Collaborate, connect and commend.

The framework attached to the Pacific Way identifies the three themes of “Me”, “We”, and “See” as holistically combining to form a complete picture of the development of the whole child. This term, during assemblies, we will be looking in detail at the “We” component of individuals who relate to each other, how we learn together, what is a Christian community and how learning in the outdoors supports our relationships.

The “We” of The Pacific Way aims to build the attributes involved with collaboration. Humans are social beings, and as much as some of us relish a time to be alone, our connection with others helps us better understand ourselves, each other, and the world and opens broader opportunities.

One of the statements involved in the Pacific Way speaks of listening, valuing difference, and celebrating the potential of others. Every day across the college, I am privileged to witness interactions that, in some way, touch on these signposts. Conversations between students and staff allow the opportunity to listen and learn from each other and realise that the skills each of us possess is unique and enrich the lives of all around us.  It supports us to celebrate the learning and growth in each other and reminds us that our differences are things that unite us the most.

Gawun and Kids in Action

This term has seen the expansion of our service leadership model in Year 5. From continued discussion from our Leadership Day at the end of Term 1, our leaders have suggested ways they could be of assistance to others.  Our leaders are easily identifiable with their high-vis vests on and make a real impact in our College. Our leaders have been busy helping students enter the College from the Foundation carpark, supporting readers, and helping in the playground and the library spaces. Many have volunteered to lead tours this upcoming Open Day and they have taken the opportunity to support Chappy Hauser in supporting the Red Shield Appeal across the Junior College.

In addition to this, a group of students took part in the developmental project day of the council-run program Kids in Action. This year’s theme involves Catchment to Country-Mountains to the Sea. The students visited various areas across Kabi-Kabi Country to better understand the methods employed by First Nations in managing catchments and the resources associated with them. Their next steps are to work as a team to develop a plan about an identified issue from the day and present their project to other students later in the year. I thank the dedication and enthusiasm of the students as this requires significant extra work on their part. Their passion for service is making a significant impact on other Junior College students, and they are learning a lot about themselves in the process.

Outdoor Education

When the Pacific Way was being planned, there was an intentionality in involving the Outdoor Education department in the finished proposal. Through outdoor education, students learn how we assess risk and gain confidence to act in an unfamiliar setting. Taking a calculated risk and learning through acting takes many varied forms. How we value others and communicate when in the outdoors is addressed throughout the document.

I look forward to attending the Year 4 Outdoor Education this week. I thank Mr Paul Brace, the Year 4 teaching team, and the many staff involved in preparing this rich experience for our students. I look forward to witnessing the learning connection between the College and the outdoor classroom.

Chess

Congratulations to those Year 3, 4, and 5 students who represented the College at the SCIPHA Chess tournament, held at Suncoast Christian College on Friday 6^th May. The competition was open into two categories: Open and Novice. Our teams performed very well and, most importantly, had a great day mingling and learning from other chess enthusiasts. Thank you to Mrs Joanne Baily for her organisation and supervision on the day.

Take care, and God bless.

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5