What Does It Mean To Really Achieve?

At the beginning of the year, I like nearly all of Australia, sat glued to my seat watching Ash Barty in the final of the Australian Open. She was widely celebrated after her victory and there was much discussion about the roller-coaster of emotions, we all rode with her. It then seemed nearly inconceivable that not a month later from such a famous victory, Ash would retire from her sport. After an incredible win and being ranked the top women’s tennis player in the world, the world asked, “How could she do such a thing?” but Ash answered the critics with the grace and poise she had held throughout her career.

She stated that she has never been defined by wins and losses. It was never about that. It was about growing as a person and being a better version of herself to those around her. Her mindset coach, Ben Crowe stated that “The lesson was in the art of the living what lights you up, never about pleasing others and finding self-worth in trophies. It was about the intrinsic, what is inside.” She is and will continue to be universally admired for the freeing message and example she sets for herself and for others to be guided by.

Our overarching focus for this term in ‘You Can Do It’ is achievement and particularly the valuing of individual differences and celebrating the unique set of skills that each of us contributes to the college. In our Pacific Way, we will be investigating the “we” component and how we collaborate and work toward our own expectations of achievement. Like all pursuits worth doing, accomplishment takes time. They are a continual work in progress and require persistence, resilience, and energy from all sides for goals to be met.

Sometimes we fail to meet the goals and expectations that we have for ourselves and can falter, and we learn valuable lessons about ourselves and each other. A favourite quote of mine from Ash Barty that summed this thinking up is “I never lost, I learned.” Forgiveness and reflection are crucial in rebuilding our expectations when they may falter. But our achievements must be tempered by understanding that our successes don’t define us and all of us are uniquely worthy.

When industry leaders speak about how best to prepare students for life beyond school, their primary focus tends to be around attributes rather than specific skill sets. They want people who can collaborate productively, problem-solve effectively, and exhibit empathy for others. Separating our triumphs from our worth is important and is what our pastoral care program, here at Pacific, seeks to achieve.

ANZAC Day

On Wednesday morning, our Junior College gathered to commemorate the sacrifices provided by our servicemen and women through the years and in an ongoing capacity in situations around the globe. As the number of veterans dwindles it is important for young people to not only remember the sacrifices of the past but to accept the responsibility for continuing this legacy of remembrance into the future.

Thank you to the many families that were able to attend the ANZAC Day March in Caloundra last weekend. It was especially heart-warming to see many Prep students attending for the first time and beginning a tradition that will continue to grow through their time in the college.

Volunteering at Pacific

Part of the strength of the college has always been the willingness of the extended community to contribute to the fabric of the college through the various volunteering opportunities that exist. With the legislation pertaining to volunteers in school changing this year, we have been pleased with the number of people undertaking the mandatory training that all volunteers must undergo to volunteer within a school context. Without this training, volunteering in any form at the college is not possible.

From the 9th May, we are pleased to be able to welcome volunteers back to the college. All registered volunteers will receive communication directly from the college outlining the expectation and precautions necessary to be able to go into classrooms and volunteer on campus. Training is only needed to be undertaken once a year, so if you have attended and sent the relevant documentation to the college you are free to volunteer for 2022.

For those interested in volunteering in the college, induction sessions are run once a term and are marked on the college calendar, the next session being the 20th May at 9.00 am. Please contact Kim Bonello at kbonello@pacluth.qld.edu.au to register your interest in attending this course.

Take care and God bless.

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5