Compass No 674 - February 2023

2023 Ecumenical Service

Last week, I was fortunate to take a small group of our Year 9 Leaders to participate in the 2023 Sunshine Coast Ecumenical Service which is open to leaders across all the independent schools in the area. It was a valuable experience for the leaders as they formed connections with other school leaders their age and were able to worship together to start the school year.

As a part of the program, guest speakers shared their experiences as leaders and explained the significance that our words can have on others (both positively and negatively). This message is important for us as a Pacific community to understand, as our words can make a great impact in all that we do. Our interactions with one another have the power to positively shape the culture and feel of a community.

A strong focus for the students at Pacific this year has been centred around our core values of “Care, Dignity and Respect”. These values fit perfectly with what the speakers were talking about in relation to thriving school communities. When we approach each other with care, dignity and respect, our words are reflective of our values and what is important to us.

The Year 9 Leaders were all inspired by the service and the messages that were delivered, and hope to affect change in their roles this year.

Year 6 Leaders

This week, we celebrated the appointment of our newly elected Year 6 Student Leaders. Each Action Group leader was presented with their leadership badge at the installation service. They heard a great message from the Year 9 Leaders who promised to help the Year 6 group in their roles and to give them guidance and support throughout the year. The Year 6 Leaders are highly enthusiastic, and motivated and have already approached their positions with great energy. We wish them all the very best in their roles throughout the year, and I look forward to helping them grow in their capacity and influence in the College.

Sport: John Fihelly and Macey McFadden

Academic: Lucas von Plessen and Natasha Hodgett

Environment: Sophia Biddle and Evie Schenck

Wellbeing: Harry Pike and Maddison D’Arcy

Service / Spirituality: Bailee Kiernan and Autumn Meyerhoff

Technology: Jean-Luc Vermaak and Jamie Turner

Cultural: Zara Cammack and Lara Richards

Academic Learning

As we approach the midway point of the term, it is important for students and parents to be aware of any upcoming assessments that students may have. This year, we have had a greater focus on the organisation of assessment dates in student handbooks and parent access to this information also, on NAV.

Students in Pastoral Care Groups are also working on helping each other with their organisation and preparation for assessment periods through their mentoring and review of planners.

This can be a stressful time for students, but with prior preparation and a consistent approach to learning both at school and at home, students can put themselves in the best possible position for success. Personal Development lessons in the Middle College have also begun focusing on strategies to help with assessment, and now is a great time for parents and students to start getting serious about study and revision planners so that assignments and tests are more manageable and stress-free.

We wish all students all the very best in all aspects of their schooling throughout the rest of the term.

Mr Mark Hauser, Director of Students

Home learning across P-5 is important because it is the intersection between home and school.  As children grow older, home learning and the amount of time engaged in home learning increase in importance.

Here are five constructive purposes for home learning in the context of your child’s educational journey. The first two are the most important and obvious. Through (1) practice and (2) participation in learning tasks, home learning can improve your child’s achievement. It would be expected that if home learning were completed accurately, not only would your child’s general knowledge and marks improve but your child would also increase mastery of basic academic skills, such as reading, writing, spelling and mathematics.

Home learning can provide other benefits. Your child’s ability to bring an assignment task home, gather and organise necessary materials to complete the assignment, return the assignment and receive a grade, strengthens his or her sense of responsibility. Time management skills are learned. There is also improved (3) development of personal skills such as time management gained by completing home learning. Further, when home learning proceeds smoothly it can become (4) a positive aspect of your relationship with your child. Finally, it offers schools an opportunity to let parents know what their children are learning and so can play an important role by (5) keeping parents informed about class activities and policies.

Home learning is a bridge that joins schools and parents. From the school’s perspective, there is the opportunity to monitor students’ independent progress. For parents, there is the potential to gain a greater appreciation of education and to express positive attitudes towards their children’s achievements.

Regardless of the amount of home learning assigned, many students unsuccessful or struggling in school spend less rather than more time engaged in home learning. It is not surprising that students spending less time completing home learning may eventually not achieve as consistently as those who complete their home learning tasks.

 Home Learning is important as one of several influential factors in school success. Some tips:

•          Schedule a regular home learning time. Allow for a relaxation break after school, but do not let children leave home learning until just before bedtime when they are likely to be tired, grouchy, and unable to concentrate.

•          Help younger school students set a schedule. Older students can set their own schedules, but make sure these are workable.

•          Allow time for sports or other activities, balance is important.

•          Provide a home learning area that has good lighting, is comfortable, and is fairly quiet. If possible, supply a desk or worktable.

•          Eliminate distractions by making the telephone, television, video games etc. off limits.

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

Ready to go Beyond Pacific! (Years 10-12)

At this week’s Senior College Assembly, a new program was launched for our students. The program is called Beyond Pacific and is available to all Senior College students. Beyond Pacific is designed to help students make connections between the voluntary co-curricular activities they participate in while at school and their development of skills and capabilities that will help them win jobs and scholarships in the future.

Students who can demonstrate they consistently support PLC’s values and standards, and who have completed their personal and academic goals in Track One for this year are eligible to participate in Beyond Pacific. They can then complete a brief reflection on each of their co-curricular activities to claim Beyond Pacific points, and accumulate points to become eligible to apply for a Beyond Pacific Award. The Awards program prompts students to identify transferable employability skills they have developed through their co-curricular activities.

Details of the program are available on the Beyond Pacific group page on NAV. If you have any questions about Beyond Pacific, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email.

 

The Tuckwell Scholarship (Year 12)

The Tuckwell is one of Australia’s most valuable and prestigious scholarships. Scholars are selected on the basis of intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to Australia. Tuckwell Scholars must complete a full-time degree at the Australian National University, in Canberra. While they are studying, they receive financial support (currently $24,700 per year, and indexed to rise with inflation), allowances to help with the costs of relocation to Canberra and up to two trips home each year, a guaranteed place in student accommodation, leadership development opportunities, mentoring, funding for health and wellbeing activities each year, and an ongoing connection to the Tuckwell community throughout and beyond their university study. The selection process is tough, and the rewards are terrific. Find out more here.

 

The Hansen Scholarship (Year 12)

The Hansen is also one of Australia’s most valuable and prestigious scholarships. The Hansen recognises students who have demonstrated outstanding academic success, resilience to adversity, and a commitment to helping and leading others. Hansen Scholars must complete a full-time degree at the University of Melbourne. While they are studying, they receive free accommodation at Little Hall student residence, an allowance through their degree to support their living expenses, a one-time grant to support an approved activity for development (e.g. an international exchange), mentoring, a personal development program and (for some) a guaranteed place in their chosen professional masters degree after completing their bachelor’s degree. The total value of the scholarship is up to $108,000. Applications are open now. Find out more here.

 

QUT webinars for students and parents (Years 9-12)

QUT Advice Night

Year 11 and 12 students and parents are invited to join us online on Tuesday 21^st March to find out more about the course and career planning, how to apply, resources to support students through their studies, and life as a uni student. Register now.

START QUT Information Webinar

Are you a Year 11 student interested in studying a university subject in Semester 2, receiving a selection rank adjustment, and gaining potential credit towards a future degree at QUT? We’re hosting our START QUT Information Webinar on Tuesday 28^th March. Register now.

A Quick Guide to QUT: For Year 9 and 10 students and parents

Students and their parents are invited to a dedicated Year 9 and 10 information session on Tuesday 18^th April. We'll cover career planning tips, differences between school and uni, course information, and admission pathways. Plus, hear from current QUT students about their uni experience and ask them questions. Register now.

STEM webinar: How STEM+X leads to a dream career

On Wednesday 22^nd February, your students have the chance to meet an astrophysicist who specialises in galaxy evolution and supermassive black holes, a space entrepreneur who is experimenting with growing plants on the moon, and an earth and atmospheric scientist who’s monitoring and saving our coral. Brought to you by QUT and Careers with STEM, this webinar will explore how your students can combine a science degree with their passion. Register now.

 

Griffith University pathways to Medicine information night (Years 10-12)

Griffith University is holding an online ‘Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry’ night on Wednesday 29^th March 2023. This session will show take you through the different pathways you can use to get into Griffith’s Medical School, and will also give you some tips that will be useful for getting into other universities’ Medical Schools. Please register via this link https://www.griffith.edu.au/medicine-information-evenings

 

New biomedical scientist jobkit (Years 9-12)

If you’re curious about science, interested in health or medicine, and love the challenge of solving problems, biomedical science could lead to a dream career in a laboratory, in biotech industries, or even (with further study) as a doctor. Download the free biomedical scientist jobkit to explore career options and discover what it’s like to work in biomedical science.

 

Explore health information management (Years 9-12)

For students who are interested in working in health but don’t want to be on the front lines of clinical care, a Bachelor of Health Information Management could lead to a rewarding career in a growing industry. Read a QUT student’s story of what it’s like to study health information management.

 

Trust Me, I'm an Engineer - online presentation (Years 9-12)

UQ Women in Engineering invites high school students with an interest in engineering to join this free interactive online presentation and hear from three inspiring engineers as they share their journey from university to making an impact in their careers.

Date: Monday 20^th February

Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Zoom link to be provided upon registration.

Register here.

 

2024 QTAC Guide cover competition (Year 12)

Over the past few years, we have featured artwork created by Queensland Year 12 Students on the front cover of our QTAC Guides, and this year we're doing it again!

This year, our Passport and event merchandise will advertise our Cover Art Competition for our 2024 QTAC Guide. One lucky current Queensland Year 12 student will get the chance to show off their creative flair, with their artwork featured on the front cover of the 2024 QTAC Guide. 

Last year, our 2023 QTAC Guide Cover winner got a special prize from QTAC. Now is your chance to be in the running to win! 

Entries have been extended to 12^th March.

Show us your interpretation of the concept "Choose the Future" and click the button below to enter your artwork, or for further details.

QTAC Guide Competition

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Goodlife Community Centre in Buderim will be facilitating a workshop for girls aged 9-12 years to educate, inspire and empower them to build their skills.

This workshop will help your Tween navigate obstacles more effectively and handle her emotions better! During this workshop, we will explore the emotions your daughter feels and help her to understand why she feels them. We will discuss the range of challenges and obstacles she faces that bring these emotions to the surface while highlighting that dealing with situations while emotional never works out well. She will be taught a step-by-step process to manage these situations better, without all the intense pre-adolescent emotion.

To register or for more information, click this link or visit: www.headstartpsychology.com.au

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

AGM 

Our 2023 AGM was held on Tuesday evening, 21^st February 2023, in the PLC Library and was well attended by new and current families.

We thank the outgoing 2022 FoP Committee for their commitment and service to the College community.

Chairperson                                   Jenny Lee

Vice Chair                                      Allyson Sarvari

Secretary                                       Jane Hill

Treasurer                                       Louise Walker

Foundation Executive - Jan Watman, Middle College Executive - Teena Thompson, Senior College Executive - Tracey Hindmarsh.

After 6 years as Chair of FoP, I decided not to stand for re-election. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the Pacific community as a committee member since 2011 and then as Chairperson from 2017. During that time, I have had the pleasure of working alongside amazing and caring people who have become like family. There have been numerous other highlights over the years including the creation of the Chinese dragon for the OCEANfest parade in 2014, the Trivia Night in 2017 and 2019 and the 2022 Soiree. I wish the incoming committee, headed by Carly Lovell, a truly fabulous year.

We congratulate the following incoming FoP Committee for 2023:

Chairperson                                   Carly Lovell

Vice Chair                                      Jan Watman

Secretary                                       Ange Mack

Treasurer                                       Louise Walker

Foundation Executive - Victoria Campbell, Junior College Executive - Ranae Costa, Middle College Executives - Lisa Davis and Amber Childs, Senior College Executives - Tracey Hindmarsh and Jenny Lee, and Alumni Executive - Allyson Sarvari.

Gala Day – Thursday 30^th March

FoP has the opportunity to run a Gala Day BBQ at the Meridan Sports Field for the Year 5 Touch Football teams across the SCISSA competition.

If you have completed the 2023 Induction for Volunteers course and can help on the day, please contact FoP at fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

OCEANfest 2023 – One World

Our beloved OCEANfest will return this year on Friday 18^th August. We are calling for a steering committee to assist with the planning and organisation of the event. The Pacific OCEANfest is a fun filled carnival which connects our College with surrounding communities. Be involved with in a unique organising group which plays an important role in building the Pacific Lutheran College community. If you are interested in joining the OCEANfest Committee please contact Ms Samantha Barrass, Community Liaison and Communications Coordinator, sbarrass@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Pacific Together

Pacific Together is a care-based service offered by Friends of Pacific to College families in times of need. If you, or someone you know within our College community, needs extra support during the year, the Pacific Together care group may be able to help in some small way or offer a care package. Please contact PLC Chaplain Ms Holly Gricks - hgricks@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

If you would like to support the continuation of the care-based service through a financial contribution, we invite you to contact Pacific Together via email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Outgoing Chairperson

We are excited to announce that our school is participating in the Australian Virtual Astronaut (AVA) Challenge, which is a unique STEM design sprint based on challenges facing NASA's Artemis and the Australian space industry. The challenge will require students to use their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to design innovative solutions to real-world problems.

The AVA Challenge involves a nine-step design sprint that requires teams to choose from five different scenarios, including Earth Observation, Robotics, Home on the Moon, Growing Food in Space, and A.I. in Space. Each team will need to design a solution that addresses the challenges presented in the scenario they choose. The solutions will be presented in the form of either a 90-second video pitch or a poster.

The scenarios in the AVA Challenge have been provided by esteemed organizations such as The University of Arizona, the Australian Space Agency, the Aldrin Family Foundation, and Magnitude.io. This provides students with a unique opportunity to work on real-world problems and come up with creative solutions that could help advance our understanding of space and the technologies required to explore it.

We encourage all students to participate in this exciting challenge, as it will provide a great opportunity for them to use their STEM skills and showcase their creativity. We hope that this challenge will inspire students to pursue careers in STEM-related fields and become the next generation of space explorers.

Thank you for your continued support of our school's STEM program.  If you are interested in this challenge, please let Mr Warner (wwarner@pacluth.qld.edu.au) know asap.

Mr Wes Warner, Head of Innovation, Entrepreneurialism and Business

New LibGuides added

LibGuides are set up to support students’ research and assignment work by providing curated collections of websites, videos, books, databases etc. to expand student research beyond simply “googling” a question. Two libguides have been added this week for Year 9 assignments. The password is plc.

Year 9 HPE: Softball https://libguides.pacluth.qld.edu.au/softball

Year 9 Geography: Interconnections https://libguides.pacluth.qld.edu.au/interconnections

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)

23       Voices On The Coast

24       Voices On The Coast

27       SCISSA Training Commences (3.15pm-4.15pm)

March

3         Production Camp Departs

10       International Women’s Day Breakfast

11       Music Scholarship Test

13       Prep Vision Screening