Everyone, Everywhere, Every Time.

This year’s Reconciliation Week reminded us that collectively we are many parts of the bigger picture. We all have individual stories to tell yet it is through listening and connecting that we broaden our understandings of each other. Of course, reconciliation doesn’t run for one week, it acts as a reminder to constantly express empathy and understanding when the need arises.

At assembly this week I shared a message that at times difference can create fear. At times, fear turns to anger and is expressed as words and actions designed to hurt. This reaction can be explained by our neurology, our need to see things as different to protect ourselves. However, when we react on our differences without thought, marginalisation, and isolation can occur.  It is our collective responsibility that this not occur.

Everyone has the right to be respected, valued, and listened to, regardless of who they are. Our abilities, appearances, and capabilities are the very things that make us unique. It is a timely reminder to us all that how we conduct ourselves in the things we do and say, is an extension of who we are as individuals, where our family values lie as well as our College intents. By investing in new ways of thinking, collaborating, and understanding we learn from each other and in turn grow individually.

Respect and dignity sit at the centre of who we are.

Everyone, everywhere, every time deserves the same.

School TV

An essential element of education at PLC is the recognition by parents, staff, and students that the success of each child’s education relates to a cooperative approach and effective communication. Today parents face many modern-day challenges in raising happy, well, and resilient young people. Whilst a great deal of information is available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

The information on SchoolTV is easily digestible in video and newsletter form and includes insights and input from a leading professional in child and adolescent development, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. SchoolTV is designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. Topics include Anxiety, Diet, and Nutrition, Dealing with School Transitions, Online Safety, etc.

Parents can access the site at http://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/ and click on ‘Launch SchoolTV’.

Sport

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the Years 4-6 Gala Day across various venues around the coast. All coaches reported a successful day of enjoyment and competition. Being a part of the SCISSA network allows these opportunities to take place. We thank all the coaches and staff involved in planning and implementing these unique sporting experiences.

SCISSA Sport is only one aspect of the many sporting opportunities that are available to students here at Pacific. This term we have had athletics carnivals and interschool sporting competitions and we look forward to concluding with our P-2 Cross Country Carnival next week. Sport is an integral part of the co-curricular program here at Pacific and one that is heartily embraced by the student body. The benefits that sport provides are unable to reach its full potential without the leadership of Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Lisa Muir, who ably assist all sporting programs across the Junior College and the many teachers who take SCISSA teams during the term and assisted ably during our athletics carnival. We are grateful for the many gifts they bring to sport here at Pacific.

Grandparents Day and Special Friends Day

Last year Grandparents and Special Friends moved from its traditional date in Term 4 to early in Term 3. This year it will be held on the 2nd of August, which is the end of Week 4. Specific communication regarding the day will come from the College shortly. We look forward to sharing our campus with you on this day, which is always one of the highlights of the College Calendar.

Take care, and God Bless.

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