Learning through Service
Service, the selfless act of giving, loving others and making a difference, is an underlying core value of Lutheran education and as such, forms an important part of Pacific Lutheran College’s ethos and education practice. At Pacific, students learn about service through serving others in a range of contexts and practical activities. Reflection and analysis are an important element of service learning as it allows students to make meaningful connections, develop deep understandings and evaluate ways they can make a real difference.
Service is deeply integrated in Pacific’s curriculum, across all levels of the College community, providing rich experiences for students. The Christian Studies program incorporates a range of ‘living and learning’ topics, which teach students about civic responsibility and encourages them to get involved in their local community. Service learning also includes a social justice element. A major activity of the College is The Cambodia Project. Every two years, students from Years 10-12 have the opportunity to participate in a service learning / study tour to Cambodia. On the trip, students learn about poverty and development issues and connect with the Lutheran Church and other non-government organisations. Students across the College also learn about Cambodia and raise funds to support development work in the region.
At Pacific we aim to embed Lutheran Education Australia's vision for service learning across the College by encouraging staff and students to value service as a lifelong pursuit. We believe in respecting the dignity and valuing the humanity of people.
Other service learning opportunities at Pacific include:
- Organising events and activities through membership of student leadership groups
- Collecting for the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal and donating food and household items for those in need in our local community.
- Honouring the sacrifices of Australia’s servicemen and women through participating in Anzac Day commemorations.
- Visiting and building relationships with residents at local aged care facilities including Caloundra’s Centaur community.
- Raising funds to support various charities.
- Service activities organised as a response to specific needs (for example, assisting with the clean up after floods in the Lockyer Valley and Bundaberg).
- Participating in the disabled Surfers Events
- Kids in Action, Containers for Change
- Attending Australian Lutheran World Service Awareness Day to learn about social justice issues and following this up with action as appropriate.
- Assisting with Open Day, Middle College Orientation Day, Grandparents Day, Pacific’s OCEANfest and other College events.
2023 GRANDPARENTS DAY | Please enjoy this video of our special morning celebrating grandparents and special friends. During our morning Chapel we showed our appreciation to the significant role our grandparents play in our lives. Grandparents and special friends visited classrooms, enjoyed morning tea and a musical performance while students were able to spend time sharing their Pacific learning journey. We thank our grandparents for their unconditional love, support and wisdom and for being a valuable part of the Pacific community.
Service Learning
Encouraging students and staff to value service as a lifelong pursuit.
Academic, Music and Performing Arts
The College participates in a range of academic, music and performing arts cocurricular activities.
Outdoor Education
Nurtures the development of self-confidence, resilience, problem solving, supported risk taking, communication and teamwork skills in a practical outdoor setting.
Sport
Pacific aims to develop fitness, a sense of personal wellbeing, physical prowess and confidence as well as instill a sense of enjoyment, commitment, sportsmanship, courage and resilience in their young sportsmen and women.
