Compass No. 622 September 2021

I have filled Bezalel with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skill.  He can make beautiful patterns in gold, silver and bronze.  He can cut and set stones.

He can work with wood. In fact, he can work in all kinds of crafts.

Exodus 31:3-5

God has made each of us with the ability and desire to make beautiful things. In the first chapter of the Bible, we find out that God loves creating; it is in his nature. God creates the world and then sits back and admires its beauty. As human beings who bear the image of God and we all have this inbuilt ability to make and create objects of incredible beauty and skill, just like God.    

In the second book of the Bible, we hear of Bezalel, who had this creative ability to skillfully make things with his hands. God used Bezalel to make the furnishings of the Old Testament tabernacle, which was the travelling tent where the Jews worshipped before they moved into the promised land and later built a temple. We are told that Bezalel was a skilled craftsman who could make beautiful patterns in gold, silver and bronze and cut and set stones and work with wood and other materials. In the Jewish tradition, Bezalel was thirteen years old when he made these beautiful objects.

Even if we think we are not natural born artists, all of us join in God’s creative work in the world. We all get to create things that bring joy and beauty to others. It happens when we create great works of art or music and when we do the more mundane things of life. When we cook or pick out clothes to wear when we tend our gardens and nurture plants to grow. When we perfect a move in sport or doodle away on paper when we take notes in a class or are bored in meetings. We are constantly creating, using this deep God-given desire to make things.

Like Bezalel from the Old Testament, God calls us to use these creative abilities to serve others and bring beauty to the world. God loves that about each of us.

May you, like Bezalel, be encouraged to use your creative impulses to bless others with joy.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

The Year 12 two-week Mock External Examination Block has commenced. It is a timely and important reminder for all students at Pacific to remain engaged in learning and focused on their preparation for exams and assessment, and to be confident that consistent effort has prepared them well to produce their best work.  With only a few weeks remaining in Term 3, a strong finish is always important.

By following the link to School TV, located on the My PLC tab of the College webpage, both students and parents can download resources on how to combat exam jitters.  This includes what to do the night before and morning of exams; secrets and tips for Year 12 exam preparation; tips on great study; how to de-stress before an exam; and what parents can say to their children when receiving results that are less than anticipated. 

While Year 12s are juggling study at home, study at school or engaging in a scheduled mock external examination, it is important for students to consider being responsible when balancing study, socialising and casual work commitments.  Leading psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg shares his insight, “Balance is key when it comes to getting the most out of the brain. Students need to take responsibility for when to study and when to socialise.”

Ms Leigh Finter, Acting Head of Senior College Students

Pacific has a new play space where the students will be able to engage in using loose parts.

In 1972, architect and artist Simon Nicholson developed the Theory of Loose Parts: materials which can be moved around, designed and redesigned and tinkered with; creating infinitely more opportunities for creative engagement than static materials and environments.

During Term 4 we will gradually introduce each class to our new play space and facilitate student learning around the use of loose parts. The provision of resources will provide opportunities for the students to discover, create, imagine and improvise.

Benefits of loose parts as an everyday resource:

• Portable – this is appealing to children and allows them to have ownership over their play experiences
• Open- ended – they are inherently flexible and can be used in endless ways
• Sensory- perfect to learn about textures, weights, patterns
• Encourages imagination and creativity
• Developmentally appropriate
• Develops skills and competency – encourages problem solving, co-operation, decision making, fine and gross motor skills, independence and widens vocabulary

“When students interact with loose parts, they enter a world of ‘what if’ that promotes the type of thinking that leads to problem solving and theoretical reasoning. Loose parts enhance children’s ability to think imaginatively  and see solutions, and they bring a sense of adventure and excitement to play”

~ Daly and Beloglovsky 2015

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

From time to time we have requests from students for help to find a work experience placement. We have requests across all kinds of occupations, but at the moment I am specifically seeking someone who works in Urban and Regional Planning.

No matter what field you work in, if you think you might be able to assist our students’ career exploration please contact me at whayes@pacluth.qld.edu.au. I would be keen to hear from you if you work in a role where you can facilitate a work experience placement for one of our students, or if you would be prepared to offer some career mentoring for our students.

USC Scholarships Information Evening (Year 12 Students)

Students and their parents are invited to USC’s online Scholarships Information Evening where you’ll hear from current students who have received a scholarship or bursary to help with their university studies.

There are so many scholarships and bursaries available, it’s just about knowing where to start. We will take everyone through the different types of scholarships on offer and provide tips to help you ace your application.

The event will be held on Zoom, on 16th September, from 5:00-6:00pm. For more information, or to register, go to https://www.usc.edu.au/community/

QUT Advice Night (Year 12 Students)

Senior high school students and their parents are invited to find out about applying and studying at QUT. We will provide advice about getting in to QUT, study costs, scholarships and financial support, transitioning to university and support for students. Registration is available now.

Griffith University Experience Days (Year 11 and 12 Students)

Suitable for Year 11 and 12 students, Griffith’s Experience Days give students a feel for life at Griffith University and include campus tours as well as hands-on interactive sessions dedicated to different study areas. A series of experience days will be offered during the September school holidays. There are a wide range of sessions available, covering everything from Forensic Science to Animation; Drone racing to Stocks Trading; Wind Tunnels to Nursing. The full program of sessions is available here https://www.griffith.edu.au/engage

To attend, you will need to register using this link. https://www.griffith.edu.au/engage/experience-days.  When you register, you must also select the interactive sessions you wish to attend as places are limited.  

Fulltime Hairdressing Apprenticeships (Year 12 students)

Stefan Hair Fashions is now accepting applications from Year 12 school leavers who are interested in full time Hairdressing apprenticeships, commencing in January 2022. There will be group interviews taking place through until October. If you are interested in applying, you should first register to attend one of these group interviews. You can register at https://www.stefan.com.au/pages/careers

Architect for a Day program (Year 10, 11 and 12 students)

If you are interested in investigating Architecture as a possible future career, this free event could be of interest to you. The Architect for a Day program is a free half-day creative workshop, offered on the Sunshine Coast at the University of the Sunshine Coast Sippy Downs Campus on the 9th of October. Students in Years 10, 11 or 12 are very welcome to register to attend and explore the possibility of studying architecture when they graduate high school. For more information or to register, go to https://members.architecture.com.au/

Studying a QUT subject while at school (Year 11 students)

Like USC’s Headstart program, START QUT allows students to study a university subject while they are in their first semester of Year 12. Year 11 students and their parents are invited to find out more about studying a university subject while in high school as part of the START QUT program in 2022. Registration is available now.

Defence Trades Careers Information Evening (Year 10 and 11 students)

Defence Force Recruiting Maroochydore invites you to meet and speak with subject matter experts at the Defence Trades Careers Information session.

Some ADF trade jobs are similar to those found in the civilian world, but the work is likely to be more varied and rewarding. The Navy, Army and Air Force have numerous trade roles available, ranging across many different specialities. Some of the roles currently taking applications include:

• Navy - Electronic Technician
• Navy - Marine Technician
• Army - Telecommunications Technician

Date: Wednesday 8th September 2021

Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Location: Defence Force Recruiting, 37 Primary School Court Maroochydore. 

To register your attendance please click on the following link, then you will receive a confirmation email once you register. 

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/event/P2JTG3H

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development 

Pacific Together is a discrete 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

Father’s Day

“A Father is someone you look up to, no matter how tall you grow”.

- Author Unknown.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Our scheduled author visits for P-2 and Years 6-7 had to be cancelled due to Covid lockdowns interstate but fortunately our Year 8-9 author visit was able to go ahead. Students were lucky enough to meet journalist, author and surfer, Tim Baker. Tim has a dream job, travelling around Australia and internationally to surf and write books about it. He is a former editor of Surfing Life and Tracks magazines and has written numerous books about surfing culture and history, as well as biographies of Mick Fanning and Mark Occhilupo. Tim talked to the students about the important role that books and writing have played in his life.

Book Club Orders

Book Club forms were sent out last week. Orders need to be placed by Monday please.

Getting Creative with Clay

Last week, students made clay creatures from other worlds as part of the Book Week theme of Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. Messy, but creative, fun was had by all.

Ms Narelle Keen, Teacher Librarian

Match Report – 2021 Preliminary Final at Pacific

Our U14 Pacific Seals played their Plate Playoff match against Caloundra Red at Pacific Lutheran College on the weekend. While the end result didn’t go the way of the Seals, they should be proud of the effort and determination they showed on the field and at every training session during the season. Well done to Josh for picking up the Rebel Above and Beyond Award. Awesome work Seals and congratulations Caloundra. Thank you to Matt, Chris and Harrison for coaching and managing the team once again this season. Thank you also to Shannon, our club photographer, for capturing the amazing moments during the game.

Our mighty U16 Pacific Cobras took on the Bli Bli Jesters in the Preliminary Final at Pacific Lutheran College on the weekend. With fairly even possession in the first quarter, the Jesters then went into full flight mode, gaining the upper hand with the first goal. A second followed not long after half time to cement a 2-0 lead. As the second half progressed and with more possession, the Cobras turned the tide back to Pacific, levelling the score at 2-2 with two unbelievable goals. Then, with their turbo chargers switched on, the Cobras snagged a third goal to lead 3-2 with eight minutes to go. Pacific held on to take the win and booked themselves a berth in the Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer Association’s U16 Grand Final against Caloundra City this weekend at Chancellor Park Soccer Club.

We commend the Jesters on their sportsmanship and play. It made for an enjoyable, although somewhat nerve-racking game for the spectators. Congratulations to Sean and Marley who both picked up playing awards for their efforts during the game. Congratulations also to Matt on his two goals. Thank you to Ray and Greg for coaching and managing the team, and to K3 Coaching for their guidance and training throughout the season. Special thanks again to Shannon, our club photographer extraordinaire, who captured the outstanding moments of the game.

Come and support the three Pacific teams playing on Grand Final Day at Chancellor Park Soccer Club, Harmony Fields, Palmview. There will be a Pacific tent set up on the sidelines for players and supporters.

The U11 Pacific Razors - 8.30am

The U15 Pacific Eels - 11.50am

The U16 Pacific Cobras - 3.50pm

Follow our Insta or Facebook Pages to see all the action.

Mrs Rita Williams, Pacific FC President 

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 9.00am. 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)