Compass No 658 - August 2022

Participation in Future Problem Solving encourages students to become responsible global citizens and lifelong learners by developing the skills to create solutions to complex problems, evaluate those solutions and turn them into a workable plan of action. 

Students as young as Year 6 are coached in the skills of entrepreneurship and innovation to become socially responsible changemakers. They work collaboratively to tackle issues critical to the success of future generations. This year’s Qualifying Booklet introduced a future scenario of global agriculture and the role of insect management. In the future scene, insecticides, cloud seeding, and the genetic modification of mosquitoes have resulted in decreased populations of helpful pollinating insects and the evolution of resistant populations of pest insects. The challenge was for students to use the FPS process and develop an action plan for the sustainable management of insects across West Africa within five years.

This year, four teams of PLC students in Years 6-11 have participated in the Global Issues Problem Solving competition, exploring the future challenges of water supply, building green and insects. The students have demonstrated the characteristics of effective problem solvers, showing skills of futuristic thinking, innovation, divergent thinking, and analytical research.

In an initiative that embodies the aims of the program, two of our experienced FPS representatives, Charles and Sebastian Box have been coaching the FPS team members. Collaboration and Ethical Leadership are infused into FPS and as student coaches, Charles and Sebastian have been impressive in their ability to convert their own success at a national and international level in the competition into effective tuition.

Congratulations to all teams for completing their Qualifying Booklets and we look forward to receiving the results towards the end of term.

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Middle College, and Mrs Linda Sydes, English, HASS and Science Teacher

Students from the Early Learning Centre to Year 5 have had a wonderful week celebrating Book Week.

Since 1945, the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought together children and books to celebrate Book Week and shine a light on Australian authors and illustrators.

Book Week 2022 has been a time for our school to celebrate Australian children's literature. 

The parade on Monday morning was truly a highlight – teachers and students celebrated by coming in costumes featuring their favorite book characters. The library organised very creative lunchtime activities – making Dream Catchers, Herbal Dream Pillows and the Dreamscape room was amazing.

Thank you to everyone who made this week such a wonderful celebration.

Safety Reminder

Parents - please remember to stop at the crossing in the P-2 carpark and allow time for students to safely cross.

It’s important to remember that children do not always have good road safety sense and can also be easily distracted.

Drivers in the carpark have an extra responsibility to take care in this location.

When approaching a pedestrian or children’s crossing, drive at a speed that allows you to stop your vehicle safely.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

All students in Years 6 to 9 competed in ICAS (International Competitions and Assessment for Schools) Reach Mathematics. Students receive a certificate and on the back is the ten-digit ICAS ID number (known as the TAP ID) and a four-digit PIN which can be used to access individual results and a detailed analysis and topic breakdown. To do this, visit the website https://orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent. At the top left is a menu to see results and question analysis with your child’s responses. If you click on the question, it will also show the actual question. This is a great way to reflect, learn and improve on future problem-solving and numeracy questions.

An Outstanding Award is given to students achieving greater than 80% on the competition questions. Congratulations to the following recipients.

From Year 6 Kimika Conrad, Year 8 Oliver Friend, Riley Rowe, Brian Iredia, and from Year 9 Ellie Bauer, Austin Lauritzen and Tyler Stocker.

Students listed below achieved an Outstanding or Commendable Award (generally greater than 65%). We congratulate all these students on their fine achievements.

We currently have several students in Years 7-9 finalising their problem solutions for the Enrichment Stage of the Australian Mathematics Trust which runs over Terms 2 and 3.

The Year 5/6 and 7/8 teams have just competed in a selection round to represent Pacific in the QAMT Maths Quiz.

If students are interested in competing in any of the competitions offered, please ensure they sign up next year as announcements are made in daily notices. Problem-solving and critical thinking are part of our normal Maths lessons, but teachers can always provide practice problems for preparing for the range of competitions offered.

Ms Patricia Hosking, Head of Department - Mathematics

ACU Virtual Open Day (Years 10, 11 and 12)

Saturday 10^th September 2022, 2.00pm

Location: Online

Deciding what to study is a pretty momentous decision. That’s why ACU runs 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 in online from the comfort of home.

Details and Registration are found here.  

UniSC Headstart Information Evenings (Years 11 and 12)

Moreton Bay: Tuesday 6^th September 2022, 4.30pm – 6.00pm

Sunshine Coast: Thursday 8^th September 2022, 4.30pm – 6.00pm

Online: Tuesday 13^th September 2022, 5.30pm

Join us at our Headstart Information Evenings where we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the program.

Headstart gives Year 11 and 12 students a real university experience and sets you up for the future, allowing you to study first-year university subjects and receive credit to take time off your degree.

UniSC will cover the cost of the first course and additional courses are only $400, so you’ll also save money on your full degree!

We’ll take you through some of the key changes to Headstart for 2023 and answer all your questions so you’re ready to apply!

You’ll also hear from Headstart students who will talk about their experience and provide tips for what to expect.

Find out more here.

Experience a day in the life of a Medical Researcher (Years 10, 11 and 12)

Friday 23^rd September 2022, 8.00am – 3.00pm

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

Looking to get a taste of what it’s like working in a medical research laboratory? QIMR Berghofer hosts a one-day science experience program during the school holidays each year. Students can undertake a day of training in practical skills related to genetics, infectious disease or blood biology in our purpose-built education laboratory facilities.

The program is open to Queensland high school students in years 10, 11 or 12 and is free to attend.

Find out more here.

NIDA Stage and Screen School, Brisbane (Years 7-10)

Monday 19^th September 2022, 10.00am - Friday 23^rd September 2022, 5.00pm

Venue TBC

Spend a week exploring performance for both stage and screen in this practical introduction to acting. Develop skills in improvisation, text analysis and script work then apply these skills to an on-screen performance. Present live and recorded scenes at the end of the week for your NIDA friends.

This school holiday class is suitable for students in Years 7-10.

Find out more here.

RBA Economic Update Webinar for High School Students (Years 11 and 12)

Tuesday 13^th September 2022, 4.00pm

Online

Aimed at students in Years 11-12, this webinar will feature an RBA economist sharing insights on monetary policy and current economic conditions. It’s a great opportunity for students to get the latest information about what’s happening in the Australian economy and pose questions to an RBA economist. Students and educators should register directly to attend this online event.

Find out more here.

Young Writers Workshop (Years 5-10)

Saturday 17^th September 2022, 10.00am – 1.30pm

Peregian Beach Community House

Calling all young writers aged 10-15 years. Join author Shelley Davidow for a half day of creative writing. Play with words, learn new skills, and make new friends in this exciting workshop.

Find out more here.

Interested in politics? 2022 My First Speech Competition (Years10, 11 and 12)

2022 My First Speech competition is now open for entries.

Imagine yourself as a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives. Your task is to write a 90-second speech about issues you are passionate about then record yourself presenting the speech on video.

Australian students enrolled in Years 10 to 12 are invited to enter the ‘My First Speech’ competition.

You can enter as a school or as an individual.

Entries close Wednesday 31^st August.

Find out more and enter here.

QTAC’s top tips for managing your application (Year 12)

QTAC has published a set of tips to help Year 12 students make sure they don’t miss anything when applying for university study. You can see their tips here. These tips don’t mention anything about early offers. If you are unsure about how to manage your early offer applications, contact me for an appointment (whayes@pacluth.qld.edu.au)

Scholarships for Tertiary study (Year 12)

•          AVCAT Scholarships

Value: Up to $6,000 AUD per year

Open/Closing Dates: Thursday 18^th August 2022 – Monday 31^st October, 2022

AVCAT is a national charity providing tertiary education scholarships and bursaries to children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans. We assist scholars each year to reach their potential through achieving a range of academic and personal goals.

Find out more here.

•          UniSQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

Value: Up to $20,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: Wednesday 3^rd August, 2022 – Friday 10^th March, 2023

The scholarship is to reward and support high academic achievers (ATAR 88+), who have completed Year 12 in 2022 and are commencing their studies at UniSQ in a bachelor’s degree program in 2023.

Find out more here.

•          Griffith Chancellor’s Scholarships

Value: Up to $22,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: Wednesday 3^rd August, 2022 – Monday 12^th December, 2022

The Chancellor’s Scholarships are for students who have experienced financial hardship and/or educational disadvantage that has impacted their ability to achieve their full potential.

There are multiple scholarships available within the Chancellor’s Scholarships.

Find out more here.

•          UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

Value: $12,000 AUD per year

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

Provides financial support to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements during their senior secondary studies and who aspire to undertake a coursework degree at UQ.

Find out more here.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Close family relationships afford a person better health and well-being, as well as lower rates of depression and disease throughout a lifetime. But in many families, getting along isn't a given. The interaction between various members is at the core of these complicated dynamics. We may joke about the stereotypical sources of disharmony—the obnoxious uncle and the ne'er-do-well son—but factors like environment and sibling rivalries do emerge when considering the viability and stability of family networks. Click on the link below for more information.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/basics/family-dynamics

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Father’s Day Stall

Wednesday 31^st August – All gifts $5

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 have completed the Volunteer Induction and are interested in helping on the Father’s Day Stall, please email fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

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 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

Save the Date! The Speech and Drama students are putting on a full-length play in the College gym on Monday 12^th September (Week 10) at 3.30pm.

Buzby of the Buffalo is the true story of a sailor named Ned and his adventures on board the sailing ship HMS Buffalo in the 1830s. It stars all 48 Speech and Drama students ranging from Years 1 to 12.

Stay tuned for ticketing information.

Mrs Lisa McKibben, Speech and Drama Teacher

Book Week Winners Announced

The Children’s Book Council of Australia kicked off Book Week with the announcement of the winners of the Book of the Year Awards. P- 4 students have been reading the nominees in their library lessons. The winners were:

Picture Book of the Year – Iceberg by Jess Racklyeft and Claire Saxby

Early Childhood – Jetty Jumping by Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville

Younger Readers – A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr

Older Readers – Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim

Book Week

Book Week was a huge success, kicking off with our costume parade on Monday. Lunchtime activities were very popular, with students making dream catchers, exploring dream worlds in virtual reality, and making herbal dream pillows. Our sensory dream room was great fun and students loved the competitions – particularly trying to match the eyes of the staff member.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

Competitive Sport News

All Schools’ Basketball

What a great round of basketball last week! We saw some big wins with the Intermediate B Boys & Senior B Boys (as they both continue their preparation for the Championship School of Qld competition); the Junior C Girls; and our Junior B Boys teams.

There were some tough losses in there as well, but the scoreline doesn’t always reflect how they played. The season has only just begun for most teams and I look forward to seeing you all improve throughout the season.

We have nearly all our teams playing this week so please read the draw carefully. The Intermediate F Boys division (our PLC “D” team) is now playing in the round this week (initially meant to start next week). Please ensure that you are all ready to play.

This will be the final week of competition for senior teams (except for the Senior B Girls who will play the semifinals next week).

All players need to return their uniforms to Mrs Muir by the end of next week. Uniforms need to be signed back in via the uniform register or if the office is unattended, left in a clearly labelled bag. Students who just leave their uniforms on the office floor run the risk of incurring a fee. The Senior C Girls’ season has been completed so please return your uniforms to the sports office this week. Thank you for all your effort this season.

All School’s Water Polo

Congratulations to the Intermediate Water Polo Girls team for their first win of the season over a formidable Siena team. Their attack and defence have improved immensely since their very first week of competition and they are playing with great intent. Most importantly the girls are all loving their involvement in Water Polo and are striving to keep improving. Well done to the team and Coach Sam.

SCISSA Touch Football Results

Congratulations to our Senior Girls and Junior Boys teams for their wins in their SCISSA Touch Fixtures on Wednesday. The Senior Girls competed well in a tough game against Good Shepherd finishing with a 2-0 score line. The boys didn’t quite have the same polish with their rucking as last week but managed to do enough to win 8-5. Our Junior Girls had an away game at St Andrews and had to fight back after a slow start. They did an amazing job to bring the game back to 5-5 but unfortunately went down in a tight tussle to finish the game. The Intermediate Boys weren’t able to field a team this week but we are looking forward to finishing off strong with their final game next week.

SSCRU Girls Rugby Results

The U14 Girls continued to play with great spirit in their fixtures on Wednesday afternoon. They were a few players down but that didn’t stop them from competing to their best in each game. The team should be very proud of their efforts. Well done to the U16 Girls who played well despite missing many of their players.

Mountain Biking

Congratulations to all our students who competed in the MTB competition last Friday at Sugar Bag Rd Trails. It was a great day of competition for our riders, with our best result coming from Carter Costa coming in 4^th place. Thank you to Mr Bartlett for organizing the team and investing his time and energy into the MTB program.

Student Athlete Acknowledgment

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements in sport:

•          Tom Chessell for recently being a part of the gold medal QLD team who competed in the School Sport Australia National Baseball Championship. Qld last won this tournament 15 years ago and this year they beat the previously undefeated NSW side in the gold medal game, winning 8-6 over 9 innings. Tom was named MVP for the whole tournament, has been selected for the All-Australian Team, and was the runner-up in the batting award for the tournament.

•          Isabella Walsh for her recent success at the School Sports State Championships in Cairns. Isabella has been selected to represent QLD at the Australian Tennis Championships in October.

•          Riley Shortland for his selection to represent QLD at the 2022 National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour from Monday, 26^th September to Friday, 30^th September. Riley has worked hard over the last 3 years in Football Queensland Academy Program.

Key Sports Dates Term 3

• Friday 9^th September: Term 2 and 3 Sports Group Photos (Netball/Basketball/ Catch up from previous session)
• 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)

30       ICAS

31       Friends of Pacific Father’s Day Stall

31       P-2 Athletics Carnival

September

1         Celebrating Dads Breakfast

2         Pupil Free Day

4         Year 6 Canberra Tour (returning Friday 9th)

14       Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival

15       Senior Ensembles Concert

16       Years 7-12 Swimming Carnival

16       Term 3 Concludes