The PLC summer uniform and College Term 4 commences Tuesday 9th October 2018.
Compass No. 511 September 2018
From the Principal
Finding Joy in the Small Things
Nikki Gemmell wrote a great article about finding joy in the small things in life, published in the Weekend Australian on Saturday, 25th August. Reflecting on her life as a busy working mum she reflected how her life changed when she started to focus on the small joys in life like walking in nature and enjoying the begrudging hugs of her maturing teenage sons that she insisted on receiving. Personally for me, the absence of bird calls that I encountered when travelling in China and Eastern Germany reminded me of the simple joy of waking up each morning to the sounds of birds in full song on the Coast.
In our busy rhythm of life, it is easy to lose sight of the small joys that surround us every day. Growing the habit in ourselves and our families from a very young age of noticing and appreciating the small joys in life helps us to recognise the abundance we have in our lives on a daily basis. This habit can also reduce the anxiety that can come from a mindset where we always want more or need to do more.
School holidays provide the opportunity for a change in rhythm and a time to recognise and celebrate the small joys. Jesus used God’s care for the birds in the air as an example to encourage us to let go and trust that God will provide for our daily needs. What are the small joys in your life that could enjoy a greater daily focus?
Principal's Log
It has been a term where we have enjoyed seeing young people grow as people and in what they have been able to achieve. We have celebrated publicly outstanding achievements with many groups and individuals and more privately the important small steps forwards that each young person has made. We have come together as a community to have fun and to provide rich opportunities for young people. Growth in life involves making the most of opportunities, recognising and celebrating progress and developing resilience, discernment and persistence through mistakes and disappointments. Growing through the highs and lows of life is an important life skill. We would hope that people have also appreciated that a gracious God walks with them and blesses them each day. The Pacific village has been strongly engaged in growing young people this term and I thank all staff, students, parents, College Council members and friends of the College for the important part they have played in enriching the lives of young people. There has been tremendous goodwill and energy.
We celebrate the success of our Junior Robotics team of Year 4 to 8 students who travelled to Maryborough and competed against 80 teams of senior and junior students in the Sumo Robotics Tournament this week. We congratulate all teams and particularly that of Varsh Surapaneni, Noah Taverner and Ethan Donahue who won the Monster division and our Year 6 team of Ashton Clues, Josh Lusk and Julian Schirripa who placed second in the Midget competition losing to a Year 12 team. The third team of Maddie Clues (Yr 4), Liam Brown and Luca Buttrose also performed very well. We thank Mrs Janine Stone for her leadership of these teams.
We look forward to our Year 9 students returning from their outdoor education experience on Friday. This 12-day expedition provides a unique opportunity for growth and we thank Mr Nick Tait for his leadership of this experience and staff Mr Duncan McNee, Mrs Angela Hill, Mr Chris Mundy, Mr Chris Bartlett and Pastor Tim Jarick for the time given to lead and support groups of students.
We thank those families who participated in the Focus Group sessions over the past fortnight. They have provided some valuable feedback to the College that will be incorporated into our strategic planning processes for the next four years. Year 11 and 12 student leaders, executive members of the Friends of Pacific and staff have been invited by email this week, to join our College Council for the strategic planning consultation day on Saturday, 13th October, next term.
We say thank you and farewell to Mr Adrian King who has inspired a love and appreciation for music in his role as Head of Instrumental Music since July 2007. Adrian’s tremendous talent as a musician, his enthusiasm, joy for performance and generosity of time in working with young people has been greatly appreciated by staff, students and families. We look forward to our ongoing relationship with Mr King as a music tutor and wish him all the best as he enjoys a change in pace in the next phase of his life.
May God grant us the ability to recognise and celebrate the many small joys we encounter in our daily lives. We wish everyone God’s richest blessing as you enjoy a change in pace over the coming fortnight.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
From the Head of Staff and Students P-5
P-5 Update
Thanks to all parents and families for their support and involvement in the many and varied aspects of life within the P-5 area of the College this term. This support and involvement is greatly valued and welcomed by the children, staff and the entire College community. I wish all students and families a relaxing and enjoyable break.
Chess
Chess classes will re-commence after school next term. These classes as previously advised will be run by Chess Mates on Tuesday afternoons after school. If your child is interested, please contact the Junior School (during term time) to collect the relevant documentation.
Start of Term
Students commence Term 4 on Tuesday, 9th October.
Year 5 Camp
As students in Year 5 are attending camp in the first week of the term, parents are reminded that before attending camp, parents may need to update their child’s medical information to include any illnesses (affecting students) which may arise over the holidays.
Grandparents Day/Student Art Exhibition
Next term, on Friday 26th October, we welcome to the College grandparents and family friends of students. The morning offers students the opportunity to show and involve their extended families in their daily experiences at school. Visitors to the College will spend time in classrooms before attending morning tea and being entertained by a variety of musical performances. Details and a program for the event will be sent home next term. On the same day the Student Art Exhibition will be held, at 6pm in the PLC Art Gallery.
Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5
Not Returning in 2019
Reminder
Families are reminded that if they are not returning in 2019 they need to notify the College in writing by 4.00pm, Tuesday, 9th October to admin@pacluth.qld.edu.au.
Food for Thought
The Resilience Project App
This app is from Hugh van Cuylenburg who was quoted in last week’s article on ‘How to raise resilient children.’ The Resilience Project app is a daily well-being journal. Each day users will be prompted to identify their emotions, record moments of gratitude and practice mindfulness. The aim is to develop emotional literacy, engage with the positive things in life and be actively present. This app is from last week’s newsletter article.
https://theresilienceproject.com.au/the-resilience-project-app/
Mrs Annie Williams, School Counsellor
Friends of Pacific
Connecting College and Community
OCEANfest 2018
Sending our support to our wonderful friends at Piñata Farms! Over the years, so many families have enjoyed the delicious strawberry creations at OCEANfest courtesy of Piñata Farms. Please show your support for our local growers.#strawberrylove
Friends of Pacific
We warmly thank all who attended the September FoP meeting this week. Friends of Pacific come together once a month to share ideas, plan events and connect with fellow parents and the College Leadership Team. It’s a time to learn more about the College and how you can make a difference within our local community.
Our next Friends of Pacific meeting will be held on Tuesday 16 October from 6.30pm in the College Library. All are welcome to attend.
Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson
Outside School Hours Care
Vacation Care
YAY, holidays are finally here! If you are looking for something entertaining, relaxing and somewhere for your children to hang out with friends, why not bring them along to PLC Vacation Care. The children here at PLC Vacation Care are engaged all day with fun and energetic activities. These holidays we have a wide range of activities for all ages including incursions and excursions. Children have the opportunity to socialise with all ages and make lots of new friends from PLC and the wider community. To find out more please contact us at PLC OSHC and you can also view our program on the PLC website.
Mrs Natalie Sorbello, Educational Leader
Library News
Geek Girls
The new programme for Term 4 has been released. Girls in Years 4 and 5 are invited to join us for STEM activities in the library on Tuesday lunchtimes.
|
9 Oct |
Elephant’s toothpaste Explore chemical reactions by seeing what happens when hydrogen peroxide H2O2 breaks down into oxygen O2 and water H2O . |
|
For more information please click here.
Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library
IT Department
Robotics Competition
Nine students ranging from Years 4 to 8 travelled to Maryborough on the weekend to take part in the Robotic tournament at the annual Maryborough Technology Challenge.
The College fielded three teams in the Sumo Robotics Tournament with over 80 team competitors from schools ranging from the Sunshine Coast to Wide bay and ages of students ranging from Junior to Senior College within the same division.
PLC entered two teams in the midget division (robots weighing less than 750 grams) and one team in the monster division (robots weighing between 750 - 1250 grams)
Our monster team of Varsh Surapaneni, Noah Taverner and Ethan Donahue came an amazing first place in the monster competition.
One of our grade six teams comprising of: Ashton Clues, Josh Lusk and Julian Schiripa came second. (Beaten only by a team of year 12’s).
Our third team of Maddie Clues (Year 4), Liam Brown and Luca Buttrose missed the finals by a mere 10 points.
The students were fierce competitors and represented the College extremely well.
Go PLC robotics!
Mrs Janine Stone, Head of IT Department
From the Head of Career Development
Career News
Med View / UQ
"A Day in the Life of a Doctor: Medicine Experience Day" again on Saturday 17th November at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus. The event will again give students (and parents) an opportunity to learn valuable medical and surgical skills, speak one-on-one with doctors and medical students, and put themselves on a path to a successful career as a doctor.
Details
When: Saturday 17th November 2018
Where: The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus. (Exact rooms to be confirmed)
Who: students and parents interested in medicine, years 9-12
Registration: $20 for prospective medicine students, $5 for parents/guests!
register online at bit.ly/MedViewBrisbane
JMC Academy High School workshops this October school holidays!
JMC Academy Brisbane will be holding six Introductory workshops this October school holidays! These High School workshops are inspired by JMC's creative courses, Tickets are selling quickly and two workshops have already sold out! Workshops are strictly for High School students in years 9 - 12. All workshops are $50 (including lunch) and will be held at JMC Academy Brisbane, 75 Grey St, South Brisbane (opposite the Queensland Museum). https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/events/workshops/brisbane-high-school-work...
A reminder for Year 12 students about Tax File Numbers
Prospective university students are encouraged to apply early for a Tax File Number (TFN). Students who gain entry to a university course must have a TFN to be able to defer their fee payment through HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP or a VET Student Loan. These loans are made on the basis you pay it later through the tax system. So if you don’t have a TFN, you won’t be able to finalise a government loan for study. There are several ways to apply for a TFN. Visit the Australian Tax Office website for details. You need to apply early as it will take some time to receive your TFN. https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/
An alternative to the usual schoolies experience
Antipodeans invites school groups or individual students to join its Schoolies Unearthed program. This program offers an alternative to the usual schoolies experience. It gives groups of high school graduates the chance to embark on an adventure to Vietnam, Boreno, Vanuatu and Thailand during which they can explore infrequently visited parts of the world while helping others and contributing to a sustainable community development project. Find out more on the Antipodeans website. https://antipodeans.com.au/schoolies-unearthed
Lattitude Global Volunteering new round of applications
The Lattitude program provides volunteer positions in a range of countries for school leavers. Positions include school assistant teacher, sports and development, coach, outdoor activities instructor, community worker, medical assistant and caring assistant. Applications are still being accepted for several volunteer positions for 2019. Visit the website to explore your options. https://lattitudeaustralia.org/apply
Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor
Junior Sport
Junior Sport News
SCISSA Gala Day
Last Thursday all students from Years 4-6 took part in various sporting options for the Term Three SCISSA Gala Day.
Dance students had the opportunity to travel up to SJ Dance Studio at Warana to take part in dance workshops run through this dance school. Meanwhile all other students travelled to various locations around the Sunshine Coast to compete in their round robin gala day competitions. Sports included:
- Boys Touch Football
- Boys and Girls Volleyball
- Girls Soccer
- Mixed Water Polo
- Boys AFL
- Girls Basketball
Well done to the following teams who at the end of all games were announced as the champion team for their division:
- 5/6 Boys Div. A Volleyball Team 1
- Year 4 Boys Volleyball (Team 1)
- 5/6 Girls Div. B Volleyball (Team 1)
- 5/6 Boys Div. A AFL
- Year 4 Boys Touch Football
PLC Learn to Surf Program (Years 2, 3 & 4)
A learn to surf program will be offered in Term Four to Pacific students. It will be administered by Russell Hoffman, owner of North Caloundra Surf School in conjunction with staff from Pacific Lutheran College.
Sessions are 1 hour in length and due to begin on Monday 29th October and run for 4 weeks finishing on Monday 20th November. Participants will be required to be at the venue by 6.00 for a 6.15 start with the program concluding at 7:15am. Parents and guardians will be responsible for transport to and from the venue.
The program is only open to students in Years 2, 3 and 4.
There are only two places left for this program and these will be filled on a first in basis. Students must commit to all four sessions.
If you are interested in your child participating in this program, please email Natalie Campbell (PLC Sports Aide) ncampbell@pacluth.qld.edu.au to secure your child’s place and receive further information.
Regional Athletics
Well done to the following students who competed at the 10 -12 years Sunshine Coast Regional Athletics Carnival last Tuesday and Wednesday at The University of the Sunshine Coast.
- Danica Cockburn
- Louis Martin
- Darcy Connors
- Zara Richters
- Gabrielle Rattey
It was pleasing to see two of our students recorded top three places in their events at the carnival. Well done to -
- Danica Cockburn – 1st (11 yr. girls High Jump) 1.32m
- Darcy Connors – 2nd (11 yr. boys high Jump) 1.42m
Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport
Secondary Sport
Year 7-12 Water Polo Monday 17th September Results
|
Team |
COACH |
Opposition |
Score |
Winner |
MVP |
|
Junior Girls |
Mrs Elliot, #Brad
|
MFAC |
13-3 |
PLC |
Romola Frazer |
|
Junior Boys |
Mr Kersnovske
|
SAAC |
Forfeit |
PLC |
- |
|
Senior Girls |
Mr Jones
|
MFAC |
0-12 |
MFAC |
Sophie Empson |
Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport
Club Sport
Pacific FC Update
Adermann Awards
Last Friday evening, Sunshine Coast Churches Association held their annual Adermann Awards where nominated best and fairest players from across all clubs were recognised. Officials and referees throughout the season nominated players from our competitive U11+ teams. We were lucky enough to have four PFC nominees acknowledged:
- Angus Friend U11 Seals
- Joseph Harrys U11 Seals
- Alex Lee U13 Cobras
- Logan Bent U13 Cobras
While they didn’t pick up the top gong in each of their age group categories, they put in a top effort to represent Pacific Soccer FC during the 2018 season.
ROAR Holiday Clinic
Book NOW for the 2 Day ROAR Holiday Clinic at Pacific Lutheran College on Tuesday and Wednesday October 2 and 3 from 9am-12 noon Click here to book!
AGM
Our AGM will be held on Monday October 15 at 6.30pm in the PLC Library. Come along to hear the exciting events planned for 2019 and support our not-for-profit club by willingly giving your time, skills and enthusiasm to become involved. Any time is appreciated. Even if you are able to commit one hour a week/month or just put your hand up for a specific task, your help is important. PFC is committed to providing a place where positivity, patience and persistence flourish.
Mr Matt Gigney, Pacific FC President
PLC Netball
On Saturday our U11 Palominos experienced a ‘deep learning pit’, when they lost their Grand Final to the Maleny Galaxies with 20 seconds to go. Now that we have had a chance to clear the tears, it is appropriate to reflect on their performance across the year. 
The team was newly formed this year, with five new players to the club. The team also represents our highest concentration of non-PLC students, with four of the nine girls not attending the school. Throughout the year, it has been an arm wrestle with Maleny, with the honours split across the four previous encounters. It was an intense struggle all day with each team having periods of dominance. Both teams should be proud of their efforts in a game that epitomised the spirt and intensity of competitive sport.
Finally, a well done also to the team Coach Fiona River-Jones and Team Manager, Kim Williams for their efforts in mentoring the girls throughout the year.
A reminder of the presentation night this Sunday at Laser Zone from 4.45pm.
Also hire dresses, umpire shirts and officials’ shirts can be returned to the uniform shop or brought along on Sunday. Please ensure that they are placed in a bag clearly marked with your name.
Whilst our 2018 junior season is over, our Ladies teams battle on. Our players of the week for this week’s games are:
- PLC Might Mares: Nina Stokes
- PLC Almighty Appaloosas: Mikayla Southern; and
- PLC Fantastic Friesians: Lisa Murray.
Mr Trevor Colton, President PLC Netball
Uniform Shop
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
Tuckshop
Volunteers Required!
Calling all parents, grandparents and friends of the Pacific community! If you can volunteer for only 45 minutes, (from 12.45 to 1.30pm) then we'd love to hear from you! We have volunteer positions available to serve at the front counter. We would love to see some new faces at the Tuckshop this term! Your time and effort will be most appreciated by staff and students. If you are unsure about what is involved, please feel free to pop in, meet our Tuckshop Convenor and have a look around. There are jobs to suit everyone and it’s a great way to meet new people and lend a helping hand. Click here to download the Volunteer Form.
Ms Carrie Dickson, Tuckshop Convenor
General Notices
Come and Worship!
Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra
LLL 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 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.
Pacific Fitness Hub
Parents at PLC have enjoyed the Pacific Fitness Hub’s classes on offer, keeping fit and making new friends.
Training
We will be offering a mix of various types of training, tailored to each individual, including high intensity, weights, cardio, core training, yoga/ flexibility.
Transformation
Mason will track your progress and achievement of your goals. Functional fitness assessment, Body Composition measurement and goal related fitness assessment will be recorded at commencement and on completion.
Goals may include improving strength, increasing lean muscle, increasing endurance, mobility, flexibility, reducing body fat percentage, improving sleep, concentration and mood and increasing energy levels, nutrition changes)
Body Composition Tracking
We will offer Body Composition measurement and tracking. This will assess important parameters for overall health and wellbeing: Lean muscle mass - Hydration levels - Total body weight- BMI- Body fat percentage - Visceral Body Fat- Bone Density
Please contact Mason. Enquiries and Registration: Please contact Mason m: 0433 421 969 or email:kawanaforestfitness@gmail.com