Principal's Log

On Monday and Tuesday this week, Pacific teachers spent time working with Harvard Educational Consultant Mr Mark Church. The ongoing work and connection with Mark, who works with educators from across the world, gives our educators the opportunity to draw on best practice from an international perspective. Our engagement in growing the pedagogy of our teachers has seen them now being invited to present at the Cultures of Thinking Conference conducted by Bialik College, Victoria in association with the Harvard Graduate School of Education next term.

It is always a joy to witness the energy and spirit of our young athletes at the Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival each year. The encouragement, sportsmanship and celebration of personal bests from all students made it a very positive day. It was heartening to see students of all ability levels receive recognition from their peers and staff but most importantly feeling proud of themselves knowing they had given their best effort. Learning how to compete, giving our best and learning how to win and lose well are very important life lessons. Well done to all of the staff and students and a particular thank you to the PE staff, Mrs Natalie Campbell and Mr Darren Hooper for their leadership.

We are pleased to announce that Mrs Christine Doyle, who is currently the Deputy Principal at Living Faith Lutheran Primary School at Murrumba Downs, will be taking on the role as the Head of Teaching and Learning Years 3 to 5 from the start of next term. We look forward to growing with Mrs Doyle who is a very passionate, enthusiastic and innovative educator with leadership experience in Lutheran, Christian and Education Queensland primary schools. We also celebrate with Mrs Laura Bonner who has been offered the role of Youth Touring Program Manager with the Queensland Music Festival. This opportunity will provide an excellent opportunity for Mrs Bonner to enhance her performing arts connections and skills. We will be advertising for a Drama and Dance teacher this weekend.

It has been exciting to have our teams participate in the SCISSA Rugby 7’s competition for first time this year. They are to be congratulated on their spirit and sportsmanship and the growth of their teamwork and skills over the season. Well done to all teams and coaches Mr Josh Danzey, Mr Andrew Block and Mr Darren Hooper. In particular, we congratulate our U15 team and coach Mr Darren Hooper who were crowned SCISSA champions for 2017.

We wish our Year 9 and 10 students and accompanying staff all the best as they engage in their outdoor education and service learning opportunities over the next two weeks. These are important life experiences that provide opportunities for young people to learn about the rejuvenating power of the natural environment, grow resilience, character and confidence by working through personal challenges and develop in their relationships with each other and God. We thank teachers Mr Duncan McNee, Mr Nico Prinsloo, Ms Angela Hill, Mr Josh Danzey, Mr David Druery, Mrs Marnie Whittaker, Ms Emma Middleton, Mrs Sharon Middleton, Mrs Virginia Schlotterbach, Mr Ben Dutton, Ms Leisa Ilott and outdoor education aides Jessie McMahon, Dean Turner, Troy Petersen, Bethany Rouche, Maddie Bell, Joshua Grimley and Eliza Dreves for their assistance and support of this program. We also thank Dr Peter McMahon, Miss Kim Stone, Ms Michelle McMillan and Pastor Tim Jarick for the planning and leadership of these activities.

We pray for peace around the world and for all those affected by acts of violence. May God grant us the wisdom to pause and pray for guidance and perspective when confronted with obstacles, challenges and disappointment.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal