Compass No 703 - October 2023

Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So, Samuel went and lay down in his place.

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

           1 Samuel 3:9-10

As a child, I used to listen to this bible verse and marvel at how faithful a young boy, Samuel, was to first be able to hear God’s calling, and secondly and even more amazingly, that God would actually call him! It seemed remarkable to me that God would use such a young boy for his cause. But is it really that strange of a story?

There are many instances where God used and called young people to carry out special tasks. David (when he fought Goliath) was just a young shepherd boy; Daniel; Joseph (who went on to become a ruler of Egypt) and the story of the maid of Israel. These are just a few instances where God has called young people and used them when others might have doubted their ability.

These examples remind us that age is not a limitation when it comes to hearing and responding to God's call. Whether you are young or old, God has a unique purpose and plan for your life.

We often doubt our abilities and qualifications when we sense a calling from God. We may feel unworthy or ill-equipped, just as Samuel might have felt as a young boy. But God doesn't call us based on our human qualifications or worldly standards. He calls us because He sees our potential, and He equips us for the tasks He sets before us.

Samuel's story also teaches us the importance of listening. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be challenging to discern God's voice. Yet, as Samuel showed us, it is vital to cultivate a listening heart. God is continually calling us, sometimes in a soft whisper or a gentle tug at our hearts. To hear Him, we must be attentive, just as Samuel was when he said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

In the world today, we are often distracted by time-deadlines; social media; social occasions; technology and general day-to-day life. However, there is always a need for us all (regardless of age) to take time to slow down and just ‘listen’.

As we go through the remainder of the term, may we all try to take some time reflect, breathe, and listen to our call.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

Year 9 Outdoor Education Experience

We are thrilled to welcome back our Year 9 students from their 12-day Outdoor Education experience. The smiles on their faces as they got off the bus and the stories they have already shared is testament to the incredible journey they embarked upon, filled with great adventure, personal challenges, group connections, and self-exploration.

Whether they were conquering challenging hiking trails up Mount Allan, paddling their way up Lake Cootharaba, or navigating through Conondale National Park, each day was a new opportunity for them to embrace the great outdoors. Outdoor education provides the perfect backdrop for personal growth. Our Year 9 students were faced with a series of challenges, both physical and mental. These challenges encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones, pushing their limits and expanding their horizons. Overcoming these challenges, they learned that perseverance and determination can help them triumph over obstacles, not just in the wilderness but in life.

Throughout their journey, students discovered the power of teamwork and camaraderie. As they shared their experiences and responsibilities, they formed lasting bonds with their fellow peers. These connections are not just friendships but valuable life lessons that will serve them well in future endeavours. The sense of unity and support they experienced will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff who accompanied our students on this journey, providing guidance, knowledge, and safety throughout the experience. We are excited to see how this Outdoor Education experience continues to shape their growth and perspectives and we look forward to celebrating with the Year 9 cohort at the Home Coming evening later this term.

 

Middle College Orientation Day/Evening

We are excited to share the resounding success of our Middle College Orientation Day and Parent Evening, which took place on Tuesday, October 17^th. It was a day filled with excitement and enthusiasm as we welcomed 68 new students to our Middle College and their positive engagement in the various activities and classes was truly inspiring.

Our dedicated Middle College staff and current students put in tremendous effort to ensure our newcomers felt at ease and excited about their transition to the College. The Orientation Day was packed with informative and enjoyable activities, including:

1. Campus Tour: The opportunity to explore the College facilities, discover their classrooms, and get familiar with the layout of the campus.

2. Curriculum Experiences: A variety of lessons run by current Pacific Lutheran College teachers. E.g. Physical Education, Food and Wellbeing, Science, etc

3. Meet and Greet: Students had the chance to meet some of their teachers they will be working with next year

4. Lunch and Entertainment: Morning tea and lunch was provided as students were entertained by our Year 10 Music Class Band

In the evening, we hosted a Parent Evening that provided parents and carers with valuable insights into our academic and extracurricular programs. We thank the parents who joined us for this special event and also thank the staff for giving up their time to help make this important transition for all stake holders as smooth as possible.

The most heartwarming aspect of the day was the enthusiasm of our new students and the extra energy they brought with the help of their PLC Buddies. They eagerly participated in all the activities and were keen to learn about what Middle College has to offer. The positive energy they brought with them was infectious and felt by all members of staff.

We look forward to a wonderful year in the Middle College in 2024.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Acting Head of Middle College Students

As a parent, you play a vital role in your child’s education. There are many things you can do to support a great start to school for your child.

How you can help

All children have different interests, needs and motivations and each child’s transition from Kindy to Prep will be unique. You can help your child to feel more comfortable about starting school by engaging in everyday activities.

Build your child’s confidence.

Help to build your child’s skills to cope in various situations and increase their self-confidence by:

•  finding answers to their questions or concerns together.

•  talking to your child about how to ask for help and model what to say.

•  asking your child’s Kindy teacher for ideas about how you can help your child to prepare or school

•  talking through some “what will I do if….?” situations with your child, for example “what will I do if my yoghurt spills?”

Strengthen your child’s independence.

Before your child starts school, you can encourage independence by helping your child to practice:

•  packing and carrying their own school bag

•  putting on their shoes

•  eating and drinking without help

•  going to the toilet on their own

•  using tissues to blow their nose

•  recognising their belongings.

Daily routines

Daily routines can help children understand what they need to do, when to do it each day and why it’s important.

To help prepare your child for school, encourage a routine which includes:

•  going to bed early

•  waking up at a certain time and leaving plenty of time to get ready

•  having a healthy breakfast needed for energy and concentration

•  preparing and eating lunch

•  making time for physical activities.

Packing a healthy lunch

When packing your child’s lunch:

•  include them in making choices and helping you

•  provide healthy and filling food in realistic quantities for morning tea and lunch

•  make sure they can easily open wrapped items and their lunch box

•  provide a variety of smaller items instead of 1 or 2 large items

•  provide a water bottle every day and encourage your child to drink it.

A successful education depends on a positive partnership between yourself, your child and your child’s teacher. Enjoy the journey!

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

The GiST | Making a difference – Working in the clean energy sector

Monday 30^th October 2023

A third of Australia’s electricity already is generated by renewables. Over the next 30 years, new wind and solar farms, batteries, rooftop solar installations, and hydro projects will need to be built.

This webinar will explore the working lives, school, and career pathways of two young women who have opted to work in the clean energy sector. It is designed to give secondary students insights into careers in this sector and the opportunity to ask questions.

Find out more here.

 

First Pitch Competition

First Pitch calls on budding young entrepreneurs aged up to 18 to enter their best business pitch for the chance to win great prizes.

You can submit a 3-minute pitch on a business innovation or idea that can make a difference in your community and Australia wide. Your pitch will be judged by a local panel of entrepreneurs and business professionals, and the state winners get to participate in the national championship.

Entries are open until Friday 10^th November.

Find out more and enter here.

 

Westpac Youth Impact Challenge

The Westpac Youth Impact Challenge is a nationwide initiative open to all young people around Australia aged 7 to 21 years. The Challenge aims to help young Australians solve problems in their local communities.

To take part in the Challenge, participants must identify a local problem and brainstorm an innovative business or social change idea to solve it. Participants can choose to work individually, or in a group of up to 3.

All participants who complete the Challenge will receive a Certificate of Completion. Winners will receive an Exclusive Prize Pack which will include a Microsoft Surface laptop from our partner Microsoft, The Academy Membership, a Spill the Beans Pitch Opportunity, financial education mentoring support for your business idea from Westpac’s Davidson Institute and a pitch opportunity at the final Challenge event.

This year’s challenge launches Monday 13^th November.

Find out more and register here.

 

Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development

World Teacher’s Day

Tomorrow, Friday 27^th October, is the day Queensland celebrates World Teacher’s Day. We are so incredibly blessed by the wonderful teachers who guide our young people each day. Friends of Pacific are showing their appreciation by shouting ALL STAFF a drink of their choice from the Coral Café over this fortnight. While this is just a very small token of our appreciation for the work that the teachers and admin staff do each day, it is a way that we can express our gratitude for everything they do for our children each and every day.

Term 4 Events

If you have done your volunteer induction and have a couple of hours to spare for our Term 4 BBQ events, we’d love to have you! Save the dates now and keep eye on your email for more details soon. If you’re available, we’d love to hear from you - please email fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au – we promise you’ll have fun!

· Term 4 SCISSA Gala Day at Meridan Fields - set up from 8.00am – Thursday 2^nd November (Week 5)

· K-5 Christmas Carols at PLC - set up from 3.30pm – Friday 24^th November (Week 8)

Pacific Together

Pacific Together is a care-based service offered by Friends of Pacific to College families in times of need. If you, or someone you know within our College community, needs extra support during the year, the Pacific Together care group may be able to help in some small way or offer a care package. Please contact PLC Chaplain Mr Mark Hauser - mhauser@pacluth.qld.edu.au

We were never meant to do life alone. We need the love and care of others, especially in times of need. If you would like to support the continuation of this care-based service through a financial contribution, we invite you to contact Pacific Together via email (fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au) Your contributions ensure that we can provide a care package for those in our community when the need arises.

Our final FoP meeting for 2023 is on Tuesday 21^st November at 6.30pm in the College Library. All agenda items should be submitted via email by Friday 11^th November. You can RSVP or add items to the agenda by emailing fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au Come along, meet some new people, and find out how you can help connect our community.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Mrs Carly Lovell, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Behold, seekers of the magical art of crochet! We've heard your call, and we're thrilled to launch our Crochet Club this term!

Join us every Wednesday at lunchtime for some crafty fun. Our first gathering saw our crocheters embracing magic, weaving threads of imagination into creative projects. Don't have a plan yet? No worries! Our library has a stack of crochet books to get your creative juices flowing. For those keen to learn or brush up on skills, we welcome Year 4 and beyond to join our crochet club.

To any crafty staff members who seek the company of kindred spirits, we invite you to join our band of creatives. We would like to thank Mrs. Linda Sydes for helping our first-time crocheters get started.

Mrs Lily Smith, Library Technician

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)

23       Year 12 External Assessment Commences

24       Friends of Pacific (6.30pm)

27       Day for Daniel

November

1         Prep Information Evening

2         Year 3 Camp (Departs and returns Friday 3rd)

6         STEM Showcase

8         Year 5 & 6 Instrumental Concert