Students P-5

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

This week we look forward to hosting Grandparents and Special Friends on the campus to celebrate their contribution to the lives of our students and share our College learning journey that takes place both inside and outside the classroom.

This day is always a highlight of the College year. Our Grandparents are like walking history books, filled with wisdom and stories from the past. They offer guidance and life lessons that come from years of experience. Their advice is often thoughtful and grounded, helping us navigate life's challenges and providing a sense of continuity and connection to our family's roots, enriching our lives with their love and knowledge.

The students are eager to showcase their learning and progress with their extended family. There is always a buzz of excitement across the Junior College from all involved as they discuss how schooling has changed through the years and what opportunities now present to our students.

We thank you for your attendance this Friday, and I would like to acknowledge the role that all extended community members play in the lives of our students. We trust that you have a small insight into a portion of what occurs during a day at the College and we thank our teaching, grounds, hospitality, and music staff for the planning and commitment to the day’s success. We look forward to welcoming you back to the College in 2025.

The Outdoor Classroom

Since the College’s inception, an intentional focus has been on the outdoor classroom. The building of student capacity through the Outdoor Education Program seeks to educate and grow students’ self-management in unfamiliar situations whilst reflecting and growing themselves and developing an appreciation of the environment and nature.

Our Pacific Way deliberately addresses how we collaborate, take risks, and show initiative. We also develop a deeper sense of God’s Creation and gain an insight into the Kabi Kabi People as the custodians of the land.

Next week, I will be fortunate to attend the Year Two Outdoor Education Experience on Chambers Island, on the Maroochy River. Across our Foundation Years, the College Outdoor Education Program is designed to be a gentle introduction to understanding the gift of our natural environment, the wonders within and the need for conservation.

The theme for the day will be “Sustainability and the Local Area”. The students will explore the flora and fauna of the island, build shelters and habitats, and learn about the creatures in the biome from Ocean Life Education. All the while learning the importance of conservation and minimising the impact of humans on the local landscape.

These experiences require careful planning and execution, and I would like to thank Mr Paul Brace, Head of Outdoor Education, for his meticulous preparation along with the many staff involved in day both prior to and on the day. The students will have a wonderful learning experience, again highlighting the value of the outdoor classroom in holistic education.

Brainstorm Productions

During the week, Junior College students across Year Three, Four and Five attended a performance by visiting the production company, Brainstorm. The purpose of this event was to educate and inform students primarily around the use of the correct use of technology and devices as well as making students increasingly aware of the perils of the internet and how to solve issue should they arise.

This current production, Being Brave supports our existing well-being program by empowering students to seek help with confidence and compassion when problems arise. It encourages a positive sharing of stories, showing feelings and keeping good memories alive. The e-Safety Commissioner endorses Brainstorm Productions as a Trusted e-Safety Provider.

Student Safety

At this week’s assembly, I reminded students of their responsibility in and around the many roads, paths and bikeways that lead to the College. These networks are utilised by many of our students, and it was a timely reminder that all users have a responsibility to use them correctly. Students, were reminded of crossing at appropriate zones, wearing correct safety equipment and always double-checking before leaving footpaths and refuse islands. Reinforcement of these messages by parents would be greatly appreciated.

I also reminded students that the gate closest to Prep that allows access to the College from the P-2 carpark is always to remain closed. Intentionally placing items that allow the closing mechanism to not automatically close jeopardises student safety, and we ask that when entering the College via this entry point, this gate is allowed to operate as designed.

Take care and God Bless.

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