Principal's Log

At the end of last week, we enjoyed celebrating as a community with the Year 12 students as they had their graduation, chapel and formal. We enjoyed their fun and joy as they finished in a warm dignified way. Considerable energy goes into the planning and leadership of these events and the final three days of alternative activities. We thank Director of Teaching and Learning Ms Sue Arahill, the Heads of Department and Year 12 teachers who, across this period, were marking and determining important final results, teachers and staff who led and supported final activities, Heads of House for their leadership of students in the final events and particularly to the Head of Senior College Students Miss Kim Stone, Miss Anita Morton and Mrs Leanne Bevis for their leadership and oversight of all activities.

At the Friends of Pacific AGM on Tuesday night we thanked our committee members, very capably led by Chairperson Mrs Jenny Lee, for the very significant contribution they have made over the past 12 months. We particularly recognise the outstanding contribution of outgoing members, Mr Ian Barnes and Mrs Mel Pollack. We thank Mr Ian Barnes and Mrs Mel Pollack for their service and all members of the committee for their support. We welcome new committee members and look forward to another great year in 2018.

At the end of this year we will be farewelling Ms Leisa Ilott, Mrs Julie Darr and Miss Anita Morton who all have made significant contributions over a long period of time at the College. Mrs Darr, who is moving from full time teaching, has given valuable support to children in her role as classroom teacher and Head of Learning Enrichment P-5. Her warmth and passion for learning inspired many young people to give their best. Miss Morton has made a valuable contribution as a classroom teacher, music teacher and, in recent times, as coordinator of our major events including graduation, closing and opening services. Her considerable musical expertise, high expectations and love of music provided a strong foundation for young people’s learning. Ms Ilott’s energetic and warm approach has enabled her to engage strongly with middle years learners who have enjoyed and benefitted from her as a teacher. Her enthusiastic coaching of sporting teams was also greatly appreciated. We will also be farewelling Mr Nico Prinsloo who will be taking on the role of Deputy Head of the Middle College at Nambour Christian College next year. Mr Prinsloo has effectively taught Mathematics and Science across the Middle and Senior College and was very generous in his time as he shared his expertise as a basketball coach. We congratulate Mr Prinsloo on his appointment and Miss Morton and Ms Ilott on their new roles in schools in Melbourne. We thank these teachers for the very significant role they have played in many children’s and families’ lives and in the shaping of a rich culture of learning at Pacific. We wish them all the best on their new paths.

We also farewell and thank contract teachers Mrs Jane Hughes (Drama and Dance), Mrs Helen Doyle (Library) and Mrs Karen Costa (Year 2) for their capable teaching and care of students. We thank Mrs Hughes for her generosity of time in leading various co-curricular dance opportunities for students.

At the start of next year we look forward to welcoming middle years teachers Mrs Linda Sydes who has experience in Education Queensland and interstate Catholic schools and Mrs Amanda Lowrie who has extensive experience as a teacher within Catholic schools. We will also be welcoming Mr Steven Lake who was previously Head of Music at Immanuel College and Head of Performing Arts in an international school. Mrs Kristy Astwick will be joining us from St John’s College as a Dance and Drama teacher, having previously successfully established a vibrant dance culture at a Gold Coast college. Mrs Paula Willis will be joining us from Canberra as a Hospitality teacher while Mrs Colleen Beattie is on maternity leave for Term 1 and Mrs Elizabeth Zernike, previously Head of Mathematics at Meridan State College, will be replacing Mrs Wendy Wescombe while she is on maternity leave for Semester 1. Mrs Rebecca Roebuck-Malone will be replacing Mrs Tina Cox who will be on long service for Semester 1. During this period, Mrs Rae Hall will be Acting Head of English and Miss Michelle McMillan will be the Acting Head of Teaching and Learning Middle College. Miss McMillan had led the Christian Studies department well for many years supporting the delivery of engaging, contemporary and meaningful learning opportunities for students. We thank her for this and wish her every blessing as she takes on this new role within the College where she will make very good use of her previous experience as Head of House and Head of Department. Mr Chris Bartlett from Concordia College will be taking on the role of Head of Christian Studies. We look forward to these experienced and capable staff adding to the culture of learning and student experience next year and wish Mrs Wescombe and Mrs Cox every blessing for the different paths they will walk in 2018.

We deeply appreciate all that staff, students and parents have contributed to make this year another year of great growth and increased opportunity for young people. Thank you for the important part each of you has played.

May God bless you all and keep you safe over the coming holiday period.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal