Our hearts are like gardens. They need attentive nurturing, where we provide materials for growth, break up hard ground and complete the occasional weeding. Our words give us an insight into the growing capacity of our hearts. When our hearts are warm and life giving, words and actions that flow from them are kind, build relationships and people. We and others around us are energised, find ways forward and feel more inner calm. When our hearts are hard, our words and actions can damage relationships, limiting our growth and the growth of those around us. Awareness of the seasons our heart's experience helps us to pause and seek the care needed to nurture a heart that can in turn enrich and nurture others. Sometimes it is a matter of pausing, reflecting and recognizing where we are and taking a breath to reset. Other times we need to work harder to break up hard ground, dig a little deeper, find refreshing life giving water and add nutrients.
God invites us to rest in him, pray and allow him to be the gardener in our hearts. God’s words, love and grace provide the life giving waters and nourish us in all of the seasons of life. God’s love and grace can soften our hearts. His forgiveness removes the weeds and softens the ground. His Word enables us to reflect and absorb what is important and good, bringing growth and hope into our lives. With God as our ever present gardener our hearts are in good hands.
Principal's Log
It has been exciting to welcome the staff and students of Seishin Gakuen. The opportunity for us to learn more and deepen our appreciation of each other’s cultures is increasingly important in our highly connected world. The experience provides opportunity for lifelong friendships to flourish as we share our homes, the Sunshine Coast and learning together. The connections enable us to share our common humanity across borders and strengthen our joint responsibility to care for the people of the world and the environment. We thank Mrs Michiko Hauser and Seishin staff for their leadership and our host families and shadow students for their hospitality. We look forward to a week of learning, connection and fun.
We are looking forward to the Pacific Tiny Homes Industry Launch on Friday 28th August. Community members who are involved in construction, building, interior design, architecture, property or real estate or have a passion for homes, design and innovation are invited to join our launch to learn about ways in which they can contribute to this exciting new learning opportunity for our Year 11 and 12 students who will commence Industrial Technology Skills in 2027. Through working alongside experienced professionals from the building and construction industry, students will have the opportunity to develop practical trade skills, project management capabilities, design thinking, problem solving and collaboration. This is an exciting opportunity for members of our community to share their expertise to grow the next generation of leaders and trades people. We thank Mr Sam Irwin and Mr Ian Learoyd for their leadership of this exciting new initiative.
Staff, students, parents and College Council members have been invited to our Strategic Planning Day on August 15th. We are excited that Louka Parry and Dr Anne Knock from the Learning Future will be facilitating the day. To assist in planning, students, parents and staff who would like to attend and contribute to the development of the 2027-2030 Strategic Plan are asked to register via the link provided in the emails sent last week.
May we all be open to God’s invitation to rest and grow through his love, grace and Word as He nurtures life giving wisdom and love into our hearts.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
From the College Pastor
Words From the Heart
This week’s thread of “positive family communication” reminds us that words have considerable power within relationships because they can shape how we feel, think, and respond to one another. Kind, respectful words can build trust and closeness, while harsh or dismissive words can create distance and hurt that may last. What we say can either strengthen a relationship or slowly weaken it.
Positive and encouraging words tend to build up a relationship. When we express love and appreciation for someone, we grow a feeling of value in that person. Giving encouragement to someone increases their confidence and hope. When we speak honestly and kindly, we create and build trust and safety within our relationships. Being willing to admit our wrongs and apologize or gently respond to an apology can restore a relationship after hurt has occurred. Reminding someone of their strengths can help them see themselves positively and affirm their identity and worth.
Negative and careless words, however, can pull down and damage a relationship. When we speak words of insult, criticism or harshness within our relationships we may cause emotional wounds to others. If our speech causes others to feel repeatedly disrespected or undervalued, we can create resentment. When we break promises, tell lies or gossip we destroy the trust we had within the relationship. Every time anger leads to accusations and hurtful language we increase conflict within our relationships. When someone is constantly put down, they are discouraged and their self-esteem is damaged.
Proverbs 18:21 says “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Our words may not physically harm someone, but they can bring life, hope, courage, and healing, or they can bring hurt, discouragement, and division. Every conversation is an opportunity to either deposit something positive into the relationship or take something away from it. In families especially, choosing words that are truthful, respectful, gracious, and loving can create an environment where all feel safe, valued, and supported.
In our text this week, Luke 6:43-45, Jesus used the image of trees bearing good and bad fruit to highlight how our words are not just an expression of our thoughts but come from our hearts. Jesus says, “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45). Jesus teaches that good things come from a good heart. In family life, loving and encouraging communication, words of kindness, patience, appreciation and forgiveness often reflect a heart that values the wellbeing of others. Just as a good tree produces good fruit, positive communication produces positive outcomes in a family. Words of encouragement can build confidence, while gentle correction can promote growth. Over time, these words can produce trust, security, unity, and stronger relationships.
Jesus also points out that bad fruit comes from a bad tree. Constant criticism, anger, contempt, or harsh words may indicate that resentment, hurt, or unresolved conflict exists within the heart. This doesn’t mean that every negative word makes someone “bad”, but it reminds us to examine what is happening within us.
Family communication is therefore more than simply choosing the right words. Jesus’ teaching suggests that healthy communication begins with a healthy heart. A healthy heart is developed by what we take into our heart. Everything that we see, hear and pay attention to is taken into our heart either for “good” or “bad”. When we realize that our communication and the words we speak are suspect, we recognize that we have a sick heart and can call on God’s grace to change our heart and make it healthy. When family members cultivate love, humility, compassion, and forgiveness within themselves, these qualities naturally influence how they speak to one another, giving positive family communication.
Mr Mark Winter, College Pastor
From the Director of Student Engagement
Partnering Together: Supporting Phone-Free Time at School
At our College, we are committed to creating a safe, connected, and engaging learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. One important way we support this is through our procedures for mobile phone use during the school day.
We greatly value the support of parents and caregivers in encouraging students to keep mobile phones and earphones out of use between 8:00am and the end of the school day, unless a teacher has specifically incorporated them into a learning activity.
Phone-free time provides many benefits for young people. It allows students to be fully present in their learning, engage more meaningfully with their peers, and develop important communication and social skills. It also helps reduce distractions, limits exposure to online issues during the school day, and encourages students to build healthy relationships through face-to-face interactions.
These procedures also contribute to a safer school environment by reducing opportunities for cyberbullying, inappropriate use of social media, and the sharing of content that may impact student wellbeing. By removing the expectation of being constantly connected, students can focus on learning, friendships, and active participation in College life.
We recognise that many students carry phones for safety before and after school. During the school day, however, we ask families to contact the College office rather than communicating directly with students. This ensures important messages are managed appropriately and allows staff to support student wellbeing and safety when required.
Thank you for partnering with us to promote healthy technology habits and the benefits of phone-free time. Together, we can help our students develop positive relationships, stronger social connections, and the skills they need to flourish both at school and beyond.
Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Student Engagement
From the Head of Middle College Student Engagement
Restorative Practices: People the Focus
At Pacific Lutheran College, our community is built on relationships. We believe that every person who walks through our gates deserves to be known, valued and treated with care, dignity and respect.
One of the ways we live this out is through Restorative Practices.
Restorative Practices is about how we work together when things go wrong, when relationships become strained, or when people experience conflict or hurt. It is not about avoiding difficult conversations or simply moving on without addressing what has happened. Instead, it is about creating opportunities to listen, understand and repair relationships.
At its heart, Restorative Practices asks us to slow down and consider an important question:
“Who has been impacted, and what do we need to do to make things right?”
We know that conflict is a normal part of life. Wherever people come together, differences of opinion, misunderstandings and mistakes will happen. What matters most is how we respond in those moments. Restorative Practices gives us a framework to approach these situations with care, dignity and respect.
Rather than focusing only on what rule was broken or who is to blame, Restorative Practices helps us explore the impact of our actions. It encourages people to listen to one another’s experiences, develop empathy, take responsibility and work towards restoring trust.
For our students, this means learning important life skills that will support them well beyond their time at school. They learn that their choices affect others, that accountability is important, and that relationships can be repaired when we are willing to listen, reflect and make positive changes.
For our staff, Restorative Practices strengthens the way we collaborate and support one another. It helps create a workplace where people feel heard, respected and valued, even when challenges arise.
For our families, it provides a shared language and approach. When schools and families work together through challenges, with a focus on understanding rather than blame, we create stronger partnerships that benefit our young people.
Trusting in Restorative Practices means trusting in the capacity of people to grow, learn and make positive choices. It means believing that mistakes do not define us, but the way we respond to them helps shape who we become.
At Pacific Lutheran College, we are committed to building a community where people feel safe to speak, courageous enough to listen and supported to restore relationships when challenges occur.
Mr Brett Kersnovske, Head of Middle College Student Engagement
From the Head of Student Engagement P-5
Building Friendships Together
Friendships are where children often experience their greatest joys, and some of their greatest learning. They help children feel a sense of belonging, provide opportunities to learn about themselves and others, and create shared memories. Like all important life skills, however, building and maintaining healthy friendships takes practice.
Nearly every parent has probably heard the words, "They're not my friend anymore!" as a child navigates the ups and downs of relationships. While we can't prevent every friendship challenge, we can help children develop the skills and confidence to navigate them with courage and respect.
In last week's Compass, our Director of Student Engagement reflected on the Pacific as a Peace Place data and shared many of the ways the College continues to strengthen students' sense of connection and belonging across all areas of school life. This week, we have been excited to build on that focus by introducing our Prep and Year 1 students to ‘Friendology’, with students in Years 2–5 joining the journey over the coming weeks during Assembly.
Through stories, discussions and practical strategies, students are learning that friendships aren't simply something we have, they are something we build. At Pacific, we believe that learning isn't only about academic growth. It is also about learning to be a supportive classmate and teammate, and a trusted friend. By working together with families, we can equip children with the confidence and skills to build friendships that are respectful, resilient and reflective of our College values.
Positive family communication begins with simple, intentional conversations. When children hear the same language at home about kindness, inclusion and respectful problem-solving, they are more likely to put those skills into practice.
Helping children become friendship problem-solvers
When your child shares a friendship challenge, try to:
Listen first without rushing to fix the problem.
Acknowledge their feelings: "That sounds really disappointing."
Ask, "What do you think you could do next?"
Remind them that friendships sometimes have "speed bumps" and that challenges are a normal part of learning to be a friend.
And, remember that there are wonderful staff here at Pacific, ready to support you in this process.
Mrs Ali Wedding, Acting Head of Student Engagement P-5
From the Head of Career Development
Careers News
Year 12 Tertiary Information Evening Recap & Key Next Steps
A big thank you to all Year 12 students and parents who joined us on Tuesday evening for the Tertiary Information Evening. As we prepare for the next important phase a reminder that QTAC Applications open on Tuesday 4 August 2026.
To keep things on track, here are some key actions we encourage you to start working on now and in the coming weeks:
Immediate Actions to Take Now
1.Check Your Learner Profile Log into the Student Portal and carefully review your Learner profile. Ensure all your completed qualifications and records are accurate and up to date. This step is crucial to avoid surprises during your QTAC application. Access Student Portal Here
2.Register for Your Unique Student Identifier (USI) If you haven’t already, register for your USI using a personal email. This identifier is essential for tracking your educational achievements for all future study and is required for your Tertiary Application. Register for USI Here
3. Explore Accommodation or Commuting Options Begin researching where you might live or how you’ll commute to your chosen tertiary institution. Planning ahead helps reduce stress as study begins.
Important Actions After 4 August 2026
4. Register for the ATAR Portal Make sure to register to receive your ATAR score as soon as it is released on 18 December. Register for ATAR Portal
5. Submit Your QTAC Application Complete your QTAC application as soon as it opens, and check if you’re eligible for any Early Offers. Please note that the QTAC Application fee is $75 until the 30 September and after this date it increases to $159. Submit QTAC Application
6. Complete the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) If applicable, be sure to complete your EAS application to support your tertiary admission an gain adjustment factors on your base rank.
During recent PD sessions, students were given a worksheet to assist in creating a Master List of course preferences, this includes not just your dream courses but also back-up options like Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and Tertiary Preparation Pathways. This strategy ensures you have multiple pathways toward your goals.
Key Dates to Remember
Early Entry Program Deadlines: Please refer to individual university websites for further details:
Open Day Dates
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Please ensure you book a Careers Appointment before the end of August to discuss your individual plans post Pacific.
As a courtesy, students must check with their teacher before missing all or part of a lesson to attend an appointment.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need guidance.
Let’s get ready for an exciting journey toward your future!
Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development
Food for Thought
The Power of Thoughts: Is that thought helpful?
When children face challenges, it is often not the situation itself that determines how they feel, but the way they think about it.
The CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) Triangle helps explain this connection. It shows that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all linked.
For example, if a child thinks, "I'm going to fail this test," they may feel anxious and avoid studying. If they think, "This test will be challenging, but I can prepare and do my best," they are more likely to feel confident and take positive action.
This is why teaching children to identify helpful and unhelpful thoughts is such a valuable life skill.
Helpful vs Unhelpful Thoughts
Helpful thoughts are realistic, balanced, and encourage positive action. Unhelpful thoughts are often extreme, negative, or focused on the worst-case scenario.
The goal is not to "think positively" all the time, but to develop thought patterns that help children cope, solve problems and move forward.
Why It Matters
Learning helpful thinking can assist children to:
Build resilience and confidence
Manage stress and anxiety
Persevere through challenges
Develop problem-solving skills
Recover more quickly from setbacks
This strategy can be useful when children are dealing with friendship issues, starting something new, preparing for exams, managing disappointments, or facing challenges in sport and extracurricular activities.
Supporting Your Child
When your child is upset or worried, try asking:
What are you telling yourself about this situation?
Is that thought helping you?
Is there another way of looking at it?
What would you say to a friend in the same situation?
These questions encourage children to pause, reflect, and consider a more balanced perspective.
Examples
Friendship Challenge
❌ "Nobody likes me." ✅ "I'm having a difficult day with my friends, but things can improve."
Upcoming Exam
❌ "I'm going to fail." ✅ "I can prepare, do my best, and learn from the experience."
By helping children recognise the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, we can equip them with skills that support their wellbeing, resilience, and success throughout their school years and beyond.
Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Counselling and Mrs Amanda Kratzmann, College Counsellor
College News
Subject Expo Evening
Year 9 2027 Subject Expo Evening
The Year 9, 2027 Subject Expo Evening will be held from 5:30pm – 6:30pm on Tuesday, 4th August in the Health & Fitness Precinct.
The evening will provide an important opportunity for all Year 8 students and their families to meet with Heads of Department and elective teachers to gain insights into course content in preparation for Year 9 elective subject selection.
Please note this evening is an exhibition of elective subject choices and there is no presentation, so families may arrive at any point during the event. Students do not need to wear their school uniform.
Year 8 2027 Subject Expo Evening
The Year 8, 2027 Subject Expo Evening will be held from 5:30pm – 6:30pm on Tuesday 4th August in the Health & Fitness Precinct.
The evening will provide an important opportunity for all Year 7 students and their families to meet with Heads of Department and elective teachers to gain insights into course content in preparation for Year 8 elective subject selection.
Please note this evening is an exhibition of elective subject choices and there is no presentation, so families may arrive at any point during the event. Students do not need to wear their school uniform.
Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Middle College
University of Queensland’s InspireU Extend Program
Kaelan’s Experience
Over the June/July holidays, I had the opportunity to attend the University of Queensland’s InspireU Extend program at the St Lucia campus. Throughout the week, I participated in lectures and workshops focused on applying to university, student life at UQ, and a range of topics related to health and medical science.
I chose the Health and Medicine stream because I am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The program gave me the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals across a variety of medical and allied health fields, ask questions about their careers, and gain a better understanding of the different pathways available.
Some of the highlights of the program included visiting the biomedical laboratories, participating in allied health rotations, and learning more about the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at UQ. These experiences strengthened my interest in studying medicine and gave me a greater appreciation of the opportunities available through university.
Beyond the academic experiences, one of the most rewarding parts of the program was connecting with a cohort of like-minded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from across Queensland. Through activities such as learning traditional dances, exploring Indigenous records in the UQ library, and participating in yarning circles, I had the opportunity to share my own culture while learning about the diverse cultures and experiences of others.
Overall, InspireU Extend was an incredibly valuable experience that increased my confidence about pursuing university and a career in medicine. I would strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are considering university to apply for future InspireU camps or similar programs. They provide an excellent opportunity to explore higher education, discover career pathways, connect with culture, and build lasting friendships.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Join us at the College on Friday 7th August 2026 for our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day.
The day will start at 8:05am in the Gymnasium with music from our College ensembles, followed by Prep – Year 5 Chapel led by our Prep students.
In line with Queensland's Child Safe Standards, all grandparents and special friends must be pre-registered this year via the free Event Tickets link. A ticket is required to take part in the day's activities. All visitors will be checked against our registration records on arrival, so please allow a few extra minutes for entry, and note that photography or videography of any child other than your own is not permitted.
Additional on-site parking is available this year, with a shuttle bus running from 7:45am to 8:30am and drop-off at the P–2 Zone recommended for guests with mobility concerns. Please see invitation sent earlier this week.
You're Invited | Pacific Tiny Homes Industry Launch
Building Futures Together
Are you involved in the construction, building, interior design, architecture, property, or real estate industry, or simply passionate about homes, design and innovation?
Pacific Lutheran College is excited to invite you to the official launch of Pacific Tiny Homes—an innovative new Senior College learning program commencing in 2027 that will see students design and construct a fully functional tiny home from concept to completion.
Date: Friday 28th August 2026 Time: 3.00pm - 5.00pm Venue: Moffat Beach Brewing Co., Production House - 51 Caloundra Rd, Caloundra West QLD Cost: Free Event
This unique project has been developed to provide students with authentic, hands-on learning experiences that bridge education and industry. Through Pacific Tiny Homes, students will develop practical trade skills, project management capabilities, design thinking, problem-solving and collaboration while working alongside experienced professionals from the building and construction sector.
We believe the success of this initiative will be built through strong partnerships with our local industry, and we would love you to be part of the journey.
Join us to:
Discover the vision behind Pacific Tiny Homes and how the program will operate.
Learn how students will engage with real-world building and construction practices.
Explore partnership opportunities for businesses and industry professionals.
Network with like-minded professionals who are passionate about developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
Find out how your expertise, products, services or mentorship could help bring this exciting project to life.
Whether you're a builder, tradesperson, supplier, designer, manufacturer or industry leader, your knowledge and experience can make a lasting impact on the learning journeys of our students.
Together, we can inspire young people, strengthen industry connections and build better futures - one Tiny Home at a time.
We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with you.
Ms Samantha Barrass, Community Liaison and Communications Coordinator
Library News
Write like an author School Holiday Workshops
Learn the secrets of writing great stories from an award-winning author. Write Like an Author is a popular school holiday program for young writers.
Held in a fun and supportive setting, this camp gives children the opportunity to develop and write their own stories with guidance from award-winning author Brian Falkner.
The camp will be held during the school holidays from Tuesday, September 29, 2026 to Thursday, October 1, 2026.
There will be:
A three day camp for children aged 9 to 14
A one day workshop for children aged 7 to 10 Young writers will learn:
How to come up with story ideas
How to plan and outline a story
How to create interesting, believable characters
The writing process, and how to turn ideas into finished stories
Plus they will make new friends and have plenty of fun.
Registrations: CLICK HERE. Places are strictly limited, so early registration is recommended.
NEW ONLINE OPTION For students who are unable to attend the camp in person, Write Like an Author Home Studio is now available. This online writing course is designed for ages 8 to 14, uses the same teaching methods as the camps, and is fully aligned with the school English curriculum. More information is available HERE
The PRC Race Continues!
Check out the amazing efforts of Prep H, finishing their Premier's Reading Challenge with 100% participation last week.
On Friday, Prep H enjoyed their class prize from the library team for all their great reading. We also have Prep T heading towards the 50% corner while 1S, Prep S and 1M are closely on their bumper. Heading towards the 25% corner we have 2G, 1H, 3E, 3CP and 3M. Keep reading and logging your reading experiences students.
The PRC challenge ends on 28th August with only 5 weeks left of this fun reading race.
Book Week Book of The Year
This term in library classes, P-5 students will be examining the nominees for the Book of the Year awards in the lead up to Book Week. This week, P-2 students read two of the nominees, The Colours of Home and Derek, and created their own picture of Derek the goldfish.
Ms Nell Keen & Ms Keiran Chandler-Pennisi, Teacher Librarian
Uniform Shop
Winter Uniform Reminder
All students in Years 6–12 are required to wear the College winter uniform.
For students in Years 6–9, boys are expected to wear the College tie as part of their formal uniform. In Years 10–12, boys should be in full winter uniform, including the College tie, trousers and blazer. Girls in Years 10–12 are also required to wear the College blazer.
Both zipper and traditional ties are available for purchase via Flexischools or in-store, along with trousers and blazers. Trouser socks, suitable for both male and female students, are also available from the Uniform Shop for wear under trousers.
Whilst in formal uniform, the College formal jumper may be worn if required. Please note that the College sports jacket is only to be worn with the sports uniform.
We appreciate your support in ensuring students present themselves with pride and in accordance with College expectations during the winter season.
Please refer to the Uniform Guide for images and guidelines for wearing the Winter Uniform.
Well Term 3 is now in full swing, as are the Friends of Pacific team in organising events for College.
The Friends of Pacific 25 Years of Pacific Trivia Night on Friday 21 August is fast approaching! Table names and creative themes are starting to come together and the excitement is definitely building.
As our major fundraising event for the year, this is one night you won't want to miss. There are still a limited number of tables available, so be sure to book yours soon. Don't have a full table of eight? No problem! Individual tickets are welcome, and we'll match you with other guests so you can enjoy a fantastic evening and put your trivia knowledge to test.
We're also seeking volunteers to help make the evening a success. If you can spare some time, we'd love your assistance with welcoming guests, selling raffle tickets, setting up, packing down, or helping with a few other tasks throughout the night.
We promise you'll have plenty of fun while supporting a great cause! If you'd like to volunteer, please CLICK HERE.
We are also seeking a musician/singer/duo who would be open to volunteering their services for a set on the night. Must be over 18 years. Please let us know if you are, or know someone, who is interested.
We now have tickets on sale for your chance to WIN some fantastic prizes in the Silver Scoop Raffle. Tickets will be available to purchase online up until 1.00pm on Friday 21st August. We will keep you updated on the many prizes up for grabs. Support the College and get involved - Purchase Tickets Here
Our FoP Car Park Raffle has now launched. You have to be in it to win it, and this is a pretty handy prize to have on those busy school mornings when a park in junior car park is like finding gold. Tickets are available HERE, and the link for this has now been fixed. The winner will be drawn on 4th August.
Remember if you have a spare half an hour on a Friday morning and are keen for a chat, a laugh, a great coffee, and to help out with ideas for school events, our FoP Coffee and Chat sessions are held on most Fridays at the school Coral Cafe at 8.00am. All welcome, come and say Hi!
Ordering is complete and gifts are starting to arrive for our FoP Father’s Day stall, to be held on Tuesday 1st September. It’s such a fun event to volunteer at, and we welcome all the help we can get on the day. Also, if you would like to help before the event, with unpacking, checking off gifts and pricing, please reach out.
A reminder that in September, we have Gala Day on the 17th, where FoP will be holding a BBQ/canteen and then the Senior Swimming Carnival on the 18th, where FoP are in charge of providing teacher morning teas and lunches on the day. If you are able to assist with either of these events, please volunteer or share the request on your child’s year-level Facebook page.
We are so grateful for the help FoP continue to receive from members of the college community. Whether you are a regular volunteer, help out where you can, or are brand new to assisting FoP, welcome, thank you, and we can’t wait to spend some time with you and continue to grow and foster our college.
Ms Jan Watman and Mrs Jane Hill, Friends of Pacific Co-Chairpersons
Sports News
Pacific Boardriders Club
Pacific Lutheran College will again offer the opportunity for students to be part of the Pacific Board Riders (PBR). The aim of the program is to provide an opportunity to develop individual surfing skills and grow the culture of surfing within the College. Due to stringent supervision and safety requirements, participation in the program will be capped at 24 students per session and will be dependent on individual competencies, including an ocean swim and board paddle, assessed by the teachers in charge. Students will also need to take part in a brief surf etiquette course run by Pacific teachers which focuses on surfing in large groups.
Please note: These Friday morning sessions are not a “learn to surf” program and parents will need to transport their child to and from these sessions.
Sessions start Friday 14th August (Conditions Dependent) If you are interested in your child being part of this program, please email: dhooper@pacluth.qld.edu.au for further details.
Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport P-6
Student Success
Waverly (Year 5)
Waverly recently trialed and has been selected to represent the U12 Sunshine Coast Hockey Association representative team to compete at the U12 Girls Southern Cross Hockey tournament held in Brisbane on the 9th August.
The Sunshine Coast Hockey Association is sending 2 teams of girls, and Waverley has been selected to be the Shadow on Team 1, and Centre Forward for Team 2. Waverley is the only 10 year old girl selected, and 1 of 2 girls selected to represent each team.
Well done Waverly.
Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport P-6
Under 10’s Basketball
What a fantastic first week for our new Under 10 teams at Caloundra Basketball. Starting something new is always a challenge but our players showed great resilience and had lots of fun in the process.
PANDAS vs Dribblers
The Pandas had the honor of being the first ever Under 10 team to play at Caloundra Basketball. A tightly contested game throughout with no more than a few points separating the teams for most of the game. However, it was the Dribblers who made the key shots late to win a nailbiter 18 to 12.
PYTHONS vs Kings
A tough introduction for the Pythons having to play an experienced Kings team. After struggling early, the boys showed tremendous perseverance and improved as the game progressed. Despite the 31 to 8 result, it was a really good game for the team to measure themselves against one of the best teams in the competition as they continue to improve.
PIRANHAS vs Celtics
A brilliant all-round team performance ensured the Piranhas led from start to finish. The Celtics refused to give in and kept challenging all game, but Pacific held on for a strong 22 to 11 victory and our first ever win in the Under 10 competition.
SCOREBENCH
Massive thank you to those parents who assisted with score bench last night. It is my hope that we rotate this responsibility around the parents in each team. If you are not sure how to score the best option would be to sit behind the score bench for a game to watch and learn. To give perspective, my 7-year-olds have done the iPad at a school tournament before, so you will catch on very quickly.
Mr Brad Burdon, Head of Department – HPE (P-9) & Teacher in Charge - Basketball
Club Sport
PLC Netball Club
SPORTING SUCCESS ACROSS PLC
It has been another exciting week of sport at PLC, with our students continuing to demonstrate teamwork, determination and school spirit both on and off the court.
Our PLC Netball Club enjoyed another successful weekend, with strong performances across all age groups.
Congratulations to our Angels, Patriots, Magic and Rebels on their impressive wins.
The Angels delivered an outstanding team performance, recording an incredible 18–0 victory, while all of our teams continued to show great improvement, resilience and teamwork throughout the round. It was particularly pleasing to see players embracing new challenges, supporting one another and putting into practice the skills they have been developing at training.
A special highlight of the weekend was our PLC Patriots, who were invited to play the half-time match at the Sunshine Coast Thunder home game. Playing in front of a large crowd was an unforgettable experience for our players and a wonderful opportunity to showcase their skills on a bigger stage.
The team represented PLC with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding sportsmanship, and we thank the Sunshine Coast Thunder for providing such a memorable experience.
It was another fantastic weekend for our PLC community, and we congratulate all of our players, coaches, managers and families for their ongoing commitment and support.
We look forward to another exciting round of netball this weekend.
The Dragonfish maintained their undefeated run with arguably their best team performance ever. Nambour were a fantastic little team and presented the boys with their biggest challenge yet.
A few crucial early saves from Nambour shots kept the boys level in the early half. Late in the half the Dragonfish hit their stride going in with a 3-nil advantage at the break. The goals continued to flow in the 2nd with some high-level pressing football paying off. Final score 8-0
Opposition Player of the Match
Jackson - his strength on the ball and positional play in midfield was noted by the opposition coach.
Team Awards
Hendy - continues to improve his teamwork and passing.
Henry - did a great job playing back in defence and made a number of crucial clearances.
Cooper - great again in midfield but earns this award for his early saves in goal when Nambour had us under the pump.
U9 Wahoos – Manager Stephanie
When the Wahoos win, they win big!
The Wahoos came away with an incredible 8–5 victory over the Stella Avalanches in what was surely the most gruelling match of the season. It was a high-energy battle from start to finish, and the team showed great determination, teamwork and resilience to get the win!
There were plenty of awards to hand out this week, with Max taking home Player of the Match for a strong performance and his best game of the season so far!
We also had some fantastic individual awards to celebrate:
Ballon d’Or: Levi, for his incredible skills and an impressive hat-trick!
Defence Master: Alex, for his outstanding defensive efforts
Super Goalie: Noah W, for another fantastic performance between the posts
Sportsmanship Award: Reed, for showing what it means to be a great teammate and sportsman.
And a special mention to our other goal scorers on the weekend: Munro, Noah H and Sonny!
What a game, what a team, and what a win! Well done, Wahoos!
U14/15 Sharks - Manager Samantha
Woohoo The Sharks had an awesome game winning 1 - 0!
All players locked in with amazing foot skills and lots of talking. With the ball in possession 85% of game with the Sharks and only 1 sub, the boys were on fire!
Bring on the next game....
COMING UP
1 August - Round 16 away games
15 August – Home Games - Round 18 + End of Season Presentations
Families of Pacific Lutheran College are invited to join the community of St Mark's Lutheran Church, 14 Bombala Terrace, Caloundra, this Sunday at 9.00am.
As part of our seasonal journey, Growing Space for Faith and Community, this Sunday's theme is "Enough to Share". Through the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, we discover that when we place what we have in God's hands, there is always enough. Jesus invites us to share not only food, but also kindness, encouragement, hope and friendship.
As a practical response to this Sunday's message, families are invited to bring a ready-made lunch pack for Mission Possible to support local families impacted by domestic violence. A simple paper or reusable lunch bag filled with non-perishable items such as a muesli bar, crackers, tuna/salmon, fruit cup, biscuits, juice box and similar lunch items can make a real difference to someone facing a difficult time.
During worship we will also celebrate the Baptism of Jesse Graeme Zweck, giving thanks for God's gift of new life and warmly welcoming Jesse into God's family. We rejoice with Jesse's parents, Mel and Chris, and with his grandparents, including Sue Zweck, a valued member of the Pacific Lutheran College staff.
Children are also invited to participate in St Mark's Makers, adding new leaves to our Living Cross as they reflect on the question, "What can I share this week?" Each leaf reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness, generosity and friendship helps God's love continue to grow.
Following worship, everyone is welcome to stay for morning tea and friendship.
Whether you're part of our regular community, connected through Pacific Lutheran College, or looking for a welcoming place to worship, we'd love to welcome you.
Sunday Worship: 9.00am
St Mark's Lutheran Church
14 Bombala Terrace, Caloundra
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.
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.
