Principal’s Log

As we come to the close of a term there is always much to celebrate. Both the Pacific FC and Club PLC Netball have successfully completed their seasons. We are very appreciative of the parents and volunteers who have contributed to the season and enabled our students to have the great experience of playing football and netball in well organised clubs. We thank all coaches, managers, volunteers and executive members for providing rich opportunities for growth, connection and enjoyment. A particular thank you to Mrs Donna Watkins who has very capably led Club PLC Netball as Club President and to Mrs Rita Williams and Mrs Jenny Lee for their leadership of Pacific FC. All three women have been very generous with their time over many years and contributed to the growth of strong clubs.  Both clubs can be proud of their contribution to the lives of young people and this community.

It was a delight to watch the Division 1 and Division 4 Netball Grand Finals on Saturday.  Both teams played tightly contested matches with great skill and sportsmanship and can be proud of their wins. Congratulations to all girls and to coach Mrs Michelle Dufty. We thank Michelle for the significant role she is playing in the growth of netball through both school and club netball in her role as Head of Netball. Thank you to the many parents, friends, staff and students who supported the girls on Saturday.

Many of us were inspired as we reflected on the art and film pieces that were exhibited at the Art and Film Night last week. The works displayed high levels of creative talent and promoted a variety of emotional responses and reflection. The exhibition included a number of very thought provoking pieces that included commentary on contemporary issues and life perspectives. A particular thank you and congratulations to the Cultural Pacific Action Group Captains, Mitchell and Ayrisa for their organisation and the students who assisted in the running of the evening and to our talented Visual Art & Film staff team of Miss Elise Black, Mrs Marnie Whittaker, Mrs Lara Masselos and Mrs Rowena Marshall. Thank you to parents, staff and students for their support of the evening and to all staff involved in the set up and running of the exhibition.

A large number of middle college students have been engaged in important thinking as part of this year's Future Problem Solving Competition. Rich growth has occurred as they have generated reflections and solutions for future global, national and local issues. All students are to be congratulated on their thinking and commitment to imagine, plan and act for a better future. We particularly congratulate Amy, Isla, Evie, Lara, Madeline, Zara, Evie, Sophia, Macey, Georgia, Anita, Jessica, Kiarah, and Evie on their invitation to represent Queensland at the National Finals in Melbourne later this year. We thank Mrs Jo Belchamber, Mrs Linda Sydes, Mr Rob Belchamber, Mrs Adelle Byerlee, and past student Makani Campbell for their leadership of these individuals and these teams.

Our Rugby girls performed well in the Rugby 10 aside competition with the Division 2 U14 Gold team reaching the semi-finals and our U14 Blue team reaching the Division 1 Grand Final. We congratulate all of the rugby players who participated in the Rugby 10s competition this term and thank coaches, managers, staff, students, parents for their leadership and support. A particular thank you to Mr Josh Cummins for his leadership as Head of Rugby. Well done to our Senior Boys 2nds Basketball Team who won their division grand final last Friday. Congratulations to all players and thank you to coach Mr Mark Hauser.

Our Senior students learnt a great deal as they engaged in the Sleep Out For the Homeless last Friday night. We thank Mrs Antionette Lloyd from Youturn for supporting our Senior students and providing them with a real life opportunity to reflect on and experience the needs of the vulnerable in our local and wider communities. Youturn is a charity which started over 30 years ago to address and support youth homelessness in the Sunshine Coast. They have supported over 16 000 people since they began https://youturn.org.au/who-we-are/.

At the end of this term we farewell Mrs Trish Barone who will be taking long service leave through Term 4 and then moving into the next phase of life. Mrs Barone has very capably supported the learning of Middle and Senior College Maths students at Pacific and within a variety of schools as a teacher including a role as Head of Mathematics. We express our appreciation for the very positive impact Mrs Barone has had on the learning of our students and celebrate the positive influence that she has had on the lives of students throughout her career. We also farewell and thank Ms Sarah Tolhurst who is returning to South Australia. Many students have appreciated Ms Tolhurst’s care and support as a Middle and Senior College Christian Studies, English and Humanities and pastoral care group teacher. We thank Mrs Emily Chester for capably fulfilling Ms Alice Boyd’s role as a Physical Education teacher this term. We wish Mrs Barone, Ms Tolhurst and Mrs Chester all the best for their futures. We wish English, HPE and Humanities teacher, Mr Duncan McNee all the best for his long service leave in Term 4. Next term we look forward to welcoming Mr Jack Best (Mathematics and Science), Dr Ryan Delaney (English and Humanities) and Mrs Tammy Schincariol (English and Humanities).

We pray that God would equip us to listen well to each other. We pray for all those who face challenges, and that God would provide for their needs.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal