Compass No. 611 June 2021

A great spiritual teacher of the 21st century once said that; technology (has) really increased human ability. But technology cannot produce compassion.

Compassion means showing mercy, sympathy, empathy, kindness, and care towards others. That gut-wrenching pull on your emotions enables you to literally ‘suffer with’ another human being. That is the origin and derivation of the word compassion, to ‘suffer with’. That is what Jesus showed when he healed the blind, sick and lame and crowds followed him. Jesus demonstrated fully what it means to suffer with us when he died an ugly, painful death on the cross for us. In Jesus, God came to earth to suffer with his people.

This makes compassion such an essential virtue for us to model and cultivate in the children and teenagers of today. Important because our world of technology cannot teach compassion. Compassion does not come from looking at a screen or talking into a phone. It can be evoked through these means, but it is most vividly experienced and learnt by one person sitting down with another person and learning something of their pain, their troubles. Compassion means being so affected by another person’s needs that our hearts are opened and changed as we put our love into action by attending to them. It is exercising the ability to reach out, walk in another’s shoes, be open and responsive to the concerns, and active in caring for others. It is sharing in the presence of God as we care for one another.

In this busy, technology-filled world of ours, how can we together support one another as parents and as teachers to raise compassionate young people who can walk in the shoes of others?

We pray, Lord Jesus, you showed great compassion on the crowds that followed you. Fill us with the same compassion to extend it to the young people in our lives. Give us hearts that not only suffer with people but also hands that act on people’s needs. Bless us with your compassion as we share it with others today. Amen. 

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

Last Tuesday, our Year 9 Student Leadership team were afforded the opportunity to attend Altitude Day at Maroochydore. A positive education and leadership event, Altitude Day is designed to empower and inspire. Together with other like-minded teenagers from a dozen Sunshine Coast schools, students listened to three inspiring keynote speakers and learnt how to activate their leadership capacity within their own context. Perhaps most importantly they had the opportunity to connect and engage in dialogue with other student leaders, sharing ideas and passions, in a relaxed atmosphere. I look forward to working with these Middle College leaders in the months ahead as they consider what type of project they wish to pursue for the benefit of the Pacific community.

Middle College Exams

Next week from the 8th to 11th June, Middle College will be involved in examinations. Students should enter this period confident of the progress they have made throughout the course of this term and Semester One. Whilst the bulk of preparing for examinations occurs during the previous weeks and months, it is crucial for students to stay committed to their studies and further revision of material covered in their classes. Importantly, students should be reminded that there is a significant support crew around them and we encourage any student to connect with their class teacher in the first instance if they require further guidance. We wish all students well and particularly students in Year 7 who might be new to this form of assessment.

Youturn it Up – Save the Date

On Saturday 19th June from 3pm at Nightquarter Birtinya, there will be a host of performers taking part in a concert to raise awareness of the important work Youturn do in the community. Youturn is a charity that supports young people experiencing homelessness and mental health issues on the Sunshine Coast and we have recently committed our support to them. Importantly we have former students Sam and Tim Aitken (SAMETIME) performing as one of the acts. For more information and to book tickets please head to Youturn it Up concert using the secret discount code: YOUTURN50

God bless.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

At this week’s Year 3-5 assembly I showed the students a video of a quadruple domino display spectacularly succumbing into a multi-coloured pile. As we know, these displays can be triggered by the smallest amount of force, in this case, one intentional push of a finger resulted in many hours of work, collapsing to the ground.

The students volunteered potential reasons for what this has to do with our relationships, many of them insightful and exhibiting a deep understanding of the impact that we have on each other and what may happen as a result.

In many ways, schools are the perfect place to learn about each other and how our words and actions translate into choices. Unfamiliar situations, experiences and new relationships provide a platform to build our flexibility when working with others. Supported and restorative frameworks guide our students in reflecting on ways we have the power to put people down or lift others up. The power of forgiveness serves as a reminder that as humans, we are not perfect and once we understand this, we better understand the viewpoints of others and how we may reconcile our differences.

This fortnight’s thread of compassion dovetails into this terms theme of relationships and getting along. Growing empathy and compassion in our young people is arguably the most powerful tool we can equip our young people with. Often our imperfections are our greatest strength and by viewing our interactions through a lens of compassion, we gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the impact that we have on the “dominos” around us.

School TV

An intrinsic and important element of an education at Pacific Lutheran is the recognition by parents, staff and students of effective communication and a cooperative approach in the success of each child’s education.

Today, parents face a multitude of modern day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

The information on SchoolTV is easily digestible in video and newsletter form and includes insights and input from leading professionals in child and adolescent development Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. SchoolTV is designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information plus realistic and practical ongoing support strategies. Topics include Anxiety, Diet and Nutrition, Dealing with School Transitions, and Online Safety etc.

Parents can access the site at http://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/ and click on ‘Launch SchoolTV’

Outdoor Education

Preparations for the Year 5 Outdoor Education Experience in week 9 are well underway and we remind all families connected to Year 5 that the relevant documentation as well as a recording of the information evening is available via the Year 5 Nav Outdoor Education page. We thank Ms Kim Wood and the Year 5 team for their preparation of this important event in the Year 5 calendar and look forward to sharing the learning and experiences gained when they return.

Presentation

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many families who continue to support their child by encouraging them to take responsibility to present themselves in line with uniform expectations of the college. Our message around care for self, reflects how we meet our expectations as one and by wearing our uniform correctly, we are sending an unsaid message about the respect for ourselves and our community. As the weather cools, we ask parents to continue to name clothing as it is often discarded during the day as the weather warms. Naming these items ensures they return to their owner as quickly as possible.

Take care and God bless.

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

Year 10 students and their parents are invited to attend a presentation on Wednesday 16th June that unpacks the Queensland Certificate of Education and provides information about Senior College academic pathways.  Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks or ATARs and alternate study patterns and pathways will be discussed.  This evening will be an important precursor to the 2022 Subject Selection Expo on 14th July. Both parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend, to gain insights into the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre’s processes, and the multiple ways that students may approach their senior course of study.

Ms Anne-Marie Gerlach, Head of Learning Senior College

Selected students in Years 5-10 competed at the Queensland da Vinci Decathlon at St Joseph’s Nudgee College this week. This tournament is an academic ‘Decathlon with a Difference’ with challenging tasks and an emphasis on higher order thinking and collaboration. Hundreds of students from around the state competed in ten academic tasks, namely Cartography, Legacy, Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Ideation, Art and Poetry, Science, English and Creative Producers. This year’s theme was ‘Chance’, which applied to all disciplines.

All teams were highly engaged, performing commendably as excellent ambassadors for the College. They achieved exceptional results, particularly in the Ideation event, which requires design thinking, collaboration and innovation.

Results:

Year 5

• Science – 1st place
• Cartography – 1st place
• Maths – 3rd place
• Ideation – 1st place
• + 3rd overall

Year 6

• Art and Poetry – 2nd place

Year 7

• Creative Producers – 3rd place
• Science – 2nd place
• Ideation – 3rd place

Year 8

• Engineering – 1st place
• Ideation – 2nd place

Years 9 and 10 are competing on 3rd June.  Special thanks to Mrs Darr, Miss Byerlee, Mrs Sydes, Mr Block, Mrs Hosking and Mrs Belchamber for coaching.

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Enrichment P-12

World Environment Day will be held on 5th June and this year the theme is “Ecosystem Restoration”

Do you know about our College rainforest on the South-Eastern corner of the College?

The Sunshine Coast Council has recently assessed our College remnant rainforest as an ecologically important piece of sub-tropical lowland rainforest with less than 10% of this type of forest remaining here on the Coast.  Our forest has been assessed to be made up of open Melaleuca forest, as well as endangered Notophyll vine forest.  As such, the College has selected to be part of the voluntary Land for Wildlife conservation program aimed at protecting, enhancing and rehabilitating native flora and fauna species.

Contributing to our ecosystem restoration, last Wednesday saw the Environmental Pacific Action Group install 10 nesting boxes in the rainforest.  These boxes will provide much needed habitat for hollow dwelling animals in our local ecosystem.  Thanks to a number of Year 8 students who assisted in the creation of these hollow log homes as part of their Outdoor Education experience last year.  Special thanks to Mr Ben Dutton, Mr Josh Cummins, Mrs Elley Wood, Holly Ubrihien and Mac Gallagher for their efforts in installing the boxes and Ms Belinda Till for capturing the moment for us.

The College is partnering with the Sunshine Coast Council to implement a weed management and restoration plan for the ongoing management of this special piece of forest, for generations to come.

Ms Kim Wood, Head of Outdoor Education

People who are grateful feel less pain, less stress, suffer insomnia less, have stronger immune systems, experience healthier relationships, and do better academically and professionally. Overall, it can boost both your mental and your physical health. For more information click on the link below 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/

Mrs Annie Williams College Counsellor

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

Next Meeting

Friends of Pacific meets on the third Tuesday of each month with our next meeting to be held on June 15th.  We meet in the College Library at 6:30pm and all are welcome.

Quote of the Week

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

– Oscar Wilde.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

On Tuesday, all students in Years 3-5 will see author R.A. Spratt. She is a writer for dozens of television programmes and the author of 24 books, including detective series Friday Barnes, comedy series Nanny Piggins, and mystery series The Peski Kids. If students would like to purchase one of her books to be signed, please follow this link https://education.qbd.com.au/. The books will be delivered to the school on the day of the author visit.

Merge Cubes and Flowers

This week in the library, students experimented with making merge cubes. A merge cube, when viewed through an online app allows students to hold a 3D object in their hand and examine it from all sides. Students had fun examining dinosaurs, animals, buildings and the human organs. In our craft day, students made flowers out of patty pans.

Ms Narelle Keen, Teacher Librarian

The Music Department warmly invite you to attend our Semester One Ensembles Concert on Thursday 24th June.  This year, we will be hosting this exciting evening in the Pacific Lutheran gymnasium, offering families the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed dinner as our ensembles perform.  There will be curries and hotdogs available to purchase on the evening, with a bar available for soft drink, wine and beer.  There is also an option to pre-order a cheese box at registration. (very limited numbers available on the night).  EFTPOS and cash sales will be available.

The concert will begin at 6pm, with doors and food stands opening from 5.30pm.  Pre-registration is necessary, so please follow this link to register your attendance https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZW2NL8X.  We look forward to sharing the hard work of our students with you on what promises to be an exciting evening!

Mrs Aleisha Tuaine, Head of Department – Music

Our students’ success in the world Beyond Pacific will depend on their ability to articulate their strengths, talents and interests; as well as their ability to identify opportunities and position themselves to take advantage of those opportunities. 

Beyond Pacific is a new program, unique to Pacific Lutheran which will provide a structure that supports students to seek and capitalise upon opportunities to develop their employability.  The program will help them select and engage with learning and personal development activities that are aligned with their strengths and interests. It will also help students recognise and acknowledge the value of their own achievements.

Any Senior College student can participate in Beyond Pacific.

Beyond Pacific tracks students’ participation in school-based activities in four categories. The categories are:

• Character
• Leadership
• Community
• Work Readiness

There are a wide variety of activities that are included in the program. Most of them are regular school activities that students already engage in.

As students complete these activities, they will naturally develop personal attributes, capabilities and skills that will be seen as valuable to employers. But sometimes students are not easily able to fully recognise or describe the benefits of these activities in terms of capability and skills development.

Beyond Pacific provides templates to help students identify and analyse the benefits of the activities they participate in. When students complete and submit these templates, they can earn Beyond Pacific credits. The more activities students participate in, the more Beyond Pacific credits they will accumulate.

Students will also be able to request, at any time, a copy of their Beyond Pacific profile, which lists all the activities they have gained credit for, and the attributes, capabilities and skills they have demonstrated. Students can use this list to create or update their resume when they apply for jobs.

Beyond Pacific will be overseen by a Reference Group, consisting of staff, student, parent and employer representatives.

For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering to be a member of the Beyond Pacific Reference Group, please contact Mrs Wanda Hayes.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

SCISSA Volleyball

Congratulations to the Open Boys Volleyball Team for their well deserved win on Wednesday. It was a great effort by our Open Girls teams against Matthew Flinders Anglican College, however both went down in hard fought games. There is only one week left of SCISSA Volleyball before finals. Best of luck to all teams for their final round.

Well done to the following students for being awarded MVP this week:

• Yasmin Richters
• Ainslie Colton
• William Newton
• Noah Beasley

Netball

Well done to all our Monday Night Netball teams for their strong efforts in the last game of the regular season. Thank you to all the committed students and staff who participated in these fixtures across both terms. It was a huge effort! Congratulations in particular to our 4 teams who will compete in semi-finals next Monday. PLC Crystal, Amber, Emerald and Pearl. All the best!

SCSS Rugby Union

This week marks the last round of regular fixtures for the U13s and U16s Pacific Lutheran teams. While it has been a tough season at times, the boys have continued to develop their skills as players and showed tremendous grit, character and perseverance over the course of the season. There is still plenty of Rugby to come in Term 4 with the SCISSA 7s competition, along with the start of preparations for 2022.

Vicki Wilson Netball

Last Friday, 4 teams from Pacific Lutheran competed in the Vicki Wilson trials at Fisherman’s Road Complex. It was an awesome achievement to have so many girls involved considering it was the Caloundra Show Holiday. This is a highly contested, competitive netball event and it was a great experience for our students. While there were mixed results overall on the day, Pacific ended up having two teams finish second in their pools, which is a considerable achievement. While this big event is now out of the way, there is still Monday Night Netball Finals and Indoor Netball Championships to go.

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

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

3                         Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival – USC

7                         Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

7-11                    Year 10 Exams

8                         Year 3-5 Author Visit

8-11                    Middle College Exams

16                       Year 11 2022 QCE Information Evening (6pm)

15-17                  Year 5 Outdoor Education Program

24                       K-12 Chapel Ensembles Concert