Principal's Log

Year 9 students and their families had the opportunity to begin thinking about their next steps in building towards future careers at Tuesday night’s subject selection evening. Students heard about the importance of engaging with the whole of experience at Pacific to enhance their development. Engaging in academic learning, physical, cultural and service activities and personal development, Christian Studies and chapel provides opportunity to grow values, identity, relationships with others and God, social and emotional capacity and a diverse range of strengths. This wholeness of approach helps young people to gather the tools and strengths they need to make the most of each next step. We thank Director of Teaching and Learning Ms Sue Arahill, Head of Careers Development Mrs Wanda Hayes and our Heads of Department for providing insights into the opportunities that exist in the senior phase of learning and to our parents and students for their engagement.

Well done to all students who participated in the Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival last Friday. It was a pleasure to witness some great athletic performances as well as high levels of participation and house spirit. Congratulations to Mumba House who won the Championship Trophy and to Wira House who won the Spirit Award. Thank you to Mr Brett Kersnovske, Mrs Natalie Campbell and their team for their leadership and organisation of the event as well as all Year 7-12 teachers who assisted on the day.

We congratulate 2018 Graduate Kaylee McKeown who competed at the Swimming World Championships last week. Kaylee competed in three events, placing fifth in the 100m backstroke, equal fourth in the 50m backstroke and second in the 200m backstroke, winning a silver medal! Kaylee also achieved personal best times in all races. We wish Kaylee well as she now turns her attention to the International Swimming League later this year.

Art Teacher Dr Kym Rodgers and her theory on Abstract Comics has been recognised in the international publication, Abstraction and Comics. The publication includes more than 40 pages on Dr Rodgers’ theory and also includes some prints of her artworks. Dr Rodgers has been teaching Abstract Comics to our Year 9 students for many years and has also presented on this topic at both a national and international level. Our students are privileged to be able to learn the skills of Abstract Art from an expert.

Last week, selected Year 6 students took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the Buranga extension and enrichment camp organised by the Sunshine Coast Independent Primary Heads Association. We thank Mrs Jo Belchamber and Mr Stuart Pohlner for their support of these students.

A group of staff and students will be participating in the Australian Lutheran World Service’s Sunshine Coast Walk My Way event this weekend, which aims to raise funds for the education of African refugees by participants completing a 25km walk. We wish our team led by Pastor Tim Jarick all the best as they engage in this event which will make a difference to many. Families who wish to sponsor our team members or walk themselves can register or donate at: https://walkmyway.org.au/groups/queensland-sunshine-coast.

We wish students and staff who are participating in the Sunshine Coast Marathon this weekend all the best. Students enjoy the opportunity to be part of the College’s running club each week and we thank Mr Stuart Pohlner for his leadership of this group.

May God equip us to open our eyes and minds to the wonder and possibilities in the world around us.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal