An important skill in life is to maintain momentum and relationships when the ‘No’ in life presents itself. Learning how to respond to ‘No’ when it appears as a non-negotiable early in life helps to grow resilience and a sense of efficacy. Stephen Covey in his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, talks about devoting energy to those things that are within our area of influence. We have a choice when faced with a frustrating ‘No’. We can take on a victim mentality and focus negative energy on the person or situation responsible for the ‘No’. This normally sees us turning inwards and becoming less effective in many areas of life.
Alternatively, once we have made our best effort to achieve something or respectfully present our case, we can learn to accept that the situation will remain unchanged and look for positive ways to extend our energy and influence into other areas. The greater our capacity to move forward and use our energy productively, the more effective, influential and richer we become as people. We can learn to rise above the ‘No’ and see the many possibilities of ‘Yes’ that surround us each day. The serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr is helpful in grounding our thinking.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
On Monday and Tuesday this week, Pacific teachers spent time working with Harvard Educational Consultant Mr Mark Church. The ongoing work and connection with Mark, who works with educators from across the world, gives our educators the opportunity to draw on best practice from an international perspective. Our engagement in growing the pedagogy of our teachers has seen them now being invited to present at the Cultures of Thinking Conference conducted by Bialik College, Victoria in association with the Harvard Graduate School of Education next term.
It is always a joy to witness the energy and spirit of our young athletes at the Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival each year. The encouragement, sportsmanship and celebration of personal bests from all students made it a very positive day. It was heartening to see students of all ability levels receive recognition from their peers and staff but most importantly feeling proud of themselves knowing they had given their best effort. Learning how to compete, giving our best and learning how to win and lose well are very important life lessons. Well done to all of the staff and students and a particular thank you to the PE staff, Mrs Natalie Campbell and Mr Darren Hooper for their leadership.
Our theme for the upcoming Trivia Night is Through the Ages! So, dress up and enjoy… Middle Ages, Ancient Greece, Roaring Twenties or Happy Hippies – the possibilities are endless! Gather your team of 8-10 (adults only) for a night of fun and laughter with great prizes to be won. Kicking off at 
6.30pm for a 7.00pm start, tickets are $10 per person for entry, with food stalls and a bar on offer too. Appoint a captain to make your team booking at the Junior or Middle / Senior College Offices!
Last week, our Year 12 Hospitality students took over the reins at the popular Cotton Tree restaurant, The Boat Shed, for a sell out event. Restaurant staff daringly handed over control to students, who have been perfecting their skills in all aspects of restaurant operations, from waiting tables to working behind the bar and helping out in the kitchen. The evening allowed students to demonstrate their practical performance knowledge and understanding in a real 
world environment, further enhancing their learning.
What a fabulous night at Beerwah for Round 7 of the SCISSA Rugby 7’s competition. All Pacific teams recorded wins and every player put in exceptional performances and had great sportsmanship! A special mention to the U15 boys who finished second after all rounds and went on to play St Andrew’s Anglican College (SAAC) in the grand final. The game was very close with the boys only up by two points at half time due to a 90m run from Nick Lloyd, scoring under the posts and converting his own try. The second half was a real arm-wrestle with SAAC scoring in the corner on the final hooter. They needed to convert to take the match into extra time but the kick fell just short. Pacific were crowned SCISSA champions for 2017 in a close 17-15. Congratulations to Mr Darren Hooper and the boys for a brilliant season!
Pacific Lutheran College is fundraising with Entertainment™ again this year. Order your NEW 2017 | 2018 Entertainment™ Books and Entertainment™ Digital Memberships today and 20% of the proceeds will go towards Pacific Lutheran Early Learning Centre! To order your book or digital membership, visit: