Compass No. 545 August 2019

From the Principal

Establishing Effective Routines for Home Learning

In the midst of busy family lives, creating time for Middle and Senior College students to engage in home learning and supporting younger children in their reading and numeracy development in a routine way, can often be challenging. 

For Middle and Senior College students it is important that they have a set routine each week where they can complete home learning in a space that is well lit and ventilated and free from distractions. Structuring their home learning by setting a plan for the night with set time limits for each section can assist young people to be effective in their study. The setting of goals before students start each night and then celebrating the attainment of those goals can help to build engagement and a sense of accomplishment. Beginning with the area they find most enjoyable and then moving to the more challenging and least preferred tasks as their second area of focus before going onto other areas, ensures that momentum is maintained and all areas of learning receive the attention they need. Writing down questions or ideas that need clarification with teachers the next day also helps to build effectiveness and a can-do attitude.

Principal's Log

The gym was filled with high energy on Saturday night as members of our community came together to have fun as they dressed up tables and themselves in a movie theme and tested their trivia knowledge. Cleverly themed tables and matched costumes created a festive air as we were entertained by students Frank and Louis. It was a thoroughly entertaining evening and we thank Mrs Jenny Lee and her organising committee, Master of Ceremonies Mr Russell Ousley and Quiz Master Mrs Leah Croke for their leadership of the evening. Thank you to all of our sponsors, parents and staff who took advantage of the opportunity to relax and have fun together and raise funds for additional chilled water stations around the College. The installation of these stations is a student initiative intended to reduce the amount of plastic around the College and part of a strategy to encourage a habit of refillable containers rather than single use plastic bottles or containers.

Prep – Year 6 students and staff also very much appreciated the opportunity to dress up as one of their favourite book characters as part of our Book Week celebrations this week. There was a real buzz around the College and we thank our librarian staff of Ms Nell Keen, Ms Sue Warren, Mrs Peta Griffin and Mrs Lily Smith for organising this activity, which promotes a love of reading for our young people.

Head of Staff and Students P-5, Mr David Druery has requested to have a change of role next year and move to a more part time role within the College. Mr Druery has made a significant contribution through his leadership of the P-5 staff and students since 2006. In particular, his commitment to the social emotional development of students through the learnings of positive psychology and wellbeing have added to student experience. We look forward to more fully acknowledging Mr Druery’s significant contribution at the end of the year. We are also splitting the role of Director of Teaching and Learning to create two new roles of Director of Learning P-12 and Head of Learning Senior College. Existing Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms Sue Arahill will be the Director of Learning P-12 and have a focus on teacher development and coaching and leadership of a high-quality contemporary K-12 curriculum including wellbeing programs across the College. The new role of Head of Learning Senior College will have a focus on the supporting and tracking of the learning of senior students. The Head of Staff and Students P-5 and Head of Learning Senior College positions will be advertised this week.

We congratulate Mr Mark Hauser who will continue as Head of Senior College Students after very capably fulfilling the acting role in this position this year. We also congratulate Mr Chris Mundey and Mr Damien Evans who have been appointed as the Heads of Bula and Mumba House respectively after also fulfilling their acting roles well this year. Mr Brett Kersnovske will be the Acting Head of Mumba House in Term 4 while Mr Damien Evans is on long service leave.

May God give us energy and encouragement to make the most of our home learning opportunities.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

Home Learning

When you were a student, did you ever make an excuse to hand in your homework late? This was the question I put to Senior College students at Chapel this week. Reflecting on it, maybe you were an honest student who just told the truth to your teacher when you had assignments due that weren’t finished. But for those who used excuses, there are certainly some creative ones around like this one; I did my homework, but when the Martians came, they sucked all the ink off my paper!

The thread we are exploring this week is homework, or put more generally, home learning. It is helpful to think of the learning we do at school and at home more generally because if we focus solely on the amount of work students need to do in school in their senior years; it can seem a huge amount of time. Learning from this narrow mindset is seen as a means to an end; getting good marks so you can get into your chosen courses or workplaces after Year 12 and therefore live a good, wealthy and healthy life thereafter. But the learning students do at school and at home is more than this.

The learning done at school and at home develops habits that students can take into the rest of their lives, habits that enable people to become lifelong learners and, with a bit of luck, people who really love learning. For our Pacific community, learning is more than developing good study habits and lifelong learning. Learning at our College means to appeal to the whole person; it involves a willingness to learn emotionally, socially and spiritually as well. That’s where the Bible reading from Psalm 119:9 kicks in; How can young people keep their way in goodness? By living according to your word. This Psalm particularly names young people and how young people can stay on the path of goodness in life. The answer is to delight in what God shows us as good in his Word. By seeking this, meditating on it and rejoicing in it, we learn God’s Word and it grows in our heart.

That’s the prayer of the Pacific community for families, especially the families of students in their senior years. Don’t give up on students developing those healthy skills of learning that they can use throughout their journey of life, a journey that hopefully grows a continuing love of learning. And a journey that includes learning to know God and His word as well.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Head of Senior College Students

Driver Day

Over the weekend, 34 Senior College students participated in a defensive driving course at the Willowbank Raceway. It was great to see such a positive turn out of young and beginning drivers attend the day to learn a range of new skills. The course focused on the unpredictable nature of the road and how to best avoid certain driving dangers and mistakes. It was a very hands-on course with students driving a range of cars from small Hyundai Excels, through to larger four-wheel drive Mitsubishi Tritons to experience the difference between how cars react under different circumstances.

Students were exposed to practical experiences such as stopping on wet surfaces, emergency braking, turning blind corners, slalom driving and emergency swerving. They also were given theory instruction on a range of safe driving areas that could save lives on the road including tyre pressures, braking distances, mass vs speed factors and correct steering methods.

Overall, it was a great day for the students and their attitude was exemplary. I thank the parents for their support of this day and congratulate all who attended. We hope to continue to offer the course to Year 11 and 12 students on a yearly basis, so that all have an opportunity to participate in this valuable experience.

Sleeping Out for the Homeless

This year, the College Captains have been working on an experience for Senior College students to be involved with, which would be a first for the College. On Friday 13th September, the Captains will be holding a ‘PLC Sleep Out for the Homeless’ night. We are after expressions of interest from students who would like to be a part of this evening, which will involve sleeping in a cardboard box in the PLC gymnasium, from 7.30pm – 6.30am. More information will be provided over the next few weeks and we thank the Captains for their leadership of this initiative. All funds raised will go directly to charities involved in homelessness. We are looking forward to more updates and seeing who gets involved!

Mr Mark Hauser, Head of Senior College Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Book Week

This week is recognised nationally as Book Week. Book Week is an initiative of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) and is celebrated in schools, libraries and the community. The theme for this year is ‘Reading is my Secret Power’.

Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s book world to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults. The importance of reading can not be undervalued. It is the fundamental skill required by us all if we are to succeed and function as human beings in the modern world. It is the basis of not only language use, but is required in all areas of academic endeavour, employment and life.

On Wednesday, staff and students across Prep – Year 6 celebrated the importance of books and reading by dressing as characters from their favourite texts. A spectacular parade took place on the Junior College oval. The variety of costumes and the amount of effort put into each of the student’s designs were amazing.

A special thank you to the library staff of Ms Nell Keen, Ms Sue Warren, Mrs Lily Smith and Mrs Peta Griffin for their organisation and coordination, all the classroom teachers who joined in the celebration by donning costumes and to all families, parents and guardians who helped organise the outstanding array of costumes worn by students.     

Year 5 Camp

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Year 5 Outdoor Education Camp at Bornhoffen in the Numinbah Valley. The weather was perfect, the food was fantastic, the accommodation very comfortable and the facilities first-rate.

The Outdoor Education program at the College is well-planned and sequential, extending from Years 3-12. It provides all students with the opportunity to develop a variety of interpersonal, leadership and problem-solving skills in a challenging, yet carefully controlled, outdoor setting. Research suggests that these types of experiences can be the most significant, memorable and defining events experienced by children during their schooling. Thank you to our Head of Outdoor Education Mr Nick Tait for coordinating and planning such an excellent program.

It was great to witness the enthusiasm with which the children involved themselves in the activities. They accepted all the challenges put before them, acted responsibly and enjoyed themselves.

We also thank Year 5 Teachers Mrs Fiona Schefe and Mr Terry Clarke, Teacher Aide Mrs Pia Foxlow and Outdoor Education Aides Georgie, Andrea and Tegan for their professionalism and organisation. After late nights and long days, their enthusiasm, humour, care and support of our students remains for me one of the highlights of a great camp.

Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival

The day has almost arrived! This term, Prep – Year 2 students have been busily preparing for their Athletics Carnival, which will be held on Monday 2nd September. The Carnival will start at 1.00pm and will be completed by 2.30pm. Parents are most welcome at this exciting event.

Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5

Events

Celebrating Dads' Breakfast

The annual Celebrating Dads’ Breakfast will be held next Friday 30th August, commencing at 7.00am. Our Hospitality Department will be catering the event and our community will also enjoy a variety of student performances. We look forward to celebrating Father’s Day with you.

Food for Thought

Equipping Students with Coping Skills

Developing a child’s emotional wellbeing has become an area of much interest in recent times. However, it’s quite natural for a parent to want to step in and relieve the distress that accompanies any child’s feelings of being treated unfairly. But, this compulsion to act, doesn’t mean that we should always step in.

Click here to learn more.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Blockbuster Trivia Night

Like the Star Wars trilogy all rolled into one, the Pacific Blockbuster Trivia Night proved to be EPIC in length and laughter. We sincerely thank all who attended and ensured the event was a Titanic success. The effort that went into the planning of team tables, costumes, playing the games and of course, answering the trivia was absolutely heart-warming. That’s what makes our community so great! Of course, the night would not have been possible without the behind-the-scenes work from the Quiz Master herself, Mrs Leah Croke and trivia marker, Mrs Rowena Marshall. Thank you! We also thank our magnificent MC, Mr Russell Ousley and Poison Ivy Penny, from F45, who coordinated the games. A big congratulations also to Mrs Shannon Russell, who superbly coordinated the table, wall and popcorn decorations and Liam Russell who ran the audio and visuals for the evening. We also thank the Friends of Pacific team of Zane, Bron, Teena, Lisa, Allyson, Tracey, Penni, Deni, Rita, Louise, Erin and other helpers for their time on setup, pack up, running the bar, financials and prize gathering and wrapping. We also thank Frank and Louis for the fabulous entertainment they provided to open the night and in between trivia rounds!

Our Diamond Raffle and Live Auction were both huge successes, with prizes generously donated by Sunstate Jewellers, F45 Training, Ramada Resort Golden Beach, Harry's on Buderim, Scratchy Nails, Sunshine White,  KISS Photography, Shine Beauty, Zarraffas Currimundi, Anaconda Kawana, Kathmandu, Mr Jarrod Bleijie MP, the College and the Fowler family.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Trivia (sponsored by the Fowler Family)

  • 1st Place – Pastoral Heroes
  • 2nd Place – Silver Sequels
  • 3rd Place – Divas and Dukes of Dollingwood
  • Encouragement Award – Toy Story

Best Dressed 

  • The Royal Tenenbaums

Best Dressed Table

  • Shaken, Not Stirred

Best Dressed Couple

  • Mona and Brant Holden (Beauty and the Beast)

Best Dress Characters

  • Shannon Russell (Mary Poppins)
  • Michelle McMillian (Dorothy)

Raffle Winner of the Sunstate Jewellers 9ct Diamond Earrings

  • Robyn Greene (Swinging Safaris)

Live Auction Winner of the PLC Car Park

  • Kate Wilkie (Trivia Newton John)

For more photos of the event, visit the Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

IRONMAN 70.3 Volunteering Opportunities

Want the best seat in the house? Want to gain experience in the event industry? Pacific is volunteering with IRONMAN 70.3 on Sunday 8th September and we are looking for parents and Middle / Senior College helpers who would like to join the Pacific / FoP volunteer team. It’s a six-hour commitment at Mooloolaba and promises to be a rewarding experience. Volunteers receive a t-shirt and a cap and will generally be helping on drink stations. Pacific will receive a donation for every volunteer we provide on the day, which will help us raise funds for the installation of more water refill stations at the College. If you would like more information or can commit to helping out, please contact Allyson Sarvari on 0402 276 988 or email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Father’s Day Stall

FoP will host the annual Father’s Day Stall for Prep-Year 12 students on Wednesday 28th August. All gifts are $5 each. If parents have an hour or two to spare on the morning to help out, please contact our stall coordinator, Mrs Teena Thompson or email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Next Meeting

Please join us for our next meeting at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17th September in the library.

Mrs Jenny Lee, FoP Chairperson

Library News

Book of the Year

This week, the Children’s Book Council of Australia announced the winners of the Children’s Book of the Year. The winning titles in each of the categories are:

Older readers

Younger readers

  • Winner – His Name Was Walter (Emily Rodda)
  • Honour books – Black Cockatoo (Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler) and The Peacock Detectives (Carly Nugent)

Early childhood

  • Winner – Tricky’s Bad Day (Alison Lester)
  • Honour Books – Heads and Tails: Insects (John Canty) and Here Comes Stinkbug! (Tohby Riddle)

Picture book

  • Winner – Cicada (Shaun Tan)
  • Honour books – The Mediterranean (Armin Greder) and The All New Must Have Orange 430 (Michael Speechley)

Eve Pownall Award for information books

  • Winner – Sorry Day (Coral Vass)
  • Honour books – The Happiness Box: A Wartime Book of Hope (Mark Greenwood) and Make Believe: M. C. Escher for Kids (National Gallery of Victoria)

Crichton Award for debut illustrator


Class and PCG Competition Winners

As part of our Book Week celebrations, PCGs and Prep – Year 6 classes were challenged to respond to the Book Week theme: Reading is my Secret Power. Students had to come up with a problem and then think about ways in which reading could solve the problem. They could present their solution in any format they liked.

Congratulations to our winner – the Year 6 classes for their video about the power of reading.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

Secondary Sport (7-12)

Monday Night Water Polo

Team

Opposition

Score

Result

MVP

Intermediate Girls

SAAC

3-14

Loss

Macey Winter

Intermediate Boys

MFAC

1-19

Loss

Cooper Schwab

Senior Girls

SAAC

2-20

Loss

Cosette Winter

 

SCISSA Touch Results

Team

Opposition

Score

Result

MVP

Junior Girls A

GCC

2-1

Win

Abigail Tracey

Junior Boys A

GCC

4-7

Loss

Tom Johnson

Junior Girls B

SUN

1-11

Loss

Zara Grant

Junior Boys B

SAAC B2

10-1

Win

Jack Mitchell

 

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Sport

Club Sport

PLC Club Sport

Rooball Carnival

This Saturday 24th August is our last home game for the season with the U6 and U7 teams (Sharks, Bears, Lions and Tigers) all playing at Pacific for their Rooball Carnival. All U6-U10 carnival locations and times are now available for viewing at: http://www.sccsa.org.au. It costs $5 each to play and medallions will be awarded upon completion of games.

Adermann Award Nominees

We are very pleased to announce Pacific FC has three Adermann Award Nominees for Best and Fairest this season:

  • Cooper Whatham (U13 Eels)
  • Marley Biggs (U14 Cobras)
  • Alexander Lee (U14 Cobras)

We congratulate these players on their SCCSA referee-awarded nomination during course of the season. These players will attend the Adermann Night, along with Patrick Dale (Terry Reynolds Nominee), on Friday 13th September. Our table theme is South African.

End of Season Presentation

Our end of season presentation will be held on Sunday 15th September from 10.00am to 2.00pm. All Pacific FC families are welcome to attend our family fun day and presentations at the College.

Representative Trials

On 12th, 19th and 26th October, the SCCSA Representative Trials for the 2020 season (U10-U16) will be held at Mudjimba Multisport. All current U9 (born 2010) – U16 players are welcome to trial.

Mr Zane Russell, Pacific FC President

PLC Netball Club

This week marks the end of the home and away season, remembering that our first training session was on 30th January, almost seven months ago. The season has been an opportunity for the Club to develop and mature; with many points to reflect upon as we continue to grow.

Whilst the home and away season may be coming to an end, we have three teams about to begin their finals campaign. These teams are the PLC Arabians (Division 2), PLC Fillies (Division 7) and the PLC Palominos (U12). We wish these teams the best of luck in the coming weeks.  

Well done also to those teams whose season ends this Saturday. Your endeavours throughout the season have been a credit to yourself, your team and the Pacific community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Coaches, Team Managers, the Committee, parents and players for the support they have provided over the year. It is one of the privileges of being President that I am exposed to the personal journeys of each of our players as they have grown and developed throughout the year.  

A reminder that the Club Presentation Night will be held at Laserzone on 15th September, commencing at 5.30pm.

Mr Trevor Colton, PLC Netball Club President

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours and Online Ordering

The Uniform Shop is open from 8.00am to 9.30am every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Orders can be placed online via www.flexischools.com.au and will be delivered to your child the following day.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Shop Convenor

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Baby Bundles

As part of the St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra congregation’s outreach to the wider community, we prepare Baby Bundles to give to struggling families. These bundles are passed on to Community Health Caloundra for distribution. Over the past 14 years we have assembled hundreds of bundles to show God’s love to people in need.

In past years, families from Pacific Lutheran College have been generous in donating items, used and new, for the bundles. We are appealing to families again to help us with donations that assist in this ministry.

Each bundle contains clothing for newborns up to about size 2 and items such as bunny rugs, sheets, baby shoes and soft toys, depending on availability. The bundles also include some consumable items such as baby wipes, baby cream, powder, disposable nappies and hair brushes.

If anyone has any of these items in good condition and would like to donate them, it would be greatly appreciated. Even if you could perhaps purchase one or two items of consumables or clothing when you do your shop, this would be greatly appreciated. Just one or two items from each College family would make a great difference. These bundles go to very needy families and are much appreciated.

If you would like to give to this worthy cause or know more about it, please contact our Baby Bundle Coordinator, Robyn Kruger, by phone on 5493 6968. Thank you in advance for your support.

Service Notice

 

Sunday Worship Times

St Mark’s Church @ Pacific

9.30am Pacific Lutheran College

(Entry via Red Cedar Drive, Meridan Plains)

Google Maps St Mark's Lutheran @ Pacific

 

Are you looking for a friendly church where young people, old people, children, families and singles are appreciated, empowered and encouraged to grow as Christians?

Everyone is welcome!

Get in touch: Pastor Ray Morris

0429 856 532

ray.morris@lca.org.au

www.stmarkslutherancaloundra.net

Pastor Ray, St Mark's Lutheran Church

General Notices

LLL Banking

Pacific provides opportunities for children and parents to operate savings accounts with the Lutheran Laypeople’s League (LLL). The LLL is a charitable financial institution which provides savings accounts and has been trusted since 1921.

The LLL has a variety of savings accounts: personal and joint accounts; guardian accounts for children; and Business accounts, including self-managed super funds and not-for-profit organisations.

LLL Savings Accounts have many features, including:

  • A great interest rate;
  • No fees or charges at all;
  • Internet banking;
  • No minimum balance or deposit requirements;
  • No ‘bonus’ interest hurdles; and
  • Your money is available to withdraw at any time.

For further information regarding the LLL, visit the College’s Business Office or www.lll.org.au.

Entertainment Books

Pacific Lutheran College is fundraising with Entertainment™ again this year. Order your NEW 2019 | 2020 Entertainment™ Books and Entertainment™ Digital Memberships today and 20% of the proceeds will go towards Pacific Lutheran Early Learning Centre!

To order your book or digital membership, visit: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/230p536.

Pacific Fitness Hub

Parents have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in Pacific Fitness Hub’s classes! The classes are a great way to keep fit and make new friends.

  • Training: We will be offering a mix of various types of training, tailored to each individual, including high intensity, weights, cardio, core training, yoga/ flexibility.
  • Transformation: Mason will track your progress and achievement of your goals.  Functional fitness assessment, body composition measurement and goal related fitness assessment will be recorded at commencement and on completion.
  • Goals: Improve strength, increasing lean muscle, increasing endurance, mobility, flexibility, reducing body fat percentage, improving sleep, concentration and mood and increasing energy levels, nutrition changes.

For enquiries and registration please contact Mason on 0433 421 969 or email: kawanaforestfitness@gmail.com.

Upcoming Dates

AUGUST

26                    Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

27                    Year 6 Canberra Tour Information Evening (6.00pm)

28                    Friends of Pacific Father’s Day Stall

29-30              13-19yrs Regional Athletics Carnival

30                    Celebrating Dads’ Breakfast (7.00am)

SEPTEMBER

1                       Father’s Day

2                       Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival (1.00-3.00pm)

                        Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

3-4                    QCS Test

5                       ICAS Science Competition

9                       Year 9 Camp Departure

                         Years 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

12                     Years 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day