No Images? Click here Dear Friend of PLC Reflecting on Student LearningAs the year draws to a close, it is a wonderful opportunity to take the time to reflect on the student learning that has occurred throughout the year. Whilst there are many formal avenues for this reflection, such as semester reports or assessment results, these measures are very much a point-in-time tool of the much larger and longer learning journey. The IB mission statement provides a more meaningful measure for such a reflection of student learning, not only with respect to growth as a learner, but also as a measure of the contribution each learner makes beyond the classroom. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people, who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. The mission of developing active, compassionate and life-long learners are qualities or attributes we see articulated in the IB Learner Profile. A key element of these distinctive attributes is fostering the passion for discovery, providing the forum to ask and seek solutions challenge problems and opportunity to provide stimulating presentations. Year 9 Innovation ProjectThe Year 9 Innovation Project is one the many examples we see such an opportunity offered at PLC. Under the direction of Head of Curriculum, Chris Scholten, the Innovation Project in 2019 has be transformed into an online challenged-based learning experience, which has enabled students, working in teams or individually, to develop problems and solutions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This transformation has occurred in conjunction with Curtin University. Transforming Students' Learning OpportunitiesThis is only one aspect of the work which has occurred during 2019 to re-imagine and transform the learning opportunities for the girls in Years 9 and 10. Chris Scholten, together with Director of Curriculum Services, Toni Jefferies and Director of Innovation, Doug De Kock, have worked with the Teaching and Learning Leadership Team to re-imagine the elective subjects which are offered to the girls. At the core of this redevelopment has been the driver that this group of subjects should provide the opportunity for all girls to develop their STEM, creativity and collaborative skills. What is being offered in 2020 is a suite of subjects that are aligned to the Australian Industry Capabilities paradigms. In 2020, the subjects have been divided into Creative, ICT, Manufacture, Food and Beverage, and Health and Wellbeing. Some of the re-imagined unit and subjects include; Outdoor Recreation, Heroes and Villains in Film and Television, Creative Solutions, Seasonal Fashion Flair, Around the World in 80 Days and e-Creation. Based on the feedback provided by staff and students, year-long courses have also been introduced into Year 10, as a pathway to assist the girls in developing the requisite skills for Years 11 and 12 subjects. In addition to the staff listed above, this transformation and development has only been possible due the curriculum leadership of Head of Creative Arts, Mike Hinchley, Head of Technology, Christine Koopman, Head of Physical Education, Anna Turnseck-James, Head of Drama, Bauke Snyman, Head of Drama, Patrice Smith, and Director of Food, Philippa D’Slyva. We are looking forward to the launch of this suite of industry, entrepreneurial and innovation focused subjects in 2020. - Dr Andrew Cousins, Deputy Principal Junior School End of Year AssemblyDate: Monday 9 December Senior School Speech NightDate: Thursday 12 December Peppermint Grove Carols by CandlelightDate: Sunday 15 December Please note that all parent events are listed in the Communications & Engagement section of Links. Celebrating with Others
Wilma Rudolph was born as a sickly child and had to wear a brace on her left leg. She overcame her disabilities and won a bronze medal at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, when she was only 16 years of age. At the 1960 Olympics, she became the first American women to win three gold medals in track and field at the same Games. Wilma learned that not everyone could be a winner all of the time and we could learn from her experiences. Some people will never win a race or a competition, and many might never come second or third. Should this discourage us from participating or competing for a medal? Does this mean that some people are worth more than others? When we consider our own inability to be as successful as we’ve dreamed and hoped, should we be discouraged and vow to never try again, in fear that we might be unsuccessful once again? I believe that each person is special and beautiful, and indispensable in making the world we share a better place. When someone get an opportunity, or wins an award we strived for, let’s say “good on you” and be happy for them, for who knows, tomorrow it might be our turn. - Rev Manie Strydom, Chaplain No Single Use Cups@PLC TrialNext week (25 - 29 November), Bev’s Cafe and the Lighthouse Cafe will be trialling the removal of single-use cups for takeaway coffees, shakes and juices as part of PLC’s commitment to care for the environment. The initiative asks that all students, staff and the school community bring their own reusable cup to be served at the cafes. A limited number of ‘rental’ cups will be available on campus, which need to be returned to the cafes after use. The goal is to permanently remove single-use cups in 2020. - Linda Malone, Head of Service and Partnerships Orientation DayWe are looking forward to Orientation Day tomorrow! This is an important day on the School calendar as we look towards the challenges and opportunities that 2020 will bring. Life Below WaterYesterday evening, I attended a ceremony that acknowledged a collaboration between UWA OceanWorks and PLC Junior School. The aim of the partnership is to educate our girls, their families and the wider community on how STEAM subjects can solve issues pertaining to the life of our oceans. One part of the collaboration was 'Life Under Water' - an art competition that all our Year 5 students took part in, with the objective of creating a piece of art with a message of ocean sustainability. Seven students were chosen as finalists and Aurelia Qaqish was announced the winner, with Alicia Italiano and Olivia Ockenden runners-up. Aurelia’s art work will be printed and displayed in the foyer of the UWA OceanWorks Research Centre and will also be recreated onto reusable coffee cups. My thanks to Michelle Clayton and Colleen Garland for their work in bringing this project to fruition. Early Finish – Last Day of SchoolPlease note that students will finish early on the last day of school (Thursday 12 December). To facilitate a smooth pick-up, finish times will be staggered as follows: Kindergarten: 12.30 pm Our after-school care providers, Extend, will be available from 12.30 pm. If your child requires after-school care on this day, please ensure that you are registered. - Richard Wright, Head of Junior School Junior School Orientation DayDate: Friday 22 November Pre-Primary NativityDate: Wednesday 27 November Year 6 Final AssemblyDate: Friday 29 November Junior School End of Year AssemblyDate: Monday 9 December The Half-Way MarkThis week we celebrate going past the half-way point of the term. I want to encourage the girls to keep up their efforts right to the last day of the year. The end is in sight, but there is still work to be done, so I hope that we continue to see ongoing effort and dedication from the girls in the lead up to our Speech Night celebrations. ExamsWe have our final IB examinations to complete this week, with the WACE students having already completed their exams. The Year 12 students have been motivated and dedicated in their approach to their work and I hope that they enjoy the chance to unwind and celebrate completing such a significant event. Unsafe Road BehaviourWe have had a number of reports recently of unsafe road behavior around Stirling Highway. There are traffic wardens provided at the beginning and the end of the school day to ensure that none of our girls put themselves in an unsafe position by trying to cross a very busy highway without assistance. I would ask that all of our families emphasise to their girls that their safety is our number one concern and that there is a safe option for crossing the highway. Speech Night - Thursday 12 DecemberSpeech Night is just around the corner and I can't wait! It's a wonderful opportunity to farewell our Year 12 students for the last time, and appreciate the performances that have been offered over the year. Early Finish – Last Day of SchoolPlease note that school will finish at 1.00 pm on the last day (Thursday 12 December). Jenny Crisp, Head of Senior School Sport NewsIGSSA Tennis, Volleyball and Cricket TrialsStudents in Years 6 - 11 (Years 7 - 12 2020) received information on how to register for IGSSA Tennis, Volleyball and Cricket trials this term. Registrations to attend the trials close Wednesday 27 November at 3.30 pm, with trials commencing in Week 8. Students new to PLC in 2020 have the opportunity to attend Trial 3 for assessment. Draft training / game schedules will be available to download from the PLC Senior School Sports page before the end of Term 4. IGSSA RowingStudents in Years 8 - 11 (Years 9 - 12 2020) received information on how to register for Term 1 / Term 2 2020 IGSSA Rowing. No prior experience is required – ie. you did not need to have attended the Learn to Row programme earlier this term. A draft training / regatta schedule will be available to download from the PLC Senior School Sports page before the end of Term 4. Other SportsStudents in Years 6 - 11 (Years 7 - 12 2020) received information on the non-IGSSA co-curricular sporting options available in Term 1 next year. Registrations for the various sports are open and do not close until end of Week 1 Term 1, providing students the opportunity to check their other co-curricular commitments prior to signing up. Non-IGSSA sporting options for Term 1 include: Swim, Badminton and Run training. Schedules can be downloaded from the PLC Senior School Sports page. PLC/Scotch Holiday Swim ProgrammeStudents in Years 7 - 12 2020, are invited to attend the combined PLC/Scotch Holiday Swim programme held at the Scotch College pool, 76 Shenton Road, Swanbourne. Parents/guardians are required to drop-off and pick-up students from all sessions. Ryan Steenkamp, PLC/Scotch Head of Swimming will be in attendance at these sessions. Please check the swim schedule for training days and times, as Year groups have been split to allow appropriate space in pool lanes. Students are encouraged to attend a minimum of two sessions per week in preparation for Term 1 Inter-House and IGSSA Swim Carnivals. A training camp has been scheduled for the week commencing 20 January, with the session on Thursday 23 January 2020 being held at North Cottesloe Beach, from 7.00 am - 9.00am. For those wishing to attend the North Cottesloe session, please register your here. For any questions regarding Swimming at PLC, please contact Head of Swimming – Ryan Steenkamp (ryan.steenkamp@plc.wa.edu.au). If you have any questions in relation to co-curricular sport at PLC, please email sports@plc.wa.edu.au.
Quest Information Evening & Innovation Project Pitch - Year 9sDate: Tonight, Thursday 21 November The Performing Arts ShowcaseDate: Thursday 28 November Principal's AssemblyDate: Friday 29 November Up-cycle Clothing Swap & Ethical Fashion ShowDate: Tuesday 3 December and Wednesday 4 December Music BreakfastDate: Tuesday 10 December Senior School Speech NightDate: Thursday 12 December Year 11 Dance 2020 – Parent VolunteersThe Year 11 Dance will be held on Friday 6 March, 2020 and we are looking for Year 11 parents to assist the School with decorations and entertainment for the Dance. A meeting is being held on Tuesday 26 November, at 9.00 am in the Scorgie House Boardroom, to form an organising committee. If you are interested in being part of this committee, or would like to offer your help, please come along. If you are unable to attend, but would like to be involved, please email your name and contact number to cande@plc.wa.edu.au and we will gladly contact you. Farm2Fork 2020Farm2Fork will be taking place on Saturday 14 March, 2020 and planning is well underway. Should any parents, or wider PLC community members wish to participate as a donor, volunteer or cook/chef, please contact Michelle Barrett via the details below. Michelle Barrett, Chair - PLC Parents Year 7 End of Year Parent FunctionDate: Tomorrow, Friday 22 November |