Father's Day

This Sunday we acknowledge the fathers and father figures in all of our lives and remember those who have passed by honouring the legacy they have left. It is my hope that all students have, at some stage, been witness to the actions of a positive male role model. Actions which should include demonstrating respect for women, showing empathy and emotion, as well as helping around the house. According to Steve Biddulph, one of the world’s leading parent educators, male adolescents in particular, need more than just their father figure in their lives. Biddulph refers to these external role models as male mentors and indicates the significant place these males have in an adolescent’s life as they grow into adulthood. I encourage you all to consider who are the male role models in your child’s life and to celebrate this Sunday with them too.

Over the past fortnight, I have had the privilege of being involved in two distinct interview processes. The first being the Year 5 interviews for students entering Middle College in 2020. Middle College is a time for students to begin spreading their wings and grow into confident, creative and curious learners. Research tells us that students need to feel connected to school in some way in order for them to truly make gains as learners. We are truly blessed to have such connected children at Pacific.

The second group of students I interviewed were those in Year 11 applying for 2020 leadership positions. Together with the Head of Senior College Students Mr Mark Hauser and the Heads of House Mr Chris Mundey, Mr Damien Evans and Ms Leigh Finter, interviews took place over the course of several days. The calibre of candidates was truly remarkable. All applicants demonstrated a deep desire to lead the College across a variety of domains. We thank Mr Hauser for his leadership of this important process.

At the Middle College assembly this week, we celebrated the academic achievements of our Year 6-9 students in Semester 1. The recipients of the Academic Excellence and Endeavour Awards demonstrated grit and determination and true effort in their studies throughout Semester 1. I encourage all students to develop these traits as they progress into Semester 2 studies and beyond.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students