Easter is a time where we are invited to pause and renew. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have the opportunity to leave all our burdens at the foot of the cross. Jesus died so that we might have forgiveness of our sins and live life abundantly in God’s grace. Our response to God’s gift of grace is to also forgive others. Easter provides an important time for personal reflection and renewal. We can leave behind those things that weigh us down or restrict relationships. Through prayer we can be refreshed and renewed. The light of hope and grace can shine brightly in our lives.
Compass No. 604 April 2021
From the Principal
Easter - A Time of Renewal
Principal's Log
It has been very exciting to see our Year 6 Pacific Plus experience come to life this term. The Pacific Plus program, which will be expanded into Year 7 next year, provides the opportunity for highly able students to take ownership of their learning to engage in projects that extend their thinking and understanding. This term, students have chosen to deepen their thinking around the theme of survival with each student selecting their own topic to explore. The energy, excitement and depth of learning that has occurred has been inspirational for staff and students. It was very exciting to see Mrs Claire Richards, Pastor Tim Jarick, Ms Adelle Byerlee, Mrs Linda Sydes, Mrs Marnie Whittaker, Mr David Simpfendorfer, Mrs Janine Stone, Mr Norm Stone, Mrs Denise McMahon, Mrs Lu Pollard, Mrs Kristie Brock and Ms Nell Keen volunteer to mentors these students. We express our deep appreciation to Director of Learning Ms Sue Arahill and Acting Head of Learning Middle College Mrs Jo Belchamber for leading this program. The following video clip gives some insight into the level of engagement for both staff and students through this mentoring process: https://vimeo.com/.
Congratulations to our Year 5-6 water polo team who won the grand final in the Sunshine Coast Primary Schools Water Polo Competition on Monday night. The final was played against Siena Catholic College with PLC winning 6-2 in a very entertaining game. Our players were excited to be presented their medallions and the premiership shield by current Australian women’s water polo players, Zoe Arancini and Lea Yanitsas who are currently training on the Sunshine Coast. Thank you to Mr Brett Jones for his leadership of our team and to all parents who supported students throughout the season.
It has also been exciting to see our artist in residence Dr Kym Rodgers liaise with our art team and students to enrich their learning opportunities. One of these opportunities has involved our Year 9 students working with various staff members to design works that convey powerful messages to inform, record and direct us. We look forward to seeing the works around campus later next term. Thank you to Dr Kym Rodgers, Mrs Denise McMahon and the Art Department.
We look forward to the Grease musical next term. The cast and crew have been working very hard since the start of the year in rehearsals and are excited to bring this lively and well-known musical to the stage. Tickets go on sale at the start of Term 2. We thank Mrs Janine Delaney for her time, energy and leadership and Mrs Alisha Marxen, Mrs Ceilidh King, Mrs Wanda Hayes, Mr Alex O’Connor, Mr Neil Booth, Mrs Tracy Hickey and Miss Ally Hickey for their support of the production.
At the end of term, we farewell our Communications and Community Liaison Officer Mrs Steph Scarlett. Mrs Scarlett has brought both professionalism and warmth into her role. Her creativity, strong eye for detail and heart for our community has added depth and colour to our communications. We wish her all the best as she furthers her career in her role as the Regional Marketing Advisor for Halcyon.
We thank Mrs Jo Belchamber for her outstanding contribution as the Acting Head of Learning Middle College. Mrs Belchamber led new initiatives including the formation of Pacific Plus at Year 6 and provided strong support for staff and students in her role. We look forward to Mrs Belchamber’s continuing engagement with these new initiatives as she returns to her role as Head of Learning Enrichment. We wish Mrs Kirsty Roy (Middle and Senior College English teacher) every blessing as she goes on maternity leave and looks forward to the arrival of a new baby. We also wish Mrs Lynda Lane a wonderful time of renewal as she enjoys long service leave throughout Term 2.
We look forward to welcoming back Mrs Rae Hall as Head of Learning Middle College and new staff member Ms Rachel Curtis as a Middle College English and HASS teacher. Ms Curtis has extensive experience as a teacher in international and Australian schools. We also look forward to Mr Sam Irwin joining our grounds and maintenance team and Ms Georgie Snelling joining our Learning Enrichment team as a teacher aide.
Due to the uncertainty that has arisen from the COVID outbreak in the Greater Brisbane Area, we have decided to hold our Middle and Senior College student, parent and teacher conferences online at the start of next term. Because of the rapidity with which situations can evolve, families are asked to check their emails over the holidays in case of further changes to routines.
We thank all staff, students and parents for their very significant contribution this term and the way they have responded calmly and purposefully to changing circumstances this week. We pray that God would keep us safe over the holiday period and enliven us through His grace. I trust that you all have a happy and blessed Easter and enjoy the change of pace.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
From the College Pastor
Holy Week
This last week of term is a special one not just for the upcoming holidays but also for the holy days of Easter. The week before Easter is traditionally called ‘holy week’. Holy Week is the pinnacle celebration for Christians because it focuses on those events which led to the dying and rising of Jesus. On Palm Sunday, he entered Jerusalem triumphantly as king while palm branches were placed down before Him. Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is when Jesus celebrated his Last Supper with His disciples, washed their feet before going out into the garden to pray and be arrested and taken away. On Good Friday, Jesus was tried before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, flogged, taken to his place of execution, where He died on a cross. Finally, we have Easter Sunday, where Jesus body, which was placed in the tomb and sealed, was gone. Early in the morning, Jesus appeared to the women and to His other disciples, then later hundreds of people as proof that He had indeed resurrected from the dead and was miraculously alive.
All these events in the last hours of Jesus life have meaning for our College and us, especially in the uncertainty of lockdowns that we experience at the moment. When people’s Easters are being disrupted, when we are wearing masks again and changing holiday plans, the peace and certainty that Jesus gives us is even more precious. The risen Jesus gives us peace and hope in a confusing, troubled and anxious world. God’s peace that surpasses all human understanding.
Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for your Son who undertook betrayal, suffering and death for us. Give us hope and peace as we spend time together with loved ones this Easter weekend. Watch over and protect us during the holiday break and all people around the world who are suffering. Amen.
Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor
From the Head of Senior College Students
Year 11 Leadership Day
On the second day back next term (Wednesday 21st April), our Year 11 cohort will have their first Leadership Day for the year. This will be a great way for them to begin to find their focus for the rest of their schooling journey as they explore leadership together. Lutheran Youth of Queensland will once again be facilitating the day and are looking forward to engaging with our students again this year. All students are required to attend and will be allowed to wear their sport uniform for the duration of the day. I look forward to seeing how they engage with the program and with each other, as well as seeing what key messages they each take away from the program that they can apply to their cohort and the College.
Happy Holidays
As we approach the start of the holidays, I would like to wish all families the very best over the Easter break. It has been a busy term for all students and there is much to celebrate and be thankful for. There is lots to look forward to in Term 2 including the Grease production, Red Shield Appeal, ANZAC Day March and many other events and activities. I hope that everyone can find time to rest over the break and come back refreshed and revitalised for a new term.
Have a safe and blessed Easter! God bless.
Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students
From the Learning Team
Australian Early Development Census 2021
Along with most schools around Australia, Pacific will be taking part in the fifth Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). The census records how children are developing as they begin their first year of full-time school, providing a national picture of the development and needs of young children in Australia.
An important aspect of the AEDC is that the results are reported for groups of children, rather than individual children – so information about your children will remain anonymous. Results are organised on three regional levels: community, state/territory and national. These regional results are available to everyone – communities, parents/carers, schools and governments.
The AEDC has become important for planning and targeting the right kinds of services and support for children and families all over the country. Children won’t miss any class time and they don’t need to be present when the teacher does the assessment; it’s based on teacher observations.
Parents/carers do not need to provide any information for the census.
Prep teachers will begin collecting the census data in May. They use a research tool called an ‘instrument’ (which is similar to a questionnaire) to assess children in five key areas of early development. The ‘instrument’ is based on the work of internationally renowned child health experts. Australia has led the way internationally and was the first country in the world to collect this type of data at a national level on the developmental health of all children starting school.
Participation in the census is voluntary. Parents/carers just have to notify the College if they choose not to have their children included. Parents/carers should know that the census helps teachers get a better idea of children’s needs in the classroom and helps our community get the services, resources and support we need, so it is an important tool.
Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5
Food for Thought
Parenting Triggers
Understanding your parenting triggers and dealing with the emotions underneath, can help parents problem-solve instead of losing their cool. Here are six of the most common parenting triggers and tips on how to deal with them: click here.
Mrs Annie Williams College Counsellor
Friends of Pacific
Connecting College and Community
May the renewal of life at Easter bring new blessings of faith, hope, love, peace and good health to us all.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is planned for the first Tuesday evening of Term 2 at 6.30pm. Should there be changes to the meeting due to any new COVID protocols, we will advise in the days prior.
Pacific Together
Pacific Together is a discreet helping-hand offered by Friends of Pacific, in conjunction with Pastor Tim, to College families in times of need.
If you or someone you know within our College community needs extra support anytime during the year, the Pacific Together care group may be able to help in some small way or offer a care package in times of need.
We invite you to contact Pastor Tim Jarick or Pacific Together via FoP email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.
Quote of the Week
“We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other.” – Vala Afshar
Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.
Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson
Pacific Early Learning Centre
Thinking and Learning in Studio Three
All three studios have been using the language of clay to invesigate our inquiry topic – ‘play as a vehicle for undersanding, practising and enabling social responsibility’. The Reggio Emilia Approach emphasises hands-on discovery learning that allows the child to use all their senses and all their languages to learn. Languages are a metaphor for the extraordinary potentials of children. These visual languages, or ways of learning, are used in the construction of thoughts and feelings and are a natural part of the child. Through the language of clay, children in Studio Three have been continuously thinking, developing and expressing their ideas and feelings. (EYLF Children are connected with and contribute to their world)
Some children used the clay to make fruit salad for the dolls. At our morning meeting, they shared their plan for the day, which was to feed the ‘babies’. Miss Tracey suggested that they could use the clay to make the fruit salad. Other children have been squashing and poking the clay with their hands and feet, while others slid the wet clay on a tray, then used their fingers to draw on the wet clay. (EYLF 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning, such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity)
In each situation, an educator has been on hand to guide the children. We have intentionally set up the language of clay to promote problem solving and sharing. This has been achieved by placing only one piece of clay on the mat. By doing this, we create a situation where we can talk the children through how to include others. This ties in with our inquiry topic to practise and enable social responsibility. (EYLF 2.3 Children become aware of fairness)
Studio Three Team, ELC
Library News
Bookmarks
As we head into the Easter holidays, I’d like to feature our eBook collection, which you can access via: https://plcs.wheelers.co/. Login with your usual Pacific details.
Young Readers
‘Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables On The Lookout’ by Tim Harris
Mr Bambuckle is back. Who doesn’t love Mr Bambuckle, with his unicycle, frypan, sense of adventure and fantastic teaching style – his students certainly do. In the fourth book of the series, the story picks up where book three left off. The class is at the campground and Vex has disappeared.
You can find books one to three in the Pacific library and book four in our eBook collection.
Middle Years Readers
‘Chasing A Rugby Dream: Kick Off’ by James Hook and David Brayley.
Jimmy Johnson loves rugby. His dream is to one day play for his country. When he tries out for his school team, things don’t go so well, especially when he accidentally kicks the ball right into his PE teacher’s head. Jimmy and his friends want to prove they belong on the rugby field but Mr Kane and the rugby team captain want to prove otherwise. Written by a professional rugby player, this book will immerse readers into the world of rugby, alongside positive messages about dealing with bullying.
You’ll find Kick Off in the eBook collection.
Teen Readers
‘A Vow So Bold and Deadly’ by Brigid Kemmerer
I am a massive Brigid Kemmerer fan and an even bigger fan of the Cursebreaker series. Book Three, ‘A Vow So Bold and Deadly’ has just been released. You can find it in the eBook collection, along with books one and two, which you’ll need to read before jumping into book three. If you enjoy fantasy, epic quests, romance and all the thrilling politics and alliances of fantasy worlds, you’ll love this series.
Adult Readers
‘All We Left Behind’ by Danielle R. Graham
For readers who enjoy historical fiction and books that bring out all the emotions, you’ll love ‘All We Left Behind’. Set in Vancouver in 1941, the events of Pearl Harbour rip Hayden and Chidori apart as Chidori is forced into an internment camp and Hayden joints the Air Force. We follow Hayden as he joins up, trains and is shot down behind enemy lines. But the heart of the story really shows itself when Hayden returns home to learn that Chidori and others from her community have not been allowed to return.
You can find ‘All We Left Behind’ in our eBook collection: https://plcs.wheelers.co/.
Ms Madison Dearnaley, Teacher Librarian
College News
MLTAQ Poster Competition
Congratulations to Year 4 student Zara who received a Highly Commended in the 2021 MLTAQ poster competition.
Students were required to design a poster with images and Japanese language to show their support of the United Nations (UN) theme - ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’. The UN declared 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust to reaffirm their role to settle disputes peacefully. Students are encouraged to enter the extra-curricular MLTAQ Writing competition in Term 2. Students can choose a category from the following website: https://www.mltaq.asn.au.
Submissions dates will be confirmed by students’ Japanese teacher in class time.
Mrs Jo Bailey, Head of Japanese P-5
Visual Art - A Powerful Voice
Year 9 Art students are being commissioned to design and produce works of art for staff across the school. Inspired by a recent exhibition at Caloundra Gallery by Dr Kym Rodgers, our artist in residence, staff were approached as experts in their field to provide knowledge, based on fact and science, as a platform for students to work from. Upon completion of their own street cones, the works would be placed around the school daily using the urban space as it’s gallery. The works would capture people-off-guard as part of their day-to-day experience. The designs convey very powerful information supplied by the experts to inform, record, forbid and direct us. This week students had the opportunity to consult with staff about their designs. It was exciting to see the connection between staff and student, and the realisation by both that art has a powerful voice.\
Mrs Denise McMahon, Head of Visual Art
Cultural News
Grease - Save the Date
Grease tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 20th April. The cast, crew and live band are in the full swing of rehearsals and revving up for an amazing show on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd May at The Events Centre, Caloundra.
Tickets will be available online at: www.theeventscentre.com.au.
Mrs Janine Delaney, Director
Speech and Drama Students Receive Top State Awards
Congratulations to six Speech and Drama students who took out top honours in the Annual Australian College of Music Awards for practical exams in 2020. To qualify for gold and silver medals, candidates must achieve Honours level (85% or higher) and rank highest in the state for their grade level.
Gold medals winner this year are Matthew McKenzie, Amber Taylor and Luca Jones. Silver medal winners are Priya Miles, Lucy Dimond and Cosette Winter. Amber Taylor also received the Annabel Jessie Garriock Award of Excellence, which recognises the commitment and work ethic of an outstanding Grade V Speech candidate. The award represents a book prize of Australian literature.
This year students will have the opportunity to sit practical exams with ASCA in a live performance format with an audience. Students may also choose to perform as individuals, or in pairs and groups. Year 10-12 students are busy preparing for exams with both ASCA and AMEB to earn QCE points this year.
I currently have students in Years 4, 5, 7 and 9 looking for Speech and Drama lesson partners in Term 2. If you are thinking of joining us, please email me at lmckibben@pacluth.qld.edu.au to find out more.
Mrs Lisa McKibbon, Speech and Drama Tutor
Sport News
Year 5-6 Sunshine Coast Primary School Water Polo Competition
Well done to our Year 5-6 water polo team who won the B Division grand final on Monday evening in the Sunshine Coast Primary Schools Water Polo Competition.
After finishing top of the table in the preliminary rounds, Pacific played the Siena Dolphins in the semi-finals. In a very close game, Pacific were able to move through to the grand final with a 3-1 win over their opponents.
In the grand final, Pacific played the Siena Sharks. In a very exciting game, our team was able to score some great goals and take out the game 6-1. Our players were then presented with their medallions and premiership shield by Australian women’s water polo players, Zoe Arancini and Lea Yanitsas, who are currently training on the Sunshine for the Tokyo Olympics.
Congratulations to all team members: Fletcher Friend, Arjuna Suseno, William Fowler, Charlie Dee, Henry Greene, Euan Lengenberg, Eleanor O’Connor, Sam Schefe and Lottie Winter.
Thank you to Mr Brett Jones who coached the team and thank you to all parents who transported and supported the team throughout the season.
Cross Country Carnivals
The rescheduled Interhouse Cross Country Carnival will be now held on Friday 23rd April. The Year 3-6 Carnival will be held from 10.45am – 1.00pm and the Year 7-12 Carnival from 1.30pm – 3.15pm at Meridan Sports fields, adjacent to the College.
All students are to wear their house shirts for the race. Shoes must be worn at all times and hats should be worn when not racing. Students will also need to bring their own drink bottle.
Order of Events
Please note race times are only a guide and may vary on the day.
- 10.45am Year 3-6 students move to Meridan Sports fields
- 11.00am 8 years boys and girls (born 2013) 1km
- 11.20am 9 years boys and girls (born 2012) 2km
- 11.40am 10 years boys and girls (born 2011) 2km
- 12.00pm 11 years boys and girls (born 2010) 3km
- 12.20pm 12 years boys and girls (born 2000) 3km
- 12.40pm Year 3-6 Presentations
- 1.15pm Year 7-12 students assemble in house groups on Main Oval
- 1.30pm Students gather on Meridan Fields ready for start of event
- 1.45pm 12-13 years boys and girls (born 2009 and 2008) 3km
- 2.00pm 14-15 boys (4km) and 14-15 girls (3km) (born 2007 and 2006)
- 2.15pm 16-opens boys (4km) and 16-Oopens girls (3km) (born 2005, 2004, 2003)
- 2.55pm Year 7-12 Presentations
- 3.10pm Roll marking by PCG teachers and students dismissed
Competitive Sports
Next term the following competitive sports will be taking place.
- Open Boys and Girls Volleyball (SCISSA)
- U13, U15 and Opens Boys Rugby Union (SCSS)
- U14 Boys and Open Boys and Girls Soccer (ISSA and Uhlsport)
- Monday Night Netball
- Year 9 Trish Buckley Volleyball
Information has been sent to students and families, but due to circumstances limiting trial opportunities in some sports, further team specific information will be passed on during the first week of Term 2.
It is fantastic to see so many students seeking to involve themselves in competitive sport for next term. It is a great privilege to represent the College and I look forward to seeing our dedicated students participate to their best in trainings and games throughout the season.
Rescheduled Soccer Finals
The Open Boys Team 1 and 2 soccer grand finals will be rescheduled to the start of Term 2. Full details will be provided to teams on the first day of Term 2. A big congratulations again for the incredible effort from these teams to make SCISSA finals!
Upcoming District Trial Dates
|
Sport |
Age |
CLOSING DATE |
|
Basketball |
13-15 yrs B |
20-Apr-21 |
|
Basketball |
13-15 yrs G |
20-Apr-21 |
|
Cricket |
10-12 yrs B |
17-May-21 |
|
Squash |
10-19 yrs |
30-Apr-21 |
|
Surfing |
13-18 yrs |
20-Apr-21 |
|
Touch |
10-12 yrs B |
22-Apr-21 |
|
Touch |
10-12 yrs G |
22-Apr-21 |
Caloundra Hockey
Caloundra Basketball
Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport and Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport
Uniform Shop
Winter Uniforms
Winter is nearly upon us and it is time for Jumpers and Jackets.
The Uniform Shop currently has a full range of Formal Jumpers in stock for Year 1-12 students. Currently Sports Jackets for Prep – Year 12 are in stock in sizes 4 and 8-14 as well as L-XXL. All other sizes in Sports Jackets are on order. They will be available for order on FlexiSchools once the stock arrives in store, so please keep an eye on the website.
Trousers for all Year 10-12 students are available in store and online for the Winter Uniform. A reminder that blazers are a requirement for Years 10-12 as part of the Winter Uniform.
If you need to come into the Uniform Shop for a fitting, please ensure you make an appointment by calling the Main Reception on 5436 7300. The Uniform Shop hours are Wednesday to Friday (term time) from 8.00am – 10.00am.
Mrs Peta King, Uniform Shop Coordinator
St Mark’s Lutheran Church
Worship @ St Mark's
Sharing a common mission and ministry with Pacific Lutheran College
“Growing in faith and sharing God’s love with others”
Weekly worship services are held at 14 Bombala Terrace Caloundra at 8.30am and 9.30am. We are thankful that we are able to meet together each week for worship. As we do this, there are still physical distancing, signing in, and hygiene requirements we need to follow in order to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our community.
Our worship services are intergenerational with a blend of traditional and contemporary.
Easter Services
- Maundy Thursday – 1st April at 6.30pm (Holy Communion)
- Good Friday – 2nd April at 8.30am and 9.30am (Holy Communion at both)
- Easter Sunday – 4th April at 7.00am and 8.30am (Holy Communion at both)
You’re welcome to follow us on Facebook and visit our Church webpage.
All are welcome at any of our services.
Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church (0429 856 532 or lutherancaloundra@gmail.com)