Compass No. 617 July 2021

This week our college community watched 2018 graduate Kaylee McKeown win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. It was noisy beyond belief in the school gym as students watched the final of the women’s 100 metre backstroke on the big screen. The last moments of the race were thrilling as Kaylee pushed forward to win not only gold but an Olympic record. The expectations of our college, our country, her family, her fellow teammates were high. Would she perform at her best and equal her PB and world record that she set in Adelaide? Would she beat all her competitors? Competing at her first Olympics, Kaylee admitted before the race to feeling nervous.

Kaylee’s incredible achievement is an excellent example of the thread of expectation we are looking at this week. High expectations can bring out the best in us. When people we care about want us to do well, we try harder. High expectations boost our self-esteem. We feel more capable and willing to take positive risks, to put in the effort and hard work to achieve our goals. We are more willing and motivated to stretch ourselves beyond what we think we are capable of.

In achieving our best we learn through both successes and mistakes. As well as reaching for our hopes and dreams, living with imperfection is a constant throughout our lives. This does not diminish from what we can achieve but enhances what we learn. Living with our mistakes is an opportunity to learn forgiveness and receive God’s grace.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrew 4:16

Blessings

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

The past 18 months have thrown up many challenges both personally and systematically. We have needed to be adaptive in how we connect personally and professionally. We have worked out new ways to exercise, plus large events both locally and internationally have been rescheduled or postponed.

The logistical effort of postponing and then staging the Olympics has been no different and thankfully, the last two weeks has had a particular Olympic flavour. The announcement that the Olympics will be coming to the South-East corner has created an added excitement to the events that have finally begun this week in Tokyo. The thought that our students will have the world coming to challenge themselves in their own backyard, and that they are worthy of playing an integral part, has enlivened a sense of reality as to what the future holds.

This week’s thread of high expectations has been brought into clear focus for our College community as they witnessed Kaylee McKeown’s performances this week. Someone who has learnt in the same space, sat in the same gym, and been part of the same teams and events as the students currently at the College highlighted to our students the opportunities and achievements that are possible to strive toward. Irrespective of their own journey and aspirations, her courage, tenacity and persistence to humbly reach the goals that she has set for herself and to meet her own expectations, has genuinely invigorated our students and staff.

Expectations are often modelled by key figures in our lives. They are carefully crafted by the people closest to us and then grow deep within us. They are with and for each other and they are ever present in the reflective moments with God. Our College plays an important part in growing these expectations and encourages our students to follow their passion while meeting our College expectations as one.

For well over 100 years, the Olympic motto has been faster-higher-stronger.  This year the IOC has notably added together to their motto. This week, Kaylee has taken us on an incredible ride “together”. It has been a privilege to witness her represent herself, her family and her community on the world’s biggest stage and one that will serve to motivate our community into the future.

Continuity of Learning

We thank all parents and guardians for the time they have given over the past week to engage with your child’s teacher through our conference process. Our teachers value your support and as a College, we encourage you to continue the communication with them to deepen the connection and improve the outcomes for your child.

Our teachers are focused on providing the best outcomes through focused pedagogy and practice. As a College, we aim to minimise direct communication with the classroom as this has the potential to interrupt the flow of learning for our students. At times, this continuity can be disrupted through late arrivals and early exiting of the school. Students should be prepared for learning at 8.25am and if there are any changes to routines for your child, such as appointments, these should be communicated to your child’s teacher in advance. Teachers will check emails at the beginning of the day, and this provides an opportunity for them to plan for changes that may occur during the day. Parents and guardians are reminded that all student absences are managed by Junior Reception and parents should not be going directly to classrooms to collect children through school hours.

Tuckshop

Due to COVID restrictions, students from Prep to Year 5 need to place orders online, and we are still unable to take cash.

The process for tuckshop vouchers has been streamlined. If a student forgets their lunch there will be set options available for order, a muffin or fruit for morning tea, and a fresh or toasted sandwich for lunch. This process has been put into place to avoid being unable to fill specific orders in the case of a forgotten lunch orders. Details for payment via credit/debit card will be taken during the call to confirm the order.

Take care and God Bless,

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

Recently I have been speaking to students about choices. Indeed, each and every day I engage in dialogue with students, in and out of the classroom, on a range of matters, and most times there are incidental elements to the conversations that relate to the choices they have made or might consider. Specifically, in Year 8 Christian Studies this term, students are learning about ethics, morals, and values, and how these three domains intersect when we are needing to make choices in our lives. I am encouraged by the depth of thinking that students are displaying as they are presented with a range of ethical dilemmas to consider and respond to.

Similarly, in Year 7 Personal Development, students met with myself and their teachers earlier in the week for a lesson to listen to and engage in discussion around making positive choices. The topic of discussion was centered on vaping and the essential information this age group would need to know. What pleased me most was the genuine, respectful, and curious discussion and feedback that was taking place during key moments of the presentation. We explored what they knew, what they would like to know, how a vape works, the risks associated with vaping, and thinking about the strategies they could utilise if they were in a situation where they had a choice to make related to vaping. Ultimately, the talk was grounded in students making positive informed choices and I was encouraged by their attention to the information being shared.

Year 6 ALWS

I congratulate and thank Year 6 and their teachers, Mr Pohlner, Mrs Sydes and Mrs Kiernan for their involvement in ‘Walk my Way’, a Christian fundraising activity. ‘Walk my Way’ is an initiative of the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) ALWS and our students raised $111 for their efforts in walking a distance from school to Currimundi on the last day of Term 2. The money raised was donated to ALWS to support the work they do for refugees and other groups in need. With Year 6 focusing on the plights of refugees and asylum seekers in Christian Studies, it was a tremendous choice staff and students made to engage in this service activity.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students

Last Monday, the Year 8’s gathered together in anticipation for their Outdoor Education program.  With the theme of independence and the encouragement to “try new things” from older students, the group travelled to Woodford to start their week. 

Half the group headed out hiking in the hills of Bellthorpe National Park while others tried their hand at the initiative tasks, mountain biking and giants ladder.  Students learnt the value of layers as the sun set behind the hills and the cold night air swept through. Each day we were blessed with beautiful sunshine to re-warm us and delicious food to fuel us for our days of outdoor learning together. 

As the week drew to a close students reflected on the ways in which they contributed to their group, their personal growth and displayed gratitude for the simple pleasures of a warm bed, loving families and hot showers.  Whilst there were times of challenge, students fondly reflected on their experiences together, growing in confidence and connection with others.

I would like to thank staff who supported students in their outdoor learning experience; Mr Brendan Delaney, Mrs Sharon Middleton, Mr Paul Brace, Mr Josh Cummins and Mrs Rachel Curtis.  I would also like to extend my thanks to the visiting staff Mr Brett Kersnovske, Mr Ben Ryan and Pastor Tim Jarick.

Year 1 Outdoor Learning Day

We are excited to announce the inaugural Year 1 Outdoor Learning Day.  Next Wednesday 4th August, the Year 1 students will spend the day learning outdoors on Chambers Island.  As part of their curriculum, students will be exploring the differences between natural, managed and constructed environments.  Parents, please provide consent before Friday 30th July through Parent Lounge to ensure your student can participate in this exciting opportunity.

Ms Kim Wood, Head of Outdoor Education

Applications are now open for scholarships, for students wishing to study through TAFE Qld in 2022. The scholarship program includes merit and equity scholarships, and can be used for a wide range of qualifications from a Cert III to an Advanced Diploma or even a Bachelor degree, across all industry areas. Scholarship recipients will receive up to $5,000. For more information, or to apply, go to https://scholarships.tafeqld.edu.au. Applications close 24th September 2021.

Gap Year Options for 2022

Believe it or not, Gap Year programs are still operating, despite COVID limitations. Letz Live is a company that provides programs for Australian students to travel to the UK or New Zealand and work as a Boarding School Assistant for one year. “Gappies”, as they are called, receive free accommodation and meals, plus a small weekly stipend for personal expenses. And they are free to travel during the school holidays. Note that in the UK, the long summer holiday is in July and August, so that provides an ideal opportunity for summer travel in the UK and Europe. And in New Zealand, there’s always the ski fields to keep you busy in your June/July break - or maybe even for weekend trips, depending on where you are. To find out more, follow Letz Live on Instagram @letz_live, or visit their website: https://www.letzlive.org

News from Sunshine Coast Technical and Trade Training Centre

Just a reminder that the SCTTTC have nominated dates for their upcoming Information Sessions as follows:

Automotive, Construction, Electrotechnology and Plumbing Certificates:

• Thursday 29th July 2021 - 5.30pm to 6.15pm
• Thursday 5th August 2021 - 5.30pm to 6.15pm
• Tuesday 17th August 2021 - 5.30pm to 6.15pm

Certificate III Aviation (Remote Pilot) AVI30419 Information session will be held on:

• Wednesday 25th August 2021 - 4.00pm to 4.45pm 

Registration is essential for all those attending an information night. To register, contact the SCTTTC on (07) 5499 5222.

Apprenticeship intakes for 2022

In addition to the OSMAC apprenticeships that were advertised in last week’s newsletter, we can now advise that BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance is offering a number of exciting apprenticeship opportunities in Central Queensland at Daunia Mine. Apprenticeships are available in 3 trades: Auto Electrician, Mechanical Fitter, and Diesel Fitter. These are fly-in-fly-out jobs, flying from Brisbane Airport. For more information see the attached flyer.

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Prep students are explorers, scientists, artists and experimenters. They're experiential learners, so they keep pushing limits to find out what's solid. They're still learning how to be friends, how to engage with the world, and how to control their bodies, emotions and minds. With a little help from you, these years will build a secure and unlimited foundation for your son or daughter's entire childhood. For more information click on the link below

https://www.ahaparenting.com/

Mrs Annie Williams College Counsellor

We are very excited to be celebrating Pacific’s 20th year, with only sixteen more sleeps till our Aussie World Fun Night!

Get your tickets at Flexischools Aussie World Tickets or scan the QR code to link.

SAVE THE DATE

Past students, current parents, staff, College Council and FOP will be sent an invitation in the coming weeks for the 20th Anniversary Soiree Under the Stars.

Quote of the Week

“Success is a journey, not a destination.  The doing is often more important than the outcome.”

- Arthur Ashe.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

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 8.30am and 9.30am. We are thankful that we are able to meet together each week for worship. As we do this, there are still physical distancing, signing in, and hygiene requirements we need to follow in order 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)

2          Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod

3          Year 9 2022 Information Evening

4          Year 6 Canberra Tour Information Evening 6pm

4          Yr 9-12 Music QPAC

7-8       Duke of Edinburgh – Adventurous Journey

9          Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

12-13  13-19 Yrs District Athletics Carnival

16        Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

16-20  Science Week

19        Year 4-6 SCISSA Trial Game – ILC

23        Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

23-27  Book Week & ICAS Science Competition

26        Year 4-6 SCISSA Trial Game- MFAC

30        Year 6-7 Author Visit

30        Year 4-6 SCISSA Training (3.15-4.15pm)

31        Year 12 Mock External Exams Commence

31        P-2 Author Visit

31        Year 9 Outdoor Education Information Evening (6pm)