This Term, I’m enjoying spending more time in our fantastic Junior School; where possible, spending up to one day per week with each Year level. Last week, I spent time with our Early Years students and was so impressed by the way Pre-Primary teacher, Emilia Firkins utilised the Catastrophe Scale with our students. The Scale (pictured) reminds us that in life we are likely to encounter challenges that will range from a tiny problem, such as forgetting your lunch, to a huge problem, like having nowhere to live. Developing, in our girls, the skills to manage life’s challenges is one of the core tenants of the PLC Lighthouse.
We are always on the lookout for new ways to approach this topic and this week our Junior School Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Katy Howes, sent me some very interesting articles on ‘Mental Toughness’, which linked nicely with the practical application of this in our Early Years. Mental Toughness has its roots in Sports Psychology and is defined as comprising of four broad characteristics: commitment (perseverance), challenge (self-development), control (life and emotional control) and confidence (abilities and interpersonal confidence).
While more research is needed within an educational setting, this framework has proven to initially offer interesting insights into other ways to approach the development of resilience in young people. As we welcome back the second group of Year 9 girls from their Outdoor Education Programme, it is a timely reminder of the well-researched benefits of these programmes to increase mental toughness and young people’s ability to respond positively to life’s challenges. - Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal
Friday 9 November and Saturday 10 November Lower Senior School Production, A Christmas Carol, 7.00 pm.
Book your ticket here. Friday 16 NovemberPrincipal’s Thank You Sundowner, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm.
Click here to book. Thursday 6 DecemberLast day of Term 4 Thursday 6 December Senior School Speech Night, 5.30 pm arrival time, HBF stadium.
For Years 7 - 11 information, click here.
In my last piece, I reflected on finding God in the suburbs, but this week I reflect on my great escape into the beautiful outdoors. I spent the week walking part of the Cape-to-Cape trail with 17 spirited Year 9 girls on the Outdoor Education programme. Despite difficult patches, blisters, tears, a twisted ankle and a very sore knee, we laughed as we listened to and told stories around the trangias, preparing supper each night. We saw a Tiger Snake and a few Carpet Pythons lazily slithering across the path; whales that seemed to be waving at us with their tails; listened to Mitch’s haunting stories around the fire at the Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Being away from home comforts changes the way one relates to
the world and to each other; it enables us to see each other in a different light. Watching the sun set together from a cliff at the Moses Rock campsite, was awe inspiring. I will treasure the creating of bonds, the connections, the sense of how special it is to be part of a group, to belong to the PLC community. These images inspire me to treasure every moment of life; they propel me to walk more gently on this wounded earth; and to look for God’s Spirit in the person next to me. -Rev Gary Van Heerden
Lighthouse 2019 Junior School ClassesWe would like to invite Junior School parents to register their daughter's interest in Ballet, Jazz, Acrobatics & Hip Hop Dance 2019 Programme. Proposed Timetable:
Monday Ballet (Kindergarten & Pre Primary)
3.45 pm - 4.30 pm Hip Hop (Years 3 - 5)
3.45 pm - 4.30 pm Ballet (Years 1 - 2)
4.30 pm - 5.15 pm
Tuesday Acrobatics (Years 3 - 6)
3.45 pm - 4.30 pm Jazz Dance (Pre Primary - Year 2)
3.45 pm - 4.30 pm Wednesday Early Twirl Kindy Dance ( 2 - 4 year- olds)
10.00 am - 10.45 am
To register your interest in any of the programmes, email the PLC Lighthouse on lighthouse@plc.wa.edu.au. Please include your child's name, year and which classes you are interested in. For any programme enquiries, please email Caitlin Hunt on caitlin@o2active.com.au.
Our Skeleton Needs a Name!
The Cottesloe Sports Physiotherapy skeleton needs a name! Name the skeleton to go in the running to win a physiopack of goodies. Go in the running by filling out the entry form provided at the Lighthouse reception area.
- Chonny James, Director of Wellbeing
Year 6 ExhibitionCongratulations to the first Year 6 cohort to undertake Exhibition. The students displayed an informative insight into the Inquiry process and, in particular, the need for transdisciplinary skills in learning. The growth in personal learning, the enthusiasm and passion for the issues they pursued and the realisation that even as a Year 6 student, one can make a difference by taking action. Talking with the students as they discuss their own personal learning journey has been enlightening for staff and parents alike. Thank you to the Year 6 teaching team and specialists who have supported students throughout the
process. Thanks also to all other staff members who gave time to assist where possible. This has been a community effort and is indicative of the positive school environment in which we work. Christmas AppealWe are pleased to advise the Junior School is supporting the annual Operation Santa Christmas appeal for UnitingCare West. This is an opportunity for us to give. In a community where, for many of us, our needs are more than met, it is important that the girls understand that for some, life is full of challenges merely to make ends meet. Gifts aplenty and celebratory food are not a reality for all children in the Christmas season. It would be greatly encouraged if, when
contributing, the time is taken to discuss with your children why this is necessary. Action and service is a central part of the School’s philosophy. Many of the students have explored in class the idea of global citizenship; people who reflect on situations and issues and act on them. This Christmas appeal is one such opportunity. Donations can be placed in the orange bags at the Junior School Reception by Monday 26 November. Please click here for the list of suggested donation items. Orientation Day Next Friday is Orientation Day. New Year 2 - Year 6 students for 2019 will join with our current students from Years 1 to 6 to spend time with their cohort and teachers, visiting learning spaces and preparing for transition. Transition meetings for our Early Years parents will also be taking place next week. Student Achievements Junior School students continue to achieve great success in language competitions, with our fabulous French poets ‘sweeping the board’ last Friday evening at the Alliance Française Poetry Recitation prize-giving Ceremony. Over 800 students entered the competition from across WA and
the Languages Department are delighted with their fantastic efforts. Congratulations les filles! Mandarin students also achieved the following awards recently: Booklists for 2019To assist parents with purchasing stationery and text requirements for 2019, and to align our process across the Junior and Senior Schools, we have an online process for Years 1 - 6. On home.plc.wa.edu.au there is
a link for each of the booklists on the booklists tile. Each booklist outlines the requirements for each particular Year level and explains the process for purchasing the resources. This can be done entirely online and the materials will be delivered to your doorstep. Bulk orders will still be placed for the Early Years.
- Jennifer Rickwood, Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning
- Vernita Jaques, Deputy Head of Junior School - Pastoral Care
Final Chapel (Years 2 - 6) Date: Monday 12 November
Time: 9.05 am - 9.35 am
Venue: Heather Barr Memorial Chapel Junior School Orientation Day Years 2 - 6 Date: Friday 16 November
Time: 9.00 am – 2.30 pm Pre-Primary Nativity Date: Wednesday 21 November
Time: 9.00 am – 9.30 am
Venue: Heather Barr Memorial Chapel Year 6 Final Assembly Date: Friday 23 November
Time: 2.15 pm – 3.05 pm
Venue: SRC Year 6 End of Year Celebration Date: Friday 23 November
Time: 4.30 pm - 7.00 pm
Location: Manners Hill Park, Peppermint Grove
Tickets: Adults - $25 / Year 6 Student - $20 / Sibling - $10
Booking: Click here
Gift contribution: $5.00 -$15.00 (optional) Suzuki Christmas Concert Date: Tuesday 27 November
Time: 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm
Venue: Heather Barr Memorial Chapel Junior School End of Year Assembly Date: Tuesday 4 December
Time: 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm
Venue: SRC Last day of Term 4 – Thursday 6 December Please note the early finish time – 1.00 pm
The Final TermIt has been an exciting but also somewhat stressful time for our Year 12’s who have been working through their WACE and IB Diploma exams. Some have completed their final exams, whilst others will continue to work right up until the final examination day. The girls have made use of the wellness stations that were provided on the examination floor of the Beth Blackwood Building as a way to relieve stress and anxiety, either before they went in to an exam, or in between their sessions. There is something quite soothing about walking through a curtain of floating bubbles, or looking at the vibrant colours that individual
girls have added to the communal drawing. The Year 12’s have modelled a maturity and focus towards these exams that shows the younger girls how to approach this pivotal time in their school journey. Year 9 Outdoor Education Our Year 9 girls have been out on the Outdoor Education Programme over the last two weeks. They have experienced hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, caving and abseiling, along with the rigours of camping in various places over the South-West. I was lucky enough to accompany the canoeing group in the first week and we were blessed with balmy weather, magnificent scenery and a group who saw the positives in all of the situations that confronted them. It
was an absolute pleasure to accompany my group and to witness the growth of some of our girls, especially those who had never camped outdoors before! I am always impressed with the thoroughness of the Outdoor Education team. I want to take this opportunity to welcome back all of the Year 9 girls and congratulate you on your positive participation across all of the programmes for Outdoor Education. Take a Breath As we move into the second half of the final term of the year, the girls may be feeling a little tired and looking longingly ahead to the Summer holidays. I would suggest that we help the girls to keep the following
in mind: - When tempers are a little closer to the surface, take a moment.
- When we are feeling a little out of sorts or inclined to snap back at something that has been said, we need to take a breath and think about what we really want to say.
- A moment’s thought can make all the difference to the tone and the choices we make when we respond to someone who may have said something annoying or upsetting to us.
- Thomas Paine sums this up in his quote. "The greatest remedy for anger is delay."
- Jenny Crisp, Deputy Head of Senior School (9 & 10)
Student AchievementsKaitlyn Sin (Year 5) has passed her Australian Music Examination Board practical examination (Certificate of Performance) with honours! Annie Pfieffer (Year 8) and Sienna Hanikeri (Year 8) competed in the 'All Schools State Athletics Championships' and have received automatic qualification to represent WA and compete in the National Competition in December! Sienna also competed in the 'All Schools State Triathlon Championship' where she won the silver medal and has
qualified to represent WA at the National competition in Queensland next May. Lucinda Blunt (Year 8) competed in the Augusta Adventure Race over the weekend where she won the Under 18’s Female section! Tahlia Hanikeri (Year 10) was invited to sing the National anthem, as a soloist, at the WA Australian of the Year Awards at Government House. Congratulations, girls!
Boarding House NewsThe Year 11 Boarders jumping for joy on their Quay 2 Quay walk. Read more in Boarding House News.
Career News Download Career News below.
Parent - Daughter Caving and Abseiling Weekend Date: Saturday 17 November and Sunday 18 November
Location: Margaret River Advent Service and Awards Assembly Date: Monday 3 December
Time: 2.30 pm - 3.25 pm
Location: Hugh Baird Sport Centre Christmas Assembly Date: Thursday 6 December
Time: 12.30 pm - 1.15 pm
Location: Hugh Baird Sport Centre Speech Night Date: Thursday 6 December
Time: 5.30 pm arrival time
Location: HBF Stadium
Do you know a family who has yet to experience our wonderful Early Learning Centre? Let them know about an upcoming Open Morning this Saturday 10 November! The PLC difference:- French and Music every day.
- Visit the ‘Wild Space’ for a wonderful adventure every week.
- Indoor/outdoor classrooms.
- International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
- Wellbeing included in the teaching curriculum.
OCA Bursaries The PLC Old Collegians’ Association not only connects, promotes and celebrates our past students; it also supports our current students through its expansive volunteer network, financial contributions to the School and events such as the annual Art Exhibition. Each year, the OCA also awards three bursaries, two of which are for daughters or grand daughters of Old Collegians. The third is presented to a current Year 11 student for Year 12 for their exemplary participation and contribution to PLC. Each bursary is for $5,000 toward tuition fees for 2019. We
are very pleased to announce that the 2019 bursary recipients are: - The Olive Cusack Bursary – Elizabeth Dyke, Year 9
- The Dr Vera Summers Busary – Charlotte Ball, Year 10
- The Heather Barr Memorial Bursary – Samantha Deykin, Year 11.
Congratulations to these three recipients and to all of the girls who applied. The application process is very rigorous and the OCA Committee members who sat on the interview panels said all applicants were of an extremely high calibre and a
great credit to PLC. Further information about the bursaries and the application and selection process can be viewed on the PLC website. Upcoming Parent EventsYear 8 Parent
Drinks Date: Friday 9 November
Time: 7.00 pm – 10.00 pm
Location: Stewart Residence, Nedlands Parents@PLC General MeetingDate: Thursday 15 November
Time: 9.00 am
Download the Agenda and Minutes of the Term 3 meeting here. Year 12 Parents End of Year Drinks Evening Date: Saturday 17 November
Book: Click here Year 5 Parent Christmas Drinks Date: Saturday 17 November
Time: 6.45 pm
Venue: Mcintosh residence
Price: $25 for catered supper (Delisio Gourmet pizzas and Christmas desserts)
BYO Drinks
Booking: Click here
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