Compass No 699 - September 2023

This week at assembly, we witnessed the culmination of hours of work from our amazing Year 7 Pacific Plus students as they served the community with and through the St Mark’s congregation. This was a powerful service learning opportunity for these young students and highlights the way these opportunities can help build a community of care.

Service learning instils a sense of social responsibility in students that can extend beyond the classroom. When students recognize the impact of their actions on the lives of others, they become motivated to effect positive change. Service learning connects students with the wider community profoundly. Instead of being passive observers, they become active participants in community development. This engagement strengthens community bonds, as students, teachers, and community members work together to address local issues.

Service learning can also help develop important lifelong skills like patience, tolerance, and emotional regulation. These skills are vital for our Middle College students to call on when they encounter circumstances that require good decision making. As we come to the end of what has been a very busy term, we all must manage our emotions, take time with each other and ensure we listen and respect conflicting opinions. Service learning projects bring all of these skills together when students have a common goal they are trying to achieve. By honing these skills, students not only become more resilient but also model emotional maturity and self-control for others in their community. In this way, service learning contributes not only to the betterment of society but also to the emotional intelligence of those involved, reinforcing the foundations of a true community of care.

I wish all of those Middle College students, parents and extended families a restful break and look forward to a productive Term 4 where we continue the journey of creating and strengthening the Pacific Lutheran College Community of Care.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Acting Head of Middle College Students

Maintaining learning momentum for children during school holidays is essential for their continued growth and development. Here are some strategies to help parents and caregivers encourage learning during the holidays:

Set a Schedule: Create a flexible daily or weekly schedule that includes designated learning time. Having a routine helps children know what to expect and makes it easier to transition back to school when the holidays are over.

Incorporate Fun Activities: Learning doesn't have to be dull. Engage children in educational games, puzzles, and hands-on activities that align with their interests. For example, science experiments, art projects, or cooking can be both fun and educational.

Visit Museums and Zoos: Take advantage of local museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and science centres. These places often have interactive exhibits and programs that can stimulate a child's curiosity and love for learning.

Read Regularly: Encourage daily reading. Visit the library and let children choose books that interest them. Create a cosy reading nook at home and read together as a family.

Online Resources: Utilize educational websites, apps, and platforms that offer age-appropriate content. Websites like Khan Academy, National Geographic Kids, and BrainPOP offer engaging educational materials.

Nature Exploration: Spend time outdoors. Nature walks, hikes, and gardening can teach children about the natural world, biology, and environmental science.

Educational Trips: Plan family trips that incorporate learning opportunities. Visiting historical sites, cultural landmarks, or places of scientific interest can be both fun and educational.

Learning Challenges: Set up learning challenges or projects. For example, challenge your child to research and present on a topic of their choice or create a science experiment.

Encourage Creativity: Arts and crafts, music, and creative writing are excellent ways to foster creativity and learning during the holidays. Provide the necessary materials and let children explore their creative interests.

Cooking and Baking: Cooking and baking involve math, science, and following instructions. Let children help in the kitchen to learn valuable skills while having fun.

Balance with Relaxation: While it's important to encourage learning, it's equally crucial to allow children to relax and recharge during the holidays. Ensure they have downtime for free play, relaxation, and spending time with friends and family.

Reflect and Celebrate: At the end of the holidays, reflect on what your child learned and achieved. Celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.

Happy Holidays!

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

BOP Industries | Creating Your Digital Presence Workshop

Monday 18^th September to Tuesday 19^th September 2023

Do you have a business idea that you would love to bring to life? Join us at the Young Entrepreneurs Hub in September where we will be working to help you build and launch your own business.

Over two action-packed days, we will be working with high school students to build their businesses as part of the Young Entrepreneurs Hub. With the program hosted at the WeWork Co-Working Space in Brisbane City, and facilitated by the BOP team of expert facilitators, this is a great opportunity for young people looking to bring their business ideas to life.

For our program on the 18th and 19th of September, we will have a specific focus on helping students build the digital presence for their business as they create their own website and business social media accounts. Over the two days, we will organise specialised masterclasses and expert mentors to work with students to design and launch their websites and social media accounts.

Find out more here.

Whitehouse Institute of Design | Illustration and Portfolio Workshop, Brisbane

Monday 18^th September 2023

This workshop is for aspiring designers and is recommended as a starting point for those wishing to develop their illustration skills and create a portfolio for application to the Bachelor of Design program. In this 2-hour workshop, you will gain an understanding of how to illustrate with Marker and Paper, experiment with different multi-media materials and learn techniques for presenting your creative ideas.

This workshop focuses on the following areas of skill development including:

• Illustration techniques

• Application of pencils, professional markers and felt-tip pens for professional rendering

• Brief analysis of trends and preparation of illustrations to complement a Mood Board

• Exploring an individual design aesthetic

• Beginners portfolio development and learn how to present your work for application to the Bachelor of Design program.

Find out more here.

UQ | InspireU Spring Camp

Sunday 24^th September to Friday 29^th September 2023

Immerse yourself in a week-long (24-29 September) university experience to learn about a range of academic areas. Year 10-12 students will get to explore potential study options and get practical insights into a range of disciplines.

You’re eligible if you:

• Are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent

• Are enrolled in high school at the time of application

• Are enrolled in ATAR subjects and eligible for an ATAR score

• Have a school attendance rate of 90% or greater.

As part of the camp, you’ll:

• Participate in a week-long on-campus residential camp

• Attend engaging sessions to further understand a range of disciplines

• take part in practical, hands-on experiences

• Explore UQ facilities and services

• Connect with current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students

• Meet fellow high school students

There is no cost for students.

Find out more here.

Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development

Our next FoP meeting is on Tuesday 24^th October 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 13^th October. Come along, meet some new people and find out how you can help connect our community.

We wish everyone in the community a safe and restful holiday break and look forward to seeing everyone for a very busy Term 4!

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Carly Lovell, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

We apologise for the lateness in school photos arriving this year. 

Due to Year 5 being on camp the day photos were taken earlier this year; their photos were not taken until the cocurricular photo day in August.

As a result, the photographers could not start the production until all photos were taken.

We will let you know as soon as we have been given an estimated time of arrival.

Thank you for understanding.

Miss Carolyn Sainty, Administrative Executive Secretary

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)

14       Senior Ensembles Concert

15       Term 3 Concludes

October

2         King’s Birthday

3         Term 4 Commences

9         Year 9 Camp Depart (Return 20th October)