Dear valued member of the PLC community,

A Message From the Principal

As mentioned in Links last week, we are experiencing increasing numbers of students and staff with COVID-19. Across Term 2, we have had 214 students and 47 staff test positive for COVID-19.

We are continuing to manage staffing with our priority being, as much as possible, to maintain consistency of learning for our students. We do apologise for any interruptions to programmes or classes and I would like to thank all families for your patience. I would also like to thank our staff who are trying hard to engage the number of students who are at home and well enough to learn. I have also seen the incredible commitment from those with COVID-19 continuing to work from home when they are well enough and also those who are at school picking up additional roles to support their colleagues. 

Community is one of our four School Values and certainly one that we have relied on in the last two years, and in the last term in particular. Energising our Community also forms a significant pillar in our new Strategic Plan, as we continually engage and give back to our school, local community, and global community. 

Bell Hooks (author) is well known for the words “one of the most vital ways we sustain ourselves is by building communities of resistance, places where we are not alone”. We are certainly living in a time in which, I believe, that it will be critical for all of us to sustain ourselves and build communities of resistance where all people know that they are known and definitely not alone. We often focus on the negative aspects of the impact of the pandemic, but I do believe a positive has been the reiteration to all people of the importance of human relationships and connections. 

In particular, research has told us for many years that a sense of belonging has a significant impact on all children and young people of school age. Whether your child is a three-year-old in our Pre-Kindergarten class, a Year 7 child in their first year of high school, or a Year 12 student coming to the end of their schooling, a sense of belonging and ‘community’ is equally important. 

In the last five weeks, as a staff, we very much realised how much we had missed the engagement of our parent community in Term 1 and I very much look forward to continuing to welcome families on campus as the year continues. In the coming weeks, we will have students perform in the I Am Dance showcase, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory combined Scotch College/PLC production, IGSSA Sports (including Rowing, Netball, Minkey and Hockey) Junior School Winter Concert, our Senior School Inter-House Athletics and JIGSSA Winter Games. These are all opportunities for our students to engage with their peers and friends, and also for family members to share in exploring new experiences, and achieving milestones and success. We also welcome family members to our Junior School and Senior School Assemblies, we have a special Arts Assembly tomorrow in the Senior School. 

As we enter the winter season with both COVID-19 and cold/flu symptoms on the rise, we would ask that families please not send children to school if they have any COVID-19, cold, or flu symptoms. We do appreciate that children often feel well enough to come to school in the morning but we are seeing increasing numbers of children presenting to the Health Centre prior to Recess and during the school day. Given the current situation, all children presenting with COVID-19, cold, or flu symptoms need to be treated as potential COVID-19 cases, which I am sure everyone can appreciate is having an impact on both our facilities and staff. As I know many organisations are finding at the moment, relief staff in all areas (teaching, nursing, boarding, administration) are particularly scarce and while we are making every effort to increase staffing to manage the increase in the current load, it is a challenge. I appreciate the current situation is difficult for everyone and am grateful for everyone’s consideration and patience. 

I would like to wish all community members who are currently unwell or have recently had COVID-19, the flu, or any other illness all the best for a speedy recovery. I also look forward to seeing family members at our various events in the coming weeks and months.

- Cate Begbie – Principal

Ascension Day

It has been a very interesting week in the life of our nation with last Saturday’s Federal Election redefining the nature of Australia’s political landscape with a third of the nation voting for a course different from that which has gone before.

Elections, to my mind, are like a census or a stocktake, where, on a given day, everybody gets to have a say on what we have, where we think the nation is heading, and how we think we would like to get there. One thing for sure is that articulate, professional, and empowered women, just like we hope many of our students at PLC will become, have on this occasion certainly left their stamp on a new way of doing things.

Deciding to do things differently is also at the centre of the journey of faith as we journey past Easter and contemplate what lies ahead. If we lived in much of Western Europe or Scandinavia, today we would all be celebrating a public holiday for Ascension Day.

The wider Australian community is not all that familiar with Ascension Day, but in the life of the Church, it is central. I think of it more as “Promise Day”, when those of faith gain strength from a passage in John’s Gospel: “Jesus said ‘I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever."  (John 14:16)

Why is it that those of faith require an Advocate, as if to plead their cause?

The reality for the early followers of Jesus was they had journeyed with him, believed in him, committed their lives to him, only to then deny him before the authorities, which led to their witnessing his death by crucifixion.

They were devastated; bereft; overwrought with guilt - yet at the same time could not understand why Jesus’ living presence was so real and persistent. Denial and betrayal of another usually does not end well, yet in the case of the life of Jesus, all that had gone before now mattered little. It was a time for new beginnings; for moving on.

Despite having seen with their own eyes Jesus’ death on the cross, this ongoing sense of Jesus’ presence and the power of his spirit was all-encompassing. The more the disciples spoke to others of the presence of Jesus in their lives it became infectious, with countless others wanting to know how God could take hold of their disasters and defeats, turning them into victories.

That is what the power of the Spirit of God is all about and it is what we celebrate on Ascension Day.

My prayer is that during our own times of turmoil and despair, we might also experience something of the spirit of God’s presence in our lives.

May it be so!

Rev Nalin Perera – Chaplain                                                     

Focus Attribute – Risk-Taker

During the assembly last Friday, I shared the story of Msituni, a giraffe born at the Dan Diego Zoo Safari Park in February this year. Unfortunately, Msituni had a life-threatening leg condition that needed immediate medical attention. This was a problem that the safari park had never had to rectify before. In seeking a solution, the zoo staff reached out to experts who dealt with orthotics for people. The team of animal and human doctors tried several solutions, eventually creating a carbon graphite brace that assisted in correcting Msituni’s leg. Msituni is now thriving and running around with the other giraffes in her herd.

After the story, the attendees of the assembly were asked to reflect on the 10 attributes of the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile, and how these dispositions were used by the team to help the baby giraffe. At the conclusion of the gathering, everyone was asked to vote on which attribute they wanted to focus on for the remainder of this term.

Risk-Taker took out the poll with 49 votes. Accordingly, this will be the attribute that the Junior School community will be focusing on until the end of this semester.

The IB definition of a Risk-Taker is as follows,

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and co-operatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

In essence, a Risk-Taker is brave and open to trying new experiences, working with different people, and being open to different ways of thinking and doing.

I do encourage all members of the Junior School community to embrace and support us as we focus on this attribute in our daily lives. Let’s see if we might try new hobbies or sports, make new friends, read a different author or listen to unfamiliar music. I would love to see photographs of members of our community taking new risks, so please feel free to forward me any snapshots as you venture forth with our focus attribute. 

RATs

The State Government has expanded the free Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) programme to include the provision of more than 10 million free RATs to school students. These tests have now been delivered to the school. 

The distribution of 20 free RATs per student to parents of Junior School students will commence next week (Week 6). Pick-up times will be before school (6.45 am – 8.30 am) and after school (2.45 pm – 3.45 pm) from Summers House (the building adjacent to the Pre-Kindergarten classroom). Parents may park in the Junior School carpark and enter through the side gate for sign-off and collection of the tests. 

Tests are also available for collection in the Junior School Reception during office hours (8.00 am until 4.00 pm). Please be aware that only parents or guardians may collect tests, not students. 

Free Dress Day – Thursday 2 June

A reminder that the Junior School will be participating in the Free Dress Day on Thursday 2 June to raise funds to support our two World Vision sponsored children, Margaret (11) from Kenya and Josephine (12) from Zambia.

Uniform Reminder

A reminder that after the Mid-Term Break, all students will need to wear their winter School uniform.

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, 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

Year 6 Winter Games - Session 2

• Date: Friday 27 May
• 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)

Free Dress Day

• Date: Thursday 2 June
• Theme: Inspiring People 
• Tickets: Here

Mid-Term Break 

• Date: Friday 3 June to Monday 6 June inclusive 

Junior School Photographs

• Date: Tuesday 7 June
  More information to be communicated in the coming weeks.

Junior School Winter Concert 

• Date: Wednesday 8 June
• Time: 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm 
• Venue: Junior School Sport and Recreation Centre 

Junior School Photographs - Catch Up Day

• Date: Friday 10 June

Year 11 Dinner Dance

Externally Set Tasks

Our students who study General WACE subjects have been busy completing their Externally Set Tasks. These tasks are equivalent to a mini WACE examination and test our students' knowledge of their courses so far. Our Academic Prefect, Poppy Bell, has arranged a celebratory morning tea on Friday 27 May for all students who have completed their Externally Set Tasks.

Senior School Assembly

This Friday, we see a return to our in-person Senior School Assemblies. The assembly will have a focus on the Arts and will begin at 8.55 am in the Hugh Baird Sports Centre. Parents and guests are welcome to attend with seating available in the back rows of the Sports Centre.

RAT Distribution

Over the next two weeks, we will begin the distribution of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to our Senior School students. Each year group will be allocated time during House Tutor Group to collect their pack of 20 tests. They will be asked to place these directly into their school bags and take them home for use. Any students who are absent on the date of collection will have the opportunity to collect their tests from either the McNeil Street or View Street Reception areas. Students will be provided with more information and instructions closer to the date and will be directed to the collection point by their House Tutor Group teacher.

- Rebecca Watts – Head of Senior School

Senior School Arts Assembly 

• Date: Friday 27 May 
• Time: 8.55 am 
• Venue: Hugh Baird Sports Centre

Year 12 PJ Party 

• Date: Friday 27 May 
• Time: 5.00 pm
• Venue: PLC Lighthouse 

Rowing Regatta 3

• Date: Saturday 28 May
• Time: 8.30 am (first race starts) to 12.00 midday
• Venue: Champion Lakes Regatta Centre

Year 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

• Date: Wednesday 1 June
• Time: 3.45 pm to 7.00 pm

Mid-Term Break 

• Date: Friday 3 June to Monday 6 June inclusive 

Free Dress Day

• Date: Thursday 2 June
• Theme: Inspiring People 
• Tickets: Here

Boarder of the Week:

• Indah Jenkins (Year 12) - For always giving her all in everything that she does and for being a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate member of the Boarding House community.

​Room of the Week: 

• Asha Wandel (Year 1) - For her beautiful room.  

Tomorrow Woman

This week, our Year 10, 11, and 12 students have completed their first Tomorrow Woman workshop. It has been special watching our girls unite in their year groups, as they learn how to share their voices and be honest with one another about how they think, feel, and how they could better support one another. It has been fulfilling to witness the obvious enduring friendships between the girls and their acknowledgment of the importance of their connection with one another. We look forward to continuing the learning from this first workshop in the coming months, particularly focusing on the importance of respectful and unconditional support between boarders and beyond. 

- Katherine Hazlewood – Boarding House Deputy (Wellbeing and Pastoral Care)

Free Dress Day Thursday 2 June

Theme: Inspiring People

Junior and Senior School students contributed $10 each earlier this year for the privilege of participating in all three Free Dress Days for 2022. Contributions will support two World Vision children, 12-year-old Josephine from Zambia and 11-year-old Margaret from Kenya, with any surplus going to other PLC-supported charities.

Free Dress Days are non-compulsory, however, if your child would like to participate but has yet to secure a ticket for 2022, tickets are still available here. 

- Chantelle James – Director of Wellbeing

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical

Don't miss the Scotch College and PLC Senior School Broadway Musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

• Dates: Wednesday 15 June – Saturday 18 June 
• Venue: Dickinson Centre, Scotch College

Follow Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee as they embark on a magical ride through a world of pure imagination at Willy Wonka’s marvellous Chocolate Factory. 

OCA Art Exhibition Artist Registration Invitation 

The OCA is thrilled to confirm the 2022 OCA Art Exhibition, originally scheduled for May,  will now be held from Friday 26 August to Sunday 28 August. This popular annual event continues to be a celebration of the creativity and vitality of the Arts within the PLC community and the OCA committee warmly invites artists from our PLC and OCA community to register to be part of this years’ Exhibition. 

Dance Showcase - I Am

Join the PLC dancers at this year's Dance Showcase titled I Am. With three shows taking place, it is looking to be another spectacular show. 

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

How would you complete the sentence “I am…”?

Identity refers to how one describes the self but is so much more than a list of variables. It is a personally constructed understanding of who we are. Identity for dancers is embedded in the body, performance, training, aspirations, and messages of the dance culture with all its trimmings. I Am is not just a showcase of the skill of PLC’s dancers but also a glimpse into their journey as artists and how dance forms a unique part of who they are and what they feel. 

"I was fortunate enough to be one of 24 students in the whole of Australia to be selected for an Honourable Mention for Advocacy after my 10-minute presentation as part of the Junior Counsel in my team. This award was given to me for my abilities as an orator as I was able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the law and facts. Additionally, my ability to articulate legal arguments and respond to judges’ questions was considered in gaining this award," Sophya said. 

Not only has this competition allowed her to develop her advocacy skills in a competitive environment but it has also provided her with a valuable experience of what it is like to be in the legal profession.

Well done to all of our talented drafters!