Compass No 692 - July 2023

Celebrating Academic Excellence and Endeavour

This week, the College recognised and celebrated Year 6-12 students who achieved Academic Excellence and Endeavour across their subject areas, reflected in their Semester One Report Cards. As a College that promotes the PERMA model in supporting students’ ability to thrive and succeed, celebrating and acknowledging academic achievements across the Middle and Senior College Assemblies this week aims to encourage others to flourish and pursue their own personal academic excellence. Congratulations to all students who achieved Academic Excellence and Endeavour Awards. Wishing all Year 6-12 students a successful Semester Two of learning and achieving academic success.

Care Conversations

Coinciding with Year 6-12 Parent Conferences, at the end of last week students across the Middle and Senior College reflected on their Semester One reports and used teacher feedback on individual assessment pieces from NAV to set SMART Goals with the aim of creating specific academic aims in Semester Two.  This reflective activity took place during Pastoral Care Group lessons at the conclusion of Week 2 with the support of Pastoral Care Group teachers.  During Week 3, students engaged in personalised Care Conversations with their Pastoral Care Group teacher to unpack these goals to create strategies of support, ensuring these goals were measurable, achievable and realistic.  Throughout the semester, the Pastoral Care Group teacher will play a very important role in supporting students within their Pastoral Care Group to check in with how they are tracking, both academically and personally.  These goals can also be accessed by individual subject teachers who can also track and check in with students on their progress.

Year 11 Leadership in Action Workshop

Last Wednesday, the Year 11 Cohort engaged in their second Leadership Day experience for the year and participated in workshops led by the 2023 College Captains, Vice Captains and Action Captains.  Students enjoyed a Q&A with the Captains without teachers present to ask questions about student leadership at Pacific and the process of applying for leadership positions.  Students reflected on goals set by 2023 Action Captains and then looked toward their final year to set realistic goals for 2024.  The cohort came together to discuss ideas and ways forward to ensure collegiality and cohesion with the aim of completing their final year as a united grade with specific goals they would like to achieve.  The Leadership in Action Workshop finished with Year 11 students trying on their Senior Jersey and enjoying a pizza lunch together.  Capping off the workshop, the Year 11 students invited the Year 12 cohort to engage in a ‘friendly’ basketball game, which brought a large percentage of the College community together to cheer on each grade. Unfortunately, for the Year 11 students, the Year 12 cohort was victorious, but lots of fun was had by all. 

Year 11 students can now apply for 2024 Student Leadership Executive positions, with application booklets due Friday 28^th July to the main administration building, with interviews commencing Week 4. Wishing all the best for the Year 11 students who are applying for positions and looking forward to seeing goals set put into ‘action’ very soon.  

Important Safety Education Notice- Students and Traffic Lights

A number of our Pacific students take up the opportunity to ride to and from school and enjoy the health benefits of fresh air and exercise before and after school.  It is important that all Pacific students follow Queensland Road Rules when riding to and from school, including wearing a helmet, riding on designated pathways, not along slip lanes and with the flow of traffic.  Students were made aware of these rules at this week’s Junior, Middle and Senior College assemblies and reminded in student notices. Please take the time to read further information about these rules at the following link or contact the College if you require additional clarification. https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/bicycle#riding

Ms Leigh Finter, Head of Senior College Students

The theme of this term, You Can Do It, is confidence and resilience. During this week’s Prep-2 assembly, Mrs Hogan and Mrs Ridley shared the message of problem-solving through their friends “Calming-Cow” and “Put Down Pete Platypus”. Through the power of puppetry, scenarios were discussed, and our students shared solutions to their predicaments. As a bystander, I was amazed by the range of strategies suggested by our young people in response.

One such tool suggested is the ‘High Five Hand’ – speak friendly, speak firmly, ignore, walk away and report or get help. Students are reminded of their role if they are involved or a witness to problems; they have a range of problem-solving strategies that aim to solve potential issues between students.

Of course, we always possess the power to change the course of problems and situations that we encounter from becoming more significant than they need to be. In our Assemblies, I have used the analogy of a snowball rolling down a hill. When a snowball starts, it begins small and is easily stopped. If left unchecked, a snowball grows and grows, becoming unstoppable, eventually damaging everything in its wake. Luckily, there are many techniques we can use to stop a problem from growing into an uncontrollable landslide.

The ability to change the outcome of a situation toward a positive outcome rests with us all but, at times, can be challenging to attain. As part of our social and emotional toolkit, the “High Five Hand” aim to equip students with an easy-to-use tool that maintains relationships and empowers young people to control their relationships better.

Student movement before and after school

We remind families that adult supervision in the College begins at 8.00 am. Students being dropped at the College before this time are unsupervised and may be at risk of harm if they are on College grounds without adequate supervision. We ask that students be dropped off at the College after 8.00am or families contact the College OSHC for places within.

After the day, students are asked to make their way promptly off the school grounds and should be waiting in the designated drop-off zones. Adult supervision ceases at 3.30pm. However, the library is open until 4.00pm every day. All students have been reminded that after school is not the time to play games or use equipment on the grounds.

Students across Year Three to Five have also been reminded of their responsibilities around devices before and after school. That device should be in bags until students exit the College. They should not be used when waiting before or after school. Devices can be used under supervision in the library until 4.00pm.

In addition to this, we have received a timely reminder of the responsibilities of all road users from Queensland Roads. The College is conveniently situated in a locale that promotes transport modes alternative to cars. But as such, pedestrians, bike and scooter users have a responsibility to use the roads, bike paths and crossings as designed. Personal responsibility also includes the use of protective equipment such as helmets and following the expectations around crossings, entries and exits. This information will continue to be revisited in assemblies throughout the term and further information can be accessed via the following link https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/bicycle#riding

Smartwatches

As technology continues to evolve, the use of smartwatches has grown. A smartwatch has many positives but, as such, falls under the exact requirements of all devices when used at the College. Students have been reminded that contacting anyone external to the campus via a smartwatch is prohibited. This can create confusion and mixed messages, and families and students are reminded to use the appropriate communication channels by ringing the administration or emailing their child’s teacher. Students are also reminded that any wearable technology falls under our e-smart policy and that all smartwatches are required to be set to silent during school hours.

Student-Led Conferences
This week parents and students have taken the opportunity to engage with teachers, celebrate the growth of learning and discuss student reports delivered last term. We thank the wider community for taking this opportunity and the Prep-5 teaching team for their dedication and continued focus on student learning and growth.

Take care and God Bless.

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5

Appointments with Wanda Hayes are available now

Wanda Hayes will be returning to PLC to make herself available to meet with students and parents on Thursday afternoons each week until a new Head of Career Development is in place. She is also available for Zoom appointments over the weekend.

Each week, Wanda will be available in the Careers Office in the PLC Library from 2.45pm to 5.30pm, as well as being available on Saturdays via Zoom.

You can access Wanda’s calendar to book appointments directly – please click here to access the calendar. If you have any problems booking an appointment, please email Wanda at whayes@pacluth.qld.edu.au

 

Want some guidance/support to do your QTAC application? (Year 12)

Wanda Hayes will run a QTAC application coaching session on Thursday (3^rd August) in H2.1 and H2.2 for interested Year 12 students from 3.15pm to 4.30pm. During this session, Wanda will walk the students through the process of registering for their ATAR and completing their QTAC application. She will also be available for questions after that session up until 5.30pm.

 

Part-time jobs and traineeships in Community Pharmacy (Years 10-12)

LiveLife is a network of community pharmacies that are united in their shared vision to make a difference in the lives of their customers by providing expert-tailored health advice and genuine care. They have some great opportunities for students to kick start their career in Pharmacy. From positions with no experience required and flexible after-school hours and weekend work to School Based Traineeships for students who want to learn and earn, to scholarships for those considering a career in Pharmacy and looking at studying a Bachelor of Pharmacy.

See the attached information flyer for information about the opportunities in some of our community-based pharmacies (listed on the second page).  Any students interested in the after-school work can go directly to our online application and follow the prompts https://livelifepharmacy.com/careers/apply/, otherwise, if students are interested in the Traineeship (must be 16 years of age) and/or Scholarship they will need to contact our LiveLife Recruitment Team directly at recruit@livelifecentral.com for more details regarding their eligibility/application process.

 

QBuild Apprentice intake for 2024 (Year 12)

The Queensland Government is looking for trade apprentices to join the QBuild team.

Trades available include carpentry, refrigeration mechanic, electrical, painting, and plumbing across Queensland. 

There’s plenty of variety for a QBuild apprentice with no two days the same. One day an apprentice could work on a new build, and the next could perform restoration or maintenance work on a heritage building. The opportunities are endless!

A QBuild apprenticeship offers a flexible, safe, inclusive, and diverse work environment with a chance to earn while you learn.

Head to this link:  https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-500263-23  QR code below or the EPW website Apprenticeships with QBuild | Department of Energy and Public Works (epw.qld.gov.au). 

Applications close on 21^st August 2023. APPLY NOW

 

Shadforth Civil Apprentice intake for 2024 (Year 12)

Looking for a career as either a Heavy Diesel Fitter, Boilermaker welder, Light Vehicle, Auto Electrician or Fitter Machinist?

Kick start your career with Shadforth in January 2024 working on our Heavy earth moving fleet at our Workshop located in Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast.

Applications are now open with the below apprenticeships on offer:

1.        Heavy Diesel Fitter

2.        Boilermaker Welder

3.        Light Vehicle

4.        Auto Electrician

5.        Fitter machinist

Our apprenticeship programs are designed for recent school leavers, you’ll receive on-the-job practical learning, with mentoring, guidance and support from our experienced trades personnel while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Applications close Wednesday 2^nd August.

For more information, go to https://www.shadcivil.com.au/careers/current-opportunities/?ja-job=1572738

 

Health Heroes Symposium (Years 10 to 12)

Thursday 3^rd August, Kawana Waters State College Secondary Campus, 4.45pm – 6.30pm

In conjunction with the University of the Sunshine Coast, the Kawana Health Education Unit invites you to join medical professionals from around the coast in live demonstrations and educational talks focusing on pathways to exciting future careers in the Health Industry.

NOTE: There will also be information available at the Symposium about the Health Certificate courses offered to Year 11 and 12 students by the Kawana Health Education Unit. Year 10 Students who are interested in enrolling in the Health Cert courses for 2024 are urged to attend this event because they will receive important information about the enrolment process. The attached flyer provides details on how to register for this event.

 

The Open Day Planner is here! (Years 10-12)

University Open Days are always exciting, and there are so many across Australia each year, so the folk at Study, Work, Grow have brought all 71 of them together into one planner for you.

This 5^th edition planner is sorted by month to make it easy to browse and schedule your Open Day visits. There is at least one in SE Qld nearly every weekend for the next couple of months, so think carefully about how you will attend all the Open Days you are interested in.

Download the Open Day Planner here.

 

Welcome to TAFE Queensland Open Days! (Years 9 -12)

Engage with our knowledgeable instructors and explore facilities across our campuses during our upcoming open days on September 12^th - 14^th

Join us for a day filled with activities, workshops, and valuable information about our campuses, study areas and facilities. This is an opportunity for the students to explore an extensive selection of course options and discover the educational path that will propel them towards a successful future.

Students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12, and parents are invited to attend. Click this link to register today.

Mooloolaba Campus, Tuesday 12^th September 9.30am – 2.00pm

Nambour Campus, Tuesday 12^th September 9.30am – 2.00pm

Gympie Campus, Wednesday 13^th September 9.30am – 2.00pm

Bundaberg Campus, Thursday 14^th September 9.30am – 2.00pm

Click here to register

 

Saturday 19^th August – ADFA Open Day (Years 10-12)

Are you looking at tertiary education options and also interested in joining the Navy, Army or Air Force? The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) welcomes you to explore a unique university offering at the 2023 ADFA Open Day!

If you can’t make it to the in-person Open Day in Canberra, you will still have access to the Virtual ADFA Open Day where you will:

• Hear from ADFA Commandant, Jules Adams, as well as current trainee officers, alumni, and UNSW staff about life and studying at ADFA;

• Explore UNSW degrees, with Information Sessions on Arts, Business, Engineering & Computing, and Science;

• Participate in the Defence Jobs Instagram Q&A with current trainee officers, so they can get their questions answered;

• Take a tour of the campus, and much more!  

Download an event flyer for more information.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

My name is Brendan Macaulay, and I am the new College Counsellor. I have only just this week joined the PLC community, and I am extremely thankful for the warm welcome I have already received from staff, students, and the parent body.

I have been working in the school counsellor space for a number of years, at a number of local schools, and each day I feel absolutely honoured that young people allow me into their lives and trust me to be a person of support in their journey through life.

Being a young person in the current era can be extremely challenging, and I am hopeful that through the work I do each day, I am able to support and provide guidance to those young people who may not have yet learnt or developed the skills to manage some of the challenges they endure along the way.

Youth mental health is something that I am extremely passionate about and something that I work very hard to support students with. I am excited to be part of the PLC Community and look forward to meeting many of you over the next little while. If you have any concerns for your child’s wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email (bmacaulay@pacluth.qld.edu.au). 

I look forward to meeting many of you moving forward.

Mr Brendan Macaulay, 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 Mr Mark Hauser (mhauser@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.

Next FoP Meeting and OCEANfest Meeting
Our next OCEANfest meeting is on Friday 28^th July at 8.45am, outside the Coral Café. We’d love to see you there.

Our next FoP meeting is on Tuesday 15^th August 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 7^th August. 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

Book Week Costume Parade

Time to put your thinking caps on and start planning your costume for the Book Week dress-up day. The costume parade will be on Monday, 21st August at 8.30am. Students in K-5 are invited to dress up as book characters.

No need to buy or sew anything – there are lots of great ideas online of costumes you can make using what’s already in your wardrobe and a bit of imagination. Check out the links below for some suggestions.

https://mumsgrapevine.com.au/2020/09/book-week-costume-ideas/

https://sydneymumsgroup.com.au/ideas-for-easy-book-week-costumes/

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/aug/22/easy-book-week-costume-ideas-do-you-have-a-box-there-are-lots-of-cubes-in-childrens-books

Missing Rubiks Cubes

Five of our six Rubiks cubes have gone walkabout from the Middle College library in recent weeks. If you come across one could you see that it makes its way back to the library, please?

Ms Narelle Keen, Teacher Librarian

Primary Independent District Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday, Pacific was represented by a strong team of 58 students from Years 3 -7 at the annual Primary Independent Athletics Carnival held at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Many students had taken up the opportunity to participate in athletics training throughout Term Two and into Term Three each Monday afternoon from 3.15pm – 4.45pm. After working with our athletics coaches Chris Brealy (Sprints and Long Jump) and Richard Franklin (Throws and High Jump), the team were looking forward to testing themselves on the day.

The level of competition was outstanding with PLC students recording some exceptional results throughout the day.

In a huge effort, PLC finished in 2^nd place out of the 11 schools competing on the day. This is our best result ever at this carnival in the PLC’s 23 year history.

Whilst all PLC students competed exceptionally well on the day, I would like to recognise some outstanding individual results from the carnival. Well done to the following students who finished with top three places for their events on the day.

Well done also to the following PLC age groups who finished in the top three places in the team rankings:

PLC 9 Year Girls – 3^rd place

PLC 10 Years Boys – 3^rd place

PLC 11 Years Girls – 1^st place

PLC 12 Year Girls – 3^rd place

PLC 12 Year Boys – 3^rd place

The 10 -12 years Independent District team to compete at the Sunshine Coast Regional Athletics Carnival will be released in the next few days. PLC students who have been selected for this team will be notified by the College.

Years 2-5 Junior Basketball Program

This term we are once again offering a Junior Basketball Program to students in Years 2-5.  The focus of the program is to develop basketball skills and the application of these skills in game situations, with the program covering the fundamental skills of dribbling, passing, defence and shooting. 

The program will run for five weeks each Thursday afternoon from Thursday 10^th August through to Thursday 7th September from 3.30pm-4.30pm in the PLC gymnasium. 

Cost of the program is $30.00 per student which includes a basketball that students can take home at the end of the program.  If you are interested in your child participating in the Junior Basketball Program, please log into your parent Clipboard account via link https://myplc.pacluth.qld.edu.au and select “Junior Basketball Development 2023” for payment.

Due to court availability and coaching numbers, the program is capped at 70 students.

Sunshine Coast Marathon

Come and join us for a great run on Sunday 13^th August at the Sunshine Coast Marathon. There is a range of distances you can enter from 2km to 10km. When registering, join the team ‘PLC Run Club 2023’ for a 10% discount. There will be a tent set up and some refreshments will be provided for after your race. It would be great to see as many of you as possible come along and join in.

Student Success

Last weekend Jayden Murphy, Jessica Murphy and Cooper Willis attended the 2023 ATQ State Selection trials for Taekwondo. The three students had the following results which qualified them for the Australian Championships to be held in Perth later this year:

Cooper Willis won male 12-14 division, red belt traditional Poomsae - Gold medal.

Jessica Murphy, female 10-11 division, red belt traditional Poomsae - Bronze medal.

Jayden Murphy, male 8-9 division, blue belt traditional Poomsae - Silver Medal.

Well done to these students on their results from the weekend.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport P-6

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)

28       Year 7 Camp returns

August

1         Year 8 and 9 2024 Information Evening

3         Year 2 Camp Experience

4         Grandparents and Friends Day

4         Senior Schools Cup Volleyball (Yr 11 and 12)