Our families play a critical role in shaping who we are as people. Within families, we learn how to share, and to think about the needs of others. As families we can enjoy learning and growing together and have fun as we share many experiences. Through families, we learn about the power of love and forgiveness. Families are the safe place where we can learn and grow as mistakes are made and learn how to negotiate challenging times in life. They are places where we learn important values and how to see the world around us. We can learn to be grateful, to understand the abundance that surrounds us and to be generous in how we give to others. We can learn how to respectfully express opinions, actively seek different perspectives, grow in empathy and come to a greater understanding or outcome through doing things together. Family is at the centre of who we become and are.
God blesses us richly through our families. Within our families, God calls us to love one another. Parents and children are each called to play their roles out of love and respect for each other. Growing together can be both fun and challenging. The good news is that God walks with us as adults and children. As people, both young and old, there will be times when we don’t get it right or sometimes don't know what to do. Turning to God through prayer to thank Him in the good times and for guidance in the challenging, opens us all to growth, grace and hope. The engine behind all we do is love. As part of God’s family, God’s love connects and enriches us. His love fills our hearts so that we, in turn, can share that love with our families and community.
Principal’s Log
Pacific is blessed by our families who embrace the opportunity to grow with their children as part of this community together. As parents, staff and students, we each bring our gifts. Pacific is a rich place of learning because of the generosity of spirit and love for people that permeate our community. People as staff, students and parents support each other to grow as individuals, as families and as community empowered and enabled through God’s love.
One of the important skills in life is to learn to discuss and reflect on different viewpoints in an open, respectful way. Harvard’s Parent App 6, discussed in Head of Learning K-5 Mrs Sue Zweck’s article later in the newsletter, provides strategies for parents to use to support young people to develop the skills to discuss alternative viewpoints through attentive listening, reasoning and persuasive use of evidence. There are tips for people of all ages within this article.
Our netball teams have had a successful season with 6 of the 8 Pacific teams reaching the semi-finals of the Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools Netball competition. Last week I had the pleasure of watching our Senior A team play with great skill, team-work, and determination. These girls have given a lot to the growth of netball at the College and they can be proud of their journey. We wish our teams progressing through to the semifinals all the best for their games next week.
We look forward to our Athletics carnivals this week and wish students all the best as they test their skills against each other.
We wish our students who are completing assessments in the coming week calm, focused minds as they prepare for and undertake these tests.
Year 10 students and their families valued the opportunity to come together on Tuesday evening to learn more about the next phase of their learning journey. We thank our parents and students for their engagement and Head of Learning Senior College, Ms Anne-Marie Gerlach, Head of Career Development Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of English Mrs Rae Hall, Head of Mathematics Mr Andrew Doyle, Career Advisor Mrs Colleen Beattie, IT Manager Mr Steve Rattey for sharing their expertise and time.
We give a prayer of thanks for the many gifts that families bring into our lives. We pray that God would equip us to be people who encourage and provide space for love, grace and growth for people within our families and beyond.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
From the College Chaplain
The Right Kind of Training
This week in chapel, we heard about the Fourth Commandment – “Honour your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). It’s the first command that comes with a promise – that when we live within this family boundary, things will go well for us. God doesn’t just give this command as a rule to follow, but as a protective boundary for how families can thrive – together!
There is something deeply sacred about the family unit in God’s eyes. He created it, He values it, and He gives it structure – not to restrict us, but to allow love, growth, and respect to flourish. Boundaries in a family are like boundaries on a sports field, and despite what children (and adults) might think or feel about them, they don’t stop the game, they make the game possible. And this is the same way that we can view God and his boundaries in our lives also.
Throughout this thread, we’re reflecting on the role parents play in this space. Just as children are called to honour their parents, parents are also called to create an environment where that respect can grow – through love, consistency, and guidance.
My father was an elite Rugby Union player. He played for the Australian Wallabies (back in the 70s). In order to get there, he had to undergo rigorous training and be disciplined in all that he did. Unfortunately, back then they didn’t have the same advances in training techniques or nutrition that we know of today, but he still found a way! His whole philosophy was to push himself as hard as his body could take and it would have to improve to the demands placed on it. Like any elite athlete, he disciplined his body to improve and adapt to the imposed demands he placed on it. If he would have just simply maintained his regular lifestyle, he would never have gotten to the international stage for sport.
But there had to be a line. Push yourself too hard, and you can injure yourself and do irreparable damage. He needed to engage in the right kind of training (physically, mentally and spiritually) for him to succeed.
Families work the same way. For parents and children alike, there’s a need for the right kind of guidance, boundaries, and support. Honour within the family is not just about blind obedience – it’s about living in a way that builds each other up, shows mutual respect, and trusts God’s design for how families can live together in peace.
Exodus 20:12 is there for us to remember what it means to live within the family boundaries God has set. It is a reminder for us to consider how we honour the people He’s placed in our lives and how to help our families train in the right way – not to control or dominate, but to grow and thrive. And it all begins with us looking at each other the way that God looks at us.
Mr Mark Hauser, College Chaplain
From the Director of Student Engagement
Building Safe Family Boundaries Online
Snapchat app and Online Safety
As technology continues to shape the way young people connect, communicate and share, it's vital that we as educators and parents work together to create safe and informed digital habits. One platform that continues to be widely used by teenagers is Snapchat, an app known for its disappearing messages, group chats, and Snap Map location sharing. While it offers creative tools and social interaction, it also presents risks, including:
• cyberbullying
• exposure to inappropriate content
• privacy concerns
Understanding the Risks
Snapchat’s “disappearing” feature can give young users a false sense of security, making it easier to send impulsive or harmful content. Group messaging can amplify peer pressure, and Snap Maps can share a user’s real-time location with friends unless privacy settings are updated. While some teens use the platform appropriately, others may encounter or contribute to negative online behaviours such as exclusion, online conflict, or targeted bullying.
Upcoming Legislation: Social Media Age Restrictions
In a significant move to protect young Australians online, the federal government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 in November 2024. This legislation mandates that social media platforms take reasonable steps to prevent individuals under 16 years of age from creating accounts. Platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X are included under this law, which is set to come into effect in December 2025. It's important to note that this legislation places the responsibility on social media companies, not parents or young people to enforce these age restrictions. However, parental awareness and support remain crucial in guiding young people through the digital landscape (Australian Government, 2024).
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents play a vital role in helping their children build healthy digital habits. Open conversations about respectful online behaviour and digital footprints can make a real difference. It’s equally important to stay informed about how apps like Snapchat work and how they can be managed.
Below is a list of useful websites that provide up to date guidance, conversation starters, and safety tools for families:
An excellent starting point for all things digital safety. The Parent Guide to Popular Apps (including Snapchat) provides practical advice, privacy settings, and red flag warnings. The site also offers reporting tools for serious online abuse.
Run by the Australian Federal Police, this site offers education resources on online grooming, sextortion, and safe social media use. It includes tip sheets specifically for parents and carers.
This site reviews apps, games, and shows to help parents make informed choices. It includes a detailed review of Snapchat, outlining the risks and recommended age suitability.
Offers supportive tools and discussion guides to help parents navigate challenging conversations about technology, peer issues and mental health.
By working in partnership, both at school and at home, we can support our young people to use digital platforms like Snapchat with responsibility, awareness and kindness. If you have any concerns or would like to talk more about your child’s online activity, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s classroom teacher (P-6), PCG teacher or Head of House. We thank our parents and teachers for working in partnership to supporting the ongoing building of a community where our young people feel safe, supported, and empowered both on and offline
Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Student Engagement
From the Head of Learning K-5
Parent App 6 Harvard- Support Your Child in Arguing Effectively and Persuasively.
Research has shown that teenagers who argued constructively with their parents by building a case and providing evidence for their position were more enabled to speak up, voice an opinion, and use evidence in other facets of life. In this newsletter we are exploring how to support your child to argue constructively through “App 6” of Harvard researcher Ron Ritchhart’s, 9 Apps for Parents which contain simple yet impactful strategies to try at home.
Support Your Child in Arguing Effectively and Persuasively
Helping young people build confidence, voice, and reasoning through constructive disagreement.
Arguing is often seen in a negative light—something to avoid or shut down. But research is showing us that when done well, arguing can be one of the most powerful tools a young person can develop. Far from being simply about conflict or defiance, constructive arguing—where a child builds a case, presents evidence, and listens respectfully—can have a lasting positive impact on their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and advocate for themselves and others.
Studies have found that teenagers who engage in thoughtful, evidence-based arguments with their parents are more likely to carry those skills into other areas of life. Whether it’s speaking up in class discussions, resisting negative peer pressure, or negotiating solutions in group work, the ability to present a reasoned argument serves them well. These skills also prepare them for leadership, problem-solving, and civic engagement in adulthood.
So how can we, as parents and educators, support this kind of growth?
1. Reframe Arguments as Opportunities
Instead of viewing a disagreement with your child as a challenge to authority, try to see it as a teaching moment. When a young person comes to you with a different viewpoint, encourage them to explain their reasoning. Ask questions like:
“What makes you think that?”
“What evidence do you have to support your idea?”
This fosters respectful dialogue and models the value of thoughtful reasoning.
2. Focus on the ‘How’, Not Just the ‘What’
Help children distinguish between emotional outbursts and persuasive communication. Encourage them to speak calmly, listen actively, and avoid personal attacks. A good argument isn’t about ‘winning’; it’s about expressing an idea clearly and considering different perspectives.
3. Model Constructive Conversations
Children learn a great deal by watching how adults interact. If they see us navigating disagreement respectfully—acknowledging others' viewpoints, asking questions, and offering reasoned responses—they are more likely to do the same.
4. Create Space for Safe Debate
Around the dinner table, during car rides, or in family meetings, pose open-ended questions that invite discussion:
“Should school start later in the day?”
“What’s the best way to help the environment?”
These are excellent springboards for developing persuasive skills in a low-stakes environment.
5. Praise Effort, Not Just Agreement
Recognise when your child makes a well-reasoned argument—even if you don’t agree with their conclusion. Saying, “You made a strong case, and I can see you’ve really thought this through,” reinforces the process rather than just the outcome.
At Pacific Lutheran College, we believe that developing young thinkers means nurturing not only what students know but how they express it. Supporting your child to argue well is about much more than managing disagreement—it's about empowering children with voice, agency, and the skills to contribute thoughtfully to their world.
Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5
From the Head of Career Development
Careers News
Year 11 2026 QCE Information Evening
Thank you to students and families that attended the information evening on Tuesday night.
For students exploring a career that requires a university degree, please consider the conditions to meet prerequisite requirements. This is a good time to do some research and start exploring options. A good tool to look at different degrees across Australian Universities is Courseeker or alternatively go the individual university websites.
At PLC it is compulsory to pick English and Mathematics subjects, here is some information that might help you make the decision of which subject you choose.
Which English Subject Should I Pick?
Almost all universities now expect you to have studied English in Year 11 and 12 to be eligible to apply.
Studying a basic level of English in your Senior years ensures you have the skills and knowledge to be able to communicate when needed, whether that's writing emails to customers, submitting job applications, or speaking on the phone.
You'll need to write, speak, read, and listen throughout your career, no matter what you choose.
Which Maths Subject Should I Pick?
We all use mathematics in our jobs: tradies use maths to measure materials, doctors use maths to manage medications, and web designers use maths to track their analytics.
Whether you want to work in science, health, engineering, business, art, design, or IT, maths builds the problem-solving skills you need in any career.
Remember your next steps are attending a Year 10 Careers Appointment to explore your interest, values and goals and develop a working list of subjects to explore further at the Subject Expo Evening on Tuesday 17th June.
Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development
From Head of Learning Senior College
Year 11 and 10 Subject Expo
We look forward to inviting Senior College students and parents to information sessions that will give students and families an opportunity to learn about available subjects and exciting future pathways:
The Year 10 2026 Subject Expo
The Year 10 2026 Subject Expo is being held at 5:30pm, Tuesday 17th June in the College Gymnasium. This is an important evening for both students and parents to attend, (students are not required to wear their uniform).
The Year 11 2026 Subject Expo
The Year 11 2026 Subject Expo is being held at 6:30pm, Tuesday 17th June in the College Gymnasium. This is an important evening for both students and parents to attend, (students are not required to wear their uniform).
Ms Anne-Marie Gerlach, Head of Learning Senior College
Food for Thought
Supporting Young People to Build a Healthy Headspace
Looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health.
Young people are juggling school, friendships, family expectations, and planning for the future, all while navigating the challenges that come with growing up. That’s why it’s essential to prioritise mental wellbeing and know where to turn for support.
According to Headspace, there are seven key ways to build and maintain a healthy headspace:
1. Get into life – Encourage involvement in enjoyable activities like sport, music, volunteering or art.
2. Learn skills for tough times – Build resilience and coping strategies for when life gets hard.
3. Create connections – Strong, supportive relationships are key to mental wellbeing.
4. Eat well – Nutrition plays a big part in how we feel physically and emotionally.
5. Stay active – Physical activity helps reduce stress and boosts mood.
6. Sleep well – Rest is critical to restoring energy and focus.
7. Avoid using alcohol and other substances - These can mask problems and make things harder in the long run.
(For more information, read the full article on the Headspace website)
As a College community, we all have a role to play in encouraging and supporting these habits in our young people, whether you're a parent, staff, or student yourself.
We’re also excited to share that a brand-new Headspace centre opened in Caloundra at the end of last year. This is a fantastic local resource offering free and confidential support for young people aged 12–25. Services include counselling, help with school or work, mental health care plans, and general wellbeing support. To learn more or book an appointment, visit: headspace Caloundra
Let’s keep working together to build a Pacific community where seeking support is a strength, and mental health is a priority.
PLC Counselling Team
Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Support, Mrs Kelsie Munroe, Middle Years Counsellor and Mrs Sara Taverner, Learning Enrichment P -5 & Counsellor
College News
Junior College Reconciliation Week
Junior School Reconciliation Week Activities continue to engage and connect students with an appreciation for our First Nation's People. The Kids in Action team ran a fantastic hands-on activity with students from Prep to Year 5 and then later took the time to complete and display the student work around the campus. Mr Rob Belchamber ran engaging games on the oval and students had the freedom to participate with mixed ages.
We show Respect. We share the land. We walk together, hand in hand.
Scavenger Hunt for Reconciliation Week
Thanks to all our Pacific students who engaged in our scavenger hunt in search of rocks painted with traditional markings. Our Kids in Action Team ran the event for our P-2 students earlier this week, and on Wednesday for Year 3- 5, sharing clues and dropping hints where needed.
Kids in Action Team
Reconciliation Week Installation Middle and Senior College
To celebrate and build bridges during Reconciliation Week Pacific Environmental Action group members Trisha, Ivy, Dotti, Marlee, Hunter and Abigail worked with Pastoral Care Groups to create artwork to be used in an installation outside of the Wellbeing Office. Student artworks were projected on to the ceiling to create a dynamic installation exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. Thank you, Ms Marnie Whittaker, for your support and guidance.
Pacific Environmental Action Group
Pacific Ensembles Concert
Join us for a captivating celebration of talent, dedication, and musical excellence, proudly presented by the Pacific Music Department.
New Venue Announcement: This year, we're thrilled to host the event at Venue 114—a fresh setting to match the energy and spirit of the evening.
Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase via the QR Code.
Food: Pre-purchased meals must be ordered by 7:00 pm, 11th June 2025. Meals will not be available for purchase on the night however, light snacks and refreshments will be available during the event.
Venue Policy: No outside food or beverages are permitted inside the venue.
Please contact the College’s Main Reception on 5436 7300 to make an appointment.
Flexischools orders are also available for your Uniform needs. These orders are completed Monday - Thursday and delivered to the students’ classrooms in the Foundation and Junior College and to the PCG pigeonholes in the Wellbeing Centre for Middle and Senior College students. Please ensure ordered uniforms are collected promptly to ensure that they do not go missing.
Mrs Peta King, Uniform Convenor
Friends of Pacific
Connecting College and Community
Thank you to our amazing Pacific volunteers who helped out on Thursday at the Junior Athletics Carnival.
We are now seeking volunteers for:
Senior Athletics Carnival – Friday 6th June will be held at The University of Sunshine Coast.
Want to find out more about Friends of Pacific and what we do and how you can get involved? Please join us for a coffee at our next Coffee & Chat Friday 13th June at Coral Café – 8am- 8:20am
Have you heard about 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 Chaplain Mr Mark Hauser- mhauser@pacluth.qld.edu.au
If you would like to support the continuation of the care-based service through a financial contribution, we invite you to contact Pacific Together via email: fop@pacluth.qld.edu.au
Ms Jan Watman, Friends of Pacific Chairperson
Sports News
Year 7 – 12 Sport
Secondary District Cross Country
Congratulations to the following students for their excellent efforts in the Sunshine Coast Regional Cross Country held on this Tuesday at Noosaville State High School. Special mentions go to Sophia, Scarlett and Lani who achieved a podium finish at the carnival.
Competitive Sport News:
Monday Night Netball
Our netballers played their last game of the regular season on Monday night. After 9 rounds of netball, we have had two teams come through undefeated – PLC Topaz and PLC Emerald, which is an outstanding effort. We have 6 teams from 8 in the semi-finals next Monday, which is a fantastic achievement. Two teams have not made semi-finals, PLC Amber (very close ranked 5th) and PLC Sapphire who both had very good games last night.
A very big thank you to Miss Sophia Rule and Ash Ervin for their commitment and time coaching the teams, and a big thank you to all the students and families. A special mention to our Year 12 students in PLC Sapphire, who have played their very last game for our College this week. For six years the Year 12 students have been in our netball programme and have all represented PLC with pride.
Student Acknowledgements
Well done to Sophia who has been representing Maroochy River Rowing Club, with outstanding commitment and results on the water.
Over the past two regattas, Sophia has achieved some incredible results:
• 1st place in the Year 8 Girls Single Scull at two separate regattas
• 2nd place in the Year 9 Girls Double Scull, rowing up an age group
• 2nd place in the Year 8 Girls Quad
• 2nd place in the Year 9 Girls Quad, again rowing up an age group
Yr 7-12 Interhouse Athletics Carnival:
The Year 7-12 Interhouse Athletics Carnival will be held at the Sunshine Coast University on Friday 6th June. The aim of the House carnival is to have fun, maximise participation and select school teams for the District Carnival.
Time: 8:25am – 3:15pm
Transport: Bus
Uniform: Full sports uniform with House shirt
Required: Packed morning tea and lunch (nut free), water bottle. Money for FoP Barbeque (Optional)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All students are encouraged to participate in all running events.
Students are eligible to compete in all field events, with the exception of High Jump which will be done through nominations in House meetings. There may be restrictions on attempts at events based on the numbers of participants.
Appropriate footwear must be worn running, throwing and jumping. Spikes are allowed for sprints.
House shirts must be worn to the carnival.
Tents will be provided at each event. Students are to wear sunscreen and hats throughout the day.
NO CANTEEN access for students.
Friends of Pacific will be running a BBQ on the day.
Transport - all students must travel to the venue in PCG’s, on buses provided by the school. Students will meet in PCG classrooms in the morning for roll marking before travel.
All students who are selected in the PLC Athletics Team will be required to attend the District Athletics Carnival (4th and 5th of August).
Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport
Rugby
This week we had our Pacific teams split across 2 venues, with our U13’s and U15’s competing against Victory College at Sunshine Coast Grammar and our Open’s 2nd’s competing against Flinders at Flinders College. Our U13’s are showing excellent improvement each week and although they didn’t come away with a win, they are showing marked progress and are starting to work well as a team. Our U15’s also went down to Victory last night and are to be commended for their continued growth particularly in their defence. Our Open’s 2nd’s posted a dominant performance against Flinders, defeating them a whopping 64-7, with the boys demonstrating an excellent defensive line and stringing together some structured and strategic attacking plays. This week marked our final round of regular scheduled fixtures, and we will now be moving into semi-finals/finals rounds over the next few weeks, with details of times and fixtures being released over the next few days.
I look forward to the launch of our girls’ pre-season next Monday morning from 6:50am on the main oval. We have had an incredible amount of interest in the preliminary sign up with over 45 girls already signed up and keen to play, we will be also putting a team in every age division on offer next term – a first for Pacific! Thanks to coaches Miss Alice Boyd, Mrs Kim McFadden and Mr Jack Packer, who will be leading our various teams in the competition for next Term.
Mr Josh Cummins, Head of House - Wira
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.
Pacific FC
Thank you to our players, coaches and managers who braved the muddy fields last Saturday at Bli Bli and Immanuel. Sunny conditions are expected for the next 10 days, which will help give the fields a much-needed break from the rain.
Competitive Results
U12/13 Seahorses 2 – Coolum Falcons 1
U11, U13 and U16/17 were rained out
U8 MAKOS – Manager Melissa
The Makos showed up to Bli Bli in the rain and mud and they held their own on the slow and wet field resulting in a 3-3 draw! We played with no subs and were lucky to have Cadence fill in for us to get a full team on the field, thanks again! To our muddy warriors, well done! Awards went to: Rocky: for his awesome goal saving and passing up the field. Sonny: for his great runs, up the field and goal. Managers Melissa and Sharn
U8 WAHOOS – Manager Tracie
The wonderful Wahoo players showed their love for soccer and outstanding commitment to the team by turning up and giving their all at today’s wet and muddy match in Bli Bli against the Bli Bli Raiders. In very cold and wet conditions, the kids ran, jumped and slid around the field working hard to get the ball to move. There were many attempts at goals and lots of positive attitude which was a delight to see. All players gave 100% offence and defence and made the Raiders work hard for the win. Player of the Match was awarded to Noah for his sheer determination and persistence throughout the game. Well done to Noah and to all the Wahoo players and a big thank you to the parents and coaches Kenny and Niall for standing in the rain!
LOOKING AHEAD - ROUND 11
Games are scheduled across the Sunshine Coast this Saturday. Click here for the draw.
Sharing a common mission and ministry with Pacific Lutheran College