Compass No 660 - September 2022

The Year 7 Pacific Plus program this year has seen some wonderful students working very hard to think about ways they can solve problems in our community. This has involved these students leaving classes at various times throughout the term and we have been very appreciative of the teachers who have allowed this to happen.

Throughout this year the students have brainstormed problems, thought of solutions, and designed an action plan. We have six groups of students who have been working very hard on their projects and we have been very impressed with the persistence they have shown to keep going with this. The projects are ready to go and these projects will be actioned in our school community very soon.

As a part of this process, we also entered the teams into the Community Problem Solving section of the Future Problem-Solving program and we are very excited that one of these teams has been selected to represent Pacific Lutheran College and Queensland at the National finals in October.

We also had 4 teams of students from Years 6 to 11 who participated all year in their lunch breaks and before school in the Future Problem-Solving program. This involves students in reading, brainstorming, and writing solutions for various future scenarios that are set 50 years in the future. These students have also shown fantastic thinking and teamwork in these sessions and have recently competed in a qualifying problem. These teams have been coached and mentored by Charles and Sebastian Box and we have been very impressed with the effort and time that these students have given to coaching the younger students as Academic Mentors.

We are proud to announce that Nathan Russell, Hunter Fullard, Jax Bautista, Aidan Kemp and Declan Bancks will be presenting their Community Problem Solving project. Amy Richards, Oliver Friend. Isla Lundrum and Emily Studiman have progressed to the National Future Problem Solving competition in the Global Issues Problem Solving division. Congratulations to these students and we wish you all the best in Melbourne.

Mrs Linda Sydes, Teacher – English, Humanities

Year 12 Returning to College Week 10, Term 3 and Week 1, Term 4

Congratulations to Year 12 students on the completion of their mock examinations across Week 8 and Week 9 this term. Year 12 students are reminded that normal classes and learning resume Week 10 which is a great opportunity to connect with teachers to reflect on their academic performance.

It is important that Year 12 students returning to the College reengage positively with community, staff and students and continue to adhere to the College's Building a Culture of Respect Policy and Procedure, Uniform Policy and Procedure and Transport Policy and Procedure.

On Thursday 15^th September, Year 12 students will also be immersed in a modified time, participating in the filming of their eagerly anticipated Graduation song film clip and Formal dance rehearsal.  Communication about this change of timetable has been sent to students and parents/guardians.

Further communication in regard to the External Examinations timetable and the Alternate Day Program, including Graduation Rehearsal will be released shortly.

Senior Sleepout for the Homeless

Students across the Senior College will be sleeping out in cardboard boxes at the College's gymnasium this Friday 9th September to raise awareness and funds for the Sunshine Coast's Integrated Youth Family Service and Inclusive Kids. 

This term, the Spirituality and Service Action Group have put into action Casual Clothes Day and other initiatives to raise awareness of the increasing number of young people who are displaced and/or need shelter and services of support. During the sleepout, students are not permitted to bring their mobile phones and will have an opportunity for quiet contemplation, reflection and discussion on this relevant issue.  Additional information and consent have been communicated to Senior College students and parents.

Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Students (Acting)

“Share your toys” is something we have been teaching our kids since the very first time they played with other children.

Kindness and compassion are vital in the development of young children’s social competence and socio-emotional skills.

Being kind is an intentional act that benefits others for its own sake when one is not required to do so. It is generally regarded as a virtue. A kind person shows a genuine, deep, and selfless concern for people without expecting anything in return.

Kind emotions include sympathy, empathy, respect, guilt for wrongdoing, and pride for acting ethically. Kind cognitions come from understanding how the act of kindness affects others and ourselves. Kind actions are acts of prosocial behavior as simple as giving a helping hand, cooperating, or comforting another, or as complex as sharing with others or including the discriminated.

The more these three elements are incorporated into daily life activities, the more transformational power they have. For example, the more we internally feel kind emotions, the more likely we are to show kind acts accordingly. Child kindness is particularly beneficial. Caring acts significantly improve children’s prosocial skills and their relationships with others.

In a 4-week study, students aged 9 to 11 were instructed to perform three acts of kindness per week. Those children showed significant improvement in social skills as evidenced by an increase in peer acceptance. Being considerate to others is also correlated with academic achievement.

In a world where people are increasingly more divided than ever, being kind, whenever possible, can help make the world a better place.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Teaching and Learning K-5

Last week saw the conclusion of the preliminary rounds of the University of the Sunshine Coast Debating competition. Pacific Lutheran College teams competed in the Senior and Intermediate categories of the competition and our Senior team advanced through to the finals to be held after the September holidays.

This competition took a fast-paced, short preparation format which presented students with their topics at the commencement of their one hour of preparation time and then saw them match their wits against the opposition at the end of that preparation time. 

Students needed to collaborate during the pressure-cooker preparation time to develop a case line, a complex model, several arguments supported by convincing evidence, anticipate rebuttal points and present all of these elements in a cohesive series of individual speeches. The length of the speeches for Intermediate teams this year was four to five minutes, and the Seniors were required to speak for between five to six minutes.

Debating is a unique contest in which formal structures are used to argue a topic from two, opposing perspectives. Once you have learned the structure, you must then be prepared to argue from the perspective allocated to your team. This is a significant departure from the type of arguments we might encounter with our friends or family where we are promoting our own opinions. In debating, participants must be prepared to step into the shoes of those who might hold an opposing position to their own and argue logically and convincingly from that perspective.

Some of the debate topics encountered by our students in the preliminary rounds this year included:

• That contact sports should be banned at school (Intermediate)
• That extra-curricular school activities should be made compulsory (Intermediate)
• That gambling ads should be prohibited during televised sporting events (Senior)
• We should ban fast fashion (Senior)

We take this opportunity to congratulate our Senior team for 2022, Year 11 students Lucy D, Abigail T, Amedy B and Ben M.  We also thank our Intermediate teams, Year 8 students Aston H, Arthur B, Lawson W and Jasper S and our Year 9 students Tyler S, Jack S, Sameeha T and Kye F. 

We also take time to thank our coaches, current Year 12 student Kai R, English and Humanities teacher Mrs. Ceilidh King and English Head of Department Mrs. Rae Hall. Finally, we thank past student and debater Lachlan Buchanan who volunteered to adjudicate on behalf of PLC.

The final series will be held at SCGS next term on the 12^th and 19^th October. We wish our Seniors and their coach all the best for this highly competitive finals series.

Mrs Rae Hall, Head of Department - English

IT Traineeship at PLC (Years 9 and 10)

Applications are now open for the role of IT Trainee, working with the IT Department here at PLC. The traineeship runs for 2 years, commencing in January 2023, so current Year 10 students are preferred but current Year 9 students may also be considered. You will study a Certificate III in Information Technology over the 2 years, and this course will replace one of your electives. In addition, you will be required to work 7.5 hours per week (on average) within the College’s IT Team. This may include some work after school and during school holidays. For more information or to request an application form, contact Mr Ian Learoyd (ilearoyd@pacluth.qld.edu.au).

Raymont College Scholarships (Year 12)

Applications are now open for Raymont Scholarship Awards. Raymont College is a residential college in Brisbane, providing student accommodation for students studying at any of the universities in Brisbane. Find more information here.

Walter and Eliza Hall Trust Opportunity Scholarship (Year 12)

Value: Up to $10,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: 1^st June, 2022 – 13^th September, 2022

The Public Education Foundation’s Walter and Eliza Hall Trust Opportunity Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who have physical disabilities to enable them to reach their academic potential.

Find out more here.

UQ Sports Achievement Scholarships (Year 12)

Value: Varies

Open/Closing Dates: 2^nd August, 2022 – 31^st October, 2022

Encourages and supports outstanding new and continuing students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen sport.

Find out more here.

Find Your Feet Through an Apprenticeship at Visy (Year 12)

Wednesday 5^th October 2022, 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Online

If you’re a motivated, hands-on learner who loves to be challenged in everything STEM, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Visy is an Australian-owned, global leader dedicated to making serious progress in the sustainable packaging and recycling industries.

With 120 sites throughout Australia and New Zealand, Visy is paving the way for real change in sustainability – and they want to meet YOU!

Come to this introductory session to learn about what an apprenticeship with Visy could look like & everything you need to know to start applying!

Join Senaya Krishnan, Early Careers Manager, and discover:

• Who Visy are, what they do, and what working with them looks like.
• The range of apprenticeships available and what they cover.
• Who can apply and what Visy looks for in successful apprentices.
• Why an apprenticeship is just the beginning and everything Visy has to offer for long-term career growth, leadership development and more!

Where you start won’t be where you end up with Visy, and there is no better place to start than with their dedicated apprenticeship pathway.

Find out more here.  

IT Apprenticeship: PwC Higher Apprenticeship Program (Year 12)

Searching for the right career opportunity after high school is exciting with the PwC Higher Apprenticeship program. Gain hands-on experience in our two-year program that will set you up for success.

You can join PwC straight out of high school as part of their very own Higher Apprenticeship program. You'll build business and technology skills while working toward a qualification in IT. And with study support, you won't need to worry about course fees or the cost of textbooks and materials.

Applications close on 11^th September 2022

Find out more here.  

Defence Force Recruiting information sessions (Years 10-12)

The following is a list of upcoming local Defence Careers information sessions. You can register for any of these sessions here.

Defence Officer Information Session: Wednesday 5^th October, 6.00pm - 8.00pm, at Defence Force Recruiting Centre, Maroochydore

Women in Defence Information Session: Monday 17^th October, 4.30pm - 6.30pm, at Sunshine Beach Surf Club

Army Reserve Information Session: Tuesday 18^th October, 6.00pm - 8.00pm, at Caboolture ARES Depot

Defence Careers Information session: Thursday 27^th October, 6.00pm - 8.00pm, at Rumba Resort, Caloundra

UQ Young ChangeMakers Program (Year 11)

Sunday 27^th November 2022, 6.00am - Wednesday 30^th November 2022, 9.00pm

The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia Campus

Young ChangeMakers is a 4-day experience that provides Year 11 students with a unique and inspiring opportunity to discover, learn and engage with UQ’s academic community and like-minded students.

The program presents students with an exciting opportunity for academic extension and enrichment and is centred around igniting young change makers’ passions for leadership, academic achievement and community development in today’s global society

Applications close on Sunday 25^th September with successful applicants notified mid-October.

Find out more here.  

Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp (Years 8-12)

Monday 9^th January 2023, 8.00am - Sunday 22^nd January 2023, 5.00pm

Adelaide

The highlight of the year for many young Australian musicians, AYO National Music Camp is a whirlwind of new faces, exhilarating challenges and uplifting performances. Immerse yourself in a two-week musical experience. Be inspired by tutors, artists and conductors of international standing, and experience music-making at an elite national level as part of a superb symphony or chamber orchestra.

Find out more here.  

2022 ACMF National Songwriting Competition (Years K – 12)

The 2022 ACMF National Songwriting Competition is now open.

Every year, students from schools across Australia are invited to put pen to paper and enter their original song in the competition.

Entry is free for students from Years K-12.

Winners receive prize money which can be allocated towards musical equipment or tuition.

Entries for the competition close on 22^nd September.

Find out more and enter here.  

Mrs Wanda Hayes, Head of Career Development

Got a feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK? here.

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow our conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.

Find out more here.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor

SCISSA Gala Day

Friends of Pacific ran a Gala Day sausage sizzle, drinks and snack stall at Meridian Fields today for SCISSA AFL and Touch Football players. We thank Mrs Teena Thompson and Mrs Allyson Sarvari for their commitment and dedication to running the stall. Without amazing volunteers such as Teena and Allyson, stalls such as these would not be possible.

Pacific Lutheran College Soiree – Amongst the Stars

Saturday 29^th October – 5.30pm at Pacific Lutheran College

This is a ticketed, gala-cocktail event celebrating our 21 years for College parents, staff, alumni, and guests, hosted by Pacific Lutheran College, College Council, and Friends of Pacific.

Be greeted at the main entrance of the College with a glass of bubbles and strings of warm lights as you walk the red carpet to our open-air Soiree. Throughout the evening, enjoy a range of delicious canapes prepared by our talented Hospitality department. Under a starry sky, you’ll be treated to a range of musical performances and photo displays, whilst sharing memories and experiences with past and current friends. There will also be space for those who enjoy a dance or two.  The dress is cocktail attire. This is an 18+ event.

Purchase your ticket here.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Father's Day in the Library

Last week, students had the opportunity to make a card or a badge for Dad for Father's Day. Badges were designed, coloured in and pressed in our badge-making machine, while other students enjoyed writing a personal message for Dad and colouring in a card.

Visiting Author – Gus Gordon

Award-winning author and illustrator, Gus Gordon, visited the library this week to speak to the Prep to Year 2 classes. Gus is in demand as an illustrator, having illustrated 80 books for a variety of authors and he has written six picture books of his own. Gus talked to the children about writing and then led them through a drawing workshop.

Overdues and Holiday Borrowing

An overdue notice will be emailed home this week, if applicable. Please ensure all overdue books are returned before the end of the term. Next week, students may borrow as many books as they like for the school holidays.

Ms Narelle Keen, Head of Library

Competitive Sport News

All Schools’ Basketball

Well done to our Senior B Girls team for a great season. Unfortunately, they came up short on last Friday in their semifinal game, however fought well in a great game to watch. The girls improved tremendously throughout the season and a big congratulations to all of them for a great competition. Special thank you to their coach – Brooklyn Graves for getting them so far. Brooklyn is also coaching the currently undefeated Intermediate A Girls, and wish them well in the lead up to the finals

It’s great to see our teams fighting hard and representing themselves and the College so well each week. We continue to encourage students attending sporting events to present in full PLC uniform.  

A reminder that several teams have games on Friday of Week 10 (just before the start of the September holidays). We still expect all players to still be available to play on this week.

All the best to our teams this week!

SCISSA Touch Football Results

Our Junior Boys, Junior Girls, and Senior Girls all competed well in their Semi-Finals on Wednesday. The Junior Girls and Senior Girls were extremely competitive in their away finals, only narrowly going down by 1 point in tightly contested matches. Both teams have shown great commitment and determination across the season and I look forward to seeing them continue to progress next year. The Junior Boys won convincingly in their home final, dominating field position with strong rucking and defence. We wish them all the best for their Grand Final next week.

All School’s Water Polo

Well done to our Intermediate Girls Water Polo team for pushing a strong St Andrew’s team all the way to the final whistle, only going down by one point. The girls had to overcome some considerable adversity with no substitutes and having to be one player down. The fact that they almost took the game against a side with a whole substitute team waiting poolside is a testament to their determination and teamwork. Next week will be their last fixture for the season due to Year 9 Camp and we wish them all the best.

Students Acknowledgements

Well done to all Year 4-12 Pacific students who recently competed in the Sunshine Coast Athletics Trials. A number of students performed extremely well, beating their PB’s or finishing in the top 5 places.

There are some results currently unavailable and so we have included available results below. We are proud of all of our PLC student contributions at this carnival, regardless of their placing.

• Gemma Bryce – 2^nd in 10 girls Discus (State Qualification), 6^th in 10 girls Long Jump.
• Scarlett van den Hurk – 4^th in 10 girls 1500m, 7^th in 10 girls 800m.
• Kai Newcombe – 5^th in 10 boys Shot Put.
• Bailee Kiernan – 6^th in 10 girls Shot Put
• John Fihelly - 4^th in 11 boys High Jump
• Shyam Sathish – 2^nd 12 Boys Discus (State Qualification)
• Taylah Jarrett – 5^th in 11 girls discus.
• Holly Targato - 1^st in 13 girls Javelin
• Joshua Brouw - 2^nd in 13 boys Javelin
• Booka Bell – 2^nd in 12 boys 200m
• Imogen Hiley – 3^rd in 17 girls 800m
• Zara Richters- 1^st in 16 girls 200m and 400m
• Evie Richters – 6^th in 14 girls high jump
• Charlize Kipping – 7^th in 13 girls 100m

• Congratulations to Lennon Biggs for his recent selection in the 13/14 Independent District Futsal team. We wish him all the best in the upcoming Sunshine Coast trials in October.
• Congratulations to Eloise and Emison Marshall for their cheerleading success as they have just been crowned Grand Champions in their level in Queensland and have also earned a pinnacle bid which is awarded by score to compete against the best in Australia in November. They have also been selected to join a team at the Global Games in Hawaii in May next year. These girls are training over 14 hours a week in their sport, which requires great strength, skill and teamwork. Well done!

Key Sport Dates Term 3

Friday 9^th September: Term 2 and 3 Sports Group Photos Year 7-11 (Netball/Basketball/ Catch up from the previous session)

Monday 12^th September: Year 12 Netball and Catch-Up Basketball Photos

Friday 16^th September: 7-12 Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Wednesday 14^th - Sunday 18th September: Champion Schools Basketball Queensland.

Key Sport Dates Term 4

Wednesday 12^th – Sunday 16th October: Junior Secondary CBSQ

Wednesday 12^th October: SCISSA Rugby 7’s Fixtures start

Tuesday 25^th October: Netball trials for 2023 season for Year 8-9 students

Thursday 27^th October: Netball trials for 2023 season for Year 10-11 students

Thursday 17^th November: Sports Awards Assembly

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

SWIFF’s Nextwave Youth Short Film Competition is open for entries from anyone in Australia between the ages of 10-25.

Make a short film under 5 minutes in length, include the theme of transformation and include the colour green, and enter for a chance to screen big and win big!

Entries close Tuesday 25^th October.

For full terms and conditions, visit www.nextwavefilm.com.au or click here.

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)

8         Year 6 Students return from Canberra Tour

9         Sleepout For The Homeless (Years 11 and 12)

14       Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival

16       Years 7-12 Swimming Carnival

16       Term 3 Concludes

October

3         Queen’s Birthday Holiday

4         Term 4 Commences