Collaborate, Connect and Commend

The framework attached to the Pacific Way identifies the three themes of “Me”, “We”, and “See” as holistically combining to form a complete picture of the development of the whole child. This term, during assemblies, and in addition to achievement, we will be looking in detail at the “We” component of individuals who relate to each other, how we learn together, what is a Christian community and how learning in the outdoors supports our relationships.

The “We” of The Pacific Way aims to build the attributes involved with collaboration. Humans are social beings, and as much as some of us relish a time to be alone, our connection with others helps us better understand ourselves.

One of the statements involved in the Pacific Way speaks of listening, valuing difference and celebrating the potential of others. Every day across the College, I am privileged to witness interactions that touch on these signposts. Conversations between students and staff allow the opportunity to listen and learn from each other and realise that the skills each of us possess are unique and enrich the lives of all around us.  It supports us in celebrating the learning and growth in each other and reminds us that our differences often unite us the most.

Gawun and Kids in Action

This term has seen the continued expansion of our service leadership model in Year 5. Our leaders have suggested ways to assist others from continued discussions from our Leadership Day at the end of Term One.  Our leaders are easily identifiable through the high-vis vests they wear and make a real impact in our College. Our leaders have been busy helping students enter the College from the Foundation car park, supporting readers, and helping in the playground and the library spaces. Many volunteered to lead tours during our recent Open Day and have taken the opportunity to support the Junior College by tailoring events such as Minecraft challenges for students to partake in.

In addition to this, a group of students took part in the developmental project day of the council-run program Kids in Action. This year’s theme involves biospHEROES, connecting caring and co-creating the future. The students visited the University of the Sunshine Coast and undertook a range of workshops designed to highlight the connected nature of systems and interwoven links within our local biospheres. Their next steps are to work as a team to develop a plan about an identified issue from the day and present their work to other students in the project later in the year. I thank the dedication and enthusiasm of the students, as this requires significant extra work on their part. Their passion for service significantly impacts other Junior Students, and they learn a lot about themselves in the process.

These opportunities don’t happen without a significant commitment from our Year Five teaching team, particularly Mrs Luanne Pollard, who is the driving force behind the Kids in Action Initiative.

Outdoor Education

When the Pacific Way was being planned, there was an intentionality in involving the Outdoor Education department in the finished proposal. How we access risk and what achievement looks like in an unfamiliar setting. Taking a calculated risk and that feeling of success take many varied forms. How we value others and communicate when outdoors is addressed throughout the document.

This week, our Year Four students will attend their component; when students return, I look forward to hearing about their experiences and growth within themselves. I thank Mr Paul Brace, the Year Four Teaching Team and the many staff involved in preparing this rich experience for our students. I look forward to witnessing the learning connection between the College and the outdoor classroom.

Chess

Congratulations to those Years Four and Five students who represented the College at the SCIPHA Chess tournament, held at Suncoast Christian College on Friday 5^th May. The competition was opened into two categories; Open and Novice. Our teams performed very well and, most importantly, had a great day mingling and learning from other chess enthusiasts.

Take care, and God bless.

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