Links eNewsletter Term 4 Week 5 Dear friend of PLC, From the Deputy PrincipalPreparing Students for the Challenges of a Modern WorldI was interested in a paper I had recently read prepared by Professor Jim Watterston and Professor Yong Zhao, in July for Independent Schools Queensland. The report, 'A Catalyst for Change', proved to be a thought-provoking examination of contemporary education challenges and a glimpse into the future of schooling.
The article poses a series of important questions to rethink the purpose of education in a world facing expanding globalisation, environmental changes, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (the technological revolution).
We do know that, if our students are to thrive in this uncertain world, they will require a new set of skills that are uniquely human. These skills include creativity, good communication, collaboration, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and a high level of emotional intelligence with strong self-awareness, social-awareness and relationship management. The paper addresses six significant reforms that could be implemented in Independent Schools in Australia. From my perspective, I have been thinking of the sixth challenge which was Rethinking Teaching and Teachers. Gone are the days of 'chalk and talk' where the teacher’s role was to impart knowledge and the main source of reference in most homes was an encyclopedia. Instead, a teacher may well become more of a mentor or advisor who guides students in interpreting information and developing skills. It is exciting to imagine what a classroom will look like in 2030! Feel free to read the article in reference, here. Director of Boarding UpdateAfter eight years overseeing the thriving and successful PLC Boarding House, Ms Liz Langdon, advised Principal, Ms Cate Begbie, this week of her intention to resign as the Director of Boarding, at the end of this term. Liz has held the position since 2013, and has built the Boarding House to full capacity, during a period of time when other schools have been faced with declining numbers. We credit Liz’s leadership and her genuine care and dedication to our boarders for this accomplishment. Liz and her family have a long and close association with PLC Perth. Her daughters are third generation Old Collegians and Liz was herself Head Prefect in 1978. I am confident that while this may be farewell to Liz in this role, she will continue to be an esteemed member of the PLC community. Stay COVID SafeThis weekend, Western Australia will transition from a hard border to a controlled border, whereby interstate visitors from every State and Territory (other than New South Wales and Victoria) are not required to quarantine. It is therefore timely to reinforce COVID-19 safe practice requirements, as outlined by the Department of Health and the WA Government’s current Phase 4 guidelines. At PLC, the following precautions are in place:
- Mrs Chris Robinson - Deputy Principal Celebrating ParentsAs we commemorated Remembrance Day, we were reminded of the many sacrifices made by those coming before us, so we could have freedom, security, opportunities and stability. Often people were not driven by political agendas, but by personal conviction and what was the best for their families. Today, I’m giving a shout out to all the parents who are willing to sacrifice so much for their children: the early morning drop-offs and evening pick-ups, planning excursions and holidays around their schedule, the sleepless nights worrying about a child who is unwell, nurturing a child’s self-esteem, and loving and supporting them every day. A century ago, as soldiers left for the war, many said: “If not me, then whom…” This also applies to parenting in 2020. If we don’t love our children without reservation and play our role as parents, then whom…? What will the legacy be that we leave for our children and those who come after us? May we be guided by the divine and receive abundant wisdom in raising our children. - Rev Manie Strydom, Chaplain The Depth of Learning in a PYP EducationMy thanks to Miss Sophiya Wallace and the Year 1 students for their presentation at the Year 1 Assembly and Opening of the STEM Room last Friday. The Year 1 presentations, like the Year 6 Exhibition (and what happens in all our classes every day), demonstrated the richness and depth of the trans-disciplinary nature of the Primary Years Programme. The Year 1s explained the relationship between wave lengths and the size of objects. The science was evident, as was the music – it was really fun! This learning will allow these students to employ those skills, and the knowledge and concepts across other areas of the curriculum. The Year 1s then shared their learning of the life cycles of various creatures. The students had also choreographed these life cycles into a dance. They were brilliant and the science teachers who spoke to me afterward appreciated the scientific accuracy in the dances. It was a great demonstration of their understanding and learning. The OCA STEM Room has been a busy part of our School and the students are enjoying seeing their vision in the room and the staff are gaining a greater understanding of what can be achieved in the space. - Mr Richard Wright, Head of Junior School Junior School Upcoming EventsChapel Years 3 to 6Date: Wednesday 18 November Junior School Orientation DayDate: Friday 20 November Pre-Primary NativityDate: Wednesday 25 November Year 6 Final AssemblyDate: Friday 27 November Junior School End of Year AssemblyDate: Monday 7 December A Week of Important EventsYesterday we had our Remembrance Day Service with students in both the Junior and Senior School attending. Thank you to all those who participated in the service and the staff who worked hard to organise this important event. You can watch a short video from the Service on either our Facebook or Instagram – and while you're there, feel free to follow these accounts for all the happenings across the School. This week also saw us welcome back our Year 9 students from their Outdoor Education Programme and we have also celebrated NAIDOC Week. Stay COVID SafeWith the borders reopening, it is a good reminder for all students and staff in the Senior School to maintain good hygiene practices by washing their hands regularly and to use the hand sanitiser available. Any students who are unwell are encouraged to stay home and recover before returning to school. If a student misses an assessment, please bring in a medical certificate when you return to cover your absence. Support Your Daughter LinkLast week, we had our Year 12 Support Your Daughter Evening. A number of key staff members shared important insights into this final year. For parents who were unable to attend, a link to the video can be found here. Uniform ReminderI would also like to remind our students that for formal events they are required to wear their blazer. We want all students to wear their uniform with pride. On Friday we have a Principal’s Assembly and all students will be required to wear their blazer and their tie for this event. It is also a good opportunity to make sure that your daughter’s uniform is looking good as we get closer to the end of the year and our Speech Night celebrations. - Miss Rebecca Watts, Head of Senior SchoolSenior School Upcoming EventsPerforming Arts ShowcaseDate: Thursday 26 November From The Boarding HouseBeach sunset with fish and chips. 2021 BooklistsThe 2021 Booklists have now been published and are available here. Orders should be completed online at www.campion.com.au by Monday 28 December 2020. This will ensure that resources arrive in time for the start of the new academic year. Please note that boarding families should tick the 'boarder box' when completing the online form. This will ensure that resources are delivered to the School. Parent Events Coming UpYear 11 Parent DrinksDate: Thursday 3 December Year 5 Parents Festive FunctionDate: Saturday 14 November Year 7 Scotch and PLC Family PicnicJoin the Year 7 Scotch and PLC families for an end-of-year family picnic. Please BYO food, drinks, and water toys. Siblings welcome also. Date: Sunday 15 November Year 6 Family CelebrationDate: Friday 27 November Year 5 Family Festive CelebrationDate: Sunday 6 December |