Principal’s Log

Grandparents Day is always one of the highlights of the year where young and old delight in sharing their knowledge and perspectives and have fun as they enjoy being at school together. While we are unable to have grandparents physically at school this year, we hope that families enjoy sharing the chapel that our Preps have prepared that celebrates our GRANDparents and the opportunity to share some special time together. The Prep – Year 5 students are looking forward to sharing the special gifts they have been making. In a year that has been difficult for many grandparents it is a good time for us all to celebrate the gifts that our parents and grandparents have brought into our lives.

There was considerable excitement as the Year 9 students were preparing to leave on their two week outdoor education experience, which is a special part of their Rite Journey. As well as enjoying the connection to nature, there is development of a broad range of interpersonal and social and emotional capacities. Times of stillness and connection to nature also provide the opportunity for a deepening awareness of their spiritual selves and growth of identity. The growth of confidence and independence is important as Year 9 students ready themselves to step into the Senior College. Young people exert and cultivate considerable efficacy and agency as they take responsibility for themselves and others in new settings. 

The Pacific Pulse Surf Contest is another wonderful experience on our annual calendar. Each year Pacific hosts this surf competition which provides opportunity for competitors from six local schools to test their skills against one another. It is a very professional day that students and their families enjoy greatly. We thank Mr Darren Hooper, Mr Damian Davis and Mrs Natalie Campbell for their leadership and organisation of the contest as well as our sponsors Souls Thongs, Beach Beat Caloundra, Rob Williams Real Estate and Bread and Barrels Accounting and Financial for their very generous support.

Book characters came to life around the College on Tuesday as staff and students enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate Book Week. A love of reading is one of the great gifts we can share with young people. We thank our library staff of Ms Nell Keen, Ms Madison Dearnaley, Mrs Peta Griffin and Mrs Lily Smith for the very creative and passionate way they support children’s exploration of the exciting world of books.

We pray that our Year 12 students will have clear and calm minds next week as they begin their external examinations.

We thank God for the many gifts He has given us through our grandparents and pray that God continues to encourage and strengthen them in the many important roles they play in our families and community.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal