No Images? Click here Dear Friend of PLC Self-efficacy, Leadership and Career IntentionsThe Alliance of Girls’ Schools Conference in Adelaide brought together some of the leading speakers internationally who are focused on girls’ development. Perhaps one of the most interesting and experienced speakers was Dr Terrance Fitzsimmons from the University of Queensland. His presentation crossed a broad section of information regarding self-efficacy, leadership and career intentions. Of particular interest was a recent study, the results of which have not yet been published but were shared at the conference. It is easy to be aligned on the importance of self-efficacy for a range of outcomes; happiness, belonging, academic progress to name a few. In this study, self-efficacy was found to be statistically similar for both boys and girls in Years 7 - 11. The greatest contributors to self-efficacy were:
Not surprisingly, negative self-efficacy was most highly correlated with increased times spent on computer games. As you would be aware at PLC we are passionate about allowing opportunities for all girls to participate in sport. It was validating to see the results of this study and how aligned they are with the programmes we are focused on developing and delivering. Having recently spent six days on Outdoor Education with our Year 8 girls it was no real surprise to me that ‘Travel around the State’ featured in the list of activities that develop self-efficacy. It made me reflect on the development of our Outdoor Education programmes and the potential that our Year 9 programme in particular has to be further developed to positively impact on our girls. Finally, a request which fell out of the findings of Dr Fitzsimmons’ study. Results indicated girls had far less understanding of their parent’s careers and university degrees. This is something we can all address immediately. It would be fantastic to consider how you could give your daughter insight into your workplaces over the upcoming July / September or Christmas holiday break. Click here to view the presentation. - Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal Friday 25 MayFriday 25 May - Sunday 27 MayPLC OCA Art Exhibition, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday 26 May (cancelled)IGSSA Rowing Regatta Tuesday 29 MayYear 12, Boarders and Gorna Liyarn Photos Tuesday 29 MayParents Committee Meeting, 6.30 pm Thursday 31 May (Closing date)PLC Foundation Scholarship Thursday 31 MayParents@PLC Tennis Morning, 9.00 am - 12.30 pm Thursday 16 AugustArts Day, save the date Saturday 25 AugustFarm2Fork, save the date Friday 26 OctoberOpen Garden Day, save the date What I notice when I take our little dog Mackie for a walk each morning depends very much on my state of mind each day. In a comment on the way ‘landscape’ in his writings refers not only to the natural world but also to how human beings know themselves and move through the world, John O’Donohue said this: ‘It makes a huge difference how you wake up each morning and come out of your house. Whether you believe you are walking into a dead geographical location, which is used to get to a destination, or whether you are emerging out into a landscape that is as alive as you, but in a totally different form. If you go towards it with an open heart and a watchful reverence, you will be absolutely amazed at what it will reveal to you. In Celtic Christianity there is a strong sense of mystery with a passionate embrace of nature, the body, and the senses. The divine is understood as manifest everywhere in everything'. (John O’Donohue, Irish poet, priest and philosopher, May we encounter the presence of the Divine each day of our lives. - Rev Gary van Heerden Migration Museum and Winter ConcertThis week, I have had the privilege of watching our students as they shared their learning with their families at the Year 6 Migration Museum and the Junior School Winter Concert. Congratulations to the students and staff involved for their fantastic efforts in making both of these events a great success. Cyber-Safety WorkshopAt our Cyber-Safety evening on Tuesday, presenter Jordan Foster kept parents engaged with invaluable information on creating a cyber-safe home and minimising risks on-line. Thank you to those parents and staff who attended. Camp AustraliaDue to insufficient numbers, we will not be offering out of school care with Camp Australia on Friday 1 June. Winter UniformStudents are required to wear winter uniform when they return from mid-term break (Week 6). For students in Years 3 - 6, the blazer and beret must be worn to and from school. Please refer to pages 17-20 in the Junior School Handbook. - Louise Peyton, Head of Junior School JUNIOR SCHOOL KEY EVENTSChapel Years 2 - 6 (hosted by 6C)Date: Monday 28 May Year 4 Learning Journey Date: Thursday 31 May Mid-Term Break Date: Friday 1 June – Monday 4 June While on a plane recently I read an article about the CEO of Harvey Norman, Katie Page. As a leader she advocates strongly for an inclusive approach that involves others in decision making. She also talks about looking to the future, not sticking to safe options just because “that’s how we do things around here”. With the focus on entrepreneurship and Science, Engineering and Technology, leaders who allow their teams to fail are more likely to have opportunities to learn from failure. As Page says, “if you’re not testing the market, then you’re going to be second to market on everything you do”. While we aim to teach our girls these things, what was also reassuring was the importance Page places on the ‘human factor’ – she sees empathy as a trait just as important as being able to make decisions and be direct. “I want you to tell me if you think it’s wrong but I also want you to tell me why it’s wrong”. Reading this rang true for me and interestingly, I had already invited Year 11 girls to meet with me during lunch times to seek their input on a number of aspects at school. Two that I am most interested in are student leadership and the girls’ views on our pastoral care structures. I hope that the girls will see the value in sharing their thoughts on these and other facets of school life so that we can continue to improve. I hope that by demonstrating an inclusive approach and then taking on board what in some case could be ‘risky’ decisions, we can encourage girls to see leadership as an everyday thing that all of us have potential to do. My Long Service LeaveNext Week will be my final week prior to departing for long service leave. I return at the beginning of Term 3 in time for the commencement of our 2018/19 student council election process and the exciting lead up to Arts Day. In my absence, the Deputy Heads of Senior School will be leading their respective areas of the school. Please contact Victoria Kelleher (Year 7 and 8), Jenny Crisp (Year 9 and 10) or Emma Haining (Year 11 and 12) for assistance with anything for which you would normally have contacted me. Year 12 PhotoNext Tuesday, 29 May the Year 12 cohort, all Boarders and Gorna Liyarn group photos will take place. Times are below.
Please look your best by wearing your tie, blazer and panama. - Sharon Anderson, Head of Senior School Wellbeing and ServiceInitiate Australia Scholarship Service Application OpportunityYear 10, 11 and 12 students are invited to apply for a Service Cultural Immersion Tour to Kenya, highly recommended by 2017 PLC Scholarship recipient and Service Captain, Ailee Salter. The Initiate Scholarship Programme has similar outcomes to the PLC & Scotch Tanzania Tour. We encourage you to visit Initiate Australia to view the 2018/19 Prospectus. Important dates relating to the application process are:
Next year, there are two streams of the programme running:
Please contact Head of Service matt.donaldson@plc.wa.edu.au if you have any inquiries. Upcoming Lighthouse EventsNap Before You SnapThis is an interactive presentation by our Lighthouse Leader, Naptivist and personal sustainability specialist Thea O’Connor. Thea will show you how to avert a personal energy crisis by utilising the most powerful, renewal energy practice available to humans. The power-nap. Colour My World (Years 5 - 12)This creative group workshop open to PLC girls in Years 5 - 12, promotes physical and emotional wellbeing through expressive art activities. Bibliotherapy Workshop SeriesSeries Workshop 1: From the first libraries in ancient Egypt and Greece, described as “temples to heal the soul”, it was understood that literature has a profound effect upon the heart and intellect of the reader, allowing a deeper understanding of human nature and its conditions. In this workshop, explore the history of bibliotherapy, its applications and benefits. Boarding House NewsThe mighty PLC Boarders’ Football team are ready for action! IGSSA Rowing Regatta IICongratulations to our OARSOME PLC Rowers Regatta II winners! Regatta II results: PLC - 327 Saturday 26 May IGSSA Rowing Regatta CancelledPlease be advised the IGSSA Rowing Regatta scheduled for this Saturday 26 May at Champion Lakes has been cancelled. A severe weather warning for destructive winds has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. As a result, the IGSSA Coordinator has cancelled the event providing a duty of care to families and staff. ScholarshipsPLC Foundation ScholarshipThe PLC Foundation is committed to offering one full academic scholarship each year to a student entering Year 7 who would not otherwise be able to consider attending PLC due to their family’s financial circumstances. The successful recipient will be selected based upon evidence of strong academic ability, a commitment to the community and participation in co-curricular activities. Evidence of the family’s financial situation will be requested. An application form and information are available here. Applications close on Thursday 31 May 2018 If you have queries, please contact Suzanne Pelczar, Co-ordinator, PLC Foundation. Career NewsRead about the latest university information sessions and other resources, workshops and guides in this week's Career News. SENIOR SCHOOL KEY EVENTSPrincipal's AssemblyDate: Friday 25 May IGSSA Rowing Regatta (cancelled) Date: Saturday 26 May PLC and Scotch Year 12 Games Night for JDRF Date: Friday 25 May Year 12, Boarders and Gorna Liyarn Photos Date: Tuesday 29 May Parents@PLC Tennis MorningAll PLC Junior and Senior School Parents (of all levels) are welcome to join in this fun, social way to have a hit of tennis and meet parents from all Year groups of the school community. The morning concludes with a delicious lunch. Date: Thursday 31 May - Please note that the date for this event is the day before the mid-term break to accommodate boarding parents who would like to join in. PLC AppIf you haven't downloaded the PLC App yet, you should! The App is an easy way to stay in touch and can be downloaded onto your smart phone using your PLC login details. Click here for instructions on how you can set your App settings so that you only receive notifications from the desired Year Group. It features: OCA Art ExhibitionOne of the most exciting events on the PLC OCA calendar is approaching. Well-known artist Corinne Barton, will join over 80 established and emerging artists from the PLC community at this year’s Art Exhibition, which runs from Friday 25 May to Sunday 27 May. The exhibition launches with the Opening Night Cocktail Party from 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm on Friday 25 May. Book online by clicking on the button below ($40) or buy your ticket at the door on the night ($45). The evening includes champagne, wine and beer, canapes, entertainment and a chance to preview and purchase the art works. The Exhibition continues throughout the weekend from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May with entry by gold coin donation. There will be a pop up gourmet café on site all weekend so bring yourself, family and friends along for a delicious morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea and admire the beautiful artworks. Special thanks to our Major Sponsors. PLC Pipe Band - Entertainment FundraiserThe PLC Pipe Band are fundraising with the Entertainment fundraiser this year, and would appreciate your continued support. If you have a 2017 | 2018 Entertainment Membership, it is expiring on Friday 1 June 2018. Please continue supporting the PLC Pipe Band Equipment by purchasing the 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Membership from us today. Hundreds of great value offers are ready for your enjoyment, while also helping our fundraising!
|