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CommunityFeatureThe PLC CommunityA community creates a sense of fellowship with others as a result ofsharing common attitudes, interests and goals.Presbyterian Ladies’ College is in itself a community, is made up froma variety of smaller communities and belongs to a larger externalcommunity.The School has a proud history of fostering strong links betweenhome and school, forming a healthy and vibrant community. In1966, the Mothers’ Auxiliary (now the PLC Auxiliary) was formedto foster the friendship and communication among parents of theSchool and today remains a vital group within the PLC community.The Auxiliary hosts a large variety of functions and special eventsthroughout the year, providing an enormous array of opportunitiesfor parents to connect with each other and share experiences andknowledge. In addition, they serve to bridge the geographical gapbetween our country and city families by providing transport toco-curricular activities for our boarding students. The Auxiliary is alsoinstrumental in nurturing relationships with the broader community,hosting the Open Garden Day, which sees beautiful gardensthroughout Peppermint Grove opened to the public and serves asone of the School’s biggest fundraising events.Similarly, the Parents’ Committee represents parents of all studentsat PLC, to involve parents in School organised activities and playsa fundamental role in fundraising for important School initiatives.The Parents’ Committee raises funds for important projects forthe School. The Committee reports tothe School Council and is instrumental inenabling the development of key projectssuch fundraising for performance furnitureas well as providing for staff travel grantsand student scholarships.The PLC Auxiliary and Parents’ Committeeare just two of a number of parent supportgroups at PLC that serve to create asense of fellowship among parents andthe School. The Argyle Club representsparents of current PLC rowing studentsand works to fundraise and hostsocial events to support rowing. Pastrowers and their parents can continuetheir strong links with PLC rowing bybecoming financial members of the clubon an ongoing basis, well past theirenrolment at PLC. The areas of Music,Theatre Arts, Boarding and Libraryare also supported by dedicated andenthusiastic parent groups.For those wishing to stay connected tothe PLC community beyond the yearsof their formal association with theSchool, the Back2View Clan (formerlyPast Parents’ Club) provides a forumfor past parents and staff membersto gather throughout the year.The PLC Old Collegians’ Association represents the School’s oldestand largest community. The OCA celebrated its 90th birthday in2010 and was established “to keep the girls in touch with theschool and their school friends after their studying days are over“and provide them with “the opportunity of meeting twice a yearand renewing old friendships.“ (Kookaburra 1920.) Today, theassociation organises dozens of events every year and plays a vitalrole in awarding scholarships and bursaries to worthy students. PastCollegians are able to remain connected to the School, creating asense of ownership and belonging.Teaching and administration staff also represents a valuablecomponent of the PLC community, educating and serving theneeds of students every day. Our team of dedicated staff modelthe benefits of lifelong learning to our students, participating inongoing professional development and keeping abreast of the latesteducation tools and technology. Staff also contribute more broadly,attending school camps and tours and volunteering their time incommunity programmes.Parents, students (past and present) and staff all serve a fundamentalrole in the PLC community. Every member serves a purpose and playsa significant part in enriching the life of the School.8

Boarding at PLCPLC is proud to boast a strong and vibrant boarding community,enriched by the presence of students from regional areas across theState, inter-state and overseas.PLC is home to up to 120 girls from Years 7 to 12 and provides awarm and welcoming environment for boarding students.Girls from as far as Kununurra, Esperance, China and Thailand boardat PLC, sharing their experiences and developing life skills such asinterdependence, independence, acceptance and understandingthat comes from living among people who come from a variety ofbackgrounds.These girls play a vital role in the broader PLC community, addingto the diversity of the School and engaging fully in its co-curricularlife. They also contribute to the wider community through a numberof Community and Service Learning projects. Every year boardingstudents support the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, doorknocking for gold-coin donations in the local area.Recently, boarding students were only too happy to give back totheir own rural communities, supporting Main Roads WA andKeep Australia Beautiful WA, by packing Outback Packs intendedto assist tourists traveling in regional WA to help keep our touristdestinations litter free. PLC is fortunate to benefit from the manyand diverse community backgrounds that boarding students bringto the School. Our students are passionate about the internationaland rural communities from which they come from and this adds tothe heterogeneity within our own community.Photo above: Sichan ’Bam’ Lowjun (Year 9) from Thailand with Co-Directorof Boarding, Leanne McTavish.Photo above right: PLC boarding students (L to R) Lauren Smith (Year 7)from Kalgoorlie and Tasma Allen (Year 9) from Kalbarri assist with a KeepAustralia Beautiful and Main Roads litter campaign.PLC on the RoadOur ties with regional Western Australia and overseas areimportant to us. Every year we make an effort to travelthroughout WA and occasionally overseas to visit with current,past and future PLC families.In addition to having attended the Wagin Woolorama andNorthWest Expo in Broome earlier in 2012, this year we will alsobe visiting the following places:4 – 5 August Karratha – FeNaClng Festival29 – 30 August Dowerin Field Day5 – 6 September Newdegate Field Day20 – 21 September Mingenew Mid West Expo19 – 20 October Esperance Agricultural ShowWe have also recently visited Melbourne, Sydney, Kununurra,Thailand, Myanmar and China.If you would like to connect with us during one ofour visits please contact Community Relations atcommunityrelations@plc.wa.edu.au or phone +61 8 9424 6581.9

Contents Community FeatureCouncil MembersThe Council of Presbyterian Ladies’ College is responsible to the Uniting Church in Australia for the governance of PLC.Members of the Council voluntarily offer a wealth of skills and qualifications to ensure effective governance and set the strategic vision toensure the School continues its tradition of providing educational excellence for future generations.Council members are drawn from within the School community and beyond and bring a range of knowledge and experience to the table.Three of our valued Council members are profiled in this issue.Tracey Horton – 2010 to currentEmeritus Professor Tracey Hortonwas appointed Deputy Chair ofCouncil and Chair-elect at thebeginning of 2011. Tracey willbe nominated to succeed theHon Justice John McKechnieas Chair of Council upon hisretirement at the 2012 Synod ofthe Uniting Church.With a career spanning theUnited States and Australia,Tracey has more than 25 yearsexperience in the fields of seniormanagement, leadership and education as an economist, businessanalyst, management consultant and university administrator.She is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate Diploma whocontinues to pursue life-long learning opportunities. She won ascholarship to complete her MBA at Stanford University in California,USA where she graduated as an Arjay Miller scholar, ranked in thetop graduating students of her year.Tracey brings a wealth of knowledge and business acumen tothe PLC Council and her contributions have been invaluable inhelping the School to set an overall vision, strategy and pathway toachieving its goals.Overall, Tracey believes the Council is responsible for ensuring thelongevity and continuing success of the School. She enjoys theopportunities her role on Council brings her, in particular the chanceto contribute to the education of young women. She is passionateabout ensuring that each generation of young women has moreopportunities than the last. “This is more than ’education’, it’s aboutensuring the future of young women,“ she said.In addition, as the mother of two sons and as a business leader inwhat have traditionally been male dominated roles, she is gratefulfor the opportunity to make connections with girls.Tracey is an avid contributor to the community and in addition to PLCCouncil, she is also a Board member of Edge Employment Solutionsand Chairman of the Western Australian Museum Foundation. “Ithink it’s important to feel like you are truly an active member ofthe community,“ she said. She believes that contributing to thecommunity in this way allows her to become more connected andaffords her a different perspective in life, away from family and work.Gillian Swan – 2005 to currentGillian Swan has decades ofexperience in the educationsector, both as an educatorand as a mentor to Educationstudents. After having been inteaching and administrative rolesat John XXIII for 24 years, shenow works alongside Teachingstaff and students as a UniversityColleague at Edith CowanUniversity. Her on-going workin this field means that she seesfirst-hand the issues affectingeducation and teacher educationand as such she brings invaluable knowledge and background tothe Council table.Gillian believes her experience in the area of Education allows her tolisten to and make comments on particular matters of educationalimportance for PLC. As a ’hands-on’ educator she understands thedifficulties and complexity of the philosophical and practical aspectsof education as well as the building and infrastructure needs oftoday’s students, educators and school communities.As a member of the Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian Church)from its inception, Gillian was first approached to sit on Council asa Uniting Church nominee by Graham Reynolds, the former Chairof Council. Her history in this area affords her an excellent workingknowledge of the processes of the Church and how our Schoolcommunity exists within the framework of the Church.Gillian fondly recalls visiting the PLC grounds to attend thePresbyterian Fellowship annual sports days. Apart from her youthgroup experiences at the PLC oval from the 1960s, Gillian hasno other history with the School. She is inspired to work in thisvoluntary capacity for PLC by her passion for working within theeducation spectrum and the experience of being able to play a rolein the education of girls and in seeing their achievements.As an educator, Gillian’s association with PLC allows her tokeep abreast of changing education practices and she hasbeen particularly interested to witness the development of theInternational Baccalaureate and, most recently, how it will sitalongside the National Curriculum.10

ContentsKatrina Burton (Fairweather 1982) –2008 to currentKatrina Burton has a longassociation with PLC, as a thirdgeneration PLC student and as aparent to four daughters – Rosie(2008), Jessamy (Year 12), Eliza(Year 11) and Georgia (Year 7).Katrina’s grandmother, DorothyYeo (1928) was one of the firststudents to attend PLC. Whileshe wears many hats, Katrinasits on the PLC Council in hercapacity as Old Collegians’Association representative.Katrina brings over 15 years ofnon-executive directorship experience to the PLC Council. She hassat on the Boards of StateWest Credit Society, Home Building Societyand Landgate and is a founder of the EON Foundation, a not-forprofitorganisation that provides assistance to communities in theKimberley region of Western Australia.She believes that Council’s role is to create a “culture“ within theSchool and that the decisions they make impact on the overallfeeling within a school through its pastoral care and communityinvolvement philosophies.As an experienced volunteer, Katrina is pleased that the Schoolplaces importance on community and has such a robust Communityand Service Learning programme. “If everyone helps just a little, somuch more can be achieved,“ she said.Katrina is only too aware of the strain on resources in schools and,with staff already doing so much, additional assistance from parentsand the community serves to broaden the educational experiencefor the students and enhance the nurturing school environment.Since she is fortunate to have the time to commit to the School inthis way, she feels lucky to be able to sit as a member of Council andcontribute to the PLC community.Chelsea Menmuir (Year 8) has settled into the PLC community well.L to R: Chelsea with Talia Clohessy (Year 11), Principal, Beth Blackwood andChloe Li (Year 11).Links with the Kimberley –Indigenous ScholarshipsAt PLC we are proud of the strong ties we share with the Indigenouscommunity in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.Every year, the School offers four scholarships to Indigenousstudents from the Kimberley. Applicants are chosen accordingto current academic progress and proven application to study,willingness to contribute to the PLC community, leadership qualitiesand motivation for tertiary study.Chelsea Menmuir (Year 8) is one of our most recent recipients of theIndigenous scholarship. “I have been attending PLC since the startof the year and since then have been loving it,“ she said. Chelseahas found the learning styles and the vast range of subjects on offerat PLC to be the greatest differences from her previous school. Shebelieves the scholarship programme has allowed her opportunitiesshe would not otherwise have received and will put her in goodstead to pursue her passion for art and perhaps the chance to workwith children. She is grateful to be able to travel between her homein Derby and school and for the opportunity to meet new peopleand participate in school trips.Chelsea has found the transition to life at PLC to be very smooth andis particularly appreciative of the Boarding House “buddy“ system.She admits to feeling homesick at first but says that staff and herboarding friends helped her to manage the situation.Indigenous Co-ordinator, Tracey Walker, has been a major inspirationto Chelsea throughout her time at PLC this year. “She has helped meto get organised with my schooling. I look up to her because sheunderstands me and the other Indigenous girls and she has enabledme to further my learning through additional tutoring,“ she said.PLC is currently providing opportunities to 17 Indigenous studentswho add to the vibrant culture of our community. These girls bringbreadth of life experience to the School, often coming from remotetowns vastly different to city life.The School is delighted to be able to provide the opportunities thatonly a PLC education can afford to students who would otherwisehave had limited access to such resources.11

Community Contents FeatureCommunity and Service LearningPassion without action means nothing. Knowledge without purpose is nothing. Intellect without a sense of place or asense of responsibility achieves nothing.The PLC community lives a service culture and our students areencouraged to become engaged citizens from as early as Year 4.Coordinator of Service Learning, Tracey Bahen, first introduces PLC’sCommunity and Service programme to Year 4 students, with aninteresting anecdote about a mirror, window and door.These three objects symbolise the journey we take in becomingactive citizens in the community. The journey commences with themirror, where we are focussed only on the self and continues to thewindow, where we are encouraged to look out and see beyond tosomething that inspires and engages us. Finally, we are encouragedto step further to the door, to take hold of the handle and step outto take action.It is action, afterall, that makes a great leader. The Community andService Learning programme shows students that they don’t need tobe extroverted, a great public speaker or even popular to become agood leader. The programme demonstrates the worth of action andthe work behind the scenes. Tracey says that it has been good forsome girls who have lacked confidence, communication skills andresilience because by taking action, they have discovered their ownsense of purpose.Community and Service underpins the education of all students atPLC. The girls work to an individual structure that is self-paced withtheir personal journeys reported on each year.With PLC adopting the International Baccalaureate, the Schoolstructured a programme to embed the area of Service Learningwithin the curriculum. PLC’s IB programme was reported as “bestpractice“ in a recent IB audit, and while the School’s Communityand Service Learning programme is not a requirement of the IBcurriculum, it underpins the IB’s philosophy of global awareness.This is captured in the IBO’s mission statement:The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring,knowledgeable and caring young people who help to createa better and more peaceful world through interculturalunderstanding and respect.To this end the organization works with schools, governments andinternational organizations to develop challenging programmesof international education and rigorous assessment.These programmes encourage students across the world tobecome active, compassionate and lifelong learners whounderstand that other people, with their differences, can alsobe right.In addition to the role of the IB in developing Community andService Learning at PLC, the School has taken a step further, andhas developed structures as well as nurtured partnerships with avariety of external organisations. The School works closely withorganisations such as Cancer Council of WA, Salvation Army andWorld Vision in organising events and activities to fundraise forthese worthy causes.PLC has also introduced a family based programme with the aimthat Community and Service becomes embedded in the home andthe philosophy continues beyond school, making an impact onstudents’ lives well into the future. This project has been a hugesuccess within the School community, with the programme currentlywaitlisted. It creates an opportunity for parents and daughters totalk about their world and participate in worthy causes together.“The closest and most important community that can be built is thefamily community, and so if girls can take leadership within theirown families in terms of what action a family achieves together,it means that once they leave school it will continue,“ Tracey said.Serving the Community –Relay for LifeMore than 100 Presbyterian Ladies’ College students tookpart in the Relay for Life at the WA Athletics Stadium in MtClaremont earlier this year, raising almost $10,000 for theCancer Council of WA.PLC students took part in teams and completed laps of theathletics track for 24 hours. Each student who participatedraised money through a fundraising book, appealing tofamily, friends and neighbours to donate to the cause.PLC students supported Cancer Council of WA by participating inthe Relay for Life.Photo provided by Western Suburbs Weekly12

ContentsServing the Community –PartnershipsStudents from Presbyterian Ladies’ College have joined forceswith Amana Living to help the aged care organisation launch’Give 50’, a new campaign to enrich the lives of older people.The PLC students are donating 50 minutes of their time toAmana Living Cottesloe (Sundowner House). Every week thestudents visit with the clients and residents and the group playcards, have tea and share stories as they walk around the AmanaLiving grounds.This is just one of many relationships with external organisationsthat PLC is fostering.The School has also forged partnerships with the followingorganisations.Family Service Programme –A Parent’s PerspectiveCathy Donaldson and her daughter, Anneliese, have enjoyed takingpart in the Year 11 Family Service programme, providing meals tofamilies staying at Ronald McDonald House.“The families who stay at Ronald McDonald House are oftendealing with a terrible crisis and are living with critically ill children.Even with this huge weight the families are so appreciative of theassistance that the roster provides – not only by providing a meal forthe family group but by listening to them and providing a link withthe outside world,“ Cathy said.“As a family we have often taken up the service opportunitiesprovided by PLC. In each case it has been important to think of thepeople benefiting from the service as people who, through no faultof their own, are in real need. The ability to provide such services isa wonderful opportunity and serves to remind PLC girls of their goodfortune and of the importance of giving back to the community,“Cathy said.Each roster is comprised of three PLC families who plan and preparea meal for up to 30 residents at Ronald McDonald House. The aimis to provide a sense of home cooking for these families and toalleviate pressure for the parents.The PLC families spend up to four hours at the House serving themeal, spending time with the families and clearing and preparingfor the next day. Cathy has been impressed to see how readily thePLC girls have accepted this challenge and performed the servicewith respect and kindness.Cathy added, “Another benefit is that it exposes the girls to theamazing service provided by the doctors and staff at one of WA’smajor hospitals. Without fail the residents of Ronald McDonaldHouse are so appreciative of the care their children have been givenand are very keen to share these views with us.“LocalAFAP Hope for ChildrenEthiopiaAustralian Orangutan ProjectAustralian Red CrossAutism WestBeyond BlueButterfly Foundation EatingCanTeenCancer Council WA Relay 4LifeCentre for Cerebral PalsyDeafness FoundationDyslexia SPELD FoundationFloreat Uniting ChurchGrant A StarrHeart FoundationICEA FoundationJuvenile DiabetesKate Stall TransplantAustraliaLeap Science and MathsSchoolLord Mayors Distress ReliefMake a Wish FoundationMuktiOncology Childrens’FoundationPMH FoundationRotary Club of WASalvation ArmySara FranklynShenton Park Cat HavenStarlight Childrens’Foundation AustraliaThe Amanda YoungFoundationUniting Church Pancake DayUniting Care WestWorld Vision 40-HourFamineMowanjum AboriginalCommunity, KimberleyregionJarlmadangah BurruAboriginal Community,Kimberley regionGlobalMatipwili Primary School,TanzaniaTabitha Foundation,CambodiaMission of Charities,CambodiaFree the Bears, CambodiaTransform Cambodia,CambodiaConcordia Welfare andEducation Foundation,CambodiaPhoto above: (L to R) Anneliese Donaldson and Annabelle Simpson (Year 11)happily preparing a meal for families staying at Ronald McDonald House.13

Community Contents FeaturePre-Primary students enjoyed looking over plans at the Shire of Peppermint Grove offices.Pre-Primary Community InquiryPresbyterian Ladies’ College Pre-Primary students held the Shire ofPeppermint Grove to task during a visit to the local offices in April.The students, aged 4 to 5, posed a series of questions to the Shire’sCommunity Development Officer, Vanessa O’Brien, as part of theirUnit of Inquiry on “community“ for the International BaccalaureatePrimary Years Programme.The students visited the offices to find out more about howcommunities work and what the needs of a community are.“What needs to be in a community?“ one student wanted to knowwhile another wanted to find out how the Shire was able to makesure that people were able to buy shoes.Prior to the visit, the students built their own communities out ofDuplo Lego and then divided into groups to consider the needs ofall people who might live in a community.The students also used Google Maps to work out the route theywould take from the classroom to the Shire offices and during thewalk took note of all the aspects provided by the Shire – parks, bins,Peppermint trees etc.How the Concept of ’Community’ is explored in the MYPAll IB Schools are learning communities that encourage teachers,students and parents to value learning as an essential and integralpart of their everyday lives. Our community is bound together bya common sense of purpose and identity and the learner profilestands as a clear statement of the values that inform our community.The IB defines the concept of ’community’ as groups of peopleliving in proximity (such as space, time or relationship), sharingcommon values and having social cohesion, or groups of interactingliving organisms (including humans), sharing an environment.The exploration of the concept of community in the curriculumfacilitates the students in developing an understanding of theinterrelatedness of the world around them.Through the course of the MYP, students investigate what’community’ means, how they are different and similar and whatmakes a community. They explore different communities and theirvarious needs, issues within them and the importance of activelycontributing to the community in which they live.For example, a Year 9 Language A unit exploring Li Cuxin’sautobiography Mao’s Last Dancer, students analyse the culturaldifferences and similarities between communities, and the impacta community has on individual values. In a Year 7 Humanities unit,students examine the role of women in developing economies,exploring poverty issues and how these maintain the status ofwomen in these communities. They also investigate the variousneeds and wants within these communities and the impact thatdevelopment has had on them.An MYP classroom is itself a model of a community – it is a livelyplace, characterised by collaborative and purposeful activity. Withinthis community, students are empowered to do their best, forthemselves, and to contribute to the learning and well-being ofothers. They are supportive of each other and will come to establishtheir personal set of beliefs and values. The community encouragesreflection, and thoughtful consideration of issues, problems andsuccesses are valued highly.Kim EdwardsDeputy Principal14

ContentsScotch College – A Strategic RelationshipPresbyterian Ladies’ College shares a strategic relationship withScotch College that allows for shared Information LearningTechnology planning and infrastructure.Service and support to all members of the community is key todeveloping learning technologies at both schools and the 1 DegreeSupport Centre is an area that connects the PLC community (staff,students and parents); is shared with Scotch College; and is staffedby PLC and Scotch alumni.1 Degree is the first port of call support service for staff, parentsand students. It is a vibrant, helpful and open community that wasdesigned on the Apple Genius Bar concept.1 Degree was officially launched in October 2009 and since thenboth PLC and Scotch have played host to a number of schools,showcasing this innovative facility. Since its inception, at least adozen schools have replicated the model, recognising the key rolefriendly and approachable staff play in supporting technologyintegration into the curriculum.At the completion of each year, graduating Year 12s from PLC andScotch College with a passion for ILT and excellent interpersonal skillsare invited to join the 1 Degree team as part-time staff members.Current students are easily able to relate to these 1 Degree coacheswhile staff and parents also feel comfortable being able to draw ona vast and varied pool of knowledge, making this an energetic andapproachable resource for the community.1 Degree coach Margot McGeoch’s (2008) illustrious career in ILTat PLC began in Year 5 when she first tried to improve the School’swireless network. Today, she’s a role model to current students,assisting them with computer issues and providing training onparticular resources such as Word and iMovie. Margot is just one ofthe many 1 Degree coaches at PLC and Scotch who assist membersof the School community every day.The two schools are also currently working on new technologiesthat will enhance the educational opportunities of our students. InTerm 3, new video conferencing capabilities will be launched thatwill allow students to participate in virtual field trips. For example,students will be able to experience field trips online, visiting suchplaces as the Great Barrier Reef and the Smithsonian, withoutleaving the comfort of their own study environment.Pilot training is planned to support staff to conduct online classes,allowing students and staff to participate in group training sessionsoutside school hours.Another initiative is a joint iPad trial for Junior School students. Year2 PLC students recently created Mathematics books on their iPadsto be used by their peers at Scotch College. Next term, the schoolsare hoping to add live chats to their “tool bag“ so that the Year2 students can connect with each other in live time, sharing theirteaching and learning.Both schools aim to ensure that all students attain the necessarycomputer literacy skills and ethical protocols necessary to besuccessful in a connected global world and knowledge economy.They will move seamlessly from their visual and technologyrich home environments to a school that also embraces, whereappropriate, the powerful collaborative and individual learningopportunities that technologies offer.Photo above: 1 Degree Margot McGeough and Tuyen Pham are two of thefriendly 1 Degree coaches.15

Community FeatureSuessical PreparationsThe PLC community demonstrated the breadth and depth of theirskills as well as their willingness to lend a hand, at a number of busybees held recently to assist with preparations for the upcomingMusical production, Seussical.One of the wonderful aspects of the School Musical is that it bringsthe school community together. This year’s musical Seussical is ahuge undertaking and could not be achieved without help frommany hands.The School Musical allows the Drama, Music and Dance departmentsto work together as one, with students, teachers, performance andtechnology specialists, set and costume designers, and parents, withevery contributor playing an important role for the overall successof the production.A series of Musical busy bee sessions were coordinated to bring tolife the costume designs created by Dance teacher, Skye Hegarty,as well as the vibrant set and prop ideas. Skye is just one exampleof the talent on hand at PLC. Her Bachelor of Arts in Design forPerformance from the West Australian Academy of PerformingArts (WAAPA) has afforded her great expertise in costume designand these skills will no doubt be put to good use in future Schoolproductions as well.Teachers from the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, with parentand student volunteers have all participated to get the Musical upand going. Helpers have been generously painting, making papermache, sanding, making props, preparing set pieces, cutting outand sewing costumes to bring it all together. We would like to takethis opportunity to thank everyone for being involved, your help isinvaluable.Seussical is a musical based on a number of Dr Seuss characters.Narrated by Cat in The Hat, the story centres around Horton theElephant who is challenged with protecting his tiny friend JoJo (andall the tiny Whos) from a world of non-believers and dangers as wellas guarding an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsibleMayzie La Bird. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, familyand community are challenged and emerge triumphant in a storythat makes you laugh and cry.The Musical will be performed in the Hazel Day Drama Centre in thefirst week of Term 3 – 25 to 29 July.Liane Campbell – Director, SeussicalPhoto top right (L to R): Rosannah Edwards, Georgia Ladner (both Year 12),Sarah Combes (Drama teacher) and Jenna Verryn (Year 11) have fun withpaper mache at the Set and Prop busy bee.Photo middle right: Dance teacher, Skye Hegarty, displays her costumedesigns for Seussical.Photo bottom right (L to R): Rebecca Warrand (Year 11) and Tessa Moon(Year 10) put their sewing skills to the test, putting together costumes forthe upcoming School Musical.16

GLOBAL CONNECTIONSLaptops for Tanzanian studentsPresbyterian Ladies’ College and Scotch College students have raisedover $20,000 to fund a building project and the purchase of laptopcomputers for a school in a remote village in Tanzania.This fundraising initiative is part of an on-going relationshipbetween the two schools and Matipwili Primary School in Tanzania.This year, the funds will go towards building a resource centre anddonating 20 solar wifi laptops to help bridge the gap between thevillage and the two western suburbs schools as well as to improveeducation in the remote community.Year 9 Drama students performed a Trestle Mask Drama piece for studentsat Mosman Park School of the Deaf.Live on Stage – Drama for theDeafDrama allows us to become someone else and is the perfect wayto connect and engage with others who are very different fromyou. The Year 9 Drama students were lucky enough to experiencethis connection with students from the Mosman Park School of theDeaf recently.Throughout Term 1, the Year 9 Drama class worked with TrestleMasks, where performers rely solely on movement and bodylanguage to create meaning. No dialogue or voice is used and sothis made it an ideal form of drama to perform for people withimpaired hearing.Our Drama class was ecstatic with this amazing opportunity toperform for members of the community outside of School, andthe students from Mosman Park School of the Deaf loved it. Everyday, these students rely on reading body language and the use ofsign language to communicate their feelings. Because there is nospeaking in a Trestle Mask performance, there is no need to translatedialogue through sign language, which makes it a great way ofconnecting with the hearing impaired. The performance allowed usfirst-hand experience as to how it feels to rely solely on non-verbalcommunication.The computers have been especially designed for use by studentsin developing countries. It is hoped that the strategies used tointroduce computers to the students in Matipwili will be adoptedelsewhere in Tanzania.It is hoped that in future, the school in Tanzania will be able tolink into the shared electronic resources of PLC and Scotch College,providing an invaluable education experience for these studentswith such limited opportunities.Both PLC and Scotch are innovators in integrating the power oftechnology into the classroom. The two campuses were the firstschools in Australia to utilise iTunesU for the distribution of digitalcurriculum. Students at PLC and Scotch are able to access classinstruction, course materials and lectures anywhere, anytime fromiTunesU, Wikis and other online content delivery services.The Director of Information Learning Technology at PLC and ScotchCollege, Anna Hu, said that if the network capabilities in Tanzaniawere in place, there was no reason why PLC and Scotch College’sshared resources could not be extended to reach students inMatipwili and beyond.We ran a workshop to teach our guests the skills of Trestle Maskperformance. They appeared to have a lot of fun using the masks onstage, proving themselves to be naturals at this type of performance.The experience of sharing work and getting involved with studentsfrom our local community was very rewarding for our Drama class.It made us realise how Drama can bring people together. As OscarWilde once stated, “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all artforms, the most immediate way in which a human being can sharewith another the sense of what it is to be a human being.“ I knowthat everyone in our class really enjoyed this experience, and wehope that everyone from the Mosman Park School of the Deaf lovedit as much as we did.Year 11 Scotch College and PLC students are excited at the opportunity tobring new technologies to Matipwili Primary School. L to R: Eve Bramley,Oscar Roberts, Katelin Nelson and Alain Dutton.By Year 9 students, Zoë Hanson and ElizaRakich17

Community Contents FeatureGLOBAL CONNECTIONSAn International Approach to LearningPLC values, supportsand celebrates diversityand recognises thecontribution internationalstudents make to the lifeof our School. The Schoolcurrently has studentsfrom Thailand, China,Vietnam, the Netherlands,Singapore, Indonesiaand Brunei boardingat the School. PLC alsobenefits from a largeinternational communityof families residing inPerth temporarily. Thiscommunity representsa wide range ofnationalities includingthe United States, theUnited Kingdom, China,New Zealand, Thailand,South Africa, Ireland,India, the Netherlands,Singapore, Germany,Brunei, Nigeria, France,Japan, Kenya, Canadaand Switzerland.Boarding students benefit from a dedicated International Students’Coordinator who helps to provide a caring and structured transitionto life in Australia.Year 12 boarding students, Mint Chaiyukal and Malika Chawla fromBangkok, are delighted with their decision to study at PLC, Perth.They believe a PLC education puts them ahead because it givesthem a more well-rounded education experience. They are enjoyingthe ample opportunities available to them at PLC, from outdooreducation and sport to serving the community.Malika said, “Community Service is not something that is donein Thailand. I have really enjoyed participating in the communityservice programme and making a difference to those who need it.“Mint and Malika have enjoyed studying at PLC and being a part ofclose community group. Excellent academic support and a widerangingco-curricular programme have allowed the girls to realisetheir potential and feel part of a tight-knit community.Student Exchange ProgrammeLocal students also have access to international educationexperiences through the School’s student exchange programme.PLC has a reciprocal agreement with schools in Austria, South Africa,England and Japan and the School also plays host to students fromFrance and China.In Term 3, the Middle School looks forward to welcoming 16students from the Huija Province to the Year 8 classrooms.Recently, Year 10 students, Emily Farquhar and Georgia Symons hadthe experience of a lifetime during their exchange to WoodridgeCollege South Africa. The girls enjoyed their exchange so much thatthey extended their six-week visit by a further two weeks.Woodridge College was extremely accommodating to the twogirls, organising a four-night outdoor education adventure forthem while their peers sat their mid-year examinations. The girlshad the opportunity to visit the Addo Elephant Park, BaviaanskloofWilderness Park and the coastal towns of Knysna and PlettenbergBay. They also had the chance to ride a wild ostrich, cage dive withNile crocodiles, jump from the world’s highest bungee jump (at216m) and ride the tree-top canopy zip-line in the TsitsikammaForest.PLC has shared an exchange programme with Woodridge College,South Africa since 2005. The College is in the Eastern Cape and is aboarding community in a rural setting on Van Stadin’s Pass.Emily Farquhar and Georgia Symon were excited on their departure to SouthAfrica.Photo above: Mint Chaiyukal and Malika Chawla from Bangkok enjoy beinga part of a tight-knit community boarding at PLC.18

ContentsStudent Achievements in the CommunityPLC’s mission is to prepare young women to lead active purposeful lives. Already, our students are making their markin the wider community, achieving at national and international levels and contributing to society in meaningful ways.Global Science bid for PLC studentYear 10 student, AbbeyMardon, is one of only twoWestern Australian high schoolstudents who competedin an international sciencecompetition in the United Statesin June.Abbey recently took part inthe International BioGENEiusChallenge finals in Bostonafter winning the BioGENEiusChallenge of Western Australia.The Challenge gives someof WA’s top high schoolstudents the opportunity towork alongside experiencedscientists to complete their ownbiotechnology research project.Abbey Mardon (Year 10) with hermentor, Dr Sasha Jenkins.Abbey spent several months conducting research, which willultimately enhance the competitiveness of the Australian livestockindustries.Mentored by Dr Sasha Jenkins from The University of WesternAustralia’s (UWA) Natural and Agricultural Sciences faculty,Abbey’s research investigated enhancing the removal of biologicalphosphorus in the waste treatment process in piggery farms. Herresearch will help to improve manure management systems, andincrease profits through reduced fertiliser costs.Abbey’s interest in this topic began during primary school, whereher school was situated opposite a lake. She became interested inlooking after the lake and its inhabitants and learned there wereproblems with algal blooms caused by high levels of phosphorus.“I was very lucky to be paired with Dr Jenkins as her research at thetime was about a way of reducing the phosphorus entering ourwaterways,“ Abbey said.Abbey was encouraged to enter the competition by PLC staffmember, Ms Lana Salfinger. Ms Salfinger introduced Abbey’s Year8 Science class to the Challenge and Abbey was excited by theopportunity to work on a “real life“ science project. Ms Salfingerassisted Abbey with her application and encouraged her along theway. “I really look up to her, as she makes science exciting but at thesame time allows us to see how it is useful in real life,“ Abbey said.Simpson Prize Runner UpYear 10 student, AdelaideCrossing, was this year namedState Runner Up in the SimpsonPrize, a national History essaywriting competition for Year9 and 10 students throughoutthe country.Adelaide travelled to Canberrawith 15 other students fromacross Australia earlier thisyear to accept her award fromMinister for School Education,Peter Garrett.While in Canberra, Adelaideattended a special twodaystudy programme thatincluded visits to ParliamentHouse, the Australian WarMemorial and the NationalMuseum of Australia.Adelaide Crossing (Year 10).This award recognises her outstanding exploration of theANZAC story through her essay, which focused on the topic ofWhy has Australian commemoration of ANZAC Day increased inpopularity in recent years?Adelaide’s approach took a different angle, with the basis ofher argument formed around the idea that the increase inpopularity has been led by the Australian youth. “To the young,the observance of Anzac Day is as much a commemoration offallen soldiers and those who serve today, as it is a celebrationof a proud national identity,“ she said.Adelaide believes that ANZAC Day is currently the bestopportunity Australians have to celebrate and identify withwhat it means to be Australian.She was inspired to enter the competition by her passionfor History and to commemorate her grandfather, whom shenever met.Science and Innovation Minister John Day said the winning researchprojects were very relevant to the State and would have “real lifeimplications“.“These exceptional students have achieved wonderful results underthe stewardship of their mentors from the WA science community,“Mr Day said.19

School NEWSFrom McNeil Street to LondonPresbyterian Ladies’ College will be proudly waving the Australianflag at this year’s London Olympic Games following the selection ofa number of former students.When former student, Hannah Vermeersch (2009) officially openedthe School’s Swim and Recreation Centre last year, she shared withstudents her aspiration to row for Australia in the 2012 Olympics.Recently her dream was recognised after a successful campaign ata regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland saw the Australian Women’s EightRowing team selected to compete at the London Olympic Games.Hannah recognises the contribution PLC has made to her rowingcareer “PLC is where I first learnt to row and where my passionfor the sport began. The school supported me through all of mytraining commitments and continues to do so even now that I haveleft,“ she said.Janine Murray (2007) has also been selected for RhythmicGymnastics. Janine won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Gamesin Delhi in 2010 and now “through her hard work, dedication toher intense training and her amazing raw talent Janine has officiallybeen selected as the only Rhythmic Gymnast athlete to representAustralia at the 2012 Olympic Games in London“ (Gymnastics WA).Fiona Boyce (2004) and former PLC staff member, Kobie McGurkhave also been selected in the Hockeyroos Olympic team. Kobiewas last year named in the Federation of International Hockey’sprestigious World All Stars team and will play a key role in defence.This will be Fiona’s first Olympic appearance and there are greatexpectations that the new breed of Hockeyroos will continue thesuccess of one of Australia’s greatest sporting teams.Nikki Chung (Year 12) was also selected in a training squad forGymnastics, although Nikki recently sustained an injury and sounfortunately will be unable to compete.Nikki also won the WA Institute of Sport’s Athlete Career andEducation Award at the WAIS Champions Breakfast. The gymnast isstudying five TEE subjects including chemistry, physics and French.Nikki is enrolled in PLC’s Sporting Excellence Programme which aimsto create a premier schooling environment for talented studentathletes by providing an understanding and flexible approachwhich fosters the individual’s sporting potential while balancing thedemands of school life.The programme is available to students who are currentlyrepresenting Western Australia and aspire to represent Australia intheir chosen sport. Flexible study arrangements are made and adviceand assistance with goal setting, motivation and nutrition is provided.The School also helps to facilitate partnerships with external sportingorganisations such as local clubs, WAIS and the AIS to proactivelymanage each athlete’s commitments to their sport.PLC is a proud supporter of its future Olympians. These young womenare wonderful ambassadors and role models for commitment,discipline and teamwork. We look forward to supporting theirperformances and participation in August.Hannah Vermeersch rowing for WAIS.Talola John (Year 5) working with her mentor, Jessie Brittain, on her picturebook on space.20

PLC/Scotch South AfricaHockey TourForty-three tour members from PLC and Scotch College traveled toJohannesburg in April for two weeks of hockey and sightseeing.PLC were very competitive on the hockey field, winning two matches,drawing two and losing four very close games. The opportunity toplay under different conditions and against a stronger and olderopposition was excellent preparation for the IGSSA season.The weather was perfect and the sightseeing was both interestingand spectacular. During a game drive we were excited to see twoyoung bull elephants fighting. While we were treated to so manydifferent, beautiful and strange animals, we did not see any big cats.The girls enjoyed coaching hockey to some young children from atownship, providing them with a unique opportunity to interactwith some disadvantaged little hockey players.This tour has left us with some amazing memories.Judy Boyne and Emma JenkinsPLC Hockey players traveled to South Africa for a combinedPLC/Scotch Hockey tour.Junior School Mentor ProgrammeThe Junior School has recently launched a new initiative to fosterlinks between PLC and the wider community. The Junior SchoolMentor Programme aims to engage students by establishing arelationship with a mentor who has a similar interest or passion in aparticular area or field of study.Six students and mentors are currently participating in the programme.We have sourced our mentors from the wider community as well asour own PLC alumni. The connection with the alumni is exciting andwill help the programme grow to reach more students within theSchool.This semester students have worked with their mentors on theirown Individual Exploration, modelled on inquiry based learning.Their personal journals are full of questions, research, reflectionsand visual representations of their journey with their mentor. Someof the Individual Explorations include designing a web page, writinga picture storybook, writing a short story, designing and sewing adress, research into outer space and sustainable gardening.Dinah Walker (Solomon 1965) is an experienced and passionateeducator with a Masters degree in gifted and talented education.Di is working with one of our younger gifted students, SarahSchmidt (Year 3), writing and illustrating a picture storybook. Thebook developed from the Sarah’s passion for space. Initial meetingswere spent researching planets and outer space and this researchmaterial was used as a starting point to build an imaginative picturestorybook.Adrienne Lumsden, has a degree in computer science and has justcompleted a Bachelor of Education (Primary). Adrienne is passionateabout mathematics and technology and was matched with one ofour gifted mathematics students, Sophie Lim (Year 4). Adrienne hasworked with Sophie on computer programming, including planningand entering a programme and correcting errors.Lisa Byars is a parent of the school with a passion for gardeningparticularly sustainable gardening and aquaponics. Lisa wasmatched with Piper Murphy (Year 4) who has been interested ingardening since starting school. Lisa and Piper have been researchingaquaponics as a sustainable gardening solution. One of the goals isto build an aquaponics garden at PLC.PLC is fortunate to have passionate and skilled mentors who willinglygive up their time to be a part of this exciting programme.Karen Woods21

School Contents NewsAnzac Biscuit Fundraising Driveto Restore Memorial PlaquesPresbyterian Ladies’ Collegestaff members ran an ANZACbiscuit fundraising driveearlier this year to raisemoney to restore the VynerBrooke memorial plaques atPoint Walter which had beenvandalised.Four of the plaques werecompletely destroyed. TheANZAC biscuit fundraiserallowed for the purchaseof one of the plaques tobe replaced while Principal,Beth Blackwood, pledged hersupport to pay for another.The remaining plaques will berestored by the RSL.The Vyner Brooke memorial plaques hold a special place in thehistory of the School. One of the nurses who survived the bombingof the Vyner Brooke was PLC Old Collegian, Sister Minnie Hodgson(pictured). She was later killed in the Banka Island Massacre.The School adopted the Vyner Brook memorial as part of the WAGovernment’s Adopt a Memorial programme in 2004. The VynerBrook memorial is dedicated to nurses killed in World War II duringand following the sinking of the Vyner Brooke.Shireen Pandher (top) and Emilie Ong (bottom) featuring in clips from theirfilms which were shortlisted in the national Tropfest Junior Short Film Awards.Each year PLC students attend a Remembrance Day service at theVyner Brooke memorial and afterwards, lay wreaths and rosemaryon them.Film Festival SuccessYear 12 Media Production and Analysis students, Alexandra Eftosand Rachael Read, were recently nominated for the 2012 FlickerfestFilm Festival. The awards are open to all Australian High Schoolstudents and the screening of shortlisted films took place at BondiBeach earlier this year. The girls’ film, entitled UnconstrainedConversations, was selected as one of ten finalists in Australia forthe category of Best Short Fiction Film in the tertiary category.Additionally, Year 10 students, Emilie Ong and Shireen Pandherwere shortlisted as finalists in the national Tropfest Junior ShortFilm Awards.The selection of students as finalists to both film festivals is to behighly commended and continues the tradition of PLC’s success inboth Tropfest and Flickerfest short film competitions since 2010.National RowingChampionshipsThe National Rowing Championships were held at the new course atChampion Lakes for the first time in March this year.PLC was well represented in the schoolgirl section. Year 12 student,Natasha Gay, did PLC proud, winning gold in the Schoolgirl singleScull A Final.Despite a week-long heat wave with temperatures close to 37°Ceach day, the girls rallied to the challenges before them. In the faceof particularly strong competition from the interstate schoolgirlcrews who were at the end of their rowing season, our crews didexceptionally well.22

Beyond the Classroom –Outdoor EducationIt has so far been a hectic and exciting year for Outdoor Education,with a range of activities and programmes already completed andmany more on the horizon.Outdoor Education co-curricular options have again been verypopular with the students in Terms 1 and 2 and have featuredactivities such as surfing, sailing, yoga, kayaking and rock climbing.The overwhelming interest in these activities, particularly in Term1, led to extra sessions being created to allow more students theopportunity to participate.Another popular co-curricular programme this year has been theLancelin surf weekends, where girls and staff travel to Lancelinfor a weekend to learn to surf under the guidance of surf schoolinstructors. It has been amazing to see the skill development of thegirls by the end of each trip, with many able to consistently catchand ride waves after initially struggling to even stand up.The new Outdoor Education team has also been particularly activein the Middle School. The Year 7 students participated in a four-dayNanga Mill programme in March. Blessing Emole (Year 7) is alreadylooking forward to her next Outdoor Education camp. She enjoyedsleeping outside in a hutchie and thought the trees in the eveninglooked beautiful.Year 8 students recently participated in a six-day Margaret Riverprogramme in May. Feedback from the girls, their parents and staff,has indicated that the girls had a wonderful time and learned agreat deal from their experiences. Eloise Wiffen (Year 8) had beenlooking forward to abseiling and caving and these activities didn’tdisappoint. She also became more aware of her environmentalimpact “we have to make sure that we look after the environmentand don’t completely take it over,” she said.The first of the Year 10 expeditions has also been completed, withstudents hiking and kayaking their way around the Walpole regionin April. Further expeditions commence in July and September, withstudents hiking in gorges near Kalbarri or sea kayaking around theShark Bay Marine Park.Emilie Ong (Year 10) enjoyed her Southwest Explorer expedition.“The expedition was great and I found it really fun. Althoughphysically challenging, it was always rewarding,” she said.The new Outdoor Education team of Director of Outdoor Education,Liam Sullivan, and Outdoor Education Specialists, Jay Freap andEllen Barker, has worked hard to maintain the high standard ofOutdoor Education set previously by former Director of Education,Peter Nidd and his team at PLC, in particular, working with studentsand teachers to improve both the enjoyment of and the educationalopportunities that an outdoor programme can achieve.Through community living, connection with nature and activities thatprovide both mental and physical challenges, Outdoor Education atPLC aims to create balanced, caring, open-minded, risk-taking andresilient girls.Photos 1 & 2: Year 10 Students enjoyed kayaking and hiking in theWalpole region as part of their Year 10 expeditions.Photo below right: The Outdoor Education teamfrom L to R: Liam Sullivan, Ellen Barker and Jay Freap.23

Contents School NewsYear 6 Students ConstructMuseumYear 6 students, in a recent Humanities unit exploring the impact ofmigration on communities, debunked the notion that young peopletoday are neither interested in nor excited by information regardingtheir ancestors.Artefacts in a Museum constructed by the girls included a handlefrom an ancient Greek jug dating back 2500 years, dug up in theback garden of Athena Paizes’ family home in Greece, through toa hand lens and geological tools belonging to Isabella Campbell’sfather, Alan that reflect his travels to different locations for work,and his family’s eventual migration to Western Australia, in responseto the mining boom. Other intriguing examples included a braceletmade from gold smuggled out of Nazi Germany as teeth fillingsand a 120 year-old wind-up toy Scotty dog that is still in perfectworking order.Excited by finding links to their past, the girls researched the historyof family artefacts and their owners, finding evidence of items thathave been passed down through generations by interviewing familymembers and accessing other primary sources such as letters andofficial documents.Parents, grandparents and other visitors were impressed by theresearch skills the girls developed, with one parent commenting thatshe was delighted that her daughter gained a sense of perspectiveregarding her family’s origins at an age where it would be mostmeaningful to her, as she now appreciated the challenges thather ancestors had faced. Another commented that she had beenamazed by the things that people kept and treasured, and said thiswas an authentic and meaningful reason to take these objects outof the cupboard and share a family’s heritage.Athena Paizes and her mother, Katerina proudly share a 2500 year-old familyartifact dug up from the family home in Greece.Student, Emma Thorpe stated, “I was fascinated to find out aboutmy family’s history. I had no idea that they came from Denmark andEngland, or that they made such a difference by contributing totheir community in South Australia. I feel so proud.“Other students were also delighted that, through their researchfindings, they were able to identify common events that led tofamily migration, explore different perceptions people held ofplaces and events and research the individuals on their familytrees. Research findings enabled the girls to fully understand thereasons why people migrate and helped them to understand andappreciate the contributions that all families make as migrants in anew community.Kerri CresswellAlan Campbell and his daughter, Isabella, show off Geological samples,representing their family’s migration to Western Australia as a result of themining boom.24

PLC Pipe Band Perform atANZAC Day ParadeThe PLC Pipe Band again marched in the ANZAC Day Parade thisyear. The Pipe Band supports this major community event annuallyand has done so since 1985. In 2006 the President of the WesternAustralian Branch of the Royal Australian Regiment Association,Mr Ken Barrington, presented the band with the Regimental PipeBanner. This banner, by tradition, is carried by the Pipe Sergeant atall band performances. The Association has adopted the PLC PipeBand and, for the past seven years, in cementing this alliance, theBand has marched at the head of the Association.In addition to the present band members on parade, a number ofpast players were also marching in the ranks of other bands.In the 51 ACU Swan Regiment Drums and Pipes were PippinHolmes (2006), Adelaide Jackson (2007), Courtenay McGill(2007), Nada Baradja (2008), Kate Holmes (2008), LauraHumphry (2009), Ashleigh Civiello (2010), Samantha Capelli(2010), Felicity Tan (2011) and Alice Dormer (2011).The Drums and Pipes was established in January 2012 having,since its formation in 2002, been a Drum Corps. The unit OC/MusicDirector is Capt (AAC) Peter Jones OAM.Amongst the ranks of the Australian Army Pipes and Drums –Perth were L/Cpl Matija Franetovich (1995) and Piper DavinaGoldthorpe (1990). Jodie-Anne Jones (Stewart 1990) was alsoa member of the Australian Army Pipes and Drums – Perth uponleaving school and is now the Piping tutor of Wesley College Pipesand Drums. Both Jodie and Matija have returned to PLC to do relieftutoring and adjudicate on Arts Day.Other past students currently playing with bands include LaurenPember (2005) and Susan Lissiman (2005) who joined theWA Police Pipe Band. Claire Niccol (2004) has joined the ManlyWarringah Pipe Band that this year will be performing at theEdinburgh Military Tattoo.Kerry JonesYear 5 students have been walking laps of the School Oval, with the aim ofcompleting the distance of a half-marathon over 10 weeks.Go the DistanceOver 40 Year 5 students have been running and walking laps of theSchool Oval at lunch-time on Thursdays as part of a new fitnessprogramme, Go the Distance.The students run or walk laps of the Oval, with the aim ofcompleting the distance of a half-marathon over the course ofthe 10-week programme. Additionally, Go the Distance serves astraining for the 4km event in this year’s City to Surf. It is hoped thatthe Year 5 students participating in the programme will also enterthis prominent annual event as a team.The programme has been very well supported by the Year 5community, with a large number of parent volunteers overseeingeach training session. It has been an excellent demonstration ofcommunity spirit.Year 5 parent and personal trainer, Lisa Phinney, initiated theprogramme to inspire the girls to live healthy, active lifestyles. “Iwanted to teach them that being physically fit does not need to bearduous, it can be fun,“ she said. Lisa organised fun themes suchas a trivia walk for some of the sessions in order to keep the girlsentertained and interested.The PLC Pipe Band again marched at the annual ANZAC Day Parade this year.25

News Contents from ArchivesForm IV 1939Back, L-R: Valerie Carrington, Margaret Webster, Phyllis Winter, Barbara Barker, Beris Button, Aileen Pollard, unknown.Third row: Ailsa Newman, Beryl Turnbull, Verna Andersen, Nylsalie Newton, Thelma Mackay, Nellie Chapman, Lyla Alcorn, June East, Lillian Andersen, DierdreDyer, Beth Dunn.2nd row: Lorna Skinner, Erica Bell, Victoria Ezekiel, Barbara Beard, Betty Wolf, June Baker, Ailsa Fleming, Dulcie Cooper, Ray Conochie?, Jessie Nicholson, JoanThyne, June Henning.Front: Valma Morris, Gwendolene Beard, Flavia Pestalozzi, Jean Slatyer, Lesley Gibson, Marion Russell, Shirley Orr, Sonia Hill.In deciding her Year 10 Personal Project as part of the IB’s MiddleYears Programme last year, Anneke Rose (Year 10) knew shewanted to involve and make use of the PLC Archives. The PersonalProject presented the perfect opportunity to explore possible topicsthat would indulge Anneke’s general interest in archives. The earlyimages in the Photographic Collection are always inspiring, andso it was suggested she start there. She spent the next few hoursexamining those early albums and gradually her topic becameclear: ’To assist the School community by researching a Schoolphotograph from 1939, which will allow me to collect informationthat will enhance the PLC Archives.’ One particular photo caughther interest, identified as Form IVA 1939. Of the 38 girls in thephoto, 16 were unknown, or only tentatively identified. Annekeembarked on researching and confirming those 16 identities. Sheclosely examined the 1939 photo and others from the surroundingyears, seeking familiar faces. Using this technique she thought sheidentified Dulcie Falle formerly Strauch (Cooper 1941).Dulcie was someone who had been found in late 2011 as part of amonthly search for those with approaching birthdays. We quickly hada very surprised Dulcie on the phone and were grateful that she knewexactly which photo Anneke was referring to and that she was able toconfirm she was in the photo. It was a wonderful, early, first success.Dulcie later welcomed Anneke into her home for an interview to helpidentify others. Apart from the birthday card we sent her last year,this was the first contact she’d had with the School since her son,Ken Strauch (1961), left Kindergarten in 1948. At Dulcie’s request,Anneke was also delighted to be able to put her back in touch withher old friend, Jean Brodie-Hall (Slatyer 1942).Anneke then mailed a hard copy of the photo to as many peoplein it as possible, sparking a flurry of phone calls back and forthbetween the Old Collegians, Anneke and Archives, as the ladiesrecognised themselves and others and called to confirm and discuss.Anneke then interviewed June Hawkins (Henning 1942), whoidentified several others while she regaled Anneke about her daysas a boarder. June continued working on the photo even after theinterview, phoning through each snippet as it was remembered.The next interview was of Jean Brodie-Hall and Ailsa Jones (Fleming1941), together, during which the identity of the photo itself wascalled into question. Later, looking into class lists and other Archives’resources, Anneke discovered the photo is actually a mixed Formphoto which includes Forms IVA, B, C and Remove, along with Sub-Leaving and Leaving. During this meeting Jean and Ailsa also revealedthis was the first time they had seen each other since leaving school70 years before! Anneke had no idea, as they laughed, chatted, andshared their memories as comfortably together as if they’d seen eachother only the week before. Anneke listened and learned, as Jean andAilsa explained how the war changed everything and what a difficulttime it was, how people went in every direction and consequently losttouch with dear friends and each other.Further assistance from Nylsalie Tandy (Newton 1941) andAndrea Wharton (Newton 1957), plus painstaking examinationof this and other comparative photographs, has resulted in only twopeople being unidentified. One is in the back row and the other hadtentatively been identified as Rae Fernie (Conochie 1944), but Raewas not here until 1940. Perhaps some of our Old Collegians can helpput the final piece in place? Please contact Archives if you can help.26

ContentsThe process of research, fact checking and interviewing has taughtAnneke a great deal more than she expected at the outset. Apart fromthe people in the photograph, she’s learned about the earlier days ofPLC – how it looked during wartime with air-raid trenches runningacross the lawns and classrooms with canvas shutters and also aboutPLC girls themselves and the strong bond they feel even 70 years later.A common theme of conversation was Community Service; how thegirls raised money for the Cot and War Funds and the PresbyterianChildren’s Home in Byford with penny concerts and other annualperformances. Although Archives is one of the main beneficiariesof Anneke’s project, the process has also been enjoyed by the manyparticipants from the PLC community who have been broughttogether so that Anneke could have this glimpse into the past.Anneke’s project will be on display in the MYP Personal ProjectExhibition in the Middle School from Monday 30 July.Shannon LoveladyArchivistAilsa Jones (Fleming 1941), Anneke Rose (Year 10) andJean Brodie-Hall (Slatyer 1942).Bringing the Photographic Collection to the Online Community with FlickrAs mentioned before, I find the early photos from the PhotographicCollection particularly inspiring. Over the Christmas break I exploredFlickr and made these beautiful images accessible to the onlinecommunity.Currently I am primarily focused on the earliest years of 1915 to1930 and have uploaded 112 images to date into five sets:• Founders and Staff• Grounds and Buildings• Students• Sport• UniformThe images feature some favourites such as the 1928 weddingof Elizabeth 'Elsie' Finlayson (Principal 1922-1927), an earlyFounders’ Day celebration with Donald Carmichael (Founder)on the verandah looking directly at the camera, PLC in PalmerstonStreet, North Perth (previously Ormiston College), Scorgie and Junior(now Finlayson) Houses and grounds, early drama productions,prefects, the myriad shapes of the 1920s Panama hat (from clocheto wide brimmed), swimming classes at Freshwater Bay, the 1922carnival at Crawley, tennis and basketball teams, early uniform andsome casual, playful images from the Bonner, Metcalf, Ellershawand Thiel Collections (see Accessions Blackwatch Summer 2012,Winter 2008 and Summer 2009 respectively for the last three).This project is ongoing and more images will be uploaded from laterdecades as time permits.Please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/plcarchives/.Contact ArchivesEmail: archives@plc.wa.edu.auPhone: +618 9424 6476Below: A selection of some of the images from the PLC Archives Photographic Collection now available on Flickr.27

Contents News from Archives1 2 3Recent AccessionsJenny Fothergill, daughter of Lucy May ’Maisie’ Bloore(Watkins 1932)Twenty Years After by Alexander Dumas, PLC embossed andpresented to Maisie as Dux of Form 4A 1930; Sheet music for Underthe Double Eagle, a rousing Austrian marching song which Maisieplayed on the piano as students marched into assembly each day;Steel storage tube in which the following certificates spent the pastseveral decades rolled up; 1906 Perth Public Hospital nurse trainingcertificate for Lucy Ashton (Maisie’s mother); Maisie’s AustralianMusic Examinations Board certificates for having passed Grade VIPiano 1928, Grade III Piano 1931, Grade II Piano 1932 and GradeIII Theory 1935.Wendy MacLeod (Emmott 1963)Seven textbooks from 1959-1963; Wendy’s birthday and autographbook; 1962 Speech Day programme; Wendy’s School Reports from1959-1962 for Forms: 1D, 2L, 3E and Sub Leaving; 1959, 1960,1961 and 1962 Kookaburras (Note: 1960 copy is much appreciatedas there was only one in our Collection.)Fleur Edwards (Hull 1991)Editions of PLC News from June 1990, September 1991 and April1997.Graham McDonald, son of Elizabeth ’Nonnie’ McDonald(Hoile 1927)1923, 1924, 1925 and 1927 Kookaburras once belonging toNonnie, in addition to the 1922 Kookaburra sent last year.Natalie Angliss (Prevost 1977)15 Kookaburras (some multiples) once belonging to Natalie, hersister Marie-France Weedon (Prevost 1976) and their motherPaulette Prevost (past staff 1969-1981) from 1965-1969,1971-1975 (two from 1972 and 1974), 1979-1980 and 1993; 1980Senior School Speech Night Programme.Christine Price, past parent and daughter of MarjorieScurlock (commercial studies teacher 1941-1944)What is now the Marjorie Scurlock Collection, comprised of:Section 1, Correspondence: 16 letters, dating from a letter fromDr Vera Summers (Principal 1934-1961, staff from 1920)of 7 October 1940 offering Marjorie the position of commercialmistress at a salary of £175 per annum, to a home-made card fromMiss Winnie Barclay (staff 1942-1952) dated December 1955,featuring a tiny photo of the newly built Carmichael Hall on the face.Section 2, Miscellaneous: Two photos of Mrs Scurlock with studentson campus and at the beach; Exercise book titled Examinations1939 once belonging to previous commercial mistress and OldCollegian Ellen Williams (Foulds 1923, staff 1935-1939); Padof PLC writing paper; 1940 report for Lillian Andersen (1941);1941 and 1942 commercial references for Betty Stenhouse(Clapton 1943) and Prue McAllister (Shenton 1943); 1941 and1942 UWA Leaving Certificate Exams in Commercial Methods andBookkeeping; 1942 UWA application form for Supply of PercentageMarks filled in for Joan Lenz (1944) and Prue McAllister(Shenton 1943); 1943 Junior results for Leslie van Staveren(Bunce 1945), Berwine Barrett-Lennard (Cook 1945), ValmaeCornish (1945), Mae O’Halloran (Ellis 1944), Doreen Clemens(Hall 1944), Joan Franklin (Gartrell 1945), Dawn Dansey(Peek 1944), Jasmine Oldham (1945), Doris Schulze (Scott1946), Heather McLean (Sloss 1943), Lorell Millett (Smedley1945), Robin Neville (Chenell-Smith 1942), Frances Purdom(Taylor 1944) and Betty Mann (Rundle 1945); 1942 Kookaburra;Order of Service for the 1989 memorial of Heather Barr (Principal1968-1989).Section 3, Teaching Matter: PLC exercise book containing Marjorie’scommercial studies timetable, with results for all her students inthe back; 1940 UWA Examiners’ reports on Junior Shorthand andTypewriting; 14 Pitman’s Office Training weekly publications from1938-1942; 15 assorted pages (speed/accuracy tests, commonwords, etc) torn from other editions of Pitman’s Office Training1939-1940; Revisionary Book (typing); Examples of a letter and aninvoice for typists to copy.Kristin Duffy (Folvig 1961)DVD of 13 high-resolution digital images from 1960; Large reprintsof each image.Jacqueline Ritchie (Eyres 1961)Jacqueline’s 1957 School tie, hat band and three hat badges; Largephoto of 1961 Festival Choir; Small photo of Ann Gasiorowski(Forehan 1961) dated May 1959.28

Contents41. Processing the Marjorie Scurlock Collection.2. Back, L to R: Laurel Smedley, unknown, Betty Birch, Marjorie Scurlock,Joan Gartrell, unknown.Middle: unknown, Doreen unknown, unknown.Front: Val Charlton, Betty Rundle, Leslie Bunce.3 B Hockey TeamBack L to R: Ann Forehan, Barbara Beaumont, Sandra O’Dea, Hope Fraser,Glenys Fleay, Jacqueline Eyres.Front: Kristin Folvig, Anne Aitken, Jennifer Fraser (Captain), S Bradley,Dianne Matthews.4. Dr Vera Summers’ items donated by her godson, Robert King.Prue Leake (Cusack 1947)1918 UWA academic gown once belonging to Prue’s mother, MrsOlive Cusack (Deputy Principal 1941-1962); The obituary Pruewrote for her mother (see PLC News, December 1985).Jamelia Gubgub (1972)Jamelia’s various School projects on Tutankhamen, Sculptors ofFrance, Samuel (The Child of the Temple), Ancient Greek Art, TheGreat Barrier Reef and Canaletto; Invitation to the 1972 AnnualDance; Black Watch magazines September 1972 and August 1975(Jubilee edition); Page 11 of The Chronicle of 27 February 1990’PLC Marks its Anniversary: Girls’ college boasts 75 years of proudschooling’; Programmes for PLC productions Orpheus (1970),Saint Joan (1970) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1972);Two files of Jamelia’s Human Biology notes; Textbooks: Plant PotScience, Philips’ Comparative Commonwealth Atlas, Introductionto Biology, How English Works, Hymn Book and Book of Psalms; Sixart sketchbooks; Jamelia’s PLC Panama hat signed by all her friends.Helen Gianotti (Linton 1969)1967 Speech Night programme; Programme from Lady PreciousStream performed in August 1965; Extra Subjects form from 1966;miscellaneous paperwork associated with the Argyle Club 2000-2003.Fiona Field, daughter of Grace Howden (Thomson 1937, seeobituaries)Grace’s 1934 silver PLC hat badge.Jennie Mitchell (Hills 1961)Signed copies of Dr Vera Summers’ two books, ’Personalities andPlaces’ and ’The Light of Other Days’; Jennie’s PLC blazer pocket; PLCpennant once belonging to Jennie’s sister Libby Hills (1963).Robert King, godson of Dr Vera Summers (Principal 1934-1961 staff from 1920)Items once belonging to Dr Vera Summers: Gold cufflinks inscribedwith VS; Gold watch inscribed with VAS; Gold ’V’ lapel pin; A 1928postcard from Brussels from Dr Summers to her mother, in whichshe mentions going to have afternoon tea with Gwen Dowson(staff 1930-1933); Charming handwritten accounts of two dogs,Rover and Tim, from the early days of Perth, provenance unknown.Thanks to Archives VolunteersRegular volunteer and past staff member, Coralie Gadsdon,who has completed documentation of all trophies withinArchives and has begun the enormous but enjoyable task ofassembling a complete staff list from 1916 to present day.Amelia ’Millie’ Butler (Johnson 1940) via email, who assistsas needed and has recently helped to piece together thefamily members of Rae Harris (Tupper 1941), and promptedthe discovery of Miss Norah Mileson’s (Maths and Scienceteacher 1937-1938) exciting career as a munitions physicistand the sad fate of Miss Mollie Tipping (Maths and Scienceteacher 1935-1936).Julia Douglas, Nicole Battley and Aude Mangharam (Year8) who regularly donate an hour of their time after schoolon Thursdays and complete myriad tasks with interest andenthusiasm! Thanks also to Annabel Wilson and AliceMcGregor (Year 8) who come less often but whose help is noless appreciated.Current parent Kendal Shaber is a new, regular Archivesvolunteer who is scanning and photographing early issues ofKookaburra in preparation for digitisation (in-house). Kendalwill also be examining the lives and careers of some of our OldCollegians in the Interwar period (1918-1939).29

ParentsFrom the Plc AuxiliaryIn keeping with the theme of “community“ in this edition ofBlackwatch, it is perhaps an opportune time to underscore theAuxiliary’s vital role within the PLC community and the many waysit contributes to the School, its students, its parents and the widercommunity.The PLC Auxiliary meets in the Boarding House Sitting Room at9.00am on the last Monday of each term-time month. Parentswho feel that they would like to be actively involved in the PLCcommunity are warmly encouraged to attend these meetings.Coffee is available from 8.30am, so convenient if you would like tojoin us straight after drop-off.These friendly, open meetings are often the perfect forum to airany query a parent may have relating to the School. Principal, BethBlackwood, and Director of Community Relations, Chavaune Francis,usually attend these meetings. Ms Blackwood brings us up-to-datewith what is happening in and around the School and also makesherself available to address any questions directly. As the Auxiliaryis represented only by current PLC parents, parents can comfortablylook to the Auxiliary as a credible source of information and advice.Day and boarding mothers mingled at the Auxiliary’s City Country lunch inthe Boarding House.The Auxiliary’s organisation of parent social events has always beena big part of bringing the PLC community together. Our aim, tofoster closer bonds amongst parents, is something that can be veryvaluable considering the significant number of years many of ourchildren, and ultimately we as parents, will spend together duringour school years at PLC, and beyond.This is especially important for parents of boarders, for whomdistance can make it hard to get to know parents from the city andother parts of Western Australia. In addition to having a dedicatedBoarding House representative to help bridge the day student/boarding gap, the Auxiliary hosts an annual City Country Lunchwhich brings together both boarding and day parents, and whichserves to forge as strong a bond between families as exists betweentheir respective daughters.The Auxiliary also oversees an effective Pastoral Care programme.This programme is based on the notion that PLC is a ’family’, andas such, the Auxiliary can be relied upon to help with day-to-dayfamily activities such as transport, meals, etc. The programme is runin coordination with relevant staff at the School and is open to anyPLC family who needs assistance.The Auxiliary’s work in the wider community comes most visiblyto the fore with the hugely popular and successful Open GardenDay. Scheduled for 2 November this year, this annual event is anenormous undertaking for the Auxiliary and its small band oftalented Open Garden Day organisers. Not surprisingly, a hugeamount of planning and preparation goes into making OpenGarden Day the success it has always been, and it relies heavily onthe generosity of the PLC community who give freely of their timeto help stage the event. Visitors from far and wide come to see themagnificent gardens on show and sample the wonderful food andwares for sale on the day. Preparations and ticket sales are alreadywell under way, so be sure to support this event in any way you can.The PLC Auxiliary works to build relations between day and boarding families.A group of PLC mothers traveled to Beverley earlier this year to bond withboarding families in the area.Community and Service Learning is a vital, integral part of the PLCethos as well as the IB curriculum, and the Auxiliary is delightedto offer its support to several community-based initiatives andprogrammes. The Auxiliary has been instrumental in organisingappeals for books and food in the Junior School, and has assistedwith family-oriented Middle and Senior School projects such asboxing medical supplies at Royal Perth Hospital, participatingin a Soup Patrol to Fremantle and visiting the elderly at nearbyresidential homes. More on these projects can be found in thisissue’s Community feature.The Auxiliary is involved in many areas of life at PLC. For furtherinformation on how you, too, can become involved, or if you haveany queries, please contact us on auxiliary@plc.wa.edu.au.Siobhan ROLlinsonPLC Auxiliary President30

ContentsFrom the Parents’ CommitteeIt has been an exciting start to the year for the PLC Parents’Committee. We have a lively committee representing parents’interests and allocating much-appreciated funds to worthyprojects across the campus as well as to scholarships, professionaldevelopment projects and the Sundowner. The Committee fundsare generated from the annual Parents’ Committee subscriptionsand the fee incentive draws from each term.This year we have provided for the beautification of the JuniorSchool Summers House entrance and the purchase of custommadeperformance furniture for the Junior School Library. Wewould appreciate the PLC community’s input and suggestions forfurther projects across the campus. One possibility is to commissiona sculpture to celebrate PLC’s up-coming centenary. This sculptureshould embody the ethos of PLC and aesthetically enhance thecampus.In addition, the Parents’ Committee sponsored the PLC Sundowner,which broke all attendance records, and I must take this opportunityto thank all volunteers, making special mention of the Year 4 andYear 10 volunteers. We also sponsored the Martin SeligmanSeminar for PLC staff members as part of our commitment to theprofessional development of PLC teaching staff.At this time I would like to introduce you to some of our membersand invite you to consider your possible contribution to the Parents’Committee. The Committee meets on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pmat Scorgie House and we have robust discussions around topics ofrelevance to the PLC community. We are privileged to have BethBlackwood present the Principal’s report of the School to us ateach meeting and we also hear from community representativesfrom the PLC Auxiliary, Boarding House, Friends of Music, OldCollegians’ Association and sub-committees such as the Scholarshipsub-committee and Junior School sub-committee. We hope tohear a diverse range of views so that we may support the Schoolcommunity in as many ways possible. Please feel free to contactme if you have any questions, suggestions or would like to attenda meeting. This is a great way to get involved in your child’sschooling.The 2012 Parents’ Committee.The Parents’ Committee was able to provide for new paving to beautify theentrance to the Junior School.Jenny PlayfordParents’ Committee Presidentjenny@playford.bizJunior School students enjoy new performance furniture purchased by theParents’ Committee.31

Contents Old Collegians’ AssociationOCA President’s ReportWhat can the PLCOCA do for you?This is a question the PLC Old Collegians’ Association committee hasbeen contemplating over the past six months, as we consolidate theexcellent work that has been done by the PLCOCA over the years andlook forward to the up-coming centenary of the School in 2015.The PLCOCA constitution lists four key purposes – to foster a spiritof community between past and present Collegians; to provideleadership through example to present Collegians; to furtherthe educational objects of PLC; and to consolidate the specialrelationship established between Collegians during their PLC years.Shelley Stewart (Brand 1987) enjoying the Welcome Morning Tea with herdaughter, Chloe.An organisation like the PLCOCA is only as strong as its members’involvement. In order to ensure that the PLCOCA continues tofurther its purposes in the next 100 years, the committee is very keento hear your suggestions for future activities. Some of the ideas thecommittee has had in recent years include:• The development of a skills register, allowing you to find otherOld Collegians with a particular skill set.• A networking breakfast series allowing Old Collegians in similarindustries to connect.• A mentoring programme to enable more experienced OldCollegians to pass on their wisdom to young alumni justcommencing their careers or who are changing careers; or tomentor current students who are considering which directionthey want to take.Some of these ideas will take some time to implement, whereasothers can be done straight away. We are planning to hold at leastone networking breakfast in the second half of this year, with aseries soon to follow. Again, we are keen to hear your views onthese.L to R – Peta van Heurck (Gibson 1980) and Jenny Simpson (Hannon 1984)with their daughters, Alyssa and Laura.While we are looking at implementing some of these new ideas, wewill also continue to hold the wide variety of functions that we haveheld in recent years.In the first half of this year, we have been busy with the WelcomeMorning Tea and third annual PLCOCA Art Exhibition and Sale.Welcome Morning TeaThe Welcome Morning Tea was held on Monday 30 January. Wewelcomed over 50 Old Collegians and their daughters who werenew to the School in 2012. It was lovely to catch up with somefamiliar faces and to see past students reconnecting with those theyknew at school. As always, the Panama hat cupcakes were a hitwith the new students. The girls also enjoyed looking at photos andmemorabilia of their mothers’ PLC days, which was put together byPLC Archivist, Shannon Lovelady (Martin 1983).Group of ’new girls’ enjoying the Welcome Morning Tea32

ContentsArt Exhibition and SaleFrom 25 to 27 May, the PLCOCA held the third annual Art Exhibitionand Sale in the Middle School Gallery. We were very pleased to havealmost 30 artists from the PLC community exhibiting, including OldCollegians, their parents, siblings, partners and current and past PLCart teachers. The exhibition was opened by the Hon. Peter Collier MLC,who taught social science at PLC between 1987 and 1988, and whoreminded us of the importance of the OCA and of the role it plays instrengthening and maintaining connections between past studentsand the School. The opening was a fabulous night, setting the tonefor the rest of the weekend. The committee would like to express itsgratitude to all of the artists who contributed their beautiful artworkto the exhibition, in particular to Sophia Vinten (2007), whocurated the exhibition as well as exhibited.Wine and Cheese EveningA Wine and Cheese evening was held in July at the Cheeky Sparrowin Perth CBD, with Anita Robinson (2002) from Talisman Wines.L to R: Phoebe Anderson (2001), Muffie Rogers (Prater 1948) and BiancaPetterson (Serich 2002).Upcoming EventsThe second half of the year is always busy for the OCA with a numberof important events scheduled, including the AGM, interviews forOCA sponsored scholarships and the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner.The 2012 AGM will be held on Sunday 19 August at PLC. For severalyears, the OCA has intended to become an incorporated entity,meaning that it will have its own legal identity. In order to meet thelegislated requirements for incorporation, the PLCOCA constitutionrequires a few minor amendments. Further information about thiswill be provided closer to the date of the AGM and the amendmentswill be discussed and voted on at the AGM.A Final Note and Thank YouI succeeded Francesca Nelson (1980) as President of the PLCOCAat the beginning of this year. I would like to thank Francesca forher hard work and dedication as President and for her support as Itransitioned into the role this year.L to R: Georgina Adcock (2002), Minister for Education; Energy; IndigenousAffairs, Peter Collier and Kate Crompton (1999).After several years on the OCA, Helen Gianotti (Linton 1969) willretire from the committee at the upcoming AGM. Helen has beenthe secretary of the OCA for several years and she will be sorelymissed. However, she leaves behind an excellent set of templatedocuments and promises that it will be a breeze for someone to stepinto her shoes. If you are interested in becoming the secretary of thePLCOCA, please let us know.You can contact the PLCOCA through the PLC AlumniCoordinator, Colette James, on +61 8 9424 6520 or by email atalumni@plc.wa.edu.au. We look forward to hearing from you orseeing you at an event soon.Kate Crompton (1999)PresidentCurator, Sophia Vinten (2007) with one of her beautiful floral paintings.33

ReunionsReunion DatesYear of 1962 – 50 Year ReunionFriday 27 July 2012Year of 1952 – 60 Year ReunionFriday 14 September 2012Year of 2002 – 10 Year ReunionSaturday 6 October 2012Year of 1972 – 40 Year ReunionSaturday 13 October 2012Year of 1992 – 20 Year ReunionSaturday 3 November 2012The 65 and 70 Year Reunions will be held in conjunctionwith Founders’ Day on Friday 17 August.Calling All Past SingersIt is with sadness that we willbid Maribeth Williamson afinal farewell from the Musicdepartment when she retires atthe end of 2012. Maribeth wasofficially farewelled from PLC atthe end of 2010, but remainedteaching several Senior vocalstudents this year.As a final tribute from everyoneat PLC, we will be holding asmall concert followed by alight afternoon tea on Sunday25 November. We invite anypast members of the Chorale, or vocal students of Maribethto join us on this day, either singing in the Chorale, or as amember of the audience. If you are interested in being involved,please contact Head of Music Curriculum, Philippa Tan onptan@plc.wa.edu.au to receive more information about theconcert and a rehearsal schedule.We hope you can join us on this day.LONDONLondon ReunionOn 19 March, to coincide with Principal, Beth Blackwood’s overseas trip, a reunion of past students, living and working in London was heldat the WA Business Centre, Australia House on the Strand.It was a great success with 45 alumni attending. Every decade was well accounted for, with the early years being represented by JaneShackleton (1953), Angela Vincent (1956) and her twin sister Judith (1956).The menu had a distinctive Western Australian flavour and a large display of fresh Australian flowers made everyone feel at home.London Reunion group. L to R: Elissa James (2000) and Georgiana Lilley (1999).34

Contents50+ yearsEaster Service and LuncheonThe Easter Service was held on 5 April, the last day of Term 1. Almost 90 past students who left PLC 50 years ago or more, joined the staffand students for the service. At its conclusion, our guests joined Acting Principal, Keith Anderson, in the Cafeteria to enjoy a light lunch. Thisspecial occasion has become a regular event for some ladies who take the opportunity to catch up with old friends to share memories as wellas the changes happening around the College.L to R: Meg Parker (Pearson 1948) and Lady Jean Brodie-Hall AM(Slatyer 1942).L to R: Margaret Atkins OAM (Cusack 1947), June Craig AM (Lynn 1947) andAnn MacLiver (Bird 1952).MELBOURNEMelbourne Reunion41 girls attended an afternoon tea for the Melbourne Reunion on 27 May. This year the event was held at the Rialto on Collins Street forthe first time and was hosted by Principal, Beth Blackwood, and Director of Community Relations, Chavaune Francis. Every decade was wellrepresented with Mrs Joan Cooper (Lodge 1943), Mrs Joyce Goffin (McWilliam 1945) and Mrs Dack Grae (Fletcher 1948) standing infor the early years and a number of girls from 2011 demonstrating that the younger alumni are also keen to continue their strong ties to PLC.L to R: Susan George with her mother, Joan Cooper(Lodge 1943) and Felicity Summons (Evans 1977).L to R: Jacquey Booth (Plaistowe 1964) andJane Teasdale (1957).L to R: Eliza Prideaux (Reading 1996) andLucy Miles (1996).35

Contents ReunionsSYDNEYSydney ReunionThe Sydney Reunion was held on 29 May at Café Sydney in Customs House. Principal, Beth Blackwood and Director of Community Relations,Chavaune Francis hosted this cocktail party event with 49 former students in attendance.Old Collegians from 1947 (Tiggy Turpin) to 2009 had a wonderful time connecting with each other about their school days.L to R: Gillian Moore (Oakley 1962) and Nanette Danks (Harvey 1959). L to R: Sandra Keay (1976), Jan Hodge (Geddes 1952) and Jennifer Bowen (1973).L to R: Stephanie Price (1993), Kate McKenzie (Souness 1993) and LouiseMcGrath (Fitzgibbon 1993).L to R: Laura Ludgate (2002) and Amelia Gerrard (2002).36

Tartan NewsContentsOld Collegians UpdateNancy Unwin (Matthews 1951)Nancy worked at Westfarmers beforeundertaking general nursing training inFremantle. She then studied midwifery at KingEdward Memorial Hospital and paediatrics atPMH before working at the Ayrs MogumberMission. She married in 1962 and worked atMilne Bay in Papua New Guinea preparingPapuans for independence in 1975. She thenworked in Sydney, assisting with transferringnursing training into university. Shevolunteered with Lifeline, the Red Cross andMeals on Wheels.Judy Bryning (1953)Judy worked in various commercial officesand libraries and traveled throughout Europeand SE Asia. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts(Fine Arts) at Curtin University as well as aDiploma of Education and then taught Artin senior high schools. In 1996 she obtaineda Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, studyingpart-time at Murdoch University and alsotaught at TAFE. She has self-published twobooks, selling through the State Library, WestBooks and Dymocks in Fremantle.Rae Willis (Scott 1962)Rae spent three years training as a dentalnurse at Perth Dental Hospital. She lived inMelbourne and Adelaide when first marriedbefore moving to the south-west of WA for10 years. She has now returned to Perth tobe closer to family.Joanne Wild (Roberts 1969)Joanne and her husband Dennis run aletterpress printing studio in Elizabeth Town,Tasmania. They produce a range of archivalcards, featuring Jo’s original linocuts.Mary-Ellen King (1977)Mary-Ellen worked at the Perth ConcertHall in administration and becameAssistant Manager before becoming theMelbourne Manager of Opera Australia.She then studied for a Master of BusinessAdministration at Melbourne Universitywhile working as a project manager atHewlett Packard. She held several roles atthe Melbourne Symphony over eight years,culminating with the position of ActingManaging Director. She was an Executive atthe Victorian Arts Centre and then GeneralManager of the Melbourne InternationalArts Festival. After taking a break andtravelling for nine months, she returned toMelbourne to work in community care. Anew opportunity arose in Perth, allowingher to return ’home’ to undertake a role atBethanie Group.Naomi Ashurst (Smith 1983)Naomi completed a Bachelor of Science withfirst class Honours and a PhD in Biochemistryat the University of Western Australia. Withintwo weeks of submitting her thesis, shewas moved to Canberra, joining the PublicService in the Industry department. She hassince married and had a son, who is nowin his first year of high school. After 18years, she still enjoys working in the Industrydepartment, currently as a part-time managerof the Clean Technology Policy team.Vanessa Bennett (1985)Vanessa completed a Diploma in InteriorDesign in 1990 and worked in the UnitedKingdom for two years, travelling extensivelythroughout Europe. On her return to Perth,she worked in the interior design industryin both residential and shop fitting projects.After visiting New Zealand in the late 1990sfor a friend’s wedding, she decided to stayand gained a position as an Art Consultant.Returning to Perth, she completed aBachelor of Visual Arts and then a Diplomaof Education before working as a teacherin the north-west Kimberley region. She iscurrently teaching Art in the south-west andis enjoying life in Bunbury with her partner.Tricia Williams (Baldwin 1988)Tricia has been raising her two girls withher husband in Africa and South America.They are now living in the dream location ofDunsborough and are about to build theirlong-awaited house there.Bobbie Burrows (Mizen 1995)Bobbie is a youth worker and has worked forCockburn Youth Services for the past eightyears. She has been with her partner for 14years and they have a daughter, Melissa (9).They were married last November in MargaretRiver. Dominique Enever (Kurti 1996) wasone of the guests who shared their special day.Ellen White (Seaby 2004)After leaving PLC in Year 10, Ellen completeda Certificate IV in Business Administrationbefore moving back to the family farm. Shetraveled with her sister Dale Cronje (Seaby2001) before marrying in 2007 and movingto Dongara for two years. She and herhusband now live in Busselton, where sheworks in local government.Charlie Gribble (2011)Charlie is currently studying journalism andlaw at Bond University in Queensland.Fairy Turner traveled 3500km by tuk-tuk around India forcharity.Fairy Turner (2007)Fairy recently returned from a two-week charitytuk-tuk race across India to raise money forFrank Water Projects, a UK based organisationthat funds sustainable clean water projects indeveloping countries, and the Alzheimer’s Society.Fairy’s journey saw her travel 3500km from Cochinto Shilong, from the south-west to the northeastof the country. Her team placed 6th out of70 teams from across the world and avoided anymajor accidents and breakdowns.Linda Wayman wasrecently inducted in theWA Women Hall of Fame.Linda Wayman (1972)As part of theInternational Women’sDay celebrations on 8March, Linda Waymanwas inducted into theWA Women Hall of Famealong with 11 otherinductees.Linda was endowedwith this prestigiousacknowledgment of herachievements on thebasis of her leadershipand business contributions in Western Australia,in particular, her role in being a champion forwomen in the area of flexible working hours aswell as her mentoring and support contributionsto help women’s careers in the business world.Linda was also recently awarded the AdvertisingPerson of the Year by the Perth advertising andmedia industry.37

Tartan NewsLucinda Giblett (1998)Many years of study and travel followedLucinda’s five-year stint at PLC as a boardingstudent, but she always felt a specialconnection to the apple orchards she grewup with in Manjimup, WA.A turning point came in 2008, when herfather announced that the family weregoing to try their hand at organic farming.Having long been a supporter of engagingin healthy and sustainable activities forpeople and the natural environment, shewas quickly open to the possibility of afuture in Manjimup.Helen Gianotti currently volunteers as a KingsPark guide.Helen Gianotti (Linton 1969)Helen has always enjoyed volunteering,and has committed her time to Kindy,the PLC Auxiliary, Parents’ and OldCollegians’ committees, rowing andswimming – anything her four childrenwere involved in.Once her children left school, shedecided to do something for herself.It was while walking the family dogthrough Kings Park, that she thoughtto become a Kings Park guide. Afterseveral months of education andtraining, Helen officially became a guidein 2008.“Not only have I learned about thehistory of Kings Park and botanicgardens, I have also gained moreknowledge of our State’s history andNoongar culture, particularly in Perth, aswell as basic botanical and geographicalinformation,“ she said.Helen very much enjoys volunteeringat Kings Park. “Visitors to our park,no matter if they are from overseas orinterstate, always comment on howlucky we are to have such a beautiful,clean and vibrant park to enjoy,“ shesaid.She highly recommends Kings Parkvolunteering – either as a guide or evenassisting in the plant nursery or with theup-keep of the gardens.Currently enjoying her fourth year ofcountry living, Lucinda is passionate aboutorganic farming. “Organic farming is onecrucial step toward treating our worldholistically – as a sum of living parts that areinterlinked and interdependent,“ she said.With a strong desire to contribute to thebetterment of global agricultural issues,Lucinda recently founded a not-for-profitincorporated charity, Stellar Violets Inc,named to honour her grandmothers.Stellar Violets aims to create a culture andcommunity that is resilient and supportiveof life for future generations. Lucinda iscurrently focussed on the organisation’sStellar Violets Life Library, Living Museumand Gallery projects.The organisation is seeking majorsponsorship, donations, and key peoplewith the skills, support and dedication tobring this unique project to life. Pleaseget in touch if you, or someone you knowwants to contribute to something that willbe here long after we are gone.Mona Rankin (Nash 1948)Lucinda Giblett returned to Manjimup to assist withher family’s organic apple orchard. She has recentlystarted her own charity.80th Birthday CelebrationMona Rankin (Nash 1948) celebrated her80th birthday with a party on 1 April thisyear. She was joined by several lifelong friendsfrom PLC. Grae Dack (Fletcher 1948) visitedfrom Melbourne for the occasion and PamCunningham (Foreman 1948) and MargaretMartyr (Dreghorn 1948) also attended.38

Judith Curphey OAM (Oliver 1946)Judith founded the Australian Girls Choir 27 years ago, a groupbest known for its part in a Qantas television advertisement. Nowin her 80s, she remains actively involved with the choir in her roleas Artistic Director.The Choir provides opportunities to sing for girls 5 years old andupwards. With classes having commenced in Perth this year, theChoir is now nation-wide.The Choir has sung for many well-known Australian artistsincluding Olivia Newton-John, Hugh Jackman, John Farnham andJessica Mauboy. It also performed for Oprah Winfrey on her recentAustralian tour.Judith says she was most influenced by Dr Summers when at PLCas she always believed that young women should be encouragedto achieve whatever they chose to do.She is very proud of what she has achieved with the Choir,especially seeing the girls form lifelong relationships and sharingtheir love of singing and performing.Judith Curphey received an Order of Australia for her service to music,particularly her work with the Australian Girls Choir.Louise Furniss (Morey 1972)Louise has been fortunate to travel toZimbabwe this year with a Christian medicalteam for the second year in a row. CosmosHealthCare, an international health anddevelopment organisation based in Perthsends two teams overseas every year toprovide free medical clinics in rural villageswhere people traditionally have very littleaccess to quality health care. Louise’s rolein these expeditions is as an educator andgeneral assistant.Some villagers walk up to 20km and mayhave to wait up to five hours to be seenby medical staff. This year Louise broughtsewing kits and fabric with her for the locals,so that they could sew bags whilst waitingto be seen. These sewing sessions were aterrific success and the local nurse hopesthe sewing groups will continue. “They area great way of the community meetingin an informal way and being able to airproblems and give each other support. Italso provides an opportunity for health andlife skills education and discussion in a nonthreateningenvironment,“ Louise said.Louise Furniss started a sewing group initiative with local villagers during a recent charity tripto Zimbabwe.39

Tartan Obituaries NewsContents1We are saddened to learn ofthe deaths of the following OldCollegians:Doris May Bridge (York 1932)25 June 1915 – 17 February 2012Erica Christine Carpenter (Lenz 1953)28 April 1936 – 19 May 2012Irene Winifred Joan Cook (Rogers 1931)18 May 1914 – 31 May 2009Elaine Alison Dunn (Keys 1950)26 July 1932 – 17 March 2012Jean Maria George (Clairs 1947)14 September 1930 – 19 January 2012Margaret Joyce Hammond (Murdoch1938)27 June 1921 – 19 December 2011Camilla Margaret Hayman (Mather 1996)11 May 1978 – 14 December 2011(obituary deferred from previous issue)Dr Edith Margaret Hill (Kerr 1930)5 May 1914 – 2 April 2012Grace Welsh Howden (Thomson 1937)31 March 1920 – 30 March 2012Gwendolyn Frances May Humphry(Fawcett 1930)23 September 1913 – 20 February 2012Margaret Lesley Leppnus (Haining 1939)22 November 1922 – 4 February 2012Verna June Lester (Fetridge 1945)30 June 1928 – 24 October 2011Valerie Hartley Lynn (Paton 1942)14 February 1925 – 11 August 2011Heather McLean formerly Cohen (Sloss1943)14 February 1923 – 19 October 2011Molly Eagleton McNee formerly Green(Reading 1927)24 June 1910 – 24 October 2010Cecily Odell Moffett (Kellow 1941)6 August 1926 – 27 November 2011Aileen Merle Murray (Pollard 1941)13 September 1924 – 18 August 2011Jean Lydia Oldham OAM (Leake 1946)4 December 1928 – 26 April 2012Patricia Elizabeth Pinnick (Murray 1952)29 July 1935 – 9 January 2012Alice Ruth Rayner (Beilby 1945)27 May 1928 – 3 March 2012Dulcie Redgrave (Thomas 1935)1 July 1918 – 25 September 2009Deborah Beatrice Sadleir formerly Elliott(Drummond 1940)30 July 1923 – 30 October 2008Rhonda Joy Serventy (Jordan 1952)4 August 1937 – 24 September 2011Peggy Marion Whitewood (Anderson1945)7 April 1927 – 3 March 2012Nellie Westerberg (Chapman 1940)14 June 1923 – 6 January 2012Amy Wilkinson (Chapman 1943)22 February 1926 – 6 February 2012Joan Yates (1936)2 August 1919 – 18 January 2012Jean Maria George (Clairs 1947)14 September 1930 – 19 January 2012Jean came from Swanbourne State School toPLC in Grade 2, 1939. Her twin brother, Noeland older brother, Ivan both attended ScotchCollege, down the hill from their WoodStreet home.After matriculation, Jean studied nursing atRoyal Perth Hospital, after which she movedto Melbourne to obtain her midwiferycertificate at the Royal Melbourne Women’sHospital. She then travelled overseas fora number of years and during this time,worked at the Braille Eye Hospital in London.Upon her return to WA she married BryanGeorge and they settled in Attadale withtheir three children – Christopher (Old ScotchCollegian), Elizabeth Blincow (George1976) and Jane O’Brien (George 1979).Jean continued to nurse through all herworking years and loved it with a passion.She also played tennis twice a week, swameach morning with the Port Beach PolarBears and always maintained contact withher school and nursing friends. She was alsoa lover of cruise ships and would jump atthe chance to join a girlfriend and cruise toany number of exciting destinations. Afterretirement she was an active committeemember of the local Probus chapter anda regular parishioner at St Christopher’sChurch in Bicton.Jean was a very positive person and activeuntil the last year or so, when her healthbegan to fail. She and Bryan were stillliving in Attadale when she passed awayfrom a stroke, aged 81. She was a frequentattendee at PLC Old Collegian events and anintegral part of her 1947 cohort. She will besorely missed.40

Tartan NewsContents2 31. Junior School 1939Back, L to R: Elizabeth Bold, Jan Martin, unknown,Elaine Davies, Debbie Sanderson, Joyce McWilliam,Joan Melsom3rd row, L to R: Vivian Morris, Deidre Davies,Laurel Jenkinson, unknown, Susan Hunt, unknown,Judith Keane, unknown, Patricia ’Tishy’ Keane2nd row, L to R: Sue Mills, Marge McWilliam,Katharine Brisbane, unknown, June Rosier, RobynCarne, unknown, Yvonne Wilson, unknown,Front, L to R: Margaret Rowsell, Clare Davies, JeanClairs, Joan Grant, Pat Harrison, Morwenna Vincent,Anne L’Epagniol, unknown2. Camilla Hayman (Mather 1996)3. Dr Edith Hill (Kerr 1930)Camilla Margaret Hayman (Mather1996)11 May 1978 – 14 December 2011From the moment Camilla was born it wasobvious she was a people person. A friendly,playful child, she seemed to always know whatto say and do and if she didn’t, she found out.Dedicated to hard work in everything shedid, she quickly made herself indispensableat school. She was practical, pragmatic,a leader and organiser. While she was atPLC the state of the art Hazel Day DramaCentre was built. Within months she wasthe “go to“ person for anything to dowith drama, stage management or back ofhouse. Her contribution to the school wasacknowledged by awarding her the DramaCaptaincy and the Perth Soroptimist HeatherBarr Memorial Prize for Citizenship as theperson most likely to succeed in life.Her gap year was spent at a school for thedisabled in the UK. The pay was minimaland the hours long and arduous, but thepeople-skills she learnt from her students andfellow teachers stood her in great stead. Herexperience there led her to studying humanmovement at UWA. At the end of her degreeher talents were recognised by the AustralianInstitute of Sport (AIS) with a postgraduatescholarship in bio-mechanics. She then joinedthe performance analysis team where sheanalysed potential Olympians in various sportsincluding swimming, diving, aerials, andskeleton. She travelled the world performingthis job, usually carrying in excess of 35suitcases full of equipment. She was publiclyacknowledged as being influential in at leastone gold medal through her analyses in bothsummer and winter Olympic sports.Camilla was the most motivational coach;she could inspire anyone to keep running upsands hills, no matter how much their wholebody was hurting. She coached PLC girls andScotch boys, and later the ACT Academy ofSport rowers. Camilla was proud to be thefirst female member of the Golan Club, theexclusive Scotch College WA rowing club onlyopen to the rowers and coaches of Scotch.The AIS attracts people of unique andamazing skills and it was not long before thetalented rowing cox, Brett ’Pepe’ Haymancaught her eye. Within months they movedin together and were engaged to be married.It was during this time that Rowing Australiacontracted her to write their coaching manualand Rowing ACT had team Hayman coachingand coxing their King’s Cup rowing crew.Unfortunately in the midst of joy there wassorrow, as at this time, Camilla’s tripping gaitwas diagnosed as being caused by a braintumour. She embarked on a six and a halfyear journey that left those who knew her inawe of her physical and mental strength. Shedid not let her personal fight interfere withher determination to build a wonderful lifewith her loving husband Pepe and son Josh.She was balanced and talented in every areaof life.She retained her sense of humourthroughout, evidenced by her telling ofa joke in the middle of a conscious brainsurgery in 2011. The neurosurgeon admittedthat in his entire career, he had never hadsomeone on the operating table make himand his anaesthetist laugh.She was very proactive in giving back to thecommunity. She was a foster carer, walkedfor Cure for Cancer and participated in TheFRIENDly Ride in September 2011. She nevergave up, never complained and really madea difference. She was always admired forthe way she knew where she was going. Herdetermination of direction and the respectshe earned for that extended well beyondrowing circles. She was a leader; smart,intelligent, driven, and motivated, not onlyfor herself but also for those around her. Thequote: “If you need something done, give itto a busy person“ fitted Camilla completely.Her family consider themselves privilegedto have shared her journey, knowing theirlives have been enriched from having her intheirs. She is deeply missed.Dr Edith Margaret Hill (Kerr 1930)5 May 1914 – 2 April 2012Edith was the daughter of Dr Charles andLina Kerr who arrived in WA in 1914 andbegan practicing medicine in Donnybrook.After a brief move to Meekatharra, Dr Kerrpurchased a medical practice in Fremantlein 1918.Edith had a quick, intelligent mind anda desire to learn. She came to PLC fromFremantle’s Church of England GrammarSchool in 1925 and excelled in her studiesand sports, playing netball in winter andtennis in summer. She completed herLeaving in 1929 with English, Maths, Physics,French and Biology but being too young foruniversity entrance, was offered a scholarshipto stay on for 1930, during which sheconcentrated on Latin and German. Thatyear she was Deputy Head Prefect as well asKookaburra Editor and received the Form VIAprize for Proficiency.In 1931 Edith became the first PLC OldCollegian to enrol in medicine, only availableat Melbourne University. For the first threeyears she was resident at Janet Clarke Hall,but in 1934 shared a flat with school friendJo Waters (Church 1929), who was41

Obituaries Tartan NewsContents1 2studying art. She graduated in 1938 andwhile working at Brisbane General Hospital,met fellow doctor James Hill, from Sydney.In October 1939 they became engaged.They married in Queensland in January 1940and purchased a practice in Cooroy, a smalltown north of Brisbane. Edith soon hadtwo daughters, Margaret and Josephine. Asthe war intensified, James was conscriptedinto service. Edith was required by theCommonwealth Manpower Commissionto continue the practice and run theCooroy Base Hospital at the same time. Thegovernment allotted her nannies and cooksso she could continue in her demanding roleas the only doctor in the region. They werebusy and difficult times.James survived the war and after lengthyrehabilitation, returned to the Cooroy practice.Two more daughters were born shortly afterthe war; Kirsty and Prudence. Edith and Jamescontinued working in the practice and thebase hospital but in about 1950 they sold thepractice and moved to Sydney so that Jamescould study obstetrics and gynaecology. Aftera short time, they moved north once againand in 1952 settled into ’Baroona’, an historichome in Rosalie (now part of Paddington),Brisbane, where their fifth and last child,James, was born later that year. Edith thenretired from medicine and shifted her focusonto raising her family.Once her children were older, Edith travelleda great deal, sometimes back to Perth to visitfamily, including her brother Charles, andnieces Penny Muir (Kerr 1957) and MaryThrelfall (Kerr 1965). They loved thesevisits from their sprightly, glamorous auntwho was vivacious and young at heart, evenin her later years.In the 1980s James and Edith moved toChapel Hill and after James died she builtanother house for herself and Josephinewho, through illness in her teenage years,was now an invalid. In her late 70s, Edithsuffered a stroke which made it very difficultfor her to converse. It was a cruel blow,as she loved company and was naturallyoutgoing and gregarious. Otherwise herhealth was good and served her well into herold age. She retained her natural elegance,smoking cigarettes with a beautiful, long,art deco holder and enjoying wine with hermeals to the end. She passed away at LilianCooper Nursing Home, Kangaroo Point,Queensland, aged 97.Grace Welsh Howden (Thomson 1937)31 March 1920 – 30 March 2012Grace was born in her grandmother’s homein Scotland and spent her early years inHeidelberg, Victoria. The Depression saw thefamily move to WA in the early 1930s andsettle on farming land at Marchagee. Life onthe farm was harsh; a machinery shed andworkshop were the only permanent structuresand the family slept in tents with all cookingdone outside. When Grace was 11 hermother fell ill and Grace quickly learned howto cook for the family and all farm hands.Initially schooled by correspondence, theopportunity for Grace to attend PLC arosewhen her Scottish grandmother died, leavingmoney for her to go to boarding school.Grace came to PLC in 1934 at the height ofthe Depression. Though only here for twoyears, they left a lifelong imprint on hermemory and she often recounted havingto eat tripe for dinner, attend church twoor three times on Sundays (the only day onwhich you could have jam on your bread),all-seasons open-air dormitories and auniform of the new Black Watch woollenskirt and lisle stockings. As so many fromthat time remember, they froze in winter andboiled in summer. Nevertheless her days atPLC were very happy ones and it was hereshe made some of her closest friendshipswhich endured throughout her life,particularly with Helen Parry (Taylor 1937),Kath Wallace (Scott 1934) and RuthThomson (Bowman 1936) who marriedGrace’s eldest brother Peter.In 1938 at age 18, Grace and her parentsmoved to Melbourne where she wentto business school and qualified as acomptometrist. In 1941 she applied forthe Australian Women’s Army Service andwas deployed to the Signals Corps for theduration of the war and rose through theranks to become a Captain. She was campcommandant at Fawkner Park when the warended.It was through the Army that Grace metStace Howden, her brother Sandy’s CompanyCommander. They married in 1948 andenjoyed 40 happy years together. Theirchildren, Fiona and Kenneth, were bornin 1950 and 1957 and they agree it wasas a loving wife, mother and consummatehomemaker that Grace showed many of herfinest attributes.In the 1980s Grace completed her VCE inEnglish and Philosophy so she could enjoydiscussing texts and plays more thoroughlywith Stace. After he died she became a keenand intrepid traveler, taking wonderful tripsoverseas and to remote parts of Australiawith her old friend, Helen Parry (Taylor1937). In 1990 she made her first visit tothe west in 45 years to attend a PLC Reunionwith Helen, her sister-in-law, Ruth andJosephine McLarty (1935), Tui Naughton(Thomson 1937), Shirley Taylor (Angel1938), Coral Thomas (Pascoe 1937),42

31. AWAS Captain Grace Howden (Thomson1937) during WWII2. Grace Howden (Thomson 1937)3. 1935 Kookaburra with photos of Joan Yates(1936) as she appeared in Prefects and A HockeyTeam photos, with her PLC hat badge (1930),Prefect tiepin (1935) and Book of CommonPrayer, complete with cross woven from grass.Marjorie Cartledge (Lissiman 1938),Thyra Robertson (Horswill 1935), KathWallace (Scott 1934), Dorothy McLarty(Partridge 1936) and Judith Allnutt(Pestalozzi 1936).She loved her seven grandchildren and fourgreat grandchildren and was able to connectand interact with them easily. Her interest inpeople and concern for others were intrinsicto the way she lived her life and reflectedher strong Christian faith. She had the abilityto accept what life brought her and to becontent and happy with her lot.Joan Yates (1936)2 August 1919 – 18 January 2012Joan enjoyed a country childhood growingup in Busselton where her father, Dr PercyYates, established a medical practice. Afterprimary schooling at Busselton State School,Joan began her six years of boarding at PLCaged ten in February 1930.Joan settled like a duck to water andloved her time at PLC. There were severalhighlights during 1935, her final year (Sub-Leaving). She was Captain of the RunningTeam, a keen forward on the A Hockeyteam and a Boarding Prefect. In June, DrSummers organised a private tour over theDutch submarine KVXIII for Joan and thetwo other Boarding Prefects, KathleenWallace (Scott 1934) and Hazel Higgins(Day 1935).The other major highlight that year waswhen the whole school celebrated theofficial opening of the new oval on 12October with great fanfare. Chair of CouncilDr D D Paton and Founder and long-termmember of Council Professor A D Rosspresided over the ceremony which wasimmediately followed by the very first InterHouse sports meeting. Joan was a closerunner up for Champion Athlete that day, inboth Open and Under 16 categories.After leaving PLC, Joan boarded with MrsJanet Dawson nee Phemister (PLCHeadmistress 1928-1933), who tutoredher in her Leaving at the Academic CoachingBureau in St George’s Terrace, run by MrsDawson in partnership with Mrs EdithWhitaker (PLC Deputy Headmistress1928-1930). Joan then returned toBusselton, but regularly accompanied hermother, Evelyn, on frequent trips back toPerth. She maintained her love of exerciseand became strongly focused on the Lingmethod, a series of precise, slow moving,gymnastic exercises also known as SwedishDrill, which was being adopted throughoutthe world at that time. In May 1938 Joantravelled to England where she commencedstudies at Bedford Physical Training College,one of only four women’s colleges inEngland that taught the Ling method.In mid 1939, along with representativesof 37 nations and 7000 demonstrativegymnasts, she attended the Lingiade festivalin Stockholm, the gymnastic equivalent ofthe Olympic Games held to celebrate thecentenary of the death of Per Henrik Ling,inventor of the method.Shortly thereafter, her studies weresuspended due to the war and she returnedhome via Canada, the US, New Zealandand the eastern states in late 1939. It was aharrowing journey but she was determinedto complete her training and had seriousambitions of doing so in Sweden, as shebelieved they led the world in physicaleducation. The continuing war made thisan impossibility, however, and she laterattained her Diploma in Physical Educationfrom Melbourne University. She then taughtPE for a short time, but was later prohibitedfrom teaching at schools due to her epilepsy,which was thought to have been brought onby a severe case of sunburn at age two. Shethen worked at the Forestry Department inBusselton before being appointed secretaryto the director of the Perth City Librarywhere she stayed for many years, charmingher colleagues with her quaint sayingsand excellent sense of humour. She hadWednesdays off and enjoyed spending themplaying golf.In March 1942, Joan was honouredto act as bridesmaid for lifelong friendVerna Rowbotham (Ross 1937). Therewere a number of opportunities for Joanto also marry, but due to the war andother circumstances, that occasion nevereventuated. She delighted in her friends’children and her nieces and nephews whenthey came along, and was very muchinvolved in their early lives.On retirement, Joan returned to the familyhome in Busselton to care for her agingmother and father who died in 1983 and1985 respectively. She then happily immersedherself in bookwork until it became evidentshe was suffering with dementia. Herdeclining health made it necessary for herto return to Perth in 2002, so she could becloser to her extended family and receiveproper care. She spent three years at PilgrimHouse in East Fremantle and the last six atAlfred Carson Lodge in Claremont and it wasthere she died, aged 92.43

Dates For Your DiaryJULYTUESDAY 24 JulyWEDNESDAY 25 JULY TO SUNDAY 29 JULYFRIDAY 27 JULYMONDAY 30 JulyAUGUSTSATURDAY 4 August TO 5 AUGUSTSUNDAY 5 augustTUESDAY 14 augustFRIDAY 17 AUGUSTSATURDAY 18 AUGUSTSUNDAY 19 augustMONDAY 20 augustTHURSDAY 23 AUGUSTFRIDAY 24 AUGUSTMONDAY 27 AUGUSTWEDNESDAY 29 augustWEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST TOTHURSDAY 30 AUGUSTFRIDAY 31 AUGUSTSEPTEMBERWEDNESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER toTHURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBERSATURDAY 8 SEPTEMberSunday 9 SeptemberTUESDAY 11 SEPTEMberFRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBERTHURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER TOFRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBERFRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER TOTUESDAY 25 SEPTEMBERMONDAY 24 SEPTEMberFRIDAY 28 SEPTEMberOCTOBERMONDAY 1 OCTOBERSATURDAY 6 OCTOBERTUESDAY 9 octoberSATURDAY 13 OCTOBERTUESDAY 16 octoberFRIDAY 19 OCTOBER toSATURDAY 2O OCTOBERWEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBERMONDAY 29 octoberNOVEMBERFRIDAY 2 NOVEMberSATURDAY 3 NOVEMBERTUESDAY 13 NOVEMberMONDAY 26 NOVEMberTHURSDAY 29 NOVEMberDECEMBERSUNDAY 2 DECEMberTUESDAY 4 DECEMBERWEDNESDAY 5 DECEMberTHURSDAY 6 DECEMBERterM 3 COMMENCESSCHOOL MUSICAL - SEUSSICAL50 YEAR REUNIONauXILIARY MEETINGpp EXHIBITION OPENINGKARRATHA FENACLNG FESTIVALoca MOVIE AFTERNOONoca MEETINGparents’ COMMITTEE MEETINGFOUNDERS’ DAYHEAD OF THE RIVERoca AGMauXILIARY MEETINGMIDDLE AND SENIOR SCHOOL ARTS DAYMID-TERM BREAKMID-TERM BREAKgrandparents AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAYdoWERIN FIELD DAYJUNIOR SCHOOL ARTS DAYneWDEGATE FIELD DAYspring CONCERTyear 13 SUNDOWNERoca MEETINGparents’ COMMITTEE MEETING60 YEAR REUNIONMINGENEW MID WEST EXPOstudent ART EXHIBITIONauXILIARY MEETINGterM 3 CONCLUDESQUEEN’S BIRTHDAY10 YEAR REUNIONoca MEETING40 YEAR REUNIONterM 4 COMMENCESparents’ COMMITTEE MEETINGesperance AGRICULTURAL SHOWVALEDICTORY DINNERauXILIARY MEETINGopen GARDEN DAY20 YEAR REUNIONoca MEETINGparents’ COMMITTEE MEETINGauXILIARY MEETINGpre-PRIMARY NATIVITYoca CHRISTMAS CAROLSJUNIOR SCHOOL SPEECH NIGHTterM 4 CONCLUDESMIDDLE AND SENIOR SPEECH NIGHT