Agents of Change

A fortnight ago I wrote about change within the context of being comfortable with the uncomfortable and being able to accept change as an everyday part of life. You may recall the New Ways November calendar which I shared. I wonder how many of us actioned at least one of the challenges up to the middle of November? Crucially, stepping out of our comfort zone to enact change requires amongst other things, effort. This week we have had a concentrated focus on the departing class of 2021. There is great joy as friends reminisce of years gone by, friendships made, lessons learnt, and the excitement of what is to come.

Whilst reflecting on the past is important, and being present in the moment is necessary, my wish for the graduating class of 2022 is for them to be future focused agents of change. More so than ever before, our society requires young people with drive, courage, compassion, agency, and creativity. I would hope that through their Pacific journey they have individually and collectively, grown in their capacity to enact change for the greater good having been shaped by the core values of the College; Care, Dignity, and Respect. We thank you, the families, for being their support network as we lived, learned and laughed together. We thank them for their contribution over the years and wish them well for their future endeavours.

Personal Best

Martin Luther is credited with saying, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” Over the last several days, students across Middle College and Year 10 have certainly picked up their pen or used a laptop to complete their end of year examinations for several subjects. Whilst Luther’s quote here may be seen as challenging, I would encourage our young people to consider its deeper meaning. Certainly, as a community, we have learning as our purpose and indeed we collectively strive to embed within our young people’s thinking, a genuine desire to exhibit dispositions that point to a culture of academic excellence. To this end, I would encourage all students to aim for their personal best. Ultimately though, this is one metric of a student’s life at the College, and I would encourage honest reflection, as grades come through, about where they can not only improve, but also where they have shown kindness, compassion, and respect for others throughout the year.

STEM Showcase

I was thoroughly impressed, and equally challenged to keep pace with the STEM experts and future innovators, who displayed their creations for the community STEM and IT showcase. Once again, I was in awe at the extent to which students spoke so freely, confidently and competently, about their projects. I congratulate Mr Wes Warner and his team for their leadership, and the families and staff who supported this wonderful evening.

Uniform

Whilst the vast majority of students in Middle and Senior College are presenting well, there has been a number of students who have been identified as not having the correct hat with them or a hat that needs replacing. I would encourage families to connect with Mrs Peta King in the Uniform Shop to arrange for a new formal hat if your child’s hat is looking worse for wear.

Thank you to all the families for your continued support and partnership in 2021. The manner in which students have risen to the occasion so many times is testament to the collaborative nature of our Pacific community. I look forward to 2022, with the excitement that a new year and the new Buran House will bring. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a safe and relaxing time over the holidays with loved ones.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students