Compass No. 616 July 2021

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

What is better when cutting up food in the kitchen, a blunt or sharp knife? If you have helped cut up vegetables or meat at home, or if you have done this in hospitality classes at school, you know the answer to this. A sharp knife is much easier and safer to use than a blunt blade.

The sharply honed edge of a knife cuts through the toughest steak or hardest pumpkin. Less force needs to be used, and it is a lot safer for the handler of the knife and the impact on the food, if preferable. Any experienced chef knows how frustrating a blunt blade can be in the kitchen.

In the Old Testament book of wisdom called Proverbs, we have this same image for human relationships. In the ancient world, iron was used to sharpen iron. Sometimes knives or blades were used to sharpen another knife or blade. According to the proverb, this image rings true for our friendships. A sharp soul mate is more helpful than a blunt buddy. Think, for example, of the power that a good friend has to brighten up your day when you are feeling low just by their sheer presence with you. Such is the power of a companion to sharpen our outlook on life and sense of wellbeing.

All of us, especially children and young people, need people who can help us with our rough edges and angular personalities. We need trusted companions who will help us mature and grow to be the people God intends us to be. We need those ‘sharpening conversations’ from trusted friends. People and peers who care about us and have a genuine interest in what is best for us and will help us grow as gracious people. These ‘sharpening conversations’ do not mean being sharp with another person; that is being hurtful or sarcastic in our words. Instead, offering words that invite self-reflection and growth in understanding ourselves and our effect on others.

Who are your peers or your friends that sharpen you? Can you think of a time when a peer or a friend has had one of these ‘sharpening conversations’ with you? A conversation that has made you rethink something about yourself, or upon reflection, has helped shape your character in some small way?

As a school community, we know the one who calls us friends and companions us through our life journey. This proverb invites our children and us into the wisdom of that deep companionship. It reminds us that sharp soul mates are preferable over blunt buddies.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

On Tuesday, the Year 11 cohort completed their second Leadership Day, titled “Legacy Leavers”. The day was filled with whole cohort and small group activities, as well as time for individual reflection and goal setting.  Students engaged with the idea of leaving a legacy as Year 12 graduates in 2022 and were given opportunities to reflect on their own ability to influence College culture at Pacific.  The day, run by LYQ staff was also a chance to identify the key values required as leaders to positively impact their cohort and step up as Year 12 leaders.  Year 11s who aspire for further leadership opportunities within the College will now embark on a process of self-guided reflection. They will contemplate the strengths, virtues and examples of good leadership and consider their own character strengths and personal challenges that could be utilised to demonstrate strong leadership and discover what it means to be a servant leader at Pacific. The students will identify examples of their community service and commitment to the College.

Year 11 Subject Expo Information Sessions

In personal development lessons, Year 10 also explored 2022 Subject Selections and the process for making important academic and pathway decisions as they approach their final two years of school.  Students and parents were also invited to attend the Year 11 Subject Expo, on Tuesday evening, 20 July, delivered via Zoom.  This was the first of three information sessions to assist them in making decisions about subject choices and course options.  For 2022, the College continues with this tradition, as it focuses on preparing each student to meet requirements of the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system. Whether it is for further study at a tertiary institution, an apprenticeship or entry into the workforce, Pacific, through its subject offerings, aims to prepare students for whatever endeavour they ultimately wish to pursue. For students, parents and families that could not attend the first session, please do not hesitate to connect with Ms Anne-Marie Gerlach, Head of Learning- Senior College for more information.

Ms Leigh Finter, Acting Head of Senior College Students

1. Helps build responsibility. Home learning makes children accountable and taking ownership of their learning and take responsibility for their actions.
2. Develops work ethic from an early age. By completing home learning projects children start to understand the obligation and self-regulation to commit to their projects and to see them through. This will help them in both Secondary School, University and beyond.
3. Gives children confidence. Sometimes children need to attempt problems or tasks on their own and realise that failure is an important part of the learning process. In working through maths problems or constructing a piece of writing, students gain confidence and hone creative problem-solving skills.
4. Enhances self-esteem. Once children gain confidence that they can complete a task or perform a skill independently, they build a healthy self-esteem, which is important to many aspects of everyday life.
5. Teaches study habits.  Consistent home learning can help children realise the importance of practice, and the importance of building positive study habits.
6. Parents become more involved in a child’s education. Home learning allows parents to support their child and also keep regular contact with their class teacher if their child is finding a task difficult.  This allows the teacher and parent to work together closely to support the child’s progress and how regularly discuss how best to help them.
7. Prepares students for professional careers. While some professions do not require workers to take tasks home, there are indeed deadlines in the real world. Home learning can help children prepare for the real world by teaching them to meet their obligations on time.

Happy home learning in Term 3!

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

Year 12 students and their parents are invited to join us for this event, from 6m on Wednesday 28th July. Wanda Hayes will be presenting information on tertiary applications processes for Queensland universities, including key dates. At this stage we will be offering this session as an online presentation, due to COVID restrictions. Parents and students will have the opportunity to ask questions during the session.

2022 applications open for Trade Centre courses

The Sunshine Coast Technical and Trade Training Centre (SCTTTC) is now accepting expressions of interest for the following 2022 courses.

• Automotive
• Construction
• Electrotechnology
• Plumbing

Students and their parents are welcome to register for one of the SCTTTC information evenings, to find out more about the centre and its courses, as well as information on how to apply. Information sessions will be held on 29th July, 5th August and 17th August. For more information on the sessions, and how to register, see the attached flyer. Note: Due to COVID restrictions, only one parent is allowed to register with each student and only those who have pre-registered can be admitted.

Applications now open for TAFE At School courses 2022

Year 10 and 11 students can now lodge their applications for TAFE At School courses for next year. Students are advised to get their applications in as early as possible, as some courses fill quickly. You can research available courses by downloading a copy of the TAFE At School Guide here https://tafeqld.edu.au/

Students should advise Mrs Wanda Hayes of their intention to enrol in a TAFE course for next year, at the same time as they submit their application to TAFE. To apply:

1) Visit www.tafeapply.com
2) Enter code TQEC2201 to access application form
3) Fill in the application form (students will need their Unique Student Identifier – USI – to submit their application)
Students should ensure they use their correct legal name as per their ID documents, as USI and application details must match. If a student doesn’t already have a USI, they can create one here: https://www.usi.gov.au
4) Once submitted an email request will be automatically sent to the student's parent/guardian for approval -

students should discuss this with their parent/guardian, as this is a mandatory requirement.

Students and Parents should be aware that many TAFE courses incur additional fees; and most require a student to attend classes at a TAFE campus one day per week, so students will miss a day of school each week. If you have any questions or concerns about including a TAFE course in your senior program of study, please make an appointment to speak about this with Mrs Wanda Hayes.

SAE Creative Media Institute Open Day

SAE Creative Media Institute offers Bachelor Degrees, Associate Degrees and Diplomas in creative media disciplines, including animation, audio, film, games, virtual reality, web and mobile. They are hosting an Open Day on Sunday 8th August, and students can attend on-campus in Brisbane, or virtually. The Open Day program will include course content presentations, student work displays, tours of the equipment and facilities at SAE, and information on internships and admissions. Students who register and attend Open Day (either on-campus or virtually) will go into the draw to win a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and a Panasonic lens package. For further information or to register go to https://sae.edu.au

Insights Day at The Hotel School in Brisbane

Welcome to the “BEHIND-THE-SCENES” of a luxury hotel: The Hotel School is inviting Year 12 students to Industry Insights Day, a fully interactive experience. 

During Industry Insights Day, students will experience life behind the scenes at one of Brisbane’s luxury 5-star hotels. They will meet professionals from key departments and know first-hand what life is really like through the eyes of a hospitality professional.

Insights Day is perfect for those currently in Year 12 wanting a better understanding of the complexities and depth of careers in hotel management.                                                                                                                                                                      

Saturday, 21 August
9.30am–1:30pm

Sofitel Brisbane Central
249 Turbot St, Brisbane 

Attendance at Industry Insights Day is free, with early registration highly encouraged as places are limited. To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au

ANU Hybrid Open Day

Australian National University is hosting a special online Open Day on Saturday 14th August, from 9am to 4pm. Prospective students and parents will be able to engage with ANU online to learn about their programs, get an insight into student life, and access virtual content. To register, go to https://openday.anu.edu.au/

University Open Day events coming up in South East Qld

Another reminder for students who are planning to attend one or more university Open Day events in the coming months. A list of the remaining dates is provided below. In each case further information is available on the individual university website. You may need to register to secure your place.

QUT (Qld University of Technology) – Open Day – 24 July on-campus; 25 July online

Bond University – Open Day Online – 24 July

Griffith University – Open House (continuously available online) – 12 July-20 August

UQ (University of Qld) – Open Day (St Lucia campus) – Sunday 1 August

ACU (Australian Catholic University) – Open Day (Brisbane Campus) – 7 August

Griffith – Open Day (Nathan, Gold Coast and Southbank campuses) – Sunday 8 August

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

How do you approach failures in life? 

Yes, failures can be painful. But does it define you and prevent you from learning from your mistakes or does it serve as a powerful mechanism to embrace new challenges. 

Our mind plays a very powerful role in what we believe and how we think. What we think about ourselves, and our abilities decides how we act and lead our life. 

When you look at successful people or those who have achieved mastery in life, what do you tell yourself – they are more gifted than others, they have talent, their innate abilities made them successful or do you believe success comes from hard work, developing new strategies, drawing inspiration from others, getting good mentoring, investing in learning and through constant improvement. 

What you believe is what you achieve. Conscious or unconscious, how you choose to interpret your experiences can set the boundaries on what you can accomplish. Click on the link below for more information

https://www.techtello.com

Mrs Annie Williams College Counsellor

Thank you to those that were able to attend the Friends of Pacific meeting last night.  We are grateful to have the support of so many in our College Community. 

We are looking forward to celebrating Pacific’s 20th year at our Aussie World Fun Night!

Get your tickets at Flexischools Aussie World Tickets or scan the QR code to link.

Quote of the Week

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.”

- Steve Maraboli.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

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)