Compass No 635 - February 2022

Do not judge so that you may not be judged. In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:1,12

Why does Jesus focus on people not judging one another? Like the other major world religions, why does he encourage people to this golden rule of doing to others as you would have them do to you?

As humans, we all have the propensity to judge other people. When we are fearful in social situations and uncomfortable around others, we can easily fall into the mindset of judging people. The problem is that we can usually not see ourselves falling into this trap during these times. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is quoted as saying, “Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others, we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.”

The second is the golden rule. This is a fundamental principle of human community, of how groups of humans can get on with one another without tearing each other apart. As we work, learn, relate, and live with other people, we need to treat them as we would want to be treated. It makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? It is a worthwhile principle and the goal of all human interaction, but it doesn’t deal with the mistakes we make in our relationships when we fail to practice this mutuality of respect.

Now to the thread for this week, responsibility. In this reading, we learn that our responsibility towards others is not simply pointing out their faults. Jesus teaches a way of mutuality. I am responsible for myself and finding ways to grow and better myself, not to look down on others, but rather that my growth might benefit the needs of others. I take responsibility for my own words and actions by not putting others down, as I need others not to put me down.

This is the message of not judging others and the golden rule. But as well as this, grace and forgiveness is needed for our mutual failings of judging others and not treating people in the same way we would like to be treated.

God’s grace does not discriminate against people. Grace does not judge us but frees us to think of and act for others.

Rev. Tim Jarick, College Pastor

This week Year 9 students commenced interviews with Heads of House for Year 9 Leadership positions across the four Houses.  As these students continue this process, I emphasise how important it is that all Year 9 students have a role and responsibility for modelling leadership and integrity as they continue to grow in their capacities as leaders of the Middle College. I wish all applicants the very best as they commence their leadership journeys.

Student Organisation of Home Learning

At Pacific, growing students’ capacity to organise their home learning and track their assessment due dates is an interdependent strategy in which teachers support students to strive toward achieving academic success.  During this week’s Middle and Senior College assembly, both Dr Dolling and I presented routine strategies and tools to create positive home learning and organisational habits:

These routines and habits include:

• Planning in advance provides balance
• Organisation is the key to success
• Student Handbooks assist with organising daily, weekly, monthly, term and semester assessment dates.

Use of Student Handbook

Year 6-10 students are required to utilise their Student Handbook for recording their Home Learning and Assessment Task due dates. These also need to be sighted and signed by a parent and Pastoral Care Teacher each week. 

Year 11-12 students are encouraged to utilise their Student Handbook for recording their Home Learning, Assessment due dates and other important dates that could impact their learning. Year 11 and Year 12 students can also use other strategies to record and enhance their organisational capabilities.

All students are required to have their Student Handbook with them throughout the day and should be visible on their desk when learning. 

If a student wishes to use the bathroom during class time, the teacher is to sign the student’s handbook as a tool of tracking students’ whereabouts throughout the course of each day.

Students arriving late to school are encouraged to have their Student Handbook signed to support the sign in process.  Students wishing to depart the College early are also encouraged to utilise the back of the Student Handbook and have parent’s signature and reason recorded.

The Student Handbook is a fantastic organisational tool, quick reference guide to policies and contains vital information for students to support their academic learning and wellbeing.

Academic Support Tutorials

At Pacific, there is a focus on growing students’ capacity in a teaching and learning environment by setting high expectations whilst providing high levels of support. Students not meeting expectations of home learning or requiring additional support with organisation of assessment due dates will receive academic support tutorials during their lunch breaks with their classroom teacher and on Friday from 3:15pm-4:15pm. In partnership with parents, teachers are well versed in keeping open communication with parents.  Teachers are very appreciative of the support and the partnership parents play in working with their child.

Middle College Information Presentations

The Middle College Information Evening recordings are now available for viewing by accessing this link: Middle College Information Evening Recordings  via our online portal Nav. Please note that each year level presentation includes a general Middle College welcome and then moves into specific year level information.

If you have any questions please contact Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Middle College jbelchamber@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Ms Leigh Finter, Acting Director of Students 

Whilst moving through the classrooms last week, a new Prep student asked her teacher, “Who is that man?” A relevant and thoughtful question amongst a week of firsts. A conversation with the class ensued, and it was agreed that I could help them if they had a problem. A job title that I wear with pride! 

But the bigger question I began to ponder was, who am I to others? We are the storytellers in our own stories. How we speak and act informs those around us, what we value and how we would like to be perceived, both in moments of celebration and crisis.  Uncertainty is a constant amongst any typical existence, something we are getting well used to. Looking after ourselves is vital, and likewise, we have a mutual responsibility to support and encourage those around us to receive the same. 

I used the bowling analogy in assembly. Beginning bowling is hard when you start, and you are often left with many balls in the gutter.  However, when we use “bumpers”, we are readjusted toward our goal, and if not wholly successful, we are on our way to achieving our goals.  We must be the “bumpers” for each other in our daily life. A smile, helping hand, or random act of kindness is often all it takes.  

Pacific Way 

With much excitement, we have begun the implementation of the Pacific Way across the Junior College this year. The Pacific Way was born of a desire to develop a living document that would support people to grow as a community of individuals and learners, to develop faith and widen experiences in the outdoors. Statements have been developed by the Prep-5 staff and key leaders across the College that surround the notion of me, we, and see.  Intentional focus includes developing a sense of self, managing interactions with others and deepening connections with spirituality, service, and the environment.  

Sitting inside the Pacific Way are the beacons. Values and distinctive experiences make Pacific Lutheran College a vibrant and distinctive learning environment. The beacons direct and guide students at each year level by providing clear examples of opportunity and expectation.  

Our theme of Inspiring Hope and Enhancing Agency sits seamlessly into our philosophy regarding the Pacific Way. The structure is gentle and hopeful. It aims to increase agency in our students, staff and broader community by providing clear and precise signposts that we grow towards. Students have had the opportunity to contribute to what is valued and reword what our over-arching statements mean to individual year levels. The inclusion of students’ voices allows this document to evolve and provides the touchstones and certainty as we support our students now and into the future. 

We look forward to the first steps of such an exciting endeavour and to working with other areas of the College in the future. 

Carpark  

I want to take the opportunity to thank parents and guardians for their patience and cooperation around the use of the carpark spaces in the afternoon. As communicated previously, arrival times of 2.50pm for Prep- Year 5 families significantly reduces the stress on the traffic flow in and around the college in the afternoons. 

Students in Prep and Year 1 will continue to be collected from the first carpark, Year 2 Students and younger siblings will assemble at the flagpole for collection and students in Year 3-5 are asked to use the drop off space in the second carpark. 

Older siblings of Prep-2 students are also free to meet their siblings at the designated areas in the afternoon.  

Take care, and God bless. 

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

The next couple of weeks in the LEC is a time of getting to know our learners and how they learn best.

We have had many conversations with LEC students and parents about subject interests, electives, planning for this term’s learning and assessments. What I have noticed from these conversations is how our LEC students are stepping up, trying new things, taking opportunities, and facing adversity head-on.

It reminds me of the saying, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going!” This means that when the situation becomes difficult, the strong will work harder to meet the challenge, and this is true for our LEC students.

This week I have seen students do wonderful things, such as grow in their resilience, make good learning decisions, bravely ask for help, push through difficult school tasks, help each other, build new friendships, connect with old friends, experience success and grow in confidence. I call this “stepping up”, well done LEC students! I am so proud of you.

My advice for the next couple of weeks is to let us all ‘lean in’. Leaning in is the action of paying attention, listening closely to teachers and LEC Aides, following directions, thinking about safety and following the PLC Way.

Most of all, think about “leaning into God”, especially when times are tough, or learning is hard. You can always rely on God. In Proverb 3:5 the Bible tells us to lean not on ourselves but on God and to trust Him in everything.

Mrs Chantal McAllister, Head of Learning Enrichment P-12

Due to ongoing uncertainty regarding COVID-19 restrictions, the Sunshine Coast University Showcase tour has been cancelled. This event was scheduled for 9th March, as noted in the College Calendar. There will be no replacement event, but individual universities will be invited to visit the school during the year to talk with interested students.

Griffith Film School Experience Week (Year 11 and 12)

The Griffith Film School Experience Week is tailored to Year 11 and 12 students considering future study in animation, games design, or film and screen media. During the week-long program, participants will choose a study area and be taught by our highly skilled, industry connected teaching team to gain theoretical and practical skills. Register here.

Study University level Chemistry and Physics while you are still at school (Year 11)

Griffith University Sciences offers online courses that high school students can start in Year 11, and complete in Year 12. These university-level courses cover many of the topics taught in senior chemistry and physics, providing additional resources to facilitate and extend learning of senior science subjects. Students who pass these courses will receive credit for Griffith University 1st year science courses, and adjustments towards their selection rank. Find out more here.

Crash course in building satellites (Years 7-11)

What does it take to build satellites and plan a week-long space mission? Griffith University is hosting a crash course for the 2022 World Science Festival Mission Control’s Apprentice Program for students in Years 7-11. 

Based in Mission Control, students will learn how to build satellites and plan a week-long space mission, with adequate resources so the satellite maintains sufficient power to complete the mission goals. Places are limited. Register here.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Parents of teenagers frequently tell me that they no longer know how to connect with their children. Here are 30 ways to build trust, understanding, appreciation and affection with your teen! Click on the link below for more information.

Click on the link below for more information

https://www.ahaparenting.com/read/tips-bond-close-teen

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

The library currently provides 390 guides to assist students from Prep to Year 12 with their study. Our libguides contain websites, videos, databases, links, and books on curriculum topics, and aim to provide students with good quality information and research sources. This week a libguide was updated for the Year 9 History assignment on the Industrial Revolution https://libguides.pacluth.qld.edu.au/industrialrevolution

To access libguides follow the links below. The password is “plc”.

Middle and senior LibGuides https://libguides.pacluth.qld.edu.au/home

Junior LibGuides https://libguides.pacluth.qld.edu.au/home/junior

St Valentine’s Day Craft

This week we had paper craft in the library with junior students practicing their cutting, folding and gluing to make a heart-shaped wobble man, while secondary students used origami to create a fortune cookie with a special message inside.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

Competitive Sport

SCISSA Volleyball for Years 7-10 teams begins next Wednesday afternoon. Students have been emailed their proposed teams, which will be finalized by the end of Friday Sport. Students and parents will be emailed a copy of the draw. A letter has been sent to the families of interested students with further details. Students will be provided details regarding uniforms by the end of the week. To ensure that our teams can be competitive, it is important that students let their coaches or Mr West-McInnes know ASAP if they cannot play. Please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Cameron West-McInnes if you have further questions.

Representative Sport Trials

Please see the upcoming representative dates in the table below. If your student is interested in attending trials, please remember to pass on an expression of interest to Mrs Natalie Campbell ncampbell@pacluth.qld.edu.au by the cut off.

Kayaking

The Kayaking coaches are getting excited about hitting the lake in Term 2 with our awesome student paddlers! Please see details below about our fantastic PLC Kayaking Program. If your student is interested in participating in this program next term, please email our Kayaking coordinator, Mr Gary Graves ggraves@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Run Club

Next Tuesday will be the first session of our popular PLC Run Club. This year we are pleased to announce that we will have an experienced running coach, Mr Ben Tacey, working with our students. Ben has competed at State and National levels for middle/long distance running and is currently a junior squad coach. He will be working alongside students to help them build their running potential. If your student is interested in attending, please contact Mrs Kim Kiernan at kkiernan@pacluth.qld.edu.au to register.

Student accomplishments

Well done to Alex Monroe for winning Silver in the 16 Years 50m Breaststroke at the QLD Sprint Championships in Brisbane on the weekend.

Junior Sport

We are pleased to announce a date for the rescheduled PLC Primary (Years 3-6) swimming carnival, which was unfortunately postponed earlier this term. The new date for the carnival is Wednesday 14th September (Week 10 of Term 3). The carnival will still be held at Beerwah Aquatic Centre. Detailed information will be distributed to families closer to the date in Term 3.

Years 4-6 SCISSA

SCISSA afterschool training will commence the afternoon of Monday 21st February from 3:15pm – 4:15pm. All students will select their Term One SCISSA sport at the end of Thursday’s training session and will commence training in these sports in preparation for their Gala Day in Week Nine.

If your child is unable to attend training, could you please email PLCJuniorCollege@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport 

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 9.00am. We are thankful that we can meet together each week for worship. As we do this, there are still physical distancing, signing in, and hygiene requirements we need to follow 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)

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

28       SC Schools Netball Commences

March

1         Shrove Tuesday

2         Ash Wednesday