Dear Friend of PLC

A Message From Deputy Principal, Chris Robinson 

Over the last few days I have found myself needing space to reflect on being grateful. I feel so lucky to be a part of the PLC community with all its love and support. As a staff member and a parent of a 1995 graduate, I have always been thankful that our family had chosen a PLC education.

I have the privilege of working with dedicated colleagues who are dynamic, inspiring, and who are always working towards developing new and innovative ways to deliver their curriculum and lessons. I am reassured that we absolutely have the skills and culture in place at PLC to problem-solve and come up with solutions to the new teaching challenges we are presented with.

Chris Robinson, Deputy Principal

Living in Uncertain Times

In uncertain times, many people search for security – something to hang on to, or control. In the recent weeks, Australians learned that some basic needs shouldn’t be taken for granted: food, health, family, hand sanitiser and of course, toilet paper! In the coming weeks we might be reminded of the value of spending quality family time, having home-cooked meals and appreciating being healthy. Until then, we face perhaps the biggest health threat in a century, and many are fearful.

We can’t change the impact of Covid-19 by worrying, but we can stay vigilant and positive in the knowledge that this storm shall pass.

I find comfort in the following Gospel passage: 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)

 - Manie Strydom, Chaplain

World's Greatest Shave 

With further changes to how PLC is operating next week, we are asking that anyone participating in the World’s Greatest Shave, cut or shave their hair and deliver it to PLC Lighthouse by tomorrow, Friday 27 March. 

If you would like to help us promote PLC's World's Greatest Shave, please send a before and after photograph, or short video (no longer than 30 seconds) to the Communications and Engagement team on 0424 3318 66.

PLC have currently raised in excess of $23,000 to support the Leukemia Foundation this year. Keep up the great work!

Support us here

Cooking for A Cause

During these challenging times, it's so inspiring to see families finding ways to continue supporting the community and people most vulnerable. 

Families participating in PLC's Service programme, Cooking for a Cause, usually gather in the Lighthouse Food Room to cook meals for vulnerable people in our community. Now, with social distancing rules, parents and students have been cooking at home. 

Thank you to all our generous families continuing to support people in need!

Like many businesses and not for profits, UnitingCare West are working out how best to support and keep their staff and the clients that they serve safe, which in turn affects being able to deliver food to people ‘dropping in’.  

PLC are working with the agencies to develop best practices at this time, and we will be in contact with our Family Service Co-ordinators as soon as possible to update you on how we can continue to provide this service. Thank you to the PLC community for your ongoing support.

- Linda Malone, Head of Service and Community Partnerships

Online Learning 

As you would be aware, PLC moves to online learning from Monday. The Junior School staff have been preparing for this possible outcome since early March and the past couple of weeks have provided us opportunities to trial, practice and test. I believe the staff are well prepared to provide online learning for the students. 

Please read the information for parents below:

- Junior School parents (Pre-Kindy - Year 4)
- Junior School parents (Years 5 and 6)

It is important to note, that in a classroom, a teacher responds to the needs of the students in real time and lessons can be adjusted in response to the students needs. The teachers, being the professionals they are, will respond to this new environment. We will all learn what works brilliantly and what needs to be adapted. As happens every day in class, Monday will probably look slightly different from Wednesday, and from Friday. Another salient reminder that we are all working to the same end -  excellent teaching and learning for our students, in whatever context and conditions we are working in. 

The posts I see on SeeSaw are amazing. I can see the effort of the students and also of the parents and caregivers. Great work PLC community! 

- Richard Wright, Head of Junior School 

Preparing for Online Learning

Our preparations for online learning continue and I have been impressed with how quickly our girls have adapted to this new way of learning.

A reminder to all students who will be learning on campus to remember to bring their headphones to school, so that they can easily participate in our virtual classrooms. This is also good advice for our students who are off campus.

Introducing Daily Notices 

We have introduced a 'daily notice' to help remind our Senior School girls of important information in regards to the transition to online learning, hygiene and social distancing practices, and other general information about the school day. This will continue into the future and I hope that our students and staff find it to be a good source of information. 

Looking After Your Mental Health

In these challenging times, it is important for our students to look after their mental health. I encourage the girls to practice gratitude to help them maintain perspective and a positive attitude. Writing down three things each day that they are grateful for is a valuable practice and one that I would encourage all students to participate in.

Our Student Council are putting in place a range of new initiatives to help maintain the strong sense of connection that we feel in the school community. I hope that this helps keep our off-campus students involved in school life.

If you have any questions about our transition to online learning, please contact your daughter’s Year Co-ordinator, Deputy Heads of Senior School or myself. Click here to find the Senior School Handbook with all the relevant contact numbers and emails. 

Thank you for your support as we embark on online learning at PLC.

- Rebecca Watts, Head of Senior School

Boarding House News

Find out what's been happening in our Boarding House. 

Student Achievements

Tahlia Hanikeri (Year 12) has been selected for the 2020 Western Australian State Debating Team! Congratulations, Tahlia.

Linda Zou (Year 10) and Yvonne Cui (Year 9) recently competed in the KSF Maths Competition, run by Australian Mathematics Trust. Linda was awarded a High Distinction and Yvonne was awarded a Distinction! Congratulations, girls.

Kapture Photography

We have been advised by Kapture Photography that all photos taken this term are available to purchase from their website for the remainder of the current year. This includes any sports or special photos taken on photo day. Please visit the ‘Order Online’ page at www.kapture.com.au using our school code; RRXSJX

PLC Foundation Scholarships Now Open 

The PLC Foundation offers a scholarship each year to a student who would otherwise be unable to attend PLC due to their family’s financial circumstances. The PLC Foundation Scholarship is offered to students commencing in Year 7 and provides full tuition until graduation in Year 12.

Application closing date: Monday 27 July 2020

For further information, please contact Suzanne Pelczar, Executive Officer, PLC Foundation - Suzanne.Pelczar@plc.wa.edu.au.