Links eNewsletter - Term 3 Week 1 Dear valued member of the PLC community, A Message From the PrincipalWhen I commenced at PLC two years ago, I was asked a series of questions about myself, with one being “what was my favourite book?” This was a very simple one for me, for my favourite book for as long as I can remember has been the Velveteen Rabbit. I am sure all members of the community have a favourite book, the Velveteen Rabbit is mine for a number of reasons.
Above those things though, I think it was one of the first books I ever read that introduced me to the concept of being ‘real’, of being myself, and the importance of being an authentic human being. As I grew up, I never tired of re-reading the Velveteen Rabbit and have often returned to the story of the skin horse in particular. I often used it with classes I taught, whether they were early learning, primary or secondary students. I pulled it off the bookshelf again over the weekend in preparation for the start of a new term, as it always reminds me to be ‘real’.
Becoming ‘real’ is a wonderful reference to developing into an authentic and genuine person, a person who is comfortable in their own skin, and confident in who they are. This one section of what was written as a book for children is full of wonderful messages for people of all ages. ‘Becoming real' reflects a journey over time, as well as at individual points in time, and it is our experiences in life and how we respond to those moments that create our own unique journey. It is how we respond to challenging situations that can reflect how authentic and real we become and are willing to be in front of others.
Becoming ‘real’ is not easy and it can hurt, as being authentic requires a person to be strong enough in themselves and their values. For a student in a school, sometimes it means standing up for another person in front of a crowd, or calling someone out on behaviour they know does not sit within the bounds of our community expectations. While this can be hard at times and can hurt, it is also what builds inner strength and also helps us to sleep at night – just knowing that we did the right thing. I don’t mind being hurt when I know that what I did was the right thing to do, I think it hurts more when you do something that contradicts your personal values and what you believe to be important in life.
We live in a world of great diversity – diversity of people who think, feel and understand differently. People will not always see the world exactly the same way that I do, but I do believe that if I remain true to myself, my values and what I believe is most important in life (being a good and kind person) then I will be, and will remain, ‘real’. Once you are ‘real’, have identified your true self and are comfortable with what that true self is, it will bring a great inner strength that allows you to lead a full life with a strong base of who you are and what you stand for. This is, despite at times, having to overcome challenges or difficult times. As we commenced a new term this week, it was great to see the staff and students return looking refreshed and ready for what will be a busy and exciting term. Every new term is an opportunity to reset and refocus, on what we might want to improve in ourselves and how we might contribute to our community. For all of our students and staff, part of that is an opportunity to reflect on how we turn up every day at school with the intention of being the best version of ourselves. How we are kind and compassionate, diligent and hard-working, enthusiastic and ready to have a go at something new – how we can be ‘real’ and authentic so that we are true to ourselves. - Cate Begbie - Principal Thank you for the very warm welcome extended to me as PLC’s new chaplain. Last month, my good friend and mentor and I went on a nine-day road trip up north so we could re-focus on the essential things in life. On the way, we called into Shark Bay. There we met Kath who, at age 89 (along with her two sisters, also in their 80s) had taken themselves on a road trip in their 4WD, as they do every year and were having the time of their lives. I was fascinated with their fresh and young approach to life, as they regaled us with stories of the husbands they had outlived and of their early pioneering days in some of the most remote parts of WA. They were just so contemporary and fun to be with. It demonstrated to me that one of the first things I wanted to share with you at the beginning of our journey together, is that life is meant for living to the best of our capabilities, right to the very end. At the other end of the spectrum, was the decision of the recent 16th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, of which PLC is part, where Rev Charissa Suli (37) was declared President-elect of the Uniting Church in Australia. Charissa is the youngest and first person of colour to serve as President-elect and the Second ordained minister. In her response to the announcement, “This is truly a historic moment for the Church. This is ground-breaking that you call a Second Generation Tongan Australian, still in her thirties. Today we move forward.” I tell you these stories because, in a very real sense, we all are being called to serve the current and future generations of young students by endowing you with discerning minds and willing feet to climb higher. It is part of our task, mine included, to do all we can to be inspiring role models. We do so in order that you, in turn, might reach your full potential in all aspects of living, particularly giving emphasis to the rightful and equal place to women in our community. - Rev Nalin Perera – Chaplain Welcome BackIt was wonderful to see the students back on campus on Tuesday. As always after a holiday, the excitement was palpable. We started the day with a Whole School Assembly, followed by a Junior School Welcome Assembly where we acknowledged our Recognition Award recipients from Week 11, Term 2, and presented our Speakers Challenge medals. Our Semester 2 Leaders were introduced and presented with their badges. New StaffAt the Assembly, we introduced School Chaplain, Rev Nalin Perera and Mrs Felicity Petersen our new Co-ordinator of the Junior School LEC. I also welcomed Miss Bella Macliver who is the Pre-Kindergarten teacher on Thursdays and Fridays, as we move to a five-day option for Pre-Kindergarten in Semester 2. ySafe Cyber Safety Workshop for ParentsProtecting children in their digital worlds is an ever-evolving task for Australian families. Now more than ever, parents are looking for guidance in how to manage screen time and navigate the world of games and social media. We are therefore pleased to help our parent community by offering a crucial and engaging education session with ySafe, Australia’s leading provider of cyber safety education. This practical, strategy-rich session will cover the most important points that all families need to know about online safety, covering key information about social media and gaming, screen time recommendations and step-by-step instructions on how to set up a cyber safe home for kids of all ages. This free workshop will be held on Tuesday 3 August, from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in the PLC Senior School Auditorium. - Richard Wright – Head of Junior School ySafe Parent Workshop (Pre-K to Year 6)
Mamma Mia!
Chapel Years 3 to 6
Crazy Sock Day
PLC Parents Meeting
Junior School Assembly
Founders' Day Service
Year 5 Parent Social Event
Mid-term Break
Welcome Back AssemblyWe started our term with a whole school assembly that focused on recognising our Gorna Liyarn students and celebrating NAIDOC Week. The students were shown a special video that was recorded by Kimberley Benjamin (Class of 2011). Kimberley was not only our Head Prefect in 2011, but she is also a proud Indigenous woman. Kimberley spoke about the importance of acknowledging Indigenous stories and working together towards reconciliation. During the Assembly, our Gorna Liyarn students were presented with a special badge featuring the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flag. We look forward to celebrating NAIDOC week with further activities next week. Formal Leadership PositionsThere are many ways for students at PLC to grow their leadership skills. Currently, we are in the process of electing our Student Leaders for 2022. We will be announcing our Stage One Student Leaders for 2022 at a special assembly at 3.00 pm on Friday 6 August in the Hugh Baird Sports Centre. Parents and Guardians of Year 11 students have been sent information about the election process. We have an amazing group of applicants and it is safe to say that the School will be in safe hands with whoever is elected to the Student Leadership positions. Our younger students have also been involved in the process of electing House Captains for their House Tutor Groups. While this is a great opportunity for students to take on the responsibility of a formal role, it is always important to remember that by living the values of the School and contributing to the community, all students have the opportunity to be leaders. Uniform RemindersAt PLC, we ask every student to take pride in wearing their
school uniform. Each Please be reminded of the following uniform requirements: Garments and Shoes
Hair
Jewellery
TightsIn Terms 2 and 3, Senior School students are expected to wear black tights. The School Uniform Shop keeps a supply of tights that can be purchased throughout the day. If a students’ tights are laddered or have holes in them, the student will be asked to purchase a new pair from View Street, McNeil Street or Boarding House Receptions. Senior School Arts Day – Thursday 19 AugustThe campus has been buzzing with all the preparations for House Choir and Dance this week. Please click the button below for all the information on Senior School Arts Day. - Rebecca Watts – Head of Senior School Boarder of the Week:
Room of the Week:
What Happened This Week in the Boarding HouseIndependence and Responsibility - The Year 12 FocusWith a focus on independence and responsibility, the Year 12s are encouraged to manage their own time with a little nudge here and there from their Year Co-ordinator, Mrs Gray. In Year 12, the students have the privilege of doing prep in their room, Mrs Gray will also use this time to have bi-weekly check-ins with the students to assess their wellbeing, observe their study habits, and set goals for future weeks. Although prep time is from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, they do have some autonomy over their study and can choose to study after school, for example. They have the opportunity to figure out what works for them. One of the biggest changes is that they learn to self-manage their devices, an extremely important skill to ensure their study time is productive. Throughout the year, Mrs Gray provides students with opportunities to learn to cook. They decide what they want to cook, make a shopping list, and head off to Woollies. The girls work together to make and enjoy the meal. Mrs Gray also provides information and opportunities for the girls to partake in Barista and First Aid courses as well as Swim Teacher Training, helping the girls to become job-ready upon leaving School. In Term 3, the students are lucky enough to go on a Year 12 retreat. As a group, they travel to one of the girls' farms and spend the night camping under the stars and enjoying a campfire. It is a lovely way to end their time in boarding and adds to the array of wonderful memories they gain during their time at PLC. - Susie Edwards – Director Of Boarding Changes to West Leederville Bus Service AM and PMThere have been a number of changes to the West Leederville AM and PM bus routes to cater for Cottesloe stops. Please click here to familiarise yourself with these changes. Father's Day BreakfastAll PLC fathers, or other significant males and their daughters, are invited to attend a special Father's Day Breakfast. The breakfast will be a celebration of the wonderful Dads we have at PLC and of all that they do for their children.
PLC Perth Inspiring Old Collegian AwardsNominate An Outstanding PLC Old Collegian for 2021The PLC Perth Inspiring Old Collegian Awards celebrate the diverse and outstanding achievements of our alumni and provide the opportunity to inspire others through their recognition. The PLC Perth Inspiring Old Collegian Awards are named in recognition of two outstanding Old Collegians and Western Australians who devoted their lives to improving the lives of others and giving back to the community. The Dr June Jones Award and the Dr Patricia Kailis Award are both presented at Speech Night and have different award criteria. To find out more and to nominate, click the button below. Mamma Mia!Tickets for the Semester 2 Senior School production of Mamma Mia! go on sale on Wednesday 28 July at 9.00 am. We will send out the link to book your tickets to this must-see production on this date. PLC Pipe Band 40th Anniversary History Book & ReunionCurrent PLC Pipe Band parents are warmly invited to attend the Pipe Band 40th Aniversary Celebration and Reunion on Sunday 29 August. RSVP for this event by clicking the button below. As part of this milestone anniversary, PLC is also publishing a limited edition commemorative history book of the PLC Pipe Band which will feature every member of the PLC Pipe Band throughout the years. Pre-order your book by clicking the button below. Senior School Assembly
Mamma Mia!
PLC Parents Meeting
Founders' Day Service
Arts Day
Father’s Day Breakfast
Year 12 Father Daughter Dinner Dance
Mid-term Break
Cross Country ChampionCongratulations to Sienna (Year 11) who competed in the WA Athletics State Cross Country Championship on the weekend at Kings Park and won Gold! Sienna won in the Under 17 Women's event and this win secures her selection in the WA State Team which will compete in the national competition later in the year. Making a SplashTaleisha (Year 10) has been recently selected in the School Sport WA Swimming Team for the 13 - 19 Years age group. Due to COVID-19, the usual competition will be replaced by a virtual competition scheduled for later this year, but Taleisha is still very excited and honoured to have been selected. "I was selected when I was 11 for the Under 11 age group team and I liked the experience so I am excited to be able to do it again," Taleisha said. She trains between five to six times a week and is definitely one to watch! |