The correlation between an ocean and a school may not be evident straight away, but when looking more closely, there are many similarities. There is enormous diversity within both, oceans and schools are ever changing and at times, both can become unpredictable and unknown. By acknowledging Pacific as a Peace Day last Friday, we recognise the part in which we all play in making the College a place of peace and tranquillity.
At assembly we have been looking at what characterises a community of care, that in turns build a place of peace. As we know, anything worth valuing is a sum of its parts. It takes support, recognising our mistakes and especially honesty and courage. It takes forgiveness and it takes empathy and understanding that we don’t always get it right the first time. It takes confidence, persistence and it takes teamwork. But most importantly, creating a peace place is a shared understanding that we are all small pieces of the puzzle. Together through our thoughts, actions and words, we can form the construct of a brighter and calm future.
Gawun and the Year 5 Leaders
One of the benefits resulting from last year was the ability to stop and reassess our processes and systems. One area identified for improvement was building stronger leadership skills within the Junior College, particularly among our Year 5 students. Through initial discussions with our current Year 5 cohort, students are very enthusiastic about getting more involved and adding value through service in our community.
The traditional custodians of the land, the Gubbi Gubbi people, have a name for care or care for, Gawun. It is hoped that through a concentrated focus, our Year 5 leaders can exhibit ‘Gawun’ for our College community and grow as leaders and people.
Through a process of consultation and feedback, the Year 5 students have developed a series of service-learning opportunities that aim to enhance the culture and provide our student leaders with tangible opportunities. Our plan involves starting small and identifying key areas in the College that would benefit from additional support. Roles such as leading assemblies and flag bearing will remain within the responsibilities of the Year 5 leaders.
From next term, students will be involved in a range of leadership activities such as, walking younger students in from the car park in the mornings, overseeing games and competition in the playground and working in small reading groups with younger students. They will be noticeable by their high-vis jackets and are here to care. We hope to grow our leadership model as the year progresses and the students are already brainstorming further experiences. Our students and teaching staff have been involved in the process from the start and it has been wonderful to see agency and teamwork in action.
Car Park and Shared Food
A reminder to our community that the Prep – Year 2 car park is only for parents with students in these year levels. Students in Year 3 and above are asked to use the senior drop off space. For our car park to perform at its optimum, we ask that you remain with your car when using the student set down area and vacate the area as quickly as possible. Your cooperation on this matter provides flow within the car park and allows many more cars to use the drop off zone.
With Easter approaching, many students may wish to bring in treats such as chocolate eggs to share with their class mates. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions remain in place at the College in regards to shared food among students. Any food that is brought in by students to be shared will be returned home. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
Shared birthday packs are now available for ordering through the tuckshop. These can be catered to specific class numbers. Please contact the tuckshop for further information: tuckshop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.
Take care and God bless.
Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5