Dear Friend of PLC An important aspect of innovation is the ability to push the limits by changing and adapting current practice or thinking. This bold and audacious thinking, which can lead to new discoveries and propel society forward, can be described by the term “moonshot”. “Moonshot” is a term that was originally used by President Kennedy in relation to the space race and the goal of walking on the moon. It involved solving problems that are difficult or seemingly impossible to achieve. In a modern day
context it could be used to describe the development of the self-drive car or delivering Internet coverage, using balloons, to remaining parts of the world that are not connected. “Moonshot” thinking requires determination, passion, drive, and a willingness to make mistakes and celebrate successes. There are obvious applications in education where students are driving their own learning by solving a project that addresses a problem, requires a radical solution or uses breakthrough technology. These situations require students to: - Be curious and ask questions
- Collaborate
- Gather and process information
- Prioritise
- Think critically
- Be an independent learner
These are all important skills students will need for the future. These skills will become second nature if they are refined through hands on applications and strengthened by the development of processes such as hypothesis-driven problem solving, systematic inquiry and logical thinking. It extends further than the learner, however, to the school environment. Does the traditional classroom setting provide a creative space that facilitates
“moonshot” thinking by fostering group discussions and accommodating individual students? How do we ensure that student voice is included in the development of these spaces? How can a classroom reflect and demonstrate individual student passion? What do you need in learning centric spaces? The further you start to explore the ingredients for successful innovation the more questions you start to generate. These are all questions that we have been exploring through the G8 meetings about the planned Science and Innovation Centre. Innovation is such an exciting space in education and such a crucial aspect of providing the girls with the necessary skills for the future (as outlined in 20 Moonshots in Education). It is impossible to know what is possible and what will be possible in education. What is important is that we push the limits, set ambitious targets and shoot for the moon.
- Dr Andrew Cousins, Deputy Principal
Friday 18 May (Cancelled)
PLC's Night of Inspiration, Fraser's Restaurant, 7.00 pm
Unfortunately, there have been insufficient tickets sold and to ensure PLC is not left significantly out of pocket, we have had to make the decision to cancel the evening. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused and thank you again for wanting to be part of the night. Thursday 24 MayParents@PLC General Meeting, 9.00 am, Boarding House Sitting Room
Click here for the Agenda. Friday 25 May (Closing date)PLC Foundation Scholarship
One full academic scholarship each year to a student entering Year 7
Application form here. Friday 25 May - Sunday 27 MayPLC OCA Art Exhibition, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Thursday 31 May Parents@PLC Tennis Morning, 9.00 am - 12.30 pm
Cottesloe Tennis Club, 20 Napier Street, Cottesloe
Flyer here. Book here Saturday 25 AugustFarm2Fork, save the date Friday
26 October Open Garden Day, save the date
Sportslink at PLCSportslink is an inclusive programme designed to teach basic sports skills and confidence to children with disabilities from 7 - 12 years of age. The service focus of this Term 2 Co-curricular programme for our Year 10 to 12 students is in helping young children with disabilities. Student volunteers will work with participants to: - Have fun
- Develop motor and sport skills
- Develop friendship
- Provide a positive opportunity to engage in physical activity
- Make a transition to community sporting groups
We invite community members who may wish to enroll their child in our Sportslink programme. Applications close on Monday 21 May. Further information and enrolment forms may be obtained below.
Upcoming Lighthouse Events Nap Before You Snap This is an interactive presentation by our Lighthouse Leader, Naptivist and personal sustainability specialist Thea O’Connor. Thea will show you how to avert a personal energy crisis by utilising the most powerful, renewal energy practice available to humans. The power-nap. Colour My World
(Years 5 - 12) This creative group workshop open to PLC girls in Years 5 - 12, promotes physical and emotional wellbeing through expressive art activities. Workshops run weekly on Tuesdays in Term 2, starting from week 2 to week 9. Bibliotherapy Workshop SeriesSeries Workshop 1: From the first libraries in ancient Egypt and Greece, described as “temples to heal the soul”, it was understood that literature has a profound effect upon the heart and intellect of the reader, allowing a deeper understanding of human nature and its conditions. In this workshop, explore the history of
bibliotherapy, its applications and benefits.
Date: Thursday 7 June
Time: 7.00 pm
Cost: Free (PLC community)
Date: Tuesday 22 May, 29 May, 5 June, 12 June, 19 June, 26 June
Time: 3.30 pm
Cost: $15 per class
Date: Wednesday 6 June 2018
Time: 6.30 pm
Cost: $20
Staff FarewellsIt is with mixed emotions that we will bid a fond farewell to Mr Paul O’Brien and Ms Laura Allison tomorrow at assembly. Paul has been a wonderful contributor to PLC, in both Junior and Senior School, since first joining the staff in 2002. He has been a key driver in our implementation and rigour around the IB Primary Years Program and we greatly appreciate the passion he has shown in this respect. He has also been a highly engaged and very approachable and supportive teacher and member of staff. Paul is moving to the International School of WA to take up the position of Head of Primary. I am looking forward to
continuing to work with Paul through our professional association. Laura has spent most of the last two years establishing programmes, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, and working with staff towards the opening of the Lighthouse Wellbeing Centre. Many of our parents, staff and students now benefit from Laura’s efforts in ensuring a wide range of programmes on offer to maximise our potential to flourish in all aspects of our lives. Laura will be moving to a senior position in psychological services in the Catholic Education Office, WA. Cyber-Safety Evening Registrations are open for our free Cyber-Safety
Workshop being held on Tuesday 22 May. Please click here to book. Mid-Term BreakFamilies are reminded that we have mid-term break approaching (Friday 1 June - Monday 4 June). We are working with Camp Australia to determine if we have enough students to offer an Out of School Care Programme on Friday 1 June. Please register your interest at juniorschool@plc.wa.edu.au as soon as possible, so that we are able to determine if there are sufficient numbers to offer Out of School Care on this day. Junior Big Day InAs reported in Links last week, students from Years 5 to 7 participated in the inaugural Junior Big Day In at PLC on Wednesday 9 May. They were joined by 200 students from Years 5 - 7 from surrounding schools, and found themselves immersed in STEM investigations and demonstrations for the entire day. Some of the highlights included the F1 racetrack focusing on momentum, acceleration and force; plenty of robotics and
coding; creation of Solar Buddy torches to go to children in PNG to enable them to read and study after the sun sets; and the Mindz Brainplay fun neuroscience session where students wore devices on their heads and their brain activity caused all sorts of wonderful things to happen. It has been rewarding hearing the students continue to discuss their workshops since last week. PLC has been invited to host the JBDI on an annual basis due to the success of last week’s event. Scribblers Literature and Arts FestivalStudents in Years 3 - 5 ventured to the Scribblers Festival last week at the Goods Shed in Claremont. The students were
delighted to be involved in workshops with writers and illustrators, and to continue to develop their own skills with inspiration from experts working in these fields. Thanks to the many families who took up the opportunity to visit Scribblers on the weekend also. House Polo ShirtsFamilies were advised at the end of Term 1, that Junior School students have the option of wearing their House Polo Shirt with their PE uniform on Fridays this term. This was an initiative of the House Leaders working towards building House spirit. On formal occasions when it is not appropriate for students to wear their PE uniform, parents will be advised. May I also remind parents that students should not be wearing jewellery to school, apart from a watch or small earrings, as per the Junior School Handbook. Staff Professional DevelopmentThe staff wellbeing PD focus this term has been around how we address matters of meanness, nastiness and bullying, recognising that children are sometimes cruel to each other, but that it does not necessarily mean this is a case of bullying. Next week, we will be revisiting the URStrong programme, the Language of Friendship. PLC offered this programme to parents and students in 2017 with very positive feedback from participants. If there is interest, we would certainly be happy to
offer this again. Further details to follow.
- Louise Peyton, Head of Junior School
Junior School Assembly – hosted by Year 2 Date: Friday 18 May
Time: 8.35 am – 9.15 am
Venue: Swim and Recreation Centre (SRC) Years 2 - 6 ChapelDate: Monday 21 May
Time: 8.35 am - 9.00 am
Venue: Heather Barr Memorial Chapel Year 6 Migration MuseumDate: Monday 21 May
Time: 2.00 pm - 3.15 pm
Venue: Swim and Recreation Centre Junior School Cyber Safety EveningDate: Tuesday 22 May
Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm
Venue: Senior School Auditorium Junior School Winter ConcertDate: Wednesday 23 May
Time: 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Venue: Swim and Recreation Centre (SRC)
ExamsWe are now coming to the end of the Semester 1 Exam period. We have been especially impressed by the support and encouragement the girls have been giving each other. Students have capitalised on using study spaces within the school for academic preparation, and the Lighthouse to balance their daily routine of study and wellbeing. The final exams are being undertaken tomorrow. I hope that the girls are proud of their hard work over this period and are able to relax over the weekend. Year 11 and 12 students can look forward to Distinguish ME Day on Monday, encompassing a range of
activities. Drop-off and Pick-up ZonesWe have two designated drop-off zones at school for parents to deliver girls to school. While it may be tempting to avoid the traffic and come up the back laneway adjacent to the oval and Sport Centre to deliver your daughter, this is not the appropriate place for passenger drop off. Car parks are notorious for all sorts of accidents and this practice creates congestion, but more importantly is a potential risk to students. Please use the slipways in the interests of your daughter’s safety.
- Sharon Anderson, Head of Senior School
IB Theory of Knowledge Faith Survey Each year the graduating IB Diploma Theory of Knowledge class engages in a community survey which focuses on one of the 'Ways of Knowing'. These include imagination, intuition, memory, reason, faith, language, emotion and sense perception. The students in that year’s graduating class interview respondents, exploring nine key questions that seek to explore how that particular Way of Knowing may mean very different things and operate in very different ways depending in the context in which it is applied. The interviews are undertaken on campus, so we are asking for about
thirty minutes of your time. When we have completed this process we create a short video that summarises the responses we have received. This year, we have chosen to focus on faith as the subject of our survey. We are very keen to hear back from individuals and academics about what faith plays in your professional and your personal lives. Click here to see the questions. Our most recent survey on intuition provided us with some very valuable insights into the way intuition applied the cutting edge of creativity and research. We are confident that the same will be true for our survey of faith. If you have half an hour to contribute to this project, then we would love to hear from you. Please contact Damien Kerrigan.
IGSSA Rowing Regatta 3Good luck to our Rowing girls who will be competing on Saturday 19 May, starting 8.30 am - 12.00 pm at Champion Lakes. Go team PLC!
Boarding House NewsFun and games in the Boarding House on Friday night! To read about the Boarding House activities and see some more photos, download Boarding House News below.
Scholarships PLC Foundation Scholarship The PLC Foundation is committed to offering one full academic scholarship each year to a student entering Year 7 who would not otherwise be able to consider attending PLC due to their family’s financial circumstances. The successful recipient will be selected based upon evidence of strong academic ability, a commitment to the community and participation in co-curricular activities.
Evidence of the family’s financial situation will be requested. An application form and information are available here. Applications close on Thursday 31 May 2018 If you have queries, please contact Suzanne Pelczar, Co-ordinator, PLC Foundation.
Email foundation@plc.wa.edu.au or call 9424 6534.
Student AchievementsCongratulations to the following girls who have recently completed Suzuki Graduation or AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) Exams: Olivia Lambo (Year 4) - Suzuki Cello Level II
Aurelia Qaqish (Year 4) - Suzuki Violin Level V
Isobel Wake (Year 8) - AMEB Horn Grade 3
Nicky Nash (Year 9) - AMEB Horn Grade 4
Megan Steinberg (Year 9) - AMEB Horn Grade 4
Stephanie Hair (Year 10) - AMEB Voice Grade 3
Kate Few (Year 10) - AMEB Flute Grade 5 Congratulations to Giorgia Chin (Year 10) who has been selected for the State Rhythmic Gymnastics team!
Career NewsRead about the latest university information sessions and other resources, workshops and guides in this week's Career News.
Year 8 Outdoor Education ProgrammeDate: Sunday 13 May - Friday 18 May Year 10 Define Me DayDate: Friday 18 May WA Champion
Schools Cross Country Competition (selected students) Date: Friday 18 May
Time: 8.30 am - 2.00 pm Year 12 PJ PartyDate: Monday 21 May
Time: 5.00 pm - 8.30 pm Principal's AssemblyDate: Friday 25 May
Time: 8.35 am - 9.30 am
Parents Committee School Fee Draw Congratulations to Royce and Kylie Dowling , parents of Joslyn (Year 9), who are the lucky winners of the Term 2 Parents Committee School Fees Draw. They will have $6,735 credited to their school fees account. Net proceeds will be used to support a Scientist in Residence Programme which will work with students and staff to further develop the knowledge and skills around STEM. Thank you to all who participated. Parents@PLC Tennis MorningAll PLC Junior and Senior School Parents (of all levels) are welcome to join in this fun, social way to have a hit of tennis and meet parents from all Year groups of the school community. The morning concludes with a delicious lunch. Date: Thursday 31 May - Please note that the date for this event is the day before the mid-term break to accommodate boarding parents who would like to join in.
Time: 9.00 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Cottesloe Tennis Club, 20 Napier Street, Cottesloe
Cost: $38.00 pp (includes lunch)
Flyer here
Numbers are limited to 40, so get in quick!
Old Collegians Art Exhibition One of the most exciting events on the PLC OCA calendar is approaching. Well-known artist Corinne Barton, will join over 80 established and emerging artists from the PLC community at this year’s Art Exhibition, which runs from Friday 25 May to Sunday 27 May. The exhibition launches with
the Opening Night Cocktail Party from 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm on Friday 25 May. Book online by clicking on the button below ($40) or buy your ticket at the door on the night ($45). The evening includes champagne, wine and beer, canapes, entertainment and a chance to preview and purchase the art works.
The Exhibition continues throughout the weekend from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May with entry by gold coin donation. There will be a pop up gourmet café on site all weekend so bring yourself, family and friends along for a delicious morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea and admire the beautiful artworks.
Special thanks to our Major Sponsors.
2018 Annual Giving Programme
We are grateful to the generous members and friends of the PLC community who join us each year to support this programme. Every gift matters, especially yours, as we work every day to ensure a brighter future for our students. Learn more about how you can make a difference here.
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