Compass no 669 - November 2022

As we draw to the end of another year (they seem to be passing by faster each year), it is a good time to reflect on all that has happened over the past 11 months.

It feels like a distant memory that we were resigned to face masks and online learning at the start of the year. Then we had torrential rain and we were forced to stay at home TWICE in a very short span of time. There is so much that we might remember about the year, but likely even more that we would have forgotten. The busyness of daily life can come at the sacrifice of many personal things and make a year pass by even more quickly. I’m sure that we have all had great successes and also a range of failures throughout the year. Often, it is the failures and negative events that stick in our minds though.

However, regardless of what happens in a year, God remains. And He remains with us. Psalm 136, promises us that God is steadfast in his love for us and will remain with us forever. He is there in the good times and the bad.

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself calling out to God in the rough times – asking for help and guidance. However, when all is going well for me, I sometimes forget to acknowledge God’s hand in what is going on. I selfishly feel that I managed to get into this situation because of myself when really, all is only possible with God. Therefore, I need to be thankful to God in all situations and call on him for help in the good times and the bad, acknowledging His power and influence as He remains with us forever. Perhaps that is just me and others are more faithful to God and his presence! It’s something that I am working on.

As you go into the Christmas holidays, may you be reminded of God’s love and presence in your lives. From all at Pacific, we wish you a safe and blessed holiday with family, friends and loved ones. We look forward to seeing you all return in 2023, ready for another action-packed year which will more than likely go by far too quickly again.

But remember – no matter how fast time goes by, God is always there for you.

God bless.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

Pacific Lutheran College has a proud tradition of farewelling our graduates with many wonderful opportunities for connection and celebration.  Last week, the Year 12s and their families were welcomed back to campus after external examinations with a relaxed BBQ Breakfast, hosted by the 2022 College Captains and Vice Captains.  The Year 12s enjoyed seeing each other again and coming together as a cohort for the first of many lasts.

On Thursday 17^th November, the Year 12 Graduates finally walked across the stage and received their Graduation Certificates from Dr Bronwyn Dolling. On stage they proudly sang their graduation song, “I lived” by One Republic.  There were tears of joy and smiles of pride felt amongst attending staff, parents, family, and friends who were all there to celebrate the final rites of passage and journey of their Pacific Graduate.

On Friday 18^th November, the College community came together and farewelled the cohort with a wonderful chapel service with Chaplain Mark Hauser sharing a powerful, yet beautiful message of grace and hope for the students.  Finally, the College community, made up of Kindy, Foundation, Junior, Middle and Senior College students and staff formed a Guard of Honour, zigzagging throughout the buildings and ovals.  That evening, the graduates got dressed up and arrived in style at their Formal held at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club.  Each Year 12 student represented themselves and the College proudly.

On behalf of the College community, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the 2022 College Captains, Vice-Captains, Action Captains, House Captains and Vice Captains for their leadership of the cohort and for representing all Pacific Students.  You have each grown these roles and have left a very strong legacy for students pursuing leadership in the future.  To the Year 12s now departed, thank you for your joy, perseverance, connection and support of each other.  You will look back and smile and I hope the last days as a student of Pacific Lutheran College will be etched into your memory forever.  Take care and God bless.

Year 10 and Year 9 Leadership Days

As one cohort was farewelled, the Year 10 cohort commenced their leadership journey on Tuesday 22^nd led by Lutheran Youth Queensland.  The cohort’s challenge was to set a goal to become cohesive and connected as they embark on their final two years as Pacific Lutheran College students. The day included small group, partner and cohort sessions. Students were asked to step out of their comfort zones, share their opinions and thinking and set achievable individual and collective goals for the next two years.  The College’s gymnasium was a hive of high energy, laughter, connection, and smiles.  It was a wonderful day to see the Year 10 cohort come together and work together in becoming a cohesive group as they enter Year 11 in 2023.

On Thursday 24^th November Year 9 students commenced their journey of transitioning into Senior College with a Leadership Day led by Lutheran Youth Queensland.  The focus and aim of the day were introducing Year 9 students to Pacific’s Peer Mentoring Program and the many opportunities of leadership available to them as Senior College students in 2023.  It was wonderful to have this year’s pioneering Peer Mentor Leaders from Year 10 attend the beginning sessions and share their journey in working with Year 7 students transitioning into Middle College with the Year 9 cohort and connecting with individual students interested in becoming Peer Mentor Leaders in 2023.  That evening, the Year 9 cohort remained at the College to participate in the Rite Journey’s Homecoming Ceremony.  As part of this wonderful rite of passage, Year 9 students received their Senior College blazer from their parents, a symbol of leaving Middle College and entering Senior College. Students concluded the evening with a cohort dance and a student and parent dance.

End of Year Closing Service- Tuesday 29^th November, Week 9

Next Tuesday 29^th November, Pacific Lutheran College will hold the Closing Service which is compulsory for all Middle and Senior College students. Student musicians and students receiving awards will be required to attend the dress rehearsal on Tuesday during scheduled times. Bus schedules and rehearsal times are posted on NAV and on notice boards outside the Wellbeing Centre.

Please see the key information below regarding the Closing Service:

Key information:

Venue: Caloundra Events Centre

Time: Students are to arrive at 6.00pm for roll call.

Uniform: Full Winter Uniform for Year 9-11 students (ties, blazers, long pants; no formal hat)

Time of service 6.30pm start for an approximate 8.30pm finish

Other: Parent seating: no allocated seating due to relaxed COVID restrictions. Parents are able to walk in and find a seat at the venue; they should follow the direction of venue staff to find their seating area on the night. Covid Safe Practices (e.g using hand sanitisers) are encouraged by all students, parents and visitors.

Families and students who are not able to attend the Closing Service are required to email their apology to their Head of House.

Ms Leigh Finter, Acting Director of Students 

“Truly effective and inspiring leaders aren’t actually driven to lead people; they are driven to serve them.” ~ Simon Sinek

It was exciting to announce our new Year 9 Middle College Leaders for 2023 at assembly this week. Quality and quantity of applicants were at an all-time high this year and this can be attributed to the fantastic work from several groups of people across the College. Pastoral Care Group teachers have been working closely with their Year 8 students all year and have identified and nurtured their future leaders each morning and afternoon. Personal Development teachers have intentionally focused on leadership skills as they worked closely with their class. Heads of House took the time to meet with their Year 8 students to speak about what the roles entail and what growth and contribution the successful applicants can expect. But without a doubt one of the main contributors to students deciding to apply for leadership positions in 2023 is the role modelling from the numerous leaders who have paved the way in 2022.

The newly elected leaders will find themselves stepping into the shoes of students who have served others and influenced change across a wide variety of areas this year. I wish them all the best, as they look to continue the great work the current leaders have done this year.

Thank you to all Middle College students and families for their support throughout the year and I wish everyone a very safe and happy Christmas holiday break.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Middle College Students (Acting)

As we near the end of the school year, it is hard to fathom just how fast 2022 has passed. There have been many highlights for the students, times of personal achievements, many milestones reached, new friendships formed, personal challenges overcome, and new experiences offered. The students have been involved in so many sporting, music, cultural, outdoor, and academic endeavours. As with every year at Pacific, 2022 was full of opportunities for our students; opportunities to broaden their educational journey, yet ones that challenge and extend them in a safe and supportive environment. It has certainly been a year of growth and enjoyment for so many. I congratulate all students on a wonderful year of learning and achievement.

These opportunities don’t just happen. They occur because of the extraordinary dedication and commitment of the staff, a remarkable team who goes ‘above and beyond’ to create a climate in which students are able to thrive and experience success. They do this with the wonderful support from the parents. I, therefore, wish to express my thanks to many people for making this year an outstanding one.

Firstly, my sincere appreciation and deepest thanks to all of the teachers, teacher aides, administration team and staff who work with our Foundation and Junior College students. Thank you for your dedication, your professionalism and your commitment throughout this year. The staff care so much for each individual child and work so very hard to ensure that their students achieve their potential in many areas. Thank you for all of those ‘little extras’ that you do for your students. Your passion and commitment are unquestionable.

In addition, we are always so grateful for the support we receive from parents. We value your contributions to the numerous activities in which the children are involved, activities such as music, sport, Book Week, Under 8s Day, Chapel, the musical and the times you have spent supporting your child’s learning and their teacher. Through your involvement, we have been able to work together to provide our students with the chance to accomplish so much.

And a special message to the Year 5 students; I trust you leave us with many fond memories of your years within the Junior College and that you find time to stop and say hello to your teachers when in the Middle College. I wish you all the very best as you move into the next phase of your schooling next year. I believe that a strong foundation has been laid for you.

Again, thanks to the entire Primary community for your support, help and the positive impact you have had on our students throughout 2022.

I also remind our families of the following:

Early Learning to Year 5 Carols Evening

On Friday 25^th November, Early Learning to Year 5 will hold our Carols Evening commencing at 5.00pm. Food provided by the Friends of Pacific from 4.30pm.

Prep – Year 5 Closing Service

On Monday 28^th November, the College will hold our Closing Service including a presentation of Academic Excellence and Endeavour Awards commencing at 8.45am.

Every Blessing for a restful and Joyous Christmas celebrating the birth of our Saviour. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2023.

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

This week Year 6 Pacific Plus students shared their inquiry-based learning projects at the Pacific Plus Showcase, the culminating activity of an extended process of inquiry. Students in the extension program were challenged to ask a question which would motivate them to deepen their understanding of the world. They completed self-directed projects with the aim of answering their question and sharing their findings with an audience. From writing the question to setting up their display and explaining their findings, the students worked independently to plan presentations and problem-solve challenges they encountered. Questions included:

•          How would human society change if we lived underwater?

•          What is space time and how does it connect to singularities and wormholes?

•          What would the world be like with no fear?

•          How do animals’ different features affect our perception of them?

The afternoon was a wonderful display of students’ in-depth transdisciplinary thinking and learning.

Year 8 Pacific Plus Showcase

In the Year 8 Pacific Plus program, students were challenged to explore two themes: ‘A World Renewed’ and ‘A World on the Margins’ and to collaborate to create a celebration of learning. With little more than this challenge as a stimulus, the six Year 8 students developed three complex inquiry-based projects focused on unsolved mysteries and human mistakes. Their curiosity activated, they designed an escape room and a Minecraft geocaching challenge for students from the Year 6 Pacific Plus program. Once they had ideated, designed, tested and refined their challenges, the Year 8 students invited Year 6 Pacific Plus participants to complete them. The result was a high-energy, cognitively demanding morning for all students and we congratulate all young learners for their engagement with the challenges.

On Thursday, Year 3 students will be taking part in the second phase of the learning process, where they will be guided through the benefits of making mistakes. In a series of well-planned activities, they will learn from the older Pacific Plus participants that the beneficial side-effect of an ‘error’ is the development of foresight, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Middle College

On Saturday 12^th November I had the pleasure of accompanying five wonderful students representing the College in the First Lego League Regional Competition held at Mountain Creek State High School. The day was huge, and the competition was fierce. The team was made of Dean Gertler, Symiah Clarke, Matthew Martin, Mac Gallagher, and Charlie Gallagher, ranging from Years 4 to 8.

Eighteen schools were represented at the Tournament where each team completed the four areas in the competition. The four scores were then added to give an overall score for each team. 

The four sections are:

1. Students battled on the FLL board to complete as many missions as possible in two and a half minutes resulting in a score. The teams had 3 runs and their best score was counted.

2. Teams present their innovation project based on the area they have selected. Ours was ‘Green Gym Power’.

3. Students submit their robots and talk about the engineering changes they developed for the day.

4. The fourth challenge was about the team and how they worked together, researched, and included one another and their general graciousness towards team members, judges and other teams on the day.

Our team was well prepared, and the team not only proposed an innovative way to create power in a sustainable way but also developed a rap rhyme and a Lego prototype of a motorised treadmill.

On the day the team was involved in booking times on the practice board, revisiting, and improving code, being on time for judging aspects and also being there for one another. The team worked hard, laughed a lot and showed enthusiasm and caring at all times.

The team came third overall on the day and was awarded the Core Values Trophy for the day which is a prestigious award, as Core Values are the focus of the FLL.

This means the team will now represent the College at the National North Competition to be held on the 27^th of November at Grace Lutheran College.

Well done team! 3-2-1 Go Lego!!

Mrs Janine Stone, Head of Department – Information Technology

Mater Education High School Health Adventure – Allied Health Experience (Year 10 and 11)

Thursday 8^th December 2022, 8.00am – 3.30pm

Mater Education, South Brisbane

Are you a Year 10, 11 or 12 student interested in a career in the dynamic and fast-paced world of healthcare? Are you considering a career in the Allied Health professions? Mater Education’s intensive one-day Allied Health Program Experience course will take you inside these challenging and rewarding fields so you can explore your options. Some of the Allied Health professions you will be exposed to include:

•          physiotherapy

•          occupational therapy

•          audiology

•          pharmacy

High School Health Adventure is a program that has been designed to create a realistic experience of ‘a day in the life’ of a health professional. The utilisation of simulation with manikins, skills stations, digital technology and case-based scenarios helps to create this real-world learning in a unique environment for high school students.

Find out more here.

 

QSFT School Holiday Filmmakers Bootcamp (Year 10 and 11)

Wednesday 14^th December 2022, 9.30am - Thursday 15^th December 2022, 4.30pm

Queensland School of Film & Television

QSFT’s School Holiday Filmmakers Bootcamp is designed for high school students from Years 10 – 12 to learn basic photography, video & editing techniques. Within a fun and challenging environment, participants will gain on-set experience and collaborate within a small group on short film production.

Trained by an industry professional, this two-day workshop is perfect for those who want to explore what it is like to be a part of a film crew.

Find out more here.  

 

QSFT Junior Filmmakers Bootcamp (Years 7-9)

Friday 16^th December 2022, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Queensland School of Film & Television

QSFT’s Junior School Holiday Filmmaking Bootcamp is designed for high school students between Years 7 – 9. Within a fun and creative environment participants will gain an understanding of filming & editing techniques. Bootcampers will collaborate in a short film shoot.

Led by an industry professional, this one-day workshop is perfect for those who want to explore what it is like to be a part of a film crew.

Find out more here.

 

ACU Edmund Rice Education Scholarship (Year 12)

Value: $4,500 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: 1^st August, 2022 – 1^st March, 2023

For domestic students studying any undergraduate Education degree who have experienced financial hardship and contributed to community service and/or social justice activities.

Find out more here.

 

UniSC June Canavan Regional Scholarship (Year 12)

Value: Up to $20,000 AUD

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

To support education opportunities for women from regional areas enrolled to study in medical science or other health science areas.

Find out more here.

 

QUT QAS Jamie Jackway Paramedic Scholarship

Value: $10,000 AUD per year

Open/Closing Dates: 31^st October, 2022 – 19^th March, 2023

A partnership initiative between the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and QUT to financially support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete their Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree.

Find out more here.

 

Griffith John Holland Indigenous Scholarship

Value: $5,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: 1^st August, 2022 – 13^th March, 2023

This scholarship was established by John Holland to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students studying an eligible degree at Griffith University.

Find out more here.

 

UQ McCullough Robertson Endowed Scholarship for Law Students

Value: At least $3,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: 1^st August, 2022 – 17^th February, 2023

Supports students to undertake studies in the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) or dual program at UQ.

Find out more here.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Junior Carols Evening BBQ

Please join us this Friday evening, 25^th November on The Green, outside the College Gymnasium. EFTPOS available.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

In order to access the early bird picking and handling fee of $3.95, orders must be placed before Thursday 1^st December. After this date, the fee increases to $7.95.

Book packs can still be ordered all the way through December and January with an increase in picking and handling fees.

Easy ordering steps:

1. To place your order, visit www.impactschoolsupplies.com.au and enter the code: PALU6654 and click login.
2. After logging in, enter each child’s first name, surname and year level then click next.
3. View your child’s book list and order the items required.
4. Confirm your order and do a final check of your delivery details and total amount.
5. Go to the secure payment page to enter your credit card details and complete your order.

Key points to remember:

1. Parents can order multiple year packs and will only pay one packing and handling fee.
2. Impact can deliver to home or work addresses during business hours (No PO Boxes)

For all general enquiries, please phone Impact School Supplies on 07 3153 4555

This term in library classes, Year 3 students have been examining 3D shapes, tying in with their Maths studies. We have read a book about 3D shapes, built shapes from geometric nets, used a Splat 3D tool to draw and render cubes, spheres, pyramids, cones and cylinders, and finished off by working as a whole class to attempt to build a geodesic dome. Not all the attempts were completely successful, but students had a valuable experience working together and trying to interpret plans to construct an object.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

Congratulations to the College kayaking team who have been training hard for the State Championships to be held on the 3^rd and 4^th of December at Lake Kawana. 25 students will be competing in singles and doubles boats over 200m and 500m. A special congratulations to the four K4 teams. “All the best at the state championships” ~Mr Gary Graves, Head of HPE and Kayaking Co-Ordinator

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

Please click on this link or the flyer below for details.

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)

24       P-2 Swim Carnival (9.00am-11.00am) - Kawana Aquatic Centre

25       K-5 Carols (5.00pm) - College Gymnasium

28       P-5 Closing Service (8.45am) - College Gymnasium

29       Years 6-11 Closing Service (6.30pm) – Caloundra Events Centre

29       Academic Year Concludes

January

23       Academic Year Commences