Compass No 666 - November 2022

From the Principal

Finding Peace Through The Third Way

Usually, when a conflict arises there are two firmly held opposing views.  Finding a peaceful resolution is often more about finding a third way rather than convincing someone that one position is stronger than the other.  Finding the third way involves listening carefully to one another, letting go of judgments and understanding the values and perspectives that each person is bringing to the conversation. Empathy is key in this process.  Learning and teaching young people to pause, suspend judgment and reflect on how the other person might be seeing the situation, helps people to learn to shift from the reactive parts of the brain to the front sections where more complex thinking such as planning, empathy, compassion and self-awareness occurs. Breathing or walking away to think about how to resolve a conflict by considering the other person’s perspectives enables a third way to be found.

A key part of the restorative process conducted at the College is to help people see things from another’s perspective, including understanding the impact of their behaviours on others.  The prayer of St Francis of Assisi reminds us to “seek first to understand”.  Having this as a mantra and praying for God’s help in working through conflict can help us to find the third way, with better outcomes for all and most importantly peace.

Principal’s Log

The Soiree provided a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community of past and present staff, parents and College Council members and Alumni to celebrate 21 years of growing together as a powerful learning community.  Thank you to all those who helped to create and stage such a warm, dignified and celebratory event through their attendance and preparation.  There were so many people behind the scenes that helped to make the event such a great success. Pacific has always valued the support of local, state and national governments and we appreciated the presence of local member Jarrod Bleijie. A particular thank you to our hospitality team led by Mrs Colleen Beattie, Mrs Emma Lendrum and Mrs Rhana Holt for preparing and serving such culinary delights.  Thank you to our Friends of Pacific team so capably led by Mrs Jenny Lee, Mrs Teena Thompson, and Mrs Allyson Sarvari in leading preparations for the event and creating such a warm and welcoming ambience.  Thank you to our music team of Helen Williams and Paul Cusick and the Senior String Quartet of Eden Williams, Brooke Williams, Jack Shirley and Sebastian Box, and Phoebe Struckett on keyboard and the band for providing mood-setting and body-moving entertainment throughout the evening.  A special thank you to Samantha Barrass who through her eye for detail and heart for our community created an outstanding event for people to enjoy connecting and reconnecting.

We also had a wonderful afternoon with our 2011, and 2012 Alumni on Saturday. It was great to feel the energy as they connected with each other and staff as we toured the College and enjoyed a light lunch together.  They were amazed at how much the College had progressed since their departure.  We were delighted to hear of their journeys since leaving school, have a laugh as they reminisced and even enjoy the very deep discussions about a range of issues.  Thank you to Mrs Leigh Finter for her leadership, to Mr Mark Hauser, Mrs Michi Hauser, Mrs Janine Stone, Mr Duncan McNee, Mrs Kim Bonello and Mrs Leah Croke for their support of the afternoon and to our hospitality team for organising a light lunch for us all to enjoy. Jericho Sayson gave a very appreciative speech thanking the staff and the College for helping them to grow into the people they have and will continue to become.

The final preparations for “Elf” are well underway and we wish the Director Mrs Kristy Astwick and her cast and crew all the best as they complete their final rehearsals.  It is promising to be a wonderfully entertaining evening.  A small number of additional tickets have become available, including for Saturday night.  Tickets can be purchased via this link.

Over this past week, we have launched our new Youth Group.  We are excited about this new opportunity which is being provided by Chaplains Mr Mark Hauser and Mrs Holly Gricks and our senior students. We encourage families to read more details in the College Chaplains’ article later in the newsletter.

It was a delight to see so many parents and family members attend the Prep Information Afternoon on Wednesday of this week.  The afternoon provided important opportunities for people to begin to develop connections with each other as well as learn more about Prep.  We thank Mr Damian Davis, Mrs Shelley Hogan, Mrs Sharon Hooper and Mrs Grier Elliott for their leadership.

YACHTS is one of the College’s enrichment experiences for extending more highly able students in Years 4 and 5.  Last Friday, the YACHTS students were excited to showcase their learning to staff, parents and students.  The joy and high-quality learning, students experienced as they explored their choice of one of the classics of literature bubbled from our young people as they shared their understandings.  We thank Mrs Julie Darr for her inspiring leadership of this program.

We welcomed back our Year 3 staff and students from their Outdoor Education experience on Friday last week.  Staff and students reflected that they thoroughly enjoyed their time of growing a deeper understanding of themselves and strengthening their connections with each other and the environment.  We thank the Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Paul Brace and Mrs Sharon Middleton, Mrs Fiona Schefe, Mr Scott Massie, Mr Steven Healy, Mrs Michelle Bourne, Mr Rob Belchamber, Ms Georgie Snelling, Mrs Pia Henriksen, Ms Kate Burman, Mrs Leah Croke and Mrs Sara Taverner for their leadership of the camp.

We pray that God would provide the wisdom for us to find the third way and peace in all our relationships.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Chaplain

Launch of Youth Group

We have been so blessed to be able to have two chaplains working at Pacific this year. Two of the things that we are most passionate about, are growing faith and forming connections. The College Chaplains are available to support students in both of these areas and we have genuinely enjoyed getting to know students from all year levels across the College.

As a team, we have also been quietly working towards establishing a “PLC Youth Group” and we are excited to say that our first Youth Group sessions are going to be held this term! These evenings will be open to any student in Year 6 through to Year 11; all are welcome to attend. Our first night is going to be next Sunday, 13th November from 5.30pm on the PLC grounds. Anyone who would like to attend must register by Wednesday 9th November. For details on how to register, please check your emails, as email communication was sent out earlier this week.

The cost will be $5 per student (just bring it on the night) to cover food – we are having pizza! For any dietary requirements, please ensure that your records are updated on Parent Lounge.

Our Youth Group hopes to provide a space for student connection, exploration and strengthening of Christian faith and a whole lot of fun and excitement. This term we are running evenings on the 13th of November (end of Week 6) and the 27th of November (end of Week 8). All are welcome to attend but must be registered.

For more information or any questions, please contact Mr Mark Hauser (mhauser@pacluth.qld.edu.au) or Mrs Holly Gricks (hgricks@pacluth.qld.edu.au).

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

From the Director of Students

Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project

We celebrate seven Middle/Senior College students who took part in this year’s Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project during Wednesday lunchtime, capably led by 2023 College Vice Captain and Student Wellbeing Captain, Lucy Dimond.  Before the ‘chop’ took place, collectively students raised $2000, with their goal shifting to $3000, including money raised from the Year 6-11 Casual Clothes Day.  The lunchtime event was positively supported by the students, parents, peers and staff.  If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause and student-led College service opportunity, please click on the below link.

https://www.ponytailproject.com.au/fundraisers/PacificLutheranCollegePonytailProject

Ms Leigh Finter, Acting Director of Students 

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Moving with our Emotions

This week the thread revolves around the concept of peaceful conflict resolution. Conflict in a relationship is almost a given. From a slight disagreement to a breakdown in relationships, all of us will from time to time, fall into this category. It is very normal and part of a normal healthy relationship. However, the challenge can arise when we prepare to resolve our disagreements and quite often our young people experience what we might call “big emotions.” As we mature, we are more adept at identifying and recognising how these feelings may occur and how we might deal with them. However, this is a gradual process and for younger children, it can be challenging when these big emotions appear.

Managing emotions and recognising heat moments have a big bearing on how the brain processes different situations. Perhaps the easiest way to explain this is by using the analogy of an upstairs and a downstairs brain.

The downstairs brain includes lower regions of the brain that are responsible for basic functions (like breathing and blinking) as well as impulses and emotions (like anger and fear). The upstairs brain is responsible for more intricate mental processes like planning, decision-making, self-awareness, empathy and morality. When a child’s upstairs brain is functioning well, they are more likely to be able to slow down, think before they act, regulate emotions, self-soothe and consider others’ feelings and perspectives — all important areas of healthy human functioning.

When the upstairs and downstairs brain lose contact, we name this “flipping our lid”. We have momentarily lost contact with the rational part of our brain and big emotions are released.

While the downstairs brain with its strong emotions and impulses is fully built and functioning in young children, the upstairs brain is unfinished and is still under construction well into a person’s twenties. Our job as adults in children’s lives is to support the integration of the downstairs and upstairs regions of kids’ brains.

In many ways, we are building our resilience. This is not always easily done. Part of our education of students at the College is informing them of how they may recognise the roadblocks to resolution. Our You Can Do It programs fosters many practical examples of how we may connect both parts of our brain together. Students are supported in breathing, talking and remaining positive. All are simple ways to get through a challenge.

Year 4 and 5 YACHTS Showcase

Last week I, along with many parents, staff and students were invited to the library to attend the YACHTS showcase. Students have been invested in their projects around the literary classics, such as Pollyanna, The Wizard of Oz and the Lord of the Rings for the majority of this semester. The method they were able to express their learning and knowledge of the subject was only restricted by their imagination, and the breadth of how this was achieved was outstanding. We thank Mrs Julie Darr, our Learning Enrichment teacher, for her guidance in this extension opportunity. Congratulations to all involved.

Year 3 Outdoor Education

Last Friday our Year Three cohort returned excited and slightly tired from their very first Outdoor Education experience, held locally at Alexander Headlands. From all reports, the students had a fantastic time and enjoyed the learning attached to the activities and reflections from their first overnight event. We thank Mr Paul Brace, our Head of Outdoor Education for his planning prior to and delivery of such an engaging program. We also thank the many staff who attended over the two days and we are fortunate that the staff involved have given so freely of their time for the benefit of others. 

Uniform and Expectations

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all students and parents for their support of the College Uniform Policy. How we manage our uniform expectations shows the community how we present and care for ourselves. A reminder that hair for all students should be always tied back if longer than the collar and that students should not be wearing hairstyles that bring undue attention to themselves. This includes “tracks” in the side of the head as well as haircuts shorter than a number two blade. Students have been reminded about expectations regarding hair and accessories this week. All hair bands are in line with the colours of the College. Shoes and socks must match the uniform of the day.

Take care and God Bless,

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

From the Head of Humanities

Year 8 HASS Excursion

On Tuesday last week, Year 8 HASS students undertook fieldwork at Happy Valley and Kings Beach to explore coastal processes taking place, management techniques employed, and how humans make use of the area. In groups, students rotated to different stations to complete a range of geographical fieldwork tasks. Students worked on their skills to observe and analyse the coastal processes impacting the environment, including field sketching and numerical data collection. They noted how coastal processes such as erosion, deposition and longshore drift have affected the shape of the beach and made predictions about how the beach profile would change based on these processes. Students identified and evaluated the management techniques employed to mitigate coastal erosion in the area. Observations of how people use the public boardwalk and the facilities at Kings Beach were also made.

Back in the classroom, students will use their findings to produce visual representations of their data employing digital and geospatial technology. These, along with their other data and observations from the excursion, will be used to evaluate the management strategies and public facilities in the area based on social, economic, and environmental geographical factors.

Reflecting upon their experience, students said they enjoyed the hands-on, practical focus of the day.

Mr Phillip Wyatt, Head of Humanities

Friends of Pacific

Connecting College and Community

21st Birthday Soiree Success

The Pacific courtyards were transformed like never before where parents, special guests, alumni, and staff were treated to an evening of fabulous food and entertainment at PLC’s long-awaited 21st Birthday Soiree Amongst the Stars. The celebrations included walking the red carpet accompanied by the amazing musical quartet, listening to Phoebe Rose’s hauntingly beautiful renditions, and rocking out to the tunes of Luke Dickens. We thank all the Pacific departments involved in making the event such a success, as well as our very capable Friends of Pacific hosts, Teena Thompson and Allyson Sarvari, for their commitment and dedication in the months leading up to the event and on the night.

Junior Christmas Carols BBQ

Friends of Pacific, in conjunction with the 2023 College Leaders, will run a BBQ on Friday 25th November for the families attending the Junior Christmas Carols. More details in the coming weeks.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Jenny Lee, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

College News

Year 7 Pacific Plus Program

Throughout the year we have had many students in the Year 7 Pacific Plus program designing projects that would assist their community. Eloise and Flynn designed and implemented a community-based outreach project that they called "Little Literature".

Eloise and Flynn's feedback to our Pacific Community:

"The aim of our project was to give young children, particularly from disadvantaged families the opportunity to read for enjoyment and to increase the amount of literature that they were exposed to. To do that we asked the Pacific Lutheran community for good quality, children’s literature. We were so impressed that within days of the donation point opening, over one hundred good quality, enriching children’s books were donated by staff, students and parents of the Pacific community. It was incredible to see what Pacific can really do for our broader community. For this, we want to thank you for all your help and donations to make our aim a reality."

Mrs Linda Sydes, Teacher – English, Humanities

Elf – The Musical

Wishing all the cast and crew of Elf The Musical, the very best as they complete their final preparations this weekend, and embark on the Events Centre theatre next week to present a much-loved Christmas classic tale.

Many students across Junior and Middle College have been involved in the production process from backstage organisation and management to onstage performance, with the guidance and support of some of our experienced senior students and production staff. All the collaboration of creative energy generated over the past months is about to be shared on stage next week, and we are all so excited to present this production to the Pacific community, and to bring some Christmas cheer for all to hear!

A shout-out to the parents of the cast and crew who support this important cultural event by enabling their children to attend the many hours of rehearsals leading up to and including performance week. Your role is vital and valued in the process, and we hope to make you all very proud next week.

If you haven’t secured your ticket yet, there are still some seats available. For more information go to:  theeventscentre.com

We would love to see you all there in support of our most passionate and talented young performers.

Mrs Kristy Astwick, Head of Drama

School-Based Vaccinations

A reminder that the second round of school-based vaccinations will be held for Year 7 students on Thursday 10th November.

Students who have previously sent in a completed consent form will receive the second dose of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and dTpa (Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis).

Please contact the College Nurses on ph:54367311 if you have any questions.

Uniform Shop

Please arrange to visit the Uniform Shop during Term 4 for uniforms for next year to avoid the rush.  Visits to the uniform shop are by appointment.  Appointments can be made with the Main Reception on 5436 7300.  Our Uniform Shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.00am to 10.30am by appointment and Tuesday afternoon 2.00-4.00pm.

Students transitioning from Prep to Year 1 and Year 5 to Year 6 will require Formal Uniforms for the start of 2023.

If your student is commencing Year 1-5 in 2023, please see the below pictures for formal uniform requirements. All these items are available in the Uniform Shop. Formal shoes for Years 1-5 are black leather lace-ups. Skate shoes, high tops and Mary-Jane style shoes are not part of the uniform.

If your student is commencing Year 6-12 in 2023, please see the below pictures for formal uniform requirements. Year 6 students require a formal hat to be worn with their formal uniform. The bucket hat continues to be worn with their sports uniform. All these items are available for purchase in the Uniform Shop. Formal Shoes are black leather lace-ups. Skate shoes, high tops and Mary-Jane style shoes are not part of the uniform.

We strongly advise all current families to please arrange uniforms for next year before the end of Term 4 2022.  All new uniforms can be returned for exchange in Term 1 2023 if still in original packaging and unwashed/named. 

New families will be given preference for Back-to-School appointments in January 2023 and appointments will still be required.

Uniforms ordered via Flexi-schools will be delivered to the classroom (Junior College) and the Wellbeing Centre (Middle/Senior College) up to Thursday 24th November 2022.  Orders placed during the holidays will not be ready for collection until after Monday 9th January 2023.  You will receive an email advising when your order is ready, and it can be collected from the College Main Reception.

Year 9 Rite Journey

Please ensure all Rite Journey uniform requirements (including Blazers and Trousers) are purchased prior to Thursday 24th November 2022.

Swim Trials/Carnival 2023

Swim Trials will be held from the first week of Term 1 2023 and school swimwear is required for all students in Years 3 to 12.  To avoid the Back-to-School rush on these items, current families are strongly encouraged to purchase swimwear during Term 4 2022. It is advised that, when purchasing swimwear, it is tried on as they cannot be exchanged or refunded.

The last day of operation for 2022 will be Thursday 24th November and reopen on Monday 9th January 2023.  Appointments will be required.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform Convenor

Sport News

Year 7-12 Sport

Competitive Sport News

Basketball

As you will be aware, last Friday night marked the end of the regular season rounds of basketball. It has been great to see all teams compete throughout the season and all teams improved greatly over the past 10-12 weeks of competition. Results rarely tell an accurate story of how teams play, and this week was certainly a testament to that with very few of our teams recording wins, however, all fought well and are still making improvements at this stage of the season.

Our Junior C Girls, Intermediate B Boys, Intermediate F Boys and Intermediate C Boys were the only teams to record wins this week, but there were some standout performances from the Junior E Boys who have improved greatly all season; Junior D Boys and Intermediate F Boys (team 2) who never gave up; and the Intermediate C Girls for their teamwork. It was a great end to the season for the Intermediate C Boys who recorded a solid win this week.

A big thank you to all the players who played with commitment all season, the coaches for their dedication and perseverance and the parents who helped with scoring and transporting children to games all season.

Congratulations to the Intermediate A Girls, Junior C Girls, Intermediate F Boys and Intermediate B Boys teams who have made it into the semi-finals this week! We wish them all the very best and look forward to seeing how they perform on Friday. It will be essential for all to be at training and teams are still expected to supply a scorer for semi-final matches.

SCISSA Rugby 7’s

Congratulations to all players who continued to play with high competitiveness and sportsmanship across our fixtures last night. Out of the 5 teams we had entered in the competition, 4 teams have now made it to the Division 1 semi-finals (placing in the top 4 of all their respective age groups) and will compete for 1st place next Wednesday. Congratulations to our U13 Girls, U13 Boys, U14 Boys and U16 Girls for this amazing feat. A special mention to the U13 Girls who were undefeated the entire season, with the remainder of the aforementioned teams only losing 1 game all season. Our U16 Boys just missed out on placing in the top 4, however, will have the opportunity to compete in the division 2 finals. You are invited to come along to the Sunshine Coast stadium precinct next Wednesday from 4.00pm to support all our teams.

Please find a summary of last night’s scores below:

Student Acknowledgements

Well done to the following students for their outstanding achievements in sport

•          Tom Chessell for his recent success in the 14-18 years Sunshine Coast Baseball Trials. Tom has been selected to represent the region in 2023. We also congratulate him on being selected to receive a local sporting champions award from Federal member Ted O Brien.

•          Isabella Welsh for her recent performances in the Bruce Cup which is the National School Sports 12 years and Under Tennis Competition. Isabella represented QLD and contributed to a fantastic win for the state. Well done Isabella!

•          Saxon Mathers and Mitchel Von Dyke for their recent Oztag and Rugby performances. Both boys represented the Sunshine Coast Sonics at the recent National Oztag tournament held in Coffs Harbour. They also represented the Aussie Super Stars Rugby team which competed in the Pacific Youth Rugby Festival at Kawana Stadium. Well done boys!

Key Sport Dates Term 4

Thursday 17th November: Sports Awards Assembly (Years 4-6: 12.00pm-1.00pm, Years 7-12: 2.15pm-3.15pm)

Tuesday 22nd November:  St Andrew’s Relay Carnival

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

Club Sport

Club Sport

Pacific Lutheran College has several sports development programs outside of school hours. These programs encourage participation, giving students the opportunity to be part of a team, and learn basic skills of the game.

The parent-led Pacific FC Soccer and PLC Netball Clubs compete on Saturdays in community competitions throughout the Sunshine Coast.

PLC Netball Club

For all enquiries, please use the contact details listed below.

Email: netballpresident@pacluth.qld.edu.au
Facebook: PLC Netball Club
Instagram: PLC Netball Club

Mrs Donna Townsend, PLC Netball Club President

Pacific FC

For all enquiries, please use the contact details listed below.

Contact: The Registrar
Email: PacificFC@pacluth.qld.edu.au
Website: https://www.pacificsoccerfc.com/
Facebook: Pacific Soccer FC 

Mrs Rita Williams, Pacific FC President

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Worship @ St Mark’s

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)

Upcoming Dates

November

10       Year 7 School Based Immunisations

11       Pacific Pulse

12       ‘Elf’ the Musical – Junior production

17       Years 4-6 Sports Awards (12.00pm – 1.00pm)

17       Years 7-12 Sports Awards (2.15pm – 3.15pm)

17       Year 12 Graduation

18       Year 12 Farewell Chapel (8.30am)

18       Year 12 Formal