Compass No 684 - May 2023

Pacific Lutheran College presents “How to build resilience in your child” with Dr Justin Coulson.

Justin Coulson, parenting expert and co-host on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance will be visiting the College at 6.00pm on Tuesday 23rd May to present to our Parent community.

In this 90-minute presentation, we will learn what resilience is and what we can do proactively as parents to help our children thrive, flourish and be resilient.

This is a great opportunity to hear from a leading expert.

Pre-drinks and nibbles will be provided from 5.30pm.

Please register your attendance HERE or click on the image above to scan the QR code.

View Dr Justin Coulson's video here.

The rise of electric scooters over the past 12 months has been significant, with more and more people choosing them as a viable method of transportation. However, with all modes of transportation there are rules and regulations surrounding their use in public.

There has been some confusion as to what rules apply to the use of electric scooters, so we explained some of these to all students at the 6-12 assembly this week. The main points of emphasis for students and parents are as such:

•          All normal road rules need to be adhered to

•          Riders must maintain a safe distance from others

•          Helmets (bike or motorbike) must be worn

•          E-scooters (and similar) need to be stored in the caged area behind the administration building (not in the bike rack area or other areas of the school)

•          Riders must have a working bell

•          Children under the age of 12 cannot ride e-scooters

•          Riders 12-15 years old need to be completely supervised by an adult while riding

•          There can only be a single rider at a time on scooters (no doubling).

This information is a part of the College’s transportation policy and regulations have been taken from the Queensland Department of Transports official page. More details can be found on their website:  https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices

There is also a brief yet helpful video which can be viewed here.

Red Shield Appeal – Casual Clothes Day

The month of May is a significant one on the College calendar. It marks a month of us working together as a community to help support those in need. Families are encouraged to contribute to the food collection appeal by donating non-perishable food items to the cause. These can be brought in throughout the week and placed in the baskets set up in each PCG room.

Another way everyone can help is by turning up in casual clothes (6-12s) or crazy socks (P-5s) next Wednesday, 24th May. Anyone doing so will need to donate $2 minimum (but we encourage people who are able to, to donate more) in the morning. Funds raised will go towards the Salvation Army and be presented to them at assembly on Tuesday of Week 7.

The usual make-up and jewellery expectations still apply on the day, and clothes need to be appropriate (length and design) and in-line with the Christian ethos of the College. Classes who have PE on the day will need to get changed into PE uniform for their lessons.

We hope that we can raise as much money for the cause as we can.

P-12 Photo Day – Tuesday 23rd May

On Tuesday, we will have our annual P-12 Photo Day. This is for class groups, Year 12 cohort photo and sibling photos. Students will need to ensure that they are dressed in their full formal winter uniform (normal make-up, hair and jewellery expectations apply). Senior students must have their blazers and ties will need to be worn. A full timetable will be available to students on NAV to ensure that all are present for their photos.

Please note – Year 5 photos will take place in Term Three due to a clash in events.

Mr Mark Hauser, Director of Students

Five PLC students in Year 5 and Year 6 travelled north to Good Shepherd Lutheran College last Friday afternoon to participate in a ‘Maths Masters’ challenge. The challenge afternoon was organised by SCIPHA (Sunshine Coast Independent Schools Primary Heads Association) and was designed to stretch primary school learners with a passion for Maths.

Selected by their teachers for their aptitude in Maths, our students embraced the opportunity to work with top mathematicians from other schools in the area. Year 6 students gave the experience a thumbs-up:

Lucas, ‘I enjoyed ‘Maths Masters’ because it was a good challenge and I met new people. It was fun to learn something new and extend my brain. I enjoyed the variety of different math questions.’

Byron, ‘I enjoyed the SCIPHA afternoon because we got to see other people and work with students from different schools. It was fun to be able to learn new things and it was also good to come across some questions that I didn't know how to solve and try extending my knowledge.’

Lara, ‘It was fun to meet new people and it was nice to go to another school and have the afternoon off during normal schoolwork! I would definitely recommend this experience.’

Thank you to the teachers and parents for enabling the participation of the PLC students and for providing transport to and from the venue. Thanks to Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students Junior College, for his continued support of these extension opportunities offered by SCIPHA.

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Middle College

We are excited to announce the upcoming Year 8 Enterprise Market Day Stall at Pacific Lutheran College! This event provides a fantastic opportunity for our young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity, innovation, and business skills. We encourage all parents and students to come and support them on this special occasion.
The Year 8 students have been working hard to bring you an impressive range of products that will be available for sale. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect to find at the stall:
Bath bombs, Key chains, Lanyards, Nail stickers, Badges and coasters, Cross-stitch kits, Design your own stickers, Slime, Pet toys, Sock puppets, Jewellery & earrings.
The prices for these amazing products range from $1 to $10, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a small token of appreciation or a unique gift, you'll find it at our Year 8 Enterprise Market Day Stall.
Event Details:
When: Tuesday, 23rd May, and Thursday, 25th May Time: 1.00PM – 1.30PM
Where: Outside the library
Make sure to mark these dates and times in your calendars so you don't miss out on supporting our budding entrepreneurs. By participating in this event, you contribute to their learning journey and help foster their entrepreneurial spirit.
We believe in the power of hands-on experiences, and the Year 8 Enterprise Market Day Stall is a prime example of how we encourage our students to explore their creativity and develop real-world skills. So, join us and be part of this exciting event!
We look forward to seeing you there and witnessing the incredible talent and hard work of our Year 8 students.

Pacific Lutheran STEM Program Update: Unleashing Young Minds in the World of Innovation

We are thrilled to provide you with an exciting update on the latest happenings in Pacific Lutheran's STEM program. Our students have been enthusiastically engaged in various projects, expanding their knowledge, and honing their engineering skills. It is truly remarkable to witness their creativity and passion unfold in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In our Year 8 class, our students have successfully built their very own microdrones. Over the past few weeks, they have been dedicated to learning how to fly these micro marvels while simultaneously putting their engineering prowess to the test. One of the highlights has been the exploration of the physics behind propeller ducts. This practical application of knowledge has allowed them to witness firsthand the principles at work and observe the amount of thrust their innovative designs can generate. The students have been invigorated by this challenge, and we couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments.

Moving on to our Year 9 students, their engineering skills have shone through an intriguing project. Tasked with the mission to save Barbie dolls from the depths of our water tanks, their creative problem-solving techniques have resulted in some of the most ingenious methods to retrieve the dolls. These young mechanical engineers have raised the bar with their innovative ideas, showcasing their ability to think outside the box and find unique solutions.
Meanwhile, our Year 10 students have delved into the world of design thinking. They have embarked on an ambitious endeavour to design orthotics or prostheses for individuals who have suffered from strokes. Over the course of the past five weeks, our students have engaged in a journey of empathy, understanding the needs and challenges faced by stroke survivors. Through iterative design processes, they have come up with various prototypes that aim to enhance the day-to-day interactions of those affected by strokes. Witnessing their dedication and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others has been inspiring.
As educators, we are privileged to witness the growth, development, and passion that our students demonstrate in the STEM program. Their enthusiasm and dedication reflect the values we strive to instil in them—creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance. It is through projects like these that they develop the skills necessary to become the innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow.

Introducing the QUT Future You Program 2023: Ignite Your Path to Success!

QUT is offering a free program called, Future You Program 2023. The program will run between Monday, 25th September, and Thursday, 28th September 2023. This is an exceptional opportunity for students from PLC to unlock their potential, explore exciting career paths, and gain invaluable insights from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and the QUT community.
This event will take place over four days during the September school holidays, and is designed exclusively for students in Years 11 and 12, providing them with practical experiences, inspiring keynotes, interactive panel sessions, and personal stories shared by QUT alumni, academics, and current students.  This is the first year QUT has expanded the program beyond STEM to include all QUT study areas.  I encourage our alumni STEM students in Years 11 and 12 to apply.
A detailed overview of the four days at QUT can be found here:  https://cms.qut.edu.au/
This link outlines the schedule, sessions, and activities planned for each day, giving you a glimpse into the incredible experiences awaiting our participants.
To apply for the QUT Future You Program 2023, please complete the application form https://form.jotform.com/QUTHighSchoolEngage/2023-qut-summit-application.
The deadline for applications is Monday, 22nd May 2023.

Mr Wes Warner, Head of Innovation, Entrepreneurialism and Business

Career Clusters in focus (Years 10-12)

This is the second part in a 6-week series of articles, where I will be overviewing one of the 6 Career Clusters each week. Senior College students have access to information about the Career Clusters on the PLC Careers Hub and will have an opportunity to learn about the Clusters in their PD lessons.

Last week we looked at Makers.

This week’s focus cluster is Guardians.

Guardians use their skills to support other people to maintain and care for their health and wellbeing. Guardians are skilled at supporting people and they have a deep understanding of physical and mental health.

Many Guardians work in healthcare, the fitness and beauty industries; and others help keep our workplaces and public spaces safe.

In addition to their technical skills, important transferable skills for Guardians include People Skills, Problem Solving, and Teamwork. Does this sound like you? What jobs do you know that fit within this cluster?

Accounting Cadetship Program (Year 12)

SRJ Walker Wayland is a Queensland-based accounting, audit and advisory firm with a team of 60 people across our offices in Brendale and on the Sunshine Coast as well as a small offshore team.

SRJ Walker Wayland runs an Accounting Cadetship program, where Year 12 students who are looking to undertake an accounting or commerce degree and are interested in accounting are invited to apply each year. The attached flyer provides some summary information about the program.

The SRJ Walker Wayland Cadetship program provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience whilst completing university studies. It is this combination of work and study that puts our cadets at the forefront of their careers within the accounting profession, while still working close to home.

Cadets work in a paid role for 30 hours per week, while they are studying a university Business or Commerce degree part-time.

ACU Entry and Pathways for Year 12 Students Webinar (Year 12)

Tuesday 23rd May 2023

ACU has a range of pathways and entry programs available to Year 12 students. In this webinar, our Future Students team will explain our various options and the eligibility criteria for each one, and you’ll hear from current students about their journeys.

Find out more here.

CQUni Online Chat Session (Years 11 and 12)

Tuesday 23rd May 2023

We see you planning your next study move, and we know there’s a lot to consider, so we’re here to help.

Have your questions answered at our online chat session. Chat with our staff about your course of interest, student support services, or anything else you’d like to know about studying with CQUniversity.

Find out more here.

AIE Online Campus Day (Years 11 and 12)

Saturday 27th May 2023

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Online Campus Day on Sat 27th May 2023. AIE will be running this event for students interested in studying online. You will be able to meet our teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, and career pathways and see our amazing student work.

We will be covering everything you need to know about the:

•          careers in games and VFX that we train students for;

•          studios and industries that we work with;

•          courses we offer – from beginners to professional mastery, and;

•          the software, skills and knowledge we teach.

Find out more here.

Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo 2023 (Years 10-12)

May 26th to May 27th 2023

Queensland’s largest Careers & Employment Event is open on May 26th & 27th , 2023 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The Expo will host over 130 organisations and employers with career opportunities for all ages. Entry is free.

The event is for school students, parents, teachers, graduates, job seekers, people looking for courses and workers seeking new training options.

Find out more here.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Goodlife Community Centre in Buderim is hosting a workshop by Headstart, designed to help girls aged 8-12 years understand that they are much more than just a body.

During the workshop, girls will learn all the editing and tricks that go into making people in the media look flawless, plus break down any myths regarding ‘perfect’ looking people in the media.

Girls will learn to embrace the way they look and celebrate diversity.

The most important thing they will learn… is that the way they look is such a small part of who they are!

Visit the website www.headstartpsychology.com.au to register or click the link here.

Bonsai parenting: Why so many children end up in therapy

Locke has observed the ‘overparenting’ phenomenon emerge in the 15 years she has been treating children and teenagers as well as in her university research.

Overly involved in their children's lives, these parents are constantly trying to solve their problems and harbour unrealistic expectations of their potential, she argues. When they are confronted by their child's shortcomings or difficulties, these parents seek out clinical diagnoses.

"A sense of melancholy is labelled depression; any trepidation is labelled anxiety. A friendship fight is bullying," Locke writes in her book The Bonsai Child, which is her term for children who are over-nurtured.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/why-so-many-children-are-ending-up-in-therapy-20150807-giu0zv.html

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

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.

We were never meant to do life alone. We need the love and care of others, especially in times of need. If you would like to support the continuation of this care-based service through a financial contribution, we invite you to contact Pacific Together via email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au. Your contributions ensure that we can provide a care package for those in our community when the need arises.

Volunteers for Sports Carnivals and Gala Day

If you have done your volunteer induction and have a couple of hours to spare for the upcoming Athletics Carnivals on Wednesday 31st May and Thursday 1st June, and the next SCISSA Gala Day on Thursday 8th June, we’d love your help with the FoP BBQ at these events. Keep an eye on your email for more details, but if you’re available, we’d love to hear from you - please email fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au – we promise you’ll have fun!

Next FoP Meeting

We’d love to see you at our next meeting, on Tuesday 20th June at 6.30pm in the College Library. You can RSVP by emailing fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au. All agenda items should be submitted via email by Friday 9th June. Come along, meet some new people and find out how you can help connect our community.

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)