We show our respect for that sacrifice through making the most of the gifts and freedoms we have and living our lives well in service to others.
We commemorate ANZAC Day through two services at the College this week and look forward to participating in the march on Sunday. Past student and College Captain, Flight Lieutenant Jericho Sayson gave a powerful address at our Middle and Senior College service. Jericho has been recognised for the role he has played in leading cultural change within the forces and acted as the Host Nation Liaison Officer when deployed to the Al Minhad Air Base and Al Dhafra Air Base. I would encourage you to read the fuller details of his service in the Director of Students, Mr Ryan’s article later in the newsletter. We wish our Marching Band all the best as they play publicly for the first time as part of Sunday’s march.
Families are encouraged to access Jericho’s address via this link.
Students and staff are looking forward to being able to compete in the Cross Country this Friday. Parent spectators are welcome and will be required to sign in and remain in identified spaces. We wish students and staff all the best.
The Grease production is entering its final weeks of preparation. The energy and talent on display during rehearsals is suggesting that it will be a very entertaining and professional performance. Auditions have also been called for the Year 5-8 musical of Annie. We wish the staff and students involved in these productions good energy and joy as they grow through these special experiences.
The first stages of preparation for Stage 2 of the Year 3-5 building have commenced. The building which will connect to the existing Year 4 space will provide 6 classrooms, break out spaces, learning hubs and collaboration spaces for staff and students. The new building will be similar in design to the existing Year 4 space and also provide a large undercovered play area. An important design feature has been to maintain the visual connection through to the forest. When finished Years 3, 4 and 5 students will be accommodated in this space. We are appreciative of the State Government Grant of $1.280m towards the expected construction cost of $3.8m towards the building. Families are invited to click on this link to get a sense of what the new building will be like.
We say a prayer of thanks for the service of our Defence Personnel and their families and pray that God would guide and protect current Service members and their families.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
Love one another the way I loved you… This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. John 15:12,13
What has love got to do with war? Why do we hear words like this on Anzac Day when we remember those who serve our country and those who have died in war?
These words of Jesus from John’s gospel are apt for Anzac Day because love involves sacrifice. Soldiers sacrifice, friends sacrifice, and Jesus sacrificed himself for the world. We know in war those people who fight for their country sacrifice. They sacrifice their time and sometimes sacrifice their lives for our country and its freedoms. Any deep and genuine love involves giving up something for the sake of the other. Friends sacrifice for one another. A friend may give up something of themselves, something they want, or desire for the sake of their mate. Real love that is deep and nourishes true friendship is sacrificial. It is a giving of the self in some way to the other person.
This is the sort of self-giving love that Jesus freely gives us through his sacrifice on the cross. It is a love that is willing to put your life on the line for your friends. God bless your friendships and relationships this Anzac Day.
A Prayer for Anzac Day:
O God, we remember the servicemen and women who have died in the violence of war, comfort those who have lost loved ones. Protect all members of the armed forces who are serving our country today. Give courage to those who are peacemakers in our world. And help those who bear the burden and privilege of leadership – in government and in the armed services. Give them wisdom and a desire to strive for forgiveness and peace. Amen.
Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor
Closer to home, staff and students were fortunate to be able to listen to the wise words of a young man by the name of Jericho Sayson who graduated from the College in 2011. Flight Lieutenant Jericho Sayson joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 2012, completing a Bachelor of Business at the Australian Defence Force Academy. In 2015, FLTLT Sayson was posted to No 1 Recruit Training Unit, RAAF Base Wagga as the Unit Personnel Capability Officer. In 2016, for his contribution to Defence cultural change through the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office and as a White Ribbon Ambassador, FLTLT Sayson was awarded a Chief of Air Force Gold Commendation. FLTLT Sayson deployed with the Expeditionary Airbase Operations Unit as the Host Nation Liaison Officer – Al Minhad Air Base and Al Dhafra Air Base in October 2017, and returned to the role in March 2019. FLTLT Sayson was posted to Headquarters Air Command in the A1 Directorate - Personnel Plans in 2018 upon his return from deployment. In 2020, FLTLT Sayson was selected as the Aide-De-Camp to the Deputy Coordinator National Bushfire Recovery Agency, Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet. We are blessed to have Jericho take time out of his busy schedule to address our College community.
Sunday 25th April will be our annual march for Anzac Day. Those attending will be required to pre-register through https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLCM89M or via QR code. Details have been sent to families and I thank the several hundred participants and our accompanying College Marching Band for their support of this tremendous community event.
Finding their Passion
During Year 8 Personal Development lessons for the first several weeks of term, students will be introduced to the Passion Project. The rationale for including this topic, is to encourage students to find their passion, whatever that may be, and explore how to extend their learning in this space within a structured way. The hope is, as was the experience last year, that students continue to engage in their passion well beyond the time allocated in class. Projects last year ranged from researching the history of a particular sport, to creating their own model aeroplane, and even producing a series of anime cartoons online.
Year 7 students will be spending a substantial time this term learning how to be responsible digital citizens through completing modules from the eSmart digital licence. More detail may be found at Digital Licence. I wish you all well for a positive and purposeful Term 2 and look forward to seeing our young people flourish as they continue their learning journey.
Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students
This spontaneous joy that sparks when we reconnect after absences, fuels our relationships and is vital as we navigate the challenges and achievements that a full life can bring.
At the College there is also a powerful recognition that for students to achieve their potential they need to be supported, encouraged and assisted in their social and emotional growth. This allows students to reach their potential across all areas. Research consistently recognises that for students to succeed they need to be confident, resilient, organised and persistent young people who are especially adept at getting along with others.
Our overarching focus for this term in You Can Do It is relationships and particularly what we value, building friendships, solving problems and finding solutions.
Like all pursuits worth doing, relationships take time. They are a continual work in progress and require persistence, resilience and energy from all sides for them to flourish. Sometimes our relationships can falter, and we learn valuable lessons about ourselves and each other. Forgiveness and reflection are crucial in rebuilding our relationships when they may falter.
When we set out to guide our students in the maintenance of relationships, our goal is not for students to avoid challenges or to rely on others to clear a path so that they may never experience a struggle but rather equip them with the tools to overcome obstacles and situations where solutions may not be so straightforward.
In the past I have listened to industry leaders speak about how best to prepare students for a life beyond school, their primary focus tends to be around attributes rather than specific skill sets. They want people who can collaborate productively, problem solve effectively and exhibit empathy for others. All traits we want for ourselves and what our pastoral care program, especially You Can Do It, here at Pacific, sets out to achieve.
ANZAC Day
On Friday morning, our Junior College will gather together to commemorate the sacrifices provided by our service men and women through the years and in an ongoing capacity in situations around the globe.
As the number of veterans dwindle it is important for young people to not only remember the sacrifices of the past but to accept the responsibility for continuing this legacy of remembrance into the future.
With services able to proceed this year, we are fortunate to be able to gather as a College on Sunday morning and look forward to our College being part of the wider community’s day of remembrance.
Take care and God bless.
Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5
The mental effects of too much screen time include everything from social isolation, mood swings and poor concentration to memory impairment, risk-taking behaviour and an increase in ‘sick days’ and truancy. Teens can also be exposed to potentially harmful material and build unhealthy psychological habits that can continue into their adult lives. Click on the link below for more information.
https://www.growinggoodhabits.health.qld.gov.au/teenagers/teens-and-screens/
Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor
On Wednesday May 5th, FoP will host a Mother’s Day shopping experience for our Prep-12 students with all gifts being $5. Prep-Year 5 students will be escorted over to the stall and students from years 6-12 may make their selections at morning tea near the Coral Café. Please note, no change can be given on the day so please bring the correct amount.
Community Connect
Community Connect is an initiative of Pacific Lutheran College and Friends of Pacific, which aims to unite, build and strengthen connections within our community. Past or current families of the College can list their businesses for free and where possible, we encourage the Pacific community to support the businesses listed. . This resource cultivates a strong culture of supporting local, community businesses. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SDVM5JY
Quote of the Week
“Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.”
Next Meeting
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday May 18th, in the College Library. All are welcome to attend.
Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.
Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson
Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code. Portrait and group package orders are due by photography day.
Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than the day before photography day. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.
Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact.
Miss Carolyn Sainty, Administrative Executive Secretary
Grease tickets are on sale now and are SELLING FAST! 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
The Primary/Middle Years Musical is happening, with auditions running next Thursday 29th April. Details will be up on NAV this Friday, from lunchtime on, so please check details for Audition times, songs, dance preparation and speaking parts. Any student that auditioned last year, we will need to see you again, so please read the details and come prepared.
Mrs Astwick & Mr Simpfendorfer, Teachers of Art and Music
Well done to all our senior volleyball teams yesterday for their strong efforts in the first game of the season. Congratulations in particular to Open Girls Team 1 and Open Boys Team for their wins.
Term 1 SCISSA Finals Updates
Open Boys Soccer Team 2: 4.15 pm on 27th April at Pacific Lutheran College Main Oval
Open Boys Soccer Team 1: 4pm on 6th May at St Andrews Anglican College
SCSS Rugby Union
Wednesday was the first game of the season for our U13s, 15s and Opens Boys Rugby Union teams. The coaching staff were extremely proud of the efforts from all the boys to compete all the way through their games. There were some great efforts in attack and defence, and while there weren’t wins for the boys this week, there are some good signs for the season ahead. A quick reminder that training is on Tuesday mornings from 7am and during Friday sport time.
District Cross Country
Students who make the top 6 positions for boys and girls in each age group will be invited into our District Cross Country Team. The Independent District Cross Country will be held on the 4th May near the Big Pineapple. 13-19 yrs will run their events in the morning from 9am through to 11.30am. Students will be bussed to and from the venue.
Students who have been selected will receive an email with an information letter, including instructions for giving permission to attend via Operoo, along with a Project Consent Form from the Independent District, which must be returned to Mr Cameron West-McInnes or Mrs Natalie Campbell by Wednesday 28th April.
If there are further questions about this event, please contact Mr Cameron West-McInnes at cwestmcinnes@pacluth.qld.edu.au.
Interhouse Athletics Carnival
We will be gearing up for our 2021 Athletics Carnival not too long after the dust settles on our Cross Country events. Our Senior Inter-House Carnival will be held on the 4th of June at the USC Athletics Facility. While most events will be run on the day, some events will take place beforehand. This includes the 1500m, Javelin and 12yrs High Jump. Students will need to nominate on NAV to take part in these pre-events. Similar to last year, these events will be for district qualification and age champion points.
Key Dates
18th May 1pm: 12yrs High Jump, All ages Javelin
19th May 1pm: 1500m
Please remember to pass on any outstanding sporting achievements from students so that we can celebrate as a community!
Caloundra Basketball
Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport and Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport
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
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.
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)