Compass No 657 - August 2022

Last week, the Year 4 cohort was presented with a gift from the College and the St Mark’s Lutheran Congregation – an age-appropriate Bible! It was a privilege to witness these presentations to such an enthusiastic and appreciative group of students.

As a Lutheran School, the care and development of all are at the forefront of all that we do. This includes the care and development of the academic, relational and spiritual needs of each and every person. Presenting students with Bibles at key milestones throughout their school life reflects the value that we place on the impact that the Word of God can have on our educational journey.

Whether we are aware of it or not, God walks alongside us every step of the way, and it is through the reading of His word that we can learn much more about ourselves and each other than we can in any lesson. Just as homework is a necessity for us to do in order to grow in our knowledge of a particular subject, spending time reading and understanding the Bible is necessary for us to grow in our spiritual knowledge which then flows out into all aspects of our daily life (Psalms 119:9-16). The significance of students being presented with their bibles cannot be understated, and it is fitting that the last gift that each student receives at the end of their journey, is a bible too.

We pray that as each year level proudly receives their bibles that they can carry it with them and know that within it lies hope, comfort and wisdom to help them every step of the way.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

There are many things we can do at home to help children develop and practice some key skills for writing.

Get talking

Getting children to express themselves in conversation is fantastic practice for expressing themselves in writing. Conversation allows children to learn new ideas, vocabulary, and grammar. After trying out new language while talking, children are better prepared to use it in their writing.  

The key thing here is to ‘talk with’ rather than ‘talk to’ children. 

• Talking to’ children means giving instructions, not allowing time to respond, or asking questions that only require a simple answer. 
• ‘Talking with’ children means having a two-way conversation: listening carefully to what they are saying, allowing them time to think and respond, and asking them to elaborate.  

Talk about planning, drafting, and editing

Skilled writers know how to plan, revise and edit their writing. Next time your child is writing, try talking to them about some of these techniques. 

• Planning. Prompt your child to organise their ideas before they start writing. This could involve reading about a topic they are not familiar with or sketching out a plan (for example, by writing the main points in bullets or drawing a diagram) before writing.
• Drafting and revising. Encourage your child to get their ideas down in a first draft which they can then edit and revise. When they have a first draft complete, ask them what went well and what they might improve in the next draft. 
• Sharing and editing. Encourage your child to share, read, and edit their work. They might also share their work with a sibling at home, or online with a classmate. You can also talk to them about things they have read: what makes the writing effective and how could it be improved? 

Make writing fun

Getting better at writing requires a lot of practice, which is unlikely to happen unless it’s fun to do. To motivate your child to write more often, you might consider the following: 

• As children develop their skills, encourage them to write for different purposes and audiences. They could write a letter to their grandparents, a mock newspaper article, or a creative story. As well as providing motivation, this will help children to experience different writing styles.
• Give them the opportunity to publish their writing: put posters up on the fridge door, email stories to extended family, or share writing on social media. Encourage positive feedback from family and friends so that your child takes pride in their writing.
• Find enjoyable subjects to write about. Writing about memorable experiences can provide a motivating purpose for writing. 

Giving Feedback

You can help children to learn from their practice by giving feedback on their handwriting:

• Be specific about what has improved. For example: ‘It was good because you joined up your letters correctly’ is better than ‘your handwriting is getting neater.’ 
• Talk about how to improve their writing rather than just telling them when they have got something wrong: ‘Next time, try and make sure that all your t’s are crossed. This is where you put the cross.’ 
• Encourage effort: ‘Well done – look how much you can do when you keep trying!’

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

Last week a number of Year 6 students embraced their curiosity, imagination and creativity and took on the challenge of attending the Buranga Dive Deep Day. This event is an experience organised by the Sunshine Coast Independent Primary School Heads Association. The goal of Dive Deep Day is to provide challenging, enriching experiences to extend highly able learners. Working with students from other independent schools, children of 'like-minds' participated in programs that stimulated them intellectually and helped them to develop their individual talents. This year, students with highly developed skills in Digital Technologies and English were invited to attend.

Matthew, Ethan and Ace spent the day programming micro-bits and engaging with the Design Thinking process to overcome challenges using the technology of CoSpaces and Merge Cubes. Cody and Asha learnt more about creative writing and developing stories to be published in a short story anthology.

Some reflections from the students sum up the experience:

Last Friday, I went to the Deep Dive Day experience. It was a great opportunity and I really enjoyed it. I got to connect with other highly able students, and spend the day writing short stories about global issues 20 years in time – Cody

Buranga was fun! We got to use several coding programs to enhance my technological knowledge. I also liked meeting people from other schools - Ace

Thanks to the Year 6 Teachers for facilitating the experience and to Mrs Linda Sydes for accompanying the students.

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Middle College

CQUniversity Virtual Open Day (Years 10-12)

CQUniversity is holding a Virtual Open Day on Saturday 27^th August, from 9.00am – 1.00pm. Program highlights include:

• Exploring CQUni’s degrees, TAFE and pathway courses
• Tuning into course webinars
• Chatting with teaching staff at virtual course booths
• Touring facilities virtually
• Visiting the lounge to find out about fees and scholarships

Explore the full program here.

The virtual ADFA Open Day experience is live (Years 10-12)

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) comes to you in 2022 with the ADFA Open Day! This year you'll have the opportunity to attend the event virtually. You can experience all the Open Day action on Saturday 20^th August with the virtual ADFA Open Day!

Visit the site now for interviews with ADFA alumni, ADFA trainee officers and UNSW academic staff and to learn what it’s like to study and live at ADFA. Plus, head to the What’s On section to see what live events are happening at Open Day, which you can tune into online on Saturday 20^th August.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re also running a Q&A on the Defence Jobs Instagram page on Saturday 20^th August. You can ask current ADFA trainee officers any questions you have about life at ADFA. Questions need to be submitted on the Defence Instagram page @defencejobsaust before 10.00am on Saturday 20^th August.

Endeavour College of Natural Health - the future of wellness (Years 10-12)

Thursday 1^st September 2022, 9.00am - Friday 30^th September 2022, 5.00pm

Online

If you’ve been thinking about a career in natural health, then join us during our Future of Wellness month – a free, online event dedicated to exploring the diverse and fulfilling world of natural health.

Visit our personalised Future of Wellness platform to register for as many events as you like!

Throughout the month you’ll have access to:

• Live webinars
• Guest speaker sessions
• Natural health seminars
• Instagram takeovers
• Q&As
• On-demand videos
• Articles

From Chinese medicine to naturopathy, nutrition to massage and more, a future in natural health is closer than you think.

Find out more here.

University of Sydney - Regional and Interstate Student Open Night (Year 12)

Thursday 1^st September 2022, 5.00pm

Online

This webinar offers prospective regional and interstate domestic high school students an opportunity to engage with The University of Sydney and interact with faculty, accommodation, scholarship and admission pathways staff.

Find out more here.  

Queensland Police Service - Recruiting Information Session (Years 10-12)

Saturday 3^rd September 2022, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Roma Street Police Station

Interested in becoming a Queensland Police Officer?

Not sure if you:

• Meet the requirements? 
• Are the right person for the job?
• Get paid as a police recruit?
• How you progress in the QPS?
• What is expected during the recruiting process and the cost involved?

These and many more questions will be answered during this Recruiting Information Session.

This information session is conducted by experienced, current serving police officers. Not only will they explain the requirements for entry, but they may also give you an insight into their own experiences.

During the information session, you are welcome to ask questions. Recruiting staff will also be available after the presentation to answer questions.

Find out more here.  

Bond University - The Business of eSports (Years 11 and 12)

Saturday 15^th October 2022, 8.45am – 3.00pm

Bond University

eSports is taking the world by storm. From those who want to be behind the keyboard, or behind the scenes, the growing eSports industry will employ many Australians in the future.

This course will provide learners with a practical insight into the business of eSports and its economic impact around the world, along with a glimpse into the lives of professional gamers and the multi-billion dollar industry in which they compete to achieve sports star status. You will learn at your own pace through six interactive online modules and an in-person, six-hour practical workshop.

Find out more here.

Maple Equality & Inclusion Scholarship (Year 12)

Value: $5,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: 1^st August 2022 – 18^th November 2022

The Maple Equality and Inclusion Scholarship has been established to help provide people with a disability, and greater access to affordable educational opportunities.

Find out more here.

UQ Merit Scholarship (Year 12)

Value: $6,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: 8^th August 2022 – 4^th December 2022

UQ Merit Scholarship is part of the UQ Academic Scholarship program. This scholarship was established in 2008 and is maintained by funds from The University of Queensland and donors.

Find out more here.

Bond University CoLab Industry Scholarship (Year 12)

Value: 25% tuition fee waiver

Open/Closing Dates: 1^st July 2022 – 5^th September 2022

The Bond University Transformation CoLab is a game-changer where we’ve broken down the traditional stand-alone silos of business, law, arts and sciences.

Find out more here.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Last week, our Year 11 Legal Studies class travelled with Mrs Brock and Mrs Bonello to Parliament House in Brisbane to participate in Youth Parliament 2022. Trixie Willett (Member for the fictitious electorate Dogwood) and Sofia Aronsson (Member for the fictitious electorate Sandy) were members of the sitting Government. Their role in the House was to put forward the Bureaucratic Information Gathering – Data Access, Technology and Application (BIG-DATA) Bill 2022.

Lachlan Nankervis had the role of the Parliamentary Attendant and found out very quickly how much running around collecting papers this role involved. Our other students, Gracelyn Brown and Savannah Machado-Harris were selected to be observers for the day. This immersion day was very educational for our students as they saw how democracy works in the unicameral Queensland Parliament. Pacific Lutheran College was one of 42 schools that participated in the day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Year 11 Legal Studies Students, Mrs Brock and Mrs Bonello, for being brave and representing our fine College and the fictitious electorates of Dogwood and Sandy.

Mr Wes Warner, Head of Department – Innovation, Entrepreneurialism and Business

Children and young adults spend a great deal of time away from their parents and family members. During that time, they engage with others, including potential role models and mentors. They also spend a great deal of time being exposed to media influences. These external factors can shape their attitudes and behaviours in profound and lasting ways.

Key points

• Social media and other media influence teenage attitudes and behaviour.
• When teenagers are aware of media influence, they can handle media pressure better.
• Talking and questioning is the best way to help your child handle social media and other media influences.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/entertainment-technology/media/media-influence-on-teens

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor 

Father’s Day Stall

Wednesday 31^st August – All gifts $5

Pacific Lutheran College Soiree – Amongst the Stars

Saturday 29^th October – 5.30pm at Pacific Lutheran College

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.

Be greeted at the main entrance of the College with a glass of bubbles and strings of warm lights as you walk the red carpet to our open-air Soiree. Throughout the evening, enjoy a range of delicious canapes prepared by our talented Hospitality department. Under a starry sky, you’ll be treated to a range of musical performances and photo displays, whilst sharing memories and experiences with past and current friends. There will also be space for those who enjoy a dance or two.  Dress is cocktail attire. This is an 18+ event.

Purchase your ticket here

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Visiting Author, Jess Black

This week, students in Years 3-5 met Jess Black, author of series such as The Kaboom Kid, Little Paws, Bindi’s Wildlife Adventures, and Pepper Creek Ponies. Jess spoke entertainingly about her work and writing and answered many enthusiastic questions. All her books were immediately borrowed from the library afterwards.

Book Week Costume Parade

A reminder that the costume parade is on this Monday, 22^nd August at 8.40am on the oval. A photo booth will be set up in the library at lunchtime for students to get their photos taken.

Book Club

Order forms were distributed to Prep to Year 7 this week. Please get orders in online by Friday 26^th August.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

Independent District Athletics Carnival

A huge congratulations to all the students who competed last Thursday and Friday in the 13-19 years Independent District Athletics Carnival. The amazing contributions from all our athletes across the carnival resulted in PLC finishing 2^nd in the overall points tally; our best result ever, in a highly competitive event!

What is also remarkable is that of the 60 students who represented PLC at the District Carnival, 19 students have been selected to compete at the Regional Athletics Carnival (almost 1/3 of our team). The outstanding achievements of these students, plus a considerable number of results within the top 10 placings in age divisions contributed to our strong showing on the day.

Well done to the following students on their Independent District selection and for being in the top 3 performers for their events in their age groups:

This result, combined with the strong results from the Junior Carnival, shows that we have got a great pool of talented and committed student athletes in our College community.

Well done again to all students involved. The College community is proud of what you have achieved!

Competitive Sport News

All Schools’ Basketball

It was great to see some of the Junior and Intermediate teams in action this week for their first round of competition. I was fortunate enough to be there when our mighty Junior B Boys took on NCC in a thrilling game. The boys were in the lead from the very start and looked like they were going to win in an easy game, but NCC fought back and got within 1 point in the final quarter. Thanks to some intense defense and attacking the basket more (not settling for outside shots) in the last two minutes of the game, the PLC boys ended up winning by 7 points. A great game by all.

The Intermediate A Girls and Junior C Girls both had solid wins over their opponents and made a promising start to the season in their divisions. The Intermediate C Boys had a tough game against Glasshouse Christian College in their fixture. There was plenty of effort from the boys, but they couldn’t catch up on the scoreboard after a slow start. In the Senior’s, our Senior D Girls played a doubleheader but unfortunately came up short in both of their games. The spirit that they showed is always admirable. Once again, they only lost narrowly in their second game – showing great teamwork and improvement throughout the season so far.

The Senior E Boys went down to MFAC, meaning they will need to win their final two games in order to be a chance to make the finals. The Senior B Boys took on the top of the ladder St Teresa’s and fought well. The end score did not reflect the boys’ efforts or how close the game was. All is on track for their preparations for CBSQ in a few weeks’ time! Great effort to all the boys’ teams so far. The Senior B Girls continued to impress with a dominant win again last week. This places them firmly in contention for the finals. They take on their toughest opponents this week, so we will see how they fare come Friday. All the best!

All School’s Water Polo

Our PLC team fought hard in the pool this week against a spirited Siena opposition. The girls showed improvement in their performance this week and were competitive all the way to the end, narrowly defeated 6-5. The team will head into their next fixture with confidence from this week’s performance.

SCISSA Touch Football Results

Some mixed results for our SCISSA teams yesterday. The Intermediate A Boys were challenged in their game by a well-drilled Immanuel team, however, they continue to show improvement in key skill areas each week. The Senior A Girls fought hard against a strong Matthew Flinders team, only going down by a narrow margin. Congratulations to the Junior B Boys for a good win over Matthew Flinders on the back of strong rucking and defense. The Junior B Girls travelled to Glasshouse for a doubleheader, losing a close game to start with and then winning their second fixture comprehensively. With only a few weeks left, there are only a few games remaining to try and make a push for finals.

SSCRU Girls Rugby Results

This week saw our U14 Girls play games against St Patrick’s and St Johns. While the team didn’t come away with a win from their fixtures, however, they are continuing to improve their skills and game awareness and demonstrated greater confidence throughout games. Their improved efforts in defence this week were commendable, and they are building strong foundations for their upcoming games.

Key Sports Dates Term 3

• Friday 9^th September: Term 2 and 3 Sports Group Photos (Netball and Basketball)
• Friday 16^th September: Years 7-12 Interhouse Swimming Carnival
• Wednesday 14^th - Sunday 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)

18       ELC Photo Day

30       ICAS

31       Friends of Pacific Father’s Day Stall

September

2         Pupil Free Day

4         Year 6 Canberra Tour (returning Friday 9th)

16       Term 3 Concludes