Principal's Log

Last Friday, two wonderful community events provided a great opportunity for people to connect. In the morning we enjoyed the International Women’s Day Breakfast. The food and coffee provided by the Hospitality Department was outstanding and people enjoyed the opportunity to listen to student music performances as they connected with each other. Thank you to our Hospitality staff and students for the professional preparation and service of food and to the Music Department staff and students for their entertainment.

In the evening we enjoyed having the opportunity to tap our feet and swing our bodies to sounds of the Bushland Boogie band as we relaxed with food and beverages provided by the Friends of Pacific team. We thank the Friends of Pacific for their organisation and leadership and all parents, staff and students who supported both events to make them a great success. Over 300 people came to each event, making them both wonderful community events. We particularly thank our ground staff who supported both events extremely well.

I had the pleasure of walking through the Year 9 STEM class earlier this week as they were working on projects to solve real world problems they had identified. The passion with which each student spoke about their ‘inventions’ was energising and it was exciting to see their products taking shape under the guidance of Mrs Claire Richards and Mrs Marnie Whittaker. We look forward to seeing their ongoing progress over the next term.

We congratulate Mr Doug Fitzpatrick who will be taking up a ministry position with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Buderim. Mr Fitzpatrick will be finishing at the College at the end of Term 1 to take up his new position in mid-May. Over the past 12 months, Mr Fitzpatrick has been engaged in a process to lead to ordination within the Lutheran Church. It is exciting to see him near the end of this important process, which will enable him to pursue this calling to serve people in a new way. Having conducted extensive interviews for Early Learning teachers at the end of last year the College is in the final stages of confirming the appointment of an experienced Early Childhood teacher. It is expected that we will announce the appointment next week and that the teacher will commence at the College in the middle of the second last week of Term 1 to ensure there is a smooth transition for our Year 2 children.

Two important learning opportunities are available for young people in the coming weeks. The first is to be reflecting on how they can improve their learning in a given area as they receive feedback through assessment. Parents can positively assist this process by asking their young people, “What have you learnt?” and “What can be done to improve your learning?”. Asking these types of questions helps young people to focus on assessment as an important part of their learning. When confronting disappointment, it is an important life skill to focus on what can be learnt rather than the unchangeable moment that has occurred. The second learning opportunity for Prep – Year 9 students is to be involved in parent, student and teacher conferences. These three way conversations also have a growth focus and build a sense of efficacy in young people, as they are part of these important learning conversations. In both contexts, there is calm recognition and celebration of where we are in our learning and then formulation of plans to move forward.

May God strengthen us to create those quiet still moments where we can fully see the richness of the people and places that surround us every day.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal