Calm Minds

A very warm welcome to the start of a new academic year. We especially welcome all new students and families to the Pacific Lutheran College community. I look forward to meeting you all at various College events throughout the year. Research informs us that making connections and nurturing relationships, helps create a stronger sense of belonging and a culture of inclusiveness. I encourage all students to immerse themselves in as many school-based activities and opportunities as they can in 2020. Moreover, I encourage students to voice their thoughts on what we can do to assist them this year.

Fundamentally it is within Pastoral Care Groups (PCG), that strong bonds are made both with students and their families. The PCG teacher is a touchpoint for families across a range of student formation and wellbeing issues, so in most cases they will be yours and your child’s first contact should the need arise. The vertical nature of the PCG ensures a real sense of family. It was tremendous to see the positive interactions between students of all ages as they took part in ‘getting to know you’ activities on the first day of the school year. One comment that resonated with me was made by a Year 12 student, who set the goal to “keep my mind calm”. It is such a simple but vitally important mantra that I think we all should remind ourselves of each day.

Year 7 Camp

A reminder that the Year 7 camp departs next Tuesday 4^th February and returns on Friday 7^th February. The theme of ‘connections’ superbly reinforces one of the main reasons this camp is held so early in the year. This is a great time for the cohort to make connections and build friendships as they develop new skills and grow those that they already possess. We thank Head of Outdoor Education Ms Kim Wood for her leadership of the program as well as Mr Andrew Block, Mrs Leah Croke, Mr Alex O’Connor, Mrs Melissa Ousley, Pastor Tim Jarick and ancillary staff for their support.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students