Holding Their Attention

There is simply not enough space in this article to document every single event, production, activity, opportunity, subject pathway, club, experience or creative lesson that has either occurred or is offered at Pacific Lutheran College. The range of experiences provides the opportunity for all students to become engaged in a holistic education that ignites their curiosity and fuels their passion.

At Pacific, we have an intentional focus on Dr Martin Seligman’s PERMA model of enhancing wellbeing and happiness, of which ‘engagement’ is a key component. Seligman refers to ‘finding flow’ when we are fully immersed in an activity. Collectively, as an educative community, we continue to guide our young ones to assist them to find their flow and more importantly listen to their voice as they indicate what drives their learning.

Students’ grit and determination to put in their best effort last week at the Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival was clear. Perhaps what was even more evident was the house spirit and positive energy that was exhibited by all students. Thank you to Mr Brett Kersnovske, Mrs Natalie Campbell and their team for a successful day of track and field events. We wish all athletes who are selected for the District Carnival the very best.

This week, Year 8 students were exposed to a diverse array of activities as they engaged in at their Outdoor Education Experience. Navigation, hiking, canoeing, group cooking and selecting an appropriate campsite each night required students, perhaps for the first time, to tap into skills that ensured a successful outcome for the group of which they were a member. The ‘solo’ experience enabled students to spend time contemplating and engaging with their place in the world. Certainly, the chance to spend a few hours alone in nature, albeit safely supervised by staff, provided a rare and perhaps even difficult experience for teenagers who are so often engaged in digital technology. We thank all Pacific teaching and support staff, led by Head of Outdoor Education Mr Nick Tait, who gave of their time so our Year 8 students were able to experience such rich outdoor education in the Bornhoffen-Lamington Region.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students