COMPASS NO 303 | MAY 2013 Being Just Being just requires courage, wisdom and compassion. It means we have the capacity to discern what is right and good for ourselves and others. Many times knowing what is right is clear, for example when people speak badly about others or hurt people or animals, it is clear that we need to stand up and ensure the behaviour stops. At other times, choices can be less clear. In those moments of both certainty and uncertainty, it is important that we have learnt ways of thinking about different issues. Progressively we develop a moral compass. Through dialogue and observation, our capacity to discern can grow. However, just like a magnetic compass, there needs to be a firm reference point that keeps us knowing where we are. God, through the Bible, provides us with that reference point. He advocates that being kind is part of being just. Best news of all, He tells us that through faith we all are justified. That is, we all are made right with God through faith in Him. This is good news worth living and sharing. It adds humility, compassion and celebration to our compass. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Principal’s Log Last Friday we held a chapel to thank Pastor Rick for his services in his official capacity as Congregational Pastor. It was a warm celebration of the gifts that he has brought to this community and the wider Lutheran community. As the congregational Pastor, he was one of the leading people in the establishment of Pacific. As Foundation Pastor of the college, he had a firm commitment to working in partnership with others to build a community where relationships were strong, people were valued and people both young and old had the opportunity to grow in their understanding of Jesus’ love for them. His warmth, compassion and capacity to develop relationships with people was and continues to be greatly valued. Pastor Rick was innovative and always willing to try new ways to make the Gospel both accessible and understood. As part of this, he won a Ruth Murray Scholarship to study the benefits of meditation and shared these learnings with the
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COMPASS NO 303 | MAY 2013
Being Just
Being just requires courage, wisdom and compassion. It means we have the capacity
to discern what is right and good for ourselves and others. Many times knowing what is
right is clear, for example when people speak badly about others or hurt people or
animals, it is clear that we need to stand up and ensure the behaviour stops. At other
times, choices can be less clear.
In those moments of both certainty and uncertainty, it is important that we have learnt
ways of thinking about different issues. Progressively we develop a moral compass.
Through dialogue and observation, our capacity to discern can grow. However, just like
a magnetic compass, there needs to be a firm reference point that keeps us knowing
where we are. God, through the Bible, provides us with that reference point. He
advocates that being kind is part of being just. Best news of all, He tells us that through
faith we all are justified. That is, we all are made right with God through faith in Him.
This is good news worth living and sharing. It adds humility, compassion and
celebration to our compass.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Principal’s Log
Last Friday we held a chapel to thank Pastor Rick for his
services in his official capacity as Congregational Pastor. It
was a warm celebration of the gifts that he has brought to this
community and the wider Lutheran community. As the
congregational Pastor, he was one of the leading people in
the establishment of Pacific. As Foundation Pastor of the
college, he had a firm commitment to working in partnership
with others to build a community where relationships were
strong, people were valued and people both young and old
had the opportunity to grow in their understanding of Jesus’
love for them. His warmth, compassion and capacity to
develop relationships with people was and continues to be
greatly valued.
Pastor Rick was innovative and always willing to try new ways
to make the Gospel both accessible and understood. As part
of this, he won a Ruth Murray Scholarship to study the
benefits of meditation and shared these learnings with the
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NO 303 | MAY 2013
Pacific and wider Lutheran community of Australia. Pastor
Rick greatly appreciated the gifts from classes and pastoral
care groups, taking the time to acknowledge each class. The
gift of a copy of the colourful cross that he first bought for the
college was also greatly appreciated by him. Thank you to Mr
Dennis Mulherin, Assistant Director, who spoke on behalf of
Lutheran Education Queensland, Mr Brendan Delaney who
spoke on behalf of staff, foundation senior student Kade
Savage who spoke on behalf of students and Pastor Paul
Smith for his organisation of the service. The good news is
that Pastor Rick will continue to visit the college as a pastoral
friend.
Sunday’s Open Day was a great success. Staff, students and
parents all played their part to have the heart, mind and soul
of Pacific shining through. Thank you to our students for their
support in leading tours, being part of performance groups,
preparing and serving food, and completing academic work.
Thank you to our staff for the considerable time spent in
leading groups or displays, and to our parents for the BBQ,
support of performance groups and changing routines to have
the students present. Well done and thank you to everyone.
May God grant us the wisdom and compassion to grow to be
truly just.
Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal
………………………………………………………………………..
Daily Bread
A simple summary for the big picture . . .
My training to be a Lutheran pastor included seven years of
study. Imagine if that could be summarized into a few words!
The seven years of my training was centered on knowing the
message of the Bible, so we set about learning and reading
the original languages that the Bible was written in.
But there is a summary of the whole message of the Bible, and
it is written in the Bible itself. In the Old Testament book of
Micah, we read, “What is good; and what does the Lord require
of you … To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk
humbly with your God?”
These three short summary phrases invite a lifetime of learning
and reflection. They are three phrases of “doing” faith, not just
“thinking” faith. They describe a life caught up into the heart of
God - for God is just and kind and good. We know this
because God not only invites us to “walk” with Him, but God
has come to walk with us in the person of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ.
God bless you as you learn to walk by faith.
“What is good; and what does the Lord require of you . . .
To do justice,
and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6: 8
Pastor Paul Smith
………………………………………………………………………..
From the Head of Senior
School Students
Opportunities
This week, I asked students on assembly whether they have
been watching the television show, The Voice. Have you
watched this currently popular television show?
The Voice so far has showcased the musical talents of a
number of individuals Australia wide. I am not an avid viewer
of the show, but what captured my attention was the concept
of individuals taking the risk to perform in a blind audition;
then if selected, they are given the opportunity to be mentored
by a coach to build on their musical talents. In our
community, students have many opportunities to give things a
go and are mentored by others (peers, staff or others in the
community) to build on their God-given talents.
Similarly to this television show, there have been many
afternoons where I will be working on things and then hear
beautiful vocal harmonies emanate from the Music block; Bye,
Bye, Birdie… or the sounds of instruments…. I have no idea
who is singing what part or who is playing what instrument,
but what I do know is that these Pacific students have
demonstrated initiative, attend practice and work towards
building upon and refining their God-given talents in the music
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NO 303 | MAY 2013
area under the direction and guidance of staff (such as Mr
Simpfendorfer and Mrs Delaney for the musical). What you
will not see around the college though is Mr Simpfendorfer or
Mrs Delaney swiveling on big red chairs. HOWEVER, you will
definitely see staff listening to, supporting, providing direction
to, and mentoring students amongst other things to pursue
personal excellence.
How can you be involved? We encourage the community to
come and enjoy the musical. Tickets are selling fast for the
musical, so to avoid missing this opportunity, please purchase
these as soon as you can.
Over this term, I will continue to highlight the different areas of
the college where students have opportunities to make a
difference (both for themselves, for others and the
community). It is making the effort to be present (ie. deeply
connected and involved), that makes ones presence a gift to
others.
Uniform
As we change over to winter uniform, we have reflected on
assembly and in pastoral care on the college’s uniform
expectations which are outlined in the Student Handbook
(Middle/Senior College). I have been impressed by the
majority of students who are making positive choices in
regards to wearing their uniform with pride. This week at
assembly, I thanked the senior students and reminded them
about wearing blazers to and from school, to assemblies and
to chapel with their formal day uniform. Male students should
also be wearing ties. During the day, they are able to take off
their blazer and store them in their lockers.
A reminder also, that shoes for sport and Health and Physical
Education classes need to be recognised running shoes that
provide arch support and suitable grip for the playing
surface/activity. Skate, dance, dress and tennis shoes with
flat soles are not permitted. A preference is for non-marking
shoes. If there are any inquiries, please contact Mr Gary
Graves, Head of Sport and Physical Education.
Year 12 Formal Group Photo
All Year 12 students please note the following date for your
formal group photo:
Tuesday, 21st May 2013
Students who have other commitments on this day are
requested to make arrangements so that they are able to be
at this photo. The photo time will be communicated in the
coming week. Please note this time, the photo will be taken
at the allocated time, as students will be required to arrive
promptly to ensure inclusion in this photo.
Have a great week.
Miss Kim Stone, Head of Senior School Students
………………………………………………………………………..
From the Head of Teaching
and Learning K-5
NAPLAN
Next week from Tuesday to Thursday, students in Year 3, 5, 7
and 9 will be tested in Literacy and Numeracy - NAPLAN.
Some students may find the tests a little bit stressful. Teachers
are encouraging all students to give an answer to every
question and to be positive about the experience.
I would also like to remind students and their parents to make
sure they have a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast in
the morning.
Students will be able to think more clearly if they are well rested
and well-nourished each day before they sit the tests.
It is also important that students arrive at the college on time.
This will also help them feel more relaxed.
The tests are a useful snapshot, a one-off assessment that
allows the college to review our teaching and learning
programs at a whole school level, but also to look at the
individual growth of each child.
Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Teaching and Learning K-5
………………………………………………………………………..
From the Head of Staff and
Students P-5
Walk Safely to School Day
Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual, national
event when all primary school children will be encouraged to
walk and commute safely to school. This year, all students at
Pacific are encouraged to participate in this event. The walk is
a community event seeking to promote road safety, health,
public transport and the environment. By walking to school, you
will get some great exercise and quality time with friends, as
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NO 303 | MAY 2013
well as reducing traffic congestion and pollution around the
school.
It will be held throughout Australia on Friday, 24th
May.
If possible, parents are invited to join with their children in
walking all or part of the way from home to school on Friday,
24th
May. Walk and Talk . . . If you feel you live too far away to
walk from home, then meet at Oakdale Park, in Oakdale
Circuit, Currimundi and join us for a short 850m walk from
there. Mr Druery will be there to meet you at 8.00am, for an
8.05am departure. To ensure the safety of our students, we
ask that children are accompanied by a parent / carer where
possible.
Allergy Awareness Week
Allergy Awareness Week will be held from 13th
- 19th
May. At
Pacific in Years P-5, we have a number of students who can
suffer from life threatening allergic reactions when exposed to
peanuts or nut products. A number of students also can suffer
severe allergic reactions caused by other allergens including
insect bites and a variety of other food products. In the case of
peanuts and nut products, avoidance of the food trigger is the
only way to prevent a reaction. With the increased emergence
of serious allergic reactions amongst children, this issue
impacts on the entire college community. It is requested that
parents do not send nut or peanut products of any kind to
school with their children. Examples of products that
contain peanuts are Peanut Butter/Paste, Nutella, Peanut
Bars and some muesli bars and health bars. Please read
food labeling to ensure that foods sent to school do not contain
peanuts.
Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5
………………………………………………………………………..
Students of the Week
Stars of the Week - This Week Monday, 6th May
Prep Danny Howard Chelsea Rowe
Daniel Sommerville Ella Nolan
Year 1 Grace Lackie Amity McGregor
Year 2 Zoe Allen Ayla Sheridan
Allegra Pollack Jonti Fisher
Year 3 Deyna Lumkes Noah Elsing
Jack Miller Isobel Hughes
Sophie Hughes
Year 4 Holly Hurd Finghin Quilligan
Dayfdd Thomas Sara Allen
Charlize Gibbs Indie-Mae Temenes
Kye Evans
Year 5 Lily Croke Lleyton Quirey
Charlie Punter Kassidy McAuliffe
Brooklyn Graves
………………………………………………………………………..
You Can Do It Awards
This week Monday, 6th May
Confidence: Ariana Costa
Persistence: Kellen Owen-McEvoy
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NO 303 | MAY 2013
…………………………………………………………………..
Bye Bye Birdie
BYE BYE BIRDIE
IS COMING TO THE EVENTS CENTRE
Friday, 17th and Saturday, 18th May
HURRY . . . LAST DAYS TO BOOK
Phone: 5491 4240 or contact www.theeventcentre.com.au
Friday, 17th
May 7.30pm
Saturday, 18th
May 1.00pm
Saturday, 18th
May 7.30pm
………………………………………………………………………..
School Photos
Prep - Year 5 Monday, 20th May
Years 6-12 Tuesday, 21st May
Every child has received an envelope to place
his/her order for individual class photos. If you
would like a family photo to be taken (families
with two or more children), a family envelope
can be collected from Miss Sainty in the office.
A reminder that these envelopes are to be returned to the
school office PRIOR to the photography day (by Wednesday,
15th
May) as these envelopes must be sorted prior to
commencing to photograph.
Each child must have a completed envelope, even if you are
paying for more than one student in one envelope. Envelopes
are not to be placed inside other envelopes. Student
order/family envelopes found placed inside other order
envelopes will often result in that student missing their portraits
as they will not be discovered until after the day of
photography.
YEARS 6-12: When filling out your envelop, “Roll Class” is
your Year level and class (eg Year 8A - not Mumba 1).
The photographers have an automated system for payments by
credit card. You can go online to www.advancedlife.com.au for
easy to understand payment instructions. You will receive a
receipt number which MUST be written on the order envelope
in the space provided. You can also make payments by cash,
cheque or money order.
Students are required to wear FULL DRESS UNIFORM on
either Monday, 20th
May or Tuesday, 21st May.
………………………………………………………………………..
Student Travel Rebates
Semester 1, 2013
Bus Fare Assistance
Does your child attend a school outside the Brisbane City
Council boundary?
Does your family spend more than $22/week* on fares to
and from school (* $17/week if you hold a concession
card)?
Does your child travel on a publicly available bus not owned
or associated with the school?
Students with Disabilities
Does your child have a verified disability that requires
transport assistance to and from school?
Has your school’s learning support teacher assessed your
child’s travel capability rating as ‘semi-independent’ or more
dependent?
Visit the following website to see if you qualify for financial
assistance to help with the cost of transport and apply at
www.schooltransport.com.au by Friday, 31st
May 2013.
Late applications cannot be accepted.
………………………………………………………………………..
Maths Moment
Maths Tutoring
The college wants to support students academically so once
again tutorials are offered for students in Years 7 to 12 who
2013 PLC Annual Golf Day Sunday, 19th May 2013 – 11.00am shotgun start
4 Ball Ambrose Event – at Club Pelican, Pelican Waters
COME ALONG AND HAVE FUN! The Golf Day last year was a great success – so come along and share the fun at the world class Greg Norman designed Club Pelican Golf Course (ranked best course on the Sunshine Coast). Like last year, there will be great prizes, raffles and extra fun challenges on various holes. The cost is just $90 per player (18 holes at Club Pelican normally costs $110 per player!) and includes:
All sorts of fabulous prizes for winning teams, closest to pins, longest drive etc. etc.
Meal provided and PLC Golf Day show-bag (with lots of goodies)
Motorised golf carts with complimentary tees and scorecards
Golf carts have colour GPS system measuring distances from tee to green
Free use of practice putting green, driving range and range balls
On course “Drinks Cart” for food and drink purchases
Pro Shop for equipment purchases such as balls, gloves etc.
Clubhouse facilities with fully licensed bar.
BE A SPONSOR! Hole Sponsorship ($550) includes hole sponsorship / signage and includes a team of four. Your company name and logo will also be included in all marketing material. Contact us for further details.