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Celebrating One Year of the PLC Lighthouse

The PLC Lighthouse has been and will continue to be an integral part of the School’s universal approach to wellbeing; providing an anchor for students, staff and the PLC community to learn, experience and practise scientifically-based wellbeing pathways.

We are always looking to improve the range of programmes and activities available to students and the PLC community at the Lighthouse. At the end of last year, we conducted a wellbeing survey for girls from Years 5 to 12 to collect feedback on what aspects of the Lighthouse they loved and what they would like to see improved

Learning Life Skills

One of the key, recurring pieces of feedback received in the survey was that the girls wanted their learning to include more practical components. They wanted more opportunities to develop real life skills that they could put to use when they leave school and enter the work force. Using this information, we have started developing programmes and activities in addition to our curricular and co-curricular offerings. 

Creating Job Opportunities for Boarders 

We are currently in the process of offering Lighthouse administrative work to Year 11 and Year 12 Boarders as part-time jobs during the school term. This will provide girls with life skills and real work experience. 

We are aware that boarders don’t have the same opportunities to access part-time jobs during the school term. As part of the job application process, the girls had to develop their resumes, write cover letters and prepare for an interview. 

We are hiring up to eight boarding students who will commence in Term 2. 

Lighthouse Learning Flexi Programme

This term, we introduced the Lighthouse Learning Flexi Programme, a 50-minute rotating session teaching students from Years 7 - 9 health and wellbeing skills in a practical way. 

In each session, girls rotate through a series of different activities with their House Tutor Group, including Expressive Arts, Yoga, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Mindful Meditation, Healthy Food Preparation and a Fitness Circuit. This gives the students an opportunity to learn health and wellbeing skills in a practical way while having fun in the Lighthouse building (and surrounds).

"The Lighthouse Learning Flexi Programme encourages girls to put into practice what they know and understand about being healthy, active and performing", said the Head of Lighthouse Curriculum, Emily Lockhart. 

Lighthouse Facilities Usage Over the Year 

Holidays Are More Important Than you Think 

School holidays are just around the corner! Students should use the time to rest, reflect and enjoy the company of family and friends, as well as pursuing personal interests or projects. 

What The Research Tells Us

“What neuroscience is showing is that we require down time in order for our bodies to go through the process of restoration,” she told ABC. “Without time and opportunity to do this, the neural connections that produce feelings of calm and peacefulness become weaker, making it actually more difficult to shift into less-stressed modes.”

Some of the health benefits of taking a break during the holidays:

• Improved mood
• Improved productivity
• Higher levels of energy
• Improved mental health
• Improved physical health

Holidays and Boredom 

After a full term at school (action-packed days and weekends), students may feel unsure about what to do with their free time. Over the term, students' lives have been structured and routine-driven; taking that away can be unsettling for parents and children alike. 

Tips for Parents by PLC Junior School Psychologist, Danay Savva

• Boredom is nothing to be afraid of. Indeed, it’s our brain’s way of signalling that we want to be engaged in something or with someone. That “something” is the child’s responsibility to figure out. For younger children, empathising and helping them brainstorm and setting up the activity will be helpful.
   
• Reassure them that it is okay to have “down time”. Lying on their backs, looking at the clouds and daydreaming is valuable thinking and processing time (you might even want to join them).
   

• Schedule in some connection time as a family. Outside of the stressors of term time, children are likely to have more emotional space available to share their ideas, concerns and dreams and to fully connect; making the holidays a perfect time to fill up their buckets.

A Message to Years 11 and 12 Students from Wellbeing Captain, Arabella

The holidays are especially important for the Year 11 and Year 12 girls who have exams after the holidays.

"It is important to take regular breaks from study in these two weeks off to prevent burning out. Make sure that you are not just studying in the holidays, but giving yourself the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, as well as getting some much needed rest".

Enjoy your April break and we look forward to seeing you all energised and ready for another great term!

Expressive Arts in the Lighthouse

There is mounting evidence that using art as therapy can help to reduce stress and encourages self-expression through painting, drawing and 3D artwork.

‘Colour My World’ is a Lighthouse creative group activity that promotes physical and emotional wellbeing and runs after school on Mondays and Thursdays.

"The purpose of this Co-Curricular activity is to use art and expressiveness in art as a vehicle to grow and to get to know yourself. It’s not just the end product; it’s the journey. At the end, students reflect on the process and identify what they liked and didn’t like", said PLC Lead Psychologist, Daleen Engelbrecht.

Current neuroscience research is suggesting various art therapy techniques may prove beneficial in activating various areas of the brain.  Such benefits include “reducing the stress response, regulating disturbing emotions, increasing a sense of mastery and control and expanding relation interconnectedness” (Hass-Cohen, 2008, cited in Husky 2009).

"Sometimes the classes start with a meditation or listening to music, followed  by some mindfulness and journaling, with the girls asked to reflect on how they are feeling. It’s also an opportunity for the girls to socialise with each other and talk about things that are happening in their lives", said Daleen Engelbrecht.

Mindfulness Workshops for Parents 

Mindfulness and Emotions

"The programme was a good reminder that different emotions are normal, but it's how you respond to them that makes a difference" - PLC Parent 

Dates: May 29, June 5, June 12 and June 19 (please make sure that you can attend all sessions before booking).
Time: 9.00 am - 10.30 am 

Service Opportunities Coming Up 

Bindaring Red Cross Clothing Sale

We are collecting good quality clean clothes, shoes, bags, scarves and jewellery for men, women and children for this year’s Bindaring Red Cross Clothing Sale at Claremont Showground on Saturday May 18.

• Junior School slipway collection - Thursday May 2 and Friday May 3.
• Senior School View St slipway collection - Tuesday April 30 until Friday May 3.

Collection boxes can also be found at the View St and McNeil St receptions. Help is needed sorting on sale day. Please register your interest at bindaringclothingsale.com.au or email bindaringsale@redcross.org.au. All proceeds raised from the Sale help fund vital Red Cross services. 

Lighthouse App of the Month: Rain Rain Sleep Sounds