Compass No 651 - June 2022

The Council wishes to acknowledge and thank two recently retired members; Mrs Ruth Zerner and Mr Peter Schilling.

Serving in the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair respectively, Ruth and Peter led our Council with strength, humility, and grace, volunteering countless hours to our College community.

We praise God for their gifts of leadership and wisdom and sincerely thank them for their years of service.

Additionally, we congratulate Mr Phil Thamm on his recent appointment to Chair of the Council.

Phil brings with him an extensive career in the army and strong Lutheran connections, including serving as Chair of his local congregation.

The Council’s core role of governance is driven by our mission as a learning community within the greater Lutheran Church.

Together we are Pacific, and we give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve.

The Council wishes all staff, students, and families a safe and restful mid-year break.

God’s blessings to you all.

Mrs Deni Fowler, College Council Secretary

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

As the end of another school term draws to a close, it is easy to simply keep on looking forward to the holidays and Term 3, without reflecting on all the wonderful and amazing things that occurred this term.

This week, we asked students to stop and reflect on what the highlights of Term 2 were for them. Most students struggled to think of major events initially, but when a few memories started flowing, the list of highlights and milestones was seemingly endless. Too often, we can have tunnel vision and lose sight of all the positive things around us that have occurred and that are occurring.

Psalm 121 is a great verse that puts things into perspective for us at the end of (and throughout) the busy moments that we go through. It reassures us that we have a creator who is constantly watching over us and caring for us.

When we feel like we are totally in control – He is there for us.

When we feel out of control – He is there for us.

When we are together in community – He is there with us.

When we are apart – He is there with us.

Isn’t it great to know that we have a God who cares for us all, no matter what?

As you go on your holidays, I pray that you all remain safe and take time to stop and appreciate all that is around you. And remember, God is there in all your comings and goings.

God bless.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

• Reading is a great activity for children to engage in to keep their brains stimulated over the holidays. Regular readers are more likely to succeed at school, have improved concentration, have wider vocabularies, and be confident, self-directed learners. Reading opens children up to new worlds and viewpoints. Through books, they learn to make sense of the world around them, learn life lessons about friendship, family, and love and expand their general knowledge.
• MasterChef Just like the TV shows, encourage your child to host a dinner party and film them cooking the meal. Make your own “Masterchef or “My Kitchen Rules,” episode. Not only is this idea wildly entertaining and important for later self-sufficiency but cooking also activates the neural pathways used in maths and English. Measuring out ¾ cup of flour for a chocolate mud cake is an enjoyable way for your child to understand how fractions and calculations work. It is also great for visual learners to see each ingredient measured out in front of them. By reading and interpreting a recipe your child is also applying their English comprehension skills.
• Teach your children that the building blocks for success at school and in life can be found everywhere. From visits to the zoo, museums, and camping during a beach holiday – there are ample opportunities for children to build up their information stash about the world during the holidays. These experiences can prove invaluable and what they learn can be used throughout their lives.
• Children will love creating their very own blog or webpage over the holidays. Some blogging platforms are specifically customised for children, making the setup process simple for your child. Encourage your child to write a blog on a topic they are passionate about, so they maintain their interest. This might involve them writing on topics like photography, the latest fashion hairstyles, or their favourite sporting team.
• Make time these school holidays to play board games together as a family. Not only will this provide a great opportunity for you and your children to bond, but with the right game, their minds are also ripe for stimulation and learning. Younger, primary school-aged children will benefit from games like Snakes and Ladders and Trouble where they can practice their counting and calculating skills. Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Chess require strategic thinking and money management skills – perfect for building brain architecture.

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY BREAK!

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

Year 10 students and parents are invited to attend a subject expo on Wednesday 13^th July at 6.00pm in the College Gymnasium to discuss Year 11, 2023 subjects.

This evening will be an important opportunity for students, parents, and carers to meet with Heads of Department, senior teachers, and representatives from universities, the Sunshine Coast Trade Training Centre, TAFE, and training organisations.

Both parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend the night to gain insights into the rigours of prospective subjects and the suitability of their content in preparation for Year 11 subject selection. 

Students will be required to submit their initial Year 11 2023 subject preferences on Thursday 14th July during their Personal Development lesson.  Subject lines will be determined based on the initial preferences that the cohort submits.

Ms Anne-Marie Gerlach, Head of Learning Senior College

Buderim Private Hospital Experience (Years 10, 11 and 12)

The Buderim Private Hospital Experience program offers 40 Year 10, 11, and 12 students from across the Sunshine Coast an opportunity to visit and tour the hospital, undertake practical workshops, and gain a further understanding of the many potential career pathways in the health sector. Expressions of Interest will open at 9.00am Wednesday 13^th July and will close at 4.00pm Friday 15^th July. A message with the Expression of Interest and further information will be sent to schools prior to the date.

Click here for the invitation and here for the student consent form (a copy of the consent form must be attached to the Expression of Interest). Please only send your expression of interest after 9.00am on 13^th July and before 4.00pm on 15^th July: it will not be considered if it arrives before the expression of interest period commences, or after it closes.

Sunshine Coast Careers Expo (Years 10-12)

The annual Sunshine Coast Careers Expo will be held this year on Tuesday 19^th July, at Venue 114, Bokarina. This event gives you a chance to talk with employers, universities, and training providers about your post-school options. Get more information here.

Tertiary Studies Expo (Years 10-12)

If you are interested in finding out more about your university options across Australia, this is the big event for you. TSXPO will be held this year over the weekend of 16th and 17^th July. Universities from all over Australia come to this event each year, to answer questions about their course offerings. While the Sunshine Coast expo also includes all universities from around Queensland and Northern NSW, it doesn’t include all the interstate universities that participate in TSXPO. Get more information here.

Griffith Women in Engineering Morning Tea (Years 11 and 12)

Saturday 25^th June, 10.00am–12.00pm

Griffith Innovation Centre, 16 Nexus Way, Southport 

Griffith University Women in Engineering group invites female high school students to join university students and professional engineers at this free, informal morning tea. This is the event for you if you want to get into STEM or engineering. Connect with like-minded people to find out more about where studies and a career in engineering could take you.

Register to attend

Griffith Law School Legal Essay Competition (Year 12)

Do you have a compelling case to make about a current legal issue? Year 12 students interested in the role of law and law reform to effect positive social change are encouraged to submit an essay in our competition. With cash prizes up for grabs, this is the perfect opportunity for Year 12 students to showcase their passion for law and social change in a fun, competitive environment. 

Find out more here.

USC eDiscovery School Holiday Program (Years 6-9)

At eDiscovery, young scientists collaborate with new friends and stretch their creativity and innovation to design, build and code robots. Working with LEGO Spike Prime elements and easy-to-use coding, students will build a prototype to problem-solve today's challenges and get inspired to be tomorrow's engineers and scientists!

Students aged 10-14 can attend a holiday program at any of our campuses at events held from July to September.

Find out more here.

Navy Open Day (Years 9-12)

Wednesday 29^th June 9.00am – 3.00pm – HMAS Moreton, Taylor St, Bulimba, QLD 4171

Defence Force Recruiting is hosting a Navy Open Day on Wednesday 29^th June 2022 for students, families, and job seekers to experience exciting operations and vessels up close. This is the perfect opportunity for those who are up for a challenging and rewarding career path. Witness performances from the Navy band, tour a current serving ship, and interact with our Submariner, Trades, and Clearance Diver hands-on displays.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to try our incredible immersive VR kit, an interactive experience where they’ll find themselves jumping out of a helicopter and then touring a Navy Submarine. Let your students discover the exciting roles available and get a head start on a rewarding career.

Ship tours are limited to 30 guests at a time. Please secure your spot via the timed links in the 'About the Event' section on the event registration page here.

SCCE Student Exchange Webinar (Years 11 and 12)

Tuesday 28^th June 2022, 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Online

SCCE understands that there is a lot to consider when going on exchange, which is why they offer regular online information webinars to teach you all about your student exchange options. Online sessions go for approximately 60 minutes. They will guide you through everything you need to know about SCCE’s programs. There is also time at the end of the presentation to ask questions, providing a wonderful opportunity to interact with SCCE staff and other future exchange students.

Find out more here

Whitehouse Institute of Design Illustration and Portfolio Workshop (Years 11 and 12)

Saturday 25^th June 2022, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Online

This workshop is for aspiring designers as a starting point for those wishing to develop their illustration skills and build a portfolio for application to the Bachelor of Design program. In this 2-hour workshop, you will gain an understanding of how to illustrate with Marker and Paper, experiment with different multi-media materials, and learn techniques for presenting your creative ideas.

This workshop focuses on the following areas of skill development including:

• Illustration techniques
• Application of pencils, professional markers, and felt-tip pens for professional rendering
• Brief analysis of trends and preparation of illustrations to complement a Mood Board
• Exploring an individual design aesthetic
• Beginners portfolio development and learn how to present your work for application to the Bachelor of Design program.

Find out more here.

2023 Pinnacle Foundation Scholarships for LGBTIQ+ students (Year 12)

Value: Up to $8,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: 1^st July 2022 – 31^st  August 2022

Pinnacle Foundation provides educational scholarships, mentoring, and opportunities for young LGBTIQ+ Australians to realise their full potential and overcome challenges arising from their identity. Scholarships are awarded for full-time study at public institutions of higher education in Australia, for the purpose of gaining an educational or vocational qualification in any profession, trade, or the arts.

Find out more here.

WHITEHOUSE Institute of Design Early Entry (Year 12)

WHITEHOUSE is committed to supporting students who have been presented with challenges over recent years.

In 2022, WHITEHOUSE will assess applications based on first semester Year 12 results and some examples of your creative work, for guaranteed entry into WHITEHOUSE for February/March 2023.

Current Year 12 students can apply from anywhere in Australia. WHITEHOUSE has campuses in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.

Find out more here.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Last Friday the Pacific musicians celebrated the end of the semester with our Annual Ensembles Concert. Guests were treated to performances from all the Pacific Ensembles, from our youngest vocal and string students to the Pacific Orchestra who closed the concert. All performers were outstanding, and excitement and enthusiasm was in abundance. Congratulations to everybody who performed, it was a wonderful celebration of music.

Big thanks to everybody who helped to make the concert a very special event, and extra thanks to Emma & Rhana and the Senior student hospitality team who kept everybody fed and watered with their delicious food and treats.

Wishing everyone a lovely holiday, keep practising and rehearsals will start again in Term 3.

Mrs Helen Williams, Head of Instrumental Music (P-12)

EMERALD offers you personalised coaching and high-quality learning modules that arm you with strategies proven by the latest science to support wellbeing. Through EMERALD you gain support from experts at USC's Thompson Institute, whose mission is to improve lives through neuroscience.

EMERALD is an eight-week online wellbeing program designed as an early intervention mental well-being strategy.

EMERALD empowers participants to choose their own goals targeting lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, social connection, and stress management strategies. This is a short-term therapeutic program that offers support, education, and skill-building. 

EMERALD is an evidence-based program that supports you to boost your wellbeing through achievable lifestyle changes. Participants have significantly increased their wellbeing by up to 64%. We'd love to do the same for you!

https://www.usc.edu.au/thompson-institute/clinical-services/emerald-wellbeing-program

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Junior Car Park Space Auction

Imagine having your very own carpark at Pacific Lutheran College when you’re running late to drop the kids off! The Junior Car Park is once again open for auction, with this priceless space available for use from 12^th July until 31^st December. To be in the running, place your bid from now until 7.00pm Monday 27^th June via this link.  

Father’s Day Stall

• Wednesday 31^st August – All gifts $5

Save the date - Pacific Lutheran College Soiree – Amongst the Stars

• Saturday 29^th October – 5.30pm at PLC
• This is a ticketed, gala-cocktail event celebrating our 21 years for College parents, staff, alumni, and invited guests, hosted by Pacific Lutheran College, College Council, and Friends of Pacific.

Volunteering at Pacific

Hosting events 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 12^th August 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 9.00am on Tuesday 19^th July. All are welcome to attend after drop-off for coffee and a chat in the PLC Library. Please RSVP to fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au for catering purposes.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

This term, Year 1 students have been listening to stories about children imagining, designing and building various contraptions. Using this as a springboard we have been discussing the design process and then challenging the students to design and build a vehicle. It has been lovely to see their imaginations at work and to hear how excited they are to work together on their project.

Year 3 students have been exploring the research tools on the library homepage and using them to explore how spiders make different types of webs. They then used their design thinking to select materials to build a spider web.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

Competitive Sport News

It has been a busy term of competitive sport for our students and it is great that players and coaches can have a break before an even busier Term 3 schedule. Senior basketball fixtures will start the first week of Term 3, followed by 7-10 SCISSA touch football in week 2 and then SSCRU 10 a side girls rugby. We also have 2 representative netball carnivals placed within Term 3 and Champion Schools Queensland Basketball to finish the term. It is great to see so many students involved in our sport options next term, with some students playing more than one sport. There is still an opportunity for students in Years 7-10 to express their interested in water polo. Should they wish to participate please email Mr West-McInnes.

A quick reminder to students involved in Semester 1 sport, particularly in volleyball, rugby, and netball (who aren’t participating in representative carnivals) to return their uniforms to the Sport Office by the end of the first week of Term 3. Students need to sign their uniforms back into the register, and if it is not possible to find a time to do this, need to return their uniform clearly labelled. Students who just drop off uniforms without signing them back in risk being charged for an unreturned uniform.

Student accomplishments

Well done to the following students for their recent achievements in sport.

• Danica Cockburn recently represented the Sunshine Coast in the School Girls 15-16-year Sevens Rugby State Championships. The Sunshine Coast team finished 6th overall with some amazing talent and skill on display.
• Jairus Paletesio for his recent performances in Rugby Union as part of the Sunshine Coast U13’s Stingrays team. His strong performances have seen him selected into the South East Queensland team to play in the Queensland Country Championships in July and was 1 of only 7 Sunshine Coast boys to be selected for the team.

Key Year 7-12 Sports Dates Term 3

• Friday 15^th July: Start of Senior All Schools’ Basketball Fixtures
• Wednesday 20^th July: Start of 7-12 SCISSA Touch Fixtures
• Thursday 21^st July: Vicki Wilson Netball
• Wednesday 27^th July: Start of SSCRU Girls 10 a side Fixtures
• Tuesday/ Wednesday 2^nd -3^rd August: Secondary Schools Indoor Netball Tournament
• Thursday/ Friday 11^th - 12^th: 13-19 years District Athletics Carnival
• Friday 12^th August: Start of Jnr/Intermediate Basketball Fixtures (TBC)
• 16th September: 7-12 Interhouse Swimming Carnival
• Wednesday- Sunday 14^th- 18^th September: Champion Schools Basketball Queensland.

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, 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)

23       Term 2 Concludes

July

12       Term 3 Commences

13       Year 11 2023 Subject Expo (6.00pm)

19       Year 6-12 Parent Conferences

20       Year 11 Leadership Day 2

21       Vicki Wilson Cup – Sunshine Coast