Compass No. 817

Being able to see needs and have impact is something that people of all ages and circumstances can enable. Having the belief and the courage to respond to the needs we see around us opens up possibility. This week on assembly we have heard how two of our Year 10 students have each seen a need and had impact. Eva saw a need for advice in regard to female teenage health and has developed a new privacy first companion app, called Dotti. Dotti supports women’s health, keeps their data secure, is based on Christian values and preserves the dignity of women. Jessica who has a passion for supporting the education of youth across the world, recognised that student’s engagement in learning can be limited through their access to stationery and resources. When in Year 9, Jessica worked with various groups including Men’s Shed to have street libraries pop up across the Sunshine Coast. She also connected with Stationery Aid and became their ambassador and has spent time this year visiting various schools on the Coast having them join in providing activities that provide essential school resources to enable young people to learn and thrive. 

During Chapel this week, our Year 6 students reminded us that God has given each of us gifts that we can use to improve the lives of people and the planet. Simple things of extending a voice of welcome or appreciation, including people in activities or celebrating small changes can have a significant impact. We do not need to know where a whole journey might take us but having the belief and courage to step into a space of need, opens possibility. Trusting that God walks with us, equipping us as we step, no matter our age or experience, enables us to bring hope and new growth. 

Teachers have huge impact that flows through generations and ripples across communities. This week on World Teachers’ Day we celebrate the generosity and capability of our teachers to inspire and grow young people across all dimensions of life. We are blessed to have a team of teachers who share the partnership with parents to walk with young people, invested in seeing them grow richly and fully through all the rhythms of life. We celebrate and thank our teachers for all they are and give each day to make a difference for young people, their families and this community. 

Thank you for the time given in the preparation and support of the celebration of our shared journey on Sunday. I really appreciated the afternoon, your presence and thoughts and the enormous amount of work and care that went into its preparation and running of what was a warm celebratory event despite the inclement weather. I hope as a community we have a strong sense of a shared journey where we have each played and continue to play our part in shaping a learning community that is transformational no matter our length of time. Thank you for the part you have played and the care you have shown. I am sorry I did not get to speak to each of you individually but look forward to doing that in the coming days and weeks. It was a special afternoon for my family and thank you to the many of you who made them feel welcome. Thank you to Mr Mark Altmann the College Council Chair, Mr Jarrod Bleijie Deputy Premier of Queensland and local member, Rev Ben Hentschke, First Assistant Bishop LCAQD and Mrs Tanya Crooks Executive Director Lutheran Education Queensland for their kind words. Thank you to past and present staff, students and parents as well as Principals, colleagues from within education and other organisations and the secret committee and large number of helpers for making it a very memorable way for us to celebrate our journey together with people within and beyond our community. I am deeply grateful and am looking forward to a strong finish to the year where we continue to walk together through God’s grace. 

We wish our Year 12 students all the best as they now engage in their external exams. We pray that God would give them calm and focused minds. 

Middle and Year 10 students will be preparing for their end of year assessments. We encourage young people to focus on understanding and growing their capability to prepare for major assessments that include learning how they deal with and make good decisions under time pressure. Effective approaches to study and learning will ensure that outcomes follow. This includes a steady progressive approach using the resources provided by teachers with a focus on using techniques to support the building of connections and recall. Summaries, mind maps, Cornell notes and flash cards are helpful strategies for students. Reflection on what has worked best, enables young people to build their skills and self-awareness helping them to grow capability. Families are encouraged to sit with their young people and plan for routines that enable good focused and balanced study to occur. 

We wish our Pacific Pulse team all the best for tomorrow as they lead the annual surfing event for local schools at Currimundi. We also wish our Junior Basketballers all the best as they compete in their division of the Champions Schools of Brisbane Queensland competition over the weekend on the Gold Coast. 

We thank God for the opportunity to learn and grow together. We thank God for the teachers He has brought into this community and we pray that He would give them joy and a strong sense of vocation and fulfilment

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal 

One of the biggest questions young people ask themselves is “Where do I fit in?” This question can arise at school, in the family, among friends, and in the community itself. Young people may wonder whether they are accepted, whether their lives have purpose, whether they have something valuable to contribute, or whether anyone truly understands them. 

The story of Samuel (1 Samuel 3) offers a clear message of hope. It reminds us that we do not have to have everything figured out before God can begin working in our lives. God sees our potential, calls us into relationship with him, and gives us opportunity to make a meaningful difference.  

Samuel was young. He was still learning. He did not immediately recognize God’s voice. Yet, God called him by name. This says to all young people; “You are seen. You are valued. You have a place. And your life can make a difference.” 

Samuel was just learning to serve faithfully where he had been placed when God called him. Even though Samuel did not understand what was happening, he was willing to respond.  

Many young people today may feel that they have little to offer. They might not know what career to pursue, what gifts they possess, or what direction their lives should take. They may feel overshadowed by others or uncertain about their identity and future. 

Your worth is not based on comparison with others. You are a person of dignity, created for relationships, growth, love and service. You may not know yet where you fit in, but that does not mean you have no place. Sometimes, discovering your place begins with trusting that you are already seen and valued by God. 

Eli played an important role in helping Samuel recognize God’s call. This shows that we are not meant to discover our place in life entirely on our own. We need people to guide us, encourage us, and help us recognize the possibilities within us. Therefore, at Pacific we seek to create a community where young people are listened to, encouraged, and given opportunities to contribute. 

Samuel simply said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” He invites us to make room for a different voice, the voice of God who calls us towards truth, love, justice, courage, compassion, and faithful service. Listening to God is about developing a relationship with God through prayer, scripture, reflection, and wise conversation with trusted people of faith.

Discovering where you fit in is not only about finding a job, a group of friends, or your place in society. It is also about discovering how your character, abilities, relationships and choices can serve a meaningful purpose. Just take the next step with an open heart, a listening spirit, and a willingness to grow. 

By responding to God’s call, Samuel’s life became part of God’s continuing work among the people of Israel. He was called into a story that involved the well-being and future of his whole community. In the same way, discovering where we fit in includes discovering how we can contribute to the lives of others.  

Young people have much to offer their families, schools, churches, workplaces and communities. They bring fresh questions, new ideas, creativity, energy, and perspectives that elders may overlook. They can help communities imagine better futures. They can challenge unfairness, build bridges between people, care for the vulnerable, and develop new ways to address old problems. 

So, to every young person wondering, “Where do I fit in?” remember this: You do not have to become someone else to have value. You do not have to know your future to take a meaningful step today. And you do not have to wait until you are older to make a difference. There is room for you to grow. There is room for you to learn. There is room for you to contribute. There is room for you to become the person God is calling you to be.

May you have the courage to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” and the confidence to believe that your life, your gifts, your relationships and your choices can become a source of hope and blessings for others. You are seen. You are valued. You have a place. And your story is still unfolding.

Pastor Mark Winter, College Pastor 

As Term 4 moves towards its finish, our classrooms are full of children who have grown enormously as readers this year. Our Prep students are matching sounds to letters, our middle years are tackling chapter books, and our Year 5s are reading to learn, not just learning to read. The summer holidays are a well-earned rest, and they are also a chance to hold on to those gains.

What is the “summer slide”?

Research suggests that when children go for a long stretch without practising their reading, their skills can stall or dip a little. This is often called the “summer slide.” It tends to affect younger readers most, because their skills are still being consolidated, and it can be more noticeable for children who don’t have regular access to books at home.

Please don’t be alarmed. A small dip is normal, and children bounce back. The fix is simple: a little reading, most days, goes a long way.

Why it matters

Reading is like a muscle. Regular practice builds fluency (reading smoothly and with expression), vocabulary and comprehension. Children who read for enjoyment over the break return to school in Term 1 more confident and ready to learn, and that confidence matters as much as the skill itself.

Holiday Reading Ideas 

Prep to Year 1: Read together every day. Let your child read to you, take turns with pages, or simply enjoy a story at bedtime. Revisit favourite books as often as they like. Re-reading builds fluency and confidence.

Years 2 to 3: Mix it up with picture books, comics, joke books, simple chapter books and non-fiction about topics they love. Ask them to tell you what happened or what their favourite part was.

Years 4 to 5: Encourage independent reading and let them choose. Graphic novels, magazines, series and non-fiction all count. Try a family “book club” where everyone shares what they’re reading over dinner.

Make it a game

Reading doesn’t have to mean sitting quietly with a book. Games are a great way to sneak in practice, and children often don’t realise they’re learning at all.

Prep to Year 1

• Sound and word hunt: Pick a letter or sound for the day and spot it on signs, cereal boxes and shopping dockets. Younger children can point and say the sound, while confident readers can read the whole word.
• Rhyme time: Take turns coming up with rhyming words, silly or real. Reading rhyming books together makes this even easier.
• Story stones or toy theatre: Use toys or drawn pictures to retell a favourite book, then make up a new ending.

Years 2 to 3

• Reading bingo: Make a simple grid with squares such as “a book with an animal on the cover,” “a book that makes you laugh,” “a book set at the beach” or “read to someone younger.” Cross off squares as you go.
• Word detective: Collect interesting or tricky words from books, then use them in a sentence at dinner. Who can use the most by the end of the week?
• Dress-up reading: Read a story aloud using different voices for each character. Bonus points for costumes.

Years 4 to 5

• Book cover challenge: Choose a book based only on its cover, then rate how well it matched your guess.
• Scavenger hunt: Create a list of things to find while reading, such as a book with a map, a character with your name, or a book with a one-word title.
• Create a trailer: Film a short “movie trailer” for a favourite book to share with family and friends.
• Be the author: Write a different ending, a diary entry from a character’s point of view, or the next chapter.

For the whole family

• Family read-aloud: Choose a chapter book and read a chapter each night. Everyone takes a turn, and the “cliffhanger” at the end of each chapter keeps them coming back.
• Board game and card game reading: Reading instructions, cards and rules is real reading. Games like Scrabble, Boggle, Uno and Story Cubes are great for this.
• Treasure hunt: Write clues for each other and hide them around the house or backyard. Reading to find the “treasure” is highly motivating.
• Read and bake: Let your child read the recipe and lead the cooking. Reading, measuring and following steps all in one.

More easy ways to make it stick

• Visit the library. Many local libraries run holiday programs and let children borrow plenty of books for free.
• Read anywhere. In the car, at the beach, under a tree, in a blanket fort.
• Let them choose. Interest drives effort. A book about sharks beats a “worthy” book they don’t want to open.
• Model it. Children notice when the adults around them read.
• Talk about it. A simple “What do you think happens next?” builds comprehension without feeling like homework.
• Count other reading. Recipes, signs, menus, game instructions and subtitles all help.

Keep it fun

If reading becomes a battle, step back. Audiobooks, reading aloud to a younger sibling or a pet, and shared reading all keep children connected to stories. Joy is what turns a child into a reader for life.

Happy reading.

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

Imagine standing at the beginning of a new journey. Ahead of you are different pathways, each leading towards opportunities, experiences and possibilities you may not have considered yet. Some students can already picture the career they want to pursue; others are still discovering their interests, strengths and aspirations. Both are perfectly valid starting points.

As our Year 11 and 12 students look towards 2027, now is the time to turn possibilities into plans. Whether your next step involves university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, a traineeship or entering the workforce, there are many ways to build a meaningful future. The key is to explore your options, ask questions and take advantage of the opportunities available to you.

Scholarships: Investing in Your Future

The cost of further study can be a consideration for families, but financial support may be available. Scholarships can recognise academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, sporting achievements or personal circumstances. Importantly, not every scholarship requires an exceptional ATAR. Some are designed to support students who have experienced financial hardship or educational disadvantage.

Here are several opportunities for students considering university in 2027.

UniSC High Achieving Student Program – $5,000

Students completing Year 12 in Queensland in 2026 who achieve an unadjusted ATAR of 90 or above, or an International Baccalaureate score of 35 or above, may be eligible for a $5,000 scholarship when commencing an eligible UniSC program in 2027. No separate application is required. UniSC must be the student's first QTAC preference by 12 noon on 21 December 2026, and other eligibility requirements apply.

Explore the UniSC High Achieving Student Program

UniSC Scholarships and Bursaries – Closes 30 November 2026

UniSC offers a broad range of scholarships recognising academic achievement, leadership, sporting excellence, community service and individual circumstances. One application covers most undergraduate scholarships and bursaries, making this an excellent opportunity for eligible students to investigate.

Explore UniSC scholarships and apply

University of Queensland – Academic Scholarships

UQ's Vice-Chancellor's and Excellence Scholarships recognise academic achievement and provide financial support for eligible students commencing undergraduate study. One application covers both awards. The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship offers $12,000 per year for up to five years to eligible recipients, with particularly high academic requirements.

Applications close 20 November 2026.

Explore UQ academic scholarships

University of Southern Queensland – Excellence Scholarships

UniSQ offers excellence scholarships for eligible school leavers commencing an undergraduate degree. The Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship is aimed at students achieving an ATAR of 90 or above, while the Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship recognises students achieving an ATAR of 98 or above. The current listings show a closing date of 30 June 2027.

Explore UniSQ scholarships

Griffith University – Brighter Futures Scholarship

These scholarships support eligible students whose educational opportunities have been affected by financial hardship, disability, educational disruption or other disadvantage. Awards range from $5,000 for a year of study to larger amounts for eligible degree-length scholarships.

Round 1 closes 21 December 2026 at 4.00 pm.

Explore Griffith Brighter Futures scholarships

Families should check each university's official website for eligibility requirements, scholarship values and application conditions, as some awards require separate applications while others assess eligible students automatically.

Beyond University: Every Pathway Has Potential

For students considering a different direction, apprenticeships, traineeships and vocational qualifications offer valuable opportunities to combine practical learning with recognised training. Queensland school-based apprenticeships and traineeships can allow eligible students to begin developing workplace skills while completing school.

Explore Queensland school-based apprenticeships and traineeships

Year 11 students can use this time to research careers, check university prerequisites, investigate work experience and speak with people working in industries that interest them. Year 12 students should review their QTAC preferences, confirm entry requirements and record important application deadlines.

Take the Next Step

Successful career planning is not about having every answer today. It is about making informed decisions, remaining open to opportunities and understanding that there may be several routes towards the same goal. A Plan B is not a sign of reduced ambition; it is evidence of thoughtful preparation.

Before the end of term, challenge yourself to research two possible pathways, investigate financial support and identify one practical step towards your future. The Careers Team is here to help you navigate these decisions and discover opportunities that align with your strengths, interests and aspirations.

Your future is full of possibilities. Start exploring them today.

Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development

We recently came across a great article on the website of parenting expert Maggie Dent, which is full of helpful resources for parents and carers. The article explores why tweens and teenagers can be particularly drawn to the online world and offers practical ways families can support them. 

The tween and teenage years are a time of change, learning and growing independence. They are also a time when friendships, belonging and discovering a sense of identity become especially important. 

In her article “Why Big Tech targets our 10–15-year-olds – the window of sensitivity”, Maggie explores why features such as endless scrolling, autoplay and notifications can be particularly compelling for young people. She also discusses how online content and social pressures can affect their wellbeing and sense of self. 

Maggie reminds us that adolescence is also a time of enormous potential. Young people can develop skills, explore interests and build confidence through activities they enjoy. Parents and carers can support them by encouraging real-world friendships, hobbies and regular opportunities to connect as a family. 

Her message to families is a reassuring one: there is plenty we can do, and there is no need for blame or guilt. Open conversations, clear boundaries and genuine connection can all help young people navigate the online world. 

Key ideas for parents 

Keep the conversation open 

Ask your child what they enjoy watching or doing online, as well as whether anything has made them feel uncomfortable, worried or left out. Listening calmly and without judgement can help them feel safe coming to you when they need support. 

Make a family technology agreement 

Discuss expectations together, including when and where devices can be used, which apps are appropriate and what to do if something upsetting happens. The eSafety Commissioner has family tech agreement resources to help families start the conversation. 

Consider when to introduce a smartphone 

Maggie encourages families to delay giving children an internet-enabled smartphone for as long as practical. If a child needs a way to stay in touch, a phone or watch with calling and messaging functions may be an option. 

Review privacy and safety settings together 

As your child begins using devices and apps, explore the available privacy settings, discuss who can contact them and show them how to block or report concerning content. Revisit these settings as your child grows and starts using new platforms. 

Help children question what they see 

Talk about how online images may be edited or filtered, how content can be created to attract attention, and why not everything shared online is accurate. Encourage your child to pause and ask: Who made this, and why might they want me to see it? 

Make space for connection and interests offline 

Friendships, family time, sport, creative activities and other hobbies give young people opportunities to build confidence, practise skills and develop a sense of belonging.

Source: Summary adapted from “Why Big Tech targets our 10–15-year-olds – the window of sensitivity”, published on Maggie Dent’s website: 31st August 2026. The website lists Carmen Myler as the person who posted the article. 

Read the full article on Maggie Dent’s website. 

Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Counselling and Mrs Amanda Kratzmann, College Counsellor

Show you support by wearing a splash of read with your College uniform on Friday.

Get ready to add a splash of colour and make a difference! Highlighter Day supports local children across Australia by helping provide the school supplies they need to learn, grow and thrive. 

Show your support by wearing your brightest fluoro accessories and help us make learning brighter for every child. 

Together, we can make a colourful difference!

Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Student Engagement

Mrs Elise Black, Head of Department – Visual Arts

Next week at the Prep-Year 5 assembly, we will celebrate the reading success of our Prep-Year 5 students. As a community of readers, we had 132 students complete the Premier's Reading Challenge. 

A shout out to 2 classes - Prep H and 2E who had an amazing 100% participation. This achievement reflects the wonderful efforts of the students, parents, teachers, and school officers who all play a part in celebrating reading at Pacific!

Rain, Rain Go Away? Our Prep students have been wishing for the rain, after exploring their design thinking through the lens of an everyday object – the umbrella. This term during library lessons, students have put their knowledge into practice by creating miniature umbrellas to keep their teddy bears dry. Check out these amazing prototypes.

Ms Keiran Chandler-Pennisi, Teacher Librarian

Please refer to the Uniform Guide for images and uniform expectations. 

Uniform Shop bookings can be made HERE 

Uniform Shop Operational hours:

• Monday – Thursday 8.00am-10.30am
• Tuesday afternoon 2.00pm-4.00pm

Parents and families are also able to order uniform items through our online ordering system, FlexiSchools. Orders placed online through FlexiSchools will be delivered to your child’s class teacher (for primary students) or PCG teacher (for secondary students). To access our Flexischool Uniform Shop, click here.

If you have any queries, please contact me on 5436 7349 or pking@pacluth.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Peta King, Uniform 

FoP Teacher Appreciation Coffee

A little coffee, a BIG thank you! 
Friends of Pacific would love to say a big THANK YOU to all our wonderful Pacific teachers for everything you do for our students and College community! 
As a small token of our appreciation, FoP is shouting all teachers a FREE coffee next week! 
Simply drop into Coral Cafe and enjoy a well-deserved coffee on us!
Thank you for all the care, dedication and passion you bring to Pacific every day. We appreciate you!

Ms Jan Watman and Mrs Jane Hill, Friends of Pacific Co-Chairpersons

Congratulations to Year 7 student Corbin on his outstanding success at the Matt Fiddes Mixed Martial Arts 2026 Australian National Championships, held on Saturday, 24th October, at Palmview State Secondary College.

The annual championships brought together students from across Australia and New Zealand, providing an opportunity to showcase their martial arts skills, dedication and confidence while representing their local schools. 

The event was also honoured by the presence of Grand Master Matt Fiddes, who travelled from the United Kingdom to attend.

Competing in the 12-year-old male blue-to-red belt division, Corbin delivered an impressive performance, earning four medals across the competition:

• Gold: Hand Drills
• Gold: Sparring
• Silver: Board Breaking
• Bronze: Kata

This is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful reflection of Corbin’s hard work, commitment and perseverance.

Congratulations, Corbin! The Pacific Lutheran College community celebrates your success and looks forward to seeing you continue to grow and achieve in your martial arts journey.

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

Planning has commenced for the 2027 season. Current players will be contacted shortly regarding the 2027 season and Expressions of Interest are open to new players from U6-U16/17 and Seniors.

Upcoming Working Bee Pacific FC Working Bee 

Saturday, 15th November – Fill out form HERE

Expressions of Interest – open for new players who wish to play in 2027 

Pacific FC New U6-U16/17 + Seniors - Expression of Interest for 2027 – Fill out form HERE

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

Mrs Rita Williams, Pacific FC President

God Goes With Us – St Mark's Lutheran Church

Families of Pacific Lutheran College are invited to join the community of St Mark's Lutheran Church, 14 Bombala Terrace, Caloundra, this Sunday, 1st November at 9.00am.

God Goes With Us

Matthew 28:18–20 – “I am with you always.”

Life is full of new beginnings, unexpected challenges and steps into the unknown. This Sunday we hear one of Jesus' most comforting promises: “I am with you always.”

It's a wonderful reminder for children and adults alike that wherever life takes us, whatever challenges we face, we are never alone. Jesus promises to be with us, guiding, strengthening and loving us through every season of life.

Celebrating Ricky's Baptism

This Sunday we are especially delighted to celebrate the Baptism of Ricky Zweck, giving thanks for God's gift of new life and welcoming Ricky into God's family.

We share this special occasion with Ricky's family, including his grandmother, Sue Zweck, a senior staff member at Pacific Lutheran College.

Baptism is a beautiful reminder of God's promise to claim us as his own and hold us in his love throughout life's journey. What a wonderful promise for Ricky and for each of us: God goes with us!

St Mark's Makers – God Goes With Us!

Children are also invited to participate in St Mark's Makers, exploring Jesus' promise through a creative, hands-on activity.

Together they'll discover that whether we're at home, at school, with friends or facing something new, Jesus promises to be with us always.

Morning Tea and Friendship

Following worship, everyone is invited to stay for morning tea and friendship — a relaxed opportunity to enjoy a cuppa, catch up with friends, meet someone new and celebrate Ricky's baptism together.

Whether you're part of our regular community, connected through Pacific Lutheran College, or simply curious about faith, there is always a warm welcome and a place for you at St Mark's.

Sunday Worship: 9.00am
St Mark's Lutheran Church
14 Bombala Terrace, Caloundra

29-1 Nov CBSQ Junior Basketball Yr 7-8

30      Pacific Pulse

30      Day for Daniel

November

26Oct-17 Yr 12 External Assessment

2 -3  Instrumental Tutors Concert

4      Yr 5&6 Instrumental Concert

5      Instrumental Tutors Concert 

5-6   Yr 3 Camp

10    Yr 3&4 Strings Concert

11     Prep Family Connect Evening

12     Yr 4-6 Gala Day

13     Wear Fluro like a Highlighter Day

16-20 Yr 10 Exams

17     Friends of Pacific

18     Jnr Ensembles Concert

19     Yr 4-6 Sports Awards

19     Yr 7-12 Sports Awards

19      Yr 12 Graduation

20      Yr 12 Farewell Chapel

20      Yr 12 Formal

25      Yr 9 Leadership Day

25      Rite Journey Homecoming

26      Uniform Shop Close

26      Prep-2 Swimming Carnival

27      K-5 Carols

30      Prep-5 Closing Service

December

1      Yr 6-12 Closing Service

1      Term 4 Concludes

18    PLC Office Close

January 2027

4      OSHC & PLC Office Opens

5      ELC Office Opens

11    Uniform Shop Opens

22    Prep Orientation

22     Yr 1-6 Meet your Teacher

22     All yr 7 & new 8-12 PCG Afternoon

27     Academic Year Commences

27    Yr 6-12 Commencement Service

27    New Student ID photos

28    Yr 3-6 swimming trials

29    P-5 Commencement Service