No Images? Click here Dear friend of PLC Assessment plays a crucial role in ensuring reflective, individualised learning. Currently, students in Years 10 to 12 are either in the middle of, or about to start their examination blocks. We wish every girl success with her studies. These examinations are not only about assessing student learning, but are also about providing an important vehicle for the girls to understand the way they learn. Unpacking their approach in the lead up to the examination period, mastering the study techniques they find effective and gaining an understanding of what to do in the examination room are important skills to develop. These summative assessment tasks are not, however, the only measure of student achievement. Many other formative and in-class tasks support classroom learning throughout the semester and provide a complete ‘blueprint’ of student progress. It is important that the girls use these examination sessions in combination with the feedback their teachers have provided throughout the semester as an opportunity to reflect and grow as they head towards the finish line. Speaking of finish lines, a number of our Junior School girls competed in the JIGSSA Cross Country Carnival on Tuesday and achieved some fantastic results (download the full results here). A special congratulations to Brigette Kapinkoff (Year 3) who came 2nd overall for Year 3. We would also like to wish our Senior School students all the best for the IGSSA Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 12 September at the State Athletics Stadium. We will have 107 competitors/reserves competing on the day. Go Team PLC! PLC will be open to the public next Thursday between 2.00 pm and 6.00 pm for our Open Day and we are looking forward to showcasing our School to the 132 people who have registered so far. If you have any friends or family who would like to visit PLC, please direct them to register here. We would also like to thank all the girls who have volunteered to stay back to show our visitors around the School. - Dr Andrew Cousins, Deputy Principal Update from the PrincipalA quick note to let you all know that Dr Hadwen's operation has gone well and she is now recovering at home. Wednesday 13 SeptemberParents@PLC Country Day Trip, 8.30 am - 3.30 pm, Martin property Bindoon, book now. Embrace documentary screening, 7.00 pm, Senior School Auditorium (venue has changed), $10, book now. Thursday 14 SeptemberOpen Day, 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm, Senior School Auditorium. Find out more. Friday 22 SeptemberTerm 3 concludes Saturday 23 September - Monday 9 OctoberSchool holidays Monday 9 OctoberBoarders Return Tuesday 10 OctoberTerm 4 commences Monday 16 OctoberYear 10 students return. Download the Senior School Key Term Dates. Friday 10 NovemberPrincipal's Thank You Sundowner, save the date, more details to come in Term 4. Saturday 25 November"Jingle and Mingle" Parents@PLC Christmas Party, 7.00 pm - 12.00 am, Claremont Football Club, $70. Book now. When Mark, a window cleaner from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, started listening to Indigenous accounts of our shared Australian history, he was stunned. “This is where I’ve grown up my whole life,” he says. “Here I am, a 28-year-old guy, and I’d never heard these stories.” In particular, Mark was drawn to the local story of historical Wurundjeri leaders, Simon Wonga and William Barak. The two leaders were from the same area as Mark and have both been honoured by the wider community. Combining his passion for art with his new-found interest in local Indigenous stories, Mark used 2,080 rubiks cubes to create a large portrait of the two Wurundjeri men. Mark provides a wonderful example of how we can respond to the past in a way that attempts to make a difference to our future. Every one of us has a story, individually and collectively, and our stories are interconnected and impact on each other. May we listen to, respect and learn from each other’s stories. - Rev. Gary van Heerden What a STEM-tastic start to September!STEM has always been an integral part of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme in the Junior School, in which the skills, knowledge and understandings of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is explored through authentic, transdisciplinary teaching and learning. Materials behave and interact in certain ways, which determine how people use them.Through workshops with Scitech and their own investigations, Year 2 students have inquired into how materials behave and interact in different ways and change under different conditions. A strong emphasis in the Junior School when exploring STEM related ideas is how we can use this knowledge to take action and solve the problems of others. The next step for Year 2 students is to apply their understanding of materials and STEM, as well as their skills of innovative thinking, to design technology and devices that assist remote and isolated aboriginal communities to access goods and services. The design of structures is dependent on applying scientific principles and human ingenuity.Year 3 students have been conducting scientific investigations into concepts such as balance, force and strength in architecture. Students investigated the role of 2D and 3D shapes and objects, angle, materials and design by building towers, bridges and other structures that could withstand different environmental changes such as earthquakes, floods and high winds. They even built geodesic domes which they could use as multipurpose shelters in their classrooms. Water is essential to life, and is a limited resource to many people.Year 4 students inquired into the concepts of conservation and equity relating to water and the differing access people, in a global society, have to this resource. The connection between STEM, innovation, entrepreneurship and social responsibility was researched. In particular, how people and organisations around the world use STEM dispositions and skills to create and design ways of purifying water, such as the Lifestraw, Life Sacks, Solarball, ceramic water filters and water purifying bicycles. STEM webinar and workshops.During the Mid-Term break, 100 students participated in a STEM webinar and workshops run by some of our Year 10 students. Students explored many aspects of their learning which involve STEM thinking. Through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics learning, students were challenged to transfer skills in one area to solve problems in other areas. Open DayOn Thursday 14 September the School will be open to welcome guests to our Open Day from 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm. A separate email has been sent to parents inviting students who might be available to stay at school to join in co-curricular activities during this time. If you have friends or family who would like to visit PLC, please invite them along and ask them to register here. 2018 ClassesJunior School enrolments are looking good for 2018 and we are hopeful that we will have the same class arrangement as in 2017. That is, a single class of each of Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Year 1, two classes each of Years 2, 3 and 4, three classes each of Years 5 and 6. Should parents have any requests regarding class placements, you are invited to write to me by the end Term 3. All requests will be considered, however, not guaranteed. - Louise Peyton, Head of Junior School Uniform Shop ReminderFrom the commencement of Term 4, we transition to summer uniform. Don’t leave it until the last minute to check sock supplies and that panama hats are looking crisp. Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed for stocktake on Thursday 21 September and will re-open at 9.00 am on Monday 9 October. Music - Instrumental and Vocal Lessons, Term 4Congratulations to all students for their hard work and dedication to their music study throughout Term 3. Please note that any cancellation of instrumental or vocal lessons for Term 4 should be received by the Music Department on music@plc.wa.edu.au by Thursday 15 September, otherwise students will automatically be timetabled for Term 4 and tuition fees applied. JUNIOR SCHOOL KEY EVENTSTerm 3 Week 8 Parent BulletinDownload the latest Parent Bulletin Chapel Years 3 - 6Date: Monday 11 September Year 5 CampDate: Monday 11 September - Wednesday 13 September School Assembly (Years 1 - 6) hosted by Year 5Date: Friday 15 September Junior School Colour RunDate: Thursday 21 September (please note the date has changed to what was listed in the tri-fold calendar) Last Day of Term 3Friday 22 September (normal dismissal times) From the Head of Senior SchoolTechnology would have to be one of the biggest changes to education in the 21st Century. It is an amazing tool that brings knowledge and information just a click away, changing the goal for learning away from the acquisition of information to the development of thinking skills. It has opened up the world of online and distance learning and enabled teachers to deliver more personalised content and lessons, whilst also allowing students to learn at their own pace and ability levels. Finally, one cannot overlook the advantages of improved communications that technology offers. As someone who has lived in a variety of locations and accumulated friends and colleagues around the world, technology has made it really easy to stay in touch. One thing that can be challenging at times is the pace at which technology changes. One such change that we have become aware of in the last week is that of the ‘show’ or ‘cover’ feature in Snapchat. This new feature allows users to pose questions to each other with the answers then becoming part of the Snapchat thread. If ‘show’ is selected, the responses will be shown, as will the contributor’s name. If ‘cover’ is selected, the message will appear, but the identity of the contributor will be anonymous. Not being a user of Snapchat or Instagram, I was unaware of this feature but I am concerned about the potential for inappropriate use. Our message to the girls with regards to technology use is to only say online what they would be prepared to say face-to-face and not to use this feature at all. It might be a good idea to ask your daughters to show you the features of the social networking sites they are using and about which you may be unfamiliar and to have conversations regarding your own expectations of appropriate use of technology. We are more than happy to assist in this area, but the following websites also offer useful advice for parents: eSafety and Friendly Schools. - Sharon Anderson, Head of Senior School Student AchievementsCongratulations to Matilda Malet (Year 11) and Helen Abbott (Year 12) who have been selected to participate in the oral exams for the Alliance Française exams. This means that their results in the written exams were in the Top 20 for Year 11 and Year 12 in WA. JIGSAW Performance - Years 7-10The Jigsaw performance on Friday 15 September is an opportunity for parents to see what our Performing Arts students in Years 7-10 have been working on during the last semester. It will focus on a selection of pieces that have been created collaboratively under the supervision and training of their Dance, Drama and Music teachers. They would love to share their work with you and hope you will add this date to your diary. Download the performance invitation here Performance Details Date: Friday 15 September Music UpdateCongratulations to all students for their hard work and dedication to their music study throughout Term 3. Please note that any cancellation of instrumental or vocal lessons for Term 4 should be received by the Music Department on music@plc.wa.edu.au by Thursday 15 September, otherwise students will automatically be timetabled for Term 4 and tuition fees applied. Physical Education UpdateIGSSA Softball and WaterpoloStudents in Years 7 - 9 received an email this week advising how to register for IGSSA softball and waterpolo trials. Registrations close Wednesday 13 September, with the first trial being held on Thursday 14 September, 3.45pm-5.00pm. Please check the Calendar for further trial dates, times and venues. Blackwatch SportYear 7 - 10 students will receive an email early next week, advising how to register for Term 4 Blackwatch Sports. Outdoor Education UpdateSenior School parents and students can view the Outdoor Education Co-Curricular Term 4 options here. Please be aware that applications close on Monday 18 September and groups will be available by the last day of this term. Check out the video of our 2017 Year 8 Outdoor Education Programme below. Uniform Shop ReminderFrom the commencement of Term 4, we transition to summer uniform. Don’t leave it until the last minute to check sock supplies and that panama hats are looking crisp. Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed for stocktake on Thursday 21 September and will re-open at 9.00 am on Monday 9 October. Booklists - Year 11 and 12 WACE and IB DiplomaBooklists for Year 11 WACE, Year 12 WACE and IB Diploma are now available for you to order texts and resources for Term 4. Please visit home.PLC > Booklists. Scotch College booklists are available on the same tile for Diploma students attending cross-campus classes. Lists for Year 7 to Year 10 will be published in Term 4. If you have any queries relating to booklists please direct them to 1degree@plc.wa.edu.au or library@plc.wa.edu.au. Community & Service LearningSupporting Good Samaritans and The Ability CentreAt lunchtime on Friday 15 September, House Tutor Group 8 McNeil will lead an initiative to develop teamwork and raise awareness for two of our many partnerships. All Senior School students are invited to donate items of pre-loved clothes at lunchtime, which will be passed onto Good Sammy’s. A food stall will also be held to support The Ability Centre, whose purpose is “To support people with disability and their families through a range of services, supports and community awareness maintaining a specialty in cerebral palsy.” Please see the poster for more event information. Career NewsDownload this week's Career News for the latest programmes and activities available at universities including UWA, University of Sydney and ECU. Boarding House NewsOn Sunday evening, the Boarding House hosted the inaugural “PLC Boarders’ Got Talent” and it was a wonderful event. Check out the photos and read all about it in this week's Boarding House News. SENIOR SCHOOL KEY EVENTSSenior School Term DatesDownload the Key Dates for the end of Term 3 and start of Term 4 Principal's AssemblyDate: Friday 8 September IGSSA Athletics CarnivalDate: Tuesday 12 September Karina Lombard Masterclass WorkshopsPLC Perth is hosting actor, screenwriter and director Karina Lombard as she delivers a number of Masterclass Workshops. Find out more and book JIGSAW Performance Years 7 - 10Date: Friday 15 September Senior School Art ExhibitionOpening Night (for art students and their parents) Exhibition open to PLC community: Staff News: PLC at the International Kodály SymposiumJason Boron, the current Acting Head of Music Curriculum, recently had the privilege of representing PLC at the International Kodály Symposium which was held at the University of Alberta in Camrose, Canada. This conference is held biennially and is of significance for Kodály-inspired music teachers, and music educators more broadly. The Kodály method is an approach to music education developed by Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, linguist, and philosopher Zoltán Kodály in the mid-twentieth century. Jason’s presentation Reflecting on Practice: Kodály Inspired Music in Schools in the 21st Century examined the development of critical and creative thinking, personal and social capacity, ethical understanding, intercultural understanding, and information and communication technology capacity within the music classroom. Given that the Kodály philosophy underpins the class music programme at PLC, Jason was able to draw upon some of the school’s most innovative programmes, including the Every Day Music Programme from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2. Conference delegates were amazed to hear of the success of this programme, and the positive feedback reaffirmed that PLC’s philosophy and approach to teaching music is at the forefront of best practice discussed at the international level. Below: Jason Boron presenting at the Symposium. Open Garden DayThis year will be the 20th year Platinum Event for Open Garden Day! Date: Friday 27 October Support from PLC parents is central to making Open Garden Day a significant event in the School calendar and it is a great way for parents to get involved in the PLC community. Bakers needed!We are currently looking for 80 bakers to assist with baking the famous Christmas Cakes. Bakers will be provided with all the ingredients, recipe and instructions. If you can help please email Susannah Evans with your name, email address and mobile phone number. For full details on how you can get involved in Open Garden Day visit the website. Parents@PLC Country Day TripAll PLC parents are invited to the upcoming Parents@PLC Country Day Trip. This is a lovely opportunity for city and country families to come together in a relaxed environment. Head of Junior School, Louise Peyton, Head of Senior School, Sharon Anderson and Director of Strategic Communications, Keryn McKinnon will be joining us. Date:
Wednesday 13 September 'Jingle and Mingle' Parents@PLC Christmas PartyDate: Saturday 25 November If anyone is able to donate items for the silent auction, which is a fantastic fundraiser for our School, please contact Linley Flugge.
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