Principal's Log

A strong focus of the 500 Protestant Schools – One World project’s second conference, held in Wittenberg over the past week, was the creation of global connections and partnerships between schools. Representatives from countries such as Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Chile, Brazil, Myanmar, Germany, Holland, Poland, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Cameroon, the Congo Republic, Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom met to build relationships and to plan ways to further expand the network of connection. Through the creation of a web of understanding between young people in different countries, the hope is that young people will develop a sense of global and local responsibility and action through the sharing of story. We look forward to the learnings that will emerge through being part of this evolving global learning context. 

Over the past week we have celebrated the achievement of students in Mathematics competitions. We congratulate all students who gave of their best and those who attained certificates of Credit, Distinction and High Distinction.

A particular mention is given to Joseph Higginson who was awarded a prize in the Australian Mathematics Competition. Joseph, who placed in the top 1% in Australia, was then invited to participate in the Mathematics Olympiad Competition. We thank all of our Mathematics teachers for the support of our young people’s learning and Mrs Jasmin Steven for her leadership of the department.

On Monday of this week, teachers on subject panels across the state met to verify the judgments made by schools in terms of student assessment and rankings for all OP subjects. Pacific has a significant number of teachers on these panels. We are very appreciative of the time our teachers give to this process and know that students benefit from the professional development gained through this process. This year, Pacific student folios in the subjects of Maths B, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology were selected as representative exemplars for the region and forwarded to the State panel. Each year, Pacific has had different subjects selected as representative samples. This is testament to the quality of assessment and teacher judgment made. We thank all of our teachers for the time and effort they put into producing high quality teaching, learning and assessment.

On Friday we look forward to coming together as a community for two significant events. Firstly, we look forward to welcoming the more mature members of our community for Grandparents Day. This is always a special time for both the young and old. Then, the Student Art Exhibition in the evening provides the opportunity for all of us to be inspired by the art work produced by students across Kindergarten to Year 12.

May God inspire in each of us the capacity to see and act to create a better future.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal