Principal's Log

The capacity for young people to use their strengths to make a difference was clearly evident at the National finals of the Future Problem Solving Competition held in Brisbane over the weekend. Three of our Year 7 teams enjoyed sharing their projects that provided practical actions to support those affected by domestic violence, support students to enhance their connections and confidence within the school setting and provide connection between youth and older members of the community. We also had individual students participating in the problem solving and presentation sections. The competition provides an opportunity for students to develop important solution finding skills and attitudes, connect with like minded students from across the country and to benefit from mentoring of adult leaders in areas such as authorship, project management and problem solving.

All teams and students performed well, representing themselves and the College very well. We thank Mrs Linda Sydes, Mrs Jo Belchamber and Mr Rob Belchamber for their preparation, support and leadership over the weekend. We particularly acknowledge Mrs Linda Sydes who has put considerable effort into supporting the students to develop projects that are likely to have ongoing benefits to the Pacific and broader community. We also thank Ms Adele Byerlee who has played a key role in the leadership of these teams and support of individuals. It was great to see so many families, including staff members there on Saturday to support the students.  Well done to everyone involved for engaging in such a powerful learning experience.

This week we welcomed students new to the Middle College at our Middle College Orientation Day. Pacific students played a key role in providing a wonderful welcome to students new to the College.  It was great to hear of the strong student engagement with the activities that ran throughout the day. We thank our teachers who planned and delivered engaging learning activities. A special thank you to Chappie Mark Hauser and the Heads of House who led a range of activities and then connected with parents at the Middle College Information evening. We thank Mr Mark Hauser, Mr Brett Kersnovske, Mrs Jo Belchamber, Mr Paul Cusick, Mr Cameron West-McInnes and Friends Of Pacific Chair, Mrs Carly Lovell who gave informative and professional presentations that highlighted the richness of growth available through a Pacific education at the parent information evening. Thank you to Mrs Jo Belchamber, Mr Brett Kersnovske, Mrs Leanne Bevis, Mr Steve Rattey, the hospitality team and ground staff for their organisation and leadership. Thanks to our staff and continuing and new students, and parents for creating such a wonderful day of connection and learning. 

There was the hum of deep thought as our Middle and Senior College students and staff competed in the finals of the Interhouse Chess competition earlier this week. Playing in 7 minute games there was mix of triumphant moves and ahh…wish I had seen that as pieces were removed from the board. Well done to all of the students and staff who were involved and congratulations to the winners. Thank you to the Academic Action Group leaders Beyond Mathew and Daniel Whittingham, and Mrs Jasmin Steven and Ms Trish Barone for staging a very enjoyable and entertaining event.

Our Intermediate Team acquitted themselves well at the Junior Secondary Championship School’s Basketball Tournament at the end of last week and over the weekend. As their first time in this level of competition the boys gained a great deal from the experience. We thank coach Mr Brad Burdon for his development of the boys over the year and he and Mr Cameron West-McInnes for their leadership of this great opportunity.

Our Year 9 students are enjoying and have grown through their 12 day Outdoor Education experience. We look forward to their return Friday afternoon and all of the stories they will be keen to share. We thank Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Paul Brace for his organisation and Mr Dave Druery, Ms Rebekah Horsey, Mr Liam Jacka, Ms Georgie Snelling, Mrs Sigrid Davis, Mr Duncan McNee, Ms Taylor Edwards, Mr Brendan Macaulay, Mr Josh Danzey, Mrs Leah Croke, Mrs Emma Lendrum, Mr Graham Kanowski, Mr Josh Cummins, Mr Brett Kersnovske and Ms Megan Bancks for their leadership and making this experience possible.

May God enable us to see and build on the strengths that people of all ages bring into families and comunity.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal