Compass No 441 - November 2016

The performances of Mulan last Saturday were thoroughly entertaining and showcased the depth of talent in our Year 3-7 students. The clever direction by Mrs Laura Bonner and talented performances, took us on a journey into Ancient China where we learned the story of Mulan, which was originally told in the form of an ancient Chinese ballad. We congratulate all students on their performances and thank student director Alexandra Whitmore and Year 10 and 11 students Ally Hickey, Olivia Cameron, Scarlet Hopkins, Claire Southern, Charlotte Sorrell and Charlotte Empson who assisted with makeup and backstage. We also thank Director Mrs Laura Bonner, Musical Director Miss Anita Morton and their team of Miss Jenna-Maree Woodforth, Mrs Tracy Hickey, Mr Steven Healy, Ms Nell Keen, Mrs Sonia Boland, Mrs Anna Maher, Mrs Sue Zweck, Mrs Tanya Crooks and Mrs Janine Stone.

The Year 7 students enjoyed competing amongst 48 teams at the FIRST Lego League competition at Grace Lutheran College on Sunday. The students were excited to be part of the challenge and performed well. The energy of the day has inspired them to continue to grow their skill and understanding in the area of robotics. We congratulate the students and thank them and leaders Mr Andrew Block and Mrs Toni Fisher for the considerable time they have given in preparation for this competition.

On Tuesday, we were privileged to have four-time Olympian and Australian Flag bearer, Anna Meares, as our special guest at our two Sports Awards ceremonies. Anna gave an inspirational speech to each of the groups and students were honoured to have her present their medals to them. It has been a highly successful year for sport and we thank our students, teachers and coaches for the time they have given. We particularly thank our Physical Education staff very capably led by Mr Mark Hauser, Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Natalie Campbell.

On Tuesday night, an enthusiastic group of parents came together for the Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Pacific. To support a smooth transition of leadership, a number of the incumbent members of the Executive have stood aside from key positions but will continue on the committee into the future. We thank outgoing President Mrs Tracey Hindmarsh for her calm and encouraging leadership over the past four years where she has fostered an effective and engaging committee to lead parent activities. We also thank outgoing Vice President Mrs Allyson Sarvari who has been tireless in her commitment to leading a range of activities including the BBQ team over many years, Mrs Kath Barry who has brought her professional skills to be a highly effective secretary, Mrs Mel Pollack who has very professionally led our OCEANfest with passion and to Mrs Sanet Strong who has been generous in her time as Treasurer. We thank all of our committee members including outgoing members Mrs Sophie McKenzie and Mrs Karen Petfield for their leadership and considerable service to the community. We congratulate and wish our new committee of President Mrs Jenny Lee, Vice President Mrs Esta Styles, Secretary Mrs Deni Fowler, Treasurer Mrs Penni Buchanan and committee members Mrs Tracey Hindmarsh, Mrs Kath Barry, Mrs Allyson Savari, Mrs Mel Pollack, Mr Ian Barnes, Mrs Sarah Dent, Mrs Julie Hoffman and Mrs Leah Croke all the best for what looks to be an exciting year of community connection next year.

Earlier this month, our Head of Business Education, Mr Wes Warner, was invited to attend a Top Contributors Summit at the new Google offices in Singapore. At the Summit, Mr Warner had the opportunity to learn from ‘Googlers' about G Suite for Education and how to best leverage their tools to increase collaboration between students and staff. Mr Warner was the only Queensland representative to attend the Summit.

We pray a prayer of thanks for our Year 12 students and families and pray that God will continue to equip them to grow and make a difference through who they are and what they do. We pray that God will keep them and all Year 12 students safe. 

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

Date:              Tuesday 29^th November

Time:             6.30pm

Location:       The Events Centre, Caloundra

A reminder that the Middle / Senior College Closing Service is on Tuesday 29^th November at The Events Centre, Caloundra. Students are required to wear their full winter formal uniform for the service. Students are to arrive at 6.00pm and report to their PCG teachers for roll marking and further instructions. This is an important community event and Year 6-11 students are expected to attend. If students are unable to attend, we ask that parents notify their Head of House:

• Bula House – Dr Peter McMahon pmcmahon@pacluth.qld.edu.au or 5436 7381
• Mumba House – Mrs Melissa Evans mevans@pacluth.qld.edu.au or 5436 7305
• Wira House – Mrs Leigh Drogemuller ldrogemuller@pacluth.qld.edu.au or 5436 7348

Pastors Tim Jarick and Ray Morris will be leading a First Communion course during Term 1 next year for any school families who have children turning 10 or 11 this year. If you have a young person who is baptised and is interested in receiving Holy Communion, please email or phone Pastor Tim (tjarick@pacluth.qld.edu.au 5436 7353) for more information. The course will start on Ash Wednesday, 1^st March 2017.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

Carols Night

On Friday 25^th November, the annual Carols Night will be held in the gym, starting at 5.00pm. Food will be available for purchase following the concert. A flyer providing further details will be sent home next week.

P-5 End of Year Service

On Monday 28^th November, the Prep – Year 5 End of Year Service will be held in the gym, starting at 9.15am. At the service, Academic Excellence and Endeavour awards will be presented to students across Years 3-5. The service also marks an important transition for Year 5 students who will move into the Middle College next year. All parents and family members are most welcome to attend this important event. An invitation providing further details will be sent home next week. 

Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5

This Saturday is International Games Day. To celebrate, the library has been running a number of board games and puzzles in the library foyer and outdoor space. Lunchtimes have been filled with students challenging each other and having fun.

Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian

2017 will be upon us before we know it and our Term 1 SCISSA competitions will begin in Week 2 next year. As such, students who are currently in Years 6-11 are asked to sign up for their Term 1 SCISSA teams by the end of next week.

The following teams are available (2017 year levels):

• Year 7/8 boys and girls volleyball;
• Year 9/10 boys and girls volleyball; and
• Year 11/12 boys and girls soccer.

Games will be played on Wednesday afternoons at either 4.00pm or 4.45pm. College buses are provided for away games. Anyone who is interested in playing must see Mr Mark Hauser as soon as possible.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Sport

Welcome to another season of PLC Netball, yes it will be here before you realise. As the newly elected President, I consider it appropriate to provide you some thoughts on the committee’s perspective as to where PLC Netball fits into the wider educational program at Pacific.

Firstly, I would like to thank the out-going committee for their efforts, as without their dedication and support, we would not have enjoyed the success that we have.

We have enjoyed on court success and are aiming to develop our support structures and connections with the wider College community. My aim as President is to work with the committee and the College to foster an environment where the PLC Netball Club is seen as an integral part of your child’s educational experience. Sport provides a valuable opportunity to develop leadership, confidence, comradery and the life skills of being gracious in victory and having dignity in defeat. I see these attributes as foundation qualities that will enable our daughters to mature into self-assured and confident young women. 

To this end, I see my role as President as fostering the wider principles of the College within the club. This goal will be based on nurturing an environment built on these five core principles:

• Focus - To concentrate on our role within our team and club to contribute to positive outcomes, not just winning;
• Fun - For the parents, siblings and teammates to share in the joy of our children’s development;
• Family - To foster and develop friendships within PLC Netball community that extend into the wider Pacific community;
• Faith - To have faith in our teammates, coaches, managers, parents and the committee; and
• Fitness - To foster healthy bodies and minds.

The PLC Netball Club’s ‘core’ season runs from March to September and is open to students from Year 2 upwards (must be turning eight (8)). Games are held on Saturday mornings and run for one hour at programmed intervals throughout the morning. With warm-up and after match activities, your total commitment is for approximately two hours a week. Games are held at the Caloundra Indoor Sports Centre on North Street. Training is conducted immediately after school on school grounds and is programmed by the team managers on a mutually agreeable basis. Training normally goes for one hour.

Financially, PLC Netball has the lowest fees of the Caloundra based clubs and the committee is dedicated to keeping costs to a minimum. Our commitment is that the cost of our 2017 registration will be cheaper than the 2016 season of $195.00. Including trials, there were 17 rounds during the 2016 season so that works out at approximately $11.50 per game.

As the committee’s first step in reaching out to the community we seek your assistance. Whilst the formal registration process will occur in February 2017, I would ask that if your daughter would like to participate in competitive netball, could you please provide an expression interest via an email to coltont@iinet.net.au or via text to 0409 59 22 39 at the earliest opportunity. Your expression of interest is non-binding, but it would allow the committee to begin planning teams, recruiting players and will provide a means by which we can keep you informed.

For those families who are joining the Pacific community and have children who already play for other clubs, I would ask that you consider joining our netball community. Having recently moved to Pacific myself, the extracurricular activities at the College have provided a wonderful opportunity to assist our transition into the community. I offer the same invitation for past players and families. It would be wonderful to see your smiling faces again.

Finally, for the parents who would like to take a more active role in their children’s development, there are still opportunities to assist either on the committee, as a coach or as a team manager. Any assistance on this front would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask and I look forward to working with you all during the upcoming season.

Mr Trevor Colton, President PLC Netball Club

The Uniform Shop is open from 8.00am to 9.30am every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Orders can be placed online via www.flexischools.com.au and will be delivered to your child the following day.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Shop Convenor