A Positive View of the Future

For many years, the start of the school year has been mainly routine. There is the preparation of spaces, buying of uniforms and the impending excitement of another year of possibilities. This year has been anything but routine. A delayed start, managing illness and isolation and more recently, a major weather event. Our theme for the next two weeks could appear to be a challenging one. How do we maintain a positive view of the future with so much uncertainty around? 

Part of our holistic formation of children involves the intentional use of mindfulness. By being present in the now, we allow ourselves to refocus on the priorities and blessings of the day. Being able to let go of the past and not allowing ourselves to get too far into the future, allows us to be present in the gifts we possess today. As stated in Matthew 6:34 “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” 

Restorative Approaches

A crucial part of the Pastoral Care process at Pacific is the attention and faith given to supporting students through restorative frameworks. The purpose of restorative practices is to restore or build relationships and support young people to understand and take responsibility for the impact of their actions. Restorative circles can take a variety of forms and serve many purposes.

The implementation of Circle Time is an important part of our framework. Circle Time is a practical way to skill young people to listen with understanding, tune into feelings and begin to see the world from others’ viewpoint. These Circle Times are intentionally timetabled into classes to build and maintain relationships and encourage a sense of belonging. The ‘grab and go’ Circle Time kit covers such topics as dealing with arguments, what we need when we are hurt and blaming versus fixing. The skills built within this environment aim to build our students' capacity to navigate the sometimes-confusing world of interpersonal relationships.

At times, relationships and actions of others can impact the wellbeing of others. At Pacific, we use these events as learning experiences and give voice to all sides to encourage a holistic view of what has transpired.

As a College we encourage our students to be vocal about such incidents whilst at school. Circle Times and restorative conferencing provide an avenue for children to articulate any potential issues that may have occurred. Our hope as a College is that we are encouraging agency within our students to speak up in a safe and supportive environment and undertake the due process to restore the relationships that may have suffered harm. These restorative processes can be the beginning of a journey to repair harm, and at times, require continuous monitoring. Communication is vital, and I encourage you to keep in close contact with your child’s classroom teacher should you need to give further information or need clarification on wellbeing matters.

National Ride2School Day 

National Ride2School Day is an initiative of the Bicycle Network and is Australia's largest celebration of active travel to school.  

Ride2School Day encourages students to get physically active and ride, scoot or skate to school. 

This year’s National Ride2School day is scheduled for Friday 25 March 2022. 

The council promotes this event to all schools in the Sunshine Coast Council region and provides prize incentives to encourage student participation. 

Don't miss out. If you live far from your school, ride at least part of the way. 

To register click here before 5pm on Friday 25 March to enter the draw for your chance to win. Prizes include 4 x $500 bike shop vouchers. 

Conditions apply. Prize winners must be school-age children attending a school in the Sunshine Coast Council area, be registered for council's prize draw and travel to school by riding, scooting, skating or walking on Friday 25 March 2022 

Take care and God bless.

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