At assembly this week, the junior school examined the final piece of the PERMA framework. The ‘A’ in PERMA stands for achievement or accomplishment. It is fitting that as we near the end of a year filled with change, we reflect on what it means to accomplish or achieve something we have set out to do.
Some years back, I read with interest that the overwhelming cue humans use when they have achieved or succeeded is to stand legs apart and fists high over the head. These studies showed that even people who were vision impaired react the same way, suggesting that this response is hard wired into our DNA.
When reflecting on this message of achievement, every single one of our staff and students have made immense progress in achieving what we had set out to do this year. If we cast our minds back to the beginning of the year and consider how far we have come, we can all pinpoint times when we overcame limitations for us to flourish and grow as individuals. Whether it be in the academics, on the sporting field or in our relationships, the vision of our community with arms aloft is fitting for the journey and progress we have made and will continue to make now and into the future.
As this is my last Compass article for the year, I would like to make special mention of Mrs Sarah Atkinson who has worked hard to provide meaningful and relevant information about our You Can Do It program this year. By sharing the messages at assemblies with our students and more broadly with parents, Mrs Atkinson has ensured that our Pastoral Care values are continued to be reinforced at home, as well as at school.
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Next week we will begin to formally acknowledge the achievements of our students, staff and families with an Academic Awards Ceremony on Friday 27th November and the Prep – Year 5 Closing Service on Monday 30th November. An email with specific details of these events was sent home this week. With our COVID safe plan still in place, all events will be ticketed and only open to the community in a reduced capacity.
End of Year Functions
As has been the case for the majority of the year, sharing of food on campus is not permissible and will not be allowed for the end of the year class parties and events. These guidelines extend to bringing food items, such as candy canes and lollies, into classes for distribution amongst peers. We ask you to follow the direction communicated by your child’s teacher regarding end of year functions.
As the end of the year is nearly upon us, I would like to thank the wider Pacific community for the way you have supported our staff and students in circumstances that were new to all of us. We truly appreciate your flexibility in adapting to the guidelines that have needed to be implemented. I hope you all have a safe and restful Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2021.
Take care and God bless.
Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5
In a year that has been vastly different to what any of us expected, the leadership, adaptability and positivity of our Year 12 cohort has been an important component in the maintenance and enhancement of experiences for our community. As well as navigating the new senior certification processes, our seniors have supported students across P-12 to maintain community connection and a sense of belonging as we moved through different modes of learning delivery and practices this year. I particularly want to thank our College Captains, Pacific Action Group Captains and House Captains for the important role they have played as they have adapted and creatively found ways for students and staff to connect, care for others and have fun.
