Compass No 643 - April 2022

At the start of the week, we took time to pay our respects to the brave ANZACs who risked their lives for us, in order to protect what they held most dear to them – their family, their loved ones, and their country.

I recently read a story about an Australian soldier who was captured in war and tortured as a POW. He suffered agonising pain at the hands of his captors, but during that time he was introduced to a bible and ended up giving his life to Christ. With such a change of heart, he was determined to go back to his war unit and tell them of the love of Christ, and surprisingly, not to despise his captors.

It would be understandable if someone in that instance sort revenge on their enemies for the brutal and unjustifiable things that they did to them. The unexpected response would be to love them, despite their actions. The world tells us to get revenge, but the saving love of Jesus fills us with love and is the only way for us to have a change of heart.

1 John chapter 3, verse 16 tells us, 'this is how we know what love is—Jesus laid down his life for us, so we ought to lay down our lives for others.'

Jesus was also mistreated and condemned, even though he did not deserve it. But it was his love for us that led him to the cross to sacrifice his life. He loved his enemies, and that love causes us to reflect on his sacrifice and in turn show love to others.

Love has the power to change us, especially when we least expect it.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

Servant Leadership at its center is a ‘servant first’ mindset or philosophy. Servant leaders are constantly looking for ways to provide resources, remove obstacles, support, encourage, lift and instill confidence in their followers. This model of leadership is powerful in creating community and giving voice to all when navigating new initiatives and enhancing existing processes. It is evident when inspiring hope in others and it creates a platform for others to feel valued and part of the community.

It is with great excitement that we see our Middle College Leaders begin to flourish in their journey to influence, inspire and motivate the Pacific Community. We encourage our Year 6 and 9 leaders to take up this challenge and invite them to use their God-given gifts to inspire hope in their peers and the wider community. Developing skills in influence, trust, mindset, energy, and vision is what we all strive for when leading others. It is our hope that these students, along with their peers develop these skills and that we can harness each student’s strengths and come together to serve as they lead.

Our Year 6 Pacific Action Group Leaders have been warmly welcomed to their respective teams and have injected a new level of passion and drive for the current staff and Year 12 students who coordinate these groups. They will consolidate this new area of growth by embarking on a full-day leadership course when they collaborate with like-minded students from many other Sunshine Coast schools at the ‘GRIP Leadership Day’ later this term. We look forward to the ideas and initiatives that this group of students will infuse into middle college.

Our Year 9 Leaders confidently held their first Middle/Senior Assembly this week and have also shown maturity and passion as they have worked with their Heads of House in uniting and inspiring their houses. They too will make new connections with other like-minded students from the area as they attend the ‘Altitude Leadership Day’ at Maroochydore RSL later this term.

We will install all the leaders at our Middle College Leaders Day on Tuesday 3rd May at 8.30 am in the Gym.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Middle College (Acting)

At the beginning of the year, I like nearly all of Australia, sat glued to my seat watching Ash Barty in the final of the Australian Open. She was widely celebrated after her victory and there was much discussion about the roller-coaster of emotions, we all rode with her. It then seemed nearly inconceivable that not a month later from such a famous victory, Ash would retire from her sport. After an incredible win and being ranked the top women’s tennis player in the world, the world asked, “How could she do such a thing?” but Ash answered the critics with the grace and poise she had held throughout her career.

She stated that she has never been defined by wins and losses. It was never about that. It was about growing as a person and being a better version of herself to those around her. Her mindset coach, Ben Crowe stated that “The lesson was in the art of the living what lights you up, never about pleasing others and finding self-worth in trophies. It was about the intrinsic, what is inside.” She is and will continue to be universally admired for the freeing message and example she sets for herself and for others to be guided by.

Our overarching focus for this term in ‘You Can Do It’ is achievement and particularly the valuing of individual differences and celebrating the unique set of skills that each of us contributes to the college. In our Pacific Way, we will be investigating the “we” component and how we collaborate and work toward our own expectations of achievement. Like all pursuits worth doing, accomplishment takes time. They are a continual work in progress and require persistence, resilience, and energy from all sides for goals to be met.

Sometimes we fail to meet the goals and expectations that we have for ourselves and can falter, and we learn valuable lessons about ourselves and each other. A favourite quote of mine from Ash Barty that summed this thinking up is “I never lost, I learned.” Forgiveness and reflection are crucial in rebuilding our expectations when they may falter. But our achievements must be tempered by understanding that our successes don’t define us and all of us are uniquely worthy.

When industry leaders speak about how best to prepare students for life beyond school, their primary focus tends to be around attributes rather than specific skill sets. They want people who can collaborate productively, problem-solve effectively, and exhibit empathy for others. Separating our triumphs from our worth is important and is what our pastoral care program, here at Pacific, seeks to achieve.

ANZAC Day

On Wednesday morning, our Junior College gathered to commemorate the sacrifices provided by our servicemen and women through the years and in an ongoing capacity in situations around the globe. As the number of veterans dwindles it is important for young people to not only remember the sacrifices of the past but to accept the responsibility for continuing this legacy of remembrance into the future.

Thank you to the many families that were able to attend the ANZAC Day March in Caloundra last weekend. It was especially heart-warming to see many Prep students attending for the first time and beginning a tradition that will continue to grow through their time in the college.

Volunteering at Pacific

Part of the strength of the college has always been the willingness of the extended community to contribute to the fabric of the college through the various volunteering opportunities that exist. With the legislation pertaining to volunteers in school changing this year, we have been pleased with the number of people undertaking the mandatory training that all volunteers must undergo to volunteer within a school context. Without this training, volunteering in any form at the college is not possible.

From the 9th May, we are pleased to be able to welcome volunteers back to the college. All registered volunteers will receive communication directly from the college outlining the expectation and precautions necessary to be able to go into classrooms and volunteer on campus. Training is only needed to be undertaken once a year, so if you have attended and sent the relevant documentation to the college you are free to volunteer for 2022.

For those interested in volunteering in the college, induction sessions are run once a term and are marked on the college calendar, the next session being the 20th May at 9.00 am. Please contact Kim Bonello at kbonello@pacluth.qld.edu.au to register your interest in attending this course.

Take care and God bless.

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

Reflecting on ANZAC Day, we find great comfort in the lessons that the ANZACs have left for our community. The ANZAC spirit, traditions, and sacrifices that these men and women made in service to our country are remarkable.

I read that the Anzac Spirit is an “unseen, unpredictable, an unquenchable thirst for justice, freedom, and peace. This is not dissimilar to what you do as parents and what we do as teachers: desire justice, freedom, and peace.

It makes me think about the journey that many parents take to gain support for their children who have specific educational needs, whether this is to gain an assessment for the high ability learner, who needs learning extension, or for those who learn differently and need a different approach to learning, or a modified curriculum.

We rely on key people to journey together, like the teachers, pediatricians, counsellors, educational psychologists, Career Coordinators, and you the parents, to support our children’s journey to adulthood. Sometimes we need specific help from professionals to guide our teachers, and parents to develop well-adjusted and confident children. We can look to educational psychologists for support and insight into how our children learn best.

What is Educational Psychology?                 

Educational Psychology involves the study of how children learn, including teaching methods, instructional processes, and individual differences in learning. If you are exploring a psychological assessment to support your child by identifying their educational learning profile, the following information will help you to consider what needs to be done.

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-educational-psychology-2795157

Questions to think about:

1. Does your child need a psychological assessment that leads to a diagnosis?
2. What are you wanting to achieve by getting a psychological assessment for your child?
3. Is it necessary for their future endeavours, or are you concerned about your child’s progress? If you are concerned, have you checked with your child’s teachers or the school? Sometimes we worry unnecessarily.
4. Will this Medical and/or Clinical Assessment place unnecessary stress on your child or your finances?
5. Has the school recommended an assessment to help better support your child’s learning?
6. Remember to take courage and connect/partner with the school. We are here to support your child in their learning.

Remember God has a plan and purpose for your child. You can trust him because “He began a good work in [your child] and will be faithful to complete it.” (Philippians 1:6).

Engaging an Educational Psychologist.

Suggestions for what to ask when making an appointment:

When you call, explain that you would like to find out more about your child's abilities and would like a full cognitive assessment. In addition to finding out about fees, it might be worth asking what assessments they offer (WISC V and WIAT are the commonly used assessments).

• WISC is the cognitive test, and the WIAT is the achievement test.
• The Connors Test looks at learning difficulties, attention and focus.

Also, ask how long it will take to complete the report and how they will deliver the information to you (e.g., is a follow-up meeting included in the cost?).

These tests can be tiring and demanding on your child, and you need to be sure that they will be of benefit to your child. So, feel free to contact the LEC to have a conversation prior to engaging in this process.

Source: https://anzacday.org.au/the-spirit-of-anzac

Mrs Chantal McAllister, Head of Learning Enrichment P-12

It is important that students develop agency as independent learners. Students can use the textbook and interactive tutorials through Cambridge Go, NAV, online resources such as https://www.purplemath.com/ , https://www.mathsisfun.com/, or my personal favourite, https://www.khanacademy.org/. These are great for accessing extra practice of the range of skills required and extra assistance in understanding a concept.

When difficulties arise, individual assistance can help to improve understanding. All the Mathematics teachers are aware of this and allow time in lessons. Students should make use of all opportunities to ask their own teacher for assistance in class and to let them know if they are struggling.

As another facility, members of the Mathematics department provide free support sessions to provide further assistance to students who are finding it difficult. Teachers may rotate and are an indication only. Students can turn up to the room below and ask for help with a specific difficulty, homework question, or complete study. Students need to attend the session at the starting time and ensure that they record their names on the attendance roll.

Ms Patricia Hosking, Head of Mathematics

Thinking of moving to Brisbane for next year and wondering where to live? (Year 12)

Pacific Lutheran College Year 12 families are warmly invited to participate in the 2022 Residential Living Expo, to be held on Monday 30th May from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Sunshine Coast Grammar School. This free community event allows Sunshine Coast families a chance to connect with a range of Brisbane-based residential colleges and student accommodation providers, to discuss living options in Brisbane for prospective university students. Partnering universities will also be in attendance and will be able to answer questions about studying at their university.

Get inspired about your future career possibilities at UQ (Year 11 and 12)

Students, teachers, and parents are invited to UQ’s Career Pulse event. Attendees can hear from current UQ students, lecturers, alumni, and industry partners as they present their diverse and inspirational career experiences. The sessions will cover a range of themes including sustainability, innovation, technology, leadership, and human connection. Online sessions run from 9th to 15th May. For more information, or to register, click here. Discover what inspires you. Turn it into your career.

Speed careering event: Women in trades (Year 10, 11 and 12)

Are you a female student who is interested in a trade career? At this event, you will hear from role model tradie ladies about what a day in the life of a female tradie looks like, the challenges they may have faced, what it is that they love about their industry, and how to best prepare themselves for a future career in the trades. This is a great up close and personal event where you will get to really sit down and engage in groups with role models and ask them any questions you may have about all things trades. This event is being run by the National Association of Women in Construction. The event will be held at the Nambour TAFE campus, 91 Windsor Road, Burnside on the 25th May from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Breakfast will be provided. Register for this event here.

Aviation Australia Open Day (Year 10, 11 and 12)

Aviation Australia offers Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Drones and Cabin Crew training, and they are opening their doors to those looking to pursue a career in Aviation. Open Day includes a free guided tour of their Brisbane Campus on Saturday 18th June to see what Aviation Australia can offer. Their expert team will guide you through our engineering hangars, cabin crew, and flight crew facilities. Experience a drone racing demonstration, see our planes and so much more! Learn about all our course offerings for 2022 - 2023 and the career opportunities that each will open for you. There will be three one-hour sessions available. Go to the Open Day website for more information and to register.

Bond University Virtual Open Day (Years 11 and 12)

You are invited to experience Bond's deliberately different approach to learning at their 2-hour Virtual Open Day broadcast, streaming to you live on Saturday 14th May from 2.00 pm AEST.

From tours of Bond’s beautiful campus to deep dives into their study areas, interviews with current students and academics, and so much more, Virtual Open Day is an all-access pass to life and study at Bond University. 
Please register here to attend. 

Would you like to see what it’s like to work in a medical research lab? (Years 11 and 12)

The QIMR Clive Berghofer Medical Research Institute’s Education Program offers students the chance for individual hands-on experiences at the institute with introductory technique training in their education lab. This includes both their three-day work experience program and one-day holiday science experience programs for students in Years 11 and 12. Applications are open for the following sessions this year. Places are limited and extremely competitive, so students are advised to act quickly if they wish to attend. Sessions will be run over the school holidays on the following dates:

Work Experience: 27th - 29th June 2022

Work Experience: 19th - 21st September 2022

Holiday Science: 6th December 2022

Further details, including the application form, can be found on the QIMR website:

Work Experience Program

Holiday Science Experience Programs 

Interested in studying Musical Theatre, Acting, Music, Visual Art, or Screen and Media Production at university? (Years 11 and 12)

Here are four great workshops to help you prepare to study the creative and performing arts at university:

Griffith University’s Musical Theatre and Acting workshops

Winter School: 27th – 30th June 2022 
Audition workshops: 4th – 7th July 2022 

The Performing Arts department at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) invites Year 11 and 12 students with an interest in performing arts, to register for their Winter School and Audition Workshops in acting and musical theatre. The programs are run by Conservatorium performance coaches and based on teaching from QCGU degrees.

Cost: $450 (including GST) per workshop Find out more HERE

Griffith University’s Tertiary Preparation Workshop for Music 

27th June – 1st July 2022

Students can stand out from the pack at their Queensland Conservatorium Bachelor of Music audition by participating in a Tertiary Preparation Workshop. This program is designed to help students prepare for the theoretical and practical requirements of the audition process. 

Cost: $495 (including GST) Register now HERE

Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art Portfolio Workshops 

Workshop dates: 29th – 30th June 2022

Work in a supportive, inclusive, and encouraging environment to build your creative portfolio. This workshop is tailored to students in Years 10, 11, and 12, and anyone considering future tertiary study at the Queensland College of Art.

Find out more and register HERE

Apply now for Griffith University’s Winton film camp

1st – 7th July 2022

Secondary school students in Years 11 and 12 looking to pursue a career in screen and media production are invited to apply to attend Swaggies Film Camp in Queensland’s Winton from 1st – 7th July. The immersive production camp provides opportunities to shoot and edit in small crews, with instruction from Griffith Film School experts. 

Cost: $580 (to be paid upon successful selection) Find out more and apply HERE

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Careers

Despite the rain, glaring sunshine, and strong winds, students of the PLC Marching Band took to the streets of Caloundra, supporting the Caloundra RSL Anzac Day March. What a spectacular and special event it was! The band performed ‘Waltzing Matilda’, ‘Colonel Bogey’ and ‘Pack up your Troubles’ for the crowd this year and played these songs brilliantly. With limited rehearsal time, the students did themselves and the school proud.

A special thank you to Mrs Helen Williams, Ms Linda Sydes, Ms Rebecca Abnett, and Mr Paul Cusick for their support and assistance during rehearsals and the march. I would also like to thank all the members of the Marching Band, especially our Year 12 students, for their service to this event and the wider community. 

Our next performance opportunity will be on Open Day, Sunday 15th May when many of our ensembles will be performing. Following this, there will be our exciting annual Ensembles Concert on the Friday 17th June which we are very much looking forward to!

Mrs Carlie, Purkis, Head of Music

Vaping is becoming a trendy pastime that is growing in popularity across Australia, especially amongst teenagers. It is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. They are often cheaper than conventional cigarettes, making them more cost-effective and attractive to young people.

Although under 18’s are not legally allowed to purchase any type of e-cigarette or vaping product in Australia, teenagers are finding ways to access them online. Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products, and attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban its importation of them. Many of the flavoured liquids associated with vaping contain not only high levels of nicotine but other potentially harmful additives. Many of these “e-liquids” contain chemicals that are likely to be toxic, that when inhaled or vaped repeatedly, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking. However, doctors strongly advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs.

This special report (link provided below) highlights the facts about vaping and e-cigarettes and what are the potential risks. We hope you take the time to reflect on the information offered in this report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

 

Friends of Pacific will be holding our Mother’s Day stall next Wednesday 4th May. We invite all students to attend and the details of when each year level is scheduled can be found on the flyer below.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

This week junior college students tried their hand at making pom-poms. Next week, both junior and middle college students will have the chance to try some Mother’s Day crafts.

Because of the large number of students coming to the library, we are introducing clubs that will operate across the week so that everyone is catered for. Students can choose to play chess, build with Lego, try some craft activities, play Minecraft, join a book club, or even apply to start their own club. See the timetable below for when various activities will be running.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

Pillar Sports

RUGBY

13 years Rugby boys hosted Siena Catholic College this week and made it 2 wins from 2 starts with a 24 to 15 win. The boys can be proud of the teamwork and skills they demonstrated in a high-quality game.

BASKETBALL

Congratulations to the Senior Boys Basketball team who have had their nomination for the Champion Basketball School of Queensland accepted. The boys will represent PLC on the Gold Coast in September.

NETBALL

Term 2 has started with all Monday Night Netball Teams training in preparation for the competition which re-commences on Monday 9th May.  Currently, we have six teams sitting in the top four teams of their division.

Senior and Intermediate Teams for the Queensland Vicki Wilson Netball Competition have all been selected and teams have started training during Friday Sport.

Term 2 will be a busy term for all netball teams with finals 5 weeks away.

Competitive Sport

Round 1 of the Term 2 SCISSA Competition kicked and served off on Wednesday night the 27th April. PLC is again well represented with 4 Volleyball teams in the Senior and 3 Football (Soccer) teams in the Junior and Intermediate competitions respectively. Results for Round 1 were:

VOLLEYBALL

PLC TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULT	SCORE
SENIOR GIRLS B	SUNCOAST	LOSS	2-1
SENIOR GIRLS B	SUNCOAST 2	WON	2-1
SENIOR BOYS A	MATTHEW FLINDERS	LOSS	2-0
SENIOR BOYS A	GOOD SHEPARD LC	LOSS	2-0
SENIOR BOYS B	GLASSHOUSE	LOSS	2-0

FOOTBALL

PLC TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULT	SCORE
INTERMEDIATE BOYS	IMMANUEL LC	LOSS	3-1
INTERMEDIATE GIRLS	MATTHEW FLINDERS	LOSS	4-1
JUNIOR BOYS	MATTHEW FLINDER	LOSS	2-0

 

The draw for Round 2 held in Week 3 on Wednesday the 4th May is:

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

Student Accomplishments

Well done to Alex Monroe who competed in the Australian Age National Swimming Championships over the holidays, in

Adelaide. Alex placed 13th in Australia in the 16 years 50-m Breaststroke and 15th in the 100-m Breaststroke. Well done

Alex!

Mr Brad Burdon, Head of Sport (Acting) 

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 9.00 am. 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)

2         Labour Day Public Holiday

3         9 -19 years District Cross Country

3         Middle College Conferences

4         Middle College Conferences

4         FOP Mother’s Day Stall

10       NAPLAN week

11       Year 4 Camp – Mapleton

15       PLC Open Day

20       Dracula – PLC Performance at the Events Centre

21       Dracula – PLC Performance at the Events Centre