Links eNewsletter - Term 2 Week 9 Dear valued member of the PLC community, A Message From the DeputyReflecting on the valuable contribution of our students to the Future-Proofing PLC Workshop discussions, there is a sense that our young people today are being presented daily with more choices and decisions. It is imperative that, as teachers and parents, we guide them to make good ones. As a result of the Media’s pervasiveness and manipulation of the news, much of which is delivered through social media and the result of algorithms, our young people must make decisions about what to read, what to believe, and how to read between the lines. They need to do this multiple times a day and whilst many are adept at this skill by the end of their schooling, it is our responsibility to equip our younger students with the ability to discern and discriminate. In Senior School, as subject selection processes gather momentum, it is equally important that our students make informed choices as these could significantly affect their futures. Those with career plans need to be aware of prerequisites for tertiary study and those with no fixed career direction need to give themselves breadth and opportunity in a range of areas. These decisions can be overwhelming for our students. As a result, we try to give as much advice as possible to inform their choices. This is based on current performance, knowledge of their skills, and approaches to learning to help them come to a decision about their pathway and subjects. To make these difficult decisions, students need the ability to demonstrate resilience and think critically. Sometimes I think we teachers and parents can forget the challenges associated with these skills. As we strive to equip our students for an ever-evolving world, I would encourage the adults in their lives to remember how many choices and decisions we expect of our young people and support them with a balance of compassion, patience, and reason. - Neil Walker – Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning Making a Difference
This week we had the Inter-house Athletics Carnival, and the individual and team achievements were amazing however, my lasting memories will be of students stepping up to the start line knowing that they will be happy if they could just finish the race. If someone doesn’t regularly run, it is a huge ask to run 1500m and when the going got tough for some, it was beautiful to hear the crowd cheering the competitors on. In addition to this, I witnessed some students and staff run the final part of the race with the competitors while motivating them to see it through. If running an endurance race is a metaphor for life, the support of the spectators and our fellow competitors is invaluable. An encouraging or kind word during a challenging time or assuring someone that we are there to support them when they want to throw in the towel, makes a lasting impression. May each of us make a positive difference in someone’s life every day. - Manie Strydom – Chaplain JIGSSA Winter SportsOn Wednesday, our Year 6 cohort participated in the Year 6 JIGSSA Winter Games which was a full day of playing their chosen sport of either soccer, hockey, netball or basketball. Congratulations to all the students who competed with PLC pride and thank you to the parents who came to watch and support their daughter. The International Baccalaureate starts in the Junior School – Find out whyOn Monday evening, PLC and Scotch College are hosting an information event that focuses on the benefits of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), especially as they move forward through education and life. The Principals from both schools will be briefly speaking, then the Teaching and Learning Leaders from both schools will speak about the long-term benefits of the PYP. Maria Hodges, Scotch Head of Junior School, and I will host a panel of students, ex-students, and parents. There are primary age student activities during the ‘parent’ presentation and there is also a creche for those with younger children. If you know anyone who is curious about the PYP, PLC, or Scotch College, this event will be a great chance to find out all they want to know about the PYP and the two schools. Bookings are essential and close at 9.00 am Friday 18 June.
Parent/Teacher Interviews & Three-Way (Student/Teacher/Parent) ConferencesAt the end of this term, we invite parents of students from Years 3 to 6 to join with their child and their teacher on receipt of the Semester 1 Report, to a Three-Way Conference. This provides students the opportunity to reflect on their learning, identify areas of strength as well as share areas they see as needing further development, with the support and guidance of parents and teachers. Parent/Teacher Interviews for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 will also be held at this time. Parent/Teacher Interviews and Three-Way Conferences will be held on Monday 28 June. Online bookings will go live at 4.00 pm today. - Richard Wright – Head of Junior School Junior School Assembly (Hosted by Year 3)
Junior School Bogan Bingo
The International Baccalaureate starts in the Junior School – Discover Why
Chapel – Years 3 to 6
Year 6 Migration Museum
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Inter-house Athletics CarnivalNot even the rain could dampen the House spirit that was on display at Tuesday’s Inter-house Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to all the girls that participated and to those who cheered on their peers from the stands. I was impressed by the way in which our students supported each other and how they celebrated each other’s achievements. I felt that this truly encapsulated what the PLC community is all about. Thank you to our Sports Co-ordinators, Sports Captain (Lara Tovich), House Captains, PE staff and Mrs Turnseck-James for their leadership of the carnival. I would also like to thank our staff who helped to run the different track and field events in the day. While the first half of the day had a steady drizzle, the sun definitely came out in the afternoon when Ferguson was announced as the winning House. Champion Houses:
Individual Athletics Champions:
New Records:
- Rebecca Watts – Head of Senior School IGSSA Head of the River Regatta
Head of the River Dinner - Rowing parents and students only
Boarders of the Week:
Room of the Week:
What Happened This Week in the Boarding HouseKindness and Routine - The Year 7 FocusThe focus of Links this week is our wonderful Year 7s and their equally fabulous Year Co-ordinator, Augusta Weedon and Boarding House Assistant, Marie-Luise Sleegers. The Year 7s are our spring chickens in the Boarding House, who now comfortably feel at home after spending Term 1 focusing on routine and expectations. Miss Weedon and Miss Sleegers have created a bedtime initiative that ensures that the girls are organised for sleep on time. Sleep is crucial for our Year 7s who so fabulously juggle their homework, after-school sport and hobbies, and what can be an overwhelming first semester getting into the swing of things. Miss Weedon and Miss Sleegers have a unique rewards system, they give out gemstone beads at bedtime for those girls who are following the routine. They believe that this initiative is so beneficial as it allows staff to check in with each girl before bed, however – they do find themselves caught up in deep conversations with lots of quizzical questions. At the end of the term, the Year 7 group will get together and make earrings, necklaces, and bracelets out of their well-earned gemstone beads to commemorate their term together. An overarching theme the Year 7s focus on is ‘Kindness’ – The Kindness Tree is currently in full bloom, acknowledging the individual kind acts that have been completed. Miss Weedon reads the ‘Kindness Hearts’ out to conclude each Year group meeting and encourages the girls to be kind and do good deeds throughout the week. - Katherine Hazlewood – Boarding House Deputy (Wellbeing and Pastoral Care) Soup Day for PLAN International – a CAS ProjectA message from Sophia Stewart (Year 11)On Friday 25 June, I would like to invite the PLC community to support Soup Day. With the weather getting cooler, it will be a perfect time to get cosy with a delicious mixed vegetable soup with a side of crispy bread for just $5. The food will be available for purchase at the Senior School Canteen during recess and lunch for students and all day for staff. As an International Baccalaureate student, I have the privilege of planning a CAS project. A CAS project is an initiative that focuses on Creativity, Action or Service with the aim of supporting others. Although developing Soup Day has been influenced by the requirement of a CAS project, my goal is to try and support young girls facing gender inequality and at risk of COVID-19. Earlier this year I lost a family friend to COVID-19, and it made me realise how lucky we are in Perth. I’m hoping that Soup Day is going to make a difference in countries being ravaged by COVID-19 and help young girls, who often have the lowest chance of survival. This is a timely reminder for us all, as many communities around the world face struggles in empowering women because of the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Therefore, I’ve chosen to partner with PLAN International, a charity that works tirelessly to protect and empower young girls. Their reach is global, working in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, across 77 countries. PLAN International is tackling the global pandemic while still valuing child protection, education, and economic empowerment. They are helping youth to escape the clutches of COVID-19. Further information is available here. I am grateful for your support, please enjoy some delicious warm winter soup and take pride in helping an incredibly important charity to provide more young girls across the world with chances at a better life. School TV - Friendship & BelongingLearning how to make new friends and keep them involves a number of skills every young person needs to understand and develop. For some these skills will come very naturally, allowing them to easily move between different friendship groups, sharing their experiences and opening up to new people. For others, this can be much harder to navigate. Belonging to a group that is like-minded with similar interests is highly beneficial to a young person’s wellbeing. It gives them a sense of security helping them feel valued which in turn builds their confidence. Positive friendships are an important part of the journey to adulthood. Parents and guardians can support their daughter by providing guidance in the many social and emotional skills required for a healthy relationship. This will help them to obtain, retain and maintain friendships. However, not all friendships are regarded as positive. Sometimes young people develop negative or toxic friendships. Therefore it is also important for them to learn how to identify, avoid or deal with such a friendship. - Chonny James - Director of Wellbeing Changes to Transperth Bus ServicesFrom Term 3, Sunday 18 July there will be a number of changes to School Special Transperth bus services. Please read the below two communications from Transperth: PLC Dance Showcase - Opens TONIGHTThe Dance Showcase channels the passion, hard work, and artistic talents of all of those involved and is the School’s annual celebration of dance and the deep love of dance that so many in our community share. Raison D’etre features 75 PLC dance students from Years 10 to 12 as well as students from our co-curricular programmes: Dance Company and Dance Collective. It encompasses a range of genres from contemporary, ballet, musical theatre and hip hop!
Given that last year’s Dance Showcase was canceled due to COVID-19, I would encourage everyone to take full advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a large-scale performance and appreciate the joy of live performing arts. PLC Open Garden Day 2021We are so excited that Open Garden Day will be back in 2021 and scheduled for Friday 22 October! We are now on the search for some gardens to be part of the day. If you are interested in entering your garden, or if you know of anyone who would be interested, please contact the OGD Garden Co-ordinator, Emma Tongue, by email or phone at 0408 339 400. Dance Showcase - Raison D’etre
International Baccalaureate Information Evening
IGSSA Head of the River Regatta
Years 7 – 12 IGSSA Sport Trials for Term 3Students received information regarding upcoming trials for Term 3 IGSSA Basketball and Soccer. Students are to register their name and the sport they would like to trial for by Monday 21 June, 11.00 am. Trial dates are listed below. Years 7– 8 Basketball & Soccer Trials – Basketball JS Outdoor Courts, Soccer PLC Oval
Years 9 – 10 Basketball & Soccer Trials - Basketball JS Outdoor Courts, Soccer PLC Oval
Years 11 – 12 Basketball & Soccer Trials – Basketball JS Outdoor Courts, Soccer PLC Oval
Our Gun GymnastA huge congratulations to Amberly (Year 6) who competed in the 2021 WA Gymnastics Championships last weekend. Amberly won Silver in Trampoline, Bronze in Synchronised Trampoline, and 4th in Double Mini Trampoline! An amazing achievement, Amberly |