Links eNewsletter - Term 2 Week 1 Dear valued member of the PLC community, A Message From the PrincipalI remember ANZAC Day 2020 as a morning, despite the social isolation brought about by COVID-19, where millions of Australians still made the effort to commemorate the lives of Australians who had lost their lives during times of war. Whilst restrictions meant no formal gatherings or parades, the level of respect for this day and those who have served our country, was as strong as ever. As a whole school, we will come together tomorrow as a community to remember those who have passed and to acknowledge those who continue to serve our country. This service is always an important day of reflection in our school calendar. The Ode of Remembrance has long played an important role in ANZAC Day Services, a time when those present should stand in silence. The Ode of Remembrance has been recited to commemorate wartime service and sacrifice since 1921. The Ode is the 4th stanza of the poem, For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon. The poem was first published in the British newspaper The Times on 21 September 1914 and later appeared in many anthologies of war verse. In 1919, Binyon’s poem was selected to accompany the unveiling of the London Cenotaph and was adopted as a memorial tradition by many Commonwealth nations. Binyon himself was an English academic and poet. He worked as a medical orderly with the Red Cross on the Western Front during World War I. By the time the poem was published in The Times, the British Expeditionary Force had already experienced devastating losses on the Western Front. I am sure like many people, the Ode and For the Fallen remind us all of ANZAC Day and encourages us to reflect on those brave young women and men who fought gallantly for their country. Just as our Pipe Band will represent our school at the ANZAC Day March and Matija Franetovich (1995) will be the solo piper at the ANZAC Service at Campbell Barracks on Sunday, I am sure many families will be attending services and ceremonies around the state to reflect on this important day. I leave you with Binyon’s For the Fallen:
- Cate Begbie – Principal Three MonksLeo Tolstoy tells the story of three hermit monks who lived on a faraway island. They prayed a simple prayer:
It was rumoured that miracles sometimes happened when they prayed. A bishop heard of the monks and felt compelled to enlighten them and teach them to pray properly, so he visited them on the island. After instructing the monks, the bishop set sail for the mainland, pleased that he could be of service to them. After the ship had sailed some distance, the bishop saw a huge ball of light skimming across the ocean and as it got closer, it was evident that it was the three monks running on top of the water. They boarded the ship and said to the bishop:
The Bishop declined and meekly replied:
This story challenges us and reminds us that we might place too high a value on doing things correctly, even perfectly. It might be of more value to be sincere or genuine in what we do than to be right. - Rev Manie Strydom, Chaplain Advantages of the PYPOn tours of the School, I am often speaking about what I see as the many advantages of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for our students. When reviewing this subject, I wear two hats, one as a Head of Primary School since 2006 and one as a father of a daughter who completed the programme from Kindergarten to Year 6. As a father, I see how well the PYP prepares our girls for Senior School by encouraging independence, agency, and ownership of their learning. I see intrinsic motivation to learn fostered by the PYP. As an educational leader who has worked in a variety of settings, including co-educational boys’ and girls’ schools, I have seen a number of students complete their school journey from the early years to Year 12, and I have seen the benefits of the skills and approaches students in a PYP school are taught, and have the opportunity to practise, which gives great benefits for their future education. For example, the higher-order thinking and processing of information of the PYP are the skills required to succeed in further education. 'An Introduction to the PYP, Parents as Learners' session, will be presented by Jenny Rickwood and Katy Howes, the Junior School Pastoral and Academic Care Co-ordinators (PACC), on Wednesday, 28 April from 8.45 am in the OCA STEM Room in the Junior School. With so many new families in the Junior School in 2021, we thought it would be an opportune time to explain the PYP to parents in greater detail. We will also be videoing the presentation and posting it on the PLC Gallery in a later edition of Links for those unable to attend. Collaboration with Scotch CollegeAnother PYP school in Perth is, of course, Scotch College. On our recent Staff Day, PLC and Scotch Junior School staff met to discuss ways of further connecting our two schools and collaborating where possible. We have some exciting plans ahead; I know our Pre-Primary class already has their first visit booked in the first week of May! - Richard Wright – Head of Junior School ANZAC Service (Years 1 to 6)
Introduction to the PYP - Parents as Learners Session
Chapel Years 3 to 6
Junior School Assembly
Welcome Back AssemblyThe Year 12 motto for this year is ‘Just Keep Swimming’ and we began the term with a Whole School Assembly where our Head Prefect, Monet Edwards, and Deputy Prefect, Dimity Andrews, spoke about the importance of choices, striving for your best, and how we can support each other by ‘swimming’ alongside our friends and peers. The Whole School Assembly also allowed us the perfect opportunity to celebrate an important part of our PLC community, the PLC Pipe Band. I know I had goosebumps watching the amazing 40th year anniversary video of our girls performing in the Pipe Band and I am sure I was not the only one. We ended the assembly with the Junior School being piped out, as the Senior School girls clapped along. We look forward to connecting with the Junior School again tomorrow when we come together for our ANZAC Day Service. Inter-house Cross Country Carnival - Friday 23 AprilTomorrow we will be holding the Inter-house Cross Country Carnival. The event takes place at City Beach Oval (corner of West Coast Highway and Oceanic Drive). We would love to see all students participating and representing their Houses, whether they are a competitive runner or just participating at their own pace. We are in need of student helpers, which is a great job if your daughter is unable to participate due to medical reasons. If for any reason your daughter is required to leave early from the event, if she is unable to attend, or required not to participate in her race, please communicate this to either myself or your daughter’s Pastoral and Academic Care Co-ordinator. Students have received information about the carnival and have been asked to wear their House shirts with appropriate PE uniform to school tomorrow. They will have the opportunity for lunch before they depart for the carnival and we also ask that they bring a water bottle with them. All students are required to stay for the duration of the event and the presentation of awards. At PLC, we value community and celebrate each others’ achievements. Following this, if your daughter has indicated she will not be returning to PLC via the dedicated buses, then you are welcome to collect her from the venue. Race Times:Race start times are within a 10-minute timeframe and races may start earlier than advertised. Spectators should arrive 10 minutes earlier to accommodate a possible earlier start time.
Presentations commence at 3.20 pm, with students dismissed at 3.30 pm. Students who booked return transport to PLC will leave City Beach Oval at 3.45 pm, arriving back at PLC by 4.00 pm. If you have any questions regarding the carnival, please email Ms Turnseck-James, Head of PE, at anna.turnseck-james@plc.wa.edu.au. - Miss Rebecca Watts, Head of Senior School ANZAC Service
Inter-house Cross Country Carnival
Boarder of the Week:
Rooms of the Week:
What Happened This Week in the Boarding HouseThe Boarding House is full of energy and positivity this week as the girls prepare themselves for a busy term ahead. The holidays were bittersweet for some of our families as Cyclone Seroja battered our Mid-West. Our thoughts remain with those affected and we are grateful that you have safely returned to our community and hope that the recovery effort is within reach for you all. Please know, the boarding community is here, should you require further support or assistance. The Term 2 Boarding House Academic Support Programme has commenced, and the girls are certainly back into the swing of things. This programme is particularly crucial for our Year 11 and 12 girls as they busily prepare for their upcoming exams. We encourage all boarders to take full advantage of the support on offer and to sign up for sessions, whether it be for help with a particular subject or support in troubleshooting potential difficulties and getting the girls back on track. Mr Hickmott and the boarding staff are here to support the girls where possible and we wish our Year 11 and 12s all the best for the exam period ahead. With such a busy term, we are indeed grateful to Sarah and our catering staff and the country-style menu they have prepared for us this term. The food has been absolutely delicious and will surely provide fuel for the weeks ahead and result in some happy and satisfied boarders. - Kirsty Nugent, Boarding House Deputy – Operations Bindaring Collection for Red CrossDonations of clothing and accessories can be dropped off at PLC until next Friday 30 April to Junior School, McNeil Street, and View Street Receptions. Volunteers will be in the slipways at McNeil Street and Junior School on Tuesday 27 April from 7.50 am until 8.30 am to take any donations. The Australian Red Cross are seeking the following items for their Bindaring Sale to be held at the Claremont Showgrounds on Sunday 16 May:
Introducing School TVIn recognition of the many modern day challenges of raising happy, healthy, and resilient young women, PLC Perth has partnered with the online resource platform School TV. The website provides a range of credible and sound information with realistic, practical, and ongoing support strategies for parents and guardians. School TV also regularly produces special reports on current issues and challenges facing young people today. This month, School TV has a special report on 'Raising Girls'. The report provides a clearer picture of what girls are wanting from their parents and carers, and how best to support them through adolescence. Year 8 – 12 Student Volunteer Opportunity for OCA Art ExhibitionPLC Old Collegian Association (OCA) are hosting their annual Art Exhibition at PLC from Friday 21 May to Sunday 23 May. There are volunteer opportunities available on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May to welcome attendees, sell raffle tickets at the door, possibly help in the café and directing visitors to the sales desk. The OCA require a minimum of two people at each 2-hour shift:
Students who are interested in volunteering should complete this form with parental permission indicating the day and time they would like to volunteer and return it to PLC Lighthouse in person or scan and email to lighthouse@plc.wa.edu.au by Thursday 6 May. Years 9 – 11 Service Opportunity Smith Family Pilot ProgrammePLC has the opportunity to partner with The Smith Family on a pilot programme. Similar to the reading programme that many PLC students are currently engaged in, we are partnering with a primary school in Collie and The Smith Family to offer the programme from school to school. Often regional areas do not have access to the internet or mobile phone reception, so being able to offer the programme after school will support the capacity for the students in Collie to engage fully in the programme. The Smith Family will also have staff on hand in Collie to further support the programme. Students will need to ensure they have the capacity to commit to the pilot programme for continuity of service to the students in Collie. Commitment to the programme involves attendance after school each Tuesday and Thursday 3.30 pm - 4.00 pm at the PLC Lighthouse, commencing 14 June to 22 October, accumulating one hour per week of eligible service hours. There are only five positions available, so an interview may be required should the interest be high. Please fill out this form and return it to lighthouse@plc.wa.edu.au by Friday 23 April 2021. - Chonny James - Director of Wellbeing Bus Timetable ChangesFor those students who use the PLC Perth's dedicated Horizons West buses, there have been a number of changes to the lines with the addition of a stop in both the Subiaco Bus Route and the South Perth Bus Route. Please familiarise yourself with the changes here. All PLC mothers/female caregivers are invited to attend the PLC Mothers' Day Breakfast.
OCA Art Exhibition 2021 - Friday 21 May to Sunday 23 MayOne of the most exciting events on the PLC OCA calendar is approaching. Well-known artists including Archibald Packing Room Prize winner Tessa MacKay, Leon Pericles, Louise Farnay, Alice Ford, Jacinda Bayne, Genevieve Montgomery, Aurelie Yeo will join 75 established and emerging artists from the PLC community at this year’s OCA Art Exhibition! Opening Night Cocktail Party
Please join us at the Opening Night Cocktail Party for a fantastic evening of Flametree wines, beer, canapes, entertainment, and a chance to preview and purchase the artworks. Tickets for Opening Night are available for $45, or at the door on the night for $50. Weekend Exhibition
The Exhibition continues throughout the weekend with entry by raffle ticket purchase or gold coin donation. There will be the OCA Café on site all weekend so bring yourself, family, and friends along for a delicious morning tea or afternoon tea and admire the beautiful artworks. Foundation Scholarship Now OpenDue to the generous support of the PLC community, the PLC Foundation is delighted to announce that the 2022 PLC Foundation Scholarship applications are now open. Each year, the PLC Foundation offers a scholarship to a student who would otherwise be unable to attend PLC due to their family’s financial circumstances. This scholarship is offered to students commencing in Year 7 and provides 100% tuition fees from Year 7 to Year 12. Applicants must provide a sound academic record, a commitment to community service, and participation in Co-curricular activities. If you know of a worthy candidate, application details and forms are available here. For further information on this scholarship or the Foundation, please contact Suzanne Pelczar at foundation@plc.wa.edu.au or on (08) 9460 6534. ANZAC Day Service
ANZAC Day Holiday (no school)
Mothers’ Day Breakfast
Term 2 PLC Parents Meeting
OCA Art Exhibition
Silver for Our Hockey StarsCongratulations to the two PLC girls who represented WA at the recent National U15s Hockey Championships in NSW. Jaz Shervington (Year 10) and Alex Enslin (Year 9) competed and took home a silver medal for their efforts! Above: Jaz (GK) and Alex (defender in goal) defending a short corner in the Semi Final. Sliver for AshleyCongratulations to Ashley Spencer (Year 12) who came second in her U20 400m Hurdles Final with a time of 60.98 at the Australian National Track and Field Championships in Sydney last week! Congratulations Ashley! EquestrianCongratulations to Lucy Caslick (Year 7) and Kate Banner (Year 10) who represented PLC at the Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Championships on Thursday 15 April - Saturday 17 April. Both girls had a great time and were very proud to be representing their school. |