Compass No 713 - February 2024

This past fortnight, we have been exploring the theme of having a ‘sense of purpose’ in our chapels and devotions. With ever-growing incidences of youth crime, mental health issues and alarmingly high rates of depression amongst both youth and adults, the idea of finding meaning in life and a sense of purpose could never be stronger.

But this is not just a message that is applicable to the youth of today, for we ALL need to feel a true sense of purpose in our lives. Research tells us that when people have a sense of purpose, that they feel more positive emotions, joy and actually live longer.

Arthur, Rick Warren became an instant celebrity from his book “The Purpose Driven Life”. This book was on the best seller list for over 90 weeks and brought in millions upon millions of dollars in sales.

But why was it so popular? Because people are all searching for meaning in their lives. This is a worldwide need and transcends generations. We all have an inbuilt need for meaning and a sense of purpose.

In one of Rick’s interviews, he details that our true purpose can only be found in God. People try to fill the void of a lack of purpose with material things, with money, with hedonic tendencies. But in the end, our lives can only be sustained by finding our purpose in Christ.

Jesus was the ultimate example to us of someone who lived with purpose. He modelled servanthood and love to others. And when we follow that example and choose to live a life with true purpose, we discover a profound fulfillment that goes beyond short-lived pleasures and external achievements. Just as Jesus lived a purpose-driven life, we are called to emulate His compassion, kindness, and selflessness.

At Pacific, I see our teachers, staff, parents and students live out this Christ-like life of purpose and meaning. I see it in their interactions with each other; in the generous offers of support in times of need; every time someone extends a helping hand or a word of encouragement. It's in the small acts of kindness that collectively create a culture of purpose within our community. As we witness these daily expressions of love and service, it reaffirms the belief that our shared journey is one guided by a higher calling.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

What is writing?

Writing is a process of using letters, words and sentences to communicate thoughts and ideas. Even though it might look simple, it requires the synthesis and application of many understandings and skills. Even when writing a note to a friend, the author needs to consider the ideas to be communicated, the structure and sentences that suit the purpose, the correct letters and sounds, how to form the letters and where to include punctuation – all to make sure that the message is communicated effectively.

Why is it so important?

Writing provides an important way to communicate our ideas, and in doing so we can entertain, inform and persuade others. As we write, we sort our thoughts and learn new things. It is a way to express what we have learned but also a way to express who we are, our interests and our ideas. It makes our thinking visible and at school and throughout higher education, writing is used by others to judge our understandings of topics.

What does learning to write look like?

The best way to learn to write, or to become a better writer, is to write. In the early years of school, this is done through real-life and life-like situations as children experiment with drawing and writing and build their confidence.

Each term students are supported to create a specific written text as part of their English unit of work. For example, they might create a poster persuading others to read their favourite picture book, construct a written retell of a familiar fairy tale, or write a description of a favourite place. Students are also provided with an opportunity to create texts of their own choice during Daily 5 Café activities, focusing on creativity, artistry, fun and enjoyment.

How do we know that children are progressing?

Teachers analyse samples of writing at the beginning (pre-test) and end of each English unit, as well as providing feedback throughout the learning phase. Teachers provide feedback in relation to Writing scales and criteria sheets, developed specifically for each writing task. In this way teachers and students know the ‘next steps’.

What can you do to support writing at home?

• Draw attention to writing in the world (e.g., signs, posters, notes, advertisements, labels).
• Find everyday opportunities to tell and share stories (e.g., after visiting relatives, when something funny happens), encouraging some ‘tall tales’ and exaggerated events.
• Play with language, sharing your ideas and encouraging everyone to participate (e.g., silly rhymes and puns on words, new poems or stories with characters from your family).
• Find everyday opportunities to write (e.g., shopping lists, birthday cards, postcards, drawings, diaries, notes in lunchboxes, writing games where everyone writes a part of a story).
• Use a range of writing implements to build confidence and strength in young writers’ hands (e.g., pens, pencils, chalk, whiteboard pens, paint, coloured paper, scissors, glue, stickers).

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

Resume Bootcamp Lunch time Workshops

If you want to write your first resume or your resume needs a refresh, attend one of these lunchtime sessions in the library to receive expert guidance on how to make your resume pop!

Book and attend a session during lunchtime in the library on Wednesday weekly.

Remember to bring your laptop and details of the job you are applying for. Book via the link: Pacific Lutheran Careers Support

Certificate I Construction (CPC10120) = up to 3 QCE points

The Sunshine Coast Trade Training Centre (SCC) is trialling a term two enrolment, ideally suited to Year 10 students considering a trade pathway. The Certificate I provides exposure to multiple trades, with students gaining sound foundation skills and knowledge while attaining their White Card (working safely in the construction industry).

• Delivery Day: Thursday.
• Delivery Duration: Term 2 - end of 2024.
• Commencement Date: Anticipated week 10 – Thursday, March 28, 2024, with students required to complete 2 x 1 week of intensive training (10 days total).
• Anticipated Intensive blocks: First week – planned for April 9 to April 12 (4 days), Second week – To be confirmed, second week June holidays.

Please note: Minimum student enrolment (maximum of 16 students) must be achieved for the course to proceed.

If you are interested please contact Mrs Colleen Beattie, Head of Vocational Education and Training VET@pacluth.qld.edu.au  by close of business Wednesday 6th March to discuss this pathway and find out further details on how to complete the Expression of Interest form.

Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development

Being part of a community like Pacific brings so many opportunities for our children and for us, as Friends of Pacific. I am excited about what we can achieve together in 2024 and invite you to join us at our monthly meetings and by volunteering at events run by FoP.

I would love to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jan Watman, and I am this year’s Vice Chairperson, currently Acting Chairperson of Friends of Pacific. My daughter began her Pacific learning journey in Prep and is now in Year 2.  I have however been supporting College events prior to 2001 as my nephew graduated from the College just a few years ago.  I am looking forward to working with the FoP Executive Committee and current and new families of the College to make valuable connections within our community.

Coffee and Chat – 8.30am, Friday 1st March

If you would like to hear more about Friends of Pacific and what is involved in volunteering, please join me and a couple of FoP members this Friday at the Coral Café. This is an inviting space at the College, so pop in for a coffee and say hi before the day ahead.  

Volunteering at Pacific

Volunteering has many benefits. You can make new friends, learn something new, and contribute to the community and your kids love to see you helping around the College. If you have ever thought about volunteering or becoming a part of Friends of Pacific, now is the time. There are so many exciting events on the 2024 calendar and the more people who are available to volunteer and support these events will ensure their success.

Hosting events is only possible thanks to the efforts of those in our College community who give so generously of their time.  If you are interested in volunteering with the College at any time throughout the year, please complete the below simple training.

This year, the College is streamlining the induction process by using a flexible delivery platform where volunteers work through the Volunteer Handbook, complete an electronic form, and upload relevant documentation. The Volunteer Handbook is accessible via the parent portal in Nav - Nav Community Links.

Gala Day – Thursday 28th March

FoP has the opportunity to run a Gala Day BBQ at the Meridan Sports Field for the Year 4-6 Touch Football teams across the SCISSA competition.

If you have successfully completed the 2024 online volunteer registration and are available to assist on this day, please contact FoP at fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

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 Chaplain Mr Mark Hauser- mhauser@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

If you would like to support the continuation of the care-based service through a financial contribution, we invite you to contact Pacific Together via email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Ms Jan Watman, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Beyond the Book Literature Festival

Last week the library staff took 39 of our junior and middle college students to the University of the Sunshine Coast for the Beyond the Book Literature Festival. We had two lovely, sunny days immersed in literature, surrounded by fellow bibliophiles. Older students seized the opportunity to engage with writers and poets in workshops to hone their own writing skills, while everyone enjoyed talks from favourite and new authors. Highlights for me included slam poet, Joel McKerrow, making a passionate case for the place of poetry in our lives, Katrina Nannestad talking about the real-life historical events behind her novels and Ellie Marney discussing her research into serial killers for her murder mysteries.

Book Club

Book Club order forms were sent home this week for students in P-6. Please place your orders online by next Friday, 8th March

Ms Narelle Keen, Teacher Librarian