Principal’s Log

Growing student capacity to have a positive impact on their peers, families and within community is a strong focus of learning within the Pacific community. Each day through actions large and small our students add energy and positivity into our community. One of our new Middle and Senior College teachers commented on how refreshing it was for students to thank them after every lesson. This is a culture that has emerged naturally without teacher direction from our students through immersion in our culture. Pacific Action Groups provide a more formal space for students to have influence and it is a delight each year to witness the impact that new initiatives generated within these groups have on our community. These are student led groups who are given the space and the responsibility to make initiatives work. While it can sometimes mean a slower path for improvement, powerful lessons are learnt where change does not occur as quickly as hoped and new ideas or adaptations have to occur. We celebrate with the Environmental Pacific Action Group who have initiated the 3 for PLC program that prompts small positive actions that lead to improvement in our community and waterways while growing consciousness of our responsibility for the environment.

We look forward to our Year 6 and 7 2025 Orientation Day and Evening next Tuesday 15th October where we welcome new and continuing students to their next phase of learning. As part of this process we will be launching our new Yr 6 and 7 Quest program which will see students develop skills of creativity, ideation, problem solving, resilience, flexibility and adaptability as they engage in learning in the arts and technology. We are excited by this new initiative which will replace our existing Year 6 and 7 experience subject program and involve students having the opportunity to develop important contemporary skills as they develop capacity within these learning areas. We have been excited to work with Nicole Dyson of “Future Anything” in the development of this program and deeply appreciate the creative and professional talents of Ms Sue Arahill, Mrs Jo Belchamber, Mrs Marnie Whittaker, Miss Elise Black, Mrs Lara Masselos, Mrs Emma Lendrum, Mrs Colleen Beattie, Mr Ian Learoyd, Mrs Kristy Astwick, Ms Lucy Comerford and Mrs Nicole Schirripa who have imagined and brought a rich learning experience for our Year 6 and 7 students to life.

Communication through social media increases reach and potential impact. Operating in the online space with love and care for all people as our neighbours is an equally important value guiding our digital interactions as well as those that are face to face. Parents and schools play an important role in modelling and educating young people to engage safely and respectfully in the digital world. As outlined later in this newsletter, the Queensland Independent Schools Parent Network is providing a parent engagement session entitled Screens, Social Media and Our Kids at 6.00pm Thursday 26th October in both a face to face and online format. Parents are encouraged to read the article in the newsletter and register.

I look forward to Year 11 parents and students joining us for our 2025 Year 12 Student and Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 16th of October 5pm- 6pm in the College Gym.

May God help us to see all people as our neighbour and equip us to respond with love and care to lift, encourage, enable and transform in all of our worlds.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal