Links eNewsletter - Term 4 Week 7 Dear valued member of the PLC community, A Message From the PrincipalLast week in Links, Mr Walker wrote of the benefits of singing and encouraged everyone in our community to join us for our inaugural Christmas Carols on Sunday. As a school, community is one of our core values and Sunday afternoon was certainly a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together. It was also a stark reminder that we are heading towards the end of the school year and that Christmas is just around the corner. It was an afternoon full of joy and happiness; a reminder for everyone who was able to attend of the joy that comes with sharing Christmas with children and the happiness that comes with feeling a sense of belonging to a community. I would like to thank everyone who attended and our staff who put the afternoon together. Our incredibly talented Music Department and the commitment of our Communications and Engagement team saw our first Community Carols bring together around 500 members of our community. Thank you and I am already looking forward to next year! Sunday sounded loud and clear that Christmas is in our sights and this was reinforced on Wednesday morning as our Pre-Primary class took to the stage in the Heather Barr Memorial Chapel to perform their Christmas Nativity. The Pre-Primary Nativity is a highlight for everyone who attends. You cannot help but smile from the moment the children walk in until well after it has finished. There are many things I value about the Pre-Primary Nativity. I value the opportunity it provides our youngest students to perform on a stage with such confidence. I value the effort that all staff put into providing our students with this opportunity. I value the opportunity to sit in an audience and share in the pure joy and excitement that comes from our Pre-Primary students and the pride you can see in the eyes of their parents, family members and friends. I value the reminder of our faith and the values that form the foundation of our school. I value that, for 30 minutes, it allows me the time to stop and take the time to appreciate all of the above and to feel grateful for this wonderful community. It is easy to name values as a school but over the last 12 months, in particular, we have done considerable work as a staff and with our students across the school exploring what our values actually look like as behaviours. We discussed at length, that if we were to truly ‘walk our talk’ and have our values evident in our everyday behaviours and interactions, what this should look like. When we talked about community behaviours such as inclusive, embracing of differences, team player, always ready to help, listener, supportive, reliable and advocate were identified as critical for building and contributing effectively to community. While school and education is often focussed on academic learning and co-curricular experiences, some would say that, in today’s world, teaching values is more important than ever. You only have to watch the news at the moment to see that we live in a world experiencing a bit of a crisis of moral values. We see people being judged without understanding, people expressing themselves through violence and anger, people suffering in countries experiencing war and violation of basic human rights. For me, these reinforce the need to develop a strong values base in our students. Our goal is to support the values our students are taught at home and to help each and every one of them develop into adults with strong character and values who know how to utilise their knowledge for the advantage of humanity. So thank you, Pre-Primary for the joy you brought to us all this week and also for the reminder of the critical importance of our values, like 'Community', especially at this time of year. As we enter into the final two weeks of school, I look forward to seeing family members and friends at the many community events ahead of us. - Cate Begbie – Principal Advent MessageAs a non-European steeped in a rich culture, I often find myself contemplating both from a faith, as well as a sociological perspective. I sometimes think God has a sense of humour - observing the foibles of humans trying to re-imagine the Creation. Nation states, institutions, corporations, all try to manipulate situations or individuals to maintain their perceived rightful place. The Church is no exception. Eight years ago, there was something of a revolution in the Roman Catholic Church when the Argentinian Jesuit Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was proclaimed Pope. He chose the name of Francis, in honour of the 13th Century Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals, one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Being the first non-European pope in 1,272 years, it was not quite what those of the old order, who relish power, anticipated. Coming with South American eyes, Francis was no stranger to poverty, suffering or environmental destruction. He raised a different voice, more in keeping with the words of Jesus; words that encourage a turning to the light, rather than descending further into darkness. This Sunday is the beginning of Advent, leading to the celebration of Christmas. In the Church’s life, it is the beginning of the new church year, when all that is past is left behind and we turn to face the dawn of new opportunity and service. In my time as Chaplain, I have found Advent and the school year uniquely linked, in that we are all looking forward to that which is yet to come, somewhat in fear, but also with anticipation. We want to be able to look beyond what restricts us or seeks to define us, so we can truly become that which God intends us to be. Advent, the coming of God’s light, is an important time in your life and mine. It is also a time for others. If we remain focussed just on ourselves, rather than being open to others, then the essential rhythm of life will remain hidden from us, leading only to disappointment and alienation. We all know we can and are able to do better than this. In this advent, as we prepare ourselves to welcome the Christ Child, who is the light of the world, arising in our lives this season. In celebration, we, in turn, shine with the light of Christ in various ways, for all the world to see the brightness of God’s love.
May God’s Blessing be upon you in this Advent Season! - Rev Nalin Perera – Chaplain Instrumental and Vocal Music Lessons 2022All instrumental and vocal music lessons will conclude on Friday 26 November. Congratulations to all students on their musical development and achievements throughout the year! Students who wish to continue with their instrumental or vocal tuition in 2022 do not need to re-enrol. Current enrolments will automatically roll over to next year. Parents are asked to notify the Music Department at music@plc.wa.edu.au by Friday 3 December if they do not wish to continue lessons in 2022 or need to change their current enrolment details. New music enrolment applications for 2022 are welcome by completing the below button by Friday 3 December. Christmas Tree DecoratingOn Monday, the Year 1 class had a very important job to do in Scorgie House! They decorated the PLC Christmas Tree. In return, the whole class were given a delicious shortbread Christmas cookie. Thank you Year 1s for bringing the Christmas spirit! Pre-Primary NativityWhat a joyous week of Nativity performances we have had this week. Our students watched on Monday and Tuesday and the rest of the community, parents, grandparents, family and friends had the joy of watching on Wednesday morning. The students performed brilliantly and the joy their performance gave all of the community was significant. My thanks to all the staff involved, especially Mrs Bouwer, Ms McDonald-Burns, Mrs Casentino and Mr Rourke. Year 6 Final AssemblyTomorrow afternoon, we will celebrate the Year 6 Final Assembly. The students have been practicing in preparation. We are all looking forward to celebrating the final assembly and the Year 6s time in the Junior School. Resource ListsThe Years 1 to Year 6, 2022 Resource Lists are now live on home.plc and accessible via the ‘Booklists’ tile. When placing orders with Campion, parents and guardians are reminded to please enter their daughter’s email address in the format student_number@student.plc.wa.edu.au This will ensure that any e-texts purchased are correctly provisioned to your child’s Campion MyConnect eBook reader. Preparing for Holiday WorksJust a reminder that a number of our Junior School classes are being refurbished over the holiday break. In preparation for these enhancements to our learning environments, there will be some packing and furniture moving in the coming weeks, outside of class time. Please be assured that the normal, excellent teaching programme will continue unabated until Thursday 9 December. Resources, furniture and equipment not required for the final two weeks may be boxed and stored in preparation for our refurbishment. - Richard Wright – Head of Junior School Year 6 Final Assembly
Inter-house Athletics Carnival – Years 1 to 6
Kindy 2022 Parent Information Session
Pre-Primary 2022 Parent Information Session
Suzuki Strings Christmas Concert
End of Year Assembly – Years 1 to 6
Term 4 Concludes
Pastoral and Academic Care Co-ordinatorsLast year, PLC undertook an external review of our middle management structure as part of our ongoing commitment to deliver outstanding educational outcomes. The result of this review was to create the position of Pastoral and Academic Care Co-ordinator (PACC) at each Senior School year level which will provide one point of contact for both learning and pastoral support to students and parents. To allow for specialisation within this structure and to give students the opportunity to extend their support base of staff, our Pastoral and Academic Care Co-ordinators have dedicated cohorts that they focus on. This includes a dedicated Year 7 PACC, a PACC that follows the students through Years 8 and 9, and a PACC that will focus on the senior years following the students through Years 10 to 12 as they undertake their WACE General, ATAR, or IB courses. This system recognised the different needs our students have at the different stages of their development and education. I am pleased to introduce our current Year 7 families to Ms Helen Jones who will be leading these students as they transition to Year 8, along with Ms Deborah McPhee who leading our current Year 9 students into the final years of their schooling at PLC. The Pastoral and Academic Care Co-ordinators are often a great first point of contact for any questions or concerns that you might have, along with our House Tutor Group Teachers. Before the school year begins, the PACCs will be in contact with each cohort and their parents to confirm important details and help make sure that we have another successful year. Pastoral and Academic Care Co-ordinators 2022
Resource ListsThe Years 7 to Year 10, 2022 Resource Lists are now live on home.plc and accessible via the ‘Booklists’ tile. When placing orders with Campion, parents and guardians are reminded to please enter their daughter’s email address in the format student_number@student.plc.wa.edu.au This will ensure that any e-texts purchased are correctly provisioned to your child’s Campion MyConnect eBook reader. Speech Night Information - ReminderDate
Venue
Timing4.45 pm - Senior Pipe Band students to arrive. We strongly recommend leaving plenty of time to make it to HBF Stadium. Year 12 Student SeatingThe most convenient entrance for Year 12 girls is the main doors at the Stephenson Avenue end of the building where the fountains are. Deborah McPhee and I will be waiting to greet the Year 12s who will gather in the Lecture Theatre at the bottom of the stairs near this entrance. At the commencement of the evening, students will process into the stadium in their House led by Monet Edwards and Dimity Andrews. There is no need to book a ticket for students as Year 12s' seating is allocated as a group on the northern side of the arena. Seating Years 7 – 11
Parking - Access from McGillivray RoadThis year, to ease traffic congestion on Stephenson Ave, the back entrance to HBF Stadium (off Brockway Road) will be open. We strongly recommend leaving plenty of time to make it to HBF Stadium to allow for traffic delays. UniformFormal summer uniform must be worn by all students. This includes tie, blazer and hair ribbons. Please note that girls are not required to wear their panama. - Rebecca Watts – Head of Senior School 2022 IGSSA Rowing2022 Years 8 to 12 students received information on how to register their interest for the 2022 IGSSA Rowing season. Interested students have been asked to complete an online Expression of Interest. On receipt of a student’s expression of interest, parents/guardians will be emailed seeking approval for their child to participate. Once approval is received from the parent/guardian, the student's name will be added to the 2022 IGSSA Rowing attendance list and a confirmation email with further information sent to the student. We ask that students register their interest as soon as possible, allowing time for us to seek parent/guardian consent in readiness for the 2022 IGSSA Rowing season. Who Can Row?All students currently in Years 8 to 11 (Years 9 to 12 in 2022) are eligible to participate in IGSSA Rowing as either a rower or coxswain and no prior rowing experience is required – Learn to Row is not a pre-requisite. Current Year 7s (Year 8 in 2022) are able to register for the coxswain programme, however, are not eligible to be a rower. At a date to be advised, all participants will be required to complete a 100m river swim. Rowing fees for the 2022 season will be $600 per student for both rowers and coxswains. This fee does not include breakfast however the PLC cafeteria has a great assortment of food available for purchase. An additional fee of $100 will be charged for students who nominate to attend the January Rowing Camp. Rowing fees will be charged to student accounts in January 2022. Coaching staff and purchase of resources are based on rowing registrations, therefore refunds will not be given. A draft IGSSA Rowing Training/Regatta Schedule can be downloaded here. If you require further information regarding Rowing at PLC, please contact Ms Chantelle James, Director of Wellbeing/Head of Rowing. 2022 IGSSA Co-curricular Team Sport Trials - ReminderIGSSA Co-curricular Team Sports being held in Term 1 2022 include Volleyball, AFL and Years 11 to 12 Badminton (note IGSSA Tennis and Cricket moved to Term 4). 2022 Year 11 and 12 Students (Current Years 10 and 11 students)Students received an email on Monday 15 November with information on how to register for IGSSA Sports Trials. Trials will be held during Lighthouse Leavers (LHL) Period 1 on Friday 19 November and Friday 3 December. Years 11 and 12 students not wishing to trial for an IGSSA Sport are required to participate in a PE social sport. Trials will be held at PLC. 2022 Year 9 and 10 Students (Current Years 8 and 9 students)Students received an email on Monday 15 November with information on how to register for IGSSA Sports Trials commencing this term. Trial dates: Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December 6.45 am - 8.00 am. Volleyball will be held in the Hugh Baird Sports Centre and the venue for AFL will be confirmed shortly. 2022 Year 7 and 8 Students (Current Years 6 and 7 students)Students will receive information regarding trials and how to register at the commencement of the 2022 school year. If you have any questions in relation to 2022 Co-curricular Sport, please contact Ms Nat Medhurst, Head of Sport at nat.medhurst@plc.wa.edu.au. Year 11 (in 2022) Parent Coffee Afternoon Tea
Speech Night
Boarder of the Week:
Room of the Week:
Christmas Has Arrived!Last weekend, the Year 9s, Alice and Ms Edwards completed the final leg of Quay2Quay for the year. Ms Edwards has now officially completed the entire walk and the Year 9s made it a very special adventure with lots of positivity and fun. Some of them were so energised after the walk, they even participated in a night game of volleyball and basketball in the Hugh Baird Sports Centre. To add to the zest and vitality of the Boarding House, last weekend a group of Years 7 and 11 students put up the Christmas tree and left no surface untouched by Christmas. Looking forward to this weekend, all boarders can get involved in DIY Christmas decorations on Friday evening. On Saturday, the Year 9s are off to Adventure World whilst the Years 7 and 8s will have multiple beach trips provided (this was enjoyed by all last weekend). Most exciting of all, there is a family fun night planned for all years on Saturday evening. There will be dancing, limbo, dress-ups and all sorts of vibrant activities. On Sunday, the Year 7 and 8s will also have the opportunity to learn how to make pasta from scratch and all years can get involved in some DIY Christmas cards and labels. - Katherine Hazlewood – Deputy of Wellbeing and Pastoral Care SPECIAL REPORT: Having the Alcohol DiscussionWith the impending festive season and end of school celebrations, some teenagers may be feeling ready to party, wanting to put the disruptions, frustrations and disappointments of this past year, behind them. In this Special Report, a series of discussion points are offered to help make the conversation about alcohol consumption a little easier. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. Student Textbook Swap & Stationery Drive Supporting Give WriteIn the final week of Term 4, Senior School students will have the opportunity to swap current textbooks and to donate stationery for Give Write, an organisation that provides stationery to WA children in need. Textbook drop-off in exchange for one token per book will be held on the Quad next to Bev’s Café on Monday 6 December during Recess and Lunchtime and again before school on Tuesday 7 December. The textbook exchange will take place on the Quad Tuesday 7 December during Recess for token holders and then at Lunchtime for all students for a gold coin donation. Senior school textbooks should be in good condition and listed on the current 2022 booklists which can be found here. Items requested for the stationery drive include red, blue, and black pens, sharpeners, lead pencils, coloured pencils, erasers, glue, crayons, highlighters, calculators, Artline markers, rulers, pencil cases, coloured marker pens, paper or whiteboard markers new or used. Any unclaimed textbooks will be offered for a gold coin donation on Seqta under Student Forums. Request to Help Migrant and Refugee Families this Holiday Season – Years 7 to 10 FamiliesPLC Senior School students in Years 7-10 are being asked to donate and support 15 migrant and refugee families to celebrate this holiday season, through the St Vincent de Paul Society. St Vincent de Paul Society has a long history of helping migrants and refugees, and this year like most charities, they have been inundated with requests to support those in need. Through each House, students will be provided a member of one of the 15 families and asked to buy a gift to be donated to the family box. Some gift ideas include hand or body lotion, shampoos, aftershave, bag, candle, purse, sports equipment, stationery, games, arts and craft kit, skincare, perfume, jewellery, sunglasses, or makeup. Non-perishable foods are also welcomed – tinned biscuits, rice, beans, etc. The gifts should be delivered to the individual family box which will be in the View Street Senior School Reception for the next two weeks. Please can we ensure that all gifts are delivered by Thursday 2 December to ensure timely delivery to the families. Thank you to AK Ostergaard (Year 11 IB student) for her leadership of this service initiative. Share the Dignity 'It’s in the Bag' – Years 11 to 12 FamiliesYears 11 and 12 families are being invited to support women and girls in need for Christmas through Share the Dignity. #Itsinthebag is Share the Dignity’s annual event that asks for new or good quality handbags to be donated along with essential items for women and girls experiencing period poverty. Essentials for Bags
Donations can be made at McNeil Street Reception of the Lighthouse in the pink Share the Dignity boxes until Thursday 2 December. We hope to see everyone in our generous PLC community getting involved with these initiatives. - Chonny James – Director of Wellbeing Art is on the PulseGreat news for two of our PLC 2021 Art Graduates and for teacher Ms Bennett because two student pieces have been selected for Pulse Perspectives 2022! Congratulations to Gabby Smith (Year 12) for her piece ‘Herbarium Heritage’ and Pippa Ford (Year 12) for her piece titled ‘ZEITGEISTOFGLOBALCHAOSANDVERBIAGE’. This is an incredible achievement and a credit to their amazing teacher! The exhibition will be held at the Art Gallery of WA. If you are aware of any student achievements, please email the information to links@plc.wa.edu.au |