Compass No 742-October 2024

Over the past year, a group of Pacific students have been growing their hair as long as possible in preparation for a big transformation. On Tuesday, these students had at least 20 centimetres of hair cut off to donate their ponytails and embraced new hairstyles. The cut hair is being donated to the Cancer Council Queensland's Ponytail Project. Over $5000 was raised by the participating students, along with the gold coin donations collected during the Middle and Senior College Casual Clothes Day, which will support vital cancer services, prevention initiatives, and lifesaving research.

The 2025 Pacific Lutheran College leader Luela Holland spearheaded the fundraising event and was enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. The Ponytail Project has not only created a sense of community and camaraderie among students but has also instilled values of compassion and generosity. Through their participation and support in their fundraising efforts, our students have shown their dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Students

Pacific Lutheran College provides comprehensive support to students transitioning from Early Learning to Prep, recognising that this is a crucial step in a child's educational journey. Key aspects of how PLC supports this transition include:

1. Orientation: We offer an information afternoon for both children and their parents to help familiarise them with the school environment, routines, and expectations.

2. Gradual Transition: The school often adopts a gradual transition process where children attend Library, Music and Chapel while still in their Early Learning setting. This allows them to experience the environment under low pressure, easing the shift to full-time attendance.

3. Collaborative Approach: PLC staff, including Early Learning educators and Prep teachers, work closely to ensure a seamless transition. Communication between these teams ensures that the developmental needs of each child are understood and catered to. This includes sharing learning portfolios and essential information about each child's progress.

4. Focus on Well-being: The emotional and social well-being of the students is prioritised. PLC incorporates play-based learning in the early stages of Prep, allowing students to be more easily introduced to structured learning while engaging in activities that promote social interaction, creativity, and problem-solving.

5. Parent Involvement: Parents are encouraged to participate in the transition actively. Workshops or information sessions are provided to guide them on how they can support their child's adjustment to the new environment. Open communication between parents and the school is emphasised to address any concerns.

6. Tailored Learning Support: PLC tailors learning activities to meet each child at their developmental level. Teachers monitor students' progress closely during this transition to ensure they receive the appropriate academic and emotional support.

This approach ensures that students at PLC feel supported, confident, and ready to thrive in the Prep environment.

Following is a link highlighting ways that parents can support their child with the transition to Prep;

https://www.qld.gov.au/education/earlychildhood/prep/preparing

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

Certificate III in Information Technology Traineeship at PLC

The comprehensive Certificate III in Information Technology prepares you for employment as a computer technician, user support specialist or client support officer. Upon successful completion of the traineeship, you will be able to respond effectively to technical support needs in your workplace.  You'll gain the skills to provide ICT support to clients, create ICT user documentation, care for computer hardware, provide basic system administration and apply introductory programming techniques. You'll learn to work as a team and develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills.

Students who wish to undertake this traineeship must be aware that it requires 7.5 hrs of paid employment at the college every week over two years as well as online training of theory modules to complete this qualification.

Please see Mr Learoyd ilearoyd@pacluth.qld.edu.au  if you are interested in applying.  Applications close 6th November 2024. 

Strategies to balance studies with life

A common theme that comes up in Career Conversations with PLC students is how to balance studies with all the extracurricular activities.

The key is smart time management, here are some great tips provided by studyworkgrow.

Start with your studies

This might not come as a surprise, but your school work should be your foundation. Make sure things like assignments and exams have top priority – then, you can plan your other activities around them.

Choose activities you truly enjoy

Try and avoid joining clubs or doing certain activities just because they’ll look good on your resume. Pick things that actually interest you – you’ll be more motivated to make time for them, get more out of the experience, and just enjoy yourself more too.

Be realistic about your commitments

Like it or not, there are only so many hours in each day. So if you want to add more activities to your calendar, consider:

•          How many hours per week each activity requires

•          Travel time to and from activities

•          Whether activities clash with other commitments

•          Busy periods at school (like exam time)

•          Time off to rest and recharge

Learn to prioritise

You don’t have to do everything! It’s better to fully commit to a few activities than to spread yourself too thinly across many. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s totally okay to step back from some commitments – your health and wellbeing always comes first.

Create a schedule that works

Having a clear schedule is one of the best ways to make sure you can fit everything in without getting stressed. Here’s a simple way to put together a calendar to keep track of your commitments:

Use a planner

Writing everything down is a great way to help you stay on track each day. There are some great planning apps out there to help you put your schedule together, but good old-fashioned pen and paper does the trick just as well.

List all your commitments

Whatever method you use, your first step is to work out what all your commitments are and how long they take. Include things like:

•          Class times

•          Assignment and exam dates

•          Activity schedules

•          Study periods

•          Free time

Block out your time

Once you know what you’re doing, you just need to work out when to do it! In your planner, allocate specific times each day or week for each activity and commitment.

If you find some of them overlap or you don’t have enough time in your week for all of them, go back and work out what should take top priority, and schedule it first.

And don’t forget to leave some gaps in your schedule for unexpected events or tasks that take longer than planned – plus that all-important time for socialising, hobbies, and rest.

Look after yourself

While balancing everything is important, your health and wellbeing should always come first. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure you:

•          Get enough sleep

•          Eat well

•          Exercise regularly

•          Take breaks when needed

•          Spend time with friends and family

 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to talk to your teachers, family, or school counsellor. They can help you work out a better balance.

Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development

As our young people transition into adolescence, one of the most impactful gifts we can give them is our trust. Allowing them to make their own choices not only fosters independence but also equips them with essential life skills. In a world filled with complex decisions, it’s crucial that we guide them while trusting their ability to navigate challenges.

Open Communication: The Foundation of Trust

Open lines of communication are vital. By discussing their thoughts and choices, we create an environment where our children feel valued and heard. For instance, if your teenager is considering joining a new extracurricular activity, take the time to talk about their interests and motivations. Encourage them to weigh the pros and cons, and respect their decision, whether it’s joining a team or pursuing a solo project. This dialogue reinforces their decision-making skills and shows them that you trust their judgment.

Encouraging Responsibility Through Trust

Trusting our young people also means allowing them to take on responsibilities. For example, if your child is old enough to babysit younger siblings or manage their own schedule, let them take the reins. While it might feel easier to step in and take control, allowing them to handle these responsibilities fosters accountability. When they succeed, they build confidence; if they face challenges, it opens up opportunities for discussion and learning.

Learning from Mistakes

Mistakes are an integral part of growth. When your teenager makes a poor decision, such as spending too much money or neglecting homework, resist the urge to reprimand immediately. Instead, engage them in a conversation about what happened and how they can approach similar situations differently in the future. For example, if they overspend on a gaming console, guide them in creating a budget. This way, they learn to reflect on their choices without fear of punishment, knowing that you trust their ability to learn and improve.

Modelling Trust in Everyday Life

As parents, we can model trust in our daily actions. Share your own decision-making experiences with them, both the successes and the setbacks. When they see you navigating challenges, they understand that making informed choices is a lifelong skill. For instance, if you’re considering a new job or a big purchase, discuss your thought process with them. This not only strengthens your relationship but also provides a practical framework for them to follow.

By trusting our young people to make the right choices, we empower them to grow into confident, responsible adults. Let’s embrace this opportunity to nurture their independence and guide them with love and support.

Have a great week!

Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Support

This week the library staff set up a haunted house in the library hubs for the Junior College students. Students could crawl through a series of tunnels into two dark rooms decked with cobwebs and spiders, skeletons and jack o’ lanterns, some of which were movement activated. Long lines of students waited eagerly for their turn and there was lots of squealing and laughing as groups of students enjoyed exploring the rooms.

Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian

The Uniform Shop, and Flexischool uniform orders, will be closing earlier this year for stock take.  Please ensure you have arranged all your RITE Journey, Closing Service, New Student and New Uniform Purchases prior to Tuesday 19th November 2024. We will reopen for appointments on 13th January 2025.

Current Families

Please arrange to visit the Uniform Shop during Term 4 for uniforms for next year to avoid the rush.  Visits to the uniform shop are by appointment.  Appointments can be made with the Main Reception on 5436 7300.  Our Uniform Shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.00am to 10.30am and Tuesday afternoon 2.00-4.00pm by appointment. 

We strongly advise all current families to please arrange uniforms for next year before 19th November 2024.  All new uniforms can be returned for exchange in Term 1 2025 if still in original packaging and unwashed/named.  Transitioning students in Prep to Year 1 and Year 5 to Year 6 students will require Formal Uniforms for the start or 2025. 

New families will be given preference for Back-to-School appointments in January 2025 and appointments will be required.

Uniforms ordered via Flexi-schools will be delivered to the classroom (Junior College) and the Well Being Centre (Middle/Senior College) up to Tuesday 19th November 2024.  Orders placed during the holidays will not be ready for collection until after Monday 13th January 2025.  You will receive an email advising when your order is ready, and it can be collected from the schools Main Reception.

Please ensure all Rite Journey (Thursday 28th November) uniform requirements (including Blazers and Trousers) are purchased prior to Tuesday 19th November 2024.  End of Year Service is Tuesday 26th November and full formal uniform is required for all students in Year 6– 12. Please ensure you have these items before Tuesday 19th November as the shop will be closed after this date.

Swim Trials will be held from the third week of Term 1 2025 and school swimwear in required for all students in Years 3 to 12.  To avoid the Back-to-School rush on these items, current families are strongly encouraged to purchase swimwear during Term 4 2024. It is advised that, when purchasing swimwear, it is tried on as they cannot be exchanged or refunded.

Prep Uniform Fittings

Please contact the Main Reception on 5436 7300 for Prep appointment times on Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th October between the hours of 10.00am and 3.00pm.  Current families, with a student starting Prep in 2025, are most welcome to visit the Uniform Shop during normal days of operation as above.  Appointments will need to be made.

New Families Years 1-12

Please contact the Main Reception on 5436 7300 to make an appointment from Monday 13th January to Friday 17th January and Monday 20th January to Friday 24th January 2025.  The Uniform Shop will be open from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Visits to the uniform shop are strictly by appointment. 

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Convenor

Christmas Card Competition 2024

We are thrilled to announce the finalists of our annual Christmas Card Competition on Friday morning!

This year, over 200 students participated, submitting a range of beautiful and creative designs that truly captured the spirit of Christmas. The variety and quality of the entries were fantastic, showcasing our students' impressive artistic talents and unique perspectives.

Mrs Zweck and Mr Davis had the difficult task to narrow the selection down for the FoP Committee by selecting one design per class.

 FoP are now reviewing and deliberating and will be excited to reveal the winners for each year level, from Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Prep on Friday morning.

Congratulations to our class winners, and a huge thank you to all students who participated. We can’t wait to see these festive designs bring holiday cheer to our community!

Follow us on our FB page to see the winners.

 

PACKS OF CHRISTMAS CARDS go on Sale Monday 4th November via Flexi Schools.

$10 – Pack of 8 Christmas Cards (Card size – 110mm x 150mm and includes envelopes).

Each Christmas card pack includes the winning entry from each year level from ELC to Year 5, along with a blank card so that students who purchase the pack can create their own personalised Christmas card.

Available to order via Flexi Schools from Monday 4th November to 5pm, Friday 15th November

Christmas card packs will be ready to collect from Tuesday 19th November 2024 to Friday 29th November.

 

All funds raised will go to Pacific Together to support families in need, making a meaningful impact this holiday season.

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

 

Call Out for Volunteers for our Last Event of the Year – Our BBQ at the College’s K-5 Carols

Friday 22nd November

https://volunteersignup.org/W4FBW

Ms Jan Watman, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Rugby

Congratulations to our U13’s and U16’s teams who had their fixtures Wednesday night and continued to demonstrate excellent Rugby spirit. Our U13 girls continued improving across the night, unfortunately going down in their first game against a strong Flinders side, however they bounced back in their second, obtaining a draw against St Andrew’s. The U13 boys continued to improve and play more cohesively as a side, showing a very competitive performance against Immanuel and Flinders, winning both these games. Our U16A boys posted convincing wins against Immanuel and Grammar, however with fatigue, unfortunately just lost to both Flinders and St Andrews. Our U16B boys had a good opportunity to mesh as a team and are starting to play more and more cohesively. Finally, our U16 girls improved incredibly across the night, with a large portion of the team brand new to Rugby. The girls came away on the night with 2 draws and a loss. Thanks again to all of our teacher, student and parent supporters across the night who are always positive and continue to contribute to a strong Rugby culture at our games.

Mr Josh Cummins, Head of Rugby

Basketball

Well done to our Junior Boys Basketball team who represented PLC at Champion Schools Basketball Queensland Tournament from the 24th to the 27th of October. The team performed exceptionally well in their first ever tournament, playing with great tenacity and toughness to finish 5th overall. Mr Burdon is looking forward to working with this team again next year.

Congratulations also to our Intermediate B Girls, Junior B Boys and out Junior C Girls Teams 2 and 3 for qualifying for Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools’ Basketball Finals. We wish them all the best in their games and encourage our community to come and support our students and coaches.

Semi Finals Details: Friday 1st November

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

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)

October

28-8       Year 12 External Assessment

31-1       Year 3 Camp

 

November

28-8       Year 12 External Assessment

31-1        Year 3 Camp

6             Prep Information Evening

8-9          Junior Musical

11           Year 3 & 4 Strings Concert

13           Year 5 & 6 Instrumental Concert

14           Sports Awards

14           Year 12 Graduation

15            Year 12 Farewell Chapel

15            Year 12 Formal

19            Friends of Pacific

20            Junior Ensembles Concert

22            K-5 Carols

26            6-12 End of Year Service

27            Year 10 Leadership Day

28            Year 9 Leadership Day

28            RITE Journey Homecoming

29            P-5 Closing Service

29            Term 4 Concludes