Compass No 396 | September 2015
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COMPASS NO 396 | SEPTEMBER 2015 Voices of Hope When we think back over history and identify those who were able to lead others forward, the voices that made a difference were those who could identify a better future and communicate a message of hope. Napoleon Bonaparte captured this in his phrase, ‘Leaders are dealers in hope’. We are drawn to follow those who can inspire a sense of a better future. This does not involve having a ‘Pollyanna’ approach to life. We look to those who engage in the messiness of life, recognise issues to be resolved and have the capacity to share and engage in a hope-filled way forward. Jesus is and was a great hope giver. He lived the messiness of human life and suffered great pain for us, so that we might have the hope of eternal life. His voice was one of hope and offered better ways for humanity to live. His two great commandments were that we love God with all our heart and we love our neighbour as ourselves. As we lead ourselves, our families, our co-workers and community members we pray for the wisdom to lead in a hope-filled way. ……………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………… Principal’s Log As we draw to the end of the term, we celebrate all that has been achieved and the growth that has been supported. Through engagement with academic learning, cultural experiences, sporting activities, outdoor education experiences, community events and the devotional life of the college, we have all grown through the benefit of being part of a community committed to shaping better futures. I thank all staff, students and parents for what they have contributed to collectively shape an experience that is much richer than the sum of the individual parts. We congratulate the Maryborough Technology team who represented themselves and the college extremely well over last weekend. They were awarded the Solar Car Champion trophy and the solar boats also performed well, even though the sun didn’t provide the hoped for energy. COMPASS NO 396 | SEPTEMBER 2015 Our hybrid vehicle came second overall and the girl’s human governance responsibility, the College Council is chartered to powered vehicle completed more laps than the previous year. “actively accept responsibility for and take action to support, They expect to raise over $3300.00 for Motor Neurone develop and review the performance of the principal”. Disease. The team members are to be congratulated on their designs, the way in which they gave spirited support to our Thank you to all staff (teaching and non-teaching), parents college teams and teams from other schools and their hearts and students who have willingly participated in the recent for making the lives of others better. We thank the parents for Principal Appraisal process. Dr David Bliss, Executive their support and Mr Ian Learoyd, Mr Ben Dutton and Ms Director of Lutheran Education Queensland, Dr Dolling and I Marnie Finter for their leadership. Congratulations to everyone recently met to discuss the results of the survey. David for an outstanding experience. commented the response rate to the survey was good and that the results are an accurate reflection of the broader views Ms Karen Schultz, Ms Michelle McMillan and Mrs Jo Bailey in our community. will be taking long service leave next term. Mr Damian Davis, Ms Kim Stone, Mr Brett Jones and Mrs Andrea Burnett will be It is my pleasure to report that the results of the survey returning from long service leave. We thank Mrs Jacqui indicated very strong support for the leadership of Dr Dolling, Layfield and Ms Michelle McMillan for very capably fulfilling as an educational leader and in her passion and visible the roles of Acting Head of Senior College Students and example of Christian leadership through her relationships with Acting Head of Wira House respectively. Staff, parents and students, staff and parents. The quality of the learning students benefitted strongly from the care and support environment at the college was also recognised as well as the provided by both Mrs Layfield and Ms McMillan. We also commitment to improvement and the strength of our vision thank Mr Darren Lawrance who has capably taught humanity and educational direction. We can indeed thank God for the subjects across the Middle and Senior College in the absence blessing of Dr Dolling for the strength, energy and passion of Mr Brett Jones, Mrs Allison Dunn who has, in a very caring she brings to our college and her approach to the community. way, strongly supported the learning of the Year 4 students I feel confident that in the pursuit of excellence, Dr Dolling and and Mrs Jodie McMah who very capably filled the role of the College Council will take on board the feedback from the teacher aide in the absence of Mrs Burnett. Mrs Helen survey, which indicated areas the college would benefit from a Nitschke will teaching Christian Studies and SOSE across the greater focus. There was encouragement to continue Middle and Senior College and Ms Sonia Shin will teach enhancing the breadth and depth of the educational offerings Japanese across Prep to Year 5. at the college, maintain and build on the good relationships We thank God for all the blessings He has given this both within and beyond the college, including the importance community over the term and pray that He would enrich and of the student voice and further develop the worship life of the refresh us all over the coming holiday break as we have a school, including the relationship with St Mark’s congregation. change of rhythm. We pray for God’s continual guidance as we strive towards Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal providing a rich, passionate and caring environment for the pursuit of excellence in the educational and personal ……………………………………………………………………….. development for all in our community. Ruth Zerner, College Council Chair Not Returning in 2016? ……………………………………………………………………… Families who are not returning in 2016 are reminded that they will need to give notice of this by 9.00am on Tuesday 6th From the Head of Staff and October to avoid late notice penalties. ……………………………………………………………………… Students P-5 Thank you to all parents and families for their support and From the College Council involvement in the Prep – Year 5 area of the college this term. Your support and involvement is greatly valued and welcomed Greetings to all in the Pacific community. Although it is not by the children, staff and the entire college community. After often you hear from us, I wanted to take this opportunity to such a long term, we wish all students and families a relaxing, assure you that the Council takes its responsibility for the enjoyable break. governance of the college very seriously. As part of the COMPASS NO 396 | SEPTEMBER 2015 Start of Term 4 dimensions for young people to consider when it comes to building good relationships with others, including: Students commence Term 4 on Tuesday 6th October. • Living and learning cooperatively; Year 5 Camp As Year 5 students are attending camp in Week 1 of next • Giving and receiving equally; term, parents are reminded that permission forms need to be • Focusing on mutual respect – everyone is special; returned as soon as possible to your child’s class teacher. • Appreciating others and their thoughts; A friendly reminder that before the camp, parents may also need to update their child’s medical information. • Being truly present when listening to others; Grandparents Day / Student Art Exhibition • Being true to yourself; Next term, on Friday 23rd October, we welcome • Building empathy for others feelings, needs and views; Grandparents, family and friends to the college for our annual and Grandparents Day and Student Art Exhibition. The morning offers students the opportunity to showcase their work and • Being mindful at all times. involve their extended families in their daily experiences at school. Visitors will spend time in classrooms before attending These personal attributes will enable students to build healthy morning tea where they will be entertained with musical and respectful relationships with each other. It is about performances. Details and a program for the event will be growing young people’s emotional intelligence. sent home next term. The Student Art Exhibition will also be held on the same day, commencing at 6.00pm in the Art We hope that all our students and their families have a safe Gallery. and happy holiday. Remember that it is important for young people to spend some time outdoors in the natural Ben Chambers Memorial Game environment. Too much screen time is not desirable for their development. Instead, when students are indoors reading a On Tuesday, the annual Ben Chambers Memorial Game was good book should be encouraged. held. The game is played as a round robin competition between Year 5 students and is held in memory of Ben Mr Brendan Delany, Director of Students Chambers, who lost his battle with cancer while in Year 4 at the college. Congratulations to Mr Compton and his class who ……………………………………………………………………… were victorious on the day. Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5 Stars of the Week ……………………………………………………………………… This Week Monday 14th September Prep Joey Woods Sienna Fioraso From the Director of Kyah Morgan Year 1 Max McDonald Ayla Forman Students Year 2 Hayden Burnett Toby Creamer As we come to the end of another school term, it is important Joshua Anderson to reflect on the importance of friends and relationships. Much Year 3 Sarah Timperley Jett Forman of what the Pastoral Care team focuses on is encouraging students to treat each other with respect and expand their Charlise Bell Ayanna Nath emotional intelligence.