Compass No 726 - June 2024

From the Principal

A Path Less Travelled: The Third Way

This week we have had the pleasure of listening to our Year 11 students present speeches themed ‘The Road Not Taken’. There was regular reference to Robert Frost’s poem, of the same title. Sometimes we can think about our life’s journey as a singular journey where we are travelling on our own, making decisions and choices independently. Typically, we are journeying together, learning through our interactions with each other and the world. Critical moments of choice often arise out of conflict or being faced with opposing views. We can find ourselves feeling that we are faced with two divergent paths. Following either path can lead to increasing distance and polarisation of views. Learning to sit at the juncture of the two paths, listening carefully, and seeking to understand can enable us to be more discerning. In doing so we can identify a richer third way to move forward, which can draw on the strengths of both paths. 

God invites us to be in relationship with Him and to grow in our relationships with each other, serving the needs of people and the environment. When we understand the needs of our neighbour and respond with love it can shine a light on a third path that leads to a richer and fuller life for all concerned.

Principal’s Log

Our Year 11 students provided some powerful insights as they presented their speeches addressing the theme of “The Road Not Taken” as part of the Foundation Cup Public Speaking Competition held this week.  Sixteen students took the opportunity to present their thinking during lunch to their peers, Year 12 leaders and staff. All sixteen students can be proud of their presentations. We thank Mrs Trish Barone, the leaders of the Academic Pacific Action Group Olivia Boland and Cooper Whatham and co-judges Mrs Rae Hall, and Mrs Anne-Maire Gerlach for their leadership and attendance. We thank staff and students for their support of the students.

Over this week and into next week, students will continue to receive feedback about their learning via PLC Navigator and Seesaw. Supporting young people to reflect and celebrate what has been learnt, to identify areas that are yet to be learnt and then develop a plan on how to progress their learning including a reflection on attitudes and approaches to learning are important lifelong habits to develop. Parents of Year 3-5 students might like to reflect with their children on the message they heard Mr Damian Davis present at their assembly this week on how they should use feedback to build on their learning.

Year 10 students and their families took advantage of the opportunity on Tuesday evening to learn more about their next steps as they consider subject choices for Year 11 and 12 and their pathways beyond school. It is an exciting time for our young people and we thank parents and students for their attendance and Head of Learning Senior College, Mrs Anne-Marie Gerlach and Head of Career Development, Mrs Veronica Sanmarco for their informative presentations and leadership of this process.

Students and families are reminded that learning will continue right to the conclusion of this semester on the afternoon of Wednesday 19th June. Midde and Senior College students who are absent are expected to use the online materials provided to catch up on missed learning.

We look forward to next week’s Ensemble’s Concert. The evening provides the opportunity for people within and outside of our community to enjoy a night of musical entertainment while enjoying tasty food options provided by the hospitality department. Families are encouraged to use the link later within the newsletter to book seats for the evening. We wish our musicians all the best as they prepare for the evening.

May God give us the grace to sit gently with listening hearts and inquiring minds at the juncture of choices to explore a third path that provides for growth and connection.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Everyone, Everywhere, Every Time.

This year’s Reconciliation Week reminded us that collectively we are many parts of the bigger picture. We all have individual stories to tell yet it is through listening and connecting that we broaden our understandings of each other. Of course, reconciliation doesn’t run for one week, it acts as a reminder to constantly express empathy and understanding when the need arises.

At assembly this week I shared a message that at times difference can create fear. At times, fear turns to anger and is expressed as words and actions designed to hurt. This reaction can be explained by our neurology, our need to see things as different to protect ourselves. However, when we react on our differences without thought, marginalisation, and isolation can occur.  It is our collective responsibility that this not occur.

Everyone has the right to be respected, valued, and listened to, regardless of who they are. Our abilities, appearances, and capabilities are the very things that make us unique. It is a timely reminder to us all that how we conduct ourselves in the things we do and say, is an extension of who we are as individuals, where our family values lie as well as our College intents. By investing in new ways of thinking, collaborating, and understanding we learn from each other and in turn grow individually.

Respect and dignity sit at the centre of who we are.

Everyone, everywhere, every time deserves the same.

 

School TV

An essential element of education at PLC is the recognition by parents, staff, and students that the success of each child’s education relates to a cooperative approach and effective communication. Today parents face many modern-day challenges in raising happy, well, and resilient young people. Whilst a great deal of information is 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 a leading professional in child and adolescent development, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. SchoolTV is designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. Topics include Anxiety, Diet, and Nutrition, Dealing with School Transitions, Online Safety, etc.

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

 

Sport

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the Years 4-6 Gala Day across various venues around the coast. All coaches reported a successful day of enjoyment and competition. Being a part of the SCISSA network allows these opportunities to take place. We thank all the coaches and staff involved in planning and implementing these unique sporting experiences.

SCISSA Sport is only one aspect of the many sporting opportunities that are available to students here at Pacific. This term we have had athletics carnivals and interschool sporting competitions and we look forward to concluding with our P-2 Cross Country Carnival next week. Sport is an integral part of the co-curricular program here at Pacific and one that is heartily embraced by the student body. The benefits that sport provides are unable to reach its full potential without the leadership of Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Lisa Muir, who ably assist all sporting programs across the Junior College and the many teachers who take SCISSA teams during the term and assisted ably during our athletics carnival. We are grateful for the many gifts they bring to sport here at Pacific.

 

Grandparents Day and Special Friends Day

Last year Grandparents and Special Friends moved from its traditional date in Term 4 to early in Term 3. This year it will be held on the 2nd of August, which is the end of Week 4. Specific communication regarding the day will come from the College shortly. We look forward to sharing our campus with you on this day, which is always one of the highlights of the College Calendar.

 

Take care, and God Bless.

 

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

Food for Thought

The Resilience Project – Practising Mindfulness

This week’s presentation from The Resilience Project is all about Mindfulness.

Mindfulness is our ability to be present at any given moment. We practise this by using intentional awareness and concentrating on what you are doing when you are doing it.

Thousands of studies into Mindfulness indicate that with regular practise, Mindfulness can lead to benefits such as; reduced stress, reduced rumination, increased memory, increased cognitive function and physical health benefits through improved immunity.

View Part 4 of the series here:

Part 4 - Mindfulness: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/

Mindfulness can be practised through meditation, yoga, flow-states and daily activities such as cooking.

Source: UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science, American Psychological Association

For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Support

College News

Year 8 Enterprise Market Day

At lunchtime Monday the 17th of June, Week 10, Year 8 Enterprise students are holding a Market Day outside of the Library. This has been a project where we have learnt about starting an enterprise and budgeting for it and developing our business skills. At the Market Day there will be 13 stalls of fun games and products available for purchase. Some products include: bracelets and earrings, arts and crafts boxes, candles, bookmarks, fishing scarves and so many more!

All profits will be donated to SCARS (Sunshine Coast Animal Refugee Shelter) and the Cancer Council, so make sure to bring along $2 coins, or even $5 dollar notes! We look forward to seeing you there.

Mia Murphy – Year 8

Kim McFadden, Teacher - Business & Humanities

Instrumental Music

Last Friday, 26 PLC string players along with Mrs Williams and Miss Chai headed to Siena Catholic College to join forces with students from Siena, Immanuel Lutheran College and Chancellor State College to embark on an afternoon of music making. They were joined by the Orava String Quartet, who took some of their rehearsals and tutorials throughout the afternoon. All students had a fantastic time and learned several new pieces of music. The afternoon finished with a riveting combined concert.

Ensembles Concert

Our 2024 Ensembles concert is fast approaching. With over 300 PLC music students ready to captivate you with their talents, we invite you to book seats click here or scan the QR code below. Please note cheese boxes are pre-order only, and orders closed at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, 12th June.

Doors to the Gymnasium will open at 5:30 pm, with performances commencing at 6:00 pm. The incredible hospitality team will be serving some delicious dinner options (poke bowls & hotdogs, snacks, and drinks) available from 5:30 pm.

Seats are booking fast!

Mrs Helen Williams, Head of Instrumental Music

 

 

Library News

Library News

Colouring-in Competition

This week, students in P-3 have been learning about Gregg Dreise, the author and illustrator who will be visiting the school next term in the lead up to Book Week. As part of our exploration of the author’s work we are running a colouring-in competition where students can colour in a page from one of Gregg’s books. Students have received this in class and, if they wish to enter the competition, they need to return the completed sheet to the library by the end of term.

New Junior Collections

The library staff have been busy sorting books, rearranging shelves and creating new collections to make it easier for P-5 students to find books they would like to read. We have organised fiction into the following areas:

•     Adventure

•     Family and Friends

•     Laugh out Loud

•     Magical Worlds

•     Mysterious and Spooky

•     Paws, Jaws and Claws (animal stories)

•     Sports Stories

We have also created a section called “My First Chapter Books” for early readers who are transitioning from picture books to novels and have installed a reading nook amongst the shelves.

 

Overdues and Holiday Borrowing

This week an email has gone home to alert parents if their child has any overdue books. Please remind your child to return any overdue items before the holidays. They may then borrow as many books as they like for holiday reading.

Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop stocks all the College’s Winter Uniform requirements. As the weather cools extra demands for winter uniform items can increase, please see the College Uniform Guide here for more information. If you have any questions regarding the Winter Uniform requirements, please contact Peta King at the Uniform Shop via the number below.

The Uniform Shop opening hours are:

Monday – Thursday 8.00am – 10.30am

Tuesday Afternoon from 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Please contact the College’s Main Reception on 5436 7300 to make an appointment.

Flexischools orders are also available for your Uniform needs. These orders are completed Monday - Thursday and delivered to the students’ classrooms in the Foundation and Junior College and to the PCG pigeonholes in the Wellbeing Centre for Middle and Senior College students. Please ensure ordered uniforms are collected promptly to ensure that they do not go missing.

Secondhand Uniforms

To Sell

Current Uniforms will be accepted, except for; sports uniforms (polo and shorts), socks, swimwear, and shoes. Blazers are accepted with a current dry-cleaning receipt attached. Clothes must be freshly laundered, in good condition and free of pet hair.

Items will not be accepted if they are faded, or have; thin fabric, visible repairs, stains (including underarm sweat stains), worn patches and fraying hems/sleeves, broken zippers/buttons, and rips or tears. Uniforms that are not accepted may be discarded at the discretion of the Uniform Shop.

Please label items, place in zip lock bags and deliver to the Uniform Shop when open. Payment details: The Uniform Shop will provide payment via your school fee statement at the end of each term when items have been sold. A 50% fee of the sale price of each item will apply to cover school administration costs.

To Buy

Prices and stock vary on condition and on what items are available. Please make an appointment to come in and view secondhand items.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Convenor

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Tickets on Sale Now!!!!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Calling for Raffle and Prize Donations and Volunteers for our Trivia Night.

Want to join our Band Crew?

https://volunteersignup.org/3JYR3

 

Like our Pacific Facebook page for regular updates for this great night

Haven’t completed you Volunteering Training at Pacific yet and want to help us in our upcoming event? Don’t worry as it is quick and easy. The Volunteer Handbook is accessible via the parent portal in Nav - Nav Community Links.

Any questions please feel free to contact the Committee and we can talk you through the process – fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au

 

Coffee & Chat –come and say “Hi” and find out about Friends of Pacific.

Thanks to staff and students who have approached us and locked in dates to talk to us about their ideas and events to see how we can support them.

Date: Friday 14th June

Time : 7:45-8:20am

 

 Attention Prep to Year 2 Parents  - Imagine Your Own Car Space in Term 3 in the P-2 Car Park .... no more queuing or having to arrive early!!!!

IT’S RAFFLE TIME!

Our Friends of Pacific Car Park Raffle is Open - You could be parking in the much sought-after Friends of Pacific Junior Car Park space at PLC for Term 3, 2024.

Purchase your $20 ticket to have a chance of winning.

Prize will be drawn at 9am Tuesday 18th June 2024. Winners will be announced on our FoP Facebook page.

Funds raised from our car park raffle will be invested back into the College community. Good luck!

 

Have you heard about Pacific Together?

Pacific Together is a care-based service offered by Friends of Pacific to College families in times of need. If you, or someone you know within our College community, needs extra support during the year, the Pacific Together care group may be able to help in some small way or offer a care package. Please contact Chaplain Mr Mark Hauser- mhauser@pacluth.qld.edu.au

If you would like to support the continuation of the care-based service through a financial contribution, we invite you to contact Pacific Together via email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page

Ms Jan Watman, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Sport News

Year 7 – 12 Sport

Student Acknowledgements

Congratulations to the following senior students who were selected to compete at the Sunshine Coast Regional Athletics Carnival:

Sierra Anderson - Triple jump, long jump and 200m

Ellie Barry - 400m

Meg Bauer - High jump

Eloise Bulmer - High jump

Mae Clarke - 200m and High jump

Danica Cockburn - Javelin and discus

Nicholas Currey - High jump and long jump

John Fihelly - High jump

Luke Harrys - 200m, high jump and long jump

Brian Iredia - 200m

Alexis Jarrett - High jump

Jessica Lloyd - Shot put, discus and high jump

Eva Pressland - High jump

Cade Rowlands - 400m

Arjuna Suseno - Javelin

Holly Targato - Javelin

Jessica Watkins - 200m and long jump

Lilah Welsh - Triple jump

 

We celebrate and congratulate the following students on their recent Touch Football success:

The Sunshine Coast 10-12 Touch Football team competed at the Queensland Schools State Touch Regional Football Carnival in Rockhampton last week. They all played extremely well over the four days of competition and finished in 5th place.

Gemma Bryce was lucky enough to be awarded the ‘Best on Field’ by the opposition team twice.

Emily Bryce was given the team award of Most Improved Player for the tournament. Congratulations to both girls and their team for finishing in 5th place.

 

We celebrate and congratulate the following students on their recent Basketball success:

Laayla McAuliffe, recently represented the Sunshine Coast at the 19 Years State Champs winning a Silver medal.

Naite Pethick, has been selected in a team to tour the USA and play AAU tournaments this coming Winter break.

Bailee Kiernan - Last week Bailee represented the Sunshine Coast in the 10-12 Years Girls Queensland School Sport Basketball Championships in Rockhampton. Bailee had the privilege to captain this prestigious team for the duration of the carnival where her team finished in 7th place. Bailee had an exceptional tournament and had the honour of being named in the Queensland team to play at the National Championship on the Gold Coast at the end of July.

 

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

 

Junior Sport

Gala Day and Netball Gala

Primary Schools Netball Gala Carnival

Last Wednesday, 9 students from Years 4, 5 and 6 who have been selected in our Primary Schools Cup Netball Team played in the inaugural Sunshine Coast Primary School Gala Netball Carnival held at Fisherman’s Rd. It was a great day for the team to experience the ‘Championship Division” level of competition in preparation for the Primary School Cup (PSC) Competition to be held in September at Bundaberg.

The overall goal for the day was to establish connections, combinations on court and identify students’ strengths and skill levels for our preparation for PSC in September. PLC won two from eight games during the carnival and the students had fun both on and off court. The team also had the opportunity to meet and have photos with Sunshine Coast Lightning players as well as the Australian Diamonds Captain Liz Watson.

 

SCISSA Gala Day

Last Thursday, Pacific Lutheran College students travelled to various venues to participate in their Term Two Gala Day Carnival.

PLC hosted the Year 4-6 SCISSA Touch Football Gala Day down at the adjacent Meridan Soccer Fields. It was a chilly start, but by mid-morning students had warmed up with good competition in Basketball, Soccer, Touch Football, Netball, Handball, Rugby 7’s and Cricket across different locations on the Sunshine Coast. Students who chose Dance as their SCISSA sport also had the opportunity to travel to Encore Dance to participate in a dance workshop during the day.

Pacific teams won a number of divisions at the end of competition including:

•    Division B Netball

•    Touch football (Division A and B, Pool 1)

•    Under 12’s Rugby Division B

•     Division A and B Handball

Well done to all Pacific teams who represented the College and a big thank you to our Friends of Pacific volunteers who did another wonderful job hosting a BBQ for students to enjoy between games at Touch Football.

 Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport P-6

 

Club Sport

Club Sport

Pacific Lutheran College has several sports development programs outside of school hours. These programs encourage participation, giving students the opportunity to be part of a team, and learn basic skills of the game.

The parent-led Pacific FC Soccer and PLC Netball Clubs compete on Saturdays in community competitions throughout the Sunshine Coast.

Run Club

Sunshine Coast Marathon 2024

Please come and join the PLC Run Club at this years’ Sunshine Coast Marathon on Sunday 11th August 2024. This is a culminating event for students who have attended Run Club, and we would love to have anyone else in our school community who are keen runners join us on the day. There are a range of distances to enter: 2km, 5km, 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km (age dependent).

When registering, join the team ‘PLC Run Club 2024’ to automatically receive a 10% discount off your entry price. Parents are more than welcome to enter as well under this team. https://sunshinecoastmarathon.com.au/

We will have a tent set up on the day where we can meet, and some refreshments will also be provided after your race.

It would be great to see as many of you as possible come along and celebrate a great year of running.

Kim Kiernan, Run Club Coordinator

PLC Netball Club

This weekend on the 15th of June, is the last game prior to the June/July school holidays. Game details:

Please contact your Team Coach or Manager if someone is unable to attend training or the game, please ensure they have your correct contact details (email and mobile phone number).

CDNA has reminded all associated clubs that there is zero tolerance to umpire abuse in any form. Umpire abuse at its simplest, is defined as any deliberate action that makes an umpire feel physically threatened, verbally intimidated or emotionally humiliated. Disrespectfully objecting to calls, yelling at, publicly calling, constantly disagreeing with an umpire by action or verbally can be deemed umpire abuse. It is never acceptable to verbally abuse an umpire in any situation. During a match, the umpires are the sole judges of fact and of the rules. Players, spectators, and club officials are expected to behave appropriately to rulings by umpires. Please raise any concerns regarding opposition player conduct during a game to your coach and manager immediately.

We are still looking for additional players from Years 8 or 9 to join our club, if you or someone you know is keen, please reach out to the Netball President email. Registration fees will be discounted for joining later in the season.

At PLC Netball, we are all about growing future leaders through the joy of sport, teamwork, and lifelong friendship. It is about the community coming together around this great game, developing life skills and positive attitudes in our young women as they reach their formative years.

As proud parents and volunteer committee members behind PLC Netball, we invite you to become a sponsor and support the ongoing success of our club and development programs. As a sponsor, we can offer a range of acknowledgement and promotion of your business or club to our families and the extended community. If your business or employer can partner with PLC, please contact us with any queries.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media – Facebook and Instagram.

Good luck to all teams for this weekend!!

Your PLC Netball Club Committee

President – Donna Watkins | netballpresident@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Secretary – Peta King | netballsecretary@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Registrar – Karen Costa  | netballregister@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Facebook: PLC Netball Club
Instagram: PLC Netball Club

Mrs Donna Watkins, PLC Netball Club President

Pacific FC

ROUND 11 WRAP UP

Thank you to the volunteers who helped from the Dolphins, Orcas, Angelfish, Seahorses, Sharks, Marlins and Barracudas during Round 11. It was a busy day with team photos and 17 matches. Having set-up and pack-up crews, BBQ cooks and canteen helpers was key to making the day a huge success. In particular, thank you to Lucie, Amelie and Isabella for their preparation and hard work in the Canteen and Andrew and Darren from the Stingrays with the fields and set-up.

MATCH REPORT - U9 STINGRAYS

What a great game to watch against our fellow PLC mates, the Snappers!!

They're a mighty team and we were a bit nervous, but our confidence grew as the Stingray/Snapper mates, in typical PLC fashion, all supported each other. It felt like soccer should - playing with friends.

Goals were scored by Finn and Wilbur!

Elliott M had an amazing game. In goals, he had some phenomenal saves and was strong in defence in the second half. He was a well deserving Player of the Match.

Archie had a strong game and was a mighty force in goals against a tough team.

Eddie's team spirit was bright! His smile was contagious.

Lily was awarded Player of the Match by the Snappers

Manager Sarah

 

MATCH REPORT - U14 MARLINS

The Marlins played a hard-fought nil all draw against the Palmwoods Vikings. Given they're 2nd on the ladder and 15 points ahead of us, this was a great achievement for the rapidly improving Marlins!

Well done boys for giving it your all and never giving up!

Coach Doug

 

Read all the Match Reports here.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

Away games for Round 12 (15th June) and Round 13 (22nd June).

No games on June 29th or July 6th due to the school holidays.

After the holidays - Away games - Round 14 (13th July).

•   Round 15 - Away games (20th July)

•   Round 16 - Home games (27th July) Olympic celebrations

•    Round 17 - Home games (3rd August) Olympic celebrations

•    Round 18 - Away games (10th August)

•    U6-U10 Carnival - (17th August) at Pacific

•     Semi-Finals - Away games (17th August)

•      Preliminary Finals + U11 All Girls Exhibition Match at Pacific (24th August)

•      Grand Finals - 31st August (Buderim)

Note:

Adermann Night - 7th September (Selected competitive players)

Pacific will be hosting the U6-U10 age divisions for the EOY Carnival. All teams are scheduled to play. The draw will be released after the holidays break.

Contact: The Registrar

Email: PacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Website: https://www.pacificsoccerfc.com/
Facebook: Pacific Soccer FC 

Mrs Rita Williams, Pacific FC President

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 9.00am. We are thankful that we can meet together each week for worship. As we do this, there are still physical distancing, and hygiene requirements we need to follow 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)

Upcoming Dates

Upcoming Dates

June

14-16  Year 12 Retreat

18       K-3 Colour Splash

18       Friends of Pacific Meeting

19       K-12 Chapel

19       P-2 Cross Country

19       Ensembles Concert

19       Term 2 Concludes

 

July

9         Term 3 Commences

9         Year 10 Subject Expo

9         Year 11 Subject expo

10       Year 7-10 Vaccinations

16       Friends of Pacific Meeting

16       Year 6-12 Parent Conferences

17       Year 11 Leadership Day

17       Year 7-12 SCISSA Sports Starts

16-17  P-5 Parent Conferences

22-26  Duke of Edinburgh Gold Program

23       Year 12 Tertiary Information Evening

23-26 Year 7 Camp

30       Year 8-9 2025 Subject Expo

30-5  Seishin visit                   

31       Staff and Cocurricular photo Day