Welcome to 2023

The start of a new school year brings with it a range of emotions. Year 12 students are excited for the experiences and celebrations that come in their final year at Pacific, mixed in with nervousness at what lies ahead. Year 6 students and families are enthusiastic as they step into what it means to be in Middle College, and also a little nervous as they step into new experiences. New students have a sense of anticipation as they leave previous schools and friends and look forward to connecting in their new environment. New beginnings for everyone have started. The first week back is in full swing. It was great to see so many new students at College and to see them begin to settle into Pacific life.

It has been great to see the students start the year enthusiastically and with good focus in classrooms across the College. In assembly this week we started to look at the core values at Pacific of “care, dignity and respect”. As a part of the Pacific Lutheran College community, everything that we do revolves around these three central principles and we will be exploring these more throughout the year. I would also encourage all students to get involved in every opportunity they are given throughout the year to make the most of their time at the College. Our goal for students in the Middle College is to have everyone participating in at least one co-curricular event per semester to maximise their involvement and explore new horizons.

Thank you to all who attended the Commencement Service on Tuesday evening. Students across all Houses were well-represented and we wish our newly installed College Captains, Pacific Action Group Captains, Year 12 House Captains and Year 9 House Leaders all the very best in their roles this year. There are a lot of exciting things planned and we look forward to seeing them play out throughout the year.

We wish the Year 8 cohort all the very best as they embark on the first Outdoor Education experience for the year when they head to Somerset Dam next week. This will be a great experience for all and an ideal opportunity for the group to get to know each other better and develop new friendships and connections within their cohort. A big thank you to Mr Paul Brace and his team for the organisation and running of this for our families. While Year 8 students are on their outdoor experience, a reminder that there is a Middle College parent information evening next week (Monday) from 6.00pm on the school grounds. Parents have been notified about this and I look forward to meeting you on the night.

I hope that you all have a great year ahead, and I look forward to seeing the students grow and immerse themselves throughout 2023.

Mr Mark Hauser, Director of Students