Dear friend of PLC, Welcome to 2018. This is truly one of my favourite times of the year. The staff have returned rested and energised and are working at full steam to prepare for the girls and little boys. Holiday renovations around the School are being finalised and we are slowly receiving girls and families as they meet with staff, have ILT training and come to familiarise themselves with the campus. The anticipation of the return of students creates enough energy to power a small township! Hopefully you have managed to find time to rest and recharge over the festive season and are ready for the inevitable routine of packing lunch
boxes, dropping off to sport or if a boarder parent, regular phone calls and perhaps Facetime conversations to begin. Congratulations to the Class of 2017 who positioned PLC 8th on the league tables or 6th when you include the IB Diploma students’ results. This means PLC has been in the top 10 ever since the creation of ATAR league tables in 2000, excluding one year when we were positioned 12th. This truly is an extraordinary outcome and is testament to our hard-working students and inspiring PLC staff. While results certainly are important, this should never overshadow the significance of the importance of student wellbeing in contributing to great outcomes. PLC prides itself on being a caring community where each girl is known for the strengths she brings to the School. It is our
absolute privilege to share this developmental journey with your child. Thank you for choosing PLC as your daughter, or young son’s place of education. This is a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. In 2017, a wonderful study was published by South Australian researchers focused on the role school climate plays in students’ mental health and identity formation. This study is significant as it sought feedback from 618, Year 11 students in 15 independent schools. The study found six key elements as contributing factors to the development of wellbeing, these include: - Teacher support;
- School connectedness;
- Rule clarity;
- Reporting and seeking help;
- Affirming diversity; and,
- Peer connectedness.
This year it is with great excitement that we will be opening our PLC Lighthouse; a centre that publicly positions the importance of student wellbeing in securing great outcomes. It is research, such as the study mentioned above, that we continue to draw on while in our ongoing journey of securing a
culture of care at PLC both now and into the future. Best wishes for a smooth transition into the 2018 school year. - Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal
Monday 29 JanuaryWelcome Morning (new students and parents only), 8.30 am - 12.00 pm (for Junior School families), 8.30 am - 12.30 pm (for Senior School families). Tuesday 30 JanuaryTerm 1 commences. Please see the Junior School Commencement
Schedule for specific times for Junior School students. Thursday 1 FebruaryParents' Committee Meeting, 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm, Scorgie House Boardroom Monday 5 FebruaryYears 7 - 12 Inter-House Swim and Dive Carnival, 8.00 am - 2.30 pm, HBF Stadium Years 1 - 6 Support Your Daughter Evening, 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm, Scorgie House Boardroom. Wednesday 7 FebruarySenior School Photo Day, Please ensure all students are dressed in full PLC Summer Uniform with hair neat and tidy. Thursday 8 FebruaryJunior School Photo Day, Please ensure all students are dressed in full PLC Summer Uniform with hair neat and tidy. Friday 9 FebruaryParents Sundowner, 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm, PLC Quad. All parents invited, tickets $35. Book now.
From the Head of Junior SchoolI extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students and their families to the Junior School for 2018. I hope that you have enjoyed a restful and happy summer break. The staff in the Junior School have been preparing for your return and we look forward to spending time with you all next week. We will be welcoming new students from Years 1 to 6 on Monday 29 January at 8.30 am in the Hugh Baird Sports Centre (Senior School). Returning students, accompanied by a parent, are welcome to visit their classroom between 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm on Monday 29 January to familiarise themselves with the
classroom and to greet fellow classmates and their teacher for 2018. We look forward to welcoming students in Pre-Primary to Year 6 back to school on Tuesday 30 January. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten have a programme of staggered starts. Please ensure you have read and are familiar with the date, day and time you are expected at school in the Commencement Schedule. Please take time to read the 2018 Junior School Handbook. Should you have any queries, please contact Deb Barnaby at the Junior School Reception on 9424 6428. Support Your Daughter Evening - Monday 5 February Please note that the Junior School Support Your Daughter Evening will be held on Monday 5 February, not 12 February as incorrectly stated in the email that was sent to parents on 22 January. Further details about the evening will be provided in Links during Week 1. - Louise Peyton, Head of Junior School
JUNIOR SCHOOL KEY EVENTSChapel (Years 2 - 6)Date: Monday 5 February
Time: 8.35 am - 9.00 am
Venue: Heather Barr Memorial Chapel Support Your Daughter Evening Years 1 - 6 Date: Monday 5 February
Time: 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm
Venue: Junior School Swim & Recreation Centre Information Technology Parent Orientation Session
(Pre-Kindergarten - Year 1)Date: Tuesday 6 February
Time: 8.45 am - 9.30 am
Venue: Junior School Junior School Photo Day (Kindergarten - Year 6)Date: Thursday 8 February Junior School Assembly (Years 1 - 6)Date: Friday 9 February
Time: 8.40 am - 9.30 am
Venue: Junior School Swim & Recreation Centre Community Conversations (New PLC Parents)Dates/Times: Thursday 15 February, 6.30 pm and Friday 16 February, 8.45 am (repeated session)
Venue: Junior School
From the Head of Senior SchoolI trust that everyone had an enjoyable break and that the girls are as excited about what lies ahead as I am! Next week, we welcome 179 new girls to our Senior School. I know that our current students will make them feel welcome, as will the staff. It may take a little time to adjust to new surroundings but there is a lot of support in place to help make the transition as smooth as possible. For parents of current girls, it would be lovely if you can encourage your daughter to be open to new opportunities for friendships. Sometimes girls worry that
their Junior School friendships might be jeopardised if they start to make friends with other girls and it would be helpful for parents to reassure their daughters that this is not necessarily the case. Staff will actively support girls in doing this by varying the activities and seating arrangements they have in classes, particularly in Years 7 and 8. There are also some key staff including House Tutors and Year Co-ordinators who work hard to implement initiatives to support the girls in making new friendships and for new girls to become familiar with routines. Develop ME, Define ME and Distinguish ME Hub TeamsYou will have
received information this week about enhancements to our Year group staff structures at PLC, but I thought it worth reiterating. Each of our hubs, Develop ME (Years 7 & 8), Define ME (Years 9 & 10) and Distinguish ME (Years 11 & 12), are now led by a Deputy Head of Senior School. Victoria Kelleher, Jenny Crisp and Emma Haining respectively, each oversee the academic, social and emotional progress of the girls in their particular hubs. They work closely with their Learning a nd Year Co-ordinators to ensure the girls are cared for in the best way possible. Year and Learning Co-ordinators remain the first point of contact for parents, but if your concern is more pressing or you feel it warrants escalation, the Deputy Head of
Senior School is the person next in line. As always, I welcome contact with parents and look forward to meeting and working with you to support your girls. Please note, I have relocated to the McNeil Street building. Please continue to make appointments through Lisa Graham (Lisa.Graham@plc.wa.edu.au), or check in with Lyn Taylor at McNeil Street Reception to meet with me. UniformAs you would be aware, the ‘old’ style shirt for girls is making a return to our uniform ensemble this year. Not only does uniform serve to create a sense of belonging but research has identified uniform as having the potential to affect physical and mental performance as well as others’ perceptions of you. Similarly, Professor Karen J Pine, of the University of Hertfordshire writes in her book Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion, “When we put on a piece of clothing, we cannot
help but adopt some of the characteristics associated with it, even if we are unaware of it.” I therefore ask parents to help us encourage our girls to wear their PLC uniform with pride. It is also worth mentioning that it is not always what you wear, but how it is worn, that is important. This year, we will be focusing on ensuring our girls are smartly presented, using appropriate rewards and reinforcement. Thank you in anticipation for your support. - Sharon Anderson, Head of Senior School
Outdoor Education Co-CurricularEach term the Outdoor Education Department co-ordinates a number of co-curricular activities for students in the Senior School. Please see all activities organised for Term 1, 2018 here. Activities will commence in Week 3 and conclude in Week 10 or Week 11. If your daughter/s would like to participate
in any of the activities, please complete the enrolment form and return it to the View Street Senior School Reception, or email the completed enrolment form to outdoored@plc.wa.edu.au. Forms are due by Tuesday 6 February.
Music Co-CurricularInformation EveningA warm invitation is extended to all parents of music students to attend the Music Information Evening on Monday 12 February from 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm in the Music Department (Eric Page Studio). Music staff will be in attendance and information relating to the various department opportunities, programmes and policies will be made available and discussed. The meeting will conclude with a light supper.
Please email the Music Department at music@plc.wa.edu.au if you wish to attend. Instrumental & Vocal LessonsStudents enrolled in instrumental and/or vocal lessons for 2018 will commence lessons in Week 2. Please email the music office at music@plc.wa.edu.au if you do not receive your timetable by the end of Week 1 or for any enquiries. EnsemblesMost music ensembles commence in Week 2. Students new to the School, as well as girls who learn an instrument or sing privately are encouraged to participate in PLC's Music Ensemble Programme. Information relating to these opportunities is available from the Music Department office or the 2018 Music Handbook. Please direct any enquiries regarding music enrolments, programmes and ensembles to music@plc.wa.edu.au.
SENIOR SCHOOL KEY EVENTS Year 8 Support Your Daughter Evening (parents only)Date: Tuesday 30 January
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre Year 12 Support Your Daughter Evening (parents and students)Date: Wednesday 31 January
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre Principal's AssemblyDate: Friday 2 February
Time: 8.35 am - 9.30 am
Venue: Hugh Baird Sports Centre Years 7 - 12 Inter-House Swim & Dive CarnivalDate: Monday 5 February
Time: 8.00 am - 2.30 pm
Venue: HBF StadiumYear 10 Support Your Daughter Evening (parents and students)Date: Tuesday 6 February
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre Senior School Photo DayDate: Wednesday 7 February Year 7 Transition DayDate: Thursday 8 February Year 7 Support Your Daughter Evening & Games Night
(and "Camp Over" for students)Date: Thursday 8 February
Time: 5.30 pm - 7.00 pm (barbecue)
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm (Support Your Daughter presentation)
Venue: Senior School Quad
2019 Scholarships & BursariesStudents who will be in Year 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 open. 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 Scholarships 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. Visa Status & PassportsIf any students have had changes to their Visa status eg Temporary to Permanent or their expiry date has changed; please contact our Admissions Team on 9424 6555 or registrar@plc.wa.edu.au. This should be done prior to the start of Term 1, 2018. Students who hold passports other than Australian should ensure the School has a copy of their current passport. A copy of the photo page should be emailed to registrar@plc.wa.edu.au. Personal DetailsPlease ensure that your family’s personal details are kept up to date at all times. These details include physical and postal address, email addresses, phone numbers, court orders and
photo/media permissions. Please note that if you do not wish to give your permission for publication of your child’s photographs or work you must advise the Principal in writing of your objection. Your advice must include a photograph of the student to enable the School to identify, withhold or remove their photo. Any queries or changes should be directed to our Admissions Team on 9424 6555 or registrar@plc.wa.edu.au. Parent Contact ListsParent Contact Lists for the start of 2018 have been emailed to
parents. The list, unless otherwise advised, provides parents’ names, mobile telephone number, suburb and email. Also, unless otherwise requested, the primary carer is named for parents who are separated. Unlike previous years, these lists will be resent immediately, should a new family join the cohort. We ask that families who require parent contact information to be updated email registrar@plc.wa.edu.au. Medical UpdatesIt is vitally important that the School has accurate and up-to-date information
regarding students’ medical requirements. Should any details regarding your child’s medical requirements change, please notify the Health Centre at healthcentre@plc.wa.edu.au so that the School’s records can be updated. Our priority is the health and safety of your children. Secondary Assistance Scheme & Abstudy AllowanceParents or guardians who hold a Centrelink Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Care or Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card and who have students in Years 7 to 12 can claim assistance up
to and including the year the student turns 18 years of age. To apply for the scheme or to obtain more information, please contact PLC Accounts Department on 08 9424 6417 or accounts@plc.wa.edu.au.
Welcome to New StaffWe were excited by both the number and calibre of applications received for positions advertised at the School. Ensuring we attract and retain the highest quality staff is a key priority and we are delighted to welcome the following new staff to PLC in 2018: - Alana Coffey, Health Centre Co-ordinator
- Augusta Weedon, Boarding House Year Group Co-ordinator
- Bella Milne, Outdoor Education Specialist
- Carla Gates, Outdoor Education Specialist
- Chelsea Forkin, Physical Education Teacher
- Danay Savva, Psychologist – Junior School
- Donna Kolka, Deputy Head of Boarding – Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
- Elizabeth Snell, Boarding House Year Group Co-ordinator
- Gillian Archer, Music Teacher
- Jessica Lethbridge, Psychologist – Senior School
- Kelly Curran, ILT Integration Specialist
- Lanny Sugiri, Piano Teacher/Accompanist
- Lauren Ross, English Teacher
- Lynne Jones, Teacher/Year Co-ordinator
- McKenzie Goldsmith, Dance Teacher
- Patrice Smith, Dance Teacher
- Rachel Scott, Humanities Teacher
- Siobhan Rooney, ILT Integration Specialist
- Tiarne Buurman, Physical Education Teacher
- Zayja Monteleone, Teacher – Junior School
Communication Quick LinksKeeping informed about your daughter’s academic progress, co-curricular opportunities and School news is easy thanks to a range of information sources at your fingertips. If you have a home computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone you will be able to access all of the key information you need to know. We have produced a quick guide to help you navigate the range of communication links we have at PLC Perth. Parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with all of these communication channels, but in particular home.plc.wa.edu.au, to ensure they can keep up to date with their daughters’ progress. Download the Quick Guide
Fitness classes available at the PLC LighthouseFamilies should have received an email with the exciting news the that the PLC Lighthouse will soon be open and delivering a world-leading health and wellbeing curriculum to our girls and little boys. As part of this new addition to our School, the Lighthouse will now deliver most of the programmes that were previously provided by PLC’s Outdoor Education staff. Prices, and many of the programmes, will remain the same as what has previously been offered. The Lighthouse has also presented a fantastic opportunity to offer even more fitness
and group classes for all students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, as well as to our parents and staff. There is also a Lighthouse Beginners programme for children aged 0 – 4 years. Please take the time to look through our new PLC Lighthouse page on the School website and explore the Fitness and Group classes page to see what is on offer for all students and parents.
Parents' Committee UpdateThe Parents’ Committee is a sub-committee of the School Council which aims to foster, promote and enrich the welfare and progress of the College and the education and development of the students. Funding for the Committee is through voluntary family membership subscriptions and the Committee Members would like to encourage families to consider the financial contribution when paying their Term 1 tuition fees. The funds contribute to a variety of initiatives including; - The annual welcome Parents Sundowner – this year being held on Friday 9 February (book your tickets now).
- Annual scholarships to current students for girls entering Years 9 and 11.
- Year 12 Valedictory.
- Name badges for all new parents.
In addition, families have the option of entering a fee draw each term. For $25 entrants are in the mix to win a term’s fees credited to their account. Funds raised from the draw are put towards infrastructure and other projects around the School such as the sun shades on the Quad and a Nature Playground for Junior School. This term the funds will be used to introduce a mentoring programme for new girls entering the Boarding House. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite all families to our Parents' Committee meetings, held twice each term. This year our meetings will be held on the following dates in the Scorgie House boardroom at 6.30 pm. - 1 February
- 27 February
- 10 April
- 29 May
- 26 June
- 14 August
- 11 September
- 23 July
- 21 August
- 9 October – Annual General Meeting
- 30 October
The Agenda and Minutes of each meeting can be found on the PLC Gallery here. We would love as many parents as possible join us. - Matthew Maxted, Parents' Committee President
PLC OCA Art Exhibition - Save The DateThe PLC OCA Art Exhibition is the biggest annual event on the OCA calendar. The 2018 event will be held on Friday 25 May to Sunday 27 May, so put it in your diaries.
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