Opportunities and Growth

Congratulations to the transitioning classes of 2022

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 have continued the legacy of service in action through the Gawun program. Not only has it been heart-warming to see the interactions and support that our Gawun leaders have provided, they too have learnt more about themselves as individuals and as leaders. Their involvement in playground events, encouraging learning with younger students and supporting our Foundation College on the school grounds in the mornings, has provided tangible examples of the impact that our young people can have on each other. They have set an admirable example to their buddies in Prep also.

I would like to thank the transitioning class of Year 5s in 2022 for the dedication shown to their learning, 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, Mrs. Shelley Hogan and Mrs. Kirsty Ridley who have provided meaningful assembly messages that offered clear and relevant direction of the social and emotional path of students in the Junior School. Pastoral care of students and the promotion of the message at school and home provide a connection so parents, carers and teachers can work in partnership in the nurturing of our children.

Extracurricular opportunities

During the last week, we have had the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students through music experiences and sporting awards. The Year 5 and 6 concert band along with the Year 3 and 4 strings students provided the platform to celebrate the amazing talent throughout those years and also provided a snapshot of the individual growth of students, some of whom have been involved in instrumental music for four years. Both were well attended by the wider community and it is great to be able to share the music experience with an audience once again. I would like to thank Mrs Helen Williams for her leadership of this program as well as Mrs Carlie Purkis and Mr Paul Cusick for their continued leadership of Music across the Junior College.

This week’s sporting awards showcased the wide and varied sporting choices that are provided by the College. From House carnivals and SCISSA sport, to run club and board riders, students are provided with an enormous choice to become involved in many areas that help build individual capacity. It is often said that sport doesn’t build character, it reveals it. The friendships, camaraderie and healthy competitiveness that are promoted through sport here at Pacific are a credit to our Head of Junior Sport, Mr Darren Hooper, who leads a committed team that continues to build a healthy sporting culture here at Pacific. I would like to thank all teaching staff and sports coaches for their support of the program and the benefits that it brings.

Ceremonies and celebrations

In the next fortnight, we will begin to formally commend the achievement of our Junior College students, staff and families with the Prep-5 Closing Service on Monday 28^th of November. An email setting out more specific details was sent home this week.

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 the bringing of 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.

Gratitude

Saying thanks and expressing gratitude is a large part of what we promote here at the College. In my privileged position, I would like to express my thanks to the College community. My youngest son graduates this week, and therefore marks the end of my ten-year journey as a parent here at Pacific. It is often looking backwards that we see the now. When a child moves through this College, every interaction goes toward shaping that person as the young adult we see today. Thank you to everyone that has guided and shaped the students that will graduate this week. As a family, we have been truly blessed to be a part of the wider Pacific community.

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas break.

Take care and God bless.

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