Links eNewsletter - Term 1 Week 6
Dear valued member of the PLC community,
A Message From the Deputy Principal
This week has been MAD (Make A Difference) Week at PLC and despite restrictions meaning that we have not been able to run the usual number of activities, our student leaders have been very busy provoking thought and encouraging action that will improve our society and environment.
This year, the whole-school initiative is the creation of Outback Packs to be distributed to Tourist Information centres throughout Western Australia in an attempt to encourage people to clean up the environment and protect our wildlife.
People make a difference in a range of different ways on a number of different levels. Talking with Ms Begbie this week, she brought my attention to the work of biomedical engineer Jordan Nguyen. He has certainly made a difference through his innovative and challenging work, born from a desire to help one individual. Music Photographer, Jessica Irwin was born with cerebral palsy. She has had a lifelong love of music, holding a dream of one day playing a musical instrument; a dream she did not expect to be fulfilled. Jordan Nguyen’s work not only enabled this dream to come true but also helped her to perform on stage at the Sydney Opera House alongside the Australia Piano Quintet. He achieved this through the creation of eye-controlled software which allowed her to make the music she had always dreamed of.
Nguyen began his journey into his specialism as a result of coming close to breaking his own neck in an accident. Through this, he developed an interest in helping those with a disability and met Jessica as a result. His drive and desire to improve one person’s life, coupled with a remarkable ability to think outside the box and bring innovation to life is inspirational. He describes his social business, Psykinetic as being committed to bringing positive, sustainable and life-altering change and has now assisted many to reach for their dreams.
Jordan Nguyen has been able to make significant improvements to the lives of others, just as we hope our students will. We must remember, though, that the smallest of acts can make a huge difference. This may be stopping to help someone collect the books and files they have dropped, giving practical help to someone in need or merely offering a kind word. All of these acts begin with the same motivation as Jordan Nguyen’s work; the motivation to improve someone’s existence. If we always aspire to be kind and supportive in our dealings with others, we will be on the right track to making a difference.
- Neil Walker – Deputy Principal
Big Thank You
I have to commend the way the community has supported our students and teachers during the present circumstances. Our students have been brilliant in wearing their masks correctly. I know how keen they are to stay at school and we know that wearing a mask helps to keep them in class.
Thank you also for your participation in the Parent/Teacher Interviews on Tuesday evening.
Junior School Physical Education and Sport
Last week, Ms Tash Tench, our new PE and Sport Co-ordinator, joined us and on Tuesday Mr Ben Matheson completed our new Junior School PE and Sport team. It is a very exciting time for PE and Sport in the Junior School as Ms Tench and Mr Matheson have the chance to create new opportunities for our students.
As a way of introducing them, I asked our Head Prefects, Isla and Maisie, to interview them. Who are these new members of our new PE and Sport team? Find out by watching this video.
Recognition Awards
We have commenced Recognition Awards in our Assembly. As we cannot be together, I wanted to recognise their achievements by sharing them here.
My congratulations to the first recipients of 2022!
Free Dress Day - Part 2
Our Years 4 and 6 students have the opportunity to have their free dress day tomorrow. The theme is ‘Under the Sea.’ This year, a one-off $10 payment can be made here.
JIGSSA Twilight Swimming Carnival
For families with daughters taking part in the JIGSSA Twighlight Swimming Carnival tonight, please click here to access the live stream from 5.15 pm.
Does Your Daughter Want to Try Minkey?
Students from Years 1 to 4 are invited to try Minkey (junior hockey) and this letter from Nat Medhurst, Head of Sport at PLC, has all the information required.
The fixtures for the 2022 Minkey season can be found here.
If you would like to register your child, parents/guardians will need to register via the Westside Wolves website mentioned in the above letter as well as complete the online PLC permission form via this link.
Please note that registrations close Wednesday 16 March.
Skills sessions for Minkey will commence Wednesday 16 March and be held from 7.00 am – 8.00 am and will only be available to those students who have registered.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Tash Tench (JS HPE Teacher and JS Sport Co-ordinator) at tash.tench@plc.wa.edu.au
Give Netball a Go!
Years 2 to 6 are invited to join in a terrific netball programme. This letter from Nat Medhurst, Head of Sport at PLC, has more information.
The fixtures can be found here and this online permission form must also be completed.
Please note that registrations open on Monday 14 March and close on Thursday 14 April.
Trials and skills sessions for netball and NetSetGO! will commence Wednesday 16 March and be held from 7.00 am – 8.00 am and will only be available to those students who have registered.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Tash Tench (JS HPE Teacher and JS Sport Co-ordinator) at tash.tench@plc.wa.edu.au
- Richard Wright – Head of Junior School
PLC Parents Committee Meeting - Online
- Date: Monday 14 March
- Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm
- Location: Online – click here to join the meeting
- Minutes: Click here
- Meeting ID: 861 8663 4626
- Passcode: 140322
IGSSA Swimming Carnival Results
Last week, we saw some incredible action in the pool at the 2022 IGSSA Swimming Carnival! While PLC came away with 7th place, that didn't hinder the spectacular school spirit, sportswomanship, and athleticism on display at the HBF Stadium!
Our swimmers trained very hard for this event, and we congratulate each and every student on their performances.
Congratulations to our Year 11 swimmers, who took out 4th place for the Year 11 Pennant, and Poppy Maxted, Jamie-Lee de Bruin, Milla Nordstrom-Macdougal and Inez Miller from our Year 10 Division 1 50 m Freestyle Relay team, who took out 1st place. Inez was also crowned the champion for the Year 10 Division 1 50 m Backstroke, and 100 m Freestyle!
A big thank you to all the swimming staff for their tireless efforts in preparing our swimmers.
Remote Learning
If your daughter is required to stay at home but is well enough for Remote Learning, please remind her to access SEQTA for each lesson. Additional information will be provided by teachers in SEQTA as to whether lessons will be live streamed through Microsoft Teams or whether a recording of the lesson will be uploaded for viewing via Microsoft Teams. This will be determined by the learning needs and practicalities of each lesson. If she has any difficulties with her learning, please encourage her to contact her teacher, her Pastoral and Academic Co-ordinator or myself for assistance. Maintaining a good study routine and completing her work is a great way for her to stay connected with her class and teacher, and will help ensure that she is up-to-date upon her return.
Academic Help
Did you know that there are lots of ways your daughter can access extra help on campus with her academic studies?
One way is accessing the services of our Homework Helpers in the Library and Innovation Centre (LIC). All students are welcome to attend the LIC after school and our wonderful ‘young’ Old Collegians will be available to assist them with their studies. The LIC is open from Monday to Thursday until 7.00 pm and on Friday until 3.45 pm. I hope your daughter takes full advantage of this opportunity.
- Rebecca Watts – Head of Senior School
PLC Parents Committee Meeting - Online
- Date: Monday 14 March
- Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm
- Location: Online – click here to join the meeting
- Minutes: Click here
- Meeting ID: 861 8663 4626
- Passcode: 140322
Student2Student Reading Programme for Years 7 - 11 Students
Students in Years 7 – 11 are invited to volunteer as reading buddies through the Smith Family Student2Student Reading Programme, supporting vulnerable West Australian children with their reading and comprehension.
The 18-week reading programme will see students sharing the same book, read over the internet or via telephone from home. The commitment is reading 2-3 times per week for approximately 20 minutes each session with a buddy and service hours can be recorded for the programme.
- Click here for the information sheet
- Click here for the eligibility questionnaire; and
- Click here for the application form.
The registration due date has been extended to Monday 14 March 2022. Training will be provided later in the term.
World’s Greatest Shave – 21 to 25 March
Supporting the Leukaemia Foundation, the World’s Greatest Shave has been an annual event at PLC since 2016.
Due to current restrictions, we are asking students and staff to be involved by cutting or shaving their hair from home and returning in zip lock bags to the Lighthouse from the week beginning Monday 21 March until Friday 25 March. Ziplock bags will be available from the Lighthouse the week prior to take home for the cut or shave.
Calling All Writers
Pastiche is PLC’s student creative writing magazine. We are calling for submissions by students in Years 5 – 12 to be published in the 2022 edition.
Students are invited to write a short story (1,500 words), flash fiction (500 words), or a poem. Submissions written for other competitions or English/Literature assessments will be accepted.
Harper Swims for Starlight
Congratulations to Harper Gallagher-Cairns (Year 8) who swam 122.1 km in February and raised $1,215 for the Starlight Foundation.
The Starlight Foundation provides in-hospital services for young people.
Well done Harper! You are a star!
