire for you. To give you himself, his presence, his son, his life, his grace, his humility. That is all you need for today. God gives grace to the humble.

Let’s open our eyes, now, as we pray…

Lord Jesus, open our hearts and minds to the people, places and spaces where humility is present. Help us to humble ourselves, confess our pride, and draw on your grace which you promise to us, your grace which has the power to change us. Give us humility as we interact with each other today. Amen.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Head of Senior College Students

Senior Trivia Night

Following the success of the Term One Year 12 trivia night, the Academic Pacific Action Group held another Academic trivia night for the Year 11s to be a part of. It was great to see more than half the cohort give up their Friday night to attend an evening of fun, entertainment, and competition together. Once again, the range of activities and questions allowed for 100% engagement from all, and the highlight is always the dance-off competition. Congratulations to all who participated and especially to the PLC staff team for putting forward a decent challenge to the students! Well done to the Academic PAG leaders and members (Mrs Tina Cox, Chelsea Kidd, Ayanna Nath, Hayley Young and Tanushi Nath), for their initiative and coordination of the event. 

Year 12-2 Connections

Last week, the Year 12 cohort continued their connections with their Year Two ‘buddies’ when both year levels came together to engage in some fun and connection. The Year 12s helped their Year Two buddies to write Mother’s Day cards and wrap gifts for them to give to their mothers on Mother’s Day last week. The connections between these two grades continues to grow and foster strong connections that will last throughout the year, making the Year 12 graduation in November special for both year levels. A special thanks to Mrs Kirsty Ridley, Mrs Jodie Connors and Mrs Tanya Graves for their organisation of the session.

Senior College Assessment

Now is the time for our Senior College students to start preparing for the assessment period. Year 12 students have had numerous assessment pieces already due throughout the term; Year 11 students are also about to come to the point where assessment schedules start getting full; and the Year 10s have their exam block later in the term (week 8). I would encourage all students to maintain their focus in each and every lesson in order to maximise their learning. Class teachers are there to help all students, but there are also other support people for students if they start to feel like they need help. Pastoral Care Group teachers and Heads of House are wonderful resources for support, and they are always happy to help students where they can. I wish all the Senior College students all the very best throughout what is a busy term, and look forward to hearing the positive stories about their learning.

God bless.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students

From the Head of Learning Senior College

Academic Awards

This week on Senior Assembly we acknowledged and celebrated the application, persistence, and commitment shown by our Year 12 students towards their learning over the last six months. Academic Endeavour Awards were presented to students who demonstrated excellence in formulating their academic goals, fully engaging with subject matter, making outstanding contributions to the classroom environment, and collaborating with their peers. These students received 5s for the majority of the Learning to Learn and Learning to Do categories on their recent Term 1 reports. Academic Excellence Awards were presented to students who shone in all subjects. More specifically, these students achieved A’s in five out of their six subjects with no one grade lower than a B, highlighting their dedication and focus towards their learning. 

Students across the Middle School as well as Years 10 and 11 are encouraged to maintain their focus and dedication to their study across the remainder of the semester, with Academic Endeavour and Excellence Awards being presented to this group at the start of Term 3.

Students who received awards on Tuesday included:

Academic Excellence

  • Noah Beasley
  • Cody McMackin
  • Kaylah Newcombe
  • William Newton
  • Mary Pettingill
  • Cosette Winter Oliver

 

Academic Endeavour

  • Caitlyn Barry
  • Lachlan Buchanan
  • Harry Collishaw
  • Jae Flynn
  • Tegan Graves
  • Thomas Grey
  • Patrick Henderson
  • Ella Hockam
  • Luca Jones
  • Alexander Jose

 

  • Layla Kidd
  • Chelsea Kokavec
  • Emily McKenzie
  • Kate Monroe
  • Sebastian Moye
  • Sophia Summers
  • Holly Ubrihien
  • Ethan Watman
  • Alicia Woods

Ms Anne-Marie Gerlach, Head of Learning Senior College

From the Head of Learning K-5

Pacific Early Learning Centre Open Mornings

Focused on growing a love of learning through providing a nurturing environment where children's curiosity leads them to discovery, Pacific Lutheran Early Learning provides a strong foundation for children prior to their entry to school. Families enjoy growing with their children in a supportive learning community founded on Christian values.

Pacific Early Learning invites you to attend our Open Mornings on:

  • Monday 17th May 9am-10am
  • Tuesday 18th May 9am-10am
  • Wednesday 19th May 9am-10am
  • Thursday 20th May 9am – 10am

Here is the link for the Early Learning Centre visitor – please register if you would like to speak to our staff and see our wonderful environment https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TWPZG2F

We look forward to welcoming you!

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

Food for Thought

Taking Some ‘Me Time’ is Important, and it Also Helps Strengthen Your Mental Wellbeing

Your mental wellbeing is the unique way that you handle your emotions, respond to stress and also your general outlook on life. Having a healthy sense of mental wellbeing has many benefits. It lifts your mood, promotes resilience in difficult situations and helps you get the most out of life. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live or how you’re feeling – taking a few moments for yourself each day will help you be a happier and more resilient you. https://mentalwellbeing.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

Mrs Annie Williams College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific

Next Meeting

Our next Friends of Pacific meeting will be held on Tuesday 18 May from 6.30pm in the College Library.

All welcome to attend!

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Library News

Bookmarks

Give Me Some Space by Philip Bunting

Give Me Some Space is the picture book that will be read aloud for National Simultaneous Storytime - a special national celebration of reading. The year the chosen picture book will be read aloud from space by a NASA astronaut. It’s the perfect book to be read aloud in space as it’s all about one girl’s love for all things space. Una wants to become an astronaut. She has big plans for her life in space. But there are some challenges she must face in getting there. This picture book is lots of fun and the library is super excited to celebrate it and all things space over the next two weeks.

From Space to Core: A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Guy Holt

This book literally takes the reader on a journey from 408km above the Earth to the Earth’s core. Along every metre down the book highlights some incredible facts about human-made objects, things about the atmosphere, physical structures of the Earth, flora and fauna and things found in the sea. The whole book needs to be read on the side to make the most of the long spreads. There are so many cool things and facts to learn - like the height reached by the Lego mini figure that was launched by two Canadian teenagers and the height of the first private space flight. Did you know, the deep-diving submersible, designed to reach the bottom of the Challenger Deep at 11,034 metres below sea level, was made in Sydney? There is lots to explore and enjoy with this non fiction book.

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman

Join a group of space cadets fresh out of Aurora Academy and ready for their first missions. The only problem is they are the misfits of the Academy, oh and they have to work with a girl who has just been rescued from inter dimensional space and woken from two centuries of cyro-sleep. She might also be the reason for the start of a galaxy-wide war. Lots of sci-fi adventure set in deep space, The Aurora Cycle series is lots of fun and you can borrow the first two books in the series from the PLC Library.

Ms Madison Dearnaley, Teacher Librarian

College News

Immunisation Reminder

Year 7 & 10 immunisations will be held at school next Wednesday 19th May for those students who have handed in a complete consent form.

If your child is unwell on the day, please do not send them to school, arrangements will be made for a vaccination appointment at another time.

Any questions please contact the College nurses - 5436 7311.

Mrs Sharon Middleton & Mrs Maree Hooper, College Nurses

School Photos Tuesday 25 May 2021

School photographs are scheduled to be taken by Advancedlife, Tuesday 25th May 2021. An order envelope has been distributed this week. If possible, it is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day. Parents who place their order online DO NOT need to return the order envelope. 

Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code. Portrait and group package orders are due by photography day.

Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than the day before photography day. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact.

Miss Carolyn Sainty, Administrative Executive Secretary

Cultural News

Grease - Save the Date

THREE SHOWS SOLD OUT!

FINAL TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THE FRIDAY 21ST MATINEE – 12PM www.theeventscentre.com.au.

DON’T MISS OUT!

‘GREASE’ IS THE WORD!

Mrs Janine Delaney, Director

Sport News

Junior Sport

3-6 Athletics Carnival

A parent information letter was sent out this week with some important information regarding the upcoming 3-6 Athletics Carnival. Within this letter were some key dates regarding pre-carnival events and district trials that will run over the next few weeks. These are listed below:

12 Years High Jump – District Selection Trials

Tuesday 18th 1:00 – 1:40pm, (lunchtime)

Students in Year 6 who are turning 12 this year (2009 birth year) and would like to be considered for district selection in high jump will need to attend this trial held at PLC. Students from Year 7 who are also turning 12 this year will attend this trial.

Year 6 students will still compete in the 12 years high jump event at the 3-6 Athletics Carnival for house and age champion points.

Sprint Nominations

Thursday 20th May 2021 (1.40pm – 2.00pm)

Students will nominate to run in competitive races (heats) or a non-competitive race. All heats at the carnival will be timed using electronic timing gates with the times from all heats collated to determine the fastest times per age group which will be used to determine age champion points and district selection for this event.

Discus Event

Thursday 20th May 2021 (2:00pm – 3.00pm)

All students will take part in the Discus event at PLC during Thursday sport time. Students will be awarded age champion and house points from this event.

Years 1500m – District Selection Trials

Wednesday 26th May 2021 – (1:00 – 140pm, lunchtime)

Students wishing to compete in the 1500m at the Independent District Carnival will need to attend this trial. Age champion and house points are not awarded for this event as this is only for district selection.

Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival –

Thursday 3rd June 2021 – 8.30am – 3.00pm (University of the Sunshine Coast)

P-2 Cross Country Carnival

The Prep – Year 2 Cross Country carnival will be held at the end of this term on Wednesday 23rd June (Week 10). Students are beginning to practice for this event during Physical Education lessons. Due to construction of the Primary building, this year’s carnival will be held down on the Meridan AFL fields which are adjacent to the PLC ovals.

Parents and spectators will be welcome to attend the carnival.

Independent District Surfing Competition

Well done to Sam Williams, Kate Williams, Sam Princehorn and Scott Hiley who competed at the Independent District Surfing Contest last Thursday at Peregian. The students had pumping conditions on the day with good consistent waves and offshore winds all day.

Well done to Sam Williams who was selected in the Independent District team and will now progress to Sunshine Coast Regional Surfing Trials held at Coolum in early June.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

Senior Sport

Competitive Sport Results

SCISSA Volleyball

Congratulations to Open A Girls Volleyball for their 2-0 win against Suncoast on Wednesday. The Open B Girls also fought hard in their game, taking it to a tie breaker set, but went down in a close one.

Well done to the following students for being awarded MVP this week:

  • Cossette Winter Oliver
  • Georgina Jones

Trish Buckley Volleyball

Well done to the Yr 9 Trish Buckley Girls who won their game 2-0 against Glasshouse Christian College on Friday night. They also completed their first duty exceptionally well. At this stage, the girls are in 2nd place on the ladder. Awesome work!

Soccer

Last week the Open Boys Soccer Team A played their Grand Final and went down to St Andrews in a nail biter. It went all the way to a penalty shoot out. A tough way to finish, but the team fought well.

A number of these students also backed up on the Friday and joined a number of players from Team B to play in a Uhlsport Tournament game. This tournament runs across South East QLD and we are currently in pool stages. Again the team played extremely well but went down in a tight match 2-1. These tight games will put them in good stead against Marist College Ashgrove in a few weeks.

Congratulations to the Uhlsport Girls Team for their win against Grace Rothwell (4-2). Some great team play made all the difference and it is a great result against a strong soccer school. All the best for your next game against Mt St Michael’s.

Netball

With 3 rounds to go before finals, it was great to see such a positive night on the courts for our Monday Night Netball teams:

Team

Results

MVP

 

Team

Results

MVP

PLC Crystal

Won

Juliette Kenna

 

PLC Crystal

Won

Orly Sillar

PLC Amber

Won

Amelia Pike

 

PLC Amber

Draw

Symiah Clarke

PLC Emerald

Won

Chloe Mitchell

 

PLC Emerald

Won

Rhianna Noble

PLC Jade

Loss

Ava Stanieg

 

PLC Jade

Loss

Emily Studiman

PLC Opal

Loss

Kendall Macpherson

 

PLC Opal

Won

Sophie Bloomer

PLC Pearl

Bye

 

 

PLC Pearl

Won

Natalie Donaldson

PLC Sapphire

Won

Emma Frohmuller

 

PLC Sapphire

Won

Yasmin Richters

 

Competitive Sport Term 3

Students have had the opportunity recently to sign up for T3 competitive sports on NAV. If students want to play in a competitive basketball, water polo or touch football team, they must sign up on NAV. This is how we will know how many teams we will have and how many coaches to organise. The portal will stay open until Friday.

Athletics

With the Athletics Carnival coming up on the 4th of June, there are a few key details in preparation.

  • On NAV, there is a sign up for students to nominate to do 12yrs High Jump, 13-19 yrs Javelin and 12-19 yrs 1500m run. These events will run during upcoming lunchtimes for district nominations and age champion points (no house points awarded). If students are interested in participating in these events, they need to sign up asap!
  • Track nominations will also be done on NAV this year. Anyone who is interested in running the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m at Athletics Carnival, needs to sign up before the 19th of May.

Student Recognition

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements in sport:

  • Alicia Woods, Kaitlin Brown, Imogen Hiley and Maggie Princehorn for their selection in the Independent District Cross Country Team
  • Sam Williams for selection in the Independent District Surfing Team
  • Katie Graves, Kiana Campbell, Laayla McAuliffe and Ryan Salvesen for their selection in the Independent District 13-15yrs Basketball teams
  • Elijah Modlin for his selection in the Queensland State League Men’s Basketball Team Team for Sunshine Coast Phoenix.

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

Uniform Shop

Winter Uniforms

Winter is nearly upon us and it is time for Jumpers and Jackets.

The Uniform Shop currently has a full range of Formal Jumpers in stock for Year 1-12 students. Currently Sports Jackets for Prep – Year 12 are in stock in sizes 4 and 8-14 as well as L-XXL. All other sizes in Sports Jackets are on order. They will be available for order on FlexiSchools once the stock arrives in store, so please keep an eye on the website.

Trousers for all Year 10-12 students are available in store and online for the Winter Uniform. A reminder that blazers are a requirement for Years 10-12 as part of the Winter Uniform.

If you need to come into the Uniform Shop for a fitting, please ensure you make an appointment by calling the Main Reception on 5436 7300. The Uniform Shop hours are Wednesday to Friday (term time) from 8.00am – 10.00am.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Shop Coordinator

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

MAY

16                        Open Day

17                        SCISSA Training

18                        Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

27                        Under Eights Morning

21-22                  Senior College Musical - ‘Grease’

27                        Year 4-6 SCISSA Trial Game - GSLC

28                        Caloundra Show Holiday

31                        Year 4-6 SCISSA Training