Boarding School Prospectus

BOARDING SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Peace Lutheran College proudly acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land.

We acknowledge the Djabugay and Yirrganydji people as the traditional custodians of the lands where Peace Lutheran College now stands – and recognise that these have always been places of teaching and learning. We pay respect to their Elders – past, present and emerging – and acknowledge the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People continue to play within the Peace Lutheran Community.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

I am delighted to introduce you to Peace Lutheran College.

I am fortunate enough to hold one of the best jobs in the world. It is a privilege to lead and work alongside a team of very talented and dedicated staff who are passionate about education. The best part of my job is to have the opportunity to see children and young people discover and develop their gifts, talents and pathways for their lives.

Peace is about growing, developing and nurturing students so they can be the best they can be. Students striving to do their personal best is what I define as success.

At Peace, our goal is to provide a quality education within a safe and happy learning environment where everyone is valued and diversity is celebrated. We want to inspire students to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives, and to nurture their aspirations in a caring and vibrant educational setting. We promote the intellectual, emotional, physical, social and spiritual development of each student and strive to give them every opportunity to use their gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the world. We believe this is the core of a good education.

I look forward to greeting you as you explore the many exciting opportunities that exist at Peace Lutheran College.

Elisabeth Fenske Principal – Peace Lutheran College

ABOUT PEACE

Peace Lutheran College is affectionally referred to as ‘Peace’ by its College families and local community. We are a Kindy to Year 12 co-educational day and boarding school located in Cairns.

Our smaller school environment of approximately 650 students has many advantages, one being the meaningful relationships that are established between students and their teachers.

Opportunities to participate in many different sports, play a musical instrument, sing in the choir, join the Concert Band, perform in drama and theatre performances, take part in public speaking competitions, and engage in community service and cultural immersion experiences are all available to students at Peace.

Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We feel privileged to have such a multicultural community at our school and for this reason, we have a reputation for our culture of inclusiveness, where every student is known by name and supported to be the best possible version of themselves.

OUR MISSION

To develop informed, active, resilient and compassionate citizens within a Christian community.

It is through this mission we aim to offer a quality schooling experience where God’s love for every person is evident, and informs all that we do.

OUR VALUES

PEACE – We encourage grace and harmony EXCELLENCE – We set high expectations RESPECT – We value all COMMUNITY – We build positive relationships

OUR VISION

To be at the forefront of innovative education; empowering tomorrow’s leaders, today. This is achieved through our education model, which is a progressive approach to learning; adopting modern-day education transformations that connects classroom learning to real life, better preparing students for their future after school.

THE PEACE DIFFERENCE

It has been said that the pastoral care and support offered to our students is unmatched. We pride ourselves on the genuine care and nurture of every child in our care; we are concerned for each individual; providing a safe place for them to learn and grow.

Developing the whole person – academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually is at the heart of what we do at Peace. We foster a culture of excellence, encouraging everyone to strive to give their absolute best effort in everything they set out to do.

It is for this reason, students at Peace are confident learners and creative thinkers, equipped with the skills necessary for success both at school and beyond the classroom.

WE BELIEVE THAT WHEN A CHILD IS SURROUNDED BY NURTURE, RESPECTED FOR WHO THEY ARE AND MADE TO FEEL IMPORTANT, KNOWN AND VALUED, THEY WILL HAVE SOLID FOUNDATIONS, GROUNDING THEM FOR FUTURE SUCCESS.

THE HISTORY OF PEACE

Founded in 1994, Peace has been providing a quality education, developing students academically, socially, physically, emotionally and spiritually for more than 25 years. We are now educating the children of some of our very first students.

We are also privileged to have some of our past students who are now employed as part of our teaching team, educating the next generation. This is a true testament to the strong sense of community at Peace, where staff, students and their families are all a part of our Peace family.

Peace Lutheran College is part of the larger system of Lutheran schools in Queensland (Lutheran Education Queensland) and Australia (Lutheran Education Australia). Peace is a school which purposefully serves other Christian and non-Christian families in providing a quality Christian education for all.

Peace Lutheran College opened its doors on 1st February 1994 amid red mud and tropical rain, but with infectious enthusiasm and a clear sense of direction under the founding Principal, Michael Gladigau.

With approximately 250 people in attendance, the official opening ceremony occurred on Sunday, 12th June 1994, performed by Sir William Knox, Chairman of the Association of Independent Schools Queensland. Pastor John Vitale, President of the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District dedicated the school to the glory of God.

Today, the College is a testimony to a task that has had many hands to the wheel, developing every aspect of the school into its current niche in the Cairns Community.

The school provides the Cairns community with a further choice of quality education for children from the local area, as well as those who join us from within Australia and around the world.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & ACHIEVEMENT

At Peace Lutheran College we value excellence and we encourage our students to set high expectations in all that they do. As a result, we are one of the top performing schools in our region.

Achievements

✔ 100% of full time Year 12 students (2020) being awarded a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

✔ One of the highest performing ATAR schools in Cairns

✔ Counted among the Top 10 Performing High Schools for the National Assessment Program –Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) in the region in 2019

✔ Counted among the Top 10 Performing Primary Schools for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) in the region in 2019

✔ Inter-school sport ‘Aggregate’ champion school for several years in Junior Secondary Sport (JSS)

✔ Highly competitive and well-known for outstanding sportsmanship in the CISSA (Senior Sport) competition

✔ Reputation for strong representation in District and Regional representative sport

Our graduating seniors also achieve outstanding university entrance scores, which has seen the school establish a fine record in Cairns for our students being accepted on their tertiary course of choice.

Peace Lutheran College ATAR results for 2020

A' Grades 35%

B' Grades 37% 'A' + 'B' Grades 72%

These academic results are evidence of the hard work and commitment of these students, as well as the care, attention and dedication of their teachers who have journeyed with them.

10.0

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

Boarding

The Boarding Community has been an integral part of the life of Peace Lutheran College for the entire history of the school. It has not merely been accommodation for boys and girls at the College but has in itself been a positive educational experience.

Boarding life provides a structured, supportive and caring educational environment in which boys and girls develop skills and attitudes which prepare them to become contributing and caring adults in modern society.

At Peace, we believe in maximising the opportunities for boarders by allowing them the flexibility to manage their time to experience all that living in Cairns has to offer. Some examples of these opportunities could be part-time work, outside sporting/cultural activities or even extra study programs or courses.

Our motto is, ‘A great place to be”, and we aim to do this by planning activities and experiences that touch on all aspects of life that our boarders may need during and after their time at the College.

Academic

Students are in an environment where it is possible to seek and gain guidance and assistance with academic work, work independently in a quiet and conducive atmosphere and have access to modern educational facilities and resources at all levels of their schooling. They will be taught the necessary skills to work efficiently and independently, yet be encouraged to seek assistance and share ideas when appropriate. They will be encouraged to set their academic sights as high as possible and to work with purpose to achieve their objectives.

Social

Students and staff living in a communal situation shall do so with the following social values foremost in their minds: trust, co-operation, tolerance, responsibility, respect, loyalty and pride. These values shall be nurtured within the Boarding Community and developed through activities and experiences both with the students’ families and independently. The “sense of family” and being a part of a special community will be an integral and necessary requirement of their boarding experience.

Physical and cultural

Students shall participate in appropriate activities which enhance their bodies and minds, broaden their outlook and help in their appreciation of others’ skills and beliefs.

Spiritual

Peace Lutheran College is firmly based on Lutheran values. Students will be required to participate in worship and will be encouraged to do so in a positive and active manner. They will be encouraged to challenge and develop their faith and will, at all times, be required to strive to live by Christian principles.

Boarding life at Peace will strive to develop the “whole person”. Your child will be given the opportunity to share, to lead and to serve in various environments and situations so that they have the opportunity to reach their potential in all of the above areas.

Our boarding students attend church fortnightly either at the Trinity Lutheran Church or within the Peace Centre at the College.

BOARDING OPTIONS

FULL TIME

A full-time boarder resides at the College on a permanent basis.

WEEKLY

A weekly boarder is a student who would generally reside at the College during the week and return home for the weekend.

TEMPORARY

A temporary boarder is a student who may stay in the boarding house for a short to extended period of time. For example, this could be for one night, three nights, two weeks or a school term.

ALL DAY

An all-day boarder is a student who attends school from 7:00am to 7:00pm. The student has all meals provided for them during the day and is also able to stay after school to recreate and participate in study sessions with the boarders.

Boarding Facilities

We have four Boarding Houses, two for boys and two for girls. The Houses are organised so that our Year 7 to 9 students are in our Junior Boarding Houses and our Year 10 to 12 students are in our Senior Boarding Houses. We are able to accommodate 42 boys and 44 girls across the four boarding houses.

Boarding Houses

We have chosen the names for our Boarding Houses based on the translation of ‘PEACE’ from varying languages that reflect our history and traditions.

Boys Boarding

Frieden House

Frieden is our junior boys (Years 7-9) house and accommodates 22 boys.

Mari Mari House

Mari Mari is our senior boys (Years 10-12) house and accommodates 20 boys.

Girls Boarding

Milyn House

Milyn is our junior girls (Year 7-9) house and accommodates 22 girls.

Heiwa House

Heiwa is our senior girls (Year 10-12) house and accommodates 22 girls.

Other Boarding Facilities

Dining Hall

The dining hall is situated close to all of the Boarding Houses and it is where the boarders enjoy all their meals, including their morning tea and lunch while at school.

Catering

Peace Lutheran College contracts its own catering staff to provide all meals for the College. The team is led by our Head chef, who is supported by our catering team.

The students eat all of their meals in the dining hall. Dining is generally ‘alfresco style’, meaning the students may enter the dining hall at any time, select their meals from the servery and seat themselves.

Dinner usually consists of two protein options, a vegetarian option and a choice of several different types of vegetables and salads. Of course, dessert is also available after every meal. Our staff are always on the lookout for those students who sometimes forget to eat their ‘greens’.

Fresh fruit is always available within the dining hall.

Recreation Centre

The recreation centre is exactly as it sounds, a space where all the boarders can gather and socialise. The room is fully air conditioned and contains air hockey, table tennis and pool tables as well as PlayStation, Xbox and Wii gaming consoles. The highlight of the room is the large projector screen that we use to watch movies or any number of sporting fixtures that are televised each week. It is a great space that is open every afternoon after school and on weekends to ensure our boarders have a place to socialise.

Boarders Kitchen

The Boarders Kitchen is an out of hours facility the students can use for cooking their own creations or for us to utilise in conjunction with an event that might be televised on the big screen or for doing something just a little bit different. As part of the kitchen we have barbeques available that we use regularly to mix up the normal dinner or lunch routine.

LIVING AND STUDYING IN CAIRNS

The school grounds of Peace Lutheran College are representative of the natural beauty and relaxed coastal lifestyle of Cairns – gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the perfect study location.

Students who study in Cairns have the benefit of experiencing a quality education whilst enjoying the many natural wonders of the area including the reef and the rainforest, all located within close proximity to the school.

Studying in Cairns offers students an exceptional education and healthy lifestyle within a warm, tropical climate.

Location

Cairns is located on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula, a narrow coastal strip between the Coral Sea and the Great Dividing Range.

The city is the gateway to two of the world’s greatest natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Landscape

Cairns has a diverse tropical landscape, home to mountains, beaches, wetlands, lakes, mudflats, mangroves, rivers and estuaries, as well as Queensland’s highest mountain – Mount Bartle Frere (1,622 metres high); and home to the world’s longest lava tubes – Undara lava tubes (160 kilometres long and 20 metres wide).

Employment

Cairns is a regional hub for North Queensland, with tourism and hospitality being two of the main industries, along with retail, as well as agriculture and mining.

Universities

Two world-class universities – Central Queensland University (CQU) and James Cook University (JCU), both of which offer a range of education courses.

SCHOOL LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION

Peace Lutheran College is nestled in the picturesque hills in the suburb of Kamerunga, only 14 kilometres from Cairns city, which is a 15-minute trip by car or bus.

The school has a safe and reliable transport system, owning a private fleet of buses and employing its own drivers. The buses are used to transport students, who are boarders of the school, to activities, outings, sports training and events, etc. These buses are also used to transport all students to school activities and excursions.

Public bus transport is also available if required, with bus stops located directly opposite the school.

10.0 COLLEGE FACILITIES

Located at the foothills of World Heritage rainforest, our school is set on spacious grounds with beautiful gardens. Our facilities include:

✔ Airconditioned classrooms with interactive white boards and modern learning equipment

✔ Personal locker for every student

✔ School library

✔ Junior School computer lab

✔ Student Café fully catered for lunch breaks by our in-house Chef

✔ Peace Centre, hall with raised stage and seating for up to 500

✔ Multi-Purpose Centre including two undercover areas for basketball, netball and volleyball

✔ Spacious sports fields including two rectangular fields and one oval

✔ Junior School playgrounds

✔ Four boarding houses with the capacity to accommodate 86 people

✔ Boarder’s dining hall and recreation centre

✔ Health & Wellbeing Centre operated by a registered nurse who attends to students who are unwell

✔ Privately owned and operated bus fleet which transfers students to-and-from school, to sporting fixtures and excursions and weekend activities for our boarding students

Performing Arts Centre

This state-of-the-art, contemporary building facilitates music, drama and dance students with the latest equipment and performance space.

✔ Boutique theatre with stage and sound room

✔ The latest AV and lighting

✔ Fully equipped recording studio

✔ Two customised music teaching rooms

✔ Seven practice rooms for instrumental music tuition

Hospitality Centre

This leading-edge building consists of:

✔ A large, fully equipped commercial kitchen

✔ The latest equipment, appliances and utensils

✔ A well-appointed, modern café – Café Garna – serving barista coffee as well as an assortment of other beverages and baked goods

Industrial Technology & Design Centre

A modern, purpose-built facility which includes:

✔ A technology and design computer room

✔ Two spacious, well resourced woodwork workshops, including break-out rooms

✔ Large outdoor fabrication workshop

COLLEGE CAMPUS

TEACHING AND LEARNING

At Peace we understand each child is different and they won't necessarily develop in the same way or at the same rate as another. It is for this reason we treat each child's progress as a unique journey, working with them every step of the way to reach their full potential.

Through collaborative learning groups and a focus on individual learning, we are able to ensure your child is receiving the attention that will see them grow and become a successful learner.

Our dedicated teaching and pastoral care team will be on your child's learning journey with them, providing them with a complete education – academically, socially and spiritually – providing them with the skills they need to be successful in life. This is achieved by:

✔ Establishing solid foundations for future success through respecting individual learning, embracing and encouraging every child's unique skill set, developing the whole person.

✔ Fostering a culture of inclusiveness by embracing the diversity of our multicultural fabric, offering an environment where every student feels valued.

✔ Empowering tomorrow’s leaders today through the 4C’s of education – collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication – teaching our students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations, better preparing them for success after school.

The Curriculum

The curriculum aligns to the Australian Curriculum and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) documents. Being a Lutheran school, our students in Prep to Year 9 also engage in a Christian Studies program and students in Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 participate in a Queensland Certificate in Education (QCE) credited Religion and Ethics course.

Method of study

All year levels are fulltime study with lessons delivered on-site at Peace Lutheran College. Some specialist lessons may be delivered via distance education or other means as required.

Duration of study

Two Semesters per year for each year level. Semesters are broken down into 10-week Terms, with two weeks holiday break in between each term and seven to eight weeks holiday break at the end of each year.

Outcomes

All students who successfully complete their Senior studies with Peace Lutheran College will achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) upon graduation.

The QCE is Queensland’s senior secondary schooling qualification. It is internationally recognised and provides evidence of senior schooling achievements.

The QCE allows students to choose from a wide-range of learning options to suit their interests and career goals.

To receive a QCE students must achieve the set amount of learning, in the set standard, in a set pattern, while meeting literacy and numeracy requirements. (QCAA, 2020)

MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS

Middle School – Year 6 to Year 9

The important Middle School years serve as a transition between childhood and young adulthood. We understand students in these year levels have needs distinct from other age groups and therefore pastoral care continues to be a vital part of our service to these students.

Due to rapid changes in brain development, how this age group learns and manages emotional, social and moral challenges is a key focus at Peace.

We have high expectations of our students’ attitude to their education; our approach fosters a willingness to learn and opportunities to succeed. This is achieved through:

✔ Building character, establishing trust and creating resilience

✔ Practicing mutual respect, acceptance of difference, consideration and forgiveness

✔ Encouraging students to dream big and take risks in their learning

✔ Supporting students through moral challenges and teaching them how to make responsible choices

✔ Fostering productive, respectful teacher-student relationships

What is different about Middle School at Peace?

✔ Innovative, practical academics program tailored to make learning experiences relevant, challenging and interesting

✔ Structure and boundaries for a safe environment

✔ Smaller learning communities for individual attention

✔ Connecting classroom learning to real life, better preparing students for their future

✔ Flexible, stimulating learning spaces

✔ Developing the skills necessary for success in their senior studies

Curriculum

Studies align with the Australian Curriculum and Queensland Authority syllabus, with Peace Lutheran College curriculum following sound educational theory and practice.

Core Subjects

All Year Levels (6-9)

English

Mathematics

Science

Humanities

Languages –Choice of Japanese OR Italian

Christian Studies

All Year Levels (Yr 6-9)

Industrial Technology & Design

Digital Technology

Food Technology (Yr 7-9)

Drama

Music

Visual Art

Health & Physical Education Business

Sport

Specialist Subjects

Years 6, 7 & 8 only

STEM

Textiles

SENIOR SCHOOL YEARS

Senior School – Years 10, 11 & 12

Peace Lutheran College has one of the finest records in Cairns for graduating seniors being accepted on their tertiary course of choice.

Peace offers an outstanding program of academic, vocational, sporting, cultural and social experiences, in line with the most modern educational thinking of today.

Through careful monitoring of student progress and specialist teachers, we are able to give more time to the individual needs of our students. The school's professional, caring teachers offer advice and wellinformed direction to make sure every senior student graduates, having had the best support to embark on their adult lives and careers.

As a boarding school, our students have the opportunity to mix and forge friendships with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, making for a richer and more rewarding experience for students in their senior school years.

What is different about Senior School at Peace?

✔ An experienced and committed subject specialist team provide the highest level of instruction to ensure students are challenged and successful in their final years of study.

✔ A dedicated pastoral care team carefully monitors student progress and provides the guidance and support necessary for future success.

✔ Our programs maximise teaching time, track student performance and provide extensive opportunities for extended study and tutorials ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for summative assessment success.

✔ Our student welfare and careers team provide robust emotional support and advice for struggling students and families.

✔ Our careers team provides students with industry informed advice on careers and Vocational Education.

Curriculum

Year 10

Elective Subjects

Compulsory

Core Subjects

Elective Subjects

(Choice of three)

English Business

Mathematics

Science

Health & Physical Education

History

Geography

Religion & Ethics

Sport

Curriculum

Digital Technology

Drama

Food Technology

Industrial Technology & Design

Music

Visual Art

Senior subject choices continue to align with the Australian Curriculum and Queensland Authority syllabus whilst ensuring our delivery is engaging and relevant, cultivating a desire for each child to work towards reaching their full potential.

Year 11 and 12

Year 11 and 12 students are offered a broad choice of subjects. All senior students undertake Religion & Ethics and must select one English and one Mathematics subject, as well as three to four other subjects depending on their chosen academic pathway.

Students are assisted with their subject selections by our Careers Guidance Officer, our Year Level Coordinators and our Head of Senior School.

Compulsory Subjects

(Students must choose one English and one Mathematics option)

General Subjects* Applied Subjects^

General English

Mathematical Methods

General Mathematics

Religion & Ethics

Elective Subjects

Essential English

Essential Maths

Sport

General Subjects* Applied Subjects^

Biology

Physics

Chemistry

Legal Studies

Business

Modern History

Geography

Visual Art

Physical Education

Drama

Music

Visual Art in Practice

Sport & Recreation

Drama in Practice

Furnishing Skills

Music in Practice

Aquatic Practices

Hospitality Practices

TAFE / Vocational Studies / Distance Education

General* subjects are suited to students interested in pathways that lead primarily to tertiary studies and to pathways for vocational education and training and work. General subjects include Extension subjects.

Applied^ subjects are suited to students primarily interested in pathways that lead to vocational education and training or work.

Results in General and Applied subjects contribute to the awarding of a QCE and may contribute to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) calculation, although no more than one result in an Applied subject can be used in the calculation of a student's ATAR.

SPORT AT PEACE

Peace Lutheran College is well-known for its sporting achievements with our students having competed at State and National levels.

A wide range of opportunities are available including carnivals, district and regional sport, inter-school sport and College teams. Our core sports program introduces students to various activities and provides the skills for them to then participate in various games and team sports.

School Carnivals

✔ Cross Country – Junior, Middle and Senior students

✔ Swimming – Middle and Senior students

✔ Athletics – Junior, Middle and Senior students

Inter-school Sport

Two competitions are played throughout the year:

✔ Cairns Inter-school Secondary Sporting Activities (CISSA) – for Senior School students, played in Terms 1 and 2.

✔ Junior Secondary Sport (JSS) – for Middle School students in Years 7, 8 and 9 in Terms 3 and 4.

Team training takes place each week. Students travel off campus, during school time, to compete against other schools in the Cairns region. The different sports include:

✔ AFL (boys)

✔ Basketball (boys and girls)

✔ Football - Soccer (boys and girls)

✔ Netball (girls)

✔ Touch Football (boys and girls)

✔ Volleyball (boys and girls)

District & Regional Sport

Students can nominate for District trials which are held throughout the year. Students who attend District trials may be selected in a Regional team. Peace has had a consistent record of award recipients at District level and has had several students progress through the Queensland Schools State Team which is the highest possible achievement in Australian School Sport.

Sports include:

✔ AFL

✔ Baseball

✔ Basketball

✔ Cricket

✔ Football (Soccer)

✔ Hockey

✔ Netball

✔ Softball

✔ Rugby League

✔ Rugby Union

✔ Touch Football

✔ Volleyball

EXTRA CURRICULAR

At Peace we offer a variety of extra-curricular activities and all students are encouraged to be involved in an activity that best suits their individual interests.

Camps & Excursions

Class camps help build positive relationships between teachers and students and create a spirit of togetherness. There is no additional cost to attend these camps:

✔ Year 5 Camp

✔ Year 7 Outdoor Adventure Camp

✔ Year 10 Activity Camp

✔ Year 11 Leadership Camp

✔ Year 12 Leadership Retreat

Voluntary Excursions allow students the opportunity to be involved in cultural experiences and adventure programs:

✔ Adventure Under Sail – sailing adventure available for Year 10 and 11 students

✔ Borneo Service Trip – outreach opportunity for Year 9 and 10 students

✔ Italian Cultural Trip – cultural experience for Middle and Senior students

✔ Japanese Cultural Trip – cultural experience for Middle and Senior students

✔ New Zealand Ski Trip – adventurous experience for Year 11 and 12 students

Clubs

✔ Drama Club

✔ Media Club

✔ Music Clubs

✔ Props & Costumes Club

✔ Sewing Club

✔ After-school Sports Clubs

✔ Tutoring Club

✔ Visual Art Club

Students use their STEM skills (or the engineer design process) to design, build (and sometimes redesign), something tangible out of a wide variety of materials with a specific function or purpose in mind. This creative outlet offers students and staff the opportunity to learn new skills in a non-threatening, relaxed atmosphere.

Recess Activities

In response to the school’s policy of ‘no mobile phones during school hours’, the student leadership run a weekly calendar of activities during second lunch break. Regular weekly activities include:

✔ Chess

✔ Table Tennis

✔ Boardgames

✔ Drawing Club

✔ PUG – Peace Ukulele & Guitar Club

✔ Dance Club

✔ Friday Trivia

Community Groups

Environment Group – This is a motivated, energetic group of students who plan and coordinate the school's initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint. From managing the school's recycling program, to establishing butterfly gardens and planting trees, this group of students is always excitedly planning for improvement.

Rosies – Friends on the Street – This is a not-for-profit organisation that provides acceptance and friendship to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Peace senior students help out regularly by providing ongoing support to the project and going out with the van to serve meals for the homeless. This dedicated group of students work to make a difference in the lives of others through generously giving their time to serve.

Service Group – Middle and Senior School students are invited to participate in a variety of service activities in response to needs within the school and wider community.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

This structured youth development program offers students the opportunity to demonstrate initiative, organisation and leadership skills by participating in challenging outdoor activities and community service initiatives.

Leadership

Student Representative Council (SRC) - The SRC consists of the College Captains, Vice Captains and Year Level Representatives who serve the school community by representing student interests and providing a forum for student opinions and ideas. They also represent the school and student body at school and community events.

Music

Private music tuition is offered in piano, drums, percussion, vocals, guitar, bass guitar, string, woodwind and brass instruments.

The Junior Choir (Junior School) and Peace Pipes (Middle/Senior School) offer students the opportunity to sing and perform at school functions as well as enter local Eisteddfod competitions.

The Concert and Jazz Bands comprise our Instrumental Music students and offers students the opportunity to perform at school functions and for local community organisations.

Performing Arts

Peace engages in school and public performances. Middle and Senior students may audition for the annual school production. Senior students engage in Drama performances for school and public appearances.

Public Speaking

Peace offers debating and public speaking opportunities and enters literary competitions. Students work with their English teachers out of school time to prepare for these events.

Sport & Fitness

Early morning fitness sessions are conducted by the school’s Health & Physical Education coordinator, as well as before or after school sports training sessions for the school’s various club sports teams.

PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER SCHOOL

Careers Guidance

Through career information and counselling, we prepare students for life beyond the classroom. We employ an experienced Careers and Guidance Officer who can support students and their parents, assisting with:

✔ Individualised careers counselling

✔ Vocational Education & Tertiary (VET) pathways

✔ School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

✔ The job search process, including resume preparation, job seeking and interview tips

✔ Sourcing and advice relating to work experience

✔ Insight into workplace expectations and etiquette

All senior students attend the annual Careers and Employment Expo, which brings together a vast array of education and career providers to inspire students and help them with their decision making.

From Year 10, students start their Senior Education and Training (SET) plan, which is used as a guide to inform subject selection and identify vocational pathways. Year 10 students also participate in a structured work experience program.

VET in Schools Program

Students have the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification whilst still at school and as part of their QCE. A range of courses are offered, enabling students to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

• Certificate II Aircraft Line Maintenance

• Certificate II Outdoor Education

• Certificate II Sport & Recreation

• Certificate II Health Support Services

• Certificate II Engineering Pathways

• Certificate II Automotive Vocational Preparation

• Certificate II Automotive Electrical Technology

• Certificate I Construction

• Certificate II Maritime Operations

• Certificate II Plumbing

• Certificate II Electrotechnology

• Certificate II Logistics

• Certificate II Retail Cosmetics

• Certificate II Salon Assistant

We also support students undertaking school-based apprenticeships and traineeships which can lead directly to fulltime employment at the completion of school.

University Pathways

Peace has an exceptional record of producing academically talented students in readiness for entry to university.

Our students have access to experienced staff who can support and guide them towards achieving the necessary requirements for entry into their chosen university course.

During Year 12, students attend university experience days to gain greater insight and understanding about university life and expectations. University representatives also visit our students to offer first-hand advice and knowledge about specific courses and entry requirements.

STUDENT HEALTH & WELLBEING

Our dedicated teaching and pastoral care team will be on your child’s learning journey with them, providing them with a complete education.

Our Christian ethos informs relationships between staff and students and shapes the whole school environment, providing a safe and secure atmosphere in which students can learn effectively.

The school’s pastoral care program looks to build life skills and equip students for challenges they may encounter. Focus areas include:

✔ Having high expectations of self and others

✔ Respectful relationships with caring adults

✔ Moral values that enable young people to discern right from wrong

✔ Social boundaries and opportunities for social service

✔ These traits build resilience when these young people face life's challenges.

Our pastoral care staff and teaching team work closely together to ensure our students are settled, feel safe and can concentrate on their studies.

Pastoral Care Team College Pastor

Our College Pastor has oversight of the spiritual life of our school and is also actively involved in the school’s pastoral care programs and student welfare services. Students regularly attend chapel which is led by the Pastor, but students are also encouraged to be involved. The College Pastor also serves the boarding community at Peace through church services and bible studies and devotions.

Student Welfare Officer

Our Student Welfare Officer provides support, assessment and advice to all students from Prep through to Year 12 in relation to student wellbeing. They work alongside other support staff to provide pastoral care and support for staff and parents of the College Community. When necessary, upon ascertaining the level of support required for a student, they will connect students and parents to external agencies and providers who can offer expert advice to assist students as they overcome emotional and personal struggles.

School Nurse

We have a Health & Wellbeing Centre located on campus which is operated by a registered nurse to care for our students in times of illness or accident. The nurse is also responsible for storing and administering prescription medication required by students.

Leadership & Teaching Team

Our leadership and teaching team carefully monitor each student’s progress, addressing individual needs. Our teachers are caring and are dedicated to our students, providing them with the advice, direction and support they need along their learning journey.

Supporting our teachers in the pastoral care of our students are our Home Group Teachers, Behaviour Management Coordinator, Year Level Coordinators and Boarding House Parents.

Staying Connected

Peace has a strong sense of community and we strongly encourage our College families to become involved with the Peace community.

The school has several platforms that keep families informed and engaged with the activities and happenings at the school:

✔ Peace Lutheran College Facebook

✔ Peace Lutheran College Instagram

✔ College Newsletter

✔ Peace Lutheran College School App

Direct communication between the school and home is considered vital as we value your ongoing involvement with your child’s educational development. This communication is either by email or phone.

You can also have access to your child’s student information such as academic reports, school calendar, event and excursion information and permissions and parent/teacher interviews through the school’s Peace Parent Portal. You will be provided access to this program once your child’s enrolment has been accepted and confirmed with the school.

ENROLMENT PROCESS AND SCHOOL POLICIES

Enrolments Process

Enrolment places are limited in all year levels. We encourage families to complete and submit an online Application for Enrolment as soon as they would like to be added to a waiting list, or to secure the next available position in the year level of interest.

All of our enrolment applications are now available online via our website: www.plc.qld.edu.au

Below provides an overview of our enrolments process:

Step 1

Complete and submit an Application for Enrolment form online. Your application will be processed upon payment of the application fee. This processing fee is nonrefundable. Your application cannot be processed until the application fee has been paid.

Documents required to be submitted with your Application for Enrolment form:

✔ Copy of child's Birth Certificate or Passport

✔ Two most recent school reports

✔ Latest NAPLAN report if available

✔ Any other supporting documentation, e.g. awards, certificates, residency documentation, medical, etc.

✔ Character reference - required for all students enrolling into Years 7 - 12

Step 2

Interview and/or assessment - all applicants requesting enrolment are required to have an interview and/or assessment with either the Principal, or appropriate Head of School. This will be arranged at a mutually convenient time either face to face or via video call. Interviews will only be offered once all required documentation has been received.

Step 3

Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer from the school. For the Offer to be accepted, an enrolment deposit of $400 per child, or $200 for the second child, to a maximum of $600 per family, is required to secure the position/s.

If a placement is not immediately available, you will be contacted by our Enrolments Team who will advise that the application has been placed onto our waitlist. Waitlists are reviewed each Term and should a position become available we will be in contact with you.

School Policies

Peace Lutheran College aims to always provide an environment that is safe for its students, staff and visitors; an environment that is healthy and conducive to optimum learning.

In keeping with our desire to communicate clearly and openly to parents and our community, our policies and governance documents are available to provide information about our policies, procedures, school information, achievements and direction.

All of these policies can be viewed via our website: www.plc.qld.edu.au.

Additional Fees

The following additional fees are not covered in the tuition fees and are the responsibility of the parent and/or carer. The majority of these additional non-tuition fees are compulsory requirements.

Please note: The costs noted below are approximate costs only, provided as a guide. We recommend you check with the supplier for more accurate cost information.

Item

School uniforms

Book and stationery pack

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program

Special activities, courses and excursions

Additional Information

Uniform requirements can be viewed on our website. Approximate cost is AUD $450 - $650. See the supplier’s website for more information.

Lists can be viewed on our website. Approximate cost is UAD $125 - $180 per year. The cost varies according to year level and subjects taken.

Students in Years 6 – Year 12 are required to bring their own device to school. Refer to the ICT Information Booklet for information.

Other charges may apply throughout the year for these items, although the school endeavours to keep these charges to a minimum.

Additional Fees – Boarding Students Only (per student)

The following additional fees are not covered in the tuition fees and are the responsibility of the parent and/or carer.

Item

Medical expenses

Additional Information

Your family’s health cover may not cover the full cost of doctor or specialist visits and does not cover medications or pharmaceutical costs. Minor medication expenses will be added to your school account as required. However, you must pay major medical expenses directly to the health provider.

Personal belongings

Vacation transportation

Pocket money $30 per week is recommended

You are requested to purchase all the personal belongings required for boarding, as outlined in the Boarding Information Handbook.

The school has a designated drop-off time to the airport at the end of each term. Outside of this, you are responsible for your child’s transportation at the beginning and end of each term (including transportation to and from the school).

You are responsible for ensuring your child has enough pocket money for the term. We recommend opening a bank account and providing your child with a debit card to cover extra expenses for personal items and activities.

PEACE • EXCELLENCE • RESPECT • COMMUNITY

50-60 Cowley Street, Kamerunga PO Box 72F, Freshwater QLD 4870

P: 4039 9000, F: 4039 1623, E: enrolments@plc.qld.edu.au

W: www.plc.qld.edu.au