Principal’s Log

This week as part of Harmony Week, students have been reminded of the importance of respecting the dignity of each person and contributing to an inclusive culture where people of different strengths, talents and backgrounds feel safe and welcomed. Students will also complete the Pacific As A Peace Place Audit, which is an anonymous survey that enables students to provide feedback about their experience, including responses in regard to their engagement and safety at the College.

Pastor Mark Winter’s Installation as the third College Pastor of Pacific Lutheran College was a wonderful moment of celebration for our community. Pastor Mark brings with him extensive experience in welcoming and bringing together people of different backgrounds and perspectives, having worked in culturally diverse areas of Melbourne and, most recently, at Hope Vale in Queensland. Pastor Mark has had a long association with schools, having been a chaplain at Luther College in Melbourne and supporting the Greater Melbourne area as a Congregational Pastor. We thank LCAQD First Assistant Bishop, Pastor Ben Henschke for leading the installation and special guests, including Executive Director of Lutheran Education Queensland, Mrs Tanya Crooks, and Immanuel Principal, Mrs Eloise Beveridge, previous Pacific College Pastor, Pastor Tim Jarick, College Council members, Friends of Pacific and members of St Mark’s Congregation for being part of this important celebration.

Franklin and Kate acquitted themselves very well at the District Final of the Lions Youth of the Year. They shared their thinking about a range of issues, including climate change, homelessness and politics to a panel and then presented prepared and impromptu speeches. We congratulate both College Captains on their impressive results and Franklin for winning the public speaking section of the competition. We thank the Caloundra and Lake Currimundi-Kawana Lions Clubs, Head of English, Mrs Rae Hall and alumni Mr Noah Beasley for their support of our Captains.

Our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students calmly completed their NAPLAN assessments and we look forward to the learnings that come from these assessments. Considerable work goes into the organisation and running of these online assessments and we thank Mrs Jo Belchamber, Mrs Sue Zweck, Ms Sue Arahill, Mr Steve Rattey, the IT team and all staff who ensured that the testing sessions ran smoothly.

As the first of our Learning Hubs for 2025, we look forward to welcoming Dr Brenda Heyworth next Tuesday 25th March. Dr Heyworth will share practical strategies to assist parents and teachers to support children and teenagers to develop emotional regulation and self-control. We look forward to Dr Heyworth’s presentation to staff and then later to parents at 6:00pm in the College gymnasium.

We thank God for the richness and diversity of our communities and pray that He would help us to be people of welcome and hospitality who strengthen connections.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal