Compass No. 587 October 2020

From the Principal

Learning and Growing Through Different Circumstances

One of the great gifts we give young people is the ability to learn through both challenges and success. Shifting focus from the result of an action to what have you learnt, creates an important opportunity for young people to develop confidence and competence. Listening to what has been learnt and then asking what one small step can be taken to improve an outcome grows efficacy and agency. By shifting the focus and listening we communicate a belief and trust in a young person’s capacity. We grow capacity through calmly acknowledging the reality of the constancy of tough stuff in our lives that can be negotiated and grown through. Walking with, rather than lifting over or away, teaches young people to have confidence in being able to change the way they experience the disappointments and challenges of life. Grounding them in the fullness of the earthiness of life, its successes and challenges generates a lifelong capacity to grow through the wholeness of their experiences.

God does not take away the difficulties in life but promises to walk with us. We can pray for Him to guide and give us the courage to grow and learn through the full range of experiences that life presents. We can grow richly and fully by engaging with the tough stuff. We can trust that God is there for us and in us and will give us what we need. Empowered by His grace and love we can walk confidently into change and uncertainty.

Principal's Log

Welcome to the start of Term 4 and a particular welcome to a number of new students and families who have started with us this term. We look forward to growing with all members of our community over the remainder of this year.  

We wish our Year 12 students all the best as the move into study weeks from next Monday and for their upcoming external examinations in late October early November. As a community, we look forward to acknowledging their significant role within the College, celebrating their achievements and farewelling them at the end of their examination period. We also wish our Year 11 students all the best as they complete exams for Units 1 and 2 over this coming week and transition to taking on the role of senior leaders and learners within the College.

The Year 6 students and staff are in the final preparations for their outback experience next week. Travelling through western Queensland will give students some greater insights into our history and life beyond the coast. We thank Ms Kim Wood and our Year 6 teachers for their leadership and organisation and look forward to hearing the stories of our young people on their return.

We congratulate Kate Monroe, Sebastian Box and Charles Box on their selection to participate in the Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP). Over the holidays, students enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other equally talented students from across Queensland and learn under the baton of some of the best Australian conductors.

We look forward to a term where together we can encourage each other to grow through the fullness of experience that life presents and to trust that God walks with us and for us.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal 

From the College Pastor

Valuing Children and Youth

One day when Jesus’ disciples were arguing amongst themselves over who was the greatest, Jesus made a poignant point. He placed a child beside himself and said; “whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For the least among you all is the one who is great.” (Luke 9:46-48).

By taking the time to place a little person centre stage, Jesus demonstrably answered the disciple’s question, who is the greatest? Through His actions, Jesus showed how much God values children and young people. No one is greater than another person in the eyes of God. Big or small, powerful or weak we all live under God as equals serving one another. A child or teenager is just as valuable to God as the richest or poorest person on the planet. We need to value the young people in our circles and celebrate the gifts they can bring to our communities.

Think of a time when you felt valued. Why was this? Did someone spend time with you, listen to you or do something special for you? These are many ways that people show that they value us. Think about how much this is needed for our young people as they develop their sense of belonging, identity and place in the world. Freely spending uninterrupted time with our children and young people is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Giving them space to open up and confide in us is precious when it happens. Showing them that we love them through our actions, not just in money or material objects. These are some simple ways we show we value the children and teenagers in our lives. In terms of the wider community, valuing children and young people by acknowledging their contributions is a great start. Giving them a voice, taking time to ask their opinion, utilising their gifts and supporting opportunities where they can serve others is pivotal. The sense of value and connection to the bigger picture can be immense when children or young people learn to serve others beyond their comfort zone. 

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Director of Students

Kindness

A warm welcome back to all students and their families as we commence the final term for the year. We especially welcome all new students and families to the College community; it is a delight to have you join us. I concluded our welcoming assembly for Middle and Senior College this week with a quote from the Dalai Lama; “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible”. Currently, we are in a period of learning where there is a greater emphasis, and indeed need, on problem solving, collaboration and creative thinking. Whilst not an exhaustive list, they have in various forums been described as 21st century skills, soft skills and essential skills for any learner, at any age. They are dispositions that can be learnt and refined. Underpinning these skills however, is the fundamental need for them to be based on kindness. At Pacific, our model of wellbeing is based on the synergy between Lutheran theology and Positive Psychology. Martin Seligman and other scientists in this field have determined that committing an act of kindness produces the single most reliable momentary increase in wellbeing of any exercise that has been tested. Taking care of our neighbour is a regular theme of the gospels. I encourage all members of the Pacific community to test this claim over the course of Term 4 and perhaps even share your feedback with us.

Year 6 Outback Tour

We wish the Year 6 students and staff travelling to Longreach this Sunday all the best as they embark on a very different outdoor education program. We thank Ms Kim Wood for her leadership of this program and the staff attending for their support. Whilst it is a departure from the usual Canberra experience, I am confident that all students will enjoy this unique opportunity to learn more about the history of the area, the beginnings of QANTAS and some of the early industries that grew from outback Queensland.

Year 11 Exams

We keep Year 11 students and their families in our prayers as they commence their examinations from this week. We acknowledge the dedication and drive of both staff and students in preparing for this concentrated period of assessment. Students are encouraged to continue reaching out to their subject teachers if they require individual assistance in the lead up to their examinations.

Year 12

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all Year 12 students for the manner in which they have handled this year. Their kindness and generosity of spirit across a range of domains has ensured a calm, positive and purposeful approach to their final year at school. I especially thank Mr Mark Hauser for his leadership of the senior students and the PHG teachers for their tireless support of Year 12 students and their families.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

PERMA

A warm welcome back to the final term of the year.

This year has been, and continues to be, full of challenges. We’ve had to continually change our thinking and approach to a variety of circumstances. Through adapting to change, we can at times ignore our emotional wellbeing and experience undue stress and anxiety. Our young people aren’t immune to these potential challenges. As part of our holistic approach at the College, we integrate Lutheran theology with elements of positive psychology to ensure students remain balanced and ‘in the moment’ to manage change and their emotions.

This term during our assemblies we will continue to explore the elements of PERMA:

Positive relationships – the ability to remain optimistic and view one’s past, present and future from a constructive perspective.

Engagement – how to recognise or create a ‘flow’ of blissful immersion into the task or activity.

Relationships – how to build and maintain positive connections that engage others positively and create support and resilience in ourselves.

Meaning – how we begin to understand what our purpose or bigger picture means to us.

Accomplishments – how we may set goals and learn through both success and failure to personally succeed and flourish.

Outdoor Education Experiences

At the end of last term, we held our Year 3 and 4 Outdoor Education Parent Information Sessions. Thank you to Ms Kim Wood for her expertise and preparation in ensuring our students and families are well equipped for their experiences later this term. Both of these Zoom meetings were recorded and remain available via the respective Outdoor Education pages on Nav:

Year 3-5 Virtual Talent Quest

Parents of students in Years 3-5 would have received an email this week regarding the Year 3-5 Virtual Talent Quest. The competition is open to any Year 3-5 student who wants to showcase their talent to a wider audience and entries close on Friday 23rd October. As COVID-19 protocols remain in place, group entries will not be permitted however students are encouraged to submit individual items. Click here to download the information flyer. We look forward to seeing the amazing talents of our Year 3-5 students!

Take care and God bless.

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

Food for Thought

Self-Care Tips for Teens and Young Adults

Gen Z and Millennials are more stressed than ever and need sound ways of coping. Learn about strategies to boost wellbeing at: https://www.psychologytoday.com.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 20th October at 6.30pm via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. Please email your RSVP to: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Library News

Book Week is Coming!

There are only two weeks to go until Book Week. We will have our dress up day for Kindy – Year 7, a petting zoo for Kindy – Year 2, lots of competitions and activities running every lunchtime. Across the week we’ll also have treasure hunts, virtual reality and lots of crafty things to make.

Check out the Junior College activities here.

Check out the Middle College activities here.

Enter one of our Book Week competitions.

Ms Nell Keen, Head of Library

College News

Performing Arts

‘Centre Stage’ – The Show Must Go On

The last few weeks have been very busy in the Drama Department! Our Cultural Pacific Action Group was responsible for initiating an exciting online talent competition called ‘Centre Stage’. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to submit a performance online and to showcase their talents. We had more than 50 entrants in the competition. Acts included music, both classical and contemporary, song and instrumental, speech and drama monologues and duologues, dance, film clips and even animation. We are excitedly awaiting the adjudication of the winning three performances, judged by industry professional Clint Bolster from Homunculus Theatre Company. Stay tuned for the results!

‘The Spirit of the Mask’ – Commedia Dell ‘Arte Performance

At the end of last term, Homunculus Theatre Company presented ‘The Spirit of the Mask’ to Year 8 students. Students were thoroughly entertained and engaged by Clint and Lauren, who performed using Commedia Dell ‘Arte, a tradition which extends more than 500 years.

2021 – ‘Grease’ Auditions

We are so excited that planning is underway for the 2021 musical, ‘Grease’! Auditions will take place this weekend, with more than 80 students trying out for this much-loved rock n roll classic. We wish all auditioning students the best of luck!

Mrs Janine Delaney, Head of Drama

Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program

Over the holidays, three of our senior students were invited to take part in Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP). With many cultural events postponed or cancelled throughout 2020, the competition for positions was fierce in this elite program! Year 11 student Kate Monroe and Year 10 students Charles and Sebastian Box were honoured to participate in 2020 SHEP.

The four day program took place at the Conservatory of Music in Brisbane and involved highly accomplished, school aged musicians from all over Queensland. This year, students were under the baton of some of the finest Australian conductors. Despite the gruelling rehearsal schedule, all three students returned with a fresh enthusiasm for their instrument and a selection of new skills to share with their peers. Well done to Kate, Charles and Sebastian on representing the College so well!

Mrs Aleisha Tuaine, Head of Music

Club Sport

Pacific FC

Get ready for Rep 2021

Current U8+ players (born 2012 up to 2001) are welcome to attend free pre-representative coaching sessions at PLC. The next sessions are Thursday 15th and Thursday 22nd October from 3.15pm – 4.15pm. Please bring a water bottle and wear shin pads, boots and soccer gear. Register via email to: PacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au. Parents are to collect their children at 4.15pm via the front PLC car park.

SCCSA Representative Trials – For 2021 U9+ players (born 2012 +)

For those players (male and female born 2012-2001) interested in representing Pacific FC and SCCSA at representative events, details are now on the SCCSA website. You must register prior to the week of the trials and select ‘South’.

Players are not automatically selected because they were a rep player in the previous season. To be fair to all players, we ask that you do not wear representative gear, including socks, to the trials.

Dates: Saturday 10th, 17th and 24th October

Register at: http://www.sccsa.org.au/NewsEvents/RepresentativeTrials-433/

Mrs Rita Williams, Pacific FC President

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Holy Communion Worship

We are pleased to announce that we will move forward with fortnightly public worship services at 14 Bombala Terrace on the first and third Sunday of each month. Our care is for the vulnerable and wider community with the resources we have at one location.

Bookings are now available by clicking here, or follow us on Facebook and visit our Church webpage. Please contact Janelle on 0488 556 150 for booking assistance.

Weekly online worship for St Mark’s is also available at our Church webpage or Facebook page.

All are welcome.

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church (0429 856 532 or lutherancaloundra@gmail.com)

General Notices

Entertainment Books

Pacific Lutheran College is fundraising with Entertainment™ again this year. Order your Entertainment™ Books and Entertainment™ Digital Memberships today and 20% of the proceeds will go towards Pacific Lutheran Early Learning Centre. For a limited time, when you purchase an Entertainment™ Book, an additional $10 or $20 will also be donated to our Early Learning Centre.

To order your book or digital membership, visit: https://www.entertainment.com.au