Compass No 721 - May 2024

In Matthew 20:20-28, we encounter a profound lesson on humility from the teachings of Jesus. The passage tells the story of a mother's request for her sons to be seated at Jesus' right and left hand in his kingdom. Jesus uses this moment to teach his disciples about true greatness and the essence of humility.

Instead of seeking positions of power and prominence, Jesus urges his followers to adopt a different mindset—a mindset characterised by servanthood. He emphasises that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is not about lording over others but about serving them with humility and love. Jesus himself serves as the ultimate example of humility, as he came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

This message is one we can all take with us into our daily lives at Pacific! It reminds me of the importance of humility in our own lives. In this day and age, it's so easy to get caught up in the pursuit of recognition and status. However, Jesus calls us to a higher standard—to humble ourselves and serve others selflessly.

Every year, we come together as a school community throughout the month of May to gather non-perishable food donations for the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal. Once again, this is happening at PLC, and what better way to demonstrate in a practical way the principle of humility. By collecting and giving food to those in need, we are serving our community with humility and compassion, following in the footsteps of Jesus.

To participate in the Red Shield Appeal this year, all families from P-12 are invited to contribute if they feel called to. Non-perishable food and household items can be brought into school up until the 27th May. P-5 students can bring these to their classroom or place donations directly in the Library foyer area; while 6-12 students can take donations to their PCG rooms.

In this act of giving, we demonstrate that true greatness is not measured by wealth or status, but by our willingness to humble ourselves and meet the needs of others. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone's life, and in doing so, we serve others with humility - reflecting the love of Christ and inspiring others to do the same.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

I am continually impressed by the resilience and potential for growth within each one of our Middle College students. One aspect I would like to reflect on this week is the learning that can occur when students find themselves in a situation where they have made a poor choice.

When students find themselves in the aftermath of a poor decision, it is easy for them to feel anger, shame, frustration, disappointment, embarrassment. However, it is precisely in these moments that the capacity for learning shines brightest. By acknowledging our mistakes and understanding the underlying factors that led to them, we open ourselves up to invaluable lessons that can guide us towards better choices in the future.

One aspect worth noting is how our brains function in times of emotional turmoil or conflict, such as during a friendship fire (conflict between friends). Neuroscience tells us that when faced with stress or intense emotions, our amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for our fight or flight response, takes over. In these moments, our ability to reason and make rational decisions, located in the prefrontal cortex, becomes compromised. To navigate through these challenges effectively, it's essential to recognize when we are operating from a place of emotional reactivity and consciously make an effort to shift back into the prefrontal cortex. As an adult we find this a very real challenge and it is often best practice when working with middle college students to press the ‘pause’ button and allow students time to sit with these feelings, acknowledge what lead to them there and self-reflect before looking for a solution.

Once we are using the logical reasoning part of our brain again, we can step back into the productive struggle and learn from this challenging moment in time. Any poor choices can lead to consequences, which in turn can spark conversations with many stake holders- parents, teachers, friends, and peers. These conversations, while uncomfortable, provide fertile ground for growth and self-reflection. By engaging in open and honest dialogue, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and also cultivate empathy and compassion for others.

As we continue our journey of education and self-discovery, let us remember that it is through our mistakes that we learn, grow, and ultimately become the best versions of ourselves.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Middle College Students

This year you have been and will continue to be hearing a lot about the Science of Reading in Prep to Year 2. The Science of Reading refers to research that has been conducted over the past 20 years by reading experts and cognitive scientists. This research has shown us some of the best methods for teaching students to read.

Below are some terms you may encounter in your child’s reading instruction this year:

Phoneme- the smallest unit of sound represented by a letter or letters. There are 44 phonemes in the English language.

Grapheme- the letter or letters that represent a phoneme.

Phonemic awareness- the ability to identify, hear and manipulate the smallest sounds heard in spoken language, phonemes.

Phonological awareness - the skill to identify, hear and manipulate any sound in spoken language. These pieces of sound can be rhymes, syllables or phonemes.  

Word Mapping- the process of breaking a word down into its phonemes and writing the graphemes that represent the phonemes.  

Heart Words- high-frequency words that have a “tricky part” that cannot be decoded.

What Can You Do at Home?

The Simple View of Reading is a basic way to think about how to get our children reading. This multiplicative equation states:

Decoding X Language Comprehension = Reading Comprehension.

Decoding is a child’s ability to look at the letters and words on a page and turn it into speech.

Language Comprehension is a child’s ability to understand the meaning of words and speech.

How can you help your child with decoding?

Discuss letters from speech to print:

Instead of saying, the letters a says /a/, ask your child what letter represents the /a/ sounds?

Segment words to build phonemic awareness:

• Choose a word and say it aloud (e.g. Cat)
• Talk about the meaning of the word (Grandma has a cat with soft fur)
• Tap the phonemes of the word together (/c/-/a/-/t/)
• Ask how many sounds does the word have? (3)
• Say the word again (cat)

You can improve language comprehension by reading books together and discussing vocabulary words and their meaning.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

As our children journey through adolescence, understanding the fascinating changes happening in their brains can profoundly impact how we support their growth and well-being. The adolescent brain undergoes significant development, making this phase a critical time for nurturing and guidance. Here are insights and strategies to positively support your child's development during this transformative period.

Embrace the Teen Brain

Adolescents' brains are actively rewiring, particularly in regions responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and social interactions. This can lead to heightened emotions, risk-taking, and seeking novelty (all normal behaviours during adolescence). Recognizing these changes helps us empathize and respond effectively to our adolescent’s needs.

Foster Healthy Relationships

Adolescents benefit greatly from positive relationships with adults. Engage in open conversations, show empathy, and actively listen without judgement. Strong connections with trusted adults provide crucial emotional support and can influence healthy decision-making.

Encourage Independence with Guidance

Balancing autonomy and parental guidance are key. Encourage responsible decision-making by involving them in setting boundaries and consequences, allowing them to feel a sense of control, by including them in decisions that impact directly on their lives. This promotes independence while ensuring safety.

Prioritise Sleep and Nutrition

Adequate sleep and nutrition are vital for brain development. Establish consistent sleep routines and encourage nutritious meals. Limit screen time before bed to support quality sleep.

Promote Physical Activity

Exercise positively impacts brain function, reducing stress and improving mood. Encourage regular physical activity to support cognitive and emotional health.

Teach Stress Management

Adolescents face academic and social pressures. Teach coping strategies like deep breathing, mindfulness, or hobbies to manage stress effectively. Model these healthy behaviours in managing stress, problem-solving, and communication. Adolescents learn by observing and mimicking adult behaviours.

Stay Connected

Monitor their activities and interests while respecting their privacy. Create opportunities for family time to strengthen bonds and provide a safe space for sharing. Look out for changes in behaviour, mood, personality and seek help if you become worried.

Understanding and actively supporting adolescent brain development empowers parents to navigate this transformative period with confidence. By fostering a supportive environment grounded in empathy, guidance, and healthy habits, we can help our adolescents thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Remember, being grumpy, upset, irritable, and angry is not ‘normal’ or a phase adolescents go through – it is usually a sign that something isn’t right for the young person.

Look after yourself!

Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Support

Winter Uniform began on Tuesday 7th May.  The Uniform Shop stocks all the Colleges Winter Uniform requirements, 

All students in Year 10-12 will require the Formal Blazer for Winter.  Male students will require trousers, belt and tie.  A trouser and blouse option is available for Female students if they would like. Micro-fibre tights are also available for winter in addition to the dress.

 Middle College (Years 6-9) Male Students will need to wear a tie when winter uniform begins.

Junior college students can purchase the V-neck knitted jumper to wear with their Formal Uniform.  Trousers are available for male and female students as well as ribbed tights to wear with the dress (only) for female students.  Sports jackets and tracksuit pants are available to purchase to wear with the sports uniform only.

For Prep Students, the sports jackets and tracksuit pants are available for purchase. These are worn with the sports uniform from Prep to Year 12.

Please see the College Uniform Guide here for more information.

If you have any questions regarding the Winter Uniform requirements, please contact Peta King at the Uniform Shop via the number below.

The Uniform Shop opening hours are -

Monday – Thursday 8.00am – 10.30am

Tuesday Afternoon from 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Please contact the College’s Main Reception on 5436 7300 to make an appointment.

Flexischools orders are also available for your Uniform needs. These orders are completed Monday - Thursday and delivered to the students’ classrooms in the Foundation and Junior College and to the PCG pigeonholes in the Wellbeing Centre for Middle and Senior College students. Please ensure ordered uniforms are collected promptly to ensure that they do not go missing.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Convenor

Thank You to all our amazing volunteers at our Mother’s Day Stall - it was a huge success.

This Friday come and say “Hi” to some of our volunteers at the Coral Café 8 am -8:20am.

We are well into our busy term with many opportunities for families to come together, meet new families or re-connect and support our students and community by volunteering at the school events.

If you haven’t completed your Volunteering Training at Pacific yet and want to help us in our upcoming event don’t worry as it is quick and easy. This year, the College has streamlined 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 Navigator - Nav Community Links. If you have ever thought about volunteering or becoming a part of Friends of Pacific, now is the time. There are many exciting events on the 2024 calendar and the more volunteers we have supporting these events will ensure their success. Any questions please feel free to contact the Committee – fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Hosting events is only possible thanks to the efforts of those in our College community who give so generously of their time.

Our upcoming events which we are seeking volunteers for are:

Primary Athletics Carnival – Tuesday 14th May at USC https://volunteersignup.org/JYFW8

Secondary Athletics Carnival – Thursday 23rd May at USC https://volunteersignup.org/73LLD

Working Group for Trivia Night – Friday 16th August - this will be a lot of fun, so lock in your calendars! Volunteers are needed for organising this great event – from sponsorships, sourcing prizes, to decorating. We will also require more volunteers on the night and will call for these later in the year. https://volunteersignup.org/KMQEM

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Ms Jan Watman, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Competitive Sport News:

Rugby:

This week saw our U13’s play St Teresa’s at Maroochydore, while the opposition U15 team unfortunately forfeited, leaving our 15’s with a bye. St Teresa’s showed a dominate performance in the first half against PLC, scoring 4 tries. The boys fought back in the second half, scoring 3 unanswered tries, and closing the gap to 5 points. Well done on the efforts of the boys for showing excellent grit and playing some exceptional football. Thanks again to the support of both staff and parents at the game.

Mr Josh Cummins, Head of House Wira

Monday Night Netball:

Well done to all our PLC Netball teams who are progressing well after the mid semester break.  Currently we have 7 teams that have the potential to make the final top 4 teams with two more games to go. With highly competitive pools, the ladder is very close and the top spots are very much up for grabs. Thank you to all our committed players, coaches and parents for their time and energy given to our netball program.

 Please come and support our teams at their games this week

SCISSA Soccer and Volleyball

Junior and Intermediate Volleyball:

It was another big round for our Volleyball teams. Well done to the Junior Girls Team 1 and the Intermediate Boys Team 1 for their close victories in their fixtures. The Junior Girls Team 2 went down in a close match as did our Junior Boys Team 1. Special mention goes to the Intermediate Boys Team 2 for showing great improvement from last week.

Student Acknowledgements

Well done to the students listed below for their outstanding achievements in sport:

•          To the following boys who represented Independent District in the 14-15yrs Boys Sunshine Coast Region Rugby Union Trials: Hayden Cole, Cruze Francis, Seth Hellyer, Aidan Kemp, Louie McCormac, Jairus Patelesio and Samuel Rodway.

 It is fantastic to have such a big cohort from PLC in this team.

•      Congratulations to Logan Pohlner and Sofia Hutchinson for their selection into the 13-19yrs Independent District Cross Country team.

•      Well done to Mae Clarke for her excellent efforts in the Qld State Water polo tournament in Brisbane during the Easter break. She played with her local team, Buderim in the U14s and U16s. From this tournament, she was chosen for the Qld Development Squad for Water polo where she will compete for selection in the Qld State team to play in the Australian titles.

•     Jessica Lloyd who recently participated in the 2024 Archery Nationals Championships in Tuggeranong, Canberra. Jess did incredibly well winning 3 out of 3 gold medals. This has set her up well for the Youth World Championships next year.

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

Worship @ St Mark’s

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)

May

11      Friends of Pacific Coffee Meet- Coral Cafe

14       Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival

14       Year 9 Leadership Day

15-18  Senior Drama Production – Sense and Sensibility

15-17  Year 4 Camp

21       P-12 Photo Day

21       Friends of Pacific Meeting

22       National Simultaneous Story Time

23       Years 7-12 Athletics Carnival

28       Instrumental Tutor’s Concert

29-30  District Secondary Athletics

30       District Primary Athletics

30       Instrumental Tutor’s Concert

31       Caloundra Show Day

31       Intermediate Schools Cup Volleyball

June

3-5      Year 8-9 Middle College Exams

3-7      Year 10 Exams

6         Years 4 – 6 SCISSA Gala Day 2

11       Year 11 2025 QCE Information Evening

14-16  Year 12 Retreat

18       K-3 Colour Splash

18       Friends of Pacific Meeting

19       K-12 Chapel

19       P-2 Cross Country

19       Ensembles Concert

19       Term 2 Concludes