Dear

A Message from the Director of Wellbeing, Chonny James 

When students and staff arrive at the Lighthouse in the morning, we have emphasised the importance of a positive and welcoming greeting, as for many, it will be their first social interaction that day.

Social Interactions and Wellbeing

Training our newest staff reminded me of an interesting study, ‘Social Interaction and Wellbeing: The Surprising Power of Weak Ties', where Dr Gillian Sandstrom found that even brief everyday social interactions (from a quick chat with your Barista to saying 'hello' to someone you pass by everyday) can have surprising effects on our happiness and wellbeing.

To build these weak ties, Sandstrom suggests it can be as simple as just saying ‘Hi’. A genuine social interaction could be a smile, eye contact or a brief conversation. The study found that people who had a genuine social interaction were in a better mood, enjoyed their experience more and felt more connected to people around them.

Our Lighthouse Assistants will be practising their skills in greeting over the coming months and look forward to engaging in lots of genuine social interactions with members of our PLC Community.

- Chonny James, Director of Wellbeing

Students Become Staff at PLC Lighthouse: A chat with new staff members, Izzy, Amelia and Sahara 

“It does feel a bit weird right now – the adjustment from being a student to a staff member will take a little bit of time,” says Amelia, one of the three girls rostered on for the first PM shift. “Having just started, people don’t know that you’re working there, so you don’t really want to tell them what to do!”

Sahara, Amelia and Izzy were the first of eight boarding girls to work the PM shift as Administrative Assistants. 

Izzy says that one of the good things about the application process was that it made her gain experience that will be useful once she graduates. “When the job was first advertised we were told we needed a CV and a cover letter. The Lighthouse sent us templates to work from, which was really good because most of the girls applying didn’t actually have a CV and were pretty much starting from scratch. We were also given suggestions on things to include in our cover letters, so that was really helpful.”

Sahara says the girls were also required to undergo training courses as part of the process.

“We had to do a lot of things like first aid, food safety, and get our working with children check. It was a pre-requisite of the job, which is good, because now we all have these qualifications for future jobs as well.” Applicants also completed asthma and anaphylactic training courses. 

Director of Wellbeing, Chonny James, says the new initiative benefits everyone involved. “It’s a cycle...it all connects. When the girls are invested in the Lighthouse, it’s good for the Lighthouse, but it’s also good for them. It’s a great opportunity for us to learn from each other. We’re really looking forward to having the girls as part of our team.” 

Self-Care During Exams 

The Years 10, 11 and 12 students are currently sitting their first semester examinations. This is a time when their normal routine is disrupted as they devote more time to their study and exam preparations. However, this is also the time when they may neglect their self-care.

When we feel overwhelmed and stressed, we tend to stop doing the things that replenish our energy and make us feel good. It is at these times that self-care is really important.

Self-Care in the Lighthouse 

The PLC Lighthouse has provided self-care spaces for Years 10, 11 and 12 students to use throughout the examinations period. The Workshop Room is set up for their exclusive use; a hand care station (hand wash, scrub and lotion), a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, a positive affirmations chalkboard and self-care cards.

This space is open to students before and after exams. As well as the Workshop Room, students can access the Mediation Room, the Recharge Room, and the Gym (only if they have had their induction).

We encourage the girls to make use of the Lighthouse spaces during exams to practise self-care. The Lighthouse is open from 6.00 am - 7.00 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 6.00 am - 5.30 pm on Fridays. 

- Emily Lockhart, Head of Lighthouse Curriculum 

Meet the Team - Amelia Weatherall

Amelia joined PLC as a Year 11 student last year, after moving from the U.K. Originally from Perth, Amelia and her family moved to China when she was four years old. After living in China, she moved to Singapore, followed by the U.K. 

Amelia's passions include learning about different cultures and finding out what makes them unique. 

 Who inspires you?

What are you most excited for in your role at the PLC Lighthouse?

I am most excited about being one of the Lighthouse Assistants as I will be gaining some hands-on experience whilst working in an environment that supports the health and wellbeing of the entire school community.

What would you like to achieve in this new role this year?

Even though I have only been working at the Lighthouse for a week, I already feel as though I have achieved and learnt so much; not only about myself, but I now have a greater understanding and appreciation of what goes on in the Lighthouse. I would like to achieve an increased sense of confidence in a work environment, as it is very new to me.

Events Coming Up

Parent Focus Group - Adolescent Alcohol Use 

Parents of Year 9 and Year 10 students are invited to a focus group to share their insights on teenage alcohol use.

Telethon Kids and SDERA are working together on the Supporting Family Conversations Extension Project which aims to reduce the risk of harm to teenagers from alcohol use by supporting parents.