We are one

On Monday, we held the first of our split assemblies. Every second week, our assemblies will meet as a Foundation College (Prep-2) and two weeks after as a Junior College (3-5). We will meet as Prep-5 every alternate week. We are hopeful that by meeting in smaller clusters, that we may tailor our pastoral focus learning and celebrations.

In our Prep-2 assembly we have begun to learn the words and meanings of our Australian National Anthem. The change of wording in the first line from “young” to “one” is timely as our concentrated focus for this term is ‘You Can Do It’.  This theme outlines how we are the same in many facets and our commonality and acceptance of others helps us build, maintain and mend relationships.

Our ongoing assembly theme of right skills, right time, right plan helps our students call on expertise and competencies to solve problems they encounter. However, from time to time, we do have disagreements and differing of opinions and over the next weeks, we will be examining what constitutes a well-made apology.

How to apologise with feeling:

• Express your remorse.

• (I’m sorry.)
  • Take responsibility by naming what part you played in the harm.
• (I shouldn’t have shouted at you.)

• Show others how your actions have impacted them.

• (I know that it upset you when I did that.)

• Ask for forgiveness and promise to work hard to do better in the future.

• (I will try to control myself in the future, so it doesn’t happen again.)

Apologies never:

• Blame others.
• Make excuses for how others feel, or
• Contain a “but”. (I am sorry but…..)

By following this process, we are accepting responsibility and acknowledging hurt. There is always an element of “give” in “forgiveness” and by encouraging the acceptance of apologies, we clear the way for fresh starts within our relationships.

Service

I would like to thank the many volunteers amongst the Year 5 Gawun Leaders who gave up their own time to be part of the Open Day Tours last Sunday. The motivation of our student leaders has been outstanding and by joining students from the Middle and Senior College provided an added perspective of the opportunities and learning occurring within the Junior College. The feedback on the day from families new to the college was exemplary and we thank all students for their involvement in showcasing our college to the community.

Year 4 Outdoor Education

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Year 4 Outdoor Education Experience at QCCC in Mapleton. It was the first time PLC has utilised the venue and it was a great success. The planning and co-ordination between learning experiences and curriculum was outstanding and I would like to thank Ms Kim Wood for her co-ordination and oversight. Ms Wood was ably supported by Mrs Sarah Atkinson, Mr. Joe Doran, Mrs Amanda Empson, Ms Pia Henriksen and Mrs Natalie Rollings. It is an intentional move to increase the days away in Year 4 and it was noticeable how much the students grew during their time away. The students were very tired at the end of the last day but were able to articulate their learning and growth succinctly. A powerful part of any Outdoor Education Program at the college is contributing to their camp journal which will ultimately be presented to them on their exit to the college in Year 12. The students, reflections and documentations provide a snapshot of their experiences throughout their time at the college.

Uniform

As the weather cools, we are asking parents and students for their support of the uniform policy by combining the correct jumper with the appropriate uniform. Our conversation regarding care for self, surrounds how we present ourselves to the community and in so many ways our uniform is an observable and easily recognisable sign for others to read the story we want to tell others. We also ask that jumpers are named so they may be returned to their owners quickly as they are often discarded as the weather warms during the day. We thank you in advance for your support.

Take care and God bless,

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5