Middle College Orientation Day

On Monday we came together as a community to officially welcome all new students joining the Middle College in 2020. I was particularly impressed by the manner in which the ‘buddies’ supported each new student. There was great energy and gusto as the Heads of House Ms Leigh Finter, Mr Chris Mundey and Mr Brett Kersnovske, supported by the Year 9 Student Leaders, led a range of ice breaking and ‘getting to know you’ activities at the start and conclusion of the day. The richness of the learning sessions during the day was testament to the creativity and dedication of the staff here at the College. We thank our Head of Teaching and Learning Middle College Mrs Rae Hall for her meticulous planning and collaboration with the Heads of Departments to provide a diverse range of curriculum experiences.

During the morning’s welcome assembly, I reminded students that their time in Middle College will be one of fun, excitement, challenge and growth. Crucially though, this will be in an environment that is safe and friendly. Likewise, in the evening I stressed the importance of reminding ourselves that this journey is a shared responsibility. Significantly, this message of working together in partnership is relevant to students across all year levels. We truly look forward to walking with all these students as their Middle College journey begins next year. We thank all staff and students who played their role in ensuring a positive day was had by all. I especially thank our Office Manager Mrs Leanne Bevis for her leadership and management of this event.

At Pacific, we understand that at times relationships will become fractured and frayed, especially as students become tired and somewhat frustrated with others. Consequently, as a College we adhere to what is known as Restorative Practices. Essentially, involvement in a restorative meeting is voluntary and is conducted in a safe space with a member of staff. The ultimate goal is for the person responsible for causing the other harm to be able to display empathy and apologise sincerely. Whilst for the person who has been harmed to be able to forgive and move forward. The Heads of House and I were fortunate to recently attend a conference held in Brisbane, celebrating 25 years of Restorative Practices in Queensland. It was a privilege to listen to Marg Thorsborne, the first person to conduct a Restorative meeting with students in Queensland and gain further insight as to how this practice helps build a positive climate and culture within a school. For more information about this, visit: https://www.thorsborne.com.au/ or contact your child’s Head of House, classroom teacher or myself directly.

We wish all Prep – Year 12 students involved in the Ensembles Concert a successful night of performing this Friday 8^th November. The evening runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Sunshine Coast Function Centre. All families and friends are invited to attend what will be a fabulous showcase of musical talent.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students