The College Council would like to thank the teachers and wider staff for their efforts and excellent work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We also want to thank our families for their ongoing support and recognise that these have been challenging times for all.

Firstly, I want to extend a big thank you for your support with the challenges of managing your children’s learning during very different circumstances. I know this has been difficult for many of you and we are grateful for your support.

I must also extend a very big thank you to our teachers who have worked extremely hard to ensure all students were supported throughout this time.

We are very happy to have welcomed back the majority of our students – school is just not the same without the buzz of students. We look forward to being able to welcome back the rest of our students who are not yet able to return due to travel restrictions, etc.

Feedback received from students reveals that, whilst most managed okay with the offsite learning, nothing can replace face-to-face interactions with teachers and friends. The success of schools is all about relationships.

This pandemic has affected the whole world and it has disrupted large parts of our individual lives; it has caused anxiety, stress and worry. However, there are also many silver linings. Students have shared that this situation has made them appreciate the small things in life that we often take for granted.

I pray that as we return to a more ‘normal’ way of life, we remember these things; that the things we have discovered are not lost, that this has been an opportunity to ‘reset’ our busy lives and to truly cherish the simple things that are important to us.

Questions to consider:

• What’s the best thing that happened to you today?
• What’s giving you hope right now?
• What habit have you started during this time of isolation?
• Have you discovered new places in your neighbourhood during this time?
• What place are you most looking forward to visiting when this is all over?
• What are some things you’ve realised you don’t really need?
• What’s something you miss that surprises you?
• What’s something you don’t miss that surprises you?
• What’s the latest thing you experienced that made you laugh, or cry?
• How do you want this experience to change you? How do you think it will?
• What do you hope we all learn or take away from this experience?

“From 20 Questions to Ask Instead of ‘How Are You Doing Right Now?’” by Elizabeth Weingarten in Quartz, April 10, 2020

Cognitive scientists say that virtual interactions are more taxing on the brain because we are trying to make up for the copious amount of information we unknowingly pick up on during face-to-face interactions. When we are physically with others, we are listening to the words, but also picking up dozens of non-verbal cues like body language and facial expressions.

During a video call, very few of these cues can be perceived, which puts much more cognitive load on listening to what is being said. We search for non-verbal cues that can’t be seen and eye contact on the screen can be disconcerting if held too long. Multi-person screens magnify this exhausting problem, forcing the brain to try to decode too many people at once.

A telephone conversation is much less taxing because we are only expecting the voice and we are not looking for visual cues.

Source: “‘Zoom Fatigue’ Is Taxing the Brain. Here’s Why That Happens” by Julia Sklar in National Geographic, April 24, 2020

During the past few months of offsite learning, the staff at Peace Lutheran College have demonstrated a level of commitment to the College, the students and the Peace community that has been second to none. They have experimented with new practices and implemented revolutionary techniques that have resulted in rapid profressional growth and new ways of sharing, teaching and learning with the Peace community.

Student Café and the Peace Parent Portal have allowed teachers to share the lessons, activities and resources with students and parents in a consistent and organised way. This has provided a continuity of learning and support whilst students were off campus.

The success of offsite learning for Peace has strengthened the partnerships and community that has always been evident at the College. Teachers, students and parents have worked more closely than ever before. This has resulted in an appreciation of what each person brings to the College. Thank you to all staff and families for working together in a way that has supported the students.

At this time of the academic year, teachers review and collate evidence of learning for the Semester 1 reports. Although this is a regular event in all schools, this semester has been quite different to ones that have gone before and teachers are working with students to collect evidence of learning for these reports.

The Semester 1 reports will be distributed to students and families via the Peace Parent Portal at the end of Term 2.

¹When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. ²And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. ⁴All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2: 1 – 4)

Pentecost Sunday was last weekend – Sunday 31^st May – and like Easter Sunday, I attended church via live-stream as we are still unable to gather together for worship just yet. Like all fellow Christians, I am looking forward to the time when we can do so. And it will be a celebration.

People like to celebrate and we like to get together to celebrate. Easter is one of those times many of us get together with family, but we were restricted with travel and numbers. Pentecost is a Christian celebration that we have also been unable to gather together for this year. As a nation, we couldn’t gather together to commemorate ANZAC Day except to ‘Light up the Dawn’. And in the last few weeks and months, so many of us have missed family celebrations due to social distancing and restrictions.

During this coronavirus pandemic, people have longed to gather with others to celebrate. And waiting for lifting of restrictions has tested our patience. For followers of Jesus after his death and resurrection, waiting for what would come next tested their patience and trust in his promises. With other faithful Jews, they gathered in Jerusalem for the Pentecost celebration to celebrate the wheat harvest.

Beyond every expectation, God did a new thing! Wind and fire witnessed to the presence of God. Strangers heard in their own languages when his followers spoke of Jesus. God’s Spirit broke down human-made barriers and brought people together. And in a different, but no less miraculous way, God has enabled the Church to continue to gather and reach people through such means as WiFi and telephones – He is still present with us. And we patiently wait for gathering together in person.

Heavenly Father, grant us patience as we await the continued easing of restrictions. Keep us safe, and help us to love and serve our neighbour at this time. Thank you for bringing us back together as a school community, and be with those who are yet to return. Bless all staff and students, that we may continue to learn and grow together in light of the challenges due to restrictions and distance. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

With the restriction on gathering as a whole-school, chapels this term have been either pre-recorded and made available on YouTube on the Peace Lutheran College Channel, or they have been streamed into the classrooms.

This has been a bit of a challenge to get organised, but it has also been a fun learning process and students have been able to participate in chapel in different ways.

All the chapels for the term so far are still available on YouTube if you would like to have another look.

But please be advised that they will be taken down before the end of term.

Ordinarily, we would also have held church services at the College on Sundays during the school term and at some of these services the Junior School students participate as year groups. These services have been suspended until such time that services and gatherings of 100+ are once again permitted. At this stage this is looking likely to be in Term 3 and Term 4.

In general, our practice of Chapel for Middle/Senior School on Thursday and for Junior School on Friday has not changed, we are just participating in a different way.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Since returning to school Year 12 and Year 11 students have been working hard on their assessment. Now with the return of Years 6 - 10, we are transitioning to normal school operation.

Reports from staff and parents have been very encouraging and have even prompted some awards from teachers for students who have done an exceptional job with their online engagement and learning. Some staff and students are even reporting improvements in the quality of work for some students.

The Student Cafe has proven to be an invaluable tool in recent weeks for communicating rapidly with students. Parents can support their children by reminding them to utilise this valuable resource as well as discussing their preparation and planning with them.

Parents have done a fantastic job of supporting this mode of delivery through the recent weeks of learning from home, thank you from the College for your part in making it a success.

I would like to also remind parents of the opportunity to continue to monitor the Peace Parent Portal for information about your child's learning activities.

In response to the challenges of COVID-19, QCAA have modified the senior assessment program to make sure students are not disadvantaged due to the restrictions. Year 11 and 12 students back at school are already successfully completing both formative and summative ATAR assessment in the dedicated exam space of the Boarders Recreational Centre.

Our ATAR confirmation reports, where staff provisional marking is quality assured independently by QCAA officers, is indicating a very good alignment, which is a reflection on the dedication and professionalism of our teachers

Year 12 pastoral care staff will be concentrating on careers and post-school education this term.

The students had the opportunity to undertake a range of organised activities and to also hear from a number of guest speakers who visited the College as part of our recent participation in Careers Week.

Year 11 students have been working hard to step up to the expectations of senior school and the rigor of the new syllabus requirements. Assessment practice is going well and providing valuable feedback to students and teachers on which areas require extra attention.

As is typical at the beginning of their senior studies, one or two have struggled to manage the workload and pacing of assessment preparation. It is important to be organised with assessment timetables and to get started early.

I would like to encourage parents to continue to monitor the Peace Parent Portal to support your son or daughter in managing these expectations.

Year 11 students, having completed a term in their chosen subjects, need to be considering adjustments in their approach and possibly alternative subjects to enhance their grades for the semester.

QCE credits are based on completed units and credits are earned through achievement of a C (SA) in the subject. Students should discuss this with their parents, our Careers Officer and Year Level Coordinator to ensure they are following an appropriate pathway.

Year 10 work experience will go ahead as planned and we are currently in negotiations with Skill360 to identify interview and preparation dates next term.

Thank you to Mrs Bolton for coordinating this valuable opportunity.

We had many interested parents Zooming into our information session on Tuesday in Week 6. It was a great opportunity for our future students and parents to understand the structure and approach to Year 7 and the support provided for transition to senior studies.

Thank you to Mr McMahon, Mrs Brooker and Mr Wilkinson for their support with the presentation.

Hopefully we were able to answer all of the questions raised, but please do not hesitate to contact our Middle School staff if you have any further questions about Middle School at Peace.

Semester 1 reports will be heading home soon and parents and students will have the opportunity to reflect on how well they have risen to the challenge of offsite learning and their studies this year.

The reports will take into account the circumstances of recent weeks and will be based on the evidence that students have produced.

We look forward to the opportunity next term to discuss how your son's or daughter’s Middle and Senior studies are going and perhaps even come up with strategies to further improve academic outcomes.

Many postponed events and activities are now being realigned to the remainder of the year with the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.

At this stage firm dates are difficult to identify but we will be providing parents with the details as and when they come to hand.

Mrs Brooker is very excited at the prospect of resuming the DofE program with indications from the organisation that the expedition component requirements will be relaxed to enable students to participate this year.

The continued restriction of mobile phone use during the timetabled day has been a tremendous success and I thank parents for their support of this.

We continue to see significant changes in student behaviour, integration and socialisation across the school.

Students are acknowledging how beneficial it has been and our College captains have done a great job of organising and promoting activities at recess to provide alternatives and build community.

During the restrictions the captains have been maintaining the very popular Friday Trivia using online platforms.

We are all looking forward to the resumption of the full program now that students have returned to the campus.

It has been so nice to have us altogether as a community again. The active buzz of having students at school was so enjoyable to hear. Schools are made by the people that are present.

Whilst we still have to be socially mindful and keep up with hygiene measures and individual safety, it is nice to be able to see and interact in person.

During this term we have welcomed nine new students and their families into the Junior School.

Many of these families have commenced their enrolment in an online format and this week have been excited to meet in person. Welcome!

COVID-19 has and will continue to be a challenging time for us all on many levels.

Thank you parents and caregivers. As caregivers, parents and even grandparents, you have stepped into the teaching space with confidence. You have kept your child progressing with their learning and engaging with their school and peers and many of you doing this whilst still working. Thank you.

Thank you students. As students you have risen to the many challenges offsite learning presents, including having to increase technology usage and complete tasks with different teacher direction. You have engaged in all we have asked, from Zoom lessons to completing activities and even participating in extra tasks such as brain quizzes and Peace projects. Thank you.

Thank you teachers. Teachers have worked tirelessly over many months to ensure learning progresses for their students. Their dedication to this task has been immense. The passion they have shown to teach and care for students during this time is highly commendable. Thank you.

A 2:45 pm departure is in place for families that have children only in the Junior School.

If you have children that are on the bus, in after school care, or in year levels across Junior School, Middle School and/or Senior School, then a 3:00 pm finish time still applies.

For parents, caregivers or family collecting children, please be mindful that the 1.5m social distancing requirements need to be adhered to.

Parents, caregivers, family and friends collecting children are not permitted to be on campus unless specifically directed or arranged.

Stay happy and healthy.

Sarah Rowan
Head of Junior School

During the COVID-19 disruption to classroom learning, the Year 4 and 5 students were given the task to reupholster some of their classroom ottomans (chairs).

Ethan and Issac (Year 5) were the primary workers. Mrs MacDermott helped with measuring, cutting and sewing. Mr Elliott was the manager. Other Year 4 and 5 students helped with other elements of the project. It took about a week from the start through to project completion.

The reason Ethan and Issac wanted to reupholster the ottomans was because they were falling apart and they wanted to upcycle them.

Phase one was Research and Development (R&D). The team researched different fabrics and tried to find the right fabric. The fabric had to be suited to a hot/humid climate and thin enough to sew. We had to try and find affordably priced fabric because we have six to do.

Phase two - the boys created a net for the cubes and it helped them with the design. The boys went to Mrs MacDermott with their design, who helped them modify the cube by adding flaps so it could be sewn together.

Phase three - Mr Elliott went out to buy the boys the fabric that suited the hot climate. The next day they sewed the fabric together to make a slip-on cover for the ottomans. Both the boys took turns with the sewing.

Phase four - presenting the finished product to Mr Elliot. To add a bit of humour, the boys added a pink fluffy pocket to the seat!

Mr Elliot was amazed at what the boys had achieved. Mr Elliot's words... “This project was amazing!!”

Due to the majority of students engaging in offsite learning to start Term 2, our Sport program was adjusted to allow all students to stay active, engaged in the PLC community and have fun.

The challenges set were:

• General Sporting Activity
• Push-ups
• Jump Rope
• Wall Sit
• Tik Tok

Students were required to video themselves performing the challenge and upload the video to Yammer. Points were awarded – 10 points per student, and 20 points per teacher.

After five weeks of fierce competition our winning house is Red Emperors.

Congratulations to all students who were involved in the challenge.

The CISSA competition for Semester 1 has been cancelled due to COVID-19. This is disappointing for all students (Years 10-12) but particularly our Year 12 students as this was their final involvement in Interschool Sport.

Thank you to all Year 12 students for their contribution representing PLC over the years you have attended.

At this time the JSS Convenor is working to put guidelines in place for this competition (Years 7 - 9) to commence in Term 3.

The Middle and Senior School Track & Field Athletics Carnival has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday 24th June from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm and Thursday 25th June from 8:30 am-3:00 pm of Week 9 this term.

The running of this event at this time is currently under review and information will be forwarded to families shortly as to whether the carnival occurs on the scheduled dates or if it is postponed until Term 3.

It has been wonderful to see all our returning students and in the first week back. All students have shown enthusiasm and joy when doing their HPE lesson.

During our period of offsite learning I concentrated on developing the skills required to do various athletic events. We examined sprinting and how to get off to a good start, shot put, javelin, long and high jump and currently classes are doing relay races and throwing discus.

The big news in the Junior School is the planned running of this year's Cross Country Carnival on the 22^nd of June (Monday week 10).

Check the school’s website and facebook page for its promotion which will also explain times and steps taken to help parents watch the race if restrictions are still enforced.

We are aiming to still run an athletics competition in Term 3 with dates yet to be finalised. The hope is that by waiting a little longer, we may be able to invite parents, friends and family onto the school grounds to watch their children compete.

It was great to see so many Middle and Senior School students participate in National Careers Week.

National Careers Week is designed to celebrate careers and to promote the economic, social and personal benefits of career development. Everyday decisions and priorities affect career development. It is important to remember that career development is about much more than jobs – it is about how to live your life.

Pastor Adam started the week for us with a timely message about using our gifts and talents, particularly as it relates to careers, to serve others.

Our Year 12s had the opportunity to hear from Rhiannon Simcocks, a business consultant with local Cairns firm Halpin Partners, and Chair of the Young Cairns Chamber committee. Rhiannon had a strong and powerful message stemming from her own experiences which really resonated with our students. Her thought-provoking and engaging presentation encouraged students to become a 'doer' and let them know not to be ashamed of taking a career u-turn, or two.

We received positive feedback from parents and students in relation to the Year 13 Digital Careers Expo. This event allowed students to connect with a series of live webinars from young influencers who are excelling in their career. The expo also connected students with resources to explore future study and career options.

The Year 8 and Year 9 students spent time researching a possible career path and were able to come to school (or Zoom) dressed representing their career choice. In the future we hope to see palaeontologist Keely, V8 SuperCar driver Max, photographer Meckenzie, NBA star Tsubasa, architect Lalai, neurosurgeon Grace, pilot (and resident TopGun) Charles, police officer Alexis and EMD specialist Sophie.

Thank you to all of the students for embracing this fun and informative activity.

National Careers Week concluded with a visit from a representative of James Cook University who spoke to our Year 12 students about the range of options open to them in 2021.

The main message I hope students took away from the week is that there are so many options open to you. Whether it be study or work, keep an open mind and know that this is just the start of your career journey.

Year 12 Peace Lutheran College student, Brooke is participating in the CQU Start Uni Now (SUN) Program which enables her to complete university undergraduate studies while she is finishing her senior schooling.

After the completion of Year 12, Brooke plans to undertake a Bachelor of Paramedic Science and thanks to the SUN Program, she is readying herself for direct entry into that course of study, having already successfully completed the unit Human Body Systems 1.

Start Uni Now (SUN) is a CQUniversity initiative that allows students in Year 11 and Year 12 study CQUniversity units whilst still in high school.

Successful completion can see students gain direct entry into their desired Bachelor course.

Brooke is Peace’s second SUN Program success story. Well done Brooke, the entire College community is extremely proud of your efforts.

I would encourage any student who thinking of studying at CQU to consider the SUN program. Please come and see me for more information.

Just a reminder that students are welcome to meet with me during first break each Tuesday and Thursday in SU2 to discuss careers and post-Year 12 study options.

Similarly, I would encourage parents to contact me on 4039 9000 or via email, rbolton@plc.qld.edu.au if you have any questions relating to careers, vocational pathways, university entrance or the new ATAR system.

We welcome the return of most of our students and have enjoyed seeing them back in the Learning Centre.

During the restrictions, we recorded many of our library lessons using Zoom and Year 2 and 3 students especially enjoyed the "91-Storey Treehouse" by Andy Griffiths, which I read to the students.

Unfortunately we had to cancel our Book Fair this year which was a shame because the students did a wonderful job of decorating the library in preparation for the event.

To keep our students safe, the Learning Centre is still open to students between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm on school days. The number of students allowed in the library at any one time has been reduced and we have spaced out the computers and study desks. We are still open at break times, but have reduced visits from Junior School students to first break and Middle & Senior students to second break. Any returned library books are being wiped down and quarantined for 24 hours.

Library loans for most students have now reverted back to a two week loan with the option to renew. If you require further extensions, please contact the Learning Centre staff who are happy to assist.

Reading for the Premier’s Reading Challenge has now commenced and will continue through to the end of Book Week in Term 3.

Students are encouraged to read any books that are suited to their reading level to help foster a love of reading and life-long learning. Students will need to read:

• Prep to Year 2: Read or experience 20 books
• Year 3-4: Read 20 books
• Years 5-9: Read 15 books

Complete the Reading Log and return it to your teacher or the Learning Centre by 28^th August 2020.

Shortlisted books for the Children’s Book Council Book of the Year awards have been announced and can be found on their website. The winners will be announced during Book Week in August.

The National Simultaneous Storytime was held on 27th May. Peace Lutheran College joined school's across Australia reading "Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas" by Lucinda Gifford.

Thank you to all in our school community who supported this year's drive-thru Mother's Day gift stall.

We were excited to be able to still hold this very popular service and it was very encouraging to have so many of you drop by to purchase gifts.

We wish to advise, as per the Principal's communication of 25th May 2020, our Uniform Standards - School Dress Code has been updated and is now available for viewing on the College website.

Please note: The uniform item, Middle School Girls Shorts, is currently unavailable from the uniform supplier, Uniform Link, due to delivery delays caused by COVID-19.

We understand school drop-off and especially school pick-up times are extremely busy periods for traffic around the school.

To assist with traffic congestion at this time and also be considerate of our neighbours, we would request that cars entering or exiting the school do not block turning points into and out of Cowley and Harley Streets. Stopping across these entry/exit points whilst waiting to enter stop-drop-go and/or to move towards traffic light intersection, restricts cars from being able to turn into or out of these areas and stops the flow of traffic.

Consideration of all road users during these times will ensure students, families and neighbours all remain safe.

Thank you for your support.

**UPDATE**

School photos for Years 7 to 12

School photos for Years 7 to 12 have been postponed due to some students in these year levels being unable to return to school at this stage. A new date will be decided upon for the next term. Students in Years 7 to 12 who are on campus on Thursday are able to participate in sibling photos. For those not on campus, another opportunity for sibling photos will be available later in the year once the new date for Years 7 to 12 photos has been confirmed.

School photos for students in Prep to Year 6 will be taken on Thursday 11 June 2020. Order envelopes have been sent home with children. Orders can be placed online.

The schedule for the photo day is as follows:

• 08:00 am - 08:20 am - Sibling photos
• 08:30 am - Prep A
• 09:00 am - Prep B
• 09:15 am - Year 1CJ
• 09:30 am - Year 1LR
• 09:45 am - Year 6A
• 10:00 am - Year 6B
• 10:20 am - Year 5
• 10:35 am 0 11:00 am - Sibling photos
• 11:15 am - Year 3
• 11:45 am - Year 2
• 12:00 pm - Middle School Captains
• 12:15 pm - Junior School House Captains
• 12:15 pm - Year 4
• 12:40 pm - 01:20 pm - Sibling photos

If you have any questions regarding the photo days, please contact Casey on 4039 9000 or email admin@plc.qld.edu.au.

To comply with COVID-19 restrictions, parents, carers, friends and family are not permitted onto the school grounds. Part of the course can be viewed from the fencing on Harley Street. We are also hoping to share the action at the finish line via Zoom.

Wednesday 24th June (pre-events) and Thursday 25th June 2020 (events carnival)

To comply with COVID-19 restrictions, parents, carers, friends and family are not permitted onto the school grounds.

Registration for Academic Scholarships and Boarding Scholarships close.

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