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Introduction

As our first term of 2024 draws to a close, I reflect on what has been a term of change and transition. Our theme this year, 鈥渁gile opportunities鈥�, has certainly been evident in the way the College has successfully pivoted through several challenges and adjustments.

Staffing Restructure

The College experienced a decline in student enrolment numbers over the summer period due to family relocations, cost of living pressures, and personal circumstances. To ensure financial sustainability, we were required to make some adjustments to our staffing levels while maintaining a strong focus on supporting student learning outcomes. As a result, we offered staff in leadership and support services voluntary redundancies, and a number of them took up this option. While we are disappointed to lose these valuable members of our community in such a way, we want to thank them for their service and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

In addition to these changes, we have also undertaken a reorganisation of the College to simplify structures for staff, parents, and students.

Our modified leadership structure has:

• Shane Jurecky (Principal) looking after the strategic direction of the College;
• Juanita Eime (Deputy Principal 鈥� Secondary School), and Laura Robinson (Deputy Principal 鈥� Primary School) looking after the daily operations for each school;
• Marcus Wilkinson (Deputy Principal 鈥� P-12 Administration) looking after logistics to support each school;
• Meegan Neilsen (Business Manager) looking after support services;
• Pastor Adam Eime (College Pastor) looking after the spiritual welfare of the community.

Capital Works Update

After a slight delay due to Cyclone Jasper, we were able to commence Week 2 with a fully air-conditioned 国产精品 Centre to meet as a community. This high-priority project has been a long time coming and it has already proved to be a blessing following a string of extreme weather days. We are now able to host junior PE lessons, exam testing for large groups, and support external hire groups, as well as our traditional weekly Chapels and Assemblies.

The new Kindergarten building is progressing well and is on schedule, despite the recent wet weather. The site has been cleared and leveled, with the underground services laid and the footings installed. During the school holidays, the foundations for the building will be laid and a new structure will begin to emerge throughout Term 2. Thank you to all our families for navigating the new pick-up and drop-off locations at the front of the school, with a relatively smooth transition.

2024 Initiatives

This year, we have introduced a range of new initiatives to help support students with their learning, which include:

• a new, single-week timetable structure, with regular start and finish times and an increase in learning time for senior subjects
• a new Head of Year horizontal pastoral structure for Year 7-12 students, with year-level-based Home Groups and mentors
• additional eating time for primary students
• additional pastoral care time for secondary students
• 4 weekly rotations for Year 6 and 7 students in Technology and the Arts
• new senior subjects 鈥� Psychology and Literature
• introduction of Year 11 and 12 Spiritual Days to support wellbeing

All of these new initiatives have allowed for a smooth start to the beginning of 2024.

Supporting Student Behaviour

This is the second year of our transition towards improving student ownership in managing behaviour through the 鈥淩eal Schools鈥� project and moving from a punitive response model of behaviour to an explicit, restorative model. As with any transition, there are always new learnings as practices are refined and adjusted.

Last year we targeted high-level issues, such as vaping, illegal substances, and cyberbullying, by reviewing, overhauling, documenting, and implementing new processes in line with the restorative model. In addition, classroom teachers trialed several low-level strategies to support in-class behaviour.

This year, our focus is on refining the processes for incidents related to physical interactions, verbal altercations, and other behaviours (such as bullying and harassment) that impact on the well-being of others. As we complete this transition, we will communicate this with students and families to give clarity.

Shane Jurecky
Principal

The College Council hopes that the 国产精品 Community has had a positive start to the school year and is pleased with the progress of many projects that have happened so far this term.

In particular, we would like to acknowledge and congratulate all involved in the 2025 Year 7 Information Evening on 5 March 2024. It was pleasing to hear that all who attended found the information very helpful and enjoyed the interaction with the teachers.

We are pleased to report that the Kindergarten building is on schedule and that the foundation slabs are being laid. We are very much looking forward to seeing the progress of this building and cannot wait to welcome the students into their new classrooms.

Have a blessed and peaceful Easter.

Kathy Close
College Council Chair

The Easter weekend usually falls during the break between Terms 1 and 2. Among the family get-togethers, chocolate eggs, and bunnies, as Christians, we will celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation as the true meaning of Easter. This year, the Easter weekend is at the beginning of the break, so our last day of term is Maundy Thursday.

Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday, and in the Christian church, we remember this as the night when Jesus had his Last Supper with his disciples, and also washed their feet and said. 鈥淣ow that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another鈥檚 feet鈥� (John 13:14). In that time and place, this was the task of the lowest servant.

The disciples are asked to wash each other鈥檚 feet, indicating nobody is first or last; nobody is more or less important. While our worldly experience suggests some roles and some people are more prestigious than others, Jesus鈥� message here is that those in positions of authority also require meekness, humility, and servant-style leadership. Jesus doesn鈥檛 teach this with a sermon. Instead, he does it with an action and asks us to do the same. Rather than just saying that everybody is important and valued, Jesus suggests we should show this by how we treat others, especially those the rest of society looks down on.

And Jesus truly serves us in his dying and rising again which we celebrate at Easter time. Philippians 2:8 reminds us that Jesus 鈥渉umbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross鈥�. In love, Jesus gave his life for our salvation. May this Good News bring you 国产精品.

Lord, wash away my ideas of pride, prestige, and self-importance. Help me to recognise you in everybody I meet and serve. Amen.

I pray that you all have a safe and blessed Easter, and some time for rest and leisure during the school break. God bless,

Pastor Adam
College Pastor

We began the school year with prayer and a joyous celebration at our opening chapel. It was also a warm celebration as the new air-conditioning in the 国产精品 Centre was only completed later that week due to delays from cyclones and wet weather over the summer break. Since then, students and families have been feeling much more comfortable when gathering for chapel.

This year, chapel for Secondary School is regularly on Monday mornings at 8:35 am, and for Primary School at 2:00 pm on Friday afternoons. The secondary chapel is followed by our Secondary School assembly, marking the start of the week with prayer and gathering as a community.

On Wednesday 14^th February our College community celebrated the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday chapels. Students and staff had the opportunity to receive the 鈥淚mposition of Ashes鈥� 鈥� ash marked on their foreheads or wrist in the shape of a cross, accompanied with the words 鈥淩emember you are dust鈥� or 鈥淩eturn to God and trust in Him鈥�.

Dust and ashes are elements that remind us that we are connected to the land and soil and that all life is created by God and will eventually decompose and return to the ground. Sounds like divine composting! And yet it is God鈥檚 plan for the world and shows us that new life and growth are coming.

Christmas and Easter are more popular celebrations than Ash Wednesday, but all three are celebrations of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. The true message of Christmas is that our Saviour has come, the true message of Easter is that our Saviour died and rose again for us, and the message of Ash Wednesday is that our sin results in death but we have forgiveness and eternal life in our Saviour Jesus who has 鈥榤arked鈥� us as his own. We turn to Him for new life.

In the Primary School chapel, many students volunteer to be involved in demonstrations and assist with duties such as Bible readings and helping with technology. The kindergarteners often join us for chapel, which makes for a diverse and eventful end-of-the-school-week time together as Primary School and Kindergarten. Parents and families are always welcome to attend.

This year the Easter weekend is at the start of the term break. Many people spend Easter with family and friends, so we pray for God鈥檚 protection for those traveling, and that we all may enjoy some rest these holidays.

For Christians, Easter is a time to proclaim and celebrate the crux of our faith 鈥� the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation. This is the Gospel, the Good News, that brings forgiveness and salvation for all who believe.

Families of the College are invited to join members of Trinity Lutheran Church for worship on the Easter weekend. Easter services at Trinity Lutheran Church, on Severin Street in Manunda are:

• Maundy Thursday, March 28^th at 7 pm
• Good Friday, March 29^th at 8 am
• Easter Sunday, March 31^st at 8 am

The first term of a new year is a very special time and this year was no exception.

We welcomed 40 new Prep students and their families to our College along with two new teachers in Year 6 and two new Learning Assistants in Prep.

Welcome to Carmen Mira and Matilda Hayman in Year 6, and welcome to Natasha Aranda and Katie Silverthorne in Prep.

We also welcomed our new Primary School leaders, and they were installed during the Primary School commencement service in Week 1. Since then they have led us in assembly each week, attended a leadership conference, carried out several duties throughout the school, and along with their Year 6 peers they have been valuable role models at our Peer Support lunchtime groups.

Parent/Teacher Collaboration

It was lovely to meet many parents and caregivers at both our Parent Information Evenings and our Parent Teacher Consultation Evenings. The Consultations were held earlier than in previous years so parents and teachers had the opportunity to discuss how each child was settling into their new year level. By working in partnership with you, we aim to help your child develop the most effective work habits and ensure that your child is both happy and fully receptive to learning.

Formal written reports will be produced at the end of Term 2 and Term 4, but our doors are always open if you wish to chat about how your child is progressing, or if you wish to volunteer as a parent helper in any of our classrooms.

We are very excited to be introducing The Resilience Project this year, and this will be delivered within our health lessons across all years in Primary School.

The Resilience Project is committed to teaching positive mental health strategies to prevent mental ill-health and build young people鈥檚 capacity to deal with adversity.

Teachers and students will engage in weekly lessons and activities around the key principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM) and Emotional Literacy to build resilience.

Check out  website for more information.

 - a place filled with inspiration and activities for the whole family, to help improve your wellbeing and build resilience, is also a worthwhile page to reference, as too is the .

You can also help support your child by looking at the weekly GEM chat on the College's . We know the best way to run a successful program is to embed it into daily practice. This is where powerful change and growth can be found. GEM Chat allows you to practice the TRP principles daily, and provide an opportunity for positive conversations, sharing and connections. GEM chats are updated every Friday evening.

Here are some of our Year 3 and Year 4 students thinking about things they are grateful for, and how they would describe different emotions.

Lunchtimes

Early in the term, we had a visit from Scott Paterson from Cairns Regional Council and he set students a challenge to bring lunches that were free from plastic bags and glad wrap, single-use drinks cartons, and disposable cutlery. Our student rose to the challenge and the winning class will receive their prizes at the end of the term.

At PLC we know that our social times are just as important as our learning times, and can have a huge impact on our social and emotional wellbeing.

Our lunchtime clubs provide students with choices as to how they spend their lunchtimes, and these are proving very popular. Clubs include Lego club, games club, chess club, Zumba, hula hoop club, peer support and more.

Learning in the Primary classrooms

Moving into a new year level can be a challenging time, but our students have settled in wonderfully. Have a look below to see just some of the activities that have been taking place.

Happy Holidays

We will be sending out Primary School Term 2 newsletters at the start of the next term and these will outline what students will be learning, and notable key dates.

We hope you all have a wonderful relaxing Easter and we look forward to seeing you and your children refreshed and ready for a fantastic Term 2.

With Grace and 国产精品.

Laura Robinson
Deputy Principal - Primary School

Preps had a great start to school and quickly got down to their learning. They also enjoyed meeting and spending time with their new buddies.

Year 1鈥檚 had a fantastic time exploring the Christian event of Shrove Tuesday and Lent, and how this day is celebrated around the world. They acted out the story of 鈥楾he Big Pancake鈥� by Vera Southgate, whilst some amazing helpers were cooking pancakes for the children to enjoy. A lot of fun and laughter was had!

Year 1 students also had fun applying their understanding of 3D shapes to build an enclosure for an animal. They were very creative and learned about the features of 3D shapes while they were building!

Year 2 students have been learning about celestial objects in the sky and describing patterns they observe, such as the moon changing as it moves through its different phases. It has been wonderful to hear many conversations between students, and some telling teachers, that they have been watching the moon, looking through telescopes, and even doing some of their own research about planets and the solar system.

Students have also been interested in learning Indigenous perspectives about the sky and looking at constellations like the emu, which informs when emu eggs are ready to gather and when to hunt. Students made representations of constellations on Geoboards.

Year 3 were hard at work this term preparing for their NAPLAN tests. They wrote persuasive and narrative texts and practiced their Digital literacy skills. They all did an amazing job and we are proud of every single one of them.

Year 4 students quickly got to grips with the practice of maths rotations. Rotations allow teachers to run focused differentiated teaching groups whilst also addressing different learning styles, and allowing students to apply their learning both independently and with support.

The Year 2s also had a visit from Brett Olds (Councillor for Division 9) who spoke to the students about his roles and responsibilities as a Councillor. The students asked some very insightful questions and we may well have some budding politicians in our midst.

As an introduction to their PBL 鈥楩ood Glorious Food鈥� Year 5 were given a design challenge. The students chose one of the countries (cultures and cuisines) from Europe or North America that they have been studying in Geography to incorporate into their design. They were then tasked with designing and creating their own models by applying their knowledge of 3D shape nets and scaling.

House Spirit is strong in the Year 6鈥檚 this year; as the teachers were newcomers to the school themselves, they invited the students to demonstrate what the qualities of each house are via their best efforts at decorating posters. Students had to work in teams to agree on layout, visual language, and the most effective ways of putting their house forward; we are so impressed with the final results which now adorn the walls of both the 6A and 6B classrooms.

Also, in Year 6 Visual Arts, students have been tasked with imagining, designing, and creating their very own shelter that they would include on the school grounds if they were able to have one built. Students have had to think carefully about the aesthetic and design aspects of their shelter, their proposed shelter use, and who would most benefit from using the shelters. There have been many techniques incorporated, from 3D thinking to construction and hot glue work to using modeling clay to add further details and unique aspects of each student鈥檚 imagination. We are so excited to display these and so proud of the Year 6 cohort鈥檚 efforts.

Our Year 6 student leaders took part in the GRIP Student leader conference at the Pullman Reef Hotel in Cairns. This focused on training student leaders for their role as a school leader, and how they can practically make a difference within their roles.

Students have been studying visual arts this term and exploring a range of artistic techniques, relating to line, shape, form, colour, and texture.

Term 1 has been an exciting time for PE. Year 5 have been to a Sports Spectacular Event at Cazalays, Year 6 have taken part in a Futsal/Netball/Pickleball tournament at Redlynch Central Sports Stadium, a coach from Baseball Queensland spent time teaching our students new balls skills, and pre-cross country early morning training took place even when it was raining.

Deputy Principal Secondary School 鈥� A new role

This year, I am humbled to serve the College as Deputy Principal - Secondary School. During Term 1, I have had the pleasure of welcoming all students to Secondary School and observing how they have settled into their classes. I am grateful for all the staff who are supporting each student and family to have an experience that is memorable and positive. I have been constantly reminded that I work with an amazing team of teaching and non-teaching staff.

I encourage you to read on and familiarise yourself with the many happenings in our Secondary School, not only from this term but for this new school year.

Juanita Eime
Deputy Principal - Secondary School

This year, students have the benefit of a Home Group every morning. The Home Group Mentor is the main point of contact between the school and the home for general items. They provide check-in support for students daily. When students arrive at school on time, the Home Group Mentor can remind students of key events coming up, and assessment deadlines, and provide key communication relevant for their year group.

An additional layer of support is provided by the Head of Year. Students in Years 7 鈥� 12 all have a dedicated Head of Year who is their 鈥榗ase manager鈥� for the cohort. The Head of Year role is supportive and connects layers of support together. For example, if teachers are raising concerns, the Head of Year may arrange a meeting to discuss the support needed for the student and then organise to meet with the family to work in partnership. The Heads of Year work collaboratively with the Head of Boarding when needed.

If there is a subject-specific concern, please contact the classroom teacher directly to discuss it further. Schools are busy places, and we ask for your patience as staff work around their teaching schedules to be able to phone families or respond to an email. Usually, a 24-hour window is a reasonable expectation to receive a response.

All students now have Personal Development lessons on their timetable. The terminology reflects moving from calling specific lessons 鈥榩astoral care lessons鈥�, to reflecting the idea that 鈥榩astoral care鈥� is everything that we do for our students, families, and staff within our community.

鈥淧astoral care is the expression of a caring partnership between the school community (students, staff, families), the Christian church, and the wider community. It integrates the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions so that an environment of care pervades the entire school community.鈥� .

Personal Development lessons have an approximate structure of once per fortnight covering a topic that is meaningful and relevant for personal growth for each cohort. The alternate week provides space for the cohort to have a 鈥榞athering鈥� or meeting where the Student Representative Council member can present a mini report and students can ask questions and give feedback to teachers as a cohort.

The Personal Development lesson topics in Secondary School are based on The RITE Journey Program, which is an integral part of what we do in Year 9. The topics are tailor-made for each cohort to support the personal development of our young people at the point of need. We are excited to provide this specialised learning time for personal growth:

• Who am I, really?
• How do I get along with others?
• Is there something more?
• What do I have to give?

Next term, we are looking forward to our Adopt-a-Cop visiting our students to discuss a range of topics.

Our Year 11 Aquatic Practices students have been on two wonderful excursions to Green Island in Term 1. Armed with curiosity and cameras, the students set out to document the diverse marine species inhabiting the vibrant waters surrounding Green Island.

These excursions were supported with funding from the Queensland Government鈥檚 Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, funding of $40 per student is being paid directly to the school.

Year 12 Retreat

This year, the Year 12s went to Port Douglas for their annual retreat before school started. During the retreat, students revisited the cohort statement they created at their Year 11 Leadership camp and gave feedback about whether this statement reflected who they intend to be as a cohort as they journey towards graduation.

The Year 12 cohort statement is:

鈥淗ere at 国产精品, we want to leave a legacy of family, encouragement, and determination. We believe this is who we are and we will carry this into 2024.鈥�

Our Year 12s were challenged to work in a variety of groups, designed to strengthen relationships across the cohort. Specific House activities prompted discussion about what works well in teams, ways to show leadership without bossing people around, and ways to communicate effectively when there may be differences of opinion.

It was a pleasure to be invited to attend the Year 12 Retreat and spend time with our senior students.

Year 7 Camp

At our recent Year 7 camp at Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre, students participated in many fun activities, creating wonderful experiences during their time away.

Throughout the camp, our students engaged in a series of outdoor activities aimed at promoting teamwork, personal growth, and environmental awareness. These activities included ropes courses, kayaking, and raft building, all of which provided opportunities for skill development and character building in a safe and fun setting.

In addition to the physical challenges, our Year 7s also received educational content focused on environmental topics. Through workshops and practical exercises, they learned about sustainability, biodiversity, and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving our natural ecosystems.

Evening activities were designed to foster social interaction and positive reinforcement among peers. Hall games, affirmations, and campfire gatherings provided opportunities for our students to bond with classmates and reflect on their shared experiences.

We extend our appreciation to you for entrusting us with the care and supervision of your child during this time. We hope that the insights gained and memories created during the camp will serve as valuable lessons and cherished moments for years to come.

After their scheduled Departure Ceremony, was delayed due to the wet weather, Year 9 students travelled to Holloways Beach to participate in the Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremony. This ceremony holds immense significance as it marks the commencement of a transformative journey towards adulthood. It symbolises the transition from childhood to adolescence, providing a space for introspection, growth, and self-discovery. This ceremony instills a sense of purpose, responsibility, and connection to the community, guiding individuals through challenges and rites of passage.

The Year 9 students and The Rite Journey leaders headed off to Holloway鈥檚 Beach Esplanade for a special Calling and Departure ceremony to recognise a significant stage in the Rite Journey program. This ceremony marks the commencement of a transformative journey towards adulthood. It symbolises the transition from childhood to adolescence, providing a space for introspection, growth, and self-discovery. This ceremony instills a sense of purpose, responsibility, and connection to the community, guiding individuals through challenges and rites of passage. The students were encouraged to consider a childish habit or characteristic they wanted to move away from and write this on a stone. These stones were then thrown into the ocean to symbolise stepping away from childish things and moving towards becoming more responsible and mature.

It was a pleasure to be invited to attend this significant milestone event with the Year 9 cohort and have the company of Mr. Jurecky, Pastor Adam, and Head of Christian Studies, Ingeburg Dell鈥橝ntonio.

Thank you to each of The Rite Journey leaders: Mrs Hill, Mr. Atkins, Mrs Dare, and Mr. Fernandez who are mentoring their small group of Year 9s through the program. Your input and role modeling in the lives of our young people is a significant privilege.

One highlight during the occasion was recognising our current Year 12 cohort, who are our first PLC graduates to have gone through The Rite Journey program. During a recent Spiritual Retreat Day, the Year 12s took time to create special messages of encouragement for the Year 9 Calling and Departure ceremony. They remembered the words they recorded on rocks and threw into the ocean, nearly three years ago, and recognised their growth as young adults. When the Year 9s saw the rocks, they were able to choose one they liked and there was a sense of awe as the students realised how special these new rocks were.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 believe that the Year 12s made this for us!鈥�

It is exciting to be able to welcome families to campus. This year we have already had quite a few parent engagement opportunities, with even more to come to finish off the term:

• Year 11 and 12 Information Evening
• Prospective parents into Year 7 Evening (2025 and beyond)
• Green House Chapel
• Harmony Day Chapel
• Secondary School Swimming Carnival
• Cross Country Carnival

Chapel & Assembly: This year, we have chapel on Monday mornings followed by assembly. I would like to extend an invitation to any family members or friends of the College to join us for worship, which will begin at 8:15 am on Mondays.

Phone calls home: Home Group Mentors have been asked to make positive contact home and introduce themselves as a way to build stronger relationships with our families across the College. If you are a boarding parent, we also want to have a closer relationship with you.

If you haven鈥檛 been to campus for a while, you may like to be inspired to have a visit when viewing our . We would love to see you and show you around our beautiful campus.

Connections 鈥� Supporting fellow Lutheran schools: PLC is pleased to host Flexible Delivery subjects in Mathematics again this year. Mr. Nick Brooking supports students from other Lutheran Schools in Queensland to join our cohort of Year 11 and 12 Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics. We value our collaborative relationships with other Lutheran Schools.

This is our second year of implementing a restorative approach within our community. A restorative approach allows people to learn about how their behaviour impacts others and helps to shape the respectful and positive ways people interact with others. It is great to see the concepts of perseverance, taking responsibility for self, thinking about how to show genuine respect and honour to others, and thinking about how to work well with others when things go wrong becoming more embedded in the ways all community members interact and respond to each other.

We continue to learn in this area and are actively taking on board feedback from a range of stakeholders as part of this journey.

I want to thank the College Captains for their leadership of the Assembly program each week. Planning and leading Assembly showcases student leadership skills and provides them with an opportunity to plan, organise, and communicate with the College community. The College Captains are demonstrating excellent leadership and public speaking skills for all aspiring leaders.

Our House Captains have also had opportunities to lead within our College community. The swimming carnival was a source of excitement and competition, and it was great to see House Captains support and encourage all students as they competed during the carnival.

The Year 12s provided a BBQ lunch and raised money at the Secondary Swimming Carnival for COUCH.

The College Captains will attend the ANZAC Day ceremony in the city on behalf of the College. I am honoured to attend this important occasion and support the College Captains as they represent the College.

Four staff attended the Lutheran Education Australia Mission and Ministry Conference and workshops in Brisbane. This was a three-day experience of networking with other colleagues from around Australia, discussing and exploring what makes Lutheran education distinctive.

Topics covered:

• What is distinctive about a Lutheran education? What is a Christian Education?
• What is the purpose and practice of worship and devotional life in the community?
• What are the pastoral care structures and protocols that care for staff, students, and families?
• What are some of the opportunities for learning about Christianity in school?

国产精品 is grateful to Lutheran Education Australia and Lutheran Education Queensland for supporting our staff to attend this key national event.

The Year 12 students regularly volunteer at Rosie's 鈥� Friends on the Street every four weeks. Early in Term 1, we had representatives from Rosie's 鈥� Friends on the Street to speak with the Year 11 and 12 students and staff members who wished to volunteer on a Thursday night to provide conversation and serve food to the less fortunate.

The wider College community can support this initiative by purchasing small items to be donated to Rosie's. These items can be dropped off to the College Administration for the attention of Pastor Adam or Mrs. Juanita Eime.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new boarders and their families. The start of 2024 at PLC Boarding has been all about fresh faces, community connections, and new experiences. It has been great to see their resilience whilst thriving in their new and unfamiliar surroundings. They have settled into boarding with enthusiasm and excitement.

2024 New Boarders

Introducing the PLC Boarding Team

Head of Boarding - Lawrence Kirkwood

Boarding Administrator - Kim Hunter

House Parent - Justin Torney (Frieden and Mari Mari Houses)

House Parent - Michelle Haines (Milyn and Heiwa Houses)

Supervisors - Boys Boarding

• Brendan Storer
• Eddie Daniel
• James Wilson
• Jarryd Rizk
• Shaq Snider

Supervisors - Girls Boarding

• Jennifer Wilson
• Kinesi Fredsberg
• Norie Lee
• Theleo Hope
• Tegan Hunter

Gap Students

• Annalena Bongers (Germany)
• Radovan Dolezal (South Africa)
• Sara Panagos (Colombia)

Boarders have taken part in many on and off-campus activities this term. Some of our most popular include Lake Eacham, Babinda Boulders, Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Cooking 101 Classes, Mountain Bike Course, and the Cairns Lagoon.

The Blue Dolphins, headed by our standout leaders Tsarea and Millaa, have made a solid start to the year, only just being beaten out of third place at the school Swimming Carnival. With three amazing age champions: Oliver Hull, Sunny Borzi, and Atalia Turner, only a lack of participation held back the mighty Blue Dolphins from their rightful place at the top!

Blue House came dressed as their favourite iconic blue characters, marshalled by the enigmatic Lionel Messi (aka Mr. Jarrett), the energy and enthusiasm were an apt introduction to what is in store for the year to come. Bring on Cross Country and watch this space!

Clarke Jarrett
House Coordinator - Blue Dolphins

The Gold Dingoes have blasted out of the gate, posting the first runs on the board and mixing their sports metaphors with style in 2024. Gold House has embraced its dingo namesake, focused on creating a team (or 鈥榩ack鈥�) culture and shared language, led with gusto by their benevolent monarch, 鈥楰ing Dingo鈥�. Week 6鈥檚 Swimming Carnival was our first test, and going with the theme of 鈥楪old House Rocks!鈥�, we thrashed in and out of the pool to come away with the win and finally bring the Green Eagles鈥� dominant run to an end. Huge thanks must go to our Captains, Malcolm and McKenzie, all of Gold鈥檚 enthusiastic competitors and supporters, including our six Age Champions, India, Annabelle, Lachy, Emily, Josh, and Elijah, and Gold House staff and families who cheered us on to our first 鈥� of hopefully many 鈥� victory.

Paws up!

Brodie O鈥橫ara (aka King Dingo)
House Coordinator - Gold Dingoes

After an illustrious six-year reign, the Green Eagles have graciously passed on the winner's shield at this year's carnival. Their legacy of excellence and sportsmanship will be fondly remembered as they make way for the next champions. As the Green Eagles gracefully step aside, they pave the way for new contenders to rise and etch their names in the annals of carnival glory. I was very proud of the efforts of all of our Green Eagles competitors and those who embodied our theme 'The Luck of the Irish'.

Kelly Dare
House Coordinator - Green Eagles

The 2024 Inter-House Swimming Carnival was a great opportunity for Red Emperors to bond and show their true House spirit. Throughout the day we had the highest level of participation and finished as runners-up, and only by a mere 30 points! Our 鈥楶rincess鈥� theme was a huge hit and the majority of Red Emperors embraced their inner princess and came dressed in costume. Particular congratulations to our three Age Champions - James, Toby, and Kiera, as well as the large contingent of Year 9 boys who went in every race on the day. Our relay teams showed what Red Emperors are made of by winning five of the eight relays.

Well done everyone 鈥� onward and upward Red!

Jason Atkins
House Coordinator - Red Emperors

The start of every year is busy in the world of PLC Sport and 2024 has proven to be no different. The first five fixtures of the CISSA season took place in Term 1.

With CISSA expanding again this year, the draw allows us to take on the other eight member schools once before the finals series begins towards the end of Term 2. This is a great outcome for all involved, as it now not only allows for a fairer and more competitive season, it also provides a great opportunity for our students to compete against a range of different schools across Cairns.

Our season began with a preseason friendly round against local rivals St Andrew鈥檚. This proved to be a great hit out for our teams as we came away with three wins and a draw across the 10 sports played. The season proper commenced the following week with an away game against Trinity Bay State High School. This was a tough way to start the season as our Girl's Soccer team was the only one to come away with a result. Away games against Saints Combined and Bentley Park College followed with our teams securing one win and four wins respectively. Our first home game of the season finally arrived in Week 8 against Cairns SHS which saw our Touch Football teams both come away with a draw.

CISSA will re-commence in Week 1 of next term with most of our fixtures in Term 2 played at our home venues.

Alex Collins
Sports Coordinator - Secondary School

For the first time in many years, wet and unsavoury weather threatened to impact our Swimming Carnival. However, the weather eventually turned in our favour, allowing for a fantastic atmosphere all day.

This year, the 6-year long reign of the Green Eagles as champion House was FINALLY broken. It was a hard-fought contest from start to finish with the Gold Dingoes eventually coming out on top by only 33 points. I would like to congratulate all of the students who turned out on the day. The competition was fierce, not just in the pool, but also in the grandstand with plenty of colour, crazy costumes and deafening war cries on show throughout the day.

Finally, congratulations to all of our 2024 Swimming Carnival Year Champions:

• Year 7 Girls 鈥� India
• Year 7 Boys 鈥� James
• Year 8 Girls 鈥� Sunny and Annabelle
• Year 8 Boys 鈥� Oliver
• Year 9 Girls 鈥� Makayla
• Year 9 Boys 鈥� Toby
• Year 10 Girls 鈥� Atalia
• Year 10 Boys 鈥� Lachlan
• Year 11 Girls 鈥� Emily
• Year 11 Boys 鈥� Joshua
• Year 12 Girls 鈥� Kiera
• Year 12 Boys 鈥� Elijah

Term 1 has also seen several of our students showcase their sporting prowess and ability by trialing for a place in one of many TCN teams. To understand how busy the start of the year can be, of the 100+ TCN trials that take place throughout the year, half of them take place in Term 1 alone. Students who are successful in gaining a spot in a TCN team, then compete at the regional trials for a place in the Peninsula team.

Congratulations to every student who trialed for a TCN team this term and to those who were successful in securing a spot in the Rugby League, Basketball, and Soccer teams. You continuously represent our College with distinction.

To conclude Term 1, our Cross Country takes place on Wednesday in Week 10. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for results. Will the Gold Dingoes make two from two in 2024? Or will the Red Emperors finally end their long trophy drought? Good luck to all and may the best team win.

Thanks again for your support of our sporting program. Our students should be very proud of what they have already achieved this year.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about Sport at 国产精品. In addition, I would also love to hear about any sporting achievements that take place outside of school. We want to recognise these achievements and the hard work that takes place after school and on weekends.

Yours in Sport,

Alex Collins
Sports Coordinator - Secondary School

It has been a busy and unfortunately, wet start to the year. Along with our daily PE lessons, there have been numerous TCN sporting trials for the 10 -12 year group, the Sports Spectacular for Year 5, the morning running club, and our House Cross Country in the last week of the term.

Thank you to all the students who have expressed an interest in attending the TCN trials. Congratulations to Lincoln, and TJ who were selected for the Boys Netball TCN Team. This is the inaugural year for boy's netball to be played in school representative competitions. So to be part of the first-ever team is quite exciting.

Thank you to all the families who made the early journey to school for the running club. It was great to see the children (and some adults) join in these past few weeks.

Ben Brown
Primary School Sports Coordinator

This is the second year that our Year 5 students have attended the Sports Spectacular held at Cazaly鈥檚 Stadium. Peninsula School Sport did a magnificent job of organising a variety of Junior Development Officers and sporting groups to showcase their sports for the primary children of Cairns. Between both classes, we experienced netball, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, AFL, baseball, softball, surf lifesaving, golf, touch football, hockey, cricket, and tennis.

It has been a very busy term in the Careers space at PLC.

I have been transitioning into this role and have been thoroughly enjoying the passion that comes with helping students find their pathway and guide them on this journey.

I attended a professional development session at James Cook University in Week 8, along with Mrs Eime, and we experienced the amazing support they can offer our students within the Careers space. I am looking forward to incorporating much of their expertise as I invite them onto our campus to speak with Years 7-12 about what Careers are out there and how to find what they love. This will empower our students and help them become confident and excited about their future pathways.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Mrs Bolton. She has been supporting me in my role as Pathways Coordinator. Her expertise and experience in this area are nothing short of praiseworthy. It鈥檚 great to be learning from the best!

Rosalie Allan
Pathways Coordinator

The JCU Careers in Health & Medicine Breakfast held in Week 6 was a beneficial excursion for a selected group of Year 12 students. They enjoyed listening to professionals in this field and were inspired by their surroundings as they hope to enter this field of study after Year 12.

We attended the Central Queensland University (CQU) Experience Day in Week 8 which was a big highlight for a group of Year 12 students. They took part in exploring possible career pathway lecture sessions tailored specifically to their interests while being a Uni student for the day. Sessions included Nursing, Education, Engineering, Psychology, Exercise and Sports Science, Physiotherapy, Music, Public Health & Paramedic Science.

The day was very well organised and every student benefitted from the experience.

Year 11 and 12 students were invited to attend the Business Liaison Association Manufacture Your Career Breakfast in Week 9. This was an exciting outing where our students engaged with people who work in the manufacturing industry and were encouraged about their pathway in Engineering, Maritime, Electrical, Mining, Welding, Fabrication, and Aviation.

Next term will see us begin our industry site visits for Year 11 and 12 students. We will be visiting Norship and Norweld businesses in Cairns. This will be a fantastic eye-opener for students to see first-hand the pathways that are on offer and what motivates them.

We have many students enrolled in Vocational Education & Training (VET), along with TAFE, school-based traineeships, apprenticeships, and more. It is great to see our students studying and exploring career pathways to help set them up for life.

With the sad departure of Marcelle Humphreys and Tracey Hickenbotham at the start of Term 1, we have had a few changes in the Learning Centre for 2024. Ms Emma has returned along with some casual help from the Boarding Gap Students, Sara, Annalena and Radovan. The gap students will have the chance to connect with the wider student body throughout the College while gaining experience in a Library setting.

We have two more additions to the Learning Centre this year on a casual basis, both of whom have been with the College for many years. We welcome Mrs Jodee Kingsley, our Prep - Year 2 Japanese teacher, and Mrs Rosalie Allan, our new Pathways Coordinator, to guide our study students through apprenticeships and traineeships, alongside her teaching role.

Operating hours

Our Learning Centre operates from 8:30 am 鈥� 4 pm during term time.

Book Club - Issue #1

At the start of Term 1, we held a Book Club for Primary School students. We are pleased to announce over $730 worth of orders from our families and community earned the College $110 in Rewards = more resources for our classrooms! Well done, a great result!

Note: We would like to remind parents, that Book Club purchases are online credit/debit card only, cash will no longer be accepted. Should you encounter any issues, please come to the Learning Centre as we can guide you through the online process.

National Simultaneous Storytime

In Term 2, on Wednesday 22 May at 12:00 pm, we will participate in the National Simultaneous Storytime, and this year鈥檚 book is called Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker.

Every year, a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops, and many other places around the country. Now in its 24th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy.

We look forward to sharing this wonderful story with the students.

Wheelers, e-Platform app

Download the Wheelers, e-Platform app today to get your very own e-Library! Available via the and .

Search 鈥湽�产精品鈥� then select Primary or Secondary and you鈥檙e off on your very own reading journey鈥�and it鈥檚 free!

Check out what鈥檚 new in Primary鈥�

Thank you to our College community for your ongoing support to keep our young minds reading now and well into the future.

Emma McRae
Resource Centre Coordinator

A fun program has been compiled for the upcoming Term 1 vacation care. If you would like to utilise the vacation care service and are not already enrolled in the OSHC Program, you can do so by contacting our OSHC Service Leader, Sean Mullins:

P: 4039 9026
M: 0439 563 035
E: peace.oshccairns@qlecs.org.au

Well done to Michael, Tekoah, and Kody who recently achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. These students showed Grit and Growth through the fulfillment of the four sections of the Award. From myself, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Fernandez, we would like to personally thank these students as it was a pleasure having them a part of our team during this time.

Kellie Brooker
Award Leader

PLC is an amazing community, made up of diverse groups of people who can live and learn together.

As a community of learners, we honour our differences and recognise what makes us the same. Each person鈥檚 God-given abilities, talents, skills, and interests are nurtured and encouraged. Students and staff live and learn in service to each other and the wider community as we journey together as a College. We are blessed to learn with and from each other, where we experience the richness that being a multicultural community brings.

鈥淧ut on then, as God鈥檚 chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.鈥� Colossians 3:12 鈥� 14

Our teachers also value our diversity and care about the culture of our students. It was great to see so many students involved in Harmony Day chapel and assembly activities this week. Thank you to all involved.

To help familiarise our Year 3 students with the process of their very first NAPLAN, and help to build their confidence, the students undertook mock testing, in the exam environment, with the equipment they will be using in the real exams in the lead-up to the actual event.

Thank you to our NAPLAN Coordinator, Mrs. Potts, our IT and Maintenance teams, and staff for arranging this for the children.

Congratulations to 2023 graduate, Sophie Gavin who is on her way to fulfilling her dream of studying Medicine. Well done Sophie! All of us at PLC wish you every blessing for a successful and happy future.

Congratulations to Caleb Maas, class of 2022, who was one of three young people (18+ years) to receive a Commendation Award at the Autism Queensland Awards Ceremony in Brisbane in December. Caleb was nominated in the Individual - Outstanding Young People category, and as a finalist, attended the Awards ceremony at Government House. Caleb was honoured to talk with Her Excellency Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland who presented the Awards. Well done Caleb. All of us here at PLC wish you every blessing for your future.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of unforeseen circumstances the above events and associated dates may be subject to change. Please check the 国产精品 website or School App  for the most up-to-date calendar information.

国产精品 and Dialogue (IPD) - upcoming camp being held in Basel, Switzerland. The camp is for young people aged 12 - 20 years of age, as well as family members or guardians of those participating.

Please see the notes below that have been provided about this camp. For more information about the camp, please visit the link below this notice. Questions about the camp, or registration, can be emailed via the link below this notice.

From the Director, Fakhrinur Huseynli, Institute for 国产精品 and Dialogue (IPD)

We are cordially inviting young people aged 12 - 20 years (Family members or any person as guardian of a participant can join as well) to the coming Basel International Young Leaders Summer Camp by Institute for 国产精品 and Dialogue, IPD during 21 - 28 July, 2024 in Basel, Switzerland.

• Early Bird Application Deadline: 10 April, 2024 (Available Discount)
• Late Application Deadline: 10 June, 2024

Main Activities

• 3 days of classes: 22, 23 & 24 July, 2024 from 9.00 am until 3:00 pm
• Sightseeing & Study Visit (2 or 3 INGOs & UN Institutions) to Geneva: 25 July, 2024
• Sightseeing Visit to Luzern & Ship Trip in Luzern Lake: 26 July, 2024
• Sightseeing Visit to Bern: 27 July, 2024

Other Activities

Visit shopping places of France and Germany nearby Basel city, sport games, cultural activities, barbeque, visit to historical and cultural places, visit to nature, role plays, swimming in pool and river and etc. entertainment possibilities.

3 Days Class Topics

• Leadership - Conflicts Solution
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Cultural Communication
• International Organizations & their main activities

Age Group

12 - 20 Years (Older people can join only as a parent or legal guardian)

Available following Discount opportunities

• 10% discount for Alumni of IPD programs
• 10 % discount for disadvantages youth & students
• 10% discounts for small NGO representatives (Valid with Organizational Reference Letter)
• 10% discount for paying together with group of participants (More than 2 person). Group with more than 5 person we have special price offer.
• 10% discount for Annual Pro国产精品 Members (For registration please visit <a href="http://www.ipdinstitute.ch)

For" class="redactor-autoparser-object">www.ipdinstitute.ch) more information about the Basel International Young Leaders Summer Camp and other available academic training courses, visit .

If you have any questions regarding registration, please feel free to contact us by email, LinkedIn ;

or WhatsApp 0041764316170

We are looking forward to receive your application and welcome you in Antalya as one of the participants.

Best wishes,

Fakhrinur HUSEYNLI

Director
Institute for 国产精品 and Dialogue (IPD)
Address: Ryffstrasse 23,
4056 Basel, Switzerland
E-mail: fhuseynli@ipdinstitute.ch

Cell / WhatsApp: +41764316170

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The College has a team of dedicated staff who, together, look out for the pastoral care needs of our students. The Student Welfare Officer may provide support to students over a designated period of time, however, if a student requires ongoing and extensive support, the Student Welfare Officer will liaise with external agencies for further assistance as necessary. It should be clarified that the role of our Student Welfare Officer is not one of a 鈥楽chool Counsellor鈥� and that as a College, we are unable to provide ongoing counselling support.

Meeting with the Student Welfare Officer is via appointment or in emergency situations as the need arises. Our preferred referral process is for parents to please make contact with their child鈥檚 Home Group or Classroom Teacher as the initial point of contact. This allows us to consider ways we can best provide appropriate support as a school.

There are a number of community organisations we would recommend as services that may be able to assist you further:

General Practitioner 鈥� In many cases, speaking with a GP is the most beneficial first step. Your family GP will be able to assist with advice or appropriate referral avenues and support.

• (Ph: 13 32 64)
• (Ph: 4041 3780) 鈥� Youth Mental Health Centre & Services
• (Ph: 4044 0130)
• (Ph: 1300 364 277)
• (1800 55 1800)
• 鈥� Anxiety, depression and suicide prevention support

We strive to keep you informed through open, efficient communication. The 国产精品 School App, Facebook and Instagram pages are regularly updated with news, events and important notices.

国产精品 acknowledges the Yirrganydji & Djabugay People, Traditional Custodians of the land in which we live and work. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.