Principal’s Log

We extend our congratulations to Year 12 student Jessica Lloyd, who has been chosen as a National Olympic Change Maker. This recognition celebrates Jess's international success in archery, which began in 2018 and supports her message of "making a difference, power the change" within her school and broader community. Jess’s inspiring message was highlighted in her video application for the Australian Olympic Change Maker Program, which identifies young sports leaders. Jess has been invited to the Olympic Change Maker Summit in Canberra, where she will further develop her skills to inspire others to chase their dreams. We also express our gratitude to Ms Kylea Fern for her encouragement and support throughout Jess's application process. Visit the Pacific Lutheran College Facebook page to watch Jess’s video application - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/2gpbywd2T8bJCvVp/.  Jessica’s Archery Journey and plans for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games are also highlighted in the 2024 Compass Review which is also available online - https://pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/Compass%20Review%202024.pdf

There was tremendous support for the seven students who had volunteered to raise funds for the Cancer Council Ponytail Project through having their hair cut. The students raised over $5000 and their donations of hair will be used to produce wigs for people impacted by Cancer. We thank the students for supporting this important cause and Pacific Action Group Captain Luela Holland for her leadership. We also thank Mrs Chantel Kelly and Mrs Rhana Holt for their hairdressing skills and parents, students and staff for their support.

Earlier this week, Year 6 student Scarlett van den Hurk was awarded first prize in the Mooloolaba Rotary Writer’s Competition Grade 6 category and also the Professor Gary Crew Trophy for being the overall winner. Scarlett was delighted to receive her award from author Professor Gary Crew. Scarlett was also presented with a cash prize of $225 and secured $400 for the College to invest in literature and supporting resources. We congratulate Scarlett on this achievement and thank Mr Tim Barrett for his encouragement and support.

This week we farewelled Middle and Senior College Science and Mathematics teacher, Ms Alisha Bausch who has resigned after taking a short period of leave. We thank Ms Bausch for her support of student learning and wish her all the best for the future. We thank our Mathematics and Science teachers who are providing good continuity of learning for Ms Bausch’s classes for the remainder of the year.

We wish our Year 3 students and staff all the best as they leave for their two-day Outdoor Education experience today. We look forward to hearing of their growth after they return tomorrow. We thank Mr Paul Brace for his organisation as well as Mrs Fiona Schefe, Mrs Suzie Naidu, Miss Rebekah Horsey, Mr Rob Belchamber, Ms Pia Henriksen, Mrs Chrissy Dobson, Ms Kaori Hamamoto, Miss Shanny McAllister and College Nurse Mrs Sigrid Davis for their leadership of the students on this important experience.

The final preparations for Mary Poppins Junior are well underway and we look forward to a thoroughly entertaining production on 8th and 9th  November . The cast and crew have been busy rehearsing under the talented direction and guidance of Mrs Kristy Astwick and Mrs Lisa Stevens and musical leaderhip of Mr Paul Cusick and Mrs Suzie French. We wish the cast and crew all the best for their final week of rehearsals. Limited tickets are still available - https://theeventscentre.com.au/event/pacific-lutheran-college-mary-poppins-jr/

We thank God for His love and grace and pray that He would grant us the grace to bring compassion and empathy into all of our interactions.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal