P-5 News

Congratulations to the Transitioning Classes of 2024

As the end of term draws near, I would like to take the time to reflect on the journey of the current Year Five students. Toward the end of last year, we began meeting as small groups to chart a course as they prepared for their final year in the Junior College. This has been reinforced through leadership days and supported firmly by the Year 5 teaching team.  As a cohort, they have continued the legacy of service in action through the Gawun program. Not only has it been heart-warming to see the interactions and support that our Gawun leaders have provided, but they, too, have learned more about themselves as individuals and as leaders.

Their involvement in playground events, encouraging learning with younger students and supporting our Foundation College on the school grounds in the mornings have provided tangible examples of the impact that our young people can have on each other. Special mention must be made of their dedication to environmental causes, and they have continued the legacy of previous cohorts by promoting a sustainable mindset in our Junior College. They have also set an admirable example to their buddies in Prep and, in the meantime, learned numerous lessons personally.

I would like to thank the transitioning cohort of Year Five for their dedication to their learning, warmth, sense of humour, and commitment to many important causes within the College and the community. As a Junior College, we look forward to what the remainder of your journey at Pacific will hold.

We also acknowledge our Year Two cohort as they transition from the Foundation to the Junior College. We celebrate the gifts nurtured through your time in the Foundation College, and we look forward to continued growth as you enter your next learning phase. We are excited to welcome the cohort into our new Junior College Learning Space at the beginning of next year.

Wellbeing Growth

As this is my last Compass article for the year, I would like to make special mention of Mrs Sarah Atkinson, Mrs Shelley Hogan, and Mrs Kirsty Ridley, who have provided meaningful assembly messages that provided clear and relevant direction of the social and emotional direction of students in the Junior School. Pastoral care of students and promoting the message at school and home provide a connection for parents and carers to have a strong understanding of the messages addressed here at school.

Extracurricular Opportunities

During the last few weeks, we have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students through music experiences and sporting awards. The Year 5 and 6 concert band, along with the Year Three and Four strings students, provide the platform to celebrate the amazing talent throughout those years and also provide a snapshot of the individual growth of students, some of whom have been involved in instrumental music for four years. The wider community attended both well, and it is great to share the music experience with an audience once again. I would like to thank Mrs Helen Williams for her leadership of this program as well as Ms Krist-elle Hill, Miss Linley Chai and Mr Paul Cusick for their continued support of music across the Junior College.

Last week’s sporting awards showcased the wide and varied sporting choices that are provided by the College. From house carnivals and SCISSA sports to running clubs and board riders, students are provided enormous choices to become involved in many areas that help build individual capacity. It is often said that sport doesn’t build character; it reveals it. The friendships, camaraderie and healthy competitiveness that are promoted through sport here at Pacific is a credit to our Head of Junior Sport, Mr Darren Hooper, who leads a committed team that continues to build a healthy sporting culture here at Pacific. I would like to thank all teaching staff and sports coaches for their support of the program and the benefits that it brings.

Ceremonies and Celebrations

The final day of the term allows us to formally commend the achievements of our Junior College students, staff, and families with the Prep-5 Closing Service at 8:45 am on Friday, the 29th of November.  We look forward to acknowledging our transitioning year levels and celebrating the achievements of our Year 3 and 5 Academic and Endeavor Award recipients. A small celebratory morning tea for students and families will follow this service.

Christmas Cards and Sweets

With the Christmas Season upon us, it is often accompanied by students wishing to bring cards and candy canes in to wish classmates the best for the season. It is a lovely gesture; however, it can present challenges around increased waste in the college and parents being unaware of students' food intake. Often, these candy canes have a high sugar content and colours and flavours that react differently to individual students. This year, we ask that you consider these factors before sending in these items and possibly explore other ways for your child to wish their classmates the best of the season. As a College, we thank you for your support in this initiative moving forward.

Preparing for 2025

The College is excited to announce a 2025 trial of shared work arrangements in two Junior College classes, reflecting our commitment to contemporary employment practices and high-quality education. Four teachers will alternate working 5-day fortnights, with robust planning to ensure continuity, including weekly handovers and seamless learning. This initiative aims to enhance staff well-being and engagement while maintaining a stable and nurturing learning environment for every child. A formal review in Term Three will evaluate the trial's success, with community consultation playing a key role in the decision-making process.

Gratitude

When we reach the final few weeks of school, a common theme is “Where did the year go?” Every week, month, term, and semester is full of learning opportunities that, at times, it can seem that the year has passed without us noticing. However, if we reflect on the growth all of us have experienced during the year, we begin to see where we began and where we are going. As a College and on behalf of all Foundation and Junior College Staff, we would like to express our gratitude and thanks for supporting your child’s growth by navigating home learning and attending culminating events and celebrations right across the Prep-5 spaces. Our success as a connected community is in large part of the reflection of the lengths the wider community goes to broaden the College's work. Thank you.

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas break.

Take care and God bless,

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