Dear valued member of the PLC community,

A Message From the Principal

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Junior School Winter Concert and I would like to congratulate all the students for their incredible performances and the staff for preparing the girls so well for the evening. Seeing the confidence the girls had and the enjoyment they appeared to garner from their performances brought great joy to everyone in the audience. 

I am proud of more aspects of PLC than I can describe in a single Links article, but last night reminded me of the lengths that I know teaching staff (including our instrumental staff) are currently going to at the moment to ensure that all programmes continue to run. Although we had a number of staff missing last night, the show absolutely went on; the work that went on in the background in the 48 hours leading up to the event and on the night was incredible. Watching on, I was proud of our girls and also of the tremendous commitment of our staff. 

This commitment is reflected across the School as I regularly see our teachers covering additional classes and supporting their colleagues. Sir Ken Robinson is known for making many powerful statements about education, one of his truest being that:

“There is no system in the world or any school in the country that is better than its teachers. Teachers are the lifeblood of the success of schools.”

This is not to diminish the value of every single member of our school staff, but no one can doubt the impact of an outstanding teacher on the life of a child. I myself have strong memories of those teachers who inspired me and I became a teacher very much because of the impact that they had on me. 

At the end of this week, we will have experienced nearly 46 teaching staff  (and nearly 80 staff in total) out of school for a minimum of a week throughout Term 2.  While some roles and classes can be covered by relief staff, there are also a large number of classes that departments have opted to cover internally because they want to minimise the disruption to students. Staff have worked together to pick up additional classes or groups (including the Music groups mentioned above), again to avoid disruption to students. I have seen staff using every spare moment to ensure a smooth programme for students and to support their colleagues. Much of this goes on behind the scenes and is rarely shared, because it is rarely complained about and done in a quiet manner to avoid praise or recognition.

Please don’t get me wrong, just as I am sure all family members did, we each chose our career and our pathway and I would not change my own life spent in schools being a teacher for anything. I look at the most recent data on the attrition rate of teachers though, particularly young teachers, and I worry for the future of education in Australia if we cannot slow this trend and, in time, turn it around. I look at these trends and I am all the more grateful for the commitment of our PLC teachers. I also acknowledge the amount that we now ask of them though and I would like to publicly acknowledge the efforts of our PLC teaching staff.  

Again, without diminishing the value of any role in our school, as I very much appreciate all efforts, today I would like to thank our teaching staff for the lengths you have gone to in the last seven weeks to support students at school, students working remotely, and students returning to school and catching them up on the work missed, students who are finding themselves overwhelmed with work missed and upcoming assignments. 

Thank you for the time you are giving and the efforts being made to support our students and families.

Cate Begbie – Principal

One of the delights I experience as Chaplain at PLC is the number of informal conversations that take place with students. The one topic that occurs most frequently is inspiring female role models, particularly in public life.

When I have asked if there is anyone in particular they admire most, consistently it is the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern – the 40^th Prime Minister of New Zealand. On 27 May, as part of her official tour of the US, she gave the Commencement Address at Harvard University after having been presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Law.

The address was truly inspiring and received numerous rounds of applause and standing ovations. I encourage you to watch the video. Jacinda Ardern’s many achievements have been no small feat for someone who, in her own words, grew up in Morrinsville, located next to Hobbiton of Lord of the Rings fame, where she was raised a Mormon, in a small town where the dominant religions were Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Rugby.                                                           

The New Zealand Prime Minister spoke of other inspiring female leaders who, in their own ways, sought to give content to shared democratic values, granting equal voice to the weak and the strong.

Empowered women have also been a feature of our Australian life in recent days, not in a sense of domination, but rather claiming their rightful place in, hopefully, a respectful and inclusive society.

Speaking with one voice, despite coming from diverse backgrounds, is a common theme. It was the same theme that was alive at the time of Pentecost, which was celebrated throughout the world last Sunday as the birthday of the church.

On the Jewish Day of Pentecost, known as Shavuot, people from many divergent places were all gathered in Jerusalem for what was primarily a time of thanksgiving for the first fruits of the wheat harvest, but also was associated later with the giving of the Law by God to Moses on Mt Sinai. It was a very big occasion and, as Acts Chapter 2 tells us, there was a mighty rush of wind followed by a sense of bewilderment that despite their diversity, each was able to hear as one in their own tongue of God’s mighty deeds of power.

We speak of the Day of Pentecost as being the day those of faith were gifted with the Holy Spirit, the special insight that allows us to see the presence of God in the lives of others, as it was revealed in the life and ministry of Jesus.

It was all heady stuff then and it is heady stuff now! Sufficient to say that when we seek to follow the ways of God in directing our lives, rather than imagining we are in control of our own destiny, then only good can come from it.

Being sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit also allows us to speak with one voice; one hope; one destiny. It does not get much better than that!

Rev Nalin Perera – Chaplain    

WA Week 

We have just celebrated WA Week, a time to reflect and appreciate our state’s history, our people, and our lifestyle. How very fortunate we are to live in a peaceful and beautiful part of the world.

Gratitude and mindfulness are habits that I strive to practise each day, for they assist in supporting me to have a more positive mindset. During my drive to and from work, I take the time to appreciate the beauty of the Swan River, particularly in the early morning when the water is still, and the city lights, and the morning glow that twinkles and dances off the river's smooth surface.

Year 5 Developing Emotional Intelligence

At PLC, we teach our students many skills to enhance their learning and support their mental wellbeing for we want our students to develop resilience and coping skills, to be able to identify and manage their thoughts, emotions, and moods.

Our Year 5 students have, over this semester, conducted a Unit of Inquiry that explored how they can build a strong sense of self and promote healthy relationships. The students have explored several wellbeing strategies, identifying the approaches that are most effective for them.

They were fortunate enough to work with a group of Year 9s.  As part of the Year 9 Service Leadership course, several students chose the education sector as their portfolio of interest. The Year 9s will be working with our Year 5s on The Aristotle Emotional Intelligence Programme, an initiative with over a decade of research from Swinburne University. With a focus on wellbeing, emotional intelligence can be defined as a series of abilities relating to how we understand emotions, how we make decisions based on emotions, and how we manage our emotions.

This exciting opportunity will build personal connections across the PLC campus, allowing our younger students to learn from our older students and creating important ‘big sister’ relationships as they move into the Senior School in two years’ time.  

Sunshine Packs

A reminder that the Junior School classes are collecting new items for Operation Sunshine WA, an organisation that provides aid by giving packs to children and young people in out-of-home care.

• Pre-Kindy, Kindy, Pre-Primary: Stuffed toys (teddies, Beanie Boos, Squishmallows, etc.)

• Year 1: Picture books, pencil cases, textas and markers

• Year 2: Water bottles and lunch boxes

• Year 3: Backpacks (child and teen)

• Year 4: Activity sets (colouring books, Lego sets, card games)

• Year 5SF: Stationery (pens, pencils, decorative tape, highlighters)

• Year 5R: Notebooks, diaries and novels (child and teen)

• Year 6P: Toothpaste, toothbrushes and toiletries

• Year 6T: Hairbrush and hair accessories

• Year 6H: Body soap and hand sanitiser

Boxes will be in classrooms ready to receive your generous donations.

Year 6 Parent Senior School Tour

We invite you to join us on Wednesday 22 June from 8.45 am - 10.45 am for a tour of the PLC Senior School. Across the morning, you will have the opportunity to tour the Senior School campus with Principal, Ms Cate Begbie, and chat with students and teachers across Years 7 – 12. Following the tour, there will be an information session with key Senior Staff who will be directly involved in the education of your daughter next year. Morning tea will also be provided. 

Year 6 Student Senior School Tour

Each year, we take our current Year 6 girls for a tour of the Senior School so they can have a look at the wonderful opportunities awaiting them in Year 7. This year’s visit is scheduled for Friday 24 June.

Our lovely Year 9 students are looking forward to taking the girls on a tour of the Senior School, followed by lunch on the Quad with Year 12 Prefects.

Please kindly complete this form to nominate your daughter's lunch choice, including any dietary requirements.

Meredith Beer – Acting Head of Junior School

Junior School Photographs - Catch Up Day

• Date: Friday 10 June

Year 6 Winter Games - Session 3

• Date: Friday 10 June
• Time: 12.00 pm - 3.30 pm 
• Venues: Basketball Centre – 201 Underwood Avenue, Floreat (Basketball)
  Alderbury Reserve – Oceanic Drive, Floreat (Hockey and Soccer)
  Mathews Netball Centre – 200 Selby Street, Jolimont (Netball)

Year 5 Winter Games

• Date: Wednesday 15 June
• Time: 9.45 pm - 2.30 pm 
• Venues: Mathews Netball Centre – 200 Selby Street, Jolimont (Netball)

  Wembley Sports Park – 200 Selby Street Jolimont (Soccer)
  Pat Goodridge Reserve – Crn Hay Street and Selby Street, Jolimont (Cricket/AFL)

Junior School Assembly 

• Date: Friday 17 June
• Time: 8.40 am 
• Venues: Junior School Sport and Recreation Centre

Year 6 Parent Tour of Senior School 

• Date: Wednesday 22 June
• Time: 8.45 am - 10.45 am

Winter Uniform

We are now officially wearing the PLC winter uniform and the timing is perfect with chilly days this week. We want our students looking their best and wearing their uniform with pride. In the Senior School, there are many students who appear to have outgrown their skirts. Can parents and guardians please check the length of their daughter’s skirt and make sure it is appropriate for school (approximately knee length). We want the Senior School students to be able to be able to participate in all the activities and having the right skirt length helps to facilitate this.

A reminder that the winter uniform consists of the following items:

• PLC beret (optional) 
• Navy blue, Black Watch tartan or striped ribbon, navy blue scrunchie or navy blue or black headband or clip 
• White blouse 
• PLC green jumper (Years 7 – 11), or navy leavers’ jumper (Year 12) 
• PLC blazer 
• PLC skirt 
• Black tights 
• Plain black leather school shoes 
• Scarf (if worn) - Black Watch tartan 
• Senior School tie – for formal occasions eg Senior School Assembly

Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday 14 June, we will be holding our annual Inter-House Athletics Carnival at WA Athletics Stadium. While the weather forecast isn’t looking in our favour, we know it is always a wonderful day with lots of House spirit on display. Even if you daughter is not participating in an event, there are lots of ways for her to be involved, including nominating to be a student helper and cheering on her peers.

If your daughter requires transport, she can sign up for a seat on a bus to and/or from the venue. A link has been sent to her via email and reminders have been placed in the Daily Notices. Boarding students have already been allocated a seat to and from the carnival and are not required to complete the signup. The buses will leave from PLC at 7.20 am outside the Boarding House.  

If your daughter does not require return transport back to PLC, she will need to be collected from the WA Athletics Stadium by 2.45 pm. Students who have not been picked up from the WA Athletics Stadium by 2.45 pm will be returned to PLC by bus.

Your daughter has also been reminded to ensure she brings her lunch with her (she will not be able to access the cafeteria and vending machines) and that she will need parent permission in writing if she is required to leave the carnival early (please email me at Rebecca.Watts@plc.wa.edu.au). To help keep your daughter safe, we ask that you collect her from the stadium where staff will be waiting. Thank you for your support with this and I look forward to meeting those of you who are able to attend on the day.

Rebecca Watts – Head of Senior School

Rowing Regatta 4

• Date: Saturday 11 June
• Time: 8.30 am (first race starts) to 12.00 midday
• Venue: Champion Lakes Regatta Centre

Dance Showcase - I Am

• Date: Thursday 9 June – Saturday 11 June
• Time: 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm
• Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre
• Tickets: Purchase here

Inter-House Athletics Carnival

• Date: Tuesday 14 June
• Time: 7.45 am – 2.45 pm
• Location: WA Athletics Stadium 

Performing Arts Showcase

• Date: Friday 24 June
• Time: 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm
• Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre
• Tickets: RSVP here

Head of the River 

• Date: Saturday 25 June 
• Time: 8.30 am – 12.30 pm
• Venue: Champion Lakes Regatta Centre

Boarder of the Week:

• Indi Butler (Year 9) - For sharing her bright and bubbly energy with the Boarding House and following Boarding House routines.

Room of the Week: 

• Eloise Fels (Year 11) - For her beautiful room. 

Boarding House Superstars 

This week, we would like to highlight the superstar performers in our Boarding House. From Thursday to Saturday, the following boarders will be performing at the PLC Dance Showcase: Laura Gillam (Year 7), Eliza Jury (Year 8), Isobel Noble (Year 9), Tatum Ryan (Year 10), Imogen Famlonga (Year 11), and Imi Collins (Year 12). The boarders are most excited to see their friends perform.

These girls have worked tirelessly in rehearsals and impressed us with their ability to balance all of their commitments across the School and Boarding House. We wish them all the best for their upcoming performances.

PLC is also putting on a fabulous rendition of High School Musical. We are proud to announce that the following boarders have all been successful in being awarded parts in the production as well as some lead roles: Ava Farrer (Year 8), Claire Trainor (Year 9) and Charly Stephen, Nikki Jenkins, Eadie Barrett, and Tatum Ryan (Year 10).

The annual ‘Invite a Day Girl’ nights kick off this week with Year 7 boarders inviting some of their friends to get a peek at what boarding life is all about. This is an important event for our girls as it is an opportunity for them to share their home away from home and celebrate all the fun things that only boarders do. The Year 7s will put on a fun movie, bake some treats, and tour their friends around Finlayson House to showcase their beautifully decorated and personalised rooms. It will be a special night for the girls and their guests.

Susie Edwards – Director of Boarding & Katherine Hazlewood - Deputy of Wellbeing and Pastoral Care

Holiday Programmes at PLC

Code Camp School Holiday Programme 

PLC is hosting a three-day Code Camp Holiday Programme for students aged 7-13.

Bookings are made directly with Code Camp, with a choice of three programmes on offer. Please click the button below for further details. 

Chantelle James – Director of Wellbeing

Dance Showcase - I Am

Tickets are almost sold out so you'll have to book now if you'd like to enjoy the spectacle of the PLC dancers at this year's Dance Showcase I Am. 

• Date: Thursday 9 June – Saturday 11 June
• Time: 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm
• Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre
• Tickets: $25 per person

Performing Arts Showcase

The Performing Arts Showcase will focus on a selection of the work Year 7 – 10 students have created in their Dance and Drama classes this semester. These pieces have been created collaboratively under the supervision and training of their Dance and Drama teachers. They would love to share their work with you and hope you will add this date to your diary.

• Date: Friday 24 June
• Time: 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm
• Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre