No Images? Click here Dear Friend of PLC Classroom-based learning naturally forms the foundation of the educational offering here at PLC. However, the extensive array of trips and tours offered by the School is a way for our girls to engage in additional learning experiences that broaden their horizons, along with encouraging independence and resilience. Our comprehensive Outdoor Education Programmes, running from Year 3 to Year 10, offer students opportunities to get to know others they don’t normally spend time with, learn new skills, step out of their comfort zones and demonstrate courage. This year, I am very excited to be joining one of the Year 8 groups on their programme from 13 to 18 May. Along with our Outdoor Education offering through the Quest programme in Year 10, we also provide trips to France and China (rotating every second year), a Singapore sports tour, Cambodia Service Immersion tour with a parent, along with exchange programmes to New Zealand, France, Japan, United Kingdom and Austria. After meetings with families and with our service provider Rustic Pathways, we have reworked the Cambodia Service Immersion Tour and I am confident this trip will continue to be an incredibly enriching programme moving forward. This year, we are excited to extend our Service Immersion tours to include a new trip to Vietnam, hosted by Rustic Pathways, for Year 9 students from 15-27 September. Guy Varndell and I will be joining the girls on this exciting adventure. There are limited spaces available on this trip, however, there is still time to register if you wish for your daughter to join us. The programme looks incredible and you can access it here. We are currently exploring additional STEM-related trips and tours for the girls, following on from Space Camp, which ran at the end of last year. Due to some concerns raised, particularly regarding the Junior Space Camp trip, by our diligent staff who accompanied the girls, we will not be running these two trips in 2018. Our intention is to see if these concerns can be appropriately addressed, or to look to another provider to offer this experience. Naturally, the safety of our girls is our first priority and I need to feel more than 100 percent satisfied with a provider and the programme prior to signing off on any tour experience offered. Should you have any questions regarding trips and tours please contact our PLC Tours Co-ordinator, Sandy Barbir on 9424 6496 or sandy.barbir@plc.wa.edu.au. Feedback regarding our programmes is always gratefully received. Staffing UpdateWith a sense of sadness, I advise that Meredith Beer, Deputy Head of Junior School has submitted her resignation. Meredith commenced in the Junior School in July 1995. In her long tenure with the School, she has held a number of key roles, including:
Meredith’s connection with PLC goes much deeper, being a PLC past parent, an Old Collegian, as well as being the daughter and granddaughter of Old Collegians. As such, even though her time as a staff member has come to an end, she will always remain a part of the PLC community. Meredith will finish at the end of Term 1, 2018. She leaves with our warmest best wishes for the future. Ann Smith has also tendered her resignation this week to spend more time with her family. When Ann met with me, she expressed that this was one of the hardest decisions she has ever made. Commencing at PLC in January 1981, Ann has contributed in many ways over the last 37 years, including;
Ann has also contributed to the field of Religious Education more widely, being an active member of the Australian Association for Religious Education WA Branch including; 2006 - Recognised for her “magnificent contribution” as a member of the Conference Committee for the biennial National Conference of the Australian Association for Religious Education. 2008 - Received a State Award from the Australian Association for Religious Education (one of only five given that year) for recognition for Ann’s contribution and service in the field of religious education. She has promised me she is happy to return to PLC a few days a week when needed. While it is sad to see her leave, I’m hopeful she will be back on and off supporting our girls. Please join me in thanking both Meredith and Ann for their significant contributions to PLC. - Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal Friday 2 MarchMid-Term break Monday 5 MarchMid-Term break Thursday 8 MarchInternational Women's Day Breakfast, 7.15 am - 9.00 am, PLC Senior School Quad, $15 adults, $10 students, book now Thursday 15 MarchLighthouse Leaders - Dr Peggy Kern, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm, PLC Lighthouse, Friday 16 MarchParents@PLC Outdoor Cinema Evening, 6.00 pm, movie starts at 7.00 pm, PLC Quad (no bookings required) Saturday 17 MarchMindfulness Masterclass, 10.00 am - 1.00 pm, PLC Lighthouse, $95, Book now Friday 30 MarchGood Friday Monday 2 AprilEaster Monday Friday 6 AprilPLC Lighthouse Official Opening, 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm, save the date Friday 13 AprilBoarders Market, 7.30 am - 11.30 am Friday 25 May to Sunday 27 MayPLC OCA Art Exhibition, save the date Thursday 31 MayParents@PLC Annual Tennis Morning, save the date "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."- Winston Churchill Each one of us lives with a notion of what it means to be ‘successful’. Failure makes us feel ashamed; we see it as a sign of weakness. Imagine a world without Harry Potter. It could have happened. JK Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers (see her address to Harvard graduates entitled ‘The Fringe Benefits of Failure’). She was jobless, a lone parent, and barely making ends meet. In the midst of her struggle, she discovered that she had a very strong will, more discipline than she imagined, and also that she had some very supportive friends. Rock bottom became the foundation on which she rebuilt her life. Failure is a learning curve; an aspect of self-knowledge. As we grapple with it, hopefully we will gain some of JK Rowling’s insights. "There is no sun without the shadow and it is essential to know the night." - Rev Gary van Heerden Inter-House Swimming CarnivalThis week, the Year 6 student leaders from each House have been preparing their respective teams for participation in the Inter-House Swimming Carnival that was held this morning. Congratulations to Baird who took out first place overall, and to Summers who won the War Cries. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the event, it was a fabulous morning. Year 6 Outdoor Education ProgrammeStudents in Year 6 spent most of last week at Camp Geographe, just outside of Busselton, on their Outdoor Education Programme. I had the opportunity to spend Tuesday and Wednesday morning with the students and staff. I was thrilled at the way the girls were taking on the challenge of being away from home and engaging in a completely new and different environment. I was also thrilled with the quality of meals prepared on the trangias. One of the girls suggested it was better than at home. I don’t imagine she repeated that to her parents! The girls will be sharing some of their photos and reflections at assembly on Friday 9 March. Student LeadershipStudents in Years 1 to 6 will have the opportunity to hear the Year 6 students speak to their House groups on Tuesday 6 March as part of their nomination for student leadership roles. This year, we are moving to a new leadership model. As you are aware, in the past we have had 12 House Captains and, each semester, a SRC Chair and Secretary. Under the new model, there will be:
In addition, there is the opportunity for all girls to participate as leaders in the following areas;
In each portfolio the number of team members will vary according to student choice. Research has shown that traditional leadership models tend only to benefit those who are directly involved. The new model aims to build the knowledge and skills of all students. Please view the presentation regarding these changes. I wish to congratulate the girls for their involvement in the leadership programme already, and wish them well for the nomination and voting stage. The expanded programme will provide even more scope for more of the girls to contribute to the development of the Junior School. SEQTA Feedback G8 MeetingParents are invited to participate in a G8 process about Junior School SEQTA
feedback and the implications for reporting, during Week 6. NAPLAN TestingBelow are the dates and times for the 2018 NAPLAN tests for Years 3 and 5. The tests will be conducted across the mornings of each day and, for any girl who misses an assessment, the afternoons of these days. We request that no appointments of any kind are made on these dates. It is much better for girls to sit the tests at the allocated times rather than spend their afternoons catching up. Friday 18 May will be used as a time for children to sit any missed assessments. Should your child be ill during the NAPLAN test period, please notify the Junior School in the usual manner. The Music Department has been notified of the specific test times. Music lesson times will be planned so that they will not impact on any NAPLAN assessments. Please reassure your daughter that her school day will be much the same during the NAPLAN testing period and that having a well-balanced approach to this event is often most beneficial. Coles Sport for Schools VouchersThe Junior School is collecting the Coles Sport for Schools vouchers and will be donating the items to a remote school or organisation who will benefit from this equipment. There is a voucher collection box located at Coles Mosman Park, or you can drop them off at the Junior School Reception. Thank you for your support. Sincere thanks to Year 1 girls, Emilee Kennedy, Isabel Young and Tessa Ponosh, whose gorgeous teddy paintings are now brightening up my office and will keep me company for the rest of this term! - Louise Peyton, Head of Junior School Physical Education Department UpdateJunior School students received information this week regarding Years 1-4 Minkey Hockey, Years 3-4 Netta and Years 5-6 Netball. A copy of the information can be obtained from the Sports Junior School website. 2019 Scholarships Reminder (Year 6 going into Year 7 next year)Students who will be in Years 7, 8 or 10 in 2019 and wish to apply for an Academic, General Excellence or Music Scholarship or Instrumental/Vocal Bursary are advised that applications are now invited. The closing date for all applications is Friday 23 March 2018. Candidates for the Academic and Music Scholarships will sit the academic testing at PLC on Saturday 7 April 2018. Please refer to the Scholarship page on our website for more information. If you have any queries please contact our Admissions Team on 9424 6555 or registrar@plc.wa.edu.au. Parents@PLC Junior School Adults Quiz NightDate: Friday 10 August If you are interested in getting involved, please email the Junior School Co-ordinator, Kate McGee, using the subject: JS Adults Quiz Night kmcgee.001@outlook.com JUNIOR SCHOOL KEY EVENTSTerm 1 Week 5 Parent BulletinDownload the Latest Parent Bulletin Mid-Term BreakDate: Friday 2 March - Monday 5 March Junior School Assembly (Years 1 - 6)Date: Friday 9 March Year 6 Parents Drinks NightDate: Friday 9 March PLC/Scotch Games and Movie Night (Years 5 & 6)In support of the 2018 Matipwili Service Building Project, PLC will be hosting two events on the one evening, a combined PLC and Scotch College Games and Movie Night. Further information available here. Date: Friday 23 March, 2018 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews (Year 12)Year 12 interviews will be held on Tuesday 6 March, commencing at 3.30 pm in the Beth Blackwood Senior School Building. All interviews will take place in classrooms on the second floor (view the map). Please follow these instructions to book your interviews online. Bookings will close on Tuesday 6 March at 12.00 pm For your convenience, the dates for other Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews are listed below:
Study Skills for ParentsWe have received an amazing response to our Study Skills Parent evening which will be held on Tuesday 13 March. If you have not yet confirmed your attendance, please email Lisa Graham (Lisa.Graham@plc.wa.edu.au) as soon as possible. The evening is scheduled to commence at 7.00 pm in the Hazel Day Drama Centre. - Sharon Anderson, Head of Senior School 2019 Scholarships ReminderStudents who will be in Years 7, 8 or 10 in 2019 and wish to apply for an Academic, General Excellence or Music Scholarship or Instrumental/Vocal Bursary are advised that applications are now invited. The closing date for all applications is Friday 23 March 2018. Candidates for the Academic and Music Scholarships will sit the academic testing at PLC on Saturday 7 April 2018. Please refer to the Scholarship page on our website for more information. If you have any queries please contact our Admissions Team on 9424 6555 or registrar@plc.wa.edu.au. IGSSA Sports TrialsSenior School students will receive an email after Mid-Term break, advising trial dates for Term 2 IGSSA sports. Further information can be obtained from Sports Senior School. PLC Leavers Milford Sound Expedition (Year 12s)The PLC Outdoor Education Department is offering an exciting expedition during Leavers Week 2018. While we hope girls will appreciate an alternative to other Leavers options, such as Rottnest or Dunsborough, we see this expedition as a pinnacle and culminating experience for their Outdoor Education journey at PLC. As such, we are proposing an expedition on the Milford Track in New Zealand. Please refer to the Letter to Parents for more information. Wellbeing & Service LearningTerm 1 Service AppealOur social justice focus for the Term 1 Appeal invites the symbolic donation of food items to each House Tutor Group for families facing hardships. Donations will be made through CARAD – “Coalition for Asylum Seekers Refugees and Detainees”. See the poster for a list of requested food items. The Smith Family Project (Years 7-10)Students from Years 7 – 10 are invited to take part in The Smith Family Peer-to-Peer support programme that aims to help disadvantaged children improve their literacy skills through a Buddy Mentor Reading Programme. Feedback from the PLC students who engaged in this programme last year was overwhelmingly positive. We are holding an information session for those interested (see details below). The Smith Family Parent/Daughter Information SessionWhen: Monday 19 March Please download the PDFs below for further information. PLC/Scotch Games and Movie Night (Years 7 & 8)In support of the 2018 Matipwili Service Building Project, PLC will be hosting a combined PLC and Scotch College Games and Movie Night. Download the poster for further information. Year 8s Brainology CurriculumAcross this term, all Year 8 students will complete the Brainology curriculum in their Lighthouse Learning lessons. Career NewsRead about the latest university information sessions and other resources, workshops and guides in this week's Career News. SENIOR SCHOOL KEY EVENTSYear 12 Parent-Teacher-Student InterviewsDate: Tuesday 6 March Principal's AssemblyDate: Friday 16 March Year 7 Parents SundownerDate: Friday 16 March Year 12 Parent EventDate: Friday 16 March Year 8 Mums EveningDate:Thursday 22 March International Women's Day BreakfastParents and daughters are invited to join this global day of celebration which recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Members of the PLC community are invited to spend the morning enjoying a buffet breakfast on the Quad and a panel discussion with inspiring PLC Old Collegians. Date: Thursday 8 March |