Principal’s Log

We welcome everyone to the start of a new adventure of learning and growth over the coming Semester. A particularly warm welcome to our new students and their families and new and returning staff. We welcome back Mr Chris Bartlett, Head of Christian Studies from long service leave and new staff Mr Chris Landman (Middle and Senior College, Humanities), Ms Krist-elle Hill (Music teacher P-12), Ms Natalie Van Dongen (Middle and Senior College English and Humanities), Mrs Karen Costa (Year 4) and Mr Cleveland Meyerhoff (Year 2) who are covering various staff on maternity and long service leave.  We wish all members of our community and particularly those who are new or are taking on new leadership roles, an enriching time of growth and connection.

Thirty seven of our Middle and Senior College music students and staff thoroughly enjoyed and grew through our first International Music tour to New Zealand. There were tremendous opportunities for growth as they formed connections within the school communities in which they performed, engaged in cultural learning experiences, and explored the impressive natural environment of New Zealand. We are very appreciative of the leadership of Head of Instrumental Music, Mrs Helen Williams, Acting Head of Music, Mr Paul Cusick and music tutors Mrs Noeleen Eden and Mr Lindsay Macdonald-Clow for providing such a rich memorable experience for our young people.

We congratulate our Kayakers who won the State Marathon Kayaking Schools competition at the Gold Coast.  This is an outstanding achievement and we congratulate all paddlers and coaches Mr Graves and Mr Mark Rantel.  We thank Mr Graves for his long-term leadership and passion for kayaking at the College and Mrs Leah Croke, Cooper Schwabb (past PLC Student), Mr Brendan Casement and all of our Kayaking parents who have supported the team this year and at the championships.

At the end of this week, we will farewell our Head of Career Development, Mrs Wanda Hayes who will be taking on a team leadership role at Sunshine Coast Grammar. Mrs Hayes has provided tremendous support to students and families through their Senior years as they have planned their future pathways. Her calm yet enthusiastic, “there is a way”, encouragement has been valued by many students. As a College, we have greatly valued Wanda growing the role from one of career guidance to that of career development and particularly the launch of Beyond Pacific program which enables young people to identify and be recognised for the employability skills they have developed whilst at Pacific. We are grateful that Mrs Hayes has accepted the offer of employment by Pacific to provide out-of-hours support for our students as we find a replacement in the early part of this term. Details of booking times and processes for Mrs Hayes will be communicated to Senior students and their families by Mrs Hayes, whose email contact (whayes@pacluth.qld.edu.au) will remain active through this time. We thank Wanda for giving so generously of herself and her time, and the very significant professional contribution she has made to our community.

Next Friday, 21^st July from 6.30pm, the L Block will transform into a temporary outdoor theatre space for an evening of creative light. ‘Immersive Light’, an innovative light projection, is an exciting cultural event which includes all the Pacific Art subjects – Art, Drama, Dance, Film and Media, and Music. Photographs and videos across these subjects have been provided to Donna Maree Robinson MCA, artist, filmmaker, and digital installation artist who has prepared a creative film for us to enjoy. This is a unique event inspired and led by Mrs Denise McMahon, Head of Visual Arts. There are a small number of seats still available which can be secured online. 

PLC OCEANfest One World 2023 is just 6 weeks away and is shaping up to be a truly exciting event. OCEANfest offers a great opportunity to connect with the PLC and wider community and celebrate this year’s theme of ‘One World’. We look forward to coming together to celebrate the richness of our cultural diversity and our natural environment as we enjoy amusement rides, food trucks, live music, an animal farm, roaming performers, and support the Cent Auction, Raffle and Parent-led stalls. Unlimited ride passes and OCEANfest Currency are now available to purchase through Flexischools. We would encourage everyone to support the OCEANfest organisers as we prepare. We look forward to sharing this great event together.

We pray that God would enable and empower us to co-create a strong community of care that encourages powerful learning.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal