Compass No. 538 June 2019

What does home mean for you? Is it a place of safety, the smell of your favourite cooking, memories of good times with family, the presence of loved ones? For many families, home can be all these positive things. But for many families, home can also mean multiple places where children spend time with one parent and then with another parent or with a grandparent in a different location. Home can be a mixed place of mixed blessings.

One of the most well-known parables of Jesus, the parable of the prodigal or lost son, is really a story about home. It is the story of two children’s relationship with their parent. The story of two siblings who don’t get on with one another. The story of a conflicted family with all the dynamics of anger, resentment and unforgiveness that sometimes happens in messy and broken relationships. It is the story of real families in real homes that experience real-life relational problems.

The plot of the parable involves a father who has two sons. The younger son physically leaves his father and home spending his inheritance on wild living. While the older son also leaves his father, not physically but emotionally. The older son leaves his father in his heart. He checks out; the barriers are put up, he shuts himself off from his parent. By the end of the parable the younger son learns to value the gift of home, returns to his family and is restored to his father while the older son resents his family and doesn’t want to be in their home to celebrate his brother’s return.

Families and homes are tricky things because humans are tricky beings. Relationships can be broken, hurt and even ruined unless honesty, trust, forgiveness and grace are shown. This parable of family dynamics in the home shows a father who is forgiving, restorative and unconditionally loving. A reflection of the God we know is Jesus Christ. For anyone to have a positive view of the home, these characteristics of God are needed in some way in our family relationships too. Our homes might not be perfect; family relationships certainly do go through ups and downs as children learn independence and parents learn to give them interdependence. But a forgiving heart and a willingness to restore troubled relationships go a long way and can help parents and children have positive memories of home.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

I am regularly reminded of how privileged we are to work with such talented students (and staff) at Pacific. The other day I was grateful to hear the Year 6 students and their music teachers, Mrs Helen Williams, Mr Steven Lake, Mrs Aleisha Tuaine and Mrs Jenna Woodforth playing a variety of musical instruments. It was brilliant to listen to the various pieces that were played, whilst observing the conductor energise each performer. I was suitably impressed by the commitment and sheer talent that all exhibited. Playing a musical instrument from a young age has been shown to increase cognitive ability through greater interaction between the left and right sides of the brain. There is an increase in a young person’s capacity to learn, memorise, hone fine motor skills and improve verbal and non-verbal reasoning (Stoklosa, 2016). If music is food for the soul, I can honestly say all our souls were full!

At assembly earlier this week, Middle and Senior College students and staff had the privilege of hearing from Olympic swimmer Tessa Wallace and our very own past student and current Youth Olympic Backstroke Champion, Kaylee McKeown (graduating class of 2018). The grounded nature of Kaylee as she addressed the College community was refreshing to witness and I hope that all students were inspired by her story and success. We thank both Kaylee and Tessa and wish them all the very best as they continue to represent our community and country with pride in future competitions.

I would like to remind all members of the community who drive themselves or loved ones to school each morning that the driving limit is 10km/h once entering the school gates. It is important that this limit is adhered to for the safety of all. I encourage all students to alight from the pathway side of the car they are in. Similarly, I ask all students who travel in buses to remain seated with their seatbelt fastened for the entire duration of their journey. This is a legal requirement for the safety of all passengers and for the driver to maintain their licence.

We wish all those travelling to Japan over the holidays a safe and enjoyable adventure. We thank Mrs Michiko Hauser, Mr Mark Hauser and Ms Marg Gunn for accompanying the tour group. I am confident all students will represent the College well and we look forward to hearing about their cultural experience on their return. I would also like to wish all Pacific community members a pleasant time with family and friends over the holiday period.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

As a parent, I appreciate the conundrum of raising children. At times, it can be challenging, but it is also worthwhile, exciting and rewarding. When my children were younger, I wish I had access to the relevant and valuable information provided through platforms such as SchoolTV.

Research shows that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult. In this month’s edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn some practical skills, knowledge and strategies for raising children. Access the latest edition at: https://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/positive-parenting.

On Wednesday, the Prep – Year 2 Cross Country Carnival was held under blue skies. Thank you to the many parents and family members who attended the event to support students. A special thank you to Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Natalie Campbell for coordinating the event and all Prep – Year 2 staff for their support and supervision of students on the day.

The Year 4 camp will be held next week, commencing on Tuesday 25^th June. All parents/guardians are asked to ensure that the relevant permission forms are returned to your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Should you have any questions regarding the camp, please contact either your child’s teacher or Mr Nick Tait.

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of being involved in the Term 2 SCISSA Gala Day. Students in Years 4-6 participated in a variety of sports in a round robin competition against other SCISSA schools on the coast. The competition offered a wonderful opportunity for all students to experience and learn from their participation in a team activity. Thank you to Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Natalie Campbell for coordinating our participation and to all staff and coaches for their support of the program.

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

Further to Mr David Druery’s article above, many parents today are over-protective, resulting in children being less independent, unable to problem-solve or self-regulate. Parents are failing to set clear boundaries, which is unfortunately making kids feel less secure.

In this month’s edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn some practical skills, knowledge and strategies for raising children. Access the latest edition of SchoolTV at: https://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/positive-parenting.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

We are enrolling now for Prep 2020! For more information and to book a tour, contact our College Registrar, Mrs Chris Henschke on 5436 7321 or admin@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Blockbuster Trivia Night

 

It’s the event we’ve all been waiting for! Gather your team of 8-10 for a night of fun and laughter at the Pacific Blockbuster Trivia Night on Saturday 17^th August. We welcome back our quiz scribe, Mrs Leah Croke and wait in anticipation to see which team will be crowned champions. Plus…come dressed as a character from your favourite movie for more laughs. The Avengers, Cars, Three Men and a Baby, Bruce Almighty, Jurassic Park, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Wayne’s World, Bridesmaids; the possibilities are endless!

Kicking off at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start, tickets are $10 per person. There will be a fully stocked Blockbuster Bar and you’re invited to BYO food and table decorations. There will also be some amazing prizes up for grabs for the trivia winners and round winners, table challengers, best-dressed themed tables and individuals. Don’t miss our Blockbuster Live Auction, Raffle and Lucky Numbers.

To book…

1. Get your team together and appoint a captain. No need to worry if you don't have a full team, we can place you with others (adults, alumni and Year 11 and 12 students).

2. Download and fill in the attached form and return via email to: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au">fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au before tables sell out!

3. Look out for clues. The earlier you book your table, the more chances you’ll be given to gather hints.

4. The best-dressed Blockbuster-themed tables and individuals will win prizes!

Click here to download the booking form.

If you or your business would like to sponsor and/or donate to the event prize pool, please email Friends of Pacific at: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

To extend on the thinking occuring over the past few weeks with water investigations, a new resource was added in the ELC for children to experiment with. It was wonderful to see the teamwork occurring as small groups of children brainstormed their ideas and problem-solved together to see what the resources could be used for.

Over the week, different indiviuals and groups of children have come together to share their ideas and theories and to test these. Mathematical language and concepts are expanding as children discuss what length of bamboo/tray is required in order to piece them together and create some kind of water feature. The concept of volume has also been discussed, with children discovering that if they increase the volume of water going through the bamboo/trays by using watering cans, the flow will last longer and travel further. Different theories and concepts are being explored such as balance, force and direction of water. After carefully balancing all the pieces to make a type of ramp, it was discovered that water cannot travel up the bamboo/tray, it will only travel down. However, children discovered that if enough force is used, a car could travel up the ramp.

Children are learning to care for the ELC and their resources. While using the new resource in the sandpit, peers have been reminding others to treat it carefully and not to put things that may be too heavy on it so that it doesn’t break. Throughout the senior studio, peers are reminding each other to ‘stay and play or pack away’, showing respect for their learning environment.

Mrs Julie McCosker, Service Leader

In class, Year 2 students have been writing stories that integrate their History knowledge of local Sunshine Coast landmarks.

To read some of their wonderful stories, click on the links below:

• The Lazy Captain, by Mar Alfaro
• The Worst Day Ever, by Billie McKinnon
• The Scary Rainy Day, by Georgia McFadden

Mrs Leonie Prout, Year 2 Teacher

The Pacific Lutheran College Robotics Club has performed well in local and national competitions. We are currently seeking businesses to sponsor this dynamic club. There are three tiers of sponsorship packages, which are for a 12-month period. These levels are outlined below: 

• Logo placement on the sleeve of all competition shirts.
• Mention in the College social media posts.

Silver Sponsor: $250 (only two available)

• Logo placement on the back of all competition shirts.
• Mention in the College social media posts.

Robot Sponsor: $1000 (only one available)

• Prominent logo placement on the front of all competition shirts (first and largest logo to be listed). 
• Business name/logo displayed on the team robot and/or competition box.
• Mention in the College social media posts.

If you are interested in any of the above sponsorship opportunities, please contact me directly at: wwarner@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mr Wes Warner, Head of Innovation, Entrepreneurialism and Business

Bright, sunny conditions greeted our eager Prep – Year 2 students on Wednesday afternoon for their 2019 Cross Country Carnival. Students were well supported by a large number of family and friends who cheered on their fantastic performances.

Congratulations to the following students who recorded in the top three places for their year level:

Prep

• 1st Flynn Chapman and Ariella Niazov
• 2nd Harley Fairbanks and Alexandra Glasson
• 3rd Cooper Carrick-Ryan and Isabella Wylie

Year 1

• 1st Archie Whatham and Schylar Taylor
• 2nd Harley Evans and Ashlan Hill
• 3rd Jax McFadden and Emily Groll

Year 2

• 1st Beau Woods and Billie McKinnon
• 2nd John Fihelly and Bailee Keirnan
• 3rd Lucas von Plessen and Macey McFadden

At the end of the carnival, results were tallied from all year levels and Mumba House was crowned as the champions! Well done to all students and thank you to all staff who assisted at the carnival.

 Last Thursday, all Year 4-6 students arrived at school bright and early, ready for their Term 2 SCISSA Gala Day. Students had the opportunity to represent the College against other SCISSA schools in a round robin style competition in T20 cricket, netball, touch football, soccer, rugby 7s and basketball.

We also had a number of dance students who spent the day at school rehearsing performance pieces and then presented these to parents and our Year 3 cohort in the afternoon.

Congratulations to the following teams who were divisional champions at the end of competition:

• Girls T20 Cricket
• Year 5/6 Boys Cricket Team 1
• Year 4 Boys Soccer

From all reports, students thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thank you also to all teachers and sport coaches who looked after teams on the day.

Wonderful sunny conditions greeted Pacific students, parents and staff members last Sunday morning for the Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run. Participants had the choice to compete in either a 3km run from Moffat Beach to Shelley Beach and back or for the more adventurous, a 10km run from Golden Beach to Moffat Beach.

We had a record number of participants this year, with 35 Prep – Year 8 students, parents and staff racing on the day. Congratulations to the following students who recorded outstanding results in their races:

• Ainslie Colton, 1st – 13-17 years female
• Grace Garland, 3rd – 13-17 years female
• Chloe Mitchell, 2nd – 5-12 years female
• Riley Bowering 3rd – 5-12 years male

Also, a special mention to Brody McGregor who finished in 7th place in the junior boys 10km, running a time of 50mins 35seconds which is a remarkable achievement for a 10-year-old!

It was very pleasing to see so many students running on the day and this is a direct result of Mr Stuart Pohlner who has been the driving force behind our Tuesday morning PLC running club. Each week, Mr Pohlner is assisted by Mr Brett Kersnovske, Mrs Kim Kiernan, Mrs Fiona Schefe and various parent helpers who do a wonderful job of encouraging and supporting a large group of junior runners. 

The PLC running club will continue to meet each Tuesday morning now up until August as they train for the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

The PLC kayaking team is looking for volunteers to assist at our Monday and Thursday training sessions at Lake Kawana from 3.30pm – 5.00pm.

Volunteers would need to have, or be able to gain, a Working with Children Blue Card and have a Paddle Australia (previously Australian Canoeing) Flat Water Lifeguard Certification. Holders of the Lifeguard Award are also qualified to manage a paddling activity in canoes, kayaks or sit-on-tops in enclosed situations and perform rescues as required.

We will be running a two-day Flat Water Lifeguard and Assessment course early in Term 3. If you are interested in attending this course and assisting our team, please contact Mr Gary Graves by Wednesday 26^th June: ggraves@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

The Open Boys A Division volleyball team took on Good Shepherd Lutheran College last night in the season’s grand final. They were up against a very tough opposition but held their own on the court. After a 25-16 loss in the first set, the boys regrouped and came out firing in the second set, only narrowly going down 25-23. Well done on a fantastic season and thank you to Ms Leigh Finter for coaching the team.

U14 Cobras

Our U14 Cobras enjoyed a decisive win over their Caloundra opponents last Saturday. It was so good to see everyone playing to their strengths and the effect that teamwork has on results! Well done to Marley who scored two goals on his birthday.

Pacific FC Coaches and Managers

On Wednesday evening, we held an informal feedback session for Pacific FC coaches and managers.

It was a great opportunity to offer suggestions on how we can improve and enhance soccer at Pacific. Families were invited to pass on constructive suggestions to their team coaches and managers. Under the SCCSA framework, Pacific FC is operated entirely by volunteers for the benefit of the players and parents.

Some of the feedback and discussion from our coaches and managers included:

We thank you for your continued support and contribution towards the Club’s success.

Home Game – This Weekend!

Round 12 games this weekend on Saturday 22^nd June will be played at home.

The teams on canteen duty are – Swordfish, Stingrays, Tigers, Seals and Cobras.

Winter Canteen

Now that winter is here, we have loads of hot food available in the canteen. Enjoy your regular Pacific Burger or try our new slow-cooked chicken or pork rolls. Don’t forget, we also have EFTPOS available.

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

Pacific provides opportunities for children and parents to operate savings accounts with the Lutheran Laypeople’s League (LLL). The LLL is a charitable financial institution which provides savings accounts and has been trusted since 1921.

The LLL has a variety of savings accounts: personal and joint accounts; guardian accounts for children; and Business accounts, including self-managed super funds and not-for-profit organisations.

LLL Savings Accounts have many features, including:

• A great interest rate
• No fees or charges at all
• Internet banking
• No minimum balance or deposit requirements
• No ‘bonus’ interest hurdles and
• Your money is available to withdraw at any time.

For further information regarding the LLL, visit the College’s Business Office or www.lll.org.au.