Compass No 676 - March 2023

This week, I have been reflecting on a message that I heard at the start of the year about the power of words. Apparently, humans average at least 7000 words spoken per day! Obviously, the stage of life and a range of other factors play a huge role in how close you get to this number, but regardless, we probably don’t realise how much we can say in a day. Each and every day.

The old schoolyard saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” is probably one of the most inaccurate myths that were ever developed. Words hold such power and can influence our interactions with each other both positively and negatively on a scale that we can never really anticipate. Our focus in the Middle College this term has centred around us being part of community. As a community, we want to be able to support each other through our words in a way that builds each other up on a daily basis. We celebrate the achievements of others; offer words of encouragement to those who might be down; and restore broken relationships with acknowledgement of our own mistakes and words of forgiveness.

As we approach a busy time of the term, we celebrate all that we have accomplished over the first seven weeks and offer words of encouragement to all as they complete assessments and focus on finishing the term off strongly. There are still so many exciting and engaging things happening over the last three weeks of the term and I wish everyone all the best as they approach a well-deserved break. I hope that we can continue to use our words and actions to support others and help our community to grow in positive ways, each and every day.

International Women’s Day

We look forward to celebrating International Women’s Day together on Friday morning at our annual breakfast. This morning is always a strongly attended event and allows us to celebrate the role of women in our lives and appreciate all their gifts and talents. It is great that we have the opportunity to come together as a community to support each other in this way. We particularly thank the hospitality department and all who worked on preparing the morning breakfast, for their tireless work and the quality of the food they always supply.

Year 4-9 Disco: Back to the 80s/90s Friday 17^th March

The PLC Disco is one of the highlights for students in Term One, and it is only one week away. This year, students from Years 4-9 will have the opportunity to attend the “80s/90s” themed disco which will be held in the PLC gymnasium on Friday 17^th March from 5.00pm until 7.00pm. Cost is $5 per student and the funds raised will go to the Australian Lutheran World Services to support the work they do across Australia and overseas. Parents are requested to please collect their children from the gymnasium at 7.00pm so that all are accompanied by an adult as they leave. All students must register (via the link sent out earlier this week) by Wednesday 15th March. It is sure to be a great night for all involved with prizes and games, along with music and dancing.

NAPLAN

We wish Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 all the best in their NAPLAN tests next week. These tests are a good way of gaining academic data on how our students are tracking. The Year 9 leaders gave a special message of encouragement on assembly this week to the Year 7 and 9 students, as well as some important tips for them as they prepare for these special tests. It is important that they all do their very best and we look forward to celebrating their hard work once they are completed. We thank the teaching and learning team and all staff who have been instrumental in preparing each cohort for these tests, and especially Mrs Jo Belchamber for her organisation and efforts with the Middle College to set our students up for success.

Mr Mark Hauser, Director of Students

By the end of the first year at school, the Australian Curriculum: English expects that most children will be able to:

•          Read short, predictable texts with familiar vocabulary and supportive images

•          Identify letters of the alphabet and use the sounds represented by most letters

•          Listen for rhyme, letter patterns and sounds in words

•          Describe their likes and dislikes of familiar texts, objects, characters and events

•          Communicate clearly and retell experiences with peers and known adults

•          Use familiar words and phrases and images to convey ideas in their own writing

•          Show evidence of sound and letter knowledge in their writing

•          Correctly form well-known upper and lower case letters and experiment with capital letters and full stops.

www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/English/Curriculum/F-10

Everyday contexts for literacy learning:

There are many ordinary, everyday opportunities when you can focus on your child’s vital literacy learning.

1. Family leisure and entertainment- demonstrate how you need to read every day- recipes, menus, magazines, sports scores etc. Limit screen time and encourage singing songs, talking about the day.

2. Family Communications-Involve children when you telephone, email, Skype, text or write cards. Help your child to write their own invitations and thank you notes.

3. Family Celebrations – involve children when you send and receive invitations, cards, letters and emails.

4. Doing hobbies and housework- involve children when you are using recipes and cooking, making shopping lists and buying food, following directions for gardening and using manuals for home maintenance. Help your child to follow the instructions for a new game or to assemble a construction.

5. Social and home life-involve children on the internet, reading catalogues or newsletters.

6. At home and in the community- borrow from the local library, draw and create messages, buy plastic letters and make words.

7. Parents as ‘teachers’- talk about the letters of the alphabet- don’t teach them as a chant.

Children learn best when they are reading a favourite story, writing their name etc.

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

Trade Taster program applications open on Wednesday 15^th March (Year 10)

The TAFE Qld Trade Taster Program allows eligible Year 10 students to try a trade course without committing to a full qualification or apprenticeship. This lets them find out if a course is the right option for them or test out a potential career path they are considering following in the future.

Trade Taster programs deliver training to Year 10 students, one day per week for nine weeks (one school term).

During the program, students will complete a number of individual competencies from various TAFE Queensland courses, giving them a taste of what that career would be like.

Applications for the Term 2 intake of the Trade Taster program here on the Sunshine Coast will open on 15^th March. Interested students will need to get their application in as soon as possible after applications open, as these programs fill quickly. For more information on the Trade Taster program, click here.

Before you apply, please speak with Mrs Wanda Hayes to get some guidance on how to choose your course day.

 

Planning to go to university in Brisbane in 2024? (Year 12)

When: Thursday 16^th March

If you are hoping to study at university in Brisbane next year, you won’t want to miss the annual Residential Living Expo – being hosted this year at St Andrew’s Anglican College on the evening of Thursday 16^th March. Year 12 students and their families are invited to attend the expo, which features information and displays from 15 different Brisbane student accommodation providers. Registration is essential as only people from invited schools are permitted to attend. For more information, see the attached flyer via this link.

 

Academic Bootcamps for external exam preparation (Year 12)

When: 2023 September school holidays

Following on from the overwhelming success of the Year 12 Mathematics and Science Academic Bootcamps held at Griffith University Gold Campus last year, the university has received funding to extend the impactful and results-driven program to all Queensland Year 12 students outside of the Gold Coast area. This opportunity will be available through Online Academic Bootcamps to all Year 12 students across Queensland in 2023. 

The bootcamps are held in the September school holidays and are open to any Year 12 student currently studying either Maths Methods or General Maths and Biology or Chemistry or Physics. 

Griffith is now accepting Expressions of Interest for the 2023 Online Academic Bootcamps. For more information, see the attached flyer via this link.

 

MySCI science program at Monash University (Years 11 and 12)

When: 12^th – 14^th April

MYSci is a three-day science program specifically designed for students in Years 11 and 12, involving hands-on workshops and access to the brilliant teaching facilities at Monash University, in Melbourne.

This program schedule will include:

•          hands-on workshops

•          access to our brilliant teaching facilities

•          opportunity to meet some of our Research Scientists

•          exposure to potential career pathways

•          activities with the Young Scientists of Australia

•          social activities

The fee for the program is $115.00 per student. Students are responsible for organising their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

Click here for information and to register.

 

ADF Gap Year Information Session, Brisbane (Year 12)

March 13^th, 2023

Spend an exciting 12 months in the Navy, Army or Air Force, where you’ll get paid for meaningful work while travelling Australia, gaining skills for life and making lifelong friends.

Join us for an information session to speak with current serving personnel about the Australian Defence Force Gap Year.

Find out more here.

 

UniSC HeadStart Information Evening (Years 10 and 11)

Students and their parents are invited to UniSC’s Headstart Information Evening where we’ll take them through everything they need to know to about the program.

Now also available to Year 10 students in Semester 2 (July), Headstart gives students in Years 10 – 12 the chance to start uni in high school, giving them a real university experience and setting them up for their future.

Students will study first-year uni subjects and receive credit to take time off their degree.

UniSC will cover the cost of the first course and additional courses are only $400, so your students will also save money on their full degree.

There are three information sessions to choose from (you only need to attend one):

1. UniSC Moreton Bay: Tuesday 14^th March - Auditorium, Foundation Building, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
2. UniSC Sunshine Coast: Thursday 16^th March - Lecture Theatre 7, Building C, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
3. Online via Zoom: Thursday 23^rd March - 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Click here for more information or to register.

 

START QUT information webinar (Year 11)

When: Tuesday 28^th March, 5.30-6.30pm

Find out how Year 11 (Semester 2, 2023) and Year 12 (Semester 1, 2024) students can study a uni subject while in high school. We’ll cover what’s involved, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. Plus, you’ll hear from past START QUT students about their experiences.

(START QUT is QUT’s version of HeadStart and works just the same way.)

There are plenty of courses available through START QUT that are totally online in terms of delivery and assessment and are therefore suitable for our students.

Click here for more information, or to register for the webinar.

 

QUT | Engineer Your Future (Years 4 – 12)

March 25^th, 2023

An engineering experience day at QUT will open your eyes to a possible career path in Engineering.

QUT in partnership with Engineering Link Group, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Engineers Australia is delivering a day full of hands-on activities for students from Year 4 to Year 12, to showcase engineering as it really is – exciting, challenging and world-changing.

Find out more here.

 

QIMR Berghofer | Holiday Science Experience (Years 10-12)

April 4^th ,2023

Looking to get a taste of what it’s like working in a medical research laboratory? QIMR Berghofer host 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.

 

Anthology Travel Writing Competition 2023

Established for writers who like to share authentic travel experiences and to provide a platform for publication. The Anthology Travel Writing Competition is open to original and previously unpublished travel articles in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. We are looking for an engaging article that will capture the reader’s attention, conveying a strong sense of the destination and the local culture.

Open to both new and established writers, articles submitted must not exceed 1,000 words. Writers can submit as many entries as they wish. Each submission will require a separate entry form and is subject to a separate entry fee.

The winner will receive a €500 cash prize and the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology.

Entries are open until 30^th November 2023.

Find out more and enter here.

 

Anthology Flash Fiction Competition 2023

Established to inspire creativity, and great writing and to provide a platform for publication. The Anthology Flash Fiction Competition is open to original and previously unpublished flash fiction pieces on any theme or genre in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. We are looking for writing that is clever and unique, inspires us, and crafts a compelling story.

Open to both new and established writers, articles submitted must not exceed 250 words. Writers can submit as many entries as they wish. Each submission will require a separate entry form and is subject to a separate entry fee.

The winner will receive a €300 cash prize and the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology.

Entries are open until 31^st October 2023.

Find out more and enter here.

 

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Adolescence is the transitional stage of development that is usually associated with the teenage years. In 2018, the Australian Curriculum Assessment Authority redefined adolescence as affecting young people aged between 10-24 years. During this time, they experience rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth which affects how teenagers feel, think, make decisions, and interact with the world around them.

During adolescence, a child's brain can be considered as being “under construction”. The rate of progress will vary depending on the individual and their gender. As a result, some parents may view adolescence as stressful or difficult. However, it does not need to be. Setting boundaries, implementing consistent monitoring and maintaining a strong and loving connection will help families adjust during this time.

It is also an important time to keep the communication lines open through clear and age-appropriate conversations. Speak openly about changes they are experiencing and be conscious of their mental health, as many of the conditions people confront in adulthood can begin to manifest in adolescence.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to guide and best support their young person as they transition through adolescence. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/understanding-adolescence

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

We are well and truly into the swing of 2023, with our first official FoP event, the Gala Day BBQ happening in a few weeks. We’d love a few more volunteers if you’re available. See details below.

Keep an eye on our article in the Compass each week for important information about upcoming events, FoP news and more information about the Community Connect page on the PLC website.

Volunteers

Volunteering has many benefits. You can make new friends, learn something new, contribute to the community and your kids love to see you helping out around the College. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering or becoming part of Friends of Pacific, now is the time. There are so many exciting events on the calendar in 2023 and the more people who are available to volunteer and support these events will ensure their success.

All volunteers need to have completed the Volunteer Induction for 2023 and have their volunteer lanyard. If you missed the Volunteer Inductions earlier in the year, please email Belinda Dawkins, Human Resources and Compliance Officer, hrofficer@pacluth.qld.edu.au to register your interest.  More information about online training sessions will be released shortly however the next in-person induction will be held on Wednesday 26^th April.

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.

We have some volunteers already, but a few more would make for an easier day – plus more people = more fun! If you have completed the 2023 Volunteer Induction and can help on the day, please contact FoP at fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

OCEANfest 2023 – One World

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.

If you are interested in joining the OCEANfest Committee please contact Ms Samantha Barrass, Community Liaison and Communications Coordinator, sbarrass@pacluth.qld.edu.au. We will meet in the coming weeks and welcome everyone who’d like to be part of this committee. 

There’ll also be sponsorship opportunities as well as other ways you can showcase your business, including donating raffle prizes. If you’d like to express your interest, please contact Ms Samantha Barrass, Community Liaison and Communications Coordinator, sbarrass@pacluth.qld.edu.au and we’ll send more information soon.

Next FoP Meeting

We’d love to see you at our next meeting, on Tuesday 21^st March at 6.30pm in the Library. You can RSVP by emailing the FoP email address below. If you have anything you’d like to add to the agenda, please email fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au a week prior to the meeting.

Looking forward to meeting many of you at the International Women’s Day Breakfast on Friday 10^th March.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Carly Lovell, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

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)

10       International Women’s Day Breakfast

11       Music Scholarship Test

13       Prep Vision Screening

13       NAPLAN commences

17       PLC Disco (Years 4-9)

18       Academic Scholarship Test

27       Year 5 Camp departs (Returning 30th)