Compass No 644 - May 2022

From the Principal

Coming As Guests Into Each Other’s Lives

As we come together, there is the encouragement to come as guests into each other’s lives. When we come as guests there is a strong sense of hospitality where we provide space and time to grow understanding and relationships. There is gracious acceptance and a focus on strengths. As guests, we show respect for each other and value the innate dignity of all.  There is presence and listening as the community grows one relationship at a time. 

Through the many stories in the Bible, we are reminded that Jesus comes as a guest into our lives, always ready to listen and to bring hope. He welcomes us as guests to share in the abundance of life that comes through a relationship with Him. Enriched by His unconditional love we are encouraged to extend our arms of welcome and service to all.

Principal's Log

Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be participating in NAPLAN online next week. Staff have spent time with students to ensure that they are ready to make this transition to online testing. Parents of Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 are encouraged to read the article later in this newsletter to understand what they should do to support their children to be ready for these tests, including ensuring that devices are charged each night and that students have headphones. We wish our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students all the best for these important tests.

Congratulations to our students who competed in the Independent District Cross Country Carnival earlier this week. Students across all age groups performed well with our Year 7-12 team coming 4th and our Year 4-6 team coming 5th out of the ten independent schools who competed. Thank you to Mrs Kim Kieran and Mr Stuart Pohlner who have been leading our Run Club training sessions and to Mr Darren Hooper, Mrs Natalie Campbell and Mr Brad Burdon for the leadership of the teams on the day.

Parents will have received a copy of the summary report from the MMG survey conducted in Term 3 of last year by email last night. The extensive survey conducted by an external consultancy group was part of our commitment to continually monitor and improve the quality of education provided to our students. The survey was completed by 361 parents, 601 students and 112 staff. We were very pleased with the results of the survey and valued the quality of feedback and viewpoints that we received. We thank our parents, staff and students for the time taken in completing the survey and look forward to using this data as part of our 2023-2026 strategic planning process later in the year.

We will be holding our Open Day on Sunday 15th May from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The day will provide the opportunity for current and new families to interact with staff and students, class and subject area displays, be entertained by our musicians and Dracula cast and crew and learn more about the learning that occurs at the College. Families will also be able to visit the new Year 3 to 5 learning space. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to connect as a community and to invite friends who may wish to learn more about the College.

We congratulate our Sports Aide, Mrs Natalie Campbell who has been appointed as the Executive Co-ordinator for the new National Rugby League expansion team, the Dolphins.  Mrs Campbell has provided very effective leadership in the administration of our sports teams, very capably organising teams on a weekly basis, teams and students who trial for Independent District selection, applications for grants, school carnivals, sports awards, and supporting the administration of our Outdoor Education program.  We farewell and thank Mrs Campbell for her generous service to our community and wish her well for this exciting new opportunity.

We wish our mothers a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday. There was a great deal of energy as students took the time to purchase that special gift for mum at our Mother’s Day stall on Wednesday. We thank our Friends of Pacific for their organisation and leadership of the Mother’s Day stall.  Our Prep mothers are looking forward to being pampered by their children at our PLC Mother’s Day pampering and craft morning on Friday.

We give thanks for the richness that our mothers bring into our lives and pray for them and their families. We pray that God would enable us to come as guests and spread the heart of hospitality within our families, workplaces and communities.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

Winter Uniform

Winter Uniform Commences Monday 9th May

Next Monday 9th May students are to begin wearing the College Winter Formal Uniform. This includes long pants, belt and ties for Senior College boys, as well as blazers for Senior College students. Girls are able to wear neutral, navy or skin-coloured tights as an alternative to their formal socks on cold days. All items are available from the Uniform Shop. Please remember that we still require bookings for uniform appointments and can be made by contacting the main office 5436 7320.

From the Director of Students

Pacific’s Continued Act of Service to the Caloundra Community

Each May, Pacific Lutheran College supports the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. This is an important service-learning opportunity for all students from Prep-12 which involves the collection of non-perishable food items and household goods. These goods are collected by The Salvation Army Caloundra Branch and distributed to individuals and families within our local Caloundra community who need a helping hand.

The Salvation Army Caloundra Branch is extremely appreciative of the College’s support in the Red Shield Appeal, which is greatly needed this year with the continued effects of COVID-19, recent natural disasters, and the increased cost of living, impacting many individuals and families across Australia.

During this week’s chapel service, students heard the story of the rich man and Lazarus and reflected on how they can weave small acts of kindness and service to show gratitude for the richness of their lives through serving others. The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal is one of the ways we can serve our local community.

In Year 6 and within each Pastoral Care Group (PCG), students will collect a range of food and canned goods as well as household items that will be stored in each PCG and classroom. At the end of May, date to be confirmed in the coming weeks, students will be encouraged to wear the colour red and bring a gold coin or note to contribute to the Red Shield Appeal.

For more information about the extensive service that The Salvation Army provides to members of our local and national communities, please go to https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal/

More details on how your child or family can support the Red Shield Appeal can be found here.

Year 12 Academic Awards and Our Year 10 Badging for Senior College

This week, the College Captains led their first Senior College Assembly.  This time of connection and celebration is an important aspect of acknowledging individual academic achievements and individual pursuits. At this assembly, Year 12 students who achieved Academic Excellence and Endeavour Awards in Term 1 were recognised and celebrated amongst their peers and teachers. Year 10 students also received their Senior badge from the College Captains as a symbol of transition into Senior College.  The next Senior College Assembly will take place in Week 9 of this term.

Middle College Leaders Installed

At this week’s first Middle College Assembly, Year 6 Pacific Action Group Leaders and Year 9 House Leaders were installed in front of their peers, parents, and teachers, and celebrated for their recognition as leaders of the Middle College. The Middle College leaders will have many opportunities this year to represent their peers and the Pacific community at a range of College and wider community events. Two representatives from Year 6 will attend this month’s Australian Hospital Ship Centaur Memorial Service and Year 9 Leaders will attend the “Be Leaders in Connection” Youth Conference with other student leaders from the Sunshine Coast.

May God bless our Middle College leaders as they lead and serve our College community.

Ms Leigh Finter, Acting Director of Students 

From the Head of Teaching and Learning K-5

Playgroup At Pacific

Research shows attending playgroups benefit both children and their parents. The regular group supports children’s social development, eases the transition to school, and improves overall health while providing social and health support to parents, knowledge sharing, and learning opportunities.

At Pacific, we hold our playgroup “Little Blessings” every Friday during the school term from 9.00am to 11.00am in our Early Learning Centre.

While it is true children can play anywhere, playgroup has the added benefit of providing opportunities for playing with other children and practicing important social skills.

Importantly, playgroup also provides the opportunity where parents and children can play together, which is critical to children’s healthy development. By creating a space where parents and caregivers can spend time with their children, playgroups can enhance relationships through play.

The benefits of playgroup for children:

  • Provide safe and nurturing environments where children can play and learn.
  • Enhance healthy early brain development through play.
  • Provide opportunities for children to create, invent, reason, and problem solve.
  • Provide opportunities to build attachment between adults and children as they play together, and share time and experiences.
  • Help children to learn social skills as they negotiate with peers, resolve conflict, take turns, share, and make friends.
  • Help children to build resilience to enable them to cope with new situations and manage stress and adapt to change.

You are welcome to join us on Friday mornings. Please bring fruit for your child – we provide tea and coffee for you.

We look forward to meeting you!

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Teaching and Learning K-5

From the Head of Learning Middle College

NAPLAN Online Next Week

Students in Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 will be participating in NAPLAN online from Tuesday 10th – to Friday 13th May.

NAPLAN tests will be computer-based assessments this year. NAPLAN Online questions will be tailored to student responses, providing the opportunity for a more accurate snapshot of student understanding. The questions become more or less difficult, adapting to student progress and providing more precise results.

Benefits of sitting NAPLAN Online include a more engaging format for students familiar with using a device as a learning tool. Features such as a read-aloud function, a zoom tool, and an on-screen timer enable students to interact with test materials and develop successful test-taking behaviours, like awareness of time remaining. In parts of the numeracy test, students have access to online tools (a ruler, protractor, and calculator). Audio and visual alternative format questions increase accessibility for students with a disability so their understanding can be assessed on the same basis as their peers.

Preparation for NAPLAN Online includes bringing the required equipment:

  • Headphones will be needed for questions with sound in the spelling, writing, and numeracy tests.  
  • Laptops should be charged each night for the following day.
  • The NAP Locked Down Browser should be installed on every student’s device and visible on their computer desktop.
  • Students should bring a pencil and eraser for working out.

Parents and students are encouraged to visit the Public Demonstration Site and explore the range of question formats available. 

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Middle College

From the Head of Learning Enrichment

Learning Enrichment Centre News

The LEC students are a huge blessing to our College. Each child who forms part of our happy learning environment contributes to creating a new world.

In this world, we accept each other for who we are, the gifts that we have, and the opportunities to laugh with each other, and somedays even be sad together.

I think about a LEC Year 11 student who is super cool, but still took time to comfort a distressed Year 6 student, with a gentle “It’s okay mate, I’ve been there – it gets better!” Or the senior student who willingly gave up his time to help calm an anxious Year 10 student, who was trying to make subject choices. It is remarkable to see a Middle College student read an entire chapter to a girl in his class, who struggles to read. The stories are endless and just another day in the life of the LEC.

I can only stand in awe of the mothers of these incredible individuals! You have done a remarkable job and we are so blessed to have your child come to the LEC. Please take some time to enjoy these tributes to mothers.

What do mothers say?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03dghxsf97s

What makes mothers happy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt8nn9EPQKk

What makes kids happy?

Possibly the wisest words yet came from a LEC student when asked this question. He said, confidently and in his most sage voice, “Ummmm, our mums of course!” And this we say, is the truth!

Happy Mother’s Day to the best Mums in the whole world – because you have a tough job. Be blessed and know that the LEC team is cheering you on.

Mrs Chantal McAllister, Head of Learning Enrichment P-12

From the Head of Career Development

Career News

Study in Canada – Information Evening (Years 10, 11, and 12)

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is in Vancouver – with ski fields on one side of town and the ocean on the other side. It is a quality university – one of the top 50 universities in the world. One-third of UBC’s students are from other countries – the university welcomes and supports international students and offers great scholarship programs. A representative from UBC is coming to Pacific to meet with interested students and parents. Come to learn about UBC’s amazing range of degrees, its fabulous campuses, and what life is like at UBC. Save the date: 5.30pm, Friday 10th June. More information to come.

Thinking about studying Medicine next year? (Year 12)

Year 12 students who are considering applying for Medicine courses for next year should be registering to sit the UCAT this year. If you haven’t registered, or you don’t know what UCAT is, you need to make an appointment to speak to me soon.

Tertiary applications for 2023 (Year 12)

A quick reminder that university applications for next year do not open until August. There will be an information evening for students and parents on 26th July, where the process for applying will be explained in detail. Year 12 students should receive their QTAC books before the end of this term. When they arrive, I will speak with the students about how they can use the books to start preparing to do their applications.

UQ Junior Physics Odyssey (Year 10)

The Junior Physics Odyssey at the University of Queensland is a 3-day school holiday program where Year 10 students hear from physics researchers, meet current students and explore diverse topics in physics by participating in an exciting range of hands-on experiments and workshops. Get more information and register here. Hurry – applications close on 6th May.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Food for Thought

SPECIAL REPORT: Parenting Styles - What type of parent are you?

Raising children can bring great joy as you watch them grow and develop into unique individuals. The relationship parents and caregivers have with their children will have a huge influence on their lives. Most parents learn about parenting ‘on the job’ and grow into their role with experience.

Whilst there are several parenting styles discussed in this special report, children benefit most when parents are warm and loving, providing clear guidance and support. Understanding more about different parenting styles and their effects on children will help you decide what kind of style you may want to adopt.

To help you determine which style of parenting you use, complete the quiz below. Once complete, a report can be emailed to you with your results.

https://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-parenting-styles

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

College News

School Photos Tuesday 24th May 2022

School photo day is coming soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below. If you prefer to order using an envelope, please visit the main reception to collect an order envelope and hand your payment to our photographer on school photo day.

NEW
advancedlife now offers LatitudePay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 easy payments, simply order your school photos online, as usual, and set up a LatitudePay account in just a few clicks. Pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.

3 easy ways to purchase:

  1. LatitudePay – Click on the link  PACIFIC LUTHERAN COLLEGE | advancedLife photography Home (advancedimage.com.au), set up an account during the online order process, and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, (if you pay on time).
  2. Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal
  3. Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: B7H 8V9 RRH

Further information:

  • Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
  • Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day.  We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photos being taken, so no one misses out.  If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning on the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school.
  • Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately.
  • Package delivery - photographic packages will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken.
  • Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button. You can also order past packages, portrait images, and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9-digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.

advancedlife would like to express their appreciation to Pacific Lutheran College for placing your trust in them. Please remember advancedlife offer a 100% money-back guarantee on all products to ensure your peace of mind and would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact them at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

For a step-by-step guide to ordering school photos, please click on this link.

Ms Carolyn Sainty, Administrative Executive Secretary

Dracula Tickets On Sale Now!

Don’t miss out on experiencing this spooky tale. Keep your eye out on the PLC Facebook page for our ‘Meet the Cast’ video and show teasers.

Our wonderful cast and crew look forward to seeing you at the show.

For tickets, please visit www.theeventcentre.com.au or phone 5491 4240

Ms Janine Delaney

School Dental Service

The Caloundra Oral Health Service would like to offer free dental care to Pacific Lutheran College students from

  • Prep to Year 10 – all are eligible
  • Year 11 & 12 students who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme or who have a health care card.

Appointments will be at the Caloundra School Dental Clinic, George Street Caloundra.  The clinic is situated on the grounds of the Caloundra Primary School.

Please contact the clinic on 5491 1311 to organise an appointment.  If staff are unable to take your call, please leave a message with your phone number and staff will contact you as soon as possible.

Library News

Mothers’ Day Craft in the Library

This week we celebrated Mothers’ Day in the library with a range of craft activities. Junior College students made gratitude flowers where they wrote special messages for mum on each of the petals. Senior College students had the opportunity to make cards for mum or to make pictures using scratch art or sand art.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

Sport News

Year 7 - 12 Sport

PILLAR SPORTS

RUGBY

Well done to our U13’s Rugby team who secured another victory in the SCSSRU competition against St Johns Gold, making them undefeated so far this season. The boys supported each other well on the field, scoring a whopping 55 unanswered points.

BASKETBALL

Athletes interested in trialing for our Senior and Intermediate CBSQ teams should see Mr. Burdon in S-Block staffroom. The Boy’s teams are training on Monday mornings at 7.00am and Thursday afternoons at 3.30pm.

DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY

A sensational effort from our Cross-Country runners has seen PLC finish 4th overall at the District event. A huge improvement from last year’s 6th place finish. Well done to all who competed and congratulations to the following athletes who have qualified to run at the Regional Championships in Maroochydore on the 31st of May.

13 Years Girls:                Abby Novosel (3rd)              Porscha Taylor (4th)

13 Years Boys:               Sascha Clelalnd (2nd)

16 Years Boys:               Logan Pohlner (4th)

17-19 Years Girls:           Imogen Hiley (3rd)

COMPETITIVE SPORT

Round 2 of the Term 2 SCISSA Competition

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL

The draw for Round 3 held in Week 4 on Wednesday the 11th of May is:

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

Mr Brad Burdon, (Acting) Head of Sport

Junior Sport

District Cross Country Carnival

Well done to all students who represented the College on Tuesday 3rd May at the Independent District Cross Country Carnival held at the Big Pineapple. The course is a true cross-country track with plenty of hills to test the endurance of runners along the way. Our Pacific Lutheran College Junior team finished in fifth place overall out of the ten schools competing, with a number of great individual performances from students on the day.

Congratulations to Aidan Booker (2nd place Under 11 Boys) and Scarlett van den Hurk (2nd place Under 10 Girls) who have been selected for the Independent District Cross Country team for the upcoming Sunshine Coast trials.

Thanks to Mrs Kim Kiernan and Mr Stuart Pohlner who have supported students leading up to the competition with Run Club training sessions in Terms 1 and 2.

3-6 PLC Athletics Carnival Information

The Primary Inter-house Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 2nd June (Week 7). The focus of the carnival is student participation and a positive sports experience.  A few events will take place prior to the carnival.  Details of the carnival and pre-carnival events are as follows:

12 Years High Jump – District Selection Trials - Wednesday 18th May 1.00pm – 1.40pm, (lunchtime)

Students in Year 6 who are turning 12 this year (2010 birth year) and would like to be considered for district selection in the high jump will need to attend this trial held at Pacific Lutheran College. Students from Year 7 who are also turning 12 this year will attend this trial.

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

Sprint Nominations – At Carnival

Students will nominate to run in competitive races (heats) or a non-competitive race on the day of the carnival.  All competitive heats at the carnival will be timed using electronic timing gates with the times from these heats collated to determine the fastest times per age group. This will be used to determine age champion points and district selection in these events.

Discus Event - Thursday 19th May 1.40pm – 3.00pm

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

10-12 Years 1500m – District Selection – Tuesday 17th May 7.30am – 8.25am (Before school – Meridan AFL fields)

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.

Athletics Training

Starting next Monday 9th May, students have the opportunity to begin training for the upcoming Pacific Lutheran College Inter-House Athletics Carnival as well as the Independent District Athletics Carnival early in Term 3. Students who represented Pacific Lutheran College last year at a District level have already been invited to attend these sessions. Sessions are open to students from Years 3 - 12. If your child is keen to improve in a specific athletic event and would like to attend these sessions, please send an email to dhooper@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Sessions will run from 3.15pm – 4.45pm each Monday afternoon on the main oval with external coaches employed to focus on sprints, long jump, and throwing events. Distance events will not be covered in these sessions.

Student Achievements

Over the last few weeks, there have been a number of students who have made representative teams in a range of sports. Congratulations to the following students on their sporting success.

Under 12 Independent District Rugby Union

Congratulations Saxon Mathers, Mitchel Van Dyke, and Tom Cannon who have been selected for the 12 Boys District Rugby Union team. The boys will play at Caloundra later this month in the upcoming Sunshine Coast Regional Carnival.

Under 12 Sunshine Coast Regional Rugby League

Well done to Mitchel Van Dyke who last week was selected in the Sunshine Coast Rugby League team in the centre position. A great achievement with over 400 kids trialling to make the team. Mitchel will now play for the Sunshine Coast team at the State Titles held here at Maroochydore in June.

Under 12 Girls Independent District Soccer

Congratulations to Emily Groll and Ashlan Hill who attended the 10-12 Years Girls Regional Football Carnival last week.  The girls were the youngest on the team, both only turning 10 this year. They played six games with the Independent Team coming away as undefeated champions of the tournament, winning five games and drawing one.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport P-6

Club Sport

Club Sport

Pacific Lutheran College has several sports development programs outside of school hours. These programs encourage participation, giving students the opportunity to be part of a team, and learn basic skills of the game.

The parent-led Pacific FC Soccer and PLC Netball Clubs compete on Saturdays in community competitions throughout the Sunshine Coast.

PLC Netball Club

For any queries, please see contact details below.

Contact: Donna Townsend, PLC Netball Club President
Email: netballpresident@pacluth.qld.edu.au
Facebook: PLC Netball Club
Instagram: PLC Netball Club

Pacific FC

State Titles Succes

Congratulations to our players who attended the Queensland Christian Football State Titles on the long weekend - Chase McKinnon, Faolan Shearer, Nicholas Currey, Joe Harrys, Liam Clarke, and Luke Harrys. This annual Championship is a wonderful experience for players and spectators.

U11 SC South Runners Up (Chase and Faolan)

U14 SC South Champions (Nicholas, Joe, and Liam)

U16 SC South Runners Up (Luke)

Round 5 at Pacific

This Saturday sees Round 5 fixtures at home. Our canteen will be serving up hot food and cold drinks throughout the day.

Round 5 Draw.

Contact: The Registrar
Email: PacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au
Website: https://www.pacificsoccerfc.com/
Facebook: Pacific Soccer FC 

Mrs Rita Williams, Pacific FC President

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 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)

Upcoming Dates

May

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

23       ELC Under 8’s Day

24       P-12 School Photo Day