Exams and Naplan The Senior School has been very hushed throughout the week, with the girls in Years 10, 11 and 12 commencing their Semester 1 exams. Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will join them next week as NAPLAN gets underway for another year. Tracking Academic Goals These examinations provide a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the girls’ learning at a single point in time. For the Year 12 students, it is an especially important time to gain
clarity about how they are tracking with respect to their academic goals, and what this means for the coming months as they head towards the finish line. Subject Selection Process Following the examination period, girls in Year 10 will commence the subject selection process for Year 11 2020. The ultimate goal of this process is to support all girls to make informed choices. Analysis and Reflection An important part of this
process is taking the time to critically reflect, not only their recent examination results, but also on their academic journey from Years 7 to 10. There is considerable analysis and reflection which supports the recommendations made around the student’s choices to support them with making an informed decision. Study Leave At the end of this week, I have the wonderful opportunity to take a fortnight of study leave. During this time I will spend time at the University College London, University of Limerick and I will visit a range of schools who are noted for their outstanding academic programmes, with a specific focus on Science and
Technology. Programmes, Pathways and Places The overarching themes for this study leave can be broken down into programmes, pathways and places. - Programmes provides an opportunity to gain an understanding of the mechanism other schools and academics are using to address and investigate the intersection of innovation and science by exploring how elective curriculums and 21st skill development are structured and
reviewed.
- Pathways provides an opportunity to engage and explore how other schools go about developing systematic and meaningful partnerships which facilitate the delivery of their programmes.
- Finally, Places will provide an opportunity to view how physical learning spaces have been crafted to support the delivery of these curriculum programs. I look forward to sharing my findings when I return and how these can be applied to continue enhancing the learning experience for the students at PLC.
- Dr Andrew Cousins, Deputy Principal
Mothers' Day BreakfastDate: Friday 10 May
Time: 7.30 am
Location: PLC Cafeteria
Book Now Parent Focus Group - Adolescent Alcohol Use Parents of Year 9 and Year 10 students are invited to a focus group to share their insights on teenage alcohol use. Telethon Kids and SDERA are working together on the Supporting Family Conversations Extension Project
which aims to reduce the risk of harm to teenagers from alcohol use by supporting parents. Date: Friday 10 May
Time: 8.45 am (following the Mothers’ Day Breakfast)
Venue: Scorgie House Boardroom
Book Now (book by 6.00 pm tonight, Thursday 9 May) Junior School Farewell Assembly/Morning Tea for Principal Dr Kate HadwenDate: Wednesday 22 May
Time: 9.00 am
RSVP: Click Here
OCA Art Exhibition Opening Night Cocktail Party
Date: Friday 24 May
Time: 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm The evening includes champagne, Flametree wine, canapes, entertainment and a chance to preview, and be the first to buy, the works of more than 80 artists. Numbers are limited, so please book early.
Book Now Senior School Farewell Assembly/Afternoon Tea for Principal Dr Kate HadwenDate: Wednesday 29 May
Time: 1.35 pm
RSVP: Click Here Dance ShowcaseDates: Friday June 21 and Saturday June 22
More information soon
Please note that all parent events are listed in the Communications & Engagement section of Links.
“I don’t know if I feel like a bad mom, but at the end of the day I’m always plagued with, did I do enough? Should I go in a different direction? But I also know that my entire life revolves around [my son] Louis.”
- Sandra Bullock There is no blue print for a mum, nor a user manual; just qualities that seem generic to motherhood. When a child falls off a push bike, has a fever, or receives emotional scars, it is the mother's warm hands and comforting words that are longed for. Even in times of murky waters and conflict, it is mum who defends, protects, forgives and still expects the best of her child.
Most mums are constantly asking themselves: Have I done enough? Am I good enough at motherhood? How can I give my children what I longed for growing up? Mothers, rest assured: you are good enough, appreciated and loved. Thank you so much for being who you are!
Let’s celebrate mothers and show our love and gratitude every single day. - Rev Manie Srydom, Chaplain
Food Allergy Awareness Week Food Allergy Awareness Week at PLC will be from May 13 - 19. We will be running several activities to raise awareness, including education sessions and visual displays across campus. Australia has one of the highest incidences of food allergy in the world and this is increasing at an alarming rate; in fact, one-in-ten babies born in Australia, today, will develop a food allergy. A great way to help raise awareness is to get involved in Food Allergy Week! It can be daunting preparing food for people with
allergies, especially children. Here are some handy tips to use when cooking for someone with a food allergy. HBF Run for a Reason
PLC are running for Red Cross RefugeesFinding suitable living areas for refugees will be one of the leading concerns within the next few decades for reasons such as climate displacement, corruption in governments, increasing populations and reasons many of us can’t begin to imagine. Further information on the crisis can be found here. All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross refugee branch to support refugees in the local community. Donate to support PLC runners here.
- Linda Malone, Head of Service and Community Partnerships
Learning on Display in the Junior SchoolWe have really had the depth of our learning on display in the past week. At Assembly last Friday, our Year 5 students demonstrated what they had learnt about their inquiry (how appearance and behaviour influence our perception of others, and the influence of cultural and social norms on how we choose to present ourselves). A BiG Day In for Years 5 and 6 StudentsYesterday, our Years 5 - 6 girls were joined by students
from Scotch College, Mosman Park Primary School and St Thomas' Primary School for The BiG Day In Junior, a workshop-based event presented by STEM industry professionals. The event exposed students to the depth and breadth of STEM learning. They investigated engineering and physics through racing miniature F1 cars, various uses for coding and robotics, solar solutions for those living in energy poverty, cybersecurity and app design and creation. My thanks to Tara Holmes for her work in organising the day and making it such a success!
Rich and In-depth Learning Students demonstrate rich and in-depth learning every day, in class and through their inquiries. This in-depth learning requires the building blocks and foundations, such as phonics, reading, writing and numeracy, and is the learning that will be required to respond to our ever-changing world. These skills are important and are taught appropriately across the Year levels. However, the higher-order thinking created by our inquiries provide the students' with the vehicle to investigate form, function, causation, connection, change, perspective, responsibility and reflection. Times Table Competition While discussing basic skills, we will be holding a Times Table (and basic number facts) Competition for the students during Week 4. Everyone who enters will receive House Points! There are additional points for speed and accuracy. - Mr Richard Wright, Head of Junior School
Pre-Primary Mothers' Day Celebration Date: Friday 10 May
Time: 2.00 pm
Venue: Pre-Primary Classroom Chapel Years 2 to 6 (hosted by 6R) Date: Friday 10 May
Time: 2.30 pm – 3.00 pm
Venue: Heather Barr Chapel Year 1 Mothers' Day Celebration Date: Monday 13 May
Time: 2.15 pm – 3.00 pm
Venue: Year 1 Classroom NAPLAN – Years 3 and 5 Dates: 14, 15, 16, 20 May Walk for Water Challenge – Years 4 - 6 Date: Friday 17 May
Time: 12.45 pm – 3.00 pm
Venue: Scotch College
Exams The Senior School has been a hive of industry and anticipation this week, as the Senior School students negotiate the rigours of their exams. The Year 11 girls are sitting their first WACE exams and learning the realities of balancing study, sleep and writing exams in a purposeful and practical manner. Our Year 12 students in IB and WACE will be able to use these exams to measure their progress, not just in the subjects that are being examined, but also in their approach to preparation and the priorities that they will need to understand in order to provide them with the best lead up to their Mock
exams at the end of Term 3 and then their final exams in November. I wish the students all the best across these two weeks. Cross CountryEffort and Support We had a very successful Cross Country again this year. It is such a pleasure to see both staff and students put in their best efforts to compete in the race, or just to see the enjoyment of those who choose to walk the course enjoying the glorious sunshine. We are always happy to see so many of our parents at
the event, cheering on their daughters.
Recognising Achievements It is perhaps timely to remind our girls and our families that this event is one that we expect all of the girls to be present for and to remain with us until after the important presentations are made. When we are recognising students who have participated and achieved fantastic results, it is important that all of our girls are there to support and to congratulate them. If girls are to be collected by parents from the oval, then it is appropriate for them to be collected after the presentations are concluded. Results - Click here to view the scoresheet (Overall Results)
- Click here to view the scoresheet (Individual Champions)
Mobile Phone
Policy, Years 7 - 10School Policy - Mobile Phones The School policy states ‘Mobile phones must be turned off and locked in the student's locker upon their arrival at school and during the school day.’ We would like the girls to have the opportunity to engage with their friends face-to-face rather than on a device. Consequences To ensure this, staff will confiscate phones if they
are used once the girls are at school in the morning. The normal procedure for the return of phones will apply, (parent or guardian must physically come in to school to collect the phone). - Jennifer Crisp, Head of Senior School
Boarding House NewsHappy girls after watching the Eagles win at Optus Stadium! Find out more in Boarding House News.
Performing Arts News Changes to the Performing Arts Leadership Team Key changes have recently been introduced to the structure of PLC’s Performing Arts leadership team in order to further strengthen the School’s delivery of our music, dance and drama curriculum, performances and co-curricular activities. Please click here to see on overview of the new positions, along with email links to each staff member. Footloose - PLC/Scotch Musical The PLC/Scotch major musical performance for 2019, Footloose, is really taking shape and is looking to be a great success. The cast are working hard on their dance and singing skills, and set preparation is underway. Fremantle EisteddfodTwo choirs are currently
preparing for the Fremantle Eisteddfod, which will give the girls opportunities to gain very valuable feedback from outstanding adjudicators. Petite Chorale and the Deci-Belles will both perform on Friday 17 May at Methodist Ladies' College. Trivia Night at Scotch College Trivia Night 2019 will be held at MacKellar Hall, Scotch College, on Friday 24 May. Music students from Years 9 - 10, who are part of an ensemble, are invited to attend. The cost is $20 and students must have their forms in by Monday 20 May. An Interesting Read I would like to encourage parents and students to read an article titled, 'Steam not Stem: Why scientists need arts training'. Click here. Congratulations Congratulations to Tahlia Hanikeri (Year 11) and Stephanie Hair (Year 11) who are both currently performing in Redfoot Youth Theatre’s production of My Fair Lady.
Sports News IGSSA WA is calling for player nominations to trial for a position in a combined representative team to travel to China in April 2020 for Basketball, Hockey & Soccer. A separate IGSSA WA tour to Singapore for Netball is also on offer for a combined representative team to travel in April 2020. Nominations are open to current Year 9 or Year 10 students and will close on the 24 May. More information here.
Career NewsFind out about upcoming University information sessions, intern opportunities and much more.
Year 8 Outdoor Education Programme Date: Monday 13 May - Friday 18 May
Location: Margaret River Year 12 PJ Party Date: Monday 20 May
Time: 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm
Location: Lighthouse Community Room Principal's Assembly Date: Friday 24 May
Time: 8.45 am Chamber Concert Date: Monday 27 May
Time: 7.00 pm
Location: Christ Church Grammar School Year 12s and Boarders Kapture Photo Day Date: Wednesday 29 May
More information will be emailed to you soon. Mid-Term Break Date: Friday 31 May - Monday 3 June
The PLC Pipe Band are selling Entertainment Books again this year! Thank you so much for supporting your Pipe Band. For more information, email alison.smith@westnet.com.au.
PLC Parents MeetingsPLC Parents meetings take place every term and all parents and carers are invited to attend. The next meeting is on Friday 17 May, at the Lighthouse Community Room. Meetings will commence at 8.45 am with morning tea to follow. Click here to see the agenda and here for the minutes from the Term 1 March meeting.
Parent Events Coming UpMothers' Day BreakfastDate: Friday 10 May
Time: 7.30 am
Location: PLC Cafeteria
Book Now Parent Focus Group - Adolescent Alcohol Use Parents of Year 9 and Year 10 students are invited to a focus group to share their insights on teenage alcohol use. Telethon Kids and SDERA are working together on the Supporting Family Conversations Extension Project which aims to reduce the risk of harm to teenagers from alcohol use by supporting parents. Date: Friday 10
May
Time: 8.45 am (following the Mothers’ Day Breakfast)
Venue: Scorgie House Boardroom
Book Now (book by 6.00 pm today, 9 May) Friends of the Argyle Club Cocktail PartyDate: Saturday 18 May
Time: 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Location: The Deykin Residence
Book here by Sunday 12 May Year 12 Father/Daughter Dinner Dance Date: Thursday 22 August
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