Principal’s Log

As we engage in National Reconciliation Week, we are encouraged to deepen our understanding of the way in which actions and decisions in the past have impacted and continue to impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to play our part to reconcile and come together as one nation. As a College and members of Lutheran Education Queensland our staff have had the opportunity to engage with the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in different forums. A common response after these experiences has been surprise at our general lack of awareness of the stories of our past from both a local, regional and national perspective. As a College we continue to develop our understanding and look for authentic ways in which we can deepen our understanding and support our community to come together as one. We are enriched as individuals and as community where we have understanding and a deep valuing of the contribution of different cultures and histories, particularly that of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people to the shaping of who we are. Thank you to staff and students who have led activities this week to support our growth in understanding.

We thank our community for your generous support of the Red Shield appeal with over 3000 non-perishable food and household items being donated. These items together with the $1,000 donation were greatly appreciated by the Salvation Army and will go a long way to providing for many within the Caloundra community. We thank the Spirituality and Service Captains Kiana Campbell and Kai Sorbello and Chaplain Mark Hauser for their leadership of this hope giving community action.

It was a pleasure last night to go and watch our Under 13 and Under 15 Rugby teams compete against Siena College. The U13 team competed well. The U13 team and coach Mr Rob Belchamber are to be congratulated on their growth over the season. We look forward to their future growth in the seasons ahead as they grow together as a team. The U15 team previously undefeated in the season also played hard right to the end scoring some late tries to give them confidence in their upcoming rematch in the semi-finals. We wish the U15 team and coaches Mr Josh Cummins and Mr Jack Packer all the best for their finals.

We wish our Junior A Reserve Netball team and coach Mrs Emma Lendrum, PLC Crystal and Junior C team, PLC Garnet and coach Kiana Muir, all the best for their grand final matches next week. All teams are to be congratulated on their season and it was exciting to see 7 of our 9 teams reach the finals this year. It was exciting for our Senior A team to be coached by Lightning Player Ash Ervin. The Senior A team are to be congratulated on a very successful year where injuries in the final week of competition impacted on their progress to the finals. Well done to all of the players and coaches and particularly to our Head of Netball, Mrs Michelle Duffy for her leadership. We encourage our community to support our Junior girls in their Grand Final which occurs at 4.00pm next Monday at the Fisherman Road complex.

Last Thursday our students enjoyed the opportunity to compete at the Years 7-12 Athletics Carnival. We congratulate Buran House as the overall winning house and all students who participated with great spirit. We wish all those students in District Athletic competitions all the best. We thank Mr Cameron West McInnes and Mrs Lisa Muir for their organisation and all staff for their leadership.

May God give us listening hearts and opportunities to develop, deeper understanding to enable us to grow together as one.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal