Compass No 659 - September 2022

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him."

(Luke 15:20)

The story of the prodigal son in Luke would have to be one of the most recognised parables in the bible. It tells the story of a son who separates himself from (or more accurately - turns his back on) his family to pursue his pleasures and desires. After a short time, he decides to return home and accept the consequences of his actions. And how does the father treat the son? With love, grace and forgiveness.

This parable has many nuances in its intended meaning, but in its simplest form, it shows the unconditional love of a father for his child. The actions of the father resulted in giving his son what he NEEDED, rather than what he DESERVED to repair their relationship. Parents are held in high regard in biblical writings, especially Fathers. And how amazing was the father in this parable? Perhaps the story should be renamed “The Parable of the Remarkable Father”!

The love shown to his lost son is reflective of the love that God has for us all. Even when we make bad choices, we know that there is still forgiveness and acceptance for us when we return. And that is the greatest message that we can all have.

So, as you celebrate Father’s Day this year, make sure you tell your Dad how remarkable he is!

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

Australian Literacy Educators Association (ALEA) has developed a series of modules to support parents and carers with activities that can be shared with children. The activities have been designed with an emphasis on learning through collaborative play and shared discovery.

There are 27 modules with ideas for supporting the literacy learning of young children developed by Anita Ayre and Professor Trevor Cairney OAM.

You can download the resources and share them with others. Find them in the Public Resources at

www.alea.edu.au or use the QR Code below.

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

UniSC Headstart Information Evenings (Year 10 and 11)

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 your 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.

QUT Corporate Partners in Excellence (CPIE) Scholarship (Year 12)

Value: $36,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: 1^st July, 2022 – 30^th September, 2022

The Corporate Partners in Excellence (CPIE) program is a unique industry-linked program for students who aspire to be future business leaders. As a CPIE scholar, you will complete two semesters interning in your major business discipline with one of our prestigious corporate partners.

Find out more here.

Young ChangeMakers – Applications Open (Year 11)

Dates: Sunday 27^th November – Wednesday 30^th November

Cost: $460 (Fee waivers and travel bursaries available for eligible students)

Location: UQ St Lucia campus

Applications close: Sunday 25^th September

Year 11 students are invited to apply for the 2022 Young ChangeMakers Program, a 4-day on-campus experience that provides a unique and inspiring opportunity for students to discover, learn and engage with UQ’s academic community and like-minded students.

Students will have the opportunity to experience university life through interactive sessions centred around igniting their passions for leadership, academic achievement, and community development in today’s global society.

Discover more here.

Griffith University South Bank Campus Experience Day (Year 9 and 10)

South Bank campus

Wednesday 28^th September, 9.00am–3.00pm  

Griffith’s South Bank Campus Experience Day event will offer Year 9 and 10 students the opportunity to come on campus and immerse themselves in a specific study area of interest for the day. The events will offer hands-on activities and experiences to get a feel for what it’s like to study in that field at Griffith.

Register here.

Virtual work experience opportunities (Year 10 and 11)

Technology provides new options for work exposure and work-integrated learning for students. There is now a range of virtual work experience platforms that allows students to

•          tour workplaces,

•          observe people in action in those workplaces,

•          complete real work tasks tied to a particular occupation, and/or

•          get feedback on their work-related skills.

We have three platforms available at PLC that provide virtual work experience options for Year 10 and 11 students.

Work Window is an immersive virtual reality tool that takes students into workplaces with a work experience host, to observe the kinds of things people do there, and ask questions about a particular profession. Students can preview the list of currently available work experience options here. If you are interested in using Work Window, you can book a lunchtime session by emailing Mrs Wanda Hayes (whayes@pacluth.qld.edu.au).

Forage is an online platform that hosts free virtual experiences designed and delivered by leading national and international companies. By completing self-paced modules that simulate work undertaken during a traditional internship, students can develop their skills and gain a real understanding of work in practice. We have our own Forage page here, available to all PLC Senior College students.

Grandshake is a virtual work experience and upskilling platform that provides opportunities to develop capabilities in a range of work-related skill areas, as well as a limited range of virtual work experience activities. Students can create a login and choose their activities here. Students who complete an upskilling program receive a micro-credential for their work.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Recently, there has been much discussion at information evenings regarding the impact of music on brain development and how learning music can enhance cognitive function. Dr Anita Collins, a renowned music educator, recently published an article on the impact of music on our cognitive function and how music can support a student’s ability in all areas of academia.

Dr Collins explains how students use different parts of their brain when learning music, whether it be in the classroom or learning an instrument, “One of the areas that get a great workout is the prefrontal cortex, where our executive functions live — the area where we very slowly, through our entire school career, learn how to manage ourselves.” Other skills like non-verbal social skills, collaboration, and creative thinking are also developed. These transferrable skills are becoming more important in the workplace with many employers looking for these when fulfilling job positions.

Furthermore, the emotional benefits for students who study a performing or creative arts subject are also well documented. Mental health issues are regularly spoken of in society and the impact that studying music, dance, drama, or visual art can have on helping students overcome and express themselves supports their emotional development and mental wellbeing.

If you would like to read more about the impact music has on cognitive function and brain development, check out this article and video explanation below:

Article: Link

Video: Link

Mrs Carlie Purkis, Head of Department - Music

This year the Family Fun Day Event will be hosted by Australia Zoo. It will be held on Saturday 10^th of September from 9.00am-1.00pm.

The annual Child Protection Week Event aims to provide parents and families with the opportunity to seek advice and access various information regarding services and support for families. These include therapeutic services, early intervention, and community and parenting support programs to enhance family wellbeing. The day will also involve a variety of fun entertainment and activities for families, such as face painting, games, giveaways and much more.

Please also find more information about this year’s Family Fun Day Event and accompanying Child Protection Week Campaign, which is located on the Sunshine Coast Families website.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Father’s Day Shopping Experience

Our Father’s Day stall on Wednesday provided our students with an opportunity to select gifts for their loved ones. It was wonderful to see the big smiles when the students were making their choices. We thank Mrs Teena Thompson for her fabulous organisation of the gifts and the running of the event. Thanks also to Mrs Allyson Sarvari, Mrs Jane Hill and the parents who kindly gave their time to ensure students were able to personalise their shopping experience. Happy Father’s Day on Sunday!

Gala Day next Thursday

Friends of Pacific are running a Gala Day sausage sizzle, drinks and snack stall at Meridian Fields next Thursday 8^th September. The stall will accept cash or EFTPOS. AFL and Touch Football matches will be held at the venue.

If you have completed the volunteer induction course and can help on the day anytime between 8.00am-1.00pm, 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.  The 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.

Have a closer look at the details here.

Mrs Lisa McKibben, Speech and Drama Teacher

Competition Winners for Book Week

We had a lot of creative and beautiful entries in our colouring competition for Book Week. All entries received a Chup-a-chup and the following prize winners received a prize pack:

Year 1    Mikayla M.

Year 2    Leah V.

Year 3    Noah M.

Year 4    Emilia R.

Year 5   Georgina P. and Bailee K. (joint winners)

Year 6    Matilda L.

Our competition to match the eyes of the teacher drew lots of entries and lots of spirited discussion from people gathered around the board. Our winners were:

Evie and Sophie – Year 12 – 30/30

Zoe W. – Year 8 – 29/30

Vivian and Scarlett – Year 4 – 29/30

Visiting Author, Deb Abela

Deb Abela, the award-winning author of books such as Grimsdon, Max Remy, and Ghost Club, visited the College this week to speak to the Year 6 and 7 students. Deb was very entertaining and talked to students about her books and her journey as an author. She hoped to inspire students to see themselves as writers.

Telling Stories Writing Competition

Entries for the Telling Stories writing competition close soon on the 12^th of September. The competition is open for students from Year 4 and over. The title of the story must be “I wonder why”. For more details see the attached entry form.

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)

2         Pupil Free Day

4         Year 6 Canberra Tour (returning Friday 9th)

8         Year 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day

9         Sleepover for the Homeless (Years 11 & 12)

14       Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival

15       Senior Ensembles Concert

16       Years 7-12 Swimming Carnival

16       Term 3 Concludes