Compass No 653 - July 2022

We have all recently returned from holidays. A holiday where travel is starting to open up more and more. Flights overseas are becoming more and more available to areas that we once took for granted that we would always be able to go to.

 

I’m sure that a common conversation on any family trip with young children (or even older ones) would be around the question of “are we there yet?” 

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians (3:12-16), he is referring to his own (and our) life journey. As one of the most dedicated and committed Christians in history, here, Paul admits that he is ‘not quite there yet’ and often stumbles in his journey through life. But he does not let those setbacks stop him from “pressing on to the goal” that awaits him at the finish line.

The message that we find in Philippians is as relevant to us today, as it was to the people that Paul was writing to in the first century. Our journey through school is full of wins and celebrations, but also trials and harsh lessons for us. But the way in which we respond throughout our day-to-day life will affect how we come out in the end. When we fail, Paul tells us not to dwell on our mistakes, but keep pressing on. When things don’t go according to plan, learn from what happened and keep moving forward. And when we are reminded of our mistakes, keep your focus on what lies ahead.

We are not perfect, but the beauty of God’s grace is that no matter what we do along the way, He is there for us and offers us His forgiveness. Our mistakes are washed away so that we don’t have to dwell on them. And if we keep our eyes focused on the end goal, the learning experiences that occur along the way are there to help us and others learn and grow. So, when we finally do ‘get there’, our lives are rich and have enriched others.

God bless you all throughout the term.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

I warmly welcome back all the families and students from the Middle College. I am hopeful that everyone took time to relax, unwind and recharge so we have re-entered the PLC community motivated and passionate to engage. It is a very exciting term ahead with many important events occurring across all year levels.

I congratulate Mr Paul Brace and his team of Outdoor Education staff for the highly successful Year 7 Outdoor Education Experience at Somerset Dam in Week 10 last term. Students were pushed out of their comfort zones to complete activities and challenges that saw them flourish and grow in many areas. I also congratulate the students for the way they conducted themselves and the many new friendships they formed along the way. Well done!

The Year 8 students will be given their final briefing on camp this week in their Personal Development lesson as they look forward to 4 nights in the outdoors next week. We wish them well, as they too, step into areas of challenge to learn about themselves in and around the beautiful Somerset Dam.

The Year 6 students are starting to get excited by the real prospect of interstate travel, as they make plans to head to Canberra in Week 9. Teachers and students will visit some of Australia’s most iconic locations which will no doubt be a memorable experience for all.

Our Year 9 leaders are busy planning some Early Learning Centre visits this term to connect with the Studio 3 children and form relationships that they hope will last until they have them once again as Year 2 buddies in their final year of schooling.

I am excited to be involved in all these unique experiences and look forward to the growth of our students as a result.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Middle College (Acting)

Thanks so much to our teachers for preparing so diligently for this week’s Parent / Teacher conversations.

Thank you to our parents who were able to attend and support your child in their learning and progress at the College. Our continued partnership will ensure that your child will continue to learn and reach their full potential.

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

Tertiary Applications Information Online Event for Parents of Year 12 Students

Parents of current Year 12 students are encouraged to connect to the tertiary application information event on Tuesday 26^th July, at 6.00pm. This will be an online presentation, and the recording will be made available on NAV. Please use this link to join the session live on 26^th July.

This information presentation will mirror the information delivered recently to Year 12 students during Personal Development lessons. Topics include:

• Registering for and receiving your ATAR
• Key dates for Tertiary application processes
• Submitting an application for Queensland universities
• Applying for early offer schemes
• Managing applications in multiple states
• ATAR adjustments, including special consideration for students who have experienced disadvantage
• How universities make offers
• How to respond to offers and enrol at university

Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.

We look forward to you joining us for this very important information event.

‘Level Up’ High School Student Virtual Health Careers Event (Years 9-12)

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service is offering a Virtual Student Careers Event, ‘Level Up’, on Thursday 18^th August from 9:30am- 11:30am.

The event will welcome high school students from across the region who are interested in learning more about the diverse pathways into a career in health.

‘Level Up’ is an information sharing event where students will:

• Hear from new employees at the start of their career pathway across a wide variety of professions
• Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art simulation suites
• Hear from a panel of staff who will share their journey into career in health
• Speak to local education providers including Griffith University, University of the Sunshine Coast and TAFE Queensland to learn more about subject choice, admissions timings, transitioning from school and course offerings.

If you are interested in joining this event, please email me no later than 5.00pm on Friday 22^nd July.

Bond - 2022 Open Day (Years 11 and 12)

Saturday 30^th July, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Bond University

Experience our on-campus Open Day on Saturday 30^th July – a day where our campus is yours to explore.

Make the most of your Open Day experience by exploring a study area or two, take a behind-the-scenes tour of campus, be inspired by a keynote presentation – or even meet some of our students, alumni, and staff in the Connect Lounge.

Find out more here.  

Queensland University of Technology - Open Day (Years 11 and 12)

Chat with staff and students from all areas of study and get all your questions answered about courses, careers and university life.

Time: Sunday 31^st July 9.00am - 3.00pm

Location: Gardens Point (city) campus

Details and Registration found here.  

ACU - Brisbane Open Day (Years 11 and 12)

Deciding what to study is a pretty momentous decision. That’s why they run Open Day – it’s everything you need, in one place, to help make your choice.

This year ACU is running both on-campus and online Open Days. The choice is yours – immerse yourself in the campus atmosphere or join us online from the comfort of home.

Time: Saturday 6^th August, from 10.00am

Location: Brisbane Campus

Details and Registration are found here.

University of the Sunshine Coast Open Day - Sippy Downs (Years 11 and 12)

At Open Day on Sunday 7^th August, you will:

• Learn about degrees you're interested in studying
• Find out details about course fees and money available to help you study
• Get a taste of what student life is like at USC
• Experience the interactive teaching facilities and technology at USC's award-winning campuses

Location: USC Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs QLD 4556

Details and Registration are found here.  

SCCE - Exchange Webinar (Years 11 and 12)

Tuesday 9^th August 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Online

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

Find out more here.  

The Hotel School | Industry Insights (Years 11 and 12)

Saturday 20^th August 9.00am – 3.00pm

Sofitel Brisbane Central

Experience Sofitel Brisbane Central through the eyes of hospitality professionals. Find out what it is like to work in this dynamic environment by immersing yourself in the behind-the-scenes operations of a luxury hotel.

You are invited to this unique, fully interactive experience where you will meet professionals of key hotel departments and have an opportunity to understand their roles. This event is perfect for those wanting a better understanding of the complexities and depth of hospitality careers.

Find out more here.  

ACU Guarantee application process and student panel (Year 12)

The ACU Guarantee Program offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. Join this webinar to learn detailed information on how to apply and hear current students share their experiences.

Time: Wednesday 27^th July 6.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration can be found here.  

ACU | Year 12 Revision Webinars (Year 12)

Chemistry: Monday 22^nd August 7.00pm – 8.30pm

English: Tuesday 23^rd August 7.00pm – 8.30pm

General Maths: Wednesday 24^th August 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Maths Methods: Thursday 25^th August 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Legal Studies: Monday 29^th August 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Study of Religion: Tuesday 30^th August 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Join us for this free online webinar run by experienced Year 12 exam markers and assessors. They’ll guide you through how to respond to possible exam questions, help you get your head around the content to deepen your understanding and offer plenty of tips and strategies along the way.

You’ll also have an opportunity to get your questions answered during a live 30-minute Q&A.

Find out more here.  

National Mathematics Summer School (Year 11)

Sunday 8^th January 2023, 9.00am - Saturday 21^st January 2023, 5.00pm

Canberra

The National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS) is a program for motivated and high-achieving school students that has been held each January since 1969.

The 55^th NMSS is planned to be held in Canberra from 8^th to 21^st January 2023.

Applications will open soon and will close at the end of August.

Find out more here.  

START QUT STEM Intensive (Year 12)

START QUT (STEM Intensive) is the delivery of a first-year QUT STEM unit in a two-week intensive study program during the summer holidays, 9^th-20^th January 2023. This unique program is designed for current Year 11 students entering Year 12 in 2023.

You can participate in one of our study units to see the differences between high school and university while gaining an insight into STEM studies in a safe and supportive environment.

There are no tuition fees for successful applications.

Applications for the program open Friday 15^th July and close on Wednesday 24^th August.

Find out more and apply here.  

Storyfest National Novella Writing Competition (Years 7-12)

The Storyfest National Novella Writing Competition is open to all Australian high school students. It is a wonderful opportunity for serious student writers, encouraging them in their literary growth – and there are also some fantastic prizes on offer.

All state winners will be awarded:

• Cash prizes
• Flights and accommodation to the Gold Coast
• Tickets to attend Somerset Storyfest (28^th-30^th March 2023)
• Exclusive access to meet with Australia’s elite authors and publishers

Entries open Monday 25^th July and close Friday 2^nd December.

Find out more and enter here.  

Little Stories Big Ideas Flash Fiction Competition for Secondary School Students (Years 7-12)

Little Stories Big Ideas is a writing competition for Australian Secondary School Students. As part of the competition, students write a story in 100 words or less to a specific themed prompt, in any literary style they like – prose, poetry, haiku, or song. There are two entry categories, Year 7 to 9 (Junior) and Year 10 to 12 (Senior).

The competition runs every school term with great prizes on offer and is free to enter.

Cash prizes of $100 plus Gift Vouchers and Memberships are up for grabs.

Entries are now open for our Term 3 competition with the theme “Body”. Entries close Friday 16^th September at Midnight.

Find out more here.  

Basair - Pilot Career Seminar (Webinar) (Years 10-12)

Learn about career paths, salaries, entry level jobs, qualifications, pilot courses and everything you need to know about becoming a Commercial Pilot in less than a year at Basair.

Time: Monday 25^th July 7.00pm - 8.30pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here.  

Defence Careers - Maroochydore: Women in Defence Information Session (Years 10-12)

The Australian Defence Force provides a supportive, inclusive, and respectful workplace where you can grow both personally and professionally.

If you’ve considered maximizing your potential as a member of the Navy, Army, or Air Force, then join us soon for an information session.

Speak with current serving women in Defence about their own experiences and advice and ask any questions you have about ADF careers and opportunities.

Time: Monday 25^th July 4.00pm

Location: DFR Maroochydore, 37 Primary School Court, Maroochydore, QLD 4558

Details and Registration are found here.  

Defence Careers Virtual Information Session (Years 10-12)

Are you interested to learn about the wide range of roles available in the Navy, Army, and Air Force?

Join an upcoming info session and speak with current serving members to see which Australian Defence Force career is best suited to you.

Time: Tuesday 26^th July 6.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration found here.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

On Monday, the Music Department hosted an 80-minute Q&A session and 60min Guitar Masterclass with the lead guitarist from ‘The Voice’, Michael Dolce. Michael is highly regarded in the music entertainment industry and has performed alongside many well-renown Australian and International artists.

Having worked on all 11 seasons of ‘The Voice’, Michael showed students how much preparation goes into each audition, battle round and final show. Learning more than 500 songs a season can be rather stressful and time-consuming! Tips on how to prepare for performances and auditions were also discussed with students.

Students were enthralled by his honesty, passion, and enthusiasm for his job and how students can make it in the industry, should this be the path they wish to go down after school.

We will all be watching the next season of ‘The Voice’, keeping a close eye out for Michael…. Maybe a PLC student might audition!

Mrs Carlie Purkis, Head of Department - Music

On Saturday 17^th July, eighteen students from Pacific Lutheran College from Year 6 and Year 9 competed as 9 teams in the Middle School Lego Sumo, High School Lego Sumo and the Middle School A-maze-ing competitions.

Over 2000 people attended the annual event with over 300 teams competing and 150 teams in the Middle School Sumo event.

Our teams performed highly on the day with three teams progressing through to the finals.

• Vincent Clarke and Angus Edwards achieved a silver in the High School division which was an amazing achievement.
• Dylan Casement, Riley Shepherd and Mason Pratt reached the finals in HS division but were beaten by the winning team.
• Mac Gallagher and Luka Stylianou reached the finals in the MS Lego Sumo but were eliminated in the second from last match.

It was great to see the collaboration happening on the day with teams helping one another as problems arose. Teams successfully completed their matches, despite crowded conditions and confusion in the pits due to a last-minute change to create two divisions to cope with the huge number of teams entered.  All teams are now focused on improvements and modifications for the next competition!

Congratulations to all teams who took part. Your sportsmanship, collaboration, consideration of others, and your resilience on the day made me proud to be part of the Pacific Lutheran Team.

Mrs Janine Stone, Head of Department – Information Technology

Extraordinary moments often masquerade as ordinary life. So, look around the pandemonium and remind yourself to be grateful for every minute you get to spend with your children as they grow. These years pass more quickly than we can imagine, and when kids look back, these are the memories that will define family for them.

Click on the link here for more information.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Father’s Day Stall

Wednesday, 31^st August – 8.15am-11.30am (all gifts $5)

Gala Day BBQ

Meridan Fields – 8^th September

FoP will host a BBQ and drinks stall for the Year 4-6 Gala Day at Meridan Fields from 8.30am-1.00pm. Both Touch Football and AFL will be held on the fields behind PLC with Boys AFL at the AFL Club and Girls Touch Football at the Soccer fields.

If you can help at either of these events, please let us know via email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au

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

Thank you to the wonderful parents and staff who attended our FoP meeting this week. Our next meeting is 6.30pm on Tuesday 16^th August in the PLC library. All are welcome to attend. 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

Students in Years 10-12 may like to watch the recordings of a series of QCE lectures offered by ATAR Notes and a number of universities. The lectures aim to prepare students for the external exams, cover course content and give students a glimpse of university life. Lectures are free, but you need to register to get access. The full program of lectures is available here.

https://atarnoteslectures.com/qld?mc_cid=bdc15a0d08&mc_eid=13ac07d142#:~:text=Ahead%20%2D%20Register%20Now-,Available%20Lectures,-Register%20now%2C%20select

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)

25       Year 8 Outdoor Education Program – Somerset (Returning July 29)

26       Year 11 Hospitality Excursion

27       Year 10 2023 Subject Selection – 6.00pm

August

2         Year 7 Photos

4         Australian Maths Competition

12       PLC Volunteer Induction – 9.00am