As the end of term draws near, I would like to take the time to reflect on the journey of the current Year Five students. Toward the end of last year, we began meeting as small groups to chart a course as they prepared for their final year in the Junior College. This has been reinforced through leadership days and supported firmly by the Year 5 teaching team. As a cohort, they have continued the legacy of service in action through the Gawun program. Not only has it been heart-warming to see the interactions and support that our Gawun leaders have provided, they too have learned more about themselves as individuals and as leaders.
Their involvement in playground events, encouraging learning with younger students and supporting our Foundation College on the school grounds in the mornings, has provided tangible examples of the impact that our young people can have on each other. Special mention must be made of their dedication to environmental causes and they have continued the legacy of previous cohorts by promoting a sustainable mindset in our Junior College. They have set an admirable example to their buddies in Prep also, and in the meantime, learned numerous lessons personally.
I would like to thank the transitioning class of Year Fives in 2023 for the dedication shown to their learning, their warmth and sense of humor and their commitment to many important causes both within the College and in the community. As a Junior College, we look with interest as to what the remainder of your journey at Pacific will hold.
We also acknowledge our Year Two cohort as they transition from the Foundation to the Junior College. We celebrate the gifts that have been nurtured through your time in the Foundation College and we look forward to continued growth as you enter your next phase of learning. We are excited to welcome the cohort into our new Junior College Learning Space at the beginning of next year.
Wellbeing Growth
As this is my last Compass article for the year, I would like to make special mention of Mrs. Sarah Atkinson, Mrs. Shelley Hogan, and Mrs. Kirsty Ridley who have provided meaningful assembly messages that provided clear and relevant direction of the social and emotional direction of students in the Junior School. Pastoral care of students and the promotion of the message at school and home provide a connection so parents and carers have a strong understanding of the messages addressed here at school.
Extracurricular Opportunities
During the last few weeks of the academic year, we have had the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students through music experiences and sporting awards. The Year 5 and 6 concert band along with the Year Three and Four strings students provided the platform to celebrate the amazing talent throughout those years, and also provide a snapshot of the individual growth of students, some of whom have been involved in instrumental music for four years. Both were well attended by the wider community and it is great to be able to share the music experience with an audience once again. I would like to thank Mrs Helen Williams for her leadership of this program as well as Miss Krist-elle Hill and Mr Paul Cusick for their continued support of music across the Junior College.
This week’s sporting awards showcased the wide and varied sporting choices that are provided by the College. From House carnivals, and SCISSA sport, through to run club and board riders, students are provided enormous choice to become involved in many areas that helps build individual capacity. It is often said that sport doesn’t build character, it reveals it. The friendships, camaraderie and healthy competitiveness that is promoted through sport here at Pacific is a credit to our Head of Junior Sport, Mr Darren Hooper, who leads a committed team that continues to build a healthy sporting culture.
I would like to thank all teaching staff and sports coaches for their support of the program and the benefits that it brings.
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Week 9 allows us to formally commend the achievement by our Junior College students, staff and families with the Prep-5 Closing Service on Monday the 28th of November. We look forward to acknowledging our transitioning year levels and celebrating the achievements of our Year 3, 4 and 5 Academic and Endeavor Award recipients.
End of Year Functions
As has been the case for the majority of the year, students' sharing of food is not permissible for the end-of-the-year class parties and events. These guidelines extend to the bringing of food items such as candy canes and lollies for distribution to other class members. We ask you to follow the directions communicated by your child’s teacher regarding end-of-year functions.
Gratitude
A common theme when we reach the final few weeks of a school year is “Where did the year go?” Every week, month, term and semester are full of learning opportunities, and at times it can seem as though the year has passed without us noticing. However, if we reflect on the growth all of us have experienced during the year, we begin to see where we began and where we are going. As a College and on behalf of all Foundation and Junior College Staff, we would like to express our gratitude and thanks for your support of your child’s growth by navigating home learning and attending culminating events and celebrations right across the Prep-5 spaces. Our success as a connected community is in large parts a reflection of the lengths the wider community go to broaden the work of the College. Thank you.
Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas break.
Take care and God bless,
Damian.
Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5
