Links eNewsletter - Term 3 Week 9 Dear valued member of the PLC community, A Message From the PrincipalThe International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace. As I watched the news this week and last night in particular, it was hard to fathom what was happening on the streets of Melbourne. I do appreciate that COVID-19 has created a level of uncertainty and anxiety that my generation has certainly not had to experience before, but I do worry for our young people in schools when they see the adult response to this to be one of violence and aggression. As many people do, I follow topics and people who interest me, the Dalai Lama being one of them. Several years ago, I had the privilege of hearing the Dalai Lama speak during a conference, and never before had I been in the presence of someone of such calmness who spread such a natural sense of peace. It was quite a remarkable experience to be in his presence. Since that time, I have followed him and enjoy the opportunity to be linked in to a source that shares messages that are filled with hope, positivity and peace. On Tuesday, he shared a very simple message:
I read a statement like this, and it makes so much sense and it seems so simple, that I struggle to understand why we sometimes make it so hard for ourselves. As we come to the end of what I know has been an incredibly busy term, I would like to thank every member of the community who has contributed to events and productions, to volunteer groups, and to supporting school initiatives. I have no doubt that everyone is looking forward to a bit of a break and the opportunity to reset for the start of Term 4. I do wish all members of the community a peaceful and relaxing two weeks ahead. - Cate Begbie – Principal Crossing the RubiconWhen waiting at traffic lights recently, I found myself alongside a vehicle that had “Rubicon” written in large script across the engine compartment. In the normal scheme of things, I would not have paid much attention, but in my head a wordplay started, because for me “Rubicon” means a great deal more than a marketing exercise endeavouring to convince potential customers of aspiration and capability. The expression “to cross the Rubicon” is part of folklore, but its meaning is often lost in antiquity. The Roman Senate had a statute that no standing army could cross the Rubicon stream, separating the Italian homeland from Gaul. It was an edict designed to protect the State, but in 49BC Julius Caesar defied orders and declared war on the political establishment of his day. The result was the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire, a decision that changed the course of history. So, to “cross the Rubicon” has come to mean undertaking a course of action so decisive that there can be no turning back, or to make a difficult decision with irreversible consequences. In many ways, especially for our Year 12s in these coming weeks, the tension of making choices about future life direction could well feel like a “crossing the Rubicon” moment. However, I do not subscribe to such a rigid notion, for as I have shared already with our PLC community, regardless of what decisions we make in life, or that others might make for us, I fervently believe even if they turn out to be the wrong decisions, God will never abandon us or leave us so isolated that there can be no hope of a new beginning, a new start. I have a passionate belief that our current student community are already true trail blazers, in that they are not afraid of independent thought; and have no time for racism, sexism, discrimination, intimidation, persecution, abuse, or inaction regarding the environment. They are leading by example. Just as Julius Caesar, by “crossing the Rubicon” changed the way things were done, the same could be said of those soon to be going forth from our midst, but not from our sight. I have no idea whether the vehicle I stopped alongside was capable of climbing great mountain heights, or crossing flooded streams, but what I do know is that the one I claim as the guide for my life, Jesus, will enable me to conquer anything placed before me, making all things new once more. My prayer is that it may also be true for you. Let it be so! - Rev Nalin Perera – Chaplain The Term 4 Co-curricular programme information and SignUps for Junior and Senior School are now live. Please click the button below to secure your spot where places are limited Grandparents & Special Friends DayWhat an amazing week it has been! Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Tuesday, and today our Junior School Arts Day. It was wonderful to see so many members of our community at school. My thanks to the Junior School staff for their work and commitment to the events of the week. They have all gone above and beyond. My thanks to our Arts staff - Mrs Garland, Mrs Brady, Mrs McAlwey, Ms McDonald-Burns, Ms Foo, Ms Sardi and Mrs Sofield. Special thanks to Ms Tara Holmes for her unequalled organisation skills in ensuring the week has been the success it has been. Early Years Sports CarnivalLast week, our students from Pre-Kindergarten to Pre-Primary took part in their Early Years Sports Carnival. There were running races, parachute games, throwing challenges, balance games, replays, and a heap of laughter and smiles. Well done to all the participants and thank you to the families and friends who came down to support them. Wildlife IncursionLast Friday, the Pre-Primary, Year 2 and Year 3 students enjoyed some fury visitors from West Oz Wildlife. Students were able to pat and learn about native Australian mammals including a 5-month-old dingo and 8-year-old koala. Years 3 and 4 International Market StallLast Thursday, our Years 4 French and Years 3 and 4 Mandarin students hosted an International Market Stall event Arts DayToday's Arts Day was truly out of this world. Commencing with a special Arts Day Assembly, the day then followed with brilliant performing arts, a rotation of various art and design, and culminating with Peter Pan The Musical! Early Finish for the Last Day of TermA reminder that on our last day of term tomorrow, Friday 24 September the finish times are:
Supervision will be available until 3.30 pm for students from families requiring care. To enable us to adequately plan for this supervision, parents and guardians who will need their daughters to be cared for at school between 1.00 pm and 3.30 pm are asked to fill out this form. - Richard Wright – Head of Junior School End of Term 3
Term 4 Commences
Years 1 to 6 Inter-house Athletics Carnival
Year 6 Exhibition
Pre-Primary Nativity
Year 6 Final Assembly
JS End of Year Assembly
End of Term 3/Start of Term 4A reminder that for our remaining Senior School students in Years 7, 8, and 9, Term 3 will conclude at 1.00 pm on Friday 24 September. Supervision will be available until 3.30 pm for students from families requiring care. To enable us to adequately plan for this supervision, parents and guardians who will need their daughters to be cared for at school between 1.00 pm and 3.30 pm are asked to fill out this form. We look forward to welcoming everyone back onto campus next term on Tuesday 12 October. Exams, Work Experience & QualificationsIt has been noticeably quieter on campus this week with the Years 11 and 12 students engaged in examinations, work experience, and completing their Certificate qualifications. We have had great reports from the staff attending Year 10 Quest and hope our Year 10s are enjoying this experience. Grand Final FunWith the AFL Grand Final being held on Saturday, our Year 9 House Representatives have shown great leadership by organising and running a handballing competition. It has been fantastic to see students in Years 7, 8, and 9 get involved in the lunchtime competition and test their AFL skills. Thank you to Mrs Jones for guiding the Year 9s in this initiative. Stewart House Advisor AnnouncementI am very pleased to announce that Ms Padminee Raja-Snijder has been appointed as the House Advisor for Stewart for Term 4, 2021. Ms Raja-Snijder will be taking over from Ms Skye Hegarty who will be leaving PLC at the end of this term. I would like to thank Ms Raja-Snijder for stepping into this important role in Term 4 prior to Ms Melinda Honeychurch returning in 2022. Summer UniformWith warmer weather approaching, we move to the summer uniform in Term 4. This consists of the following items:
Students who are graduating from the Class of 2021 will be required to wear their winter uniform with pride for one last time on the night of their Valedictory (Thursday 14 October). More information about the Year 12 farewell events will be sent to students and their parents/guardians. While it is tempting for many of our students to utilise the holiday period to get their ears pierced, please make sure that any piercings are in line with the School’s jewellery policy. Students are allowed to wear the following jewellery:
Senior School Visual Arts Exhibited at the Grove LibraryThe Senior School Visual Arts department was invited by the Grove Library to exhibit a selection of artworks from students in Years 7-10. The exhibition has been running for two weeks and will close this Saturday 25 September. There has been wonderful feedback from the community on the outstanding talent of our students. We would like to thank Stewart Farley from the Grove Library for the opportunity and the Creative Arts department technicians for their support in setting up. Year 10 Small Business Market DayOn Monday 6 September, the Year 10 Small Business call held their Small Business Market Day on the Quad and enjoyed great success. The students have tallied their stall's earnings from the day and are pleased to announce they raised $1,340.05 for the Blue Tree Project. In 11 small groups, students researched, designed, produced, packaged, and marketed their chosen product, which included candles, succulents, hot drink mixes, stickers, origami mobiles, clay jewellery holders, 3D printed rings, t-shirts with prints, cookie mixes, and natural air-fresheners. Congratulations to the students and thank you to Mrs Christine Koopman and Miss Gemma Freel for bringing this in-class initiative to life! - Rebecca Watts – Head of Senior School End of Term 3
Term 4 Commences
What Happened This Week in the Boarding HouseA Break for Our BoardersTerm 3 is always big and busy – a sentiment all boarding schools can relate to, I am sure. It is a time of change and transition. Last weekend alone, we enjoyed all sorts of spontaneous adventure in the Boarding House. We also continued to support our boarders to the finish line of Term 3 and supported our Year 12s through their final mock exams and various work placements, which will continue this week and next week. The Year 8s also demonstrated much enthusiasm and zest on their leg of Quay2Quay, playing many games and singing along the walk, and they also enjoyed their ferry trip from the zoo. Next term, we have planned for some school staff to join in the walks as an opportunity to do something special with the girls. - Katherine Hazlewood – Deputy of Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Cooking for A Cause - Years 7 and 8The Years 7 and 8 Family Service Projects support vulnerable members of the community who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness by providing meals to St Patricks Community Support Centre. If your family would like to be involved, further details are provided in the attached letters. Ronald McDonald House - Year 10The Family Service Project for Year 10 families supports Perth Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House’s Big Breakfast programme. Cooking teams of four can sign up through the parent co-ordinator. Further details, dates and contact information can be found in this letter. - Chonny James – Director of Wellbeing Open Garden Day Volunteers NeededThe Open Garden Day committee is seeking a number of volunteers to support the wonderful Open Garden Day event on Friday 22 October. Please click the link below for more information and to volunteer. PLC Open Garden Day Tickets Now On SaleThe 2021 PLC Open Garden Day showcases six of Peppermint Grove’s most spectacular gardens as they blossom in spring, over 40 incredible local market stalls, entertainment, activities and more!
OGD Secondhand Book Stall - We Need Your Books!This year at Open Garden Day, the Year 6 parents are running The Book Nook – a secondhand book stall – and are calling for adult and children's books in good condition as well as DVD's (children's and documentary only). No magazines, please. Please drop off books into the collection boxes located at the Junior School Reception, View Street Reception, and McNeil Street Reception. Alternatively, collection is possible in the local area by calling Althea on 0435 244919 or Caroline 0414 061 895. Thank you for supporting the PLC Open Garden Day Book Nook. PLC OCA Bursaries - Applications Now OpenEvery year, the PLC Old Collegians’ Association Inc. awards three bursaries:
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. Due of Medals for ChloeChloe (Year 6), competed in the Crunch & Sip WA State Titles for Artistic Swimming back in May and made it through to selection in the Artistic Swimming National Championships. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, these Championships were cancelled, but a virtual event was held in its place on 23-25 July. Chloe placed 1st in the Under 12 Team Routine and 3rd in the Under 12 Duet Routine! Her medals have now arrived and were presented to her last weekend at the SynchroWA Awards Night. Congratulations Chloe! Debating FinalistsThree Year 12 students, Gaby, Talliah, and Sasha competed in the Senior Western Australian Debating League competition throughout Terms 2 and 3. The trio made it all the way through to the semi-final which was held on Tuesday 31 August. This week, their pennant arrived to PLC. Unfortunately, they were beaten in the semi-final but they were pleased to have finished the season at the top of their division and to have made the finals. Well done on this amazing achievement! Mandarin AwardsThe following students have been awarded Chinese Language Student Awards by the Australian China Friendship Society Western Australia (ACFSWA). The ACFSWA Chinese language Student Awards are annual awards designed to honour and encourage those students who have made a significant effort towards the study of Chinese language and culture throughout the year. It has three categories: Chinese as a Second Language Award, Cultural Links Award, and Advanced Award. Senior School:
Primary School:
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