Compass No 647 - May 2022

Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I will say it again. Be joyful! Let everyone know how gentle you are... Don’t worry about anything.

(Philippians 4:4 – 6)

I have worked in a variety of different roles in the College since I began at Pacific all the way back in 2004. In that time, I’ve seen literally thousands of students graduate and walk out our gates as young adults ready to “step out into the world on their own”. Each of those students had a story to tell. Each of their journeys throughout school were different, but every single one of them progressed through their final ‘tunnel of love’ at the end of their journey with joy in their hearts and pride for where they have gotten to.

The students that have made the most impact on my life, during my time at Pacific Lutheran College, have been those whose journey was not always smooth. Very rarely are there graduates who didn’t experience some level of anxiousness, worry, or conflict during their time at the College. It always amazes me that the students who have the biggest problems and are dealing with the biggest issues with academics all seem to graduate in the same way as the rest of the cohort – happy and full of life.  All the worry and anxiety that comes with school life seems to fade away, for a brief period at least.

In his letter to the Philippians, St Paul tells the people of the time to “not worry about anything”. Imagine if this was the advice that I gave students who have come to me for help! But this is exactly what Paul is telling us to do. Although it is difficult for us to put it into action, there is no point in focusing on negative things or worrying about things that are out of our control; or worrying about anything for that matter.

It appears we have plenty to worry about in this day and age, a quick read of the news headlines is enough! It is so easy for us to focus on these negative things, but in most instances what does that achieve? Jesus points us to where our positivity lies, but more than that, he answers why we should be positive and not worry: because we are children of God. And that’s where our hope comes from as we “step out into the world (never) on our own”.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

This week our Year 6 Leaders began connections with their Year 3 peers. ‘Boardom Busters’ is an initiative that has gained traction in fortnightly meetings with our leaders and this week the imitative was brought to life. On Monday 23^rd May, 20 enthusiastic Year 3 students were invited as ‘guests’ into the Year 6 classrooms for a lunchtime connection session. There were great conversations and laughter shared as the organic connections formed with mutual enjoyment of board games.

These sessions will continue to be offered every Monday during lunch which offers mutual benefits to each year level. The connection sessions further develop the Year 6 students’ Leadership skills, and the Year 3 students can interact with older students in a new and exciting area of the College that they are yet to explore. Well done Year 6 students and thank you to the Year 3 students!

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Middle College (Acting)

Held every Monday, our assemblies provide a time to meet and showcase the learning and celebration in and around the College. Every second week we will meet as a Foundation College (Prep-Year 2) and two weeks after as a Junior College (Year 3-5). We meet as Prep-Year 5 every alternate week. We can tailor our pastoral focus on learning and celebrations by meeting in smaller groups and adjusting our language and direction accordingly.

At our last P-2 assembly, Mrs Ridley and Mrs Hogan shared a beautiful children’s book, “Being you” by Peter H. Reynolds. The story focuses on the things that make us distinctive. Being curious, being different, and being persistent are themes encouraged by the book that reinforces that being the way you are is just fine. In a world where it is easy to be reminded of what you are not, it is lovely to be reminded of all the possibilities that lie within our grasp.

In assembly this week, as a Junior College, we began to better understand the language around the “We” of the Pacific Way.” For anyone to flourish, the road ahead needs to be precise. Terms such as “tolerance” and “celebrating other’s gifts” serve as a reminder that we all have specific gifts and other competencies add value to our own rather than diminish.

One of the key themes in the Pacific Way is tolerance. The tolerance to understand that things don’t always go to plan and sometimes through no fault of our own is an important lesson to learn. Developing a tolerance for our own faults is again another valuable learning opportunity. Everyone makes mistakes, and mistakes provide valuable opportunities to reflect on where we may do things differently in the future. Elements of our You Can Do It Program explore the notion of ‘catastrophising’ and making minor missteps as something which can sometimes become all-encompassing.

The first step in forgiveness is forgiving ourselves. By acknowledging and understanding that we make mistakes because we are human, we permit ourselves to be honest with ourselves and move on to keep improving as learners and as people.

Service

I want to thank the many volunteers amongst the Year 5 Gawun Leaders who gave up their own time to be part of the Open Day Tours on the College Open Day. The motivation of our student leaders was outstanding and joining students from the Middle and Senior Colleges provided an added perspective on the opportunities and learning occurring within the Junior College. The feedback on the day from families new to the College was exemplary, and we thank all students for their involvement in showcasing our College to the community.

Year 4 Outdoor Education

Earlier this term, I enjoyed attending the Year 4 Outdoor Education Experience at QCCC in Mapleton. The planning and coordination between learning experiences and curriculum were outstanding, and I would like to thank Mr Paul Brace for his coordination and oversight. Mr Brace was ably supported by Mrs Sarah Atkinson, Mr Joe Doran, Mrs Amanda Empson, Mrs Sharon Middleton and Mr Robert Belchamber.  It is an intentional move to increase the days away in Year 4, and it was noticeable how much the students grew during their time away. At times, the elements were challenging, but they only added a unique flavour to the experience. A powerful part of any Outdoor Education Program at the College contributes to their camp journal, which will ultimately be presented to them on their exit from the College in Year 12. The students, reflections, and documentation provide a snapshot of their experiences throughout their time at the college.

Uniform

As the weather cools, we ask parents and students for their support of the uniform policy by combining the correct jumper with the appropriate uniform. Our conversation regarding care for self surrounds how we present ourselves to the community. Our uniform is an observable and easily recognisable sign for others to read the story we want to tell in so many ways. We also ask that jumpers are clearly labeled so they may be returned to their owners quickly, as they are often discarded as the weather warms during the day. We thank you in advance for your support.

Take care, and God bless,

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

Canada comes to PLC (Year 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Pacific Lutheran College students have a wonderful opportunity next month to meet a representative from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and learn about studying in Canada.

UBC is a four-year public university, one of Canada's top institutions. It is ranked 42^nd in the world in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, 37^th in Times Higher Education World University rankings, and 13^th in the World Impact Rankings. UBC's Vancouver campus is located on the west coast, in beautiful Vancouver BC. Their second campus, the Okanagan campus, is located 4 hours east of Vancouver in the city of Kelowna and offers an intimate learning environment.

UBC is truly an international institution, with faculty from all over the world and students from 165 countries. Over 30 different languages are taught at UBC, and with many opportunities for exchange study abroad, students can enjoy an exceptional international education.

At the undergraduate level, there are more than 260 different programs to choose from, in comprehensive fields of study. UBC is also a research-intensive institution where undergraduates can engage in research, and explore knowledge at the forefront of their chosen field.  Upon graduation, UBC degrees are fully recognized worldwide - in fact, our graduates go on to leading post-graduate schools, such as MIT, Yale, Harvard, and the London School of Economics.

If you are interested in finding out more about studying at UBC, you need to register for our “Pacific Lutheran College presents UBC” event on 10^th June. Click here to register.

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

Aviation Australia trains Aircraft Engineers, Cabin Crew, and Drone Pilots. They are opening their doors on Saturday 18th June to young people interested in learning about the career opportunities in aviation. The facilities used by students will be on show, and staff will be there to answer your questions. There are three sessions to choose from. For more information, or to register, click here

Student Accommodation Expo – last chance to register (Year 11 and 12)

If you are planning to move to Brisbane for university study after Year 12, the Residential Living Expo will help you find a place to live while you are studying. Representatives from almost all the student accommodation providers in Brisbane will be at the expo to answer your questions. The expo also includes a series of presentations by some of the providers.  The event will be held at Sunshine Coast Grammar School on Monday 30^th May from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Registration is essential if you wish to attend any of the presentations. Please see the attached flyer for information and a registration link.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

In the past few years, there has been an explosion in books and courses about happiness. Brain science has progressed more in the past decade than in the previous hundred years, allowing us to understand the biological bases of human emotion.  Research in positive psychology has made great strides in clarifying the things that make us happy. Through social media, we have more access to this information than ever before. Yet we don’t seem to be happier than we were a generation ago.

http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/10-scientifically-proven-ways-to-be-incredibly-happy-wed.html

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Sports Day BBQ – click here for more details

• Thursday 2^nd June – Primary Carnival 
• Friday 3^rd June – Secondary Carnival

SCISSA Gala Day BBQ at Meridan Fields

• Thursday 9^th June

If you can help at any of these three events (even for an hour or so) and have completed the PLC Volunteer Induction, please let us know. Email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Sausage sizzle, snacks, and cold drinks will be available for students and staff to purchase. EFTPOS facilities are available.

Battle of the Bands Trivia Night. Get your table sorted for the night of nights.

• Saturday 20^th August
• Venue: Pacific Lutheran College gymnasium
• Tables of 8-10
• Bookings will open shortly

Father’s Day Stall

• Wednesday 31^st August – All gifts $5

Pacific Lutheran College Soiree – An Evening Gala Celebration

• Saturday 29^th October
• This is a ticketed College event, which will be hosted by Pacific Lutheran College, College Council, and Friends of Pacific

Volunteering at Pacific

Hosting events such as the upcoming Sports Day and Gala Day BBQ is only possible thanks to the efforts of those in our College Community who give so generously of their time. If you are interested in volunteering with the College, induction sessions are run once a term and are marked on the College calendar, the next session being Friday August 12^th at 9.00am. Please contact Kim Bonello kbonello@pacluth.qld.edu.au to register your interest in attending this course.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is 6.30pm on Tuesday 21^st June in the Pacific Lutheran College Library. All are welcome to attend.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

The Cast, Crew, and Staff Production Team would like to thank the many students, parents, and friends that attended our production of ‘Dracula’.

We are incredibly proud of each and every person who was involved in the show as a continued celebration of The Arts and Live Performance at Pacific Lutheran College.

Mrs Janine Delaney, Director

To celebrate Under 8’s Week, the library staff set up a maze where children were challenged to find literary characters such as The Cat in the Hat, Paddington Bear, and the Gruffalo, while finding their way out of the maze. Our K-5 kids had fun exploring the maze and spotting their favourite books.

National Simultaneous Storytime

This week, schools all around Australia stopped to read the same book at the same time to celebrate the importance of books and of reading. This year’s book was Family Tree by Josh Pyke, a beautiful story of a gum tree watching over a family as they both grow. Thanks to all the classes who got involved.

Book Club

Book Club order forms went out last week and orders need to be submitted online by next Monday 30^th, please.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

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, 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)

27       Caloundra Show Day

June

2         Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival

3         Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival continued

16       Year 2 Amazing Race Excursion

20       Year 7 Outdoor Education Program