As we approach the end of another busy term, the holidays provide an opportunity to recharge and immerse yourself in those pursuits that pass you by in the hustle and bustle of school time. It is an opportunity for exploration and inquiry outside the schoolyard. For some, this will entail escaping with a good book or embarking on projects in the backyard, whilst for others, heading off on an adventure either with their families or as part of the School tours occurring over the break. 

These journeys of exploration and inquiry will no doubt be accompanied with an opportunity for seeking answers to many questions. I know that in my household the number of questions, (most often ‘why?’), start to take their toll by the end of the break. Whilst at times the continuous questioning can become draining, good questioning is a skill and an essential part of learning.  

Dean James Ryan from HGSE suggests that questions are like keys, they are "the root of all understanding", "the heart of all curiosity", and "the beginning of all progress". According to Ryan there are five questions that are like five crucial keys on the ring. While you’ll certainly need other keys from time to time, you’ll never want to be without these five. They are:

1. ‘Wait, what?’ This is a very effective way of asking for clarification. The wait also provides a useful reminder that it is good to slow down so that you truly understand the situation.
2. ‘I wonder’ which could be followed by ‘why’ or ‘if’. Asking ‘I wonder why?’ allows us to remain curious with the world and start thinking about how you might improve it.
3. ‘Couldn't we at least...?’ This question enables you get past disagreements and arrive at some type of consensus.
4. ‘How can I help?’ How we help is as important as actually providing assistance, it is the basis of forming good relationships.
5. ‘What truly matters?’ This question is about knowing your own beliefs and convictions. It really gets to the heart of life itself. 

I hope that you have a restful and relaxing break, full of good questions and return ready to throw yourselves into Term 3.

- Dr Andrew Cousins, Deputy Principal

Deputy Head of Junior School

Meredith has worked in the PLC Junior School since July 1995. In that time, she has been an Educational Assistant, a classroom teacher, Primary Years Co-ordinator, Director of the Athena Centre (JS Library), Director of the JS Learning Enrichment Centre and is currently the Deputy Head of Junior School. As a third-generation PLC student, her association with the School has been a long one and her daughter, Emily, also attended PLC.

What inspires you?

The students, teachers and leaders that I work with. Our students are so motivated to learn. Their enthusiasm, along with their sense of awe and wonder, make the Junior School a wonderful place to work. The teachers and leaders I work with and alongside are remarkable because they continually strive to improve their practice and give their all to ensure that the students are engaged, challenged, self-aware and hold a growth mindset. The challenges and uncertainties surrounding the preparation of our children for such a different working future both inspires, motivates and challenges me.

What is important to you as a teacher?

To see each and every child appreciate and celebrate their strengths and talents and those of their peers, so that they develop into resilient, confident contributors to our community who uphold the values that we share as an IB Primary Years Programme School in all aspects of their lives.

What are you working on at the moment?

Updating my joke book as some Year 2 students told me that they did not find my morning jokes funny.

Congratulations to our rowing team for a fantastic season! 

PLC won the Wendy Zuideveld Perpetual Trophy for Schoolgirl Head of the River Regatta Champion School on Saturday and also won the First VIII Trophy. 

The girls' amazing efforts on Saturday also helped PLC secure the Perpetual Trophy for Schoolgirl Premiers for the third year in a row.

These amazing results mean that PLC is the only school in the history of the WA IGSSA Rowing competition to win all three trophies for three years running! 

For a full list of results please visit the IGSSA website.

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the team, it was a great morning.

The inaugural Farm2Fork event will be held on Sunday 23 July and will be a wonderful way to round off the upcoming school holidays.

As well as over 20 dishes all made from locally grown produce (some of which will be supplied by our boarding families), there will be live music, good company, craft beer and acclaimed wines. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss out on a spot at this fantastic family food event!

Tickets available at trybooking.com/281830

As we move into the three-week break, the girls need a welcome rest. The break might provide an opportunity to catch up on work missed due to illness and to do some forward planning for the busy term ahead. It is also a good time to make sure files are in order, notes are written and anything else that might help make the coming term easier is completed.

Next term, the Year 11s will only have six weeks of teaching before they begin their final exams for Year 11 courses. They will be going through the election of new leaders for the School and this can add a degree of distraction. They will also need to consider which courses they will and will not continue with in Year 12.

Year 10s will also sit their second set of exams which will provide good indicators for their subject choices for Year 11.

Year 12s will have two sets of exams at the end of the term and in November with not much rest time in between, so they will need to start planning for that time. This is a long stretch for the Year 12s and any little things that can be completed these holidays to take off pressure next term is advised.

Years 7-9 still need to have their academic assembly where they will be presented with certficates for Academic Excellence, Effort and Subject Excellence. We will write to you when the date is confirmed so that you can attend.

- Neesha Flint, Director of Learning

The week commencing Monday 3 July is Sleep Awareness Week. We seem to be accruing a significant sleep debt as a society and, while we have individual sleep needs and our tolerance to loss of sleep differs, getting enough sleep is clearly linked with learning, productivity, health and wellbeing.

From the writings by Australian Poet Michael Leunig, the following certainly resonates, “I believe the world is sick with exhaustion and dying of restlessness. While it is true that periods of weariness help the spirit to grow, the prolonged ongoing state of fatigue to which our world seems to be rapidly adopting is ultimately soul destroying as well as earth destroying.”

The Health Centre Nurses, in preparation for Sleep Awareness Week, have created this useful resource with information and advice for the students and School community around sleep, which we hope you find helpful.

Be Well

- Laura Allison, Director of Wellbeing

In recent weeks there have been break-ins to vehicles parked in the streets around PLC during school hours. On each occasion, valuables such as handbags and phones were stolen.

Please be vigilant and ensure your cars are locked and no valuables are left in them while you are visiting the School.

The incidents also serve as a reminder to ensure that students remain at the pick up and drop off points when waiting for their lift home, rather than elsewhere around the School.

Congratulations to Madeleine Mayo (Year 5) who was a guest curator for the Perth Writers Festival Family Day. 

Her role as guest curator involved organising and producing a segment for the Family Day. Madeleine was recognised with a Certificate of Achievement and a selection of books for the Junior School Library.

Thank you to Madeleine on behalf of all Junior School students.

Last Wednesday the Year 6 girls were involved in the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival at the Perth Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The girls dazzled the audience with their wonderfully energetic singing, playing and dancing. They performed two items in the Samba style and had the audience tapping their toes and dancing in their seats. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Events to Note

Junior School Assembly Years 1 to 6 (hosted by Year 3)
Date:  Friday 30 June     
Time: 8.40 am – 9.15 am 
Venue: SRC

End of Term 2 – Friday 30 June (normal dismissal times)

Download the Term 3 Junior School Event Calendar 
Download the Term 3 Junior School Co-curricular Timetable

Term 3 STEM related co-curricular activities 

Students from Year 5 to Year 12 are invited to attend the following activities that are running in the Senior School Innovation Centre & Library in Term 3.

Students have been asked to complete a form (link here, student login required) and select from the available choices. Those who participated in Term 2 are kindly asked to re-enrol. New members are very welcome.

Minecraft (Year 5 and above)
Tuesdays, 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Senior School Innovation Centre & Library

We will be collaborating in virtual environments to create 3D worlds. Currently the group is working with Mr Porter to build a sustainable environment.

There are places for another 12 students to join this group.  Students are asked to self-enrol here.
 
Grok Club (Year 7 to Year 12)
Wednesdays, 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Senior School Innovation Centre & Library.

Grok is a verb meaning to understand (something) intuitively or by empathy. Students will learn the power of Python (programming language), and enjoy creative coding in a supportive and fun environment.

Ms Huston co-ordinates this new group and calls for expressions of interest. Students are asked to self-enrol to join this group here.

Robotics (for Year 5 and above)
Thursdays, 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Senior School Innovation Centre & Library

We will be programming EV3 robots to complete a set of challenges and even teaching them to dance.

There are places for 14 students to join this group. Students are asked to self-enrol here.

For more information, on the benefits of Minecraft in the classroom please review the following websites:
http://education.minecraft.net
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/benefits-minecraft-classroom-students.shtml

PLC Holiday Code Camp is on again!

PLC will be hosting the Code Camp Spark Programme for Years 2-6 once again due to the wonderful feedback received by students and parents after the April camp.

PLC girls are invited to attend this three-day camp and to bring along their friends. The camp isn't just for PLC students, anyone in Years 2-6 can join in!

Dates: Tuesday 11 - Thursday 13 July
Times: 8.30 am - 4.00 pm
Cost: $350
Venue: PLC Junior School, McNeil Street Peppermint Grove
Bookings: codecamp.com.au/plcperth

Congratulations to our talented Senior musicians who competed in the Western Australian School’s Senior Orchestra and Concert Band Festival over the weekend.

Our results were:

• Bartok String Orchestra (pictured) were awarded ‘Outstanding’ in the elite Premier Division
• PLC/Scotch College Combined Symphony Orchestra were awarded ‘Outstanding’ in A Division
• Wind Ensemble were awarded ‘Excellent’ in A Division

National da Vinci Decathlon

A team of girls from Year 7 and Year 9 competed in the National da Vinci Decathlon competition at Knox Grammar School over the weekend.

The Year 7 team comprised of Poppy Bell, Sarah Few, Priya Mackenzie-Smith, Olivia Morton, Bryzlyn Sin, Sophya Thomas, Layla Tomljanovich and Jasmine Walter.

In the Year 9 team were Laura Bailey, Clara Chen, Eva Coulson, Elizabeth Crawford, Stephanie Hair, Eloisa Malet, Stella Vanderzanden and Nisha Whittome.

The girls were accompanied by Mrs Erica Walker and Ms Deborah McPhee. Whilst the girls did not achieve a place overall in the National da Vinci Decathlon competition they are to be congratulated for scoring some excellent results for individual sections.

Year 7 team results
Race Around Sydney - 3rd place
Art and Poetry - 1st place
Creative Producers - 1st place

Year 9 team results
Race Around Sydney - 2nd place
Art and Poetry - 2nd place
Cartography - 3rd place
English - 3rd place
General Knowledge - 2nd place

Parents' Committee Scholarships Reminder

Each year the Parents’ Committee recognises two girls, one each from Year 8 and Year 10, who have shown outstanding participation and endeavour and epitomise our School motto, ‘Labore et Honore’.

Visit the website for more information and to download the application form.

Applications close 4.00 pm on Monday 7 August.

Year 10 Personal Project Exhibition

The annual opening of Year 10 Personal Project Exhibition will take place on Monday 31 July. The Exhibition opens at 7.00 pm in the View Street building, with galleries located on all three floors and some larger works on display in the McNeil Street Senior School building. The opening night runs until 8.30 pm.

There are no formal talks or presentations – students are expected to stand by their works for the duration of the evening and will be available should guests have any questions about their projects. A floor guide will be available for parents on the evening.

The opening night is on invitation from the students (Year 10 parents and family), however, the galleries will be open to the remainder of the PLC community from Tuesday 1 August to Friday 4 August.

The galleries will be on display for one week only. All projects must be down by the following Monday, 7 August. Tours of the galleries will be run for Year 9 parents across the week, together with a short information session on the new Year 9 Defining Project. More information on these workshops will come at the beginning of Term 3.

To facilitate preparation for the evening, PLC will be open on the following dates to parents and students needing additional time to set up their displays:

• Sunday 23 July from 9.00 am - 4.00 pm (the same day as the Farm2Fork event hosted by our boarding community – a great chance to check this out as well)
• Monday 24 July
• Sunday 30 July

Students are also welcome to work on their displays throughout the first week of Term 3 (Tuesday 25 July - Friday 28 July).

Please direct any queries to Mr Chris Scholten, Chris.Scholten@plc.wa.edu.au. We hope that you can share in our celebration of learning for our dedicated Year 10 girls.

Term 3 Outdoor Education co-curricular 

If your daughter enrolled in a co-curricular activity for Term 3 please head to the Outdoor Education co-curricular page to check your daughter’s enrolment has been processed. Please note you will need to log in using your home.PLC password. 

Please be aware that Ju Jutsu and Pilates have been cancelled due to low enrolments. Late enrolments are accepted in activities which still have space.

To check availability and download the enrolment form please see the Co-curricular page. All classes start in Week 2 next term; however, classes will appear on student timetables in Week 1.

Term 3 STEM co-curricular 

Students from Year 5 to Year 12 are invited to attend the following activities that are running in the Senior School Innovation Centre & Library in Term 3.

Students have been asked to complete a form (link here, student login required) and select from the available choices. Girls who participated in Term 2, are kindly asked to re-enrol. New members are very welcome.

Minecraft (Year 5 and above)
Tuesdays, 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Senior School Innovation Centre & Library

We will be collaborating in virtual environments to create 3D worlds. Currently the group is working with Mr Porter to build a sustainable environment.

There are places for another 12 students to join this group. Students are asked to self-enrol here.
 
Grok Club (Year 7 to Year 12)
Wednesdays, 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Senior School Innovation Centre & Library.

Grok is a verb meaning to understand (something) intuitively or by empathy. Students will learn the power of Python (programming language), and enjoy creative coding in a supportive and fun environment.

Ms Huston co-ordinates this new group and calls for expressions of interest. Students are asked to self-enrol to join this group here.

Robotics (for Year 5 and above)
Thursdays, 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Senior School Innovation Centre & Library

We will be programming EV3 robots to complete a set of challenges and even teaching them to dance.

There are places for 14 students to join this group. Students are asked to self-enrol here.

For more information, on the benefits of Minecraft in the classroom please review the following websites:
http://education.minecraft.net
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/benefits-minecraft-classroom-students.shtml

Year 7 students speak with Apollo XIII Astronaut Fred Haise

The Year 7s had a Skype video call with Fred Haise on Monday, who is the great uncle of Clare Johnston (Year 10). Fred told the girls about his unusual path to become an astronaut, his experiences in space during the infamous Apollo XIII mission and answered lots of questions from curious students.

He spoke about floating escapee water bags, the unusual issues with sleeping in space and the importance of finding out what your personal talent is and pursuing it. 

The Senior School is abuzz with preparation for “The Best Day of the Year” - Arts Day!

The day will start with the fabulous PLC Staff Act at 8.30 am in the Hugh Baird Sports Centre, followed by the Year 12 act and House dance.

The girls will then begin their individual and group activities from 9.30 am – 1.00 pm. The day will conclude with House Choir from 1.30 pm – 3.15 pm in the Hugh Baird Sports Centre.

We warmly welcome all parents and family members to attend Arts Day, as we all come together to celebrate the Arts!

A full programme of events will be available at the Hugh Baird Sports Centre, and all receptions and cafés on the day.

Refreshments

Refreshments will be available from the Senior School Cafeteria and Bev's Café throughout the day as well as the following special additions.

The Friends of Pipe Band Fundraising Café

The Friends of Pipe Band will be taking over the Café in the lower level of the View Street Senior School building. They will be selling homemade cakes, slices and other sweet treats along with coffee and tea as a fundraiser. 

Sausage Sizzle Supporting Tabitha Foundation

The families attending the 2017 Cambodia Tour will be holding a fundraising sausage sizzle on the Quad at lunchtime. Your contribution will be helping the PLC Cambodia Service Immersion Tour finance house building for Cambodians in need.

Food Trucks

A Boost Juice Van, Dippin Dots Ice Cream Stall and a Churros Van will also be at the School from 9.30 am - 1.30 pm.

Facebook Updates

For those parents, family members and friends who are unable to attend Arts Day, we will be posting photos, videos and updates throughout the day so keep an eye on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/plcperth/

If you have any queries about Arts Day, please contact Kate Montague on 9424 6411 or email Kate.Montague@plc.wa.edu.au

Over the holidays home.PLC (and home.Scotch) will be upgraded with a new look and feel.

This will mean that at some point between Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 July home.PLC access will be disrupted for a short time.

This change will bring about a different look and function to the site that allows for the expansion of existing and future resources and services while aligning with the new School style-guide.

home.Scotch will be similarly effected between Wednesday 12 and Saturday 15 July.

 - Doug de Kock, Director of Innovation

UWA Individual Year 12 Advisory Sessions

These school holiday sessions for Year 12s and their parents are designed to help answer your questions about future study, including:

• UWA courses
• Admission requirements
• Direct Pathways into postgraduate courses
• Important dates for Year 12 students
• The TISC application and offer process
• The UWA student experience

Dates: Tuesday 11 July - Thursday 13 July
Times: 10.00 am - 7.30 pm 
Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
Book your session here.

Download the PLC Career News for the latest news and information regarding careers and university.

It was a magnificent day on Saturday at the Head of the River, with lots of boarders heading to Champion Lakes.

Share some of the excitement and joy from the day in our latest Boarding House News. 

2018 Tanzania Tour Information Evening

An information evening will be held on Monday 24 July for current Year 10 and Year 11 students and their parents/guardians who are interested in finding out about the bi-annual PLC Scotch Tanzania Tour planned for July 2018.

Information presented on the evening will include a draft itinerary, explanation of the key phases of the tour, including all of the equipment, preparation and fundraising required, estimated tour cost, information about risk management and immunisations. Some students and staff members who have previously participated in the tour will be present to share some of their experiences.

Date: Monday 24 July
Time: 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Place: Senior School Auditorium 

If you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact Matt Donaldson at Matt.Donaldson@plc.wa.edu.au

Live Below the Line 2017
 
A group of our Senior School students have registered for Live Below the Line 2017 which will operate over three days, beginning Tuesday 1 August until Thursday 3 August. By eating on $2 a day for five days, thousands of Australians raise funds and awareness to make a real impact.
 
Students who would like to raise money and take on the challenge will need to plan and organise menus/shopping prior to the event to cover their meals for the three days – each day a bowl of rice will be provided for them at lunch. The challenge is an opportunity for people to gain real perspective on hardship and what it would be like to live on $2 a day.
 
Click here to register with the PLC Team and join the challenge, helping to raise money for those living in poverty. If you are not up for the challenge but would like to donate, please use the link above.

Annual PLC Scotch Alumni Networking Breakfast

PLC Old Collegians' Association, in association with Scotch College Old Scholars, are pleased to present the Annual PLC Scotch Alumni Networking Breakfast. 

This year’s breakfast will focus on communications, marketing and journalism, particularly digital media and its implications for business. We are fortunate to have Dixie Marshall and David De Vos as guest speakers. Dixie is a former news presenter and Strategic Communications Director for the Former Liberal National Government and was recently appointed Head of Creative and Partnerships at The Story Lab in Western Australia. David is a veteran journalist, as well as a celebrated producer and presenter.

The event is open to Old Collegians, parents and all members of the PLC and Scotch communities.

Date:   Thursday 3 August
Time:   Doors open 7.15 am for a 7.30 am start until 9.00 am
Venue: Frasers Function Centre, Kings Park, West Perth

Booking details will be released soon. For more details or to reserve a ticket in advance, please contact Alumni & Parent Group Co-ordinator, Sascha Hill Sascha.Hill@plc.wa.edu.au

School Fees Draw

Pay your Term 3 Invoice in full and the optional Parents’ Committee amount of $22 per child by 4.00 pm Tuesday 25 July and you could have $6,588* credited to your account! 

*Download the poster with full details.

Parents’ Committee funds will be used to help pay for the financial support of a specialist teaching enrichment programme.

This year, native speaking language experts will assist the four foreign language programmes taught across the School - Mandarin, French, Japanese and Spanish.

Year 8 Parents Event

All Year 8 parents are invited to a “Platter and Chatter” at the Nash home.

Date: Saturday 29 July
Time: 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Venue: 3 McAllister Rise, Mosman Park
RSVP: via trybooking.com/QKGU

Support PLC Pipe Band - Entertainment Books

Help us raise funds by buying an Entertainment Membership from Presbyterian Ladies' College Pipe Band. You'll receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do, and help our fundraising at the same time!

The books are now available to collect from us! For those of you who have pre-ordered a digital membership, they should now be ready for you to start using straight away.

Click here to buy your book!