Congratulations to the transitioning classes of 2021

As the year ends, I would like to take the time to reflect on the journey of the current Year 5 students. Toward the end of last year, we began meeting as small groups to chart a course as they prepared for their final year in the Junior College.

As a cohort, they identified a need to give back more to our College community and as a result, the Gawun was born. This will forever be their legacy. Not only has it been heart-warming to see the interactions and support that our Gawun leaders have provided, they have also learnt more about themselves as individuals and as leaders. Their involvement in playground events, encouraging learning with younger students and supporting our Foundation College onto the school grounds in the mornings, has provided tangible examples of the impact that our young people can have on each other. 

I would like to thank the transitioning class of Year 5 in 2021, for the dedication shown to their learning, for their warmth and sense of humour, and their commitment to many important causes both within the college and in the community. As a Junior College, we look with interest as to what the remainder of your journey at Pacific will hold. 

We also acknowledge our Year 2 cohort as they transition from the Foundation to the Junior College. We celebrate the gifts that have been nurtured through your time in the Foundation College and we look forward to continued growth as you enter your next phase of learning. We are excited to welcome the cohort into our new Junior College Learning Space at the beginning of next year.  

Wellbeing growth

As this is my last Compass article for the year, I would like to make special mention of Mrs Sarah Atkinson and Miss Kathryn Eccles who have worked hard to provide Assembly messages and clear and relevant direction of the social and emotional growth of students in the Junior School. Pastoral care of students and the promotion of the message at school and home provides a connection so parents and carers have a strong understanding of the messages addressed here at school.  

Ceremonies and celebrations 

Next week we will begin to formally commend the achievement by our junior school students, staff and families with an Academic Awards Ceremony on Friday 26th November and Prep to 5 Closing Service on Monday 29th of November. An email setting out more specific details was sent home this week. With our COVID safe plan still in place, all events will be ticketed events and open to the community in a reduced capacity.  

End of Year functions 

As has been the case for the majority of the year, students sharing of food is not permissible for the end of the year class parties and events. These guidelines extend to bringing food items such as candy canes and lollies for distribution to other class members. We ask you to follow the direction communicated by your child’s teacher regarding end of year functions. 

As the end of the year is nearly upon us, I would like to thank the wider PLC community for the way you have supported our staff and students in changing circumstances. We truly appreciate the way you have supported the restrictions and changes that have needed to be implemented. I hope that you all have a safe and restful Christmas and we look forward to having a more conventional beginning to the start of our 2022 school year. 

Take care and God bless

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