Compass No. 545 August 2019

When you were a student, did you ever make an excuse to hand in your homework late? This was the question I put to Senior College students at Chapel this week. Reflecting on it, maybe you were an honest student who just told the truth to your teacher when you had assignments due that weren’t finished. But for those who used excuses, there are certainly some creative ones around like this one; I did my homework, but when the Martians came, they sucked all the ink off my paper!

The thread we are exploring this week is homework, or put more generally, home learning. It is helpful to think of the learning we do at school and at home more generally because if we focus solely on the amount of work students need to do in school in their senior years; it can seem a huge amount of time. Learning from this narrow mindset is seen as a means to an end; getting good marks so you can get into your chosen courses or workplaces after Year 12 and therefore live a good, wealthy and healthy life thereafter. But the learning students do at school and at home is more than this.

The learning done at school and at home develops habits that students can take into the rest of their lives, habits that enable people to become lifelong learners and, with a bit of luck, people who really love learning. For our Pacific community, learning is more than developing good study habits and lifelong learning. Learning at our College means to appeal to the whole person; it involves a willingness to learn emotionally, socially and spiritually as well. That’s where the Bible reading from Psalm 119:9 kicks in; How can young people keep their way in goodness? By living according to your word. This Psalm particularly names young people and how young people can stay on the path of goodness in life. The answer is to delight in what God shows us as good in his Word. By seeking this, meditating on it and rejoicing in it, we learn God’s Word and it grows in our heart.

That’s the prayer of the Pacific community for families, especially the families of students in their senior years. Don’t give up on students developing those healthy skills of learning that they can use throughout their journey of life, a journey that hopefully grows a continuing love of learning. And a journey that includes learning to know God and His word as well.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

Over the weekend, 34 Senior College students participated in a defensive driving course at the Willowbank Raceway. It was great to see such a positive turn out of young and beginning drivers attend the day to learn a range of new skills. The course focused on the unpredictable nature of the road and how to best avoid certain driving dangers and mistakes. It was a very hands-on course with students driving a range of cars from small Hyundai Excels, through to larger four-wheel drive Mitsubishi Tritons to experience the difference between how cars react under different circumstances.

Students were exposed to practical experiences such as stopping on wet surfaces, emergency braking, turning blind corners, slalom driving and emergency swerving. They also were given theory instruction on a range of safe driving areas that could save lives on the road including tyre pressures, braking distances, mass vs speed factors and correct steering methods.

Overall, it was a great day for the students and their attitude was exemplary. I thank the parents for their support of this day and congratulate all who attended. We hope to continue to offer the course to Year 11 and 12 students on a yearly basis, so that all have an opportunity to participate in this valuable experience.

This year, the College Captains have been working on an experience for Senior College students to be involved with, which would be a first for the College. On Friday 13^th September, the Captains will be holding a ‘PLC Sleep Out for the Homeless’ night. We are after expressions of interest from students who would like to be a part of this evening, which will involve sleeping in a cardboard box in the PLC gymnasium, from 7.30pm – 6.30am. More information will be provided over the next few weeks and we thank the Captains for their leadership of this initiative. All funds raised will go directly to charities involved in homelessness. We are looking forward to more updates and seeing who gets involved!

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students

This week is recognised nationally as Book Week. Book Week is an initiative of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) and is celebrated in schools, libraries and the community. The theme for this year is ‘Reading is my Secret Power’.

Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s book world to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults. The importance of reading can not be undervalued. It is the fundamental skill required by us all if we are to succeed and function as human beings in the modern world. It is the basis of not only language use, but is required in all areas of academic endeavour, employment and life.

On Wednesday, staff and students across Prep – Year 6 celebrated the importance of books and reading by dressing as characters from their favourite texts. A spectacular parade took place on the Junior College oval. The variety of costumes and the amount of effort put into each of the student’s designs were amazing.

A special thank you to the library staff of Ms Nell Keen, Ms Sue Warren, Mrs Lily Smith and Mrs Peta Griffin for their organisation and coordination, all the classroom teachers who joined in the celebration by donning costumes and to all families, parents and guardians who helped organise the outstanding array of costumes worn by students.     

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Year 5 Outdoor Education Camp at Bornhoffen in the Numinbah Valley. The weather was perfect, the food was fantastic, the accommodation very comfortable and the facilities first-rate.

The Outdoor Education program at the College is well-planned and sequential, extending from Years 3-12. It provides all students with the opportunity to develop a variety of interpersonal, leadership and problem-solving skills in a challenging, yet carefully controlled, outdoor setting. Research suggests that these types of experiences can be the most significant, memorable and defining events experienced by children during their schooling. Thank you to our Head of Outdoor Education Mr Nick Tait for coordinating and planning such an excellent program.

It was great to witness the enthusiasm with which the children involved themselves in the activities. They accepted all the challenges put before them, acted responsibly and enjoyed themselves.

We also thank Year 5 Teachers Mrs Fiona Schefe and Mr Terry Clarke, Teacher Aide Mrs Pia Foxlow and Outdoor Education Aides Georgie, Andrea and Tegan for their professionalism and organisation. After late nights and long days, their enthusiasm, humour, care and support of our students remains for me one of the highlights of a great camp.

The day has almost arrived! This term, Prep – Year 2 students have been busily preparing for their Athletics Carnival, which will be held on Monday 2^nd September. The Carnival will start at 1.00pm and will be completed by 2.30pm. Parents are most welcome at this exciting event.

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

The annual Celebrating Dads’ Breakfast will be held next Friday 30^th August, commencing at 7.00am. Our Hospitality Department will be catering the event and our community will also enjoy a variety of student performances. We look forward to celebrating Father’s Day with you.

Developing a child’s emotional wellbeing has become an area of much interest in recent times. However, it’s quite natural for a parent to want to step in and relieve the distress that accompanies any child’s feelings of being treated unfairly. But, this compulsion to act, doesn’t mean that we should always step in.

Click here to learn more.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Blockbuster Trivia Night

Like the Star Wars trilogy all rolled into one, the Pacific Blockbuster Trivia Night proved to be EPIC in length and laughter. We sincerely thank all who attended and ensured the event was a Titanic success. The effort that went into the planning of team tables, costumes, playing the games and of course, answering the trivia was absolutely heart-warming. That’s what makes our community so great! Of course, the night would not have been possible without the behind-the-scenes work from the Quiz Master herself, Mrs Leah Croke and trivia marker, Mrs Rowena Marshall. Thank you! We also thank our magnificent MC, Mr Russell Ousley and Poison Ivy Penny, from F45, who coordinated the games. A big congratulations also to Mrs Shannon Russell, who superbly coordinated the table, wall and popcorn decorations and Liam Russell who ran the audio and visuals for the evening. We also thank the Friends of Pacific team of Zane, Bron, Teena, Lisa, Allyson, Tracey, Penni, Deni, Rita, Louise, Erin and other helpers for their time on setup, pack up, running the bar, financials and prize gathering and wrapping. We also thank Frank and Louis for the fabulous entertainment they provided to open the night and in between trivia rounds!

Our Diamond Raffle and Live Auction were both huge successes, with prizes generously donated by Sunstate Jewellers, F45 Training, Ramada Resort Golden Beach, Harry's on Buderim, Scratchy Nails, Sunshine White,  KISS Photography, Shine Beauty, Zarraffas Currimundi, Anaconda Kawana, Kathmandu, Mr Jarrod Bleijie MP, the College and the Fowler family.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Trivia (sponsored by the Fowler Family)

• 1st Place – Pastoral Heroes
• 2nd Place – Silver Sequels
• 3rd Place – Divas and Dukes of Dollingwood
• Encouragement Award – Toy Story

Best Dressed 

• The Royal Tenenbaums

Best Dressed Table

• Shaken, Not Stirred

Best Dressed Couple

• Mona and Brant Holden (Beauty and the Beast)

Best Dress Characters

• Shannon Russell (Mary Poppins)
• Michelle McMillian (Dorothy)

Raffle Winner of the Sunstate Jewellers 9ct Diamond Earrings

• Robyn Greene (Swinging Safaris)

Live Auction Winner of the PLC Car Park

• Kate Wilkie (Trivia Newton John)

For more photos of the event, visit the Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

IRONMAN 70.3 Volunteering Opportunities

Want the best seat in the house? Want to gain experience in the event industry? Pacific is volunteering with IRONMAN 70.3 on Sunday 8^th September and we are looking for parents and Middle / Senior College helpers who would like to join the Pacific / FoP volunteer team. It’s a six-hour commitment at Mooloolaba and promises to be a rewarding experience. Volunteers receive a t-shirt and a cap and will generally be helping on drink stations. Pacific will receive a donation for every volunteer we provide on the day, which will help us raise funds for the installation of more water refill stations at the College. If you would like more information or can commit to helping out, please contact Allyson Sarvari on 0402 276 988 or email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Father’s Day Stall

FoP will host the annual Father’s Day Stall for Prep-Year 12 students on Wednesday 28^th August. All gifts are $5 each. If parents have an hour or two to spare on the morning to help out, please contact our stall coordinator, Mrs Teena Thompson or email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Next Meeting

Please join us for our next meeting at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17^th September in the library.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

This week, the Children’s Book Council of Australia announced the winners of the Children’s Book of the Year. The winning titles in each of the categories are:

Older readers

• Winner – Between Us (Clare Atkins)
• Honour books – Small Spaces (Sarah Epstein) and Lenny’s Book of Everything (Karen Foxlee)

Younger readers

• Winner – His Name Was Walter (Emily Rodda)
• Honour books – Black Cockatoo (Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler) and The Peacock Detectives (Carly Nugent)

Early childhood

• Winner – Tricky’s Bad Day (Alison Lester)
• Honour Books – Heads and Tails: Insects (John Canty) and Here Comes Stinkbug! (Tohby Riddle)

Picture book

• Winner – Cicada (Shaun Tan)
• Honour books – The Mediterranean (Armin Greder) and The All New Must Have Orange 430 (Michael Speechley)

Eve Pownall Award for information books

• Winner – Sorry Day (Coral Vass)
• Honour books – The Happiness Box: A Wartime Book of Hope (Mark Greenwood) and Make Believe: M. C. Escher for Kids (National Gallery of Victoria)

Crichton Award for debut illustrator

• Daniel Gray-Barnett for Grandma Z

As part of our Book Week celebrations, PCGs and Prep – Year 6 classes were challenged to respond to the Book Week theme: Reading is my Secret Power. Students had to come up with a problem and then think about ways in which reading could solve the problem. They could present their solution in any format they liked.

Congratulations to our winner – the Year 6 classes for their video about the power of reading.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

Team	Opposition	Score	Result	MVP
Intermediate Girls	SAAC	3-14	Loss	Macey Winter
Intermediate Boys	MFAC	1-19	Loss	Cooper Schwab
Senior Girls	SAAC	2-20	Loss	Cosette Winter

 

Team	Opposition	Score	Result	MVP
Junior Girls A	GCC	2-1	Win	Abigail Tracey
Junior Boys A	GCC	4-7	Loss	Tom Johnson
Junior Girls B	SUN	1-11	Loss	Zara Grant
Junior Boys B	SAAC B2	10-1	Win	Jack Mitchell

 

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

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