Principal's Log

Construction of our new administration building and junior learning space is due to commence on Monday next week. Fencing will be erected around the site this weekend and will be extended to include the grassed area in front of the library. This will mean that the main pathway from the P-2 Car Park will be closed off at the end of the Year 1 building, so students, parents and visitors to the College will need to use alternative pathways for the duration of the construction. Members of the community should expect that there will be regular changes to car and foot traffic through the construction phase and take extra care when moving in and around car parks and construction spaces. Communication about expected changes will occur via the newsletter. We thank you in advance for your patience during this time.

Safer Internet Day was celebrated last week and it’s a timely reminder for students, parents and staff to reflect on their use of online communication. Pacific has social media policies in place that are based on the College’s core values of care, dignity and respect. Students and staff receive ongoing education in this area so that they can be highly effective as networkers and learners in the online space. There are also important considerations for parents contained within the Social Media Policy, which is included in the Parent Handbook and can also be accessed by clicking here. All parents are asked to familiarise themselves with this policy to ensure that they are acting legally and in a way that builds people and community. 

Another important policy to maintain safety in our community is our Child Protection Policy, which is also in the Parent Handbook and is reprinted in this newsletter. The maintenance of young people’s safety is a priority of our community and we would encourage all families to re-familiarise yourselves with this material. Teachers have recently completed their annual in-service in this area.

There was tremendous energy and spirit at last week’s Year 7-12 Swim Carnival with hearty singing and enthusiastic cheering reverberating around the pool. It was pleasing to see students of all capabilities doing their best in the pool and being encouraged by those on the sidelines. Students are to be congratulated on their participation and spirit. Well done to Mumba House who won the overall carnival and to Wira House who won the House Spirit Award. We also congratulate the students who then went on to represent the College at the 9-12 years and 13-19 years District Swim Carnivals. All students who attended represented themselves and the College well. We thank all of our staff who have supported these events and particularly Mrs Natalie Campbell, Mr Darren Hooper and Mr Brett Kersnovske for their leadership and organisation.

Thank you to our Year 12 students and their families for their attendance at the information evening this week. We look forward to a strong year of growth as they complete their final year at the College. We thank Ms Sue Arahill and Mrs Natasha Purcell for their leadership of this evening.

May God grant us the graciousness to strengthen relationships through this Lenten period.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal