Compass No. 566 March 2020

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

It is sometimes tough to remain calm in these days of panic buying at the supermarkets, loss of work, health uncertainty for loved ones and much social and economic change. With the constant media coverage, fear is prevalent at the moment and can sometimes take over our decision making and perception of the world. In this situation, God’s word speaks to us and promises that His perfect love drives out all fear. 

Fear does not seem to coexist that well with love. When we are fearful of the world we live in, love, care and concern for others seem to diminish rapidly. The ‘fish’ in our self comes out selFISHness. The thinking is that the world seems like it’s going to end, so I need to look after me and mine. Fear of scarcity, fear of illness, fear of isolation, fear of death creeps in to take over our hearts and minds as we try to deal with the reality of what is happening. But instead of the fish coming out of ourselves, the ‘less’ in the self can emerge…selfLESSness. In these times of fear, of social distancing, of unprecedented change and disruption, it is miraculous to see acts of selflessness. Of people caring for elderly neighbours and strangers, of food being delivered to those in need, of bills, rent and other financial commitments being relaxed. Our human condition is one of selfishness, but selflessness can also emerge.

It emerges because God is at work amongst us, even in a global pandemic. The world has lived through pandemics before and people have persisted in serving others and given witness to the risen Lord Jesus. Our Saviour Jesus provides us with a reason to hope, have faith and to love others. Love which drives our fear when we engage in acts of selflessness. When we care for the other and love our neighbour, when we use our gifts and resources to share, these are ways God’s Spirit is at work in us as His perfect love drives out fear. This is the promise we have from God; His perfect love drives out fear. May you find comfort in this truth in our world today.   

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

There has been a great calmness around the campus and I thank all students, supported by their teachers and families, for the way they have conducted themselves and acted upon the messages delivered at various times these past few weeks. Students have listened and we have heard them singing happy birthday whilst they wash their hands! Likewise keeping a good distance apart, yet still engaging in competitive games of handball. Furthermore, adjusting to and planning for the idea of remote learning has been met with open minds. This has been a learning experience for all involved and we thank staff and students for their increasing capacity to manage this change. Mrs Leah Croke’s Year 7A class were very pleased with themselves last week as they were all connected and mic’d up ready to commence an online lesson. Moreover, there was great delight in engaging in a digital Chapel last Wednesday lead by Bula 5. Thank you to Mrs Kate Vaney and Mrs Janine Stone for leading this and to Pastor Tim Jarick for his message. These are just a few examples of the way we are all adapting to ensure a continuity and consistency of routine and culture.

Ultimately it is incredibly important that we all continue to remain connected with one another in the here and now, in a way that continues to build community.

This year we will be honouring our ANZACs in a different way. One of the elements requires the involvement of families. Specifically, we are after an old photo of a family member who has served or is currently serving in the Armed Forces (preferably with your child in it). Whilst it would be great to see the medals on show, we will happily accept any photo (even with a brief caption of where and when they served). The photos will be collated and combined into a photo reel that will form part of the service on the day. We thank Mrs Aleisha Tuaine for her sharing of this tremendous idea. Families are encouraged to email their photo to Mrs Leanne Bevis lbevis@pacluth.qld.edu.au by Friday 3^rd April.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

As we move into remote learning through Seesaw and Nav, it’s important that we put some protocols into place for our students in Prep to Year 5. The following ideas will be sent home:

1. Focus your mind

• Have household jobs done by 8.30am so that you are ready to check in with your teacher.
• Have all your equipment ready – laptop, pencils and books.
• Check the daily plan with an adult.

2. Getting ready to learn

• Make sure your learning space is tidy and comfortable.
• Dress in comfortable clothes.
• Be respectful of what adults need to do.

3. Be productive

• Manage your time well – use it for learning.
• Contact your teacher if you need help.
• Remember to keep your device charged.

4. Your general wellbeing

• Eat and drink properly throughout the day.
• Take regular breaks to go outside and exercise.
• Talk to someone at home or school if you are worried.

Remember that children will take a lead from adults about how to behave in difficult situations, so maintaining a sense of calm will help children cope.

It is also equally important to look after yourself as a parent or carer; keep an eye on your sleeping, eat well, spend time doing activities you enjoy and look into relaxation and mindfulness techniques to help maintain your calm.

As a College we are here to support you in any way that we can. Please contact us via email if you need help or guidance.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

Following the Premier’s announcement this morning, learning at home has become a reality for students across Queensland. This will likely involve parents establishing new routines and schedules, whilst juggling their own work responsibilities. During this time, parents will need to continue to be reassuring and supportive in this time of uncertainty.

While Pacific is working hard to ensure your child’s academic and pastoral care needs are met, parents will also play a key role in providing them with the structure and groundwork for success. Young people will be looking towards their parents to keep things in context and help ease the transition to a different learning environment.

In this Special Report, parents are provided with some guidelines on how best to navigate this time of transition with minimal disruption. View the Special Report at: https://pacificlutheran.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-preparing-homeschooling.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Following consultation with Ozcare, the Year 7 and 10 vaccinations will be postponed until further notice.

The permission forms that have been returned will be kept for when the vaccinations are rescheduled. If you are yet to return the forms, please keep them until school resumes.

Mrs Maree Hooper and Mrs Sharon Middleton, College Nurses

Following the transition to online learning, careers appointments can still be held via video conferencing. Several students and parents have already trialled using this technology for their career meetings and the feedback has been universally positive. We can even set up the meeting when students and parents are in different locations. So please feel free to book your appointment by contacting Mrs Wanda Hayes directly at: whayes@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

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

Pastor Ray Morris 0429 856 532 ray.morris@lca.org.au www.stmarkslutherancaloundra.net

Pastor Ray, St Mark's Lutheran Church