Compass No. 734

When we engage in creative thinking or activities our brains light up. We become more centred and more aware of possibilities. Bringing creative thinking into challenges we encounter develops critical thinking and grows our capacity to innovate and problem solve.  Being open to creatively engage with challenges, enables us to engage with complexity and uncertainty. Creative engagement in productive struggle, supports our emotional development in enhancing our flexibility, adaptability and resilience. Where we have the space to bring our creativity into our learning, work and leisure there is a greater engagement, motivation and sense of purpose. It is fun!

Being creative sparks energy and joy. God made us as creative beings and placed us in a playground of his creations. He encourages us to see the wonder of creation and the possibilities that sit within every day. We have the freedom to explore, learn and create. I wonder what can be new and different in our days today?

The joy of creativity was evident as the P-5 staff and students enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book character on Monday of this week. Inspiring a love of reading opens up whole worlds, sparks imagination and is important for our social emotional and intellectual growth. We thank our library staff and teachers for continuing to spark a love of reading and to our parents for being a supportive and central part of the journey.

The creativity of our adult community was clearly on display at Friday night’s Battle of the Bands Trivia night. It was a lot of fun where we couldn’t resist singing out loud the missing lyrics. Thank you to everyone in our community who helped make it such a great night. Thank you to our talented Master of Ceremonies, Scott who kept the night rolling and provided us with great questions to solve as teams. Thank you to the Friends of Pacific team for their leadership, to Mr Steve Rattey for IT support and the members of our Rock Band and Mr Paul Cusick for providing great background music as tables were decorated. Thank you to our sponsors that included major sponsors, Moffat Beach Brewing Co, Brilliance For Business, Amber Werchon, Laserzone, Jetts, Number, Words n Works and the Gourmet Fudge Company. The generous support of all of our sponsors and community members is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to the Wiggles Admin team who won both the best dressed table and the competition as a whole. Thank you to everyone for making it such an enjoyable night.

Families of Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students should have received the paper copy of their children’s Naplan results in the mail this week. All cohorts performed above national means for all sections of the test with the exception of Year 9 Spelling and Grammar and Punctuation. There were many students across all cohorts who showed outstanding growth and performed very well on the tests. The College uses these results as part of the evidence to track cohort growth in the learning of particular skills and the individual growth of students. It was particularly pleasing to see the strong performance in writing across all cohorts which has been a focus of the College.

Families will receive an invitation from MMG to participate in the College’s whole school review. These whole school reviews led by external consultants are conducted every three to four years and provide the opportunity for all parents, staff and Year 5-12 students to provide feedback and contribute to the College’s improvement strategy. We thank our community in advance for taking the time to complete this important survey.

We look forward to welcoming back our Year 6 students at the end of the week. All of the photos and feedback have suggested that they have had a great time as they have learnt more about our political system, history, science, the development of elite athletes, and how Australia’s coins and notes are made. The experience has provided important opportunities for social and emotional growth and for relationships to strengthen. We thank Mr Paul Brace for his organisation and leadership and Mrs Melanie Percival, Ms Sophia Rule, Mr Stuart Pohlner, Mr Tim Barrett, Mr Robert Belchamber, Mrs Lisa Muir, Mrs Sharon Middleton, Mrs Karen Vorster and Mr Darren Hooper for their leadership of this valuable experience.

We look forward to celebrating the special role that Dads and men play in our families and in our community next week on Thursday 29th August at the Dads’ Breakfast.

May God open us to flourish through the creative moments that pop into our lives each day.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

In recent years, research has confirmed that providing students with meaningful feedback can significantly enhance their learning and achievement. It has a significant influence on students' academic success. Positive feedback has the power to initiate further action, and improves both teaching and learning. Feedback and instruction are intertwined. It is as important as instruction because it gives new information about students' understanding of a fact or achievement of a skill. Feedback provides new information specifically related to the task or process of learning that fills a gap between what is understood and what is aimed to be understood. Hence, feedback is an essential part of effective learning. It helps students understand the subject better and gives them clear guidance on how to proceed with their learning. At Pacific, we strive to create a culture of feedback in many ways, including student work samples on Seesaw.

Effective feedback is:

• Constructive - relevant to the nature of the task and focused on growth in learning.

• Timely - given while the assessed work is still fresh in a student’s mind before the student moves on to subsequent tasks.

• Meaningful - is directed to the student, targets their individual needs, and is linked to learning intentions and success criteria.

From Prep to Year 5, teachers will post annotated work samples and rubrics on Seesaw for Mathematics, English, and Science this term. These samples will give parents ongoing feedback about how their child is working towards, working at, or beyond a sound standard of achievement in the curriculum- ACARA v9.

At Pacific, it is essential to understand that documentation of a representative sample of this feedback using Seesaw supports students and parents/caregivers in engaging with the learning process as it is happening.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5

Mrs Beattie, Mr Learoyd and Mrs Sanmarco are here to help students navigate their career paths and achieve their full potential. To book an appointment with one of the team please follow the link.

VET Qualifications – Costs

A reminder for students that choose to study multiple VET qualifications, that government funding only allows for one free course. If you are planning to undertake a 2nd or 3rd VET Qualification, it will be a fee for service arrangement. The enrolment and payment of these fees is directly arranged between the Registered Training Organisations (RTO) and the parent/guardian. Please note this does not include the Certificate II Hospitality Course delivered by PLC, however, does apply to the Certificate II Sport Coaching & Certificate III Fitness.

Please referr to the link here for funding information.

Sunshine Coast Trade Training Centre – August Information Evening and 2025 Enrolments Due

Information Evening Thursday 29th August 2024, 5:00pm – 6:00pm- First round Friday 30th August 2024

SCTTC will be hosting an information evening on Thursday 29th August at 5:00pm -6:00pm, 40 Bower Street, Caloundra. This is a good opportunity for students interested in a 2025 enrolment and their parents to tour the centre and gain an overview of the courses on offer at SCTTC. Their certificate courses provide Year 11 and 12 students with valuable skills through industry recognised practical training and work place links in their chosen field.

Certificate II Automotive Vocational Preparation

Certificate III Aviation (Remote Pilot)

Certificate I in Construction

Certificate II Electrotechnology

Certificate II Sustainable Energy

Certificate II Plumbing Services

Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

School Holiday Programs

Griffith University | Year 12 Academic Bootcamps during School Holidays - September 16th to September 26th, 2024

Griffith’s Academic Bootcamps are highly effective four-day courses run in the September school holidays, designed to help Year 12 students achieve their full academic potential in their final external exams. They aim to improve confidence and understanding in senior science and maths subject areas, reducing anxiety around assessment and preparing students for future tertiary study.

On-campus subjects

• General Maths

• Math Methods

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Biology

• Psychology

Online subjects

• General Maths

• Maths Methods

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Biology

Find out more

The University of Queensland-UQ | InspireU STEM Camp during School Holidays - September 15th to September 20th, 2024

The InspireU STEM Camp allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 11 or 12 in 2024 to join a week-long camp to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics study options and careers. The camp is perfect for students planning on going to university to explore what degree to study and build their knowledge about university life. The program exposes you to various career and study options at UQ. You’ll be given a holistic experience of university life, which is delivered in collaboration with current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students, UQ’s faculties and industry partners. You’ll attend jam-packed, engaging sessions with a hands-on components.

You’re eligible if you:

• are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent

• are enrolled in high school at the time of application

• are enrolled in ATAR subjects and eligible for an ATAR score

• have a school attendance rate of 90% or greater.

You will:

• participate in a week-long on-campus residential camp

• attend engaging sessions to further understand STEM disciplines

• take part in practical, hands-on experiences

• explore UQ facilities and services

• connect with current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students

• meet fellow high school students.

Find out more

SAE Institute | Open Day 2024, Brisbane- August 24th, 2024

Come along to SAE’s Open Day and find your future in creative media! Open Day is your ticket to everything SAE – get a taste of our courses in workshops, explore activations on campus and get some hands-on experience with our state-of-the-art facilities.

Find out more

Whitehouse Institute of Design | Open House 2024, Brisbane- August 24th, 2024

Are you excited by design and dreaming of a creative career? Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia invites you to Open House, a day where you can explore our courses and the endless possibilities within the world of design. Explore your study options, meet our incredible team, and tour Whitehouse’s unique facilities. Whether you’re interested in Fashion Design, Interior Design or Creative Direction and Styling, this is your chance to see what Whitehouse has to offer.

Find out more

CQU | Engineering and Aviation Webinar- August 26th, 2024

Join us for the CQU Engineering and Aviation webinar. Discover the dynamic career of an engineer, where you will develop creative and innovative solutions for our modern day society. Learn about our diverse course options, majors, pathways and more. If Aviation is in your sights, you can expect to hear about two career trajectories – either a pilot or an airline and airport operations expert. Learn about the course structure, residential schools, the career possibilities and more.

Get your questions answered by our course experts and the CQU Support Squad!

Find out more

CQU | Diagnostic Imaging Webinar- August 28th, 2024

Join us for the CQU Diagnostic Imaging webinar, specifically exploring our career-ready Echocardiography, Medical Imaging and Sonography courses. Enjoy a career where you can help people using cutting edge technology. Our diagnostic imaging courses are designed alongside industry and involve extensive work placements. Hear how this means you’ll get the practical experience you need to graduate job ready in your chosen stream. Get your questions answered by our course experts and the CQU Support Squad!

Find out more

Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development

As parents, we all want the best for our children, and one powerful way to support their emotional development is through the Circle of Security. This concept, grounded in decades of research on child development, offers valuable insights into how we can foster secure, healthy relationships with our kids. Here’s a closer look at what the Circle of Security is and why it’s crucial for your child’s growth.

What is the Circle of Security?

The Circle of Security is a visual model (below) that represents the fundamental needs of children and the role of parents in meeting those needs. It’s based on the idea that children thrive when they feel securely attached to their caregivers. This model helps parents understand and respond to their child's emotional needs effectively.

At the core of the Circle of Security are two primary needs: exploration and security. Children need a safe base from which they can explore the world and a secure haven to return to when they need comfort or reassurance. Imagine the Circle as a protective boundary that surrounds a child, offering both a space to grow and a safety net for when they feel overwhelmed.

Why is the Circle of Security Important?

1. Promotes Healthy Emotional Development: When children feel secure in their relationship with their caregivers, they are more likely to develop positive self-esteem, resilience, and emotional regulation skills. This security helps them feel confident enough to explore their surroundings, take on new challenges, and build healthy relationships with others.

2. Enhances Parent-Child Relationships: By understanding the Circle of Security, parents can better recognise their child’s needs and respond in ways that strengthen their bond. For instance, when a child seeks comfort, parents can provide reassurance and support, reinforcing their role as a reliable source of security.

3. Reduces Behavioural Issues: Children who feel secure are less likely to exhibit behavioural problems. When their emotional needs are consistently met, they are more likely to manage frustration and stress effectively, leading to more positive behaviour and a more harmonious home environment.

How Can Parents Apply the Circle of Security?

1. Be Attuned to Your Child’s Needs: Pay attention to your child’s signals and respond promptly to their need for comfort or exploration. This responsiveness helps build a secure attachment.

2. Offer Comfort and Reassurance: When your child is upset or scared, provide comforting words and physical closeness. Your presence reassures them that they are safe and valued.

3. Encourage Exploration: Allow your child to explore their environment and try new things, knowing they have a safe base to return to. This balance of exploration and security is key to healthy development.

Incorporating the Circle of Security into your parenting approach can make a profound difference in your child’s emotional well-being. By being a responsive, supportive presence, you help your child navigate the world with confidence and security.

Image from: https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/circle-of-security-model/what-is-the-circle-of-security/

Mr Brendan Macaulay, Head of Student Support

Next week, from Monday, 26th August to Friday, 30th August, Queensland will observe Road Safety Week.

As we prepare to head to school each morning and return home in the afternoons, let's take a moment to reflect on the responsibility we share when navigating the roads, pathways, and bikeways around our College.

These routes are used not only by our students but also by the wider community. Next week serves as a timely reminder that we all have a duty to use them safely and correctly. Students are encouraged to cross roads at designated zones, wear appropriate safety gear, and always double-check their surroundings before stepping off footpaths or refuge islands. Parents, your support in reinforcing these safety messages is greatly appreciated.

For parents and guardians commuting by car, please use the designated drop-off and pick-up points in the Senior and P-2 car parks. Woodlands Boulevard and Red Cedar Drive are no stopping zones and should not be used for pick-up or drop-off. To ensure the safety of all students, please enter the appropriate car parks for these purposes and comply with Queensland road rules.

Book Week

Book Week commences every year with the announcement of the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year Awards. Over this term, students in Years P-6 have been exploring some of these titles and deciding on their favourites. The winners are:

Book Week Activities

Each day in the library an activity was offered based on the Book Week theme – Reading is Magic. Activities were very popular, with long lines of students waiting to get in. On Monday, students and staff showed off their costumes and had their photo taken in our photo booth. Tuesday, we got very messy making potions, using ingredients such as mermaids’ tears (vinegar), pearl dust (bicarb soda), dragons’ blood (water with red colouring), crushed diamonds (citric acid), sea foam (shaving cream) and fairies’ wings (flower petals), students made potions that fizzed and foamed and changed colour.

On Wednesday we made magic wands, decorated with ribbons and rhinestones and on Thursday we used ice-cream sticks and paper to craft a rabbit coming out of a magician’s hat. Friday is our magic show, where students can show off a magic trick they have practised and win prizes. There will be card tricks, rope tricks, coin tricks, but thankfully no sawing anyone in half tricks.

The return of the library's escape room has sparked excitement among our young bookworms, inviting fans of wizarding worlds to crack puzzling challenges inspired by the legendary Harry Potter adventures. Our young Harry Potter’s fans tried to solve the riddle so they can get into Hogwarts and escape the gargoyles.

Ms Nell Keen, Teacher Librarian

Mrs Helen Williams, Head of Instrumental Music

You're invited to Art and Film Night, an exciting evening when parents, carers, friends, and students can experience the creativity of our Pacific Lutheran students. On Thursday, September 5th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, join us in the Art Gallery and Art Courtyard to view an inspiring collection of Year 6-12 artworks and Year 8-12 films. Entry is by gold coin donation. While you enjoy the showcase, the Paco Taco food truck will be on-site, and delicious options will be available for purchase. Remember to register here!

Mrs Lara Masselos, Head of Department - Film, TV & New Media (Acting)

Two Volunteer Opportunities

Father’s Day Stall will be held on Tuesday 27th August.

Our Father's Day stall is next week. Reminder for your child to bring a bag to keep the gift a surprise.

Classes will be allocated timeslots throughout the morning of Tuesday 27th August.

Come and be part of the fun.... volunteering involves helping the younger students pick those special gifts... sign up here if you can help - https://volunteersignup.org/78LRQ  

Seeing all the smiles and chatting to the College students is so rewarding.

Gala Day Thursday 5th September – Merdan Plains Fields

Volunteers for BBQ and selling Drinks – if your child is attending why not help for an hour or two.

REGISTER HERE https://volunteersignup.org/WQDK7

Battle of The Bands Trivia Night

Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors, Volunteers, and College Families!

Friends of Pacific recently hosted our highly successful major fundraising event for the year - Battle of the Bands Trivia Night. We couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our sponsors, volunteers, and families. Your contributions, both big and small, played a crucial role in making this event not only a night to remember but also a meaningful success for our college community.

To set the scene for the night the College Rock Band entertained us while tables were being decorated and guests arrived in their amazing outfits. Our MC, Scott, thank you for your many hours of preparations of the trivia questions and music, you kept us on track for the night and entertained us – challenging trivia questions, games, fines, and also dance offs!!

To our sponsors, your generosity allowed us to offer the vast array of raffle, silent auction and a live auction prizes - This was instrumental in enhancing the experience for everyone involved, and we are deeply grateful.

To the parents, staff and families of our students, your enthusiastic participation, whether through donating, volunteering, attending, or spreading the word, was vital. Your commitment to our college and its activities is what makes our community so special. Your encouragement and involvement in events like this help foster a vibrant, supportive environment for our students to thrive.

Thank you for standing by us and for believing in the importance of nurturing creativity and community spirit at Pacific Lutheran College. Together, we have not only raised funds but also strengthened the bonds that make our college such a wonderful place. We look forward to your continued support in future events and endeavours.

Finally to our “Roadie Crew” – you were awesome!!!

We will be sharing photos in the coming week – so make sure you like our page – Friends of Pacific

Thanks again to all our Sponsors, special mention to;

Moffatt Beach Brewing Co, Brilliance For Business, Amber Werchon, Laserzone, Jetts, NumberWordsnWorks and Gourmet Fudge Company.

Click here to follow our Friends of Pacific Facebook page.

Ms Jan Watman, Friends of Pacific Chairperson

Competitive Sports News:

Rugby:

This week marked our 5th round of competition with our Year 7s competing at Matthew Flinders College and our Year 8s at Sienna College. Our Year 7s continued to grow in skill and confidence, competing against a very skilled and well drilled Flinders side. Our girls should be proud of their growth and confidence in the game thus far this season. Our Year 8s continued their competitive streak so far this season, posting a convincing win against St Teresa’s College, 42 – 0. The girls backed this up with a close game against an undefeated Sienna side, defeating them 10-7 in a nail-biting finish! Well done to both our girls teams who are playing and representing PLC with integrity and pride. I look forward to again hosting games against St Teresa’s at PLC next week!

Mr Josh Cummins, Head of Rugby

Touch Football:

It was a big night for our touch football teams with all teams having to play multiple games in one night. A special mention goes to the Intermediate A Boys and Intermediate A Girls for playing a whopping 3 games across the evening. We had most teams pick up some handy wins which puts them in great stead coming up to the final round. Congratulations to the Junior Boys B2 and Intermediate B2 Girls team for winning both their fixtures. The Intermediate A Boys, Junior A Boys, Senior Girls and Intermediate B1 Girls look like they will be playing finals this season and we wish them all the best in their upcoming fixtures.

Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Head of Sport

SCISSA Gala Day 3- 5th September 2024

The SCISSA Gala day competition involves eight independent schools across the Sunshine Coast. Students participate in short round robin fixtures at a range of locations here on the Sunshine Coast. In preparation for this event, students have been attending regular training sessions on Mondays and Thursdays and they have participated in trial games against other SCISSA schools.

Date: Thursday 5th September, 2024

Time: 8.10am – 3.00pm (Students need to arrive at school no later than 8.10am and meet on the front Gymnasium courts)

Transport: Bus

Supervising Staff: Year 4 & 6 Teachers, Aides and Sports Coaches.

Cost: The cost of this activity has been included in the composite fee.

Uniform: On the day, students will need to wear their specific sports team uniform and PLC sports hat. Football boots, shin guards if needed should be packed in their bag and not be worn until students reach the venue.

Required: Home packed morning tea and lunch (nut free) and water bottle.

Games are scheduled to finish by 2:00pm and all students will be back on campus by 3:00pm for normal afternoon dismissal.

The venues for sports this term are as follows. Parents are welcome to spectate at the following sports except for dance.

DANCE

Dance students will participate in dance workshops both here at PLC and Encore Dance, Warana. They will need to wear their full sports uniform and bring morning tea and lunch.

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport P-6

Sunshine Coast School Sport will use the upcoming All Schools Triathlon & Aquathlon to select regional teams. These events will be held at Lake Kawana, Sportsman Parade, Bokarina QLD 4575 from Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 October 2024. For further details please check the following;

Registration by October 9th: https://www.triathlon.org.au/qld/allschoolstriathlon/  

Queries: qldtriathlon@nxsports.org     or 1300 282 949

Mrs Lisa Muir, Sports Administrator

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.

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. As we do this, there are still physical distancing, and hygiene requirements we need to follow to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our community.

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.

All are welcome at any of our services.

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church (0429 856 532 or lutherancaloundra@gmail.com)

August

18-23 Yr 6 Canberra Trip

19-23  Book Week

20       Friends of Pacific

26-29  Yr 12 Mock exams

27        FoP Father’s Day stall

28           P-2 Athletics Carnival

29        Celebrating Dad’s Breakfast

30        Staff day / Student Free Day

September

2 – 6      Yr 12 Mock exams

5            Art and Film Night

5           Yr 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day 3

11-15     CBSQ Seniors Basketball

12         Senior Ensembles Concert

13         K-12 Chapel

13         Term 3 concludes

30          Staff day