Principal’s Log

There has been a buzz of energy as staff, students and parents have engaged in a range of activities this week.  In the first sessions of Pacific Quest, our Year 6 and 7 students have collaborated with energy and creativity as they have immersed themselves in hands on exploration. The future focused TechQuest and ArtsQuest provide students with real world challenges to solve as critical thinkers and problem solvers. A range of important dispositions and thinking skills are developed as well as knowledge and skill in the Arts and Technology. I strongly encourage all members of our community to read Mrs Jo Belchamber’s Pacific Quest article later in this newsletter to gain further insight into this exciting, innovative, future focused approach to learning.

Many families took advantage of the opportunity to connect and learn of ways in which parents can enhance the learning of their children through attendance at the P-5 Parent Connect & Engage Evening, the Middle College Information Evening, the Music Information Afternoon and the Year 11 Information Evening. Through these events, communication in the newsletter and communication from leaders and teachers, the College is being intentional in growing parent’s understanding of Pacific’s culture and approach to growing thinking and learning for all members of our community. Research shows that parents have a significant impact on the learning of their children. This is particularly the case where there is alignment between the values and ways of thinking and being encouraged at home and at school. We thank Mr Damian Davis, Mrs Sue Zweck, Mrs Jo Belchamber, Mr Brett Kersnovske, Ms Anne-Marie Gerlach, Mrs Veroncia Sanmarco, Chaplain Mark Hauser, Mr Steve Rattey, Mrs Helen Williams, Mr Paul Cusick, and teachers for their leadership of these events. We also thank our hospitality team of Mrs Colleen Beattie, Mrs Rhana Holt, Mrs Emma Lendrum and Mrs Lucy Comerford for providing much appreciated refreshments and grounds staff for their assistance. Thank you to our parents for making the most of these opportunities.

Our Year 3-6 students enjoyed the opportunity to compete in a very well run swimming carnival. Strong house spirit and high levels of participation provided a great environment for students to give of their best. We thank Mrs Lisa Muir and Mr Darren Hooper for their organization and leadership and staff and parents for your support.

The Year 8 Outdoor Education Experience has provided great opportunities for young people to grow in their self confidence, and relationships with each other, the environment and with God. In the outdoors young people find themselves in new contexts where they grow in a range of social emotional capacities including resilience, flexibility and empathy. We thank Mr Paul Brace and Mrs Lisa Muir for their leadership and organisation and staff Ms Kim McFadden, Mrs Toni Fisher, Mr Liam Jacka, Miss Taylor Edwards, Mr Rob Belchamber, Mrs Karen Vorster and Mrs Sharon Middleton, for their attendance and leadership. We look forward to their return on Friday afternoon.

May God guide and equip us to care for ourselves, each other and all of our world.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal