Whenever there are grandparents around there is a lot of giving. There is the joy of home cooked biscuits and cake, storytelling or patient listening. In return, grandchildren bring great joy as they sit on laps, tell of their latest adventures or challenge more mature bones and muscles to play. Deep-seated family values flow through the simple act of spending time together. As we celebrate Grandparents and Special Friends Day this week, we celebrate the great gifts God gives us through families and friends connecting. We look forward to the special love that is shared between the young and the more experienced, flowing through our community on Friday.
Compass No 475 - October 2017
From the Principal
Joy Of Grandparents
Principal's Log
Earlier this week, our Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms Sue Arahill and myself attended the QCAA Principals and Leaders Conference where details of the philosophy and processes of the new senior curriculum, assessment and certification were shared. The importance of the learning journey across K-12 developing 21st century skills of critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration and teamwork, personal and social skills and effective use of information communication and technology skills were all focuses as was the importance of assessment as a guide for future learning.
The benefit of having a common pedagogical framework where 21st century skills could be modelled and learnt including space for innovation and entrepreneurial skills was also highlighted. Pacific’s focus on developing these skills and deep understandings through the Teaching for Understanding Framework has us very well placed to make a smooth transition to the new senior certification processes. Unlike other states, the internal assessment will not be scaled on the basis of performance on external assessments. Instead there will be rigorous processes of endorsing Year 12 internal assessment before it is set and external confirmation of teacher judgments once work has been marked. It is important to keep in mind that internal assessment will contribute 75% for most subjects except for mathematics and science, which will be 50%. The new certification process is an evolution of Queensland’s current system that will strengthen student learning and prepare them well for a rapidly changing future.
In preparation for the move to the new curriculum, which will be encountered by our current Year 9 students in 2019, there has been a change to our Year 9 and 10 offerings and a shift of the two-week Outdoor Education program from Year 10 to Year 9. Senior teachers are also engaging in professional development provided by the QCAA this term to gain an in-depth understanding of the new syllabuses they will be teaching. The College will provide ongoing learning for all of our teachers as we continue to strengthen the development of 21st century skills through our pedagogical framework and the personalisation of student learning across the College. We look forward to sharing further learnings with the community as we progress through this transition.
We look forward to celebrating the important role that Grandparents and Special Friends play in our lives and then being inspired by the artwork of our students at this year’s K-12 Student Art Exhibition on Friday evening. We wish our Junior A Girls, Intermediate A Girls and Intermediate Boys all the best for their basketball grand final matches on Friday night.
We thank God for the blessing of grandparents and special friend in our lives. May God equip us to care for them well.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
From the Director of Students
Emotional Intelligence – Decision Making
I recall reading an article in which President Obama stated that he only wore blue or grey suits. His reason for doing this was that he did not want to make simple decisions about what he was wearing. As President, he felt he had too many other more important decisions to make. Research shows that the act of making decisions erodes your ability to make later decisions. Psychologists call it decision fatigue. It’s why shopping for groceries can be so exhausting.
In 1970, Alvin Toffler wrote a book entitled Future Shock, warning what would happen if people had to deal with enormous amounts of information and choice. Much of what Toffler forecast has become true today, with over choice a reality that we all have to face. Working with young people to make them aware of the pressures of over choice and how to find more simplicity in life is a key part of growing emotional intelligence. This year, staff have been working on some important changes in our approach to Personal Development including growing young people’s self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Current research is used to help students cope with the many pressures of modern living. Thank you to Miss Kim Stone for her leadership in this space.
As an educational institution, we also put constraints on young people by having clear, fair and consistent rules. This means that young people do not have the stress of making some decisions and they can focus on their learning. Like President Obama with his blue or grey suits, the school uniform takes away the pressure of choice in what young people have to wear. At this stage of the year, it is also a timely reminder to check your student’s uniform and see if anything needs replacing for the coming school year.
Mr Brendan Delaney, Director of Students
From the Head of Staff and Students P-5
Prep - Year 2 Car Park
Before school each morning and in the afternoon, the Prep – Year 2 car park can become congested. Often students are alighting from or entering vehicles and moving through the car park. To ensure their safety, parents are reminded not to park in the drop off zones on the eastern side of the car park (near the Prep rooms). Parking in the drop off zones is prohibited as it causes increased congestion. Drivers are also reminded to follow signage and road markings (not parking across crossings) and the directions of staff on duty. Your assistance in keeping our students safe and lessening stress and congestion in the car park is most appreciated.
Day For Daniel
Next Friday 27th October is Day for Daniel. As parents, we are all familiar with Daniel’s story and appreciate the great work his parents have done through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. At the Prep – Year 5 Assembly next week, I will be reminding students of the need to be safe when travelling to and from school. There are a number of excellent resources available online to support this important message of child safety:
- http://www.danielmorcombe.com.au/foundation_red.html
- http://www.napcan.org.au/home
- http://www.mychildsafety.net/stranger-danger.html
It would be great for parents to discuss and reinforce this important message with their children. The single most important thing to remember when teaching your children about stranger danger is to instil confidence, rather than fear.
Bandanna Day
Friday 27th October is also Bandanna Day, which supports young people living with cancer. “Every year, another 23,000 young people (63 per day) have to deal with the challenge of cancer”. Families/students wishing to support this initiative will be able to purchase (and wear) a bandanna on Friday 27th October for $5.00.
Year 3 Camp
All Year 3 students will depart for their Outdoor Education Camp at Luther Heights next week on Thursday 26th October. Parents are reminded that all camp/medical forms should have already been returned to your child’s classroom teacher.
Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5
Food for Thought
Benefits of Self-Compassion
The way we speak to ourselves impacts every aspect of our lives. If we are critical and hard on ourselves, we become more stressed, depressed and insecure. Practicing self-compassion can help you become more motivated, self-assured and confident. Learn more at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/compassion-matters/201610/the-many-benefits-self-compassion.
Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor
Friends of Pacific
Connecting College and Community
Mango Fundraiser
Summer is fast approaching and so is mango season! This term, Friends of Pacific is fundraising with beautiful Bowen mangoes direct from the grower! These assorted, graded mangoes are grown and packed by a local Pacific family. Families can order a 10kg box for only $40!
All orders must be returned and paid for by Monday 23rd October. Delivery and/or collection of orders will take place around 20th November (to be confirmed). Please complete the order form and return via email to: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.
Oceanfest 2018 Coordinator
We are seeking a coordinator for our 2018 Aloha OCEANfest to follow in the footsteps of Mrs Mel Pollack, who generously gave her time and energy for the previous three festivals. If you are interested or know of anyone, please make contact via email at: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.
AGM Date Claimer
Our AGM is set for Tuesday 21st November at 7.00pm in the College library. We warmly welcome all parents and staff of the College to come along and celebrate the year!
Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson
Cultural News
K-12 Student Art Exhibition - This Friday!
Pacific Lutheran College cordially invites you to celebrate the opening of an exhibition of student work in Visual Art from Kindergarten to Year 12. There will be a face painter and other children's activities on the night.
This is a licensed event with food available for purchase from the Good Food Fellas. Click here to download the menu.
Date: Friday 20th October
Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Location: Pacific Art Gallery
Mrs Denise McMahon, Head of Visual Art
Countdown to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe!
Tickets are selling fast for the Junior Production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe!
Come along for an adventure filled with magic and fraught with danger. Based on the fantasy novel by C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe tells the story of four children who accidentally discover a magical realm inside a wardrobe called Narnia. Narnia is a land full of talking animals and mythical creatures. Whilst in Narnia, the siblings fulfil an old prophecy and find themselves fighting alongside Aslan, the true king of Narnia, against the evil White Witch and self-proclaimed Queen who has ruled Narnia in an endless icy winter for 100 years.
Date: Saturday 28th October
Times: 12.30pm matinee and a 7.30pm evening performance
Cost: Adults $20, Concession $18 and Groups (two adults and two children) $70
Tickets can be purchased at: http://theeventscentre.com.au/product/pacific-lutherancollege/.
Miss Anita Morton and Miss Ceilidh Peers
From the Head of Career Development
ATAR Power Hour
Queensland is well on the way to a new tertiary entrance system for 2020. To assist with the transition, the comprehensive ATAR Power Hour presentation is now available for viewing at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTgpYdKxTFk&feature=youtu.be.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Meet USC
The next Meet USC event will be held on Tuesday 7th November. At the event, students can take a campus tour, attend presentations and speak to the career planning team. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.usc.edu.au/learn/courses-and-programs/meet-usc.
Scholarships – Closing Soon
Scholarships and bursaries aren’t just for high academic achievers or those struggling financially. They’re also available for students demonstrating sporting achievement or community activity such as volunteering, fundraising or taking on a leadership role. Scholarship applications for Semester 1 next year close on 30th November. To learn more, visit: https://www.usc.edu.au/learn/what-will-i-pay/scholarships.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Graduate Showcase Events
Kaleidoscope is a series of graduate showcase events covering creative practice, communication and design courses. It will be held from 24th October – 30th November. Teachers, students and families are invited to attend. For more information, visit: https://nowalls.qut.edu.au/kaleidoscope/.
Accommodation Options
Students moving to Brisbane need to start thinking about accommodation well before they start university. QUT’s accommodation service aims to make the move as smooth as possible with advice on tenancy matters, information about student accommodation complexes and access to the accommodation vacancies database. Learn more about these options at: http://qutcampuslife.orgsync.com/org/qutaccommodation/home.
Real Decisions
This event is held after students receive their Year 12 results, but while there is still time to make changes to QTAC preferences. Real Decisions will be held from 9.00am – 1.00pm on Tuesday 19th December at the Gardens Point campus. Students can seek advice from staff and students about gaining entry as well as QTAC preferences and courses. For more information, visit: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/events/real-decisions.
Education Courses – Written Statement Deadline
Students applying for education courses at QUT (and other institutions) for entry in 2018 must also submit a written statement addressing suitability criteria. This statement must be submitted before the QTAC documentation due dates. Current Year 12 students who would like to be considered for an offer from QUT in the 21st December round should submit their statement by 8th December. Visit the QTAC website to view a video explaining what is required in the written statement: https://www.qtac.edu.au/courses---institutions/teacher-entry.
Fee-Free Vocational Training – Year 12 Graduates
This program supports Queensland Year 12 graduates to transition to employment by providing fee-free training for Certificate III qualifications in high priority vocational areas. Find out more on the Queensland Government Training website.
University Pathways
While an OP is still the most popular pathway to gain entry to university courses, it is not the only pathway available in Queensland. Many tertiary institutions have webpages dedicated to the various pathways available:
- Australian Catholic University – Pathways and Entry Schemes
- Bond University – Pathways to further study
- CQUniversity – English, Work and Study Preparation
- Griffith University – Pathways
- James Cook University – Pathways to University
- Queensland University of Technology - Worried you won’t get into the course you want?
- TAFE Queensland – University pathways
- University of Queensland – Pathways and Bridging
- University of Southern Queensland – Pathway Programs
- University of the Sunshine Coast – Uni Pathways and Preparation
Also, check out the Upgrading Pathways page on the QTAC website. Note that some of the pathways are specific to the institution listing them. Students should always check that the institution they want to go to accepts the pathway they are thinking of choosing.
Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor
Junior Sport
SCISSA Sport
Monday afternoon SCISSA training starts next Monday (Week 4) for all teams. Training is compulsory for all students and runs from 3.15pm – 4.15pm. If your child is unable to attend training, please send a short note or email to their teacher or coach.
Next week students will play their last trial game for the year against Matthew Flinders Anglican College. Following on from the trial games, Gala Day 4 will be held on Thursday 9th November. Further information regarding Gala Day will be sent out next week.
Learn to Surf Program – Years 2-4
There are still some places available for the Year 2-4 learn to surf program, which is a condensed version of the Weet-Bix Surf Grom program. The program will be held at Kings or Dicky Beach, depending on conditions and will be administered by Mr Russell Hoffman, owner of North Caloundra Surf School, in conjunction with Pacific staff.
Sessions are for one hour and will commence on Monday 30th October at 6.00am for a 6.15am start. The program will run for four weeks, finishing on 20th November. Parents and guardians will be responsible for student transport to and from the location.
The cost of the program will be covered by Pacific through the Sporting Schools Funding initiative. Each child will receive a surf groms pack upon the completion of the four-week program (children must attend all four sessions).
As numbers are limited to 24, positions will be filled on a first in basis. If you are interested in this program, please email Mrs Natalie Campbell at: ncampbell@pacluth.qld.edu.au to receive further information and permission forms.
Rugby 7’s Development Program
A large number of students have registered for our Rugby 7’s Development Program. Commencing next Tuesday 24th October, the program is designed to teach fundamental passing, catching, tackling and game skills. Students are required to wear their sports uniform to these sessions and will also need a mouth guard. If students wish to play in headgear they can also bring this along.
Prep – Year 2 Learn to Swim Program
Last week, a letter was sent out via CareMonkey explaining the upcoming Learn to Swim program. Parents of Prep – Year 2 students are asked to log into CareMonkey and respond accordingly. The program will run through Weeks 7 and 8 with students attending five swim lessons with qualified instructors at Kawana Aquatics Centre.
Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport
Secondary Sport
Friday Night Basketball
Over the past 12 weeks, nine Pacific teams have been competing in the Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools Basketball competition. Last week, five of these teams were in semi final matches!
The Senior C Boys put up a good fight and played very well against St Teresa’s Catholic College. Unfortunately, they didn’t come away with a win. There were some fantastic passages of play and the boys should be commended on their efforts. Well done to the team and thank you to Bailey for coaching them this season.
Our Senior A Girls team took on a very strong Mountain Creek State High School (MCSHS) team, and despite having some players down, the girls never gave up and played tough right to the end. Unfortunately, MCSHS took the win. Thank you to all the girls for their dedication and involvement with basketball this season.
Congratulations to the Junior A Girls, Intermediate A Girls and the Intermediate Boys who all had significant victories over their opponents in their semi final games. We wish these teams all the best for their grand final matches this Friday 20th October!
|
Team |
Time |
Venue |
Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Junior A Girls |
4.00pm |
Cal 2 |
MCSHS |
|
Int A Girls |
5.00pm |
Cal 3 |
SCGS |
|
Int B Boys |
6.00pm |
Cal 4 |
Mdore SHS |
Finally, thank you to all of our coaches who have worked with our players this season.
SCISSA Soccer
The only game to go ahead in the wet conditions this week was our Junior Boys B team who played against St Andrew’s Anglican College. The boys played a great game and won 4 nil. The most valuable player was Ethan Daley. They are currently two wins from two games. Keep up the great effort boys!
Sports Awards Ceremony
The Sports Awards Presentations will be held on Tuesday 14th November in the College gym. We are proud to announce that former Brisbane Broncos player Jack Reed will be the guest speaker. Students are encouraged to complete an application form for the Pacific Sports Excellence Award that will be announced on the day. This application form is also used to help calculate the overall Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year, which will be announced at the Closing Service later in the year. The application form can be found on schoology or students can email myself directly for the information.
Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport
Club Sport
Pacific FC
FREE Come and Try Session / 2018 Sign-On
To register for the FREE Come and Try session – email: PacSoc@pacluth.qld.edu.au
To sign on for the 2018 season – visit: https://registrations.sccsa.org.au/pacific
Mr Matt Gigney, Pacific FC President
Uniform Shop
Seeking Assistance
If you can assist in the uniform shop from the 13th – 17th November (Week 7) or from 15th – 19th January next year, please contact Peta on 5436 7349. There are two daily timeslots to be filled: from 8.00am – 12.00pm or 12.00pm – 4.00pm.
Opening Hours and Online Ordering
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
General Notices
Wishlist Teddy Bears’ Picnic
On Sunday 29th October, Wishlist is hosting a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Cotton Tree Park to raise much-needed funds to support dementia patients at Nambour Hospital. Activities and entertainment will be provided at the picnic. Click here to download the event flyer. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting: http://www.wishlist.org.au/Events/TeddyBearsPicnic-595/.
Entertainment Books
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: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/230p536.
LLL School Banking
Pacific provides opportunities for children and parents to operate savings accounts with the Lutheran Laypeople’s League (LLL). The LLL is a non-profit financial institution established in 1921. All LLL Deposit Accounts are ‘at call’ accounts and there are no LLL fees or charges. All LLL deposit accounts have an attractive rate of interest with no ‘Bonus’ rate hurdles to jump.
The LLL pays a $5 gift to the first savings account opened for the child.
Deposits can be made through the College’s Business Office each Tuesday before school. To find out more, visit the Business Office.
Upcoming Dates
October
| 20 | Grandparent's Day |
| K-12 Student Art Exhibition (6.00pm) | |
| 23 | Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm) |
| 26-27 | Year 3 Camp - Luther Heights |
| 27 | World Teachers' Day |
| 28 | Junior Prodiction - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe |
| 29 | St Mark's @ Pacific - Grow and Share (9.30am) |
| 30 | Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm) |
November
| 1 | Prep Information Evening (5.00pm) |
| 2 | Year 11-12 HOSP Industry Day |
| 6 | Middle College Orientation Day |
| Year 12 Study Day | |
| Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm) | |
| Middle College Information Evening (7.00pm) | |
| 7-13 | Year 12 Exams |
| 9 | Year 7 Immunisations - Round 3 |
| Year 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day 4 | |