Compass No. 559 FEBRUARY 2020

As we contemplate the thread of equality and social justice this week, do you remember as a child stamping your feet and saying; “It’s not fair!”? Or as a parent, have you had your child or teenager protest these words to you when they have felt aggrieved? Or have you felt the injustice of a situation in the workplace and complained with these words to a colleague? As humans, we have a deep sense of right and wrong, of perceived injustices towards us, especially when we feel we have been disadvantaged in some way and our rights have been curtailed.

Many of the things which we think are unjust in our lives are what some people call ‘First World problems’. I remember when I first moved into our house on the coast, I didn’t have phone services for three weeks and worse still, our family had no Wi-Fi. I was tempted to complain about the injustice of the situation. However, I needed to put my worries into perspective. The majority of the earth’s population are simply trying to live with enough food and water, remain safe from war, disease, or natural disasters. What we might think of as a justice issue is not really what God thinks of justice.

God’s sense of justice comes from mercy and humility. The Old Testament Prophet Micah puts it in succinct words. All God wants from us is; to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). God wants us to be people of justice because all people are created equal in his eyes. All people are created in the image of God and are worthy of love, care and compassion. God wants us to treat his creation justly and with mercy. Jesus showed us what the kingdom of God looks like. It looks like good news for the poor, the oppressed, the vulnerable, the captive.

When we contemplate some of the challenges our world faces, it’s easy to get lost and disheartened by these huge global inequalities. But the challenge for all of us is to think locally and take a stand against things where we can make a difference, with the humility and mercy that God provides for us in Jesus.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

This week we had two significant events for Senior College students, with Year 12 and Year 10 students participating in their Leadership Days.

The Year 12 Leadership Day began with the College Captains hosting a barbeque breakfast for their cohort. This was very well-attended and was a great way to start their day as a group, before they joined with the Lutheran Youth of Queensland facilitators for a day of connection and vision-setting for their final year. At the end of the day, they joined in a special ceremony where they were officially welcomed into Year 12 by being presented with their badges by Dr Bronwyn Dolling and meeting their Year 2 buddies, who presented them with their senior jerseys. It was a pleasure to watch the cohort throughout the day and see how they have grown over the past three years, participating at such events. We wish all Year 12 students the very best for 2020 and look forward to walking with them this year.

On Wednesday, Year 10 students also spent the day with the LYQ team for their first Leadership Day at Pacific. There was high energy amongst all involved and everyone participated well. The purpose of the day was to explore how students interact with each other and how the cohort can come together to lead each other throughout the year. Students will have another opportunity to reflect on leadership in Term 4, when they come together for their second Leadership Day.

Date claimers for the coming week:

• Tuesday 11^th February – Year 10 Information Evening from 6.00pm in L13/14. All parents and students are invited to attend.
• February – Year 7-12 Swim Carnival.

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students

As usual, the year has commenced many rich opportunities for our College community to connect. Thank you to those parents and family members who attended the Welcome Breakfast and Prep – Year 5 Commencement Service last Friday and the Prep – Year 5 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday. Your support is much appreciated by both staff and students. It is the relationships and communication that occurs between staff, students and parents that are fundamental in shaping the positive community and the successful learning environment which exist at the College. If you were unable to attend the Parent Information Evening, please contact your child’s teacher regarding the information discussed.

Well done to all students who participated in the Year 3-6 Swim Carnival on Tuesday. The weather cooperated and we had a fantastic day with excellent levels of participation and many examples of individual and team excellence. Participating in a swimming carnival can sometimes present a unique set of challenges. At Pacific, we rely heavily on the concepts covered in the You Can Do It Program, namely Getting Along, Persistence, Resilience, Confidence and Organisation. It was fantastic to see so many students lean on these learnt skills to compete to the best of their ability and reach the end of the pool with a smile on their faces. A special thank you to the many parents who assisted on the day, without your support the event could not have happened. Thank you also to all class teachers and HPE staff for their work on the day and in setting up the site. We particularly acknowledge Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Natalie Campbell for their leadership and organisation of the carnival.

At Pacific, our Pastoral Care model is based on the learnings of Lutheran Theology, Positive Psychology and Harvard’s Project Zero. Through engagement with these learnings, there is a proactive focus on growing students as whole people, including the social and emotional. At the College, addressing any problem between students focuses on dealing with issues that may arise through an emphasis on reconciliation, developing emotional resilience and inculcating a supportive culture.

Our approach to conflict resolution is through restorative practice. This approach focusses on the harm that has been done and the obligation this brings to those responsible to ‘right the wrong’ as much as possible. It’s an approach that seeks to develop in the wrongdoer an understanding of the breadth and depth of the harm their behaviour has caused so that they can make amends to those most affected. In this way, it’s an educative approach. It is a very much a collaborative process and one that requires discussion and time, focusing on building empathy and equality.

It also ensures that those who have been most affected by the wrongdoing have the opportunity to be involved in working out what has to happen in order to move forward. Circle times, small group discussion and dialogue are some of the tools we use in order to develop a productive path forward for students.

Every Monday, Prep – Year 5 staff and students attend assembly in the College gym. Assemblies provide an opportunity to connect as community at the beginning of the week and give guidance about upcoming events and matters concerning the Foundation and Junior Colleges. We also have the opportunity to celebrate our learning and social emotional development with our You Can Do It awards.

Friday morning also provides a chance to gather as a Prep – Year 5 community as we worship and honour our Christian Faith with student led chapel. Each week a different class is responsible for leading the worship service and reflect their understanding of the thread and Bible verse applicable to that week. Parents are warmly invited to attend both Assembly and Chapel, both of which start at 8.30am.

Parents are advised that the Year 5 Camp will be held from 11^th – 14^th August at Bornhoffen. Please note this in your College Calendars, which were sent home last week.

Chess Mates specialises in teaching chess to children of all age groups and skill levels. Younger students are taught through songs and stories, while older or more advanced students are taught openings, strategies and forward planning. Chess Mates is about making new friends and having fun while learning!

Classes are held at Pacific on Tuesdays from 3.00pm to 3.45pm. The cost is $14 per class. If you have any questions about the classes please either email info@chessmates.com.au or call Ash on 0415 256 452.

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5

It’s not unusual for children to need a little extra help adjusting to the start of school. Anxiety can affect the body and result in an actual upset stomach, especially in children. For 12 tips to help your child, visit: https://www.ahaparenting.com.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Thank you to the many families who attended the Welcome Breakfast last Friday morning at the College. It was a magnificent way to round off the first week and a chance for students, parents and staff to interact while sampling an array of delectable breakfast items served by our College leaders.

We are extremely grateful to Mrs Colleen Beattie, Mrs Emma Lendrum and Mrs Rhana Holt, along with their hospitality team, for the breakfast. Thank you also to the student leaders, Mr Mark Hauser and the FoP team who looked after both the BBQ and guests. We are indeed very lucky to have such a committed group at Pacific.

Mooloolaba Tri Volunteering Opportunities

Want front row tickets to the Mooloolaba Tri? Pacific is volunteering with the on Sunday 15^th March and we are looking for 20 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 food. Pacific will receive a donation for every volunteer we provide on the day. If you would like more information or can commit to helping out, please contact Mrs Allyson Sarvari on 0402 276 988 or email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

There are two volunteer timeslots available on the day:

• Sunday 15^th March – 4.45am start till 11.00am (15 people)
• Sunday 15^th March – 6.00am start 11.00am (5 people)

Invitation – All Welcome!

Our first FoP meeting for 2020 is fast approaching. Please join us on Tuesday 18^th February at 6.30pm in the College Boardroom, located in the Main Reception building. This is your opportunity to meet other parents at the College and be kept in the loop with upcoming events.

Quote of the Week

Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So, go… The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you. – L. R. Knost.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

In 2020 the Pacific Mathematics department will offer ‘Maths Homework Help’ to all Year 6-12 students each Monday afternoon, from 3.20pm – 4.20pm in L13/14, commencing in Week 3. This gives students the opportunity to come and do their maths homework in a quiet environment with a teacher present to ask questions when needed. All students who attend are expected to work quietly on their maths homework/revision.

Mr Alex O’Connor, Head of Mathematics Senior College

During the final week of the school holidays, I was privileged to attend the Griffith Future Leaders Retreat. The retreat was such a worthwhile and fantastic experience, which included an array of both educational and leisure activities such as sports sessions, drumming workshops and touring the Griffith Pharmacy and Pharmacology classrooms. One of the additional highlights was visiting the Griffith Sea Jellies Illuminated exhibit at Sea World. Throughout the three-day camp, we listened to a multitude of inspirational speakers such as Naomi White, Director of Metamorph co, Lucy Gregg from Ylead Association and public speaker Tim Bennet, providing us with a range valuable of skills to improve our presenting techniques in front of larger audiences.

The event was also a perfect opportunity to network with other like-minded leaders, in which we were able to discuss our goals and aspirations within our communities. Through meeting and reaching out to the other students, I truly feel as though I have made lifelong friends and connections. I highly recommend this program for Year 12 students.

Sophie Empson, Year 12 Student

Over the recent school holidays, two of our Middle College musicians raised more than $3800 for Bushfire Relief. By busking at Mooloolaba and e-busking for additional funds, Frank and Louis Martin were able to raise the substantial amount of funds, which will be donated to the NSW Rural Fire Service, Australian Red Cross and WIRES. Well done to both boys on this service initiative.

Mrs Aleisha Tuaine, Head of Music

Over recent years, Pacific has built a strong running culture through the PLC Run Club.

The Club has an emphasis on participation, enjoyment and improving personal fitness levels. It is open to all students across Years 3-12 and caters for differing ability levels, from beginners to advanced. Students who sign up are asked to make a weekly commitment to the Club and attend most sessions.

Each running session will cater for all abilities, but the basic format will be as follows:

• • Warm up (stretching)
  • Strength and speed work (sprinting, specific strength skills for better running posture)
  • Endurance work (running longer distances at own pace)
  • Cool down (running game or stretches)

The Run Club will be held every Tuesday morning from 7.15am – 8.00am and the first session for the year is on Tuesday 18^th February.

If you are interested in registering your child for the Run Club, please email Mr Stuart Pohlner (spohlner@pacluth.qld.edu.au) to receive further information and consent via CareMonkey.

This year, Pacific will again offer the opportunity for Year 5-12 students to become members of the Pacific Boardriders (PBR). The program provides a structured opportunity to develop individual surfing skills and grow the culture of surfing within the College.

PBR sessions will be held on Friday mornings at locations around the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, dependent on prevailing conditions (primarily Currimundi Beach and Caloundra). Term 1 sessions will commence on Friday 28th February (Week 5). Sessions will also be offered in Semester 2 (Term 3 and 4).

Requirements for Participation

To be eligible to participate in PBR, participants must be able to swim and surf competently (negotiate the break and catch waves unassisted) in various surf conditions and provide all their own equipment (surfboard, wetsuit etc.). Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from the session venue each Friday morning.

Due to stringent supervision and safety requirements, participation in the program will be capped at 24 students and will be dependent on individual competencies, including an ocean swim and board paddle, assessed by the teachers in charge.

Please note that these Friday morning sessions are not a ‘learn to surf’ program.

To register your child’s interest in this program, please email Mr Darren Hooper (dhooper@pacluth.qld.edu.au) to receive further information via CareMonkey.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport

The weather held out just long enough on Tuesday for the Year 3-6 Swim Carnival to be held. Well done to all students who participated to gain points for their house. Thank you to all Year 3-6 teachers, teacher aides, parents and sports assistants who worked in various roles at the carnival and contributed to the smooth running of the day.

Due to the weather deteriorating in the afternoon, the age champions and house champion presentations were not held. These will be announced next Monday morning at the Junior College assembly in the College gym.

Lutheran Swim Carnival

The Lutheran Swim Carnival will be held next Friday 14^th February at the Sunshine Coast Grammar Aquatic Centre (372 Mons Road Forest Glen). Students aged from 9-12 years will be notified this week via CareMonkey if they have successfully qualified for this team.

A reminder that Year 6, Under 12 students will only be eligible for the Lutheran Swim Carnival.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior 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

Sunday Worship Times St Mark’s Church @ Pacific 9.30am Pacific Lutheran College (Entry via Red Cedar Drive, Meridan Plains) Google Maps St Mark's Lutheran @ Pacific   Are you looking for a friendly church where young people, old people, children, families and singles are appreciated, empowered and encouraged to grow as Christians? Everyone is welcome! Get in touch: Pastor Ray Morris 0429 856 532 ray.morris@lca.org.au www.stmarkslutherancaloundra.net

Pastor Ray, St Mark’s Lutheran Church

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.

7                       Year 7 Camp Returns

10                    Year 9 Rite Journey Departure (5.00pm)

                         Middle College Information Evening (6.00pm)

11                    Year 10 Information Evening (6.00pm)

13                    Year 7-12 Swim Carnival – Nambour

14                    Primary Lutheran Swim Carnival – SCG Pool

                         No Year 7-12 Sport (Thursday Lessons)

14-16              Music Camp

18                    Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

20                    Voices on the Coast – Years 7-12

                         13-19yrs District Swim Carnival (Twilight Meet)

21                    9-12yrs District Swim Carnival (8.00am – 1.30pm)

                         Voices on the Coast – Years 4-6

23                    St Mark’s @ Pacific – Kindy Blessing

24                    Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15pm – 4.15pm)

25                    Shrove Tuesday

26                    Ash Wednesday