The Domino Effect

At this week’s Year 3-5 assembly I showed the students a video of a quadruple domino display spectacularly succumbing into a multi-coloured pile. As we know, these displays can be triggered by the smallest amount of force, in this case, one intentional push of a finger resulted in many hours of work, collapsing to the ground.

The students volunteered potential reasons for what this has to do with our relationships, many of them insightful and exhibiting a deep understanding of the impact that we have on each other and what may happen as a result.

In many ways, schools are the perfect place to learn about each other and how our words and actions translate into choices. Unfamiliar situations, experiences and new relationships provide a platform to build our flexibility when working with others. Supported and restorative frameworks guide our students in reflecting on ways we have the power to put people down or lift others up. The power of forgiveness serves as a reminder that as humans, we are not perfect and once we understand this, we better understand the viewpoints of others and how we may reconcile our differences.

This fortnight’s thread of compassion dovetails into this terms theme of relationships and getting along. Growing empathy and compassion in our young people is arguably the most powerful tool we can equip our young people with. Often our imperfections are our greatest strength and by viewing our interactions through a lens of compassion, we gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the impact that we have on the “dominos” around us.

School TV

An intrinsic and important element of an education at Pacific Lutheran is the recognition by parents, staff and students of effective communication and a cooperative approach in the success of each child’s education.

Today, parents face a multitude of modern day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

The information on SchoolTV is easily digestible in video and newsletter form and includes insights and input from leading professionals in child and adolescent development Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. SchoolTV is designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information plus realistic and practical ongoing support strategies. Topics include Anxiety, Diet and Nutrition, Dealing with School Transitions, and Online Safety etc.

Parents can access the site at http://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/ and click on ‘Launch SchoolTV’

Outdoor Education

Preparations for the Year 5 Outdoor Education Experience in week 9 are well underway and we remind all families connected to Year 5 that the relevant documentation as well as a recording of the information evening is available via the Year 5 Nav Outdoor Education page. We thank Ms Kim Wood and the Year 5 team for their preparation of this important event in the Year 5 calendar and look forward to sharing the learning and experiences gained when they return.

Presentation

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many families who continue to support their child by encouraging them to take responsibility to present themselves in line with uniform expectations of the college. Our message around care for self, reflects how we meet our expectations as one and by wearing our uniform correctly, we are sending an unsaid message about the respect for ourselves and our community. As the weather cools, we ask parents to continue to name clothing as it is often discarded during the day as the weather warms. Naming these items ensures they return to their owner as quickly as possible.

Take care and God bless.

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