Compass No 752 - March 2025

We are in the season of Lent, which is a time in the Christian calendar when we prepare our hearts for Easter. It began on Ash Wednesday Week 6, and lasts for 40 days, reflecting the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before beginning His ministry. Traditionally, people choose to give something up during Lent—whether it’s chocolate, social media, or another comfort—not just as an act of self-discipline, but as a way to focus on what truly matters in their lives.

But Lent isn’t just about what we lose, but about what we gain. In setting aside distractions, it is a chance for us to be reminded that our lives are not defined by what we have or what we do but by who we belong to. It’s about refocusing on what is truly important in our lives and at the heart of everything, learning to trust in God and in His promises to us.

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Worrying comes naturally to us, especially in today’s world where we are bombarded with messages telling us that we need to be more, do more, and have more. Counter-culturally however, the season of Lent helps us to step back see what we are truly relying on. We only have a certain number of hours in each day, days in a week, and weeks in a year – so what are we filling those things up with?

Sometimes in order to appreciate something, we need to sacrifice something else. And that’s what Lent is focused on. When we choose to give something up, we might feel the absence of that thing, but it also allows us to recognise God’s presence. It’s a reminder that no matter what is going on around us, God is still in control.

Lent points us toward Easter. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was the greatest event that happened in the world. And it was an act of love beyond our understanding. For us.

This is grace. Undeserved. Unwarranted. Yet freely given.

This is a gift that I cannot fully comprehend, but as we get closer to Easter, I hope that we can all use this time to help us understand it more and appreciate what it truly means to us. Because in the end, the greatest sacrifice brings us the greatest hope.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

Harmony Week (17–23 March) is a time to celebrate Australia’s rich cultural diversity and the many benefits it brings to our Pacific community. It reminds us of the importance of care, dignity and respect for all. At Pacific, we embrace these values and strive to ensure that our College remains a place where every individual feels safe, valued, and supported.

This week also includes the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) on Friday 21st March. It serves as an important reminder of our shared responsibility to stand against discrimination and foster a culture of kindness, understanding, and connection. On this day at PLC, students across Year 3 - 12 will engage in the annual Pacific as a Peace Place Survey that will assist with the leaders of the College to celebrate areas of growth and action areas that require a specific focus.

To mark this special week, there will also be exciting opportunities for students to connect and celebrate:

• Senior College Academic Trivia (Year 10–12) – Thursday 20th March - 3:30pm–5:00pm- Upstairs H block
• Middle College Disco (Year 6–9) – Friday 21st March, 5:00pm–7:00pm- College Gym

A huge thank you to the Year 12 Academic Action Captains and Year 9 Leaders for leading these events.

More details about these events will be communicated to students and parents throughout the week through email, student notices and assemblies.

As we engage in these celebrations and opportunities to pause and reflect, we are encouraged to continue exploring ways to strengthen our connections with one another and ensure that Pacific remains a community where peace, respect, and belonging are at the heart of all we do.

God bless.

Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Student Engagement

When we consider the words positivity and hope, what comes to mind? If we pause to reflect on what is most important to us, we may experience a range of thoughts—from uplifting ideas that bring joy to our hearts to more challenging reflections that stem from negativity or sorrow. Whether these thoughts feel positive or not, both play an essential role in shaping how we understand ourselves, our emotions, our life experiences, and our worldview.

When we look at dominant news narratives worldwide, we often encounter a single, overarching perspective. This viewpoint influences our worldview and, by extension, our sense of self within that world. Our thinking rapidly connects to a web of ideas, our semantic understandings that inform our values, beliefs, and behaviours. Sometimes, these thoughts remain fleeting; we do not encode them into long-term memory, so no deeper learning occurs. Alternatively, when we perceive “value” in the new information, we encode it into long-term memory, allowing it to inform, challenge, or enhance our understanding. In this way, we remain engaged and grow from our reflections.

Suppose we shift our focus to social media feeds and the associated performativity of active engagement in this space. In that case, we see yet another type of worldview taking shape—one that also permeates our daily lives and further influences how we see ourselves and the world. Now, you might wonder: How does this relate to positivity and hope? This is where the “Why” becomes significant. Asking “Why” encourages us to engage our metacognitive skills—to regulate our thinking, explore it’s reasons, and ask ourselves, “How did I know this?” This self-reflective process underpins many Pastoral Care Group activities.

For example, when students take part in self-reflection exercises such as “writing a letter to my future self,” they enter a space of deep learning—often called the “Learning Pit”—where they practice metacognition and self-regulation. We guide them with prompts like:

Dear end-of-year me…

•          What do you hope to achieve by then?

•          What challenges can you foresee?

•          What challenges might you overcome?

•          Who might help you with these challenges?

•          How will you stay positive and resilient?

•          What energises you?

•          What gives you purpose?

•          Who can you seek assistance from?

Participating in these activities brings our worldview to the forefront of our thinking. We ask ourselves foundational questions: How do I truly know myself? We can examine our values, explore our beliefs, and evaluate our behaviours through such reflection.

As we reflect as parents, teachers, and caregivers, I wonder what this would look like for us as reflective people. As I wear both my teacher and parent hat, I contemplate what sharing these reflections looks like. I Imagine the richness of sharing those responses, co-creating a deeper understanding of self and others. It is an opportunity perchance to connect meaningfully, away from the salient narratives of world news and the performativity of social media, and to do something that unites us in a way few other activities can.

So, here’s to positivity and hope during this season of Lent, to embrace opportunities that nurture our gifts and foster reflection, growth, and meaningful connection in our community.

Mr Nigel Farley, Head of Student Engagement Senior College

The coming weeks are filled with wonderful opportunities to celebrate our students and the values we uphold as a College community. Two key events I would like to bring to your attention are our Year 6 Installation of Leaders and the Middle College Disco for Harmony Week.

Year 6 Installation of Leaders

On Tuesday, 18th March, in the College gym we will formally install our newly appointed Year 6 Action Group Leaders. This event is a moment of pride for both students and families as we formally recognise these young leaders who will bring their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to various areas of College life.

A highlight of the ceremony will be the symbolic pinning of the leadership badge, where parents will place the badge on their child’s uniform. This touching moment represents not only the students’ commitment to leadership, but also the support and encouragement they receive from their families. We encourage all parents of our Year 6 leaders to attend and share in this memorable milestone.

 

Middle College Disco – Celebrating Harmony Week

The excitement continues on Friday, 21st March, with the Middle College Disco, an event to celebrate the end of Harmony Week. Harmony Week is a significant time to shine a light on the values of inclusivity, respect, and belonging for all cultures. It is a time to recognise and appreciate the diverse backgrounds that make our Pacific community unique and strong.

Through music, dance, and shared joy, our students will experience firsthand the beauty of coming together as one while embracing what makes each of us different. The disco will be a fun and engaging way for students to celebrate the message of "Everyone Belongs", which is at the heart of Harmony Week.

As a College, we believe that fostering respect and understanding among our students prepares them for a future where diversity is valued, and inclusion is a natural part of life. Events like these not only bring joy but also reinforce the important values we seek to instil in our young people. The link for Year 6-9 Disco Night tickets is here.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Student Engagement Middle College

One of Pacific Way’s statements surrounds the notion of self-belief. In many ways, we are continually developing capacity and resilience in the way we view ourselves. This is not always easily done. Neuroplasticity is in an exciting space, and more is being learnt about our ability to rewire our thinking and increase our resilience.

Week 5’s theme was of a positive view of a personal future and connected well to developing resilience and persistence in our young people. This theme is worth revisiting throughout the year at home and at Pacific.

Renowned cognitive scientist, Nathan Wallis, asks us to view our brain as a garden. When we try something for the first time, we are developing a neural pathway through that garden. One that requires ongoing maintenance and cultivating. These pathways flourish when we are happy, settled and when cortisol is flowing, or scientifically when our frontal cortex is engaged and when our brain stem is quiet. Hereafter, they are reinforced by the message we send each other. Language plays a crucial role in the messages that are received by others, and interestingly, the story we tell ourselves.

Self-belief can be built by self-talk but not self-thought. Our brains are overloaded by thought but can be directed by out loud positive affirmations. Alternatively, these pathways can be eroded by negative talk from others and ourselves. The simple use of “yet” at the end of a sentence can have a significant impact on “under-construction” pathways in the brain. For example- “I haven’t learnt it - yet”.

As parents, choosing situations and scenarios that promote self-belief allows for your children to be exposed to challenges that may not be entirely smooth going to begin with. A balanced mix of risk and resilience allows young people to exhibit their competencies through considered experiences. By encouraging routines such as carrying their own school bag, organising personal resources, or making their own bed, you are sending them a strong signal that we believe in you and in turn, helping them believe in themselves, a disposition that flows into their learning, relationships and connections.

Keeping Safe Online

Online safety is a high priority at Pacific and is an ongoing part of our education for staff, students and parents at the College. Year 3 to 5 are engaging with Brainstorm Productions regarding building awareness of their online footprint and digital safety. This program engages students in conversations about values, respect and responsibility, and inspires them to build safer and more positive online experiences.

Zanna & the Lost Code is developed in collaboration with teachers and psychologists and is based on current research by the e-Safety Commissioner and cyber safety experts. Designed to support the curriculum and complement existing cyber safety, anti-bullying and student wellbeing programs.

In addition to this program all students across Year 3-5 will engage in weekly cyber education through a cybersafety program, HackersJack. The HackersJack curriculum educates and guides students around digital safety, security and privacy, digital hygiene and the importance of wellbeing and disconnecting from all devices for extended periods of time.

Student work in whole class lessons before individual modules inform and assess their comprehension of the digital world.  Collectively it is a shared responsibility to guide all children equally about the tremendous opportunities that digital connection can have whilst conversely informing of the harm that flippant decisions made online can bring. For more information I would encourage you to visit the website at  https://hackersjack.com/.

Periodically, Independent Schools Qld (ISQ) will provide online parent workshops around managing digital devices. This week, ISQ is inviting parents across it’s network to be part of a webinar -Screens, Social Media and Our Kids. This event will feature experts in the field Michelle Mitchell and Dr Matt O’Connor. Participation is free and will take place on the 13th of March from 7:00pm- 8:30 pm. Registration is open via this link.

Uniform and Expectations

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all students and parents for their support of the College Uniform Policy as outlined in our Uniform Guide. During assemblies, students are reminded that how we manage our uniform expectations shows the community how we present and care for self. A reminder that hair on all students should be always tied back if longer than the collar and that students should not be wearing hairstyles that bring undue attention to themselves. This includes “tracks” in the side of the head as well as haircuts shorter than a number two blade. Students have been reminded about expectations regarding hair and accessories this week. All hair bands in line with the colours of the college. Shoes and socks must match the uniform of the day.

Take care and God Bless,

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Student Engagement P-5

As parents, we play a vital role in shaping our children's learning experiences. One powerful way to support their development is by making thinking visible. Harvard researcher Ron Ritchhart, through Project Zero, has identified 9 Apps for Parents—simple yet impactful strategies to nurture a culture of thinking at home. These “apps” aren’t digital tools but practical habits that help children develop as independent, reflective, and engaged learners.

The first of these strategies is "Name and Notice Thinking"—a practice that strengthens your child’s ability to engage deeply with learning by making their thinking visible.

What Does It Mean to "Name and Notice Thinking"?

When we name and notice thinking, we explicitly acknowledge the strategies and thought processes our children use. Rather than simply praising the outcome—such as getting the right answer or finishing a task—we focus on the process that led them there.

For example, instead of saying, “Great job!” when your child solves a problem, you might say:

• “I like how you have used what you already know to make connections.”

• “That’s a perspective I hadn’t thought about.”

• “You’re comparing different ideas to see which makes the most sense.”

By using this kind of language, we help our children recognize and refine their thinking skills, developing confidence in their ability to tackle challenges.

Why Does This Matter?

When children hear their thinking named and noticed, they become aware of their thinking and how they can better direct their thinking. In doing so the begin to see themselves as capable thinkers and learners. They become more willing to take risks, reflect on their ideas, and persist through challenges. Over time, this strengthens their independence, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities—critical skills for lifelong learning.

How Can You Start?

1. Be specific – Instead of general praise, focus on the thinking strategy your child is using.

2. Model curiosity – Share your own thinking aloud to show how you make connections, solve problems, or reflect on ideas.

3. Encourage reflection – Ask open-ended questions like, “How did you come up with that idea?” or “What makes you think that?”

By weaving this approach into everyday conversations, you nurture a culture of thinking at home, helping your child grow into a confident and capable learner.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore the rest of the 9 Apps for Parents, offering simple ways to enrich your child’s thinking at home. Let us know how this first strategy works for your family—we’d love to hear your experiences!

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of  Learning K - 5

Holiday Program Opportunities to gain Industry Experience and QCE Points

Year 10-12 Students that are interested in the opportunity to undertake one of the holiday programs that we have showcased are encouraged to refer to the information below and discuss their plans to engage in any of the programs with the Careers and VET team.

Cert II Outdoor Education = 4 QCE Points

Students who are interested in undertaking the Cert II Outdoor Education holiday program have an opportunity to enrol for following school holidays:

•          APRIL 06/04/2025 – 18/04/2025

•          JUNE/JULY 29/06/2025 – 11/07/2025

•          SEPTEMBER 21/09/2025 – 03/10/2025

•          DECEMBER/JANUARY 11/01/2025 - 23/01/2026

For students aged 15 years or older and currently in Year 10, 11, or 12, this course offers a unique opportunity to specialise in a water sport of their choosing, with options including SCUBA diving, surfing, sailing, jet-skiing, or kayaking. By completing this program, it can open doors to exciting job prospects as an outdoor activity assistant or as a participant in various industries, including tourism, outdoor education, and sport & fitness. Students also gain a foundation for pursuing further studies in outdoor leadership, making Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation a gateway to a world of thrilling possibilities.

For more details, email: enrolments@qmts.edu.au  or speak to Mr Ian Learoyd, Head of Vocational Education and Training  vet@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Hospitality Short course – Expressions of Interest open = 2 QCE Points

Expressions of interest are now open for the short course Coffee Skills / Food Safety on the student free days at the end of June (26th or 27th) by Axial Training at Pacific Lutheran College.  By completing this short course the students not only learn a suite of hospitality skills that will aid in seeking employment, but they will also benefit from a bonus of 2 QCE points upon completion of the course.

Course cost is $350.00 with all learning materials and resources provided.

To register your interest and to allow PLC to determine if this is an opportunity that we can provide please click here.

Cert II Health Assistant = 4 QCE Points

The School Holiday Programs are designed for students who are keen to undertake training to obtain the HLT23221 Certificate II in Health Support Services or the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance who do not wish to drop a subject at school, or they’re currently completing additional VET in School training.

It is flexible in nature and convenient option to gain valuable knowledge and skills without affecting student’s regular school curriculum. The School Holiday Program consists of two intakes as follows:

• HLT23221 Certificate II in Health Support Services: Semester 1 - April to July, 2025,  VETiS funding available or fee for service $998

• HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance: Semester 2 – September, Must have completed HLT23221 Certificate II in Health Support Services as a prerequisite, $998

For more details, email or speak to Mr Ian Learoyd, Head of Vocational Education and Training  vet@pacluth.qld.edu.au

 

How to book a Careers Appointment

Senior College students are encouraged to access the Careers Bookings Calendar and manage their own careers appointments, including inviting parents to join a meeting, either in person or via zoom.  Simply select the type of career related appointment you would like and as a courtesy please ensure you check with your teacher before you miss all or part of a lesson when you make a booking.

Book appointments via the link or the QR code.

 

Career Conversations @ Home – Helping parents have positive career chats!

Organisation: Arrive & Thrive

Location: Online

Date: March 20th, 2025

Come join Tyson Day, the Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator of Arrive & Thrive, as he shares the best way to have impactful career conversations in and around your home environment that produce clarity, career discovery, and momentum. Tyson will share concepts and practices that he has learned through his 10+ years of experience in career education and from the 85,000 students who have attended Arrive & Thrive workshops since 2019.

In the webinar, you can expect to learn:

•          How to positively influence your young person in their career decisions.

•          How to effectively navigate the future of work and understand your young person's options.

•          How to communicate effectively through the GROW model to support your young person in career exploration.

All participants will receive a Career Conversation Kit to kick off conversations with their young person as soon as possible! Find out more and register here.

 

Medicine Information Evening

Organisation: University of Queensland- UQ

Location: UQ St Lucia Campus & Online

Date: March 18th to March 19th, 2025

Attend our information sessions to learn about studying medicine at the University of Queensland.

Hear from UQ Medical School staff, UQ alumni and current students on the changing medical climate, how to apply for medicine at UQ, and tips for success.

•          Explore the current climate and magnitude of medicine.

•          Learn how to apply for our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

•          Discover our multiple entry routes and partnerships with CQUniversity and UniSQ.

•          Get advice from recent graduates and current students.

•          Engage in an interactive Q&A panel with alumni and current students.

•          Network with current medical students.

Find out more and register here.

 

Headstart Information Evening, Sunshine Coast

Organisation: University of the Sunshine Coast- UniSC

Location: UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus

Date: March 18th, 2025

Join us at our Headstart Information Evening where we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the program, including how Year 10 students can now enrol in Semester 2 Headstart subjects (in addition to Year 11 and 12 students). Headstart gives school students a real university experience, allowing you to study first-year university subjects and possibly receive credit to take time off your degree. Find out more and register here.

 

UniMelb 101: A webinar for Queensland students

Organisation: University of Melbourne- UniMelb

Location: Online

Date: March 18th, 2025

Ever wondered what it's like to study at the University of Melbourne, in the heart of Australia's most liveable city? If you’re from Queensland, this is your chance to find out. UniMelb 101 is a live Q&A webinar designed for you to ask your burning questions about study at Melbourne, entry requirements specific to your high school curriculum and the exciting student life and community that awaits you.

Book your place now and you’ll gain exclusive access to a pre-recorded session where you’ll be introduced to:

• How the UniMelb curriculum supports you to explore your passions, follow your curiosity and find your path through our wide range of majors and breadth subjects.

• Our Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS), Access Melbourne, which takes into consideration your personal circumstances in your VTAC application – you may even be eligible for guaranteed entry.

• The Narrm Scholarship Program, which offers a living allowance to help you with the cost of living and tailored academic and wellbeing support to build your connections and make the most of your time at Melbourne.

• Student accommodation options and student life initiatives to support you in making Melbourne your new home and feeling welcomed by our community.

• How you can take advantage of opportunities in and out of the classroom, such as concurrent diplomas, work-integrated learning and internships, exchange programs, and peer mentoring.

At the live Q&A, you’ll also hear from some of our current students who have made the move from to Melbourne and be able to ask them questions about their experiences. Find out more and register here.

 

Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development

In today’s digital world, screens are an unavoidable part of life. While technology has brought many benefits, the growing concern among mental health professionals and educators—including Jonathan Haidt in The Anxious Generation—is that excessive screen time is having a profound impact on children’s mental health and development. One of the key issues is the opportunity cost of screen time: every hour spent on a device is an hour not spent engaging in real-life play, which is critical for healthy social, emotional, and cognitive development.

The Opportunity Cost of Screens

When children spend excessive time on screens—whether for social media, gaming, or entertainment—they miss out on vital real-world experiences. Face-to-face play helps children develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation. It teaches them how to read facial expressions, understand body language, resolve conflicts, and build meaningful relationships. These are skills that cannot be fully developed through online interactions.

Haidt’s research highlights that the decline in real-world play and interaction correlates with rising levels of anxiety, depression, and social difficulties in young people. The shift from outdoor, unstructured play to screen-based entertainment has significantly reduced opportunities for risk-taking, creativity, and resilience-building—all crucial elements of a child’s growth.

The Importance of Real-Life Play

Unstructured, real-life play—whether it’s climbing trees, playing tag, or simply spending time talking with friends in person—offers countless benefits for children:

· Emotional resilience: Through play, children learn to manage frustration, handle disappointment, and regulate their emotions.

· Social skills: Engaging in real-world interactions helps children practice cooperation, negotiation, and empathy.

· Physical health: Active play supports motor skills, coordination, and overall well-being, reducing the risk of sedentary lifestyle-related health issues.

· Independence and problem-solving: When children play without constant adult direction, they learn to navigate challenges and make decisions on their own.

Encouraging a Healthy Balance

Parents and educators play a crucial role in setting healthy screen time limits while encouraging real-world engagement. Here are some practical steps to foster a better balance:

· Set screen-free zones and times (e.g., during meals, before bed, and for at least an hour after school).

· Encourage outdoor and social play by creating opportunities for children to interact in person with friends and family.

· Model healthy screen habits by prioritizing face-to-face interactions over digital distractions.

· Support structured and unstructured play through sports, hobbies, and creative activities that allow for both guidance and free exploration.

The Bigger Picture

Technology is here to stay, and screens will always be a part of modern life. However, ensuring that children have enough time away from screens to engage in meaningful, real-world play is essential for their long-term well-being. By setting thoughtful boundaries and encouraging hands-on, face-to-face experiences, we can help the next generation grow into confident, socially capable, and emotionally resilient individuals.

For more insights, explore The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and consider ways to support healthy screen habits.

PLC Counselling Team

Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Support, Mrs Kelsie Munroe, Middle Years Counsellor and Mrs Sara Taverner, Learning Enrichment P -5 & Counsellor 

We had a great Coffee Meet Friday 28th February with FoP team members and College staff attending. Come along to our next coffee meet at the Coral Café on Friday 14th March, it’s a great opportunity to connect with the College and community.

On Friday 28th February we had a very successful pop-up stall selling frozen treats and drinks. Thank you to all the parents and students who supported us. It was wonderful to see so many students (sometimes lined up 10-20 people deep) all so well mannered, with many saying, "Thank you and have a great weekend!"

Upcoming Events:

• Next Coffee Meet at the Coral Cafe -Friday 14 March 8am -8:20am 
• FoP General Meeting -Tuesday 18th March-6:30pm -College Library

 

Date Claimer – OCEANfest Friday 15th August 2025

Ms Jan Watman, Chairperson - Friends of Pacific

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)

March

12-21  NAPLAN

13-14   Prep Vision Screening

14        FoP Coffee Meet

18        FoP Meeting

20        Installation of Pastor Mark Winter

25-27  P-5 Parent Conferences

25      PLC Learning Hub

26      Kids Lit Quiz

27      Yr 4-6 Gala Day

27-28  Yr 11 Retreat

31-2    Yr 5 Camp

 

April

31-2      Yr 5 Camp

2          Senior College Conferences

4          K-12 Chapel

4          Yr 3-12 Cross-Country

4          Term 1 Concludes