Research shows that ongoing family connection is an important factor for wellbeing. This is particularly the case for adolescents as they grow greater independence and their sense of personal identity. Connection to an extended family, which may include significant adults outside of the immediate family, helps people to see themselves in relationship to others and develop an understanding of mutual responsibility. Families are a place where young people can learn the importance of give and take in sustaining relationships. Learning that they have responsibility for the care for siblings, parents and extended family members even when relationships are not easy, builds emotional capacity within young people.
God models this type of familial love where He continues to love us despite us constantly being less that what He would have us be. At our best and our worst, He walks with us and does not give up on us. We are called to do this in our families too. Beyond the brokenness, there are strong bonds of love and a constant invitation to come home and rest in the safety of home.
Staff and students strengthened their understanding of and connection to Japanese culture through their biennial visit to our sister school Seishin Gakuen over the holidays. Students took advantage of the opportunity to extend their Japanese language skills and learn about daily life in Japan as they enjoyed the hospitality of their Seishin families. Visits to Hiroshima and other cultural sites also deepened their understanding of our common human story. We thank Mrs Michiko Hauser for the organisation and leadership of the experience and also Mr Brendan Delaney, Mr Mark Hauser and Mrs Virginia Schlotterbach for their assistance. We congratulate the students on the way they engaged strongly with the people and places of Japan to build stronger connections and deeper levels of mutual understanding and respect.
Over the holiday period, a group of Pacific staff attended the Australian Conference on Lutheran Education, which had over 1000 delegates. The theme, People, Planet, Purpose, set the challenge for Lutheran schools to continue enhancing contemporary approaches to learning for people across all dimensions of their lives including the development of social emotional skills to equip young people to thrive within a rapidly changing world. Professor Tim Flannery encouraged schools to explore understandings of ways in which individuals, groups and communities could minimise their environmental footprint and even enhance our natural world. On the final day we were challenged to contemplate ways in which we could strengthen the sense of purpose we gain as we live empowered by the generosity of God’s grace. The team of Mrs Sue Zweck, Pastor Tim Jarick, Miss Kim Stone and myself were invited to lead a workshop that focused on how people grow through immersion in a rich integrated culture of leading and learning at Pacific. 
Pacific aims to grow students into international citizens who have a global view for the future. As the world tackles environmental and other global issues, we must work together in a coherent, compassionate and united way. At assembly this week, senior students Gabrielle Donato and Thomas Turner spoke about the recent trip to Japan and how the experience was life changing for them. All 20 students who attended this trip represented Pacific, their families and their country very well.
This year, Pacific is participating in the Underwater Adventure App school competition. Students are encouraged to download the augmented reality app and play the game when visiting the Sunshine Plaza. By participating in the fun and educational game, students will earn points for Pacific. The latest experience, Help the Turtle, runs until 1st September.
Well done to Junior College student Ainslie Carter who competed at the Junior National Games on the Gold Coast over the school holidays. Ainslie competed in both swimming and soccer, representing Queensland in these events. She won gold in the 50m butterfly and the 4 x 50m medley relay, silver in the 100m and 200m breaststroke and bronze in soccer. Congratulations to Ainslie on this fantastic achievement
Congratulations to senior student Caitlin O’Keefe who won this year’s Pierre De Coubertin award for her outstanding contribution to sport. Caitlin attended a prestigious award ceremony in Brisbane over the recent holidays, where a host of ex and current Olympians, including swimmer Susie O’Neil, were also in attendance. This is a fantastic achievement and thoroughly well deserved. Caitlin has also made a significant contribution to sport at Pacific over the past five years. Well done!
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: