Compass No 744 - November 2024 | Pacific Lutheran College

From the Principal

Congratulations, Farewell and Thank You

It is an exciting time as we congratulate, farewell and thank our 2024 graduates. We celebrate with them their growth, achievements, contributions and the strong connections they have made. As leaders, they have led with servant hearts making strong contributions to community events and generating new initiatives such as the Art and Film Evening. We have seen their talent in academic pursuits, in sport and within the visual and performing arts. Talented performances within productions including this year’s Sense and Sensibility and as part of our music ensembles have inspired audiences and younger peers. Creativity in Visual Art and Film, TV and New Media has seen them being recognized on both the regional and international stages. Very capable performances in sport and contributions as coaches, referees and umpires have strengthened pathways for current and future students. As people, they have built important connections and encouraged others in pastoral care group, service activities and supported the leadership of chapel.

This contribution and connection has been a culmination of years of growth and service. We thank our Year 12s for the many years of contribution and engagement as they have progressed through the College. We thank them for their humility and generosity of spirit as they have used their God given gifts to make a difference for people within and beyond our community. We thank all of our Year 12 students and particularly our College Captains, Pacific Action Group Captains and House Captains for their very capable leadership and service.

We are proud of who you have become as people. Each of you are well equipped and ready. We pray that you live hope-filled lives of good purpose filled with wonder, creativity and discernment empowered by a loving and gracious God who walks with you. God Bless.

Principal’s Log

We congratulate the cast and crew of Mary Poppins Jnr on a brilliant production. Clever and creative direction, costuming, casting, staging and choreography enabled the tremendous talent of the students to shine through. The musical direction and expertly crafted props added to the magic of the performance. Audiences across the four performances during the weekend were drawn into the beauty of this classic story through powerful performances. Congratulations and thank you to our very talented students, Director and Producer Mrs Kristy Astwick, Assistant Director and Stage Manager Mrs Lisa Stevens, Musical Director Mr Paul Cusick, Vocal Coach Mrs Susie French, Choreographer Miss Zoe Clewett, Costume Design and Production Mrs Tracy Hickey, Rehearsal and Performance Assistants Mrs Kim McFadden, and Miss Taylor Edwards, Prop Construction Mr Noel Bajada, Prop Creation Miss Elise Black and the student Art Club, Microphone Manager and Marketing Assistant Miss Georgie Snelling, Marketing Ms Sam Barrass, Stage Crew Mr Tony Davies, senior students who supported rehearsals and backstage and our ground staff for their assistance with bump in and bump out. Thank you to our parents for your support. The many hours of preparation and rehearsal have resulted in a joy filled and inspiring production. It was Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Showcase events over this past week have also celebrated the growth of the musicality of students through their engagement in our classroom instrumental program. Parents joined staff to appreciate the growth of our Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 string and multi instrument students and groups. The classroom instrumental program provides a wonderful opportunity for students to explore different instruments and styles of music and lays a strong foundation for students to join a variety of ensemble groups. We congratulate the students and thank Head of Instrumental Music, Mrs Helen Williams, Ms Krist-Elle Hill, Miss Linley Chai and instrumental teachers for their leadership of this program. Thank you to parents for your support of the musical development of your children.

Our Water Polo and Basketball teams also enjoyed success over this past week. We congratulate the Junior Boys who won Gold and Intermediate Girls who won Bronze in the B Division of the Water Polo finals. We also congratulate the Junior B Boys Basketball team who won their final convincingly. Thank you and congratulations to our Water Polo coaches, Mr Scott Compton and Miss Madison Dindas-Kirkwood and to Teacher in Charge of Basketball Mr Brad Burton. Thank you to all of the coaches, managers and parents who have supported our water polo and basketball players.

We look forward to celebrating with our Year 12 students and their families, their Graduation, Final Chapel and the Formal. We say a prayer of thanks for all that our Year 12s and their families have been and all they have given. We pray that God would hold our graduates and their families in His care, keep them safe and empower them to live with good purpose and joy.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the Director of Students

Celebration and Reflection

Celebrating the Journey: Honouring Our Year 12 Graduates

This week, we celebrate the culmination of the Year 12 journey with a series of important milestones: the Graduation, the Alternate Day Program, the Final Farewells and Chapel, and the Year 12 Formal. These events mark the end of a chapter filled with hard work, growth, and countless memorable moments, and they provide our students with an opportunity to reflect on the meaningful experiences they’ve had and the journey they are about to begin.

The thread for this fortnight, fittingly is the Christmas Gospel from Matthew 2:1-3. The wise men in the Christmas story were seekers, scholars on a journey of purpose and discovery. In many ways, this parallels the journey our Year 12 students have taken, exploring their interests, developing their skills, and seeking their own path forward. Like those ancient travellers, our students have navigated their own challenges and milestones with curiosity and resilience. Now, as they prepare to step beyond school and into the wider world, they carry with them the knowledge and values that will guide them on the next part of their journey.

This week’s celebrations provide an important time to look back with gratitude, honouring the friendships, lessons, and achievements that have shaped Year 12 Graduates times at Pacific. At the same time, they look ahead, ready to embrace the promise of the future. The Graduation ceremony, Final Chapel, and farewells allow them to pause, reflect, and be acknowledged for their individual growth and contributions to our community.

The Year 12 Formal is the final celebration, a time to come together as a cohort, enjoying a night that celebrates the hard work, dedication, and spirit each student has contributed over the years. It is a fitting end to a journey and a launchpad into the next stage of their lives, where they will carry the values and experiences gained here.

As our Year 12 students step into the world, we wish them the courage to continue seeking purpose and the strength to be positive forces in their communities. Congratulations to each of them, and may they go forward with hope, resilience, and the wisdom gained from their years at Pacific.

Reflecting on Achievement: Year 10 End of Year Examinations

With the completion of their end of year examinations, our Year 10 students have reached an important milestone as they move into their final two years of senior schooling. These exams represent a culmination of the year’s learning, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and reflect on their progress across all subjects.

Completing these exams is not only an academic accomplishment but also a testament to each student’s hard work, resilience, and dedication. The experience has helped them strengthen essential skills like time management, self-discipline, and independent study—skills that will be invaluable as they enter Year 11.

As results are received and reviewed in Week 8 and Week 9, students are encouraged to take the time to reflect on their achievements and areas for growth. Each exam experience offers insights into strengths and areas where further development can occur, which will help them set purposeful goals for the coming year.

We commend our Year 10 students for their hard work and wish them well as they take the next steps in their academic journey. We look forward to supporting them as they transition into Senior College, where they will continue to build on the solid foundation they have established this year.

Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Students

College News, From the Head of Teaching and Learning K-5

Reports – Term 4 – P-5

Reports are essential in the engagement of teachers, students and parents. Every child's education is helped immeasurably when parents take an active interest in it, and I thank you for being so wonderfully involved through countless activities this year.

During the last few weeks, all P-5 teachers have been extremely busy gathering assessments and writing reports. You can access your child’s report through the parent lounge in TASS. You will also see annotated samples of student work on Seesaw accompanied by a rubric.

Parents can expect helpful information and guidance from their child’s report. At Pacific, we acknowledge that the two things parents value most in reporting are interaction with teachers and a grade that gives a fair and accurate assessment of your child’s progress.

Your child’s written report serves several purposes:

 Builds relationships between you and the College and serves as a focus for discussion.

 Helps you to chart the progress of your child.

 Provides valuable and accurate information that helps your child’s teacher to direct and encourage your child’s educational progress.

 Helps you and your child’s teacher decide your child's needs.

Please be assured that achieving a C or Demonstrating on the report is considered a sound achievement. In other words, C or Demonstrating should be acknowledged as fulfilling at the level expected of an average child at this stage of schooling.

Enjoy celebrating your child’s achievements and discussing with them ways they can improve learning and growing.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

College News

Music News

The past few weeks have been momentous for our music students!

We've enjoyed four Instrumental Tutor Concerts, where students proudly shared a piece of music they’ve been working on with their families. It was wonderful to see the hard work and dedication each student continually put into their lessons each week.

This week has been a busy one, starting out on Monday, when parents and teachers had the privilege of attending the Year 3 and 4 Strings Concert. Hearing how much these young musicians have developed over the year was truly inspiring.

Wednesday brought the Year 5 and 6 Multi Instrumental showcase, a testament to their hard work and persistence. What a wonderful performance! It’s always exciting to see students come together for one final performance after a year of perseverance and practice.

This week, we’re also thrilled to celebrate our 2024 graduating cohort. Music performances will add to the special moments at the Year 12 Graduation, Farewell Chapel, and Year 12 Formal.

Looking ahead, Week 8 will be one of the most exciting end of years yet for the music department, as various music ensembles bring us Pacific’s first-ever Pop-Up Christmas! Students will spoil us with performances across the school, sharing a variety of Christmas music to spread holiday cheer in the lead-up to our K-5 Carols event on Friday, 22nd November.

Mrs Helen Williams, Head of Instrumental Music

K-5 Carols Under The Sky

K-5 Carols Under The Sky

22nd November, 5pm start outside of J block.

Bring a picnic blanket to sit on and wear Christmas clothes.

Friends of Pacific are running a BBQ and a Lucky Dip.

Giving Tree Families are invited to drop off gifts around the tree that will be taken to the Salvation Army on Monday morning of Week 9.

Year 5 YACHTS Showcase, 2024

This week Year 5 YACHTS (Young Achievers Creatively Honing Thinking Skills) students showcased their projects to their teachers, parents and peers. YACHTS is an extension program offered to students in Years 3, 4 and 5 at Pacific Lutheran College.

While thinking about the BIG IDEA - “Ancient awakenings – Discovering the Roots of Modern Society”, students were given the Essential Question: How have the innovations and ideas from ancient civilizations laid the foundation for the world we live in today? After weeks of research, investigation and discussion, students proposed a question, designed and completed a project outlining a solution to that question. The breadth and depth of these questions and solutions was excellent. Below is a sample of questions students developed:

• "How does the study of Roman architecture provide valuable lessons for modern building designs in terms of durability, functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability?"

• "How did the laws and rituals of the ancient Aztecs show what they believed about life and death? How did these practices affect their society? And in what ways, if any, do these ideas still influence us today?"

• “How have Ancient Greek and Roman medical practices changed over time and how have they influenced modern-day medicine?"

• "How did the Ancient Greeks choose their gods, and how do these beliefs continue to affect culture and society today?"

• "How has the evolution of writing from ancient civilizations shaped the way we communicate and record information today?"

• "How did the engineering and mathematical thinking used to build the pyramids influence modern structural engineering?"

• “How have the ideas of ancient Greek philosophers shaped the way we think about the world today?”

The afternoon was a great celebration of curiosity and the different thinking styles of the students involved.

Mrs Julie Darr, Teacher - Learning Enrichment

Library News

Library Borrowing and Returns

In Week 8 the library will be undertaking a stock take. There will be no borrowing during this week. Parents will be emailed a list of what students have on loan and it would be appreciated if all items were returned for stock take. Once students have returned all of their resources, in Week 9 they may then borrow as many books as they like for the holidays.

Book Club

The final Book Club order forms for the year have arrived and been distributed to Year P-6 classes. Please get your order in online by this Monday, 18th November so that they can be delivered before the end of school.

Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian

Uniform Shop

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

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

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

Why not volunteer for just 1hr – We can only provide refreshments with the help of volunteers.

https://volunteersignup.org/W4FBW

Final Days for $10 Christmas Card Packs Sales on FlexiSchools – closes 15th November

$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.

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

Ms Jan Watman, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Sport News

Year 7 – 12 Sport

Basketball

Congratulations to our Junior B Boys Basketball team who convincingly won their Grand Final at Caloundra Indoor Stadium on Friday night. It was a tight first quarter, however, our boys came back into the second quarter with confidence and never looked back. It was a fantastic team performance, and a testament to how hard they have worked to improve their skills under Mr Burdon’s guidance. Well done!

Water Polo

It was an exceptional finish to our Water Polo season with the Junior Boys winning Gold and the Intermediate Girls winning Bronze in their final matches.

The Junior B Boys won strongly, and they showcased their skill throughout the match. The Intermediate Girls won in a see-sawing match and it was clear how they have grown as a team. Well done to Mr Crompton and Coach Madi for their efforts this season.

We hope to continue our growth and success in Water Polo in 2025.

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

Junior Sport

Pacific Pulse Surfing Contest

Last Friday our annual Pacific Pulse Surfing Contest was held in small, clean surf conditions down at Happy Valley. The contest included surfers from Buddina State, School, Mooloolaba State School, Our Lady of the Rosary, Talara Primary College and Good Shepherd Lutheran College along with our very own Pacific Lutheran College surf team.

Students competing on the day had the opportunity to surf in two individual heats to determine age champions and runners up for each age group as well as the overall champion school. Once individual heats were finished, the contest finished off with the highly anticipated Tag Team event with all 8 surfers from each school surfing one wave each in a 20 minute heat. Lots of interesting moves were on display in this event which kept the crowd entertained.

Congratulations to Mooloolaba State School who were crowned the 2024 Champion School and Talara Primary College who took out the Tag Team event.

From PLC well done to Year 2 student Ashlea Whiting in her debut at the Pacific Pulse she was runner up in the Under 10 girls division.

Thanks to the following PLC staff who helped with set up and the running of the contest - Mr Damian Davis, Mr Scott Massie, Mrs Lisa Muir, Mrs Sharon Hooper, Mr Paul Brace and Mr Rob Belchamber.

Lastly a very big thank you to our loyal and generous sponsors of the day – Beach Beat Caloundra, Rob Williams Real Estate and North Caloundra Surf School.

Student Success

Congratulations to Jayden and Jessica Murphy who represented Queensland in the Australian National Taekwondo Championships last Friday. This year’s event was exceptionally competitive, featuring over 1750 athletes, including the top four competitors in each division from every state.

Jayden, who is part of the Queensland Taekwondo emerging squad, competed in the Cho Dan Bo division for boys aged 10-11 in the Championship Individual category. He achieved a personal best (PB) by placing 6th in his division.

Jessica, who is also a member of the Queensland Taekwondo performing squad, also excelled across both Championship Individual and WT competition (World Taekwondo) categories. In the Championship Individual division for girls aged 12-14 with a first dan black belt, she achieved a PB, placing 6th overall. In the WT Competition category Jessica advanced through to reach the finals, winning a bronze medallion. Jessica also secured a silver medal in the WT Team event.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport P-6

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.

Pacific FC

Free Pre-season U10-U13 Coaching Sessions

• Friday 15th November 3:30-4:30pm on the junior oval. Open to U10-U13 PFC players.

RSVP via: PacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au

2025 REGISTRATIONS

• Open November and $200 FairPlay vouchers can be used

2025 U7, U8, U10 and U12/13 FEMALE DIVISIONS

• Register your interest via: PacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au

CALLING ALL U6 PLAYERS FOR THE 2025 SEASON

• Register your interest via: https://forms.office.com/r/YpyRDfU7Lx

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

November

14 Sports Awards

14 Year 12 Graduation

15 Year 12 Farewell Chapel

15 Year 12 Formal

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

Compass No 744 - November 2024

LEARNING JOURNEY

ENROLMENTS

NEWS

MY PLC

Growing people to make a difference