Compass no. 760

From the Principal

Principal’s Log

Appreciation adds energy to community. It is humbling when we pause and reflect on how people in our lives and particularly in this community give so generously of themselves and their time to enrich our lives and the lives of others. We are who we are because of that generosity. The spirit of love and generosity flows strongly. Taking the time to express our appreciation to individual people is a small but very important way that each of us can make a difference.

The warmth, energy, enthusiasm and pride shown by staff, students and parents involved in the organisation and leadership of our Open Day on Sunday was extremely uplifting. Students very capably shared their learnings as they explained the benefits of a range of programs including our Metacognitive Toolkit, led tours and supported subject-based activities around the College. The entertaining high quality performances of our musicians and Into the Woods cast and crew provided that extra vibe. Tasty food provided by our Hospitality staff and students and the BBQ led by the Friends of Pacific were greatly appreciated. Thank you to our staff, parents and students for their leadership and support. The attention to detail and extra care given to provide a warm welcome as we shared the richness of learning experience at the College was greatly appreciated.

We congratulate Jessica in Year 9 who was recognised at the 2025 7 News Young Achievers Awards Queensland. The recognition celebrated Jessica’s dedicated service to both our local and broader community through her engagement with Stationery Aid and her passion for supporting and promoting quality education and connection for young people. Jessica was presented with a certificate by Hon Tim Mander MP State Member for Everton, Minister for Olympics, Paralympics, Sport and Racing. We wish Jessica all the best as she continues her service as the newly appointed Youth Ambassador for Stationery Aid.

We wish Mrs Janine Delaney and the cast and crew of Into The Woods all the best as they complete their final preparations and rehearsals for Into The Woods this weekend. We look forward to joining this musical adventure as the magic of the story unfolds through the talented performances of our cast capably supported by an equally talented crew at the Events Centre Friday and Saturday of this weekend.

Congratulations to our Year 7 da Vinci team who performed very well at the Stage Finals of the da Vinci competition yesterday. The students enjoyed the opportunity to engage in the challenge and learn from the experience of the State level competition. We thank Mr Andrew Block and Mrs Toni Fisher for their leadership and support of these students.

We look forward to welcoming back our Year 4 students from camp on Friday. We thank Mr Paul Brace for his leadership, preparation and planning and staff Mrs Amanda Empson, Mr Joseph Doran, Mrs Sarah Atkinson, Mr Rob Belchamber, Ms Rebekah Horsey, Miss Georgie Snelling, Mr Mark Hauser and Mrs Sharon Middleton for their leadership and support of this important learning experience.

We say thank you to everyone in our community who gives generously of themselves to make a difference for others within and beyond our community. We thank God for your generosity and pray that God would continue to enrich, encourage and strengthen you.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Chaplain

Indignant Appreciation

This week in chapels, we have been looking at Mark 10:13-16. This passage tells the story of people bringing “little children to Jesus” so that he might bless them. The disciples, however, tried to turn them away. Mark then tells us that Jesus became indignant and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' He then embraced the children, laying his hands on them and blessing them.

Whenever I read this passage, one word really stands out as significant to me - ‘indignant.' My first impression is that it seems like a very strong word to use, and it’s not a word we often use to describe how we are feeling. So why the strong sentiment here by the author?

I think it was because Jesus saw that the disciples failed to see the worth of the children approaching him. To him, their value was not up for debate—they deserved love, attention, and blessing. Jesus’ response teaches us that appreciation is not just a kind gesture; it’s rooted in recognising intrinsic value and worth of all. When someone’s value is disregarded, it should stir something within us.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of showing appreciation, even though it’s closely tied to how much we value something or someone. Whether it’s at school, at home, or in the community, we can become so focused on tasks and outcomes that we forget to make space for others. Yet, as Jesus showed with the children in this passage, true appreciation means seeing people, acknowledging their worth, and giving them our attention and kindness. It’s about being stirred (perhaps even to the point of indignation) when others are undervalued, just as Jesus was. Appreciation is not just about saying thank you; it’s about recognising and honouring the value of those around us.

As we start to get deeper into another school term, this passage is a great reminder for us all to take a moment to consider how we value those around us—not just in the grand gestures, but in our small, everyday interactions. How amazing would it be if we all managed to see others the way that Jesus does? Or if we could appreciate all the way Jesus does?

As a school community, I hope that we can all become more indignant toward the unappreciated and those who might otherwise be overlooked, so that we may find our hearts aligning more closely with Jesus’s.

Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain

From the Head of Student Engagement Middle College

Appreciation

As we reach the mid-point of the term, I think it is important to pause and express our appreciation for the vast number of people that continue to make our Middle College such a welcoming and high-performing learning community.

In the busyness of the College term, it’s easy to move from one task to the next without stopping to take notice of the good around us. Stopping momentarily to be grateful and appreciate what you have is not something that we tend to do often enough. Appreciation is more than a feel-good moment though, it plays a vital role in fostering wellbeing, motivation and connection. Educational psychologist Dr. Helen Street reminds us that "Wellbeing is not just about reducing stress or increasing happiness—it’s about building a strong, supportive environment where people feel seen and valued." Taking the time to appreciate others helps nurture a culture of respect and belonging in our College.

I would like to acknowledge our amazing Pacific teaching staff, who are now entering a particularly intensive phase of the term. As assignment drafts are submitted and feedback begins to flow, our teachers are investing countless hours reviewing student work, offering thoughtful guidance and supporting students in their academic growth. Providing meaningful feedback is one of the most important and time-consuming aspects of teaching. It’s not just about marking errors, it’s about encouraging potential, refining skills and helping students feel confident to improve. We appreciate the care, expertise and dedication our PLC teachers bring to this process.

What a fantastic celebration of everything that makes our College special on Sunday at Open Day! With large numbers of families visiting our campus, the atmosphere was full of excitement, pride and joy. Whether it was the engaging classroom displays, student performances, interactive activities or the warm conversations had throughout the day, our visitors walked away with a clear sense of the passion and purpose that defines our College culture.

We are deeply thankful to every student, parent and staff member who contributed to the success of the day. These events don’t happen by accident, they’re the result of weeks of preparation, coordination and commitment. From the student tour guides who shared their stories with enthusiasm, to the parents who supported behind the scenes, to staff who gave up their Sunday to showcase their subjects and support their learners, your efforts made a difference.

Let’s continue to appreciate and support one another and celebrate the great things we are building together at Pacific.

Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Student Engagement Middle College

Head of Staff and Student Engagement P-5

Looking for ways to serve

At Pacific Lutheran College, the Pacific Way guides us to grow not only in knowledge but in compassion and service. As learners, we grow our hearts by looking beyond ourselves and finding ways to uplift others through our words and actions.

By intentionally looking for ways and means to aspire this, growth happens when we choose kindness, speak encouragement, and take action to help those in need—showing empathy, humility, and respect in every interaction. Serving the community isn’t just a task; it’s a mindset that reflects the values we hold as part of the Pacific family.

Through these experiences, we practice living out our faith and the Pacific Way—being courageous, acting with integrity, and growing hearts that seek to make a difference in the world.

Inspired by organisations like The Salvation Army, who lead by example in serving with love and purpose, we learn that even small acts of service can make a big impact. Whether it’s participating in a fundraiser, donating items, or simply listening and offering support, we become part of something greater.

At last week’s Junior College Assembly, we were fortunate to be joined by Tim and Karen Clark from the local branch of the Salvation Army who shared stories of the impact that the actions of the Pacific community will have on others. The students sat transfixed as stories, seemingly well removed from their reality were explained including the obstacles that others live with daily.

Thank you to the Pacific and wider community for their continued support of the Red Shield Appeal and for making a difference to our students and in the lives of others.

Steps to Achievement

On assembly, Mrs Sarah Atkinson also expanded on the notion of achieving. Too often we think of achievement as something that is monumental or something that is a culminating event. Whilst this is true, a journey of a lifetime begins with a singular step. By acknowledging that any movement towards a goal is a step in the right direction, it is resilience and persistence keep us focused and intent on the continued process and result.

In the parent conferences that took place last term, goals were constructed with teachers, students and families. I would encourage all parents to continue engagement on this journey and continue to revisit these goals to ensure their students success.

Take care and God Bless

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Student Engagement: P-5

From the Head of Career Development

Food for Thought

College News

OCEANfest 2025

SPONSORSHIP

There are now limited sponsorship opportunities remaining – find details here.

• Become the Laser Show Sponsor – light up the night with one of the most anticipated moments of the festival!

• Stall Sponsorships - 10 available, 4 already sold! – showcase your business while supporting the community in a fun and engaging way.

Be a part of OCEANfest ‘One World’ 2025 – an event that promises to be bigger and better than ever before! Hosted by Friends of Pacific and Pacific Lutheran College, this vibrant festival is designed for the whole family and will be an unforgettable celebration of community. It’s an afternoon filled with fun, adventure, and surprises as you journey around the world, celebrating the environment and the diverse cultures that unite us all on our interconnected planet. Check out the video below to experience the energy from the 2023 OCEANfest event! See OCEANfest here.

RAFFLE PRIZES

We are looking for exciting prizes for our Galactic Raffle! If you own a business or know of one that can donate, please reach out to Louise Walker at fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au or Jodi Nielsen at jnielsen@pacluth.qld.edu.au . Any contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated!

We also invite all families within our College community to help make OCEANfest ‘One World’ 2025 truly special by sharing a piece of your unique culture! Whether it's through food, dance, song or art, this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the traditions, stories and talents that make our community so vibrant and connected. If you’d like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you and explore how you can get involved! If you're interested in supporting and participating in this exciting event, we would love to hear from you!

CENT AUCTION*

This week ELC – Year 6 classrooms have received a laundry basket that will serve as the collection point for donations towards the Cent Auction at this year’s OCEANfest. Each class has received a different theme to keep the prizes exciting for all different audiences. We ask that families donate by Friday 18th July 2025 (Week 1, Term 3). As part of the tradition, baskets are judged and the winning class will receive a pizza party in Term 4!

*Cent Auction – A collection of exciting prizes will be displayed for bidding. Participants purchase sheets of tickets and place as many as they wish into the sealed containers next to the prizes they’d like to win. The more tickets entered, the higher the chances of winning! The prizes typically follow a theme, such as BBQ, Pamper Mum, or Games. A ticket is drawn from the container—similar to a raffle—to determine the winner. The Cent Auction usually takes place throughout the event, with the prize draws happening toward the end. Winners do not need to be present at the time of the draw.