plc sydney connect magazine summer 2014

PLC SYDNEY BIANNUAL MAGAZINE ISSUE 12: SUMMER 2014

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCIENCE CONFERENCEA SUCCESSFUL SNOW SEASONINTERTWINED EXHIBITIONYEAR 12 GRADUATIONPARENT SEMINARSDISNEY COMES TO PLC SYDNEY

PLC Sydney acknowledges the Wangal people, of the Dharug dialect, on whose land the College resides, and pays respect to Elders both past and present.

Editor: Mrs Nicole Paull

Contributors: Dr Paul Burgis, Ms Carolyn Lain, Gwendalyn Dabaja, Ms Fiona Clouston, Emma Carnuccio, Isabelle Hooton, Catherine Taylor, Natalie Teh, Hayley Ng, Averlie Wang, Madeleine Maloof, Cailin Pascoe, Mrs Fiona Hendriks, Claire Protas, Madeline Panos, Isabella Cordaro, Leila Bunguric, Sophie Hayman, Mr Adam Bold, Claire Sharman, Ms Jenny Clarke, Mrs Melissa Watters, Mr Andrew Paxton, Mrs Joanna Taylor, Emma Bosco, Clare Bosco, Dr Elizabeth Guy, Ms Jo Knight, Mrs Rowena Barnett, Mrs Cassandra Morphew, Ms Belinda Harden, Kaitlin Nobbs, Mrs Annie Martin, Mrs Sarah Waller, Selina Zhang, Irene Magliveras, Elizabeth Kim, Averlie Wang, Jasmine Atkins, Beatrice Hobson, Ms Jo Hermann, Christina Bouletos, Sophia Law, Ms Katrina Avery, Ms Virginia Rowlands, Mrs Catherine Marvell, Ms Philippa Street, Mrs Carolyn Sanford, Mrs Anne Schroers, Ms Jade Schroers, Ms Rachel Schroers, Ms Alice Schroers, and Ms Lucy Humphrey.

Connect magazine is printed on Sovereign Offset. It is a FSC certified paper and contains fibre sourced only from responsible forestry practices and made with elemental chlorine free pulps.

1 From the Principal

2 Outstanding young writer recognised

3 St Aloysius’ College and PLC Sydney Special Concert

4 International Student Science Conference

5 SMART Tree project

6 Living the dream

7 Disney comes to PLC Sydney

8 The end of Year 12

10 The East Timor story so far

11 Sydney Eisteddfod results

12 Ancient History Tour

13 Central Australia Tour

14 60 seconds with… Mrs Melissa Watters

14 60 seconds with… Mr Andrew Paxton

15 The writing is on The Wall

16 A successful snow season

17 Creative writing workshops

18 Intertwined exhibition

20 Parent seminars

21 Pipe Band Tour to Perth 2015

22 Rising star on the hockey field

23 Sleek geeks

24 Self-defence day

25 Textiles technology students inspired by upcycling trend

26 The serious business of scientific fun

27 Year 2 Camp

28 Year 12 graduation: Giving thanks

30 Year 12 graduation: Go well class of 2014

32 ALUMNI: Alumni @ PLC Sydney

33 ALUMNI: An evening of memories (class of 1974 Reunion)

34 ALUMNI: Where are they now?

Above Image: Pre-Kindergarten students add the finishing touches to their KidzArt installation.

Cover image: Taking a break at the entrance to the Athenian Acropolis in Greece during the Ancient History Tour.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dr Paul Burgis Executive Principal

AS YOU LOOK through the articles in this edition you might like to ask yourself what the purpose of education is at PLC Sydney. Our trip to China was an example of a project that assisted young women to develop skills in scientific enquiry in a manner that might grow the Australian economy; the Science Week report and the training in our hockey and ski programs are about learning how to learn; the reports on Junior and Senior School writing indicate the personalised nature of learning at PLC Sydney; the Central Australia Tour is about building an understanding of social justice; and the History Tour and Music reports are on the great joy in finding out about the world and engaging in it.

The education debate is really about priorities. We seek to prioritise the third, fourth and fifth purposes, and believe that the first two will result if we do our job well.

In this edition you will see evidence of the breadth of programs at PLC Sydney, and the high level of engagement with programs by students. One of the indicators of student flourishing is positive engagement. I see it each day at PLC Sydney. I hope you enjoy reading about it in this edition of Connect.

Dr Burgis with Year 9 student Madeleine Maloof in China for the 10th International Student Science Conference

The Review of the National Curriculum gives five possible purposes for education:

1. Developing practical skills and strengthening the future economy – utilitarian

2. Preparing students to live in an uncertain future – 21st Century learning

3. Developing the individual child – personalised learning

4. Bringing about equity and social justice – education for social purposes

5. Exploring the great breadth of ideas and skills that exist, appreciating and applying them – liberal humanist

ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2014 1

OUTSTANDING YOUNG WRITER RECOGNISED

Year 6 student Gwendalyn Dabaja has been presented with a Gold award in the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) ‘WriteOn’ competition.

Gwendalyn being presented her Gold award by Mr Tom Alegounarias, President of BOSTES

WRITEON IS AN annual writing competition for NSW students in Years 1 to 6. It is designed to encourage young students to develop their writing skills in an engaging way. Using a photograph for inspiration, students are asked to write a short piece in an imaginative, persuasive and/or informative style.

Congratulations to Gwendalyn on her outstanding achievement.

Ms Carolyn Lain Junior School English Coordinator and ESL Teacher

Here is Gwendalyn’s winning submission.

Tom wasn’t your average twelve-year-old boy. Unlike others his age, he didn’t care for screen gazing. Knowing his birthday was approaching, he didn’t beg his parents for the latest gadget or game. What he wanted more than anything was to go camping.

Reluctantly, Emily and Joe agreed when their only son made his simple, but horrifying request. Emily ordered her outfits and the cute green tent online. Most importantly, she tried to sound willing when she casually let it slip at work she was going ‘glamping’, in keeping with her champagne taste.

Binoculars raised, Tom peered through the scrub. It took discipline to be that still, but it was worth it. What he was witnessing was science in motion. The male of the species prowled around aggressively, trying to locate his prey. His desperation was driven by the basic need for food. The female of the species paced impatiently, waiting for her cub to return. The tension was thick, as the animals became frustrated, released after being so long in captivity and finally where they were meant to be. It would take some adjustment, but Tom had high

hopes for them. He carefully put down his binoculars and reached for his notepad. Interesting, he observed, scribbling in hurried shorthand. They seem disoriented and forlorn. Almost confused and without purpose. Once placed in their natural environment, they resemble monkeys!

Reaching for his backpack, Tom felt around for his pocket calculator. It was a risky experiment. With careful aim, he tossed it in the direction of his subjects. Pencil and notepad poised precariously in one hand, the other holding his only form of vision, there was an almighty scramble for the shiny tactile gadget. There was only one calculator, but two of them. The scramble was ferocious and Tom forgot to maintain his distance, running in order to get a closer look. The whistle hanging around his neck swung to the rhythm of his run. Stopping abruptly, Tom placed the whistle between his lips and blew as loud as he could.

That night, Tom lay in his sleeping bag full of sausages and contentment. Eyes closed, the words on his notepad floated above him as he slipped into slumber. Fascinating day in the wild. They really did not know what to do with themselves! His parents really were lost without technology!

“Mum. Dad. Thank you for a wonderful birthday. But I have to tell you, that when we get home, there are going to be some changes. I think we will start with parking your laptops and phones with me after dinner. It is time for some serious adjustment to your lifestyle.”

Emily blushed silently in the front passenger seat, secretly making plans about playing Candy Crush in the Dentist waiting room where her son could not see her. As Joe slammed the car boot shut, restraining the last of the ‘glamping’ items he wondered how his son became the sensible one all of a sudden.

The competition photo used for inspiration (courtesy of BOSTES)

PLC SYDNEY | CONNECT 2

THIS CONCERT WAS the ‘brain child’ of Ms Monique Curiel (Head of Performance Music) and Mr Tim Chung (Head of Music at St Aloysius’ College) who often perform together with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir. Ms Curiel and Mr Chung organised an amazing event of combined choral and orchestral pieces.

More than150 musicians from both schools were involved in items from South Africa (‘Ukulthula’), Billy Joel (‘And So It Goes’), a Mozart Symphony, some Australian string pieces by Queensland composer Stephen Chin, and to finish the evening all the musicians performed For The Beauty of The Earth by John Rutter and Zadok The Priest by Handel. Thank you to all the girls for performing so well, to the Music Support Group parents for providing the dinner before the concert and to Ms Fiona Clouston, Mr Michael O’Dea, Ms Monique Curiel and Ms Synthia Luo for helping organise and rehearse the music. It was a wonderful event and one that we hope will happen again.

Scan the QR code with your digital device or visit the PLC Sydney channel on YouTube to view the performance of Handel's Zadok The Priest.

ST ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE AND PLC SYDNEY SPECIAL CONCERTIn August this year a special event was held in the Audrey Keown Theatre when more than 80 boys from St Aloysius’ College descended upon the school to perform in a wonderful concert.


DR BURGIS, Mrs Hendriks and Mr Wishart took Emma Carnuccio, Isabelle Hooton, Catherine Taylor, Natalie Teh, Hayley Ng, Averlie Wang, Madeleine Maloof and Cailin Pascoe. Countries from around the world such as India, America, Britain, Russia, Mexico, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Australia gave presentations about their scientific ideas relating to current world issues suiting the theme ‘Science, Creativity, Life’.

We presented three projects: the effect of Xenical on the inhibition of lipase; the effect of greywater on mung bean sprouts; and the SMART Tree project. All three projects deal with current concerns in our world such as obesity, effective water use and climate change.

The standard of the foreign presentations were extremely high, particularly the students from Saint Paul’s Co-educational College, Hong Kong; The Doon School, India; and Tonbridge School, United Kingdom who produced innovative and creative projects such as stem cell and heart regeneration, brain computer interfacing and investigating the effect of halophilic bacteria on the growth of salt-stressed barley. We also

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCIENCE CONFERENCE

attended two scientific lectures titled The Quantum Touch of Bit and High Temperature Superconductors which gave us an insight into professional sciences in the world.

During our trip, we developed close friendships with students from around the world, and were also able to immerse ourselves in Chinese culture. We visited cultural monuments such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and The Emperor’s Gardens. Other attractions such as the Boeing Composites Factory and the Tianjin Natural History Museum also contributed to our scientific knowledge of the production of aircraft materials and of prehistoric fossils.

We all thoroughly enjoyed visiting the cultural markets, as we all improved our bargaining skills and bought many souvenirs and traditional street food. We were fortunate enough to visit the Great Wall of China, where we took hundreds of photos of the breathtaking views and watched Madeleine play the bagpipes on the seemingly endless steps.

Travelling to China was an eye-opening experience, as we left behind our westernised traditions and realised how

privileged we are as a country after struggling with things such as the squat toilets and the pollution – features that are part of Chinese daily life. Not only did we learn about Chinese culture, we also learnt traditions and new phrases in different languages from the various countries that attended this conference. It was particularly amusing when we convinced the international students of Australian legends such as ‘drop bears’.

Our highland dancer Cailin, and our bagpipers, Madeleine, Isabelle and Emma were privileged enough to perform Scottish pieces in front of Nankai’s student body, the international students and important school leaders as a part of the school’s 110th Anniversary celebrations.

This conference was an amazing scientific opportunity – not only did we share our scientific ideas, but we were also able to learn new ways to deal with international issues by using the insights from other schools. Overall it was not only an educational, but also a rewarding experience.

Emma Carnuccio, Isabelle Hooton, Catherine Taylor, Natalie Teh, Hayley Ng, Averlie Wang, Madeleine Maloof and Cailin Pascoe.

From 11 October to 18 October, eight students travelled to Tianjin in China to represent PLC Sydney at the 10th International Student Science Conference, hosted at Tianjin Nankai High School.


THESE METERS MEASURE plant water use (sap flow). This data can then be analysed with reference to data obtained on temperature, sunlight, humidity and wind direction. The schools collaborate by sharing data from each of the meters on the trees. Over 18 months of data have been collected. The data is available for anyone to use on the ICT international website http://ictcommunity.org/focus/?page_id=97

PLC Sydney has the sap flow meter on a lemon scented gum (Corymbia citriodara) thought to be planted by our first headmaster, Dr Marden. Last year students in Year 9 studied whether the air pollution caused by the bushfires in October altered the sap flow. They collected the data on bushfire and non-bushfire days and plotted it using an Excel spreadsheet. They found that there was no effect. This year two students in Year 7 used the data to enter the NSW Science Teachers Association Young Scientist Competition. The girls attending the 10th International Science Conference in Tianjin, China presented their findings on the trees to the conference.

The theme for the conference was ‘Science Creativity Life’. For the creativity part, the girls involved all students from Years K –10 in producing a model tree which is to be found in the Macindoe Research Centre. It rises from the ground floor to the Mezzanine. Librarian, Ms Eileen Shuttleworth made the outline of the tree. Girls from the Junior School made the leaves, native mammals, birds and insects that lived in the tree and learnt about the ecology of

the tree. The Senior School looked at the internal structure, making xylem and phloem cells, root hairs and showed the stomata on the leaves. Year 8 made glucose, oxygen and carbon dioxide and water molecules to explain photosynthesis. Year 9 studied the reproduction of native plants and made the flowers and gum nuts as well as the model solar panel and sap flow meter. They showed the root structure underneath the ground as well. Year 10 made posters showing the indigenous uses of native trees and adaptations of some other native species. Photographs of the students making the tree were included in the presentation in China.

Averlie Wang wrote about the project and the conference in a blog at http://smarttreeproject.blogspot.com.au

As there is so much data to analyse, students in Years 7-10 chose their birthdays and used Excel to graph the data for sap flow, temperature, wind speed and humidity for that day. The graphs have been displayed in the MRC. As part of the China conference, Katie Taylor and Averlie Wang presented and analysed data from both PLC Sydney and PLC Armidale.

The project has involved collaboration with the Junior and Senior Schools, Science and ICT departments and librarians. ICT international has supplied the sap flow meter and weather station. In addition, scientists from ICT have spoken to staff and students to aid our understanding of the use of the sap flow meters.

Mrs Fiona Hendriks Science Teacher

SMART TREE PROJECTPLC Sydney, PLC Armidale and The Armidale School have taken part in a Science pilot program called the SMART Tree Project. The schools each have a solar powered SAP flow meter on a tree in their school.


THE LIFE OF a PLC Sydney school girl can be classified as very different, and for me I have to say it is very different. But before I begin to explain why my life outside PLC is different and quite busy, I will start by sharing a little bit about myself. My name is Claire Protas and am currently in my first term of Year 12! Exciting and scary at the same time.

I have always been lucky to know exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up, and for a little nine-year-old girl to say to her parents “I want to be a singer” you can imagine that they thought this would be just a faze that almost every other little girl goes through, similar to how other young girls might say a princess or something else extravagant. For me however, the idea just stuck and has never left.

I had always done piano lessons and loved to perform at any given moment. I also used to keep a journal and write down anything that I was feeling so I wouldn’t forget. When I was in about Year 6 I decided to venture into songwriting. I realised I had so many journal entries and I knew how to play piano, so one afternoon I sat down at my piano and started to write. Looking back at that song it is definitely not the best song I have ever written, however it was a start and I was hooked. A couple of years later I received my first guitar for my birthday and after

teaching myself the basic chords I wrote another song. There was something very different about guitar and I loved it just as much as piano.

Fast forwarding a few months I knew I had written all these songs and I was determined to find a way to get them out and into the public. So with a demo recording of me singing and playing piano, I sent it off to any indie and major label I could think of that accepted submissions. Obviously I did not receive a response, so I then started to beg my parents to allow me to start putting my songs onto YouTube until they finally relented with a strong warning. After putting my songs on YouTube and doing YouTube for a while, I began to receive some views and feedback. I also uploaded my (very bad sounding) recordings of songs to any platform where I knew I could be heard.

Then one day out of the blue I got an email from this guy who claimed to be an A&R person (the person who finds and nurtures new talent) from an independent production company who wanted me to independently write and record with them and organise a meeting. My mum and I showed up to the meeting and before I knew it I was in the studio writing and recording my own three track EP. The whole experience was so rewarding.

Since then I have been busy writing for an album, had radio airplay, have recently been to local radio for an interview and kept in contact with some exciting people in the business. This is currently my life outside PLC Sydney. As I mentioned, it can get very busy at times, but it is something I have found very worthwhile pursuing because if you don’t take up these opportunities you don’t want to ask yourself the question of “what if”.

Claire Protas, Year 11

Scan the QR code with your digital device or visit iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/wanted/id859041359?i=859041403) to listen to and/or purchase Claire’s music.

LIVING THE DREAM

As a young girl, Year 11 student Claire Protas knew she wanted to be a singer. Many years later with an EP recorded and available on iTunes, Claire is now living the dream.


Year 5 students were fortunate to receive a visit from the Saturday Disney TV show presenters and producer, including our very own Teigan Nash. AS AN EX-STUDENT of PLC Sydney, Teigan was excited to visit her old school and together with her co-presenters Candice and Nathan, spoke about their experiences in the entertainment industry and gave some great advice for those considering this career path.

Madeline Panos and Isabella Cordaro share their reports from the incursion.

Candice, Nathan and Teigan came to visit Year 5 on Wednesday 3 September. If you watch Channel 7, then you would have seen this celebrity presenting trio. They are the hosts of Saturday Disney!

The Saturday Disney team, along with their producer Rachel came to visit PLC Sydney to teach us about behind the scenes of the Performing Arts and Entertainment industry and to give some insight into what it is like working on a television show.

Candice shared her story first. Candice and Tegan auditioned for Saturday Disney at the same time. Candice was selected over Teigan because she was a natural blonde and they were looking for a blonde cast

member to join the existing team. Candice shared a number of things, but there were two things in particular that I took from her speech:

1. If you are rejected from something you really want, ask for feedback. You take this feedback as a gift and use it to improve; and

2. If you're wearing pants, don't sit on grass just before an exam or you might end up with ten itchy bull ants in your pants! Wise Words!

Nathan shared his story next. To our surprise, he was an ex-model. He showed us a short interview between the cast of the King Kong stage show and himself. Did you know, it takes 30 people to move King Kong? I also didn't know that Nathan was the first lay person to be asked to move King Kong, an honour indeed.

Last, but not least, it was Teigan's turn. Personally, Teigan was my favourite because she too came to PLC. She recalled some fond memories she had of PLC. She stayed until Year 10 when she was offered a

scholarship to The McDonald College. Teigan is the newest member of the Saturday Disney team. She was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to interview R5 in Hawaii. Fans of Teen Beach Movie and Austin and Ally would know Ross Lynch from R5.

At the conclusion of this wonderful incursion, we were given the opportunity to ask questions and the trio gave us each a signed photograph and a ruler which we will keep as mementos of this exciting occasion.

Madeline Panos

During the Saturday Disney incursion, Year 5 were fortunate enough to hear from Teigan Nash, Nathan Morgan and Candice Dixon. They are the Saturday Disney TV presenters.

Year 5 were truly fascinated to hear about how they each came to be a Saturday Disney presenter. We had the privilege of seeing some behind the scenes, amazing filming locations and even some interviews of them with celebrities.

Each girl was able to go home with signed fan cards from each presenter and a special Saturday Disney ruler. This was a fun and exciting incursion that inspired lots of girls in our year.

Isabella Cordaro

DISNEY COMES TO PLC SYDNEY

Saturday Disney presenters Nathan, Candice (centre) and ex-student Teigan Nash, share their experiences with Year 5 students.


EVERY AFTERNOON SPENT in the common room was one full of joy and laughter. The comforting smell of popcorn being shared amongst the girls sitting around doing ‘work’ is one of the parts of Year 12 I will miss the most. Reflecting on these afternoons, I realise that the ‘work’ the girls were doing was more important than any real study we could have been doing at the time. The girls built incredible bonds and support systems between friendship groups which kept everyone alive, and ready to face the ups and downs of the HSC year. This togetherness, especially visible in our common room is one of the many things I appreciate about our cohort.

In fact, while writing this very article I sat in the common room screaming across the chatter and banter: “so... what have we loved about Year 12?” after which I had an overwhelming response. One girl replied: “the fact that everyone’s not afraid to be themselves”. The College has definitely built a confidence within each of us, as we developed skills and passions in either the

THE END OF YEAR 12Each year at PLC Sydney has been filled with joy and unity, and now a bittersweet ending. As we entered Year 12, each girl noted that this would be the year of ‘lasts’. With this in mind, every event, moment and situation was embraced and turned into either a hilarious, encouraging or heart-warming memory.

arts, public speaking or sport. Our more spirited and youthful side came out during our mufti-day dress ups, our dance at the Swimming Carnival and more recently while filming the infamous ‘muck up video’... perhaps on muck up day the school regrets some of the passion, confidence and ‘free-spiritedness’ it has helped to develop with its students...

House Events, particularly House Choir Night gave the girls an opportunity to not only dance and sing on a night of competition, but also strengthen the characteristic unity of our cohort. The afternoon where different houses worked together to complete each other’s banners shone light on the girls’ selflessness and their care and compassion for one another.

While there may have been a tiny bit of competitiveness leading up to the trials (no sarcastic tone intended...) the study workshops held during particularly stressful assessment times has contributed to the healthy study environment we have shared.

Students sharing their knowledge, and enthusiasm about learning has been an integral part of coming together as a year group, and overcoming the adversity which inevitably arises during the HSC year. Excursions including the Geography excursion to the Great Barrier Reef were highlights for the girls.

The Drama Showcase, Art Express and Productions put on by the students were an opportunity for the cohort to celebrate and support each other. It was encouraging to see girls visiting the Croydon during their free time, or giving up a night of ‘study’ to commemorate the work of other girls in our year group. Actions such as these highlight the unanimity our year group has fostered during high school.

In addition to this, many girls have appreciated the incredible relationships built with their teachers. Our teachers, and administrative staff, have given us support beyond the classroom this year and have inspired us to keep working beyond points


of fatigue. Teachers, we are grateful for all that you have done for us.

The sense of unity has spread beyond the common room, and the schooling campus and even into our homes. The Mother Daughter High Tea event brought the most inspirational women in our lives to a very classy event enjoyed by all the girls and their mothers. The Father Daughter Dinner, was another special event. We will never forget the very ‘hip and trendy’ (or rather embarrassing) dance moves of our Dads on that occasion.

Reflecting on the events of Year 12 brought happiness to us, as we sat around eating popcorn in the common room. The process of reflection is bittersweet, as we realise that our time at PLC has come to an end. There is, however, beauty in the ‘bittersweet’ nature of the ending. The very fact that there is some sadness associated with this closure shows that we have enjoyed our time at PLC, and have appreciated everything our schooling has given to us, particularly the friendships and memories we have built along the way.

The sweetness of this ending is that while we may be leaving PLC, these memories and friendships will remain with us for hopefully, a very long time.

Leila Bunguric, 2014 School Captain

Photos courtesy of Sophie Hayman


THE EAST TIMOR STORY SO FAR

WHEN ASKED BY former PLC Sydney Principal Dr Bill McKeith, “how can we help?” the East Timorese Presbyterian Church responded with 'education, education, education'.

So it was decided to build and resource two kindergartens. Within a year the classrooms were home to over 100 small children and six hard working teachers. The kindergartens boasted electricity, lighting, TVs and a variety of teaching resources. A promising start to PLC Sydney’s ongoing commitment to continue to fund their operation.

Anyone who has worked in developing countries knows it is never that easy. And so when growing political tension broke out into full blown violence in 2006 our two kindergartens did not come through unscathed. Despite the brave efforts by a Principal from one of the kindergartens, rioters looted the classrooms of anything of value. What was left was a concrete shell. It took another six months for them to reopen and start teaching again.

In 2009, with increasing stability it was decided that PLC should look at the possibility of allowing our girls to return to the kindergartens. While the travel warning by the Australian government prevented students going that year, I along with Mr Phil Brewer visited the kindergartens. What we found was both disheartening and uplifting. The classrooms were dirty, there was no electricity and few resources remained. But we did find six dedicated teachers and over 100 small smiling faces ready to learn.

When the Australian government dropped its travel warning later that year, I prepared for the first visit by PLC Sydney girls. And so on a winter’s day in 2010, seven Year 10 girls, their Year Director Rowena Barnett and myself set off for Dili via Brisbane and Darwin. What awaited the girls was a lot of hard work, but one of the most heartfelt welcomes they will ever experience. Teaching and working in the kindergartens proved to be one of the best experiences these girls have been involved with at PLC. What I experienced

only reinforced to me why PLC Sydney runs such a comprehensive service learning program. Not only does PLC make a difference to the lives of children in East Timor and Vietnam, it also teachers our girls the true meaning of service, gratitude and the value of hard work.

Fast forward to 2014. Yet another visit to East Timor by Year 10 girls completed more work on the kindergartens. Money raised here at PLC has seen the two kindergartens expand. At Comoro Kindergarten, another classroom built in the previous year is being used. Now there are over 120 children at this kindergarten alone. Keen to help themselves, the teachers have banded together and now use the classrooms for a growing primary school. More expansion is also planned.

At Becorra a new classroom was completed last month. And so it was that I was asked by Dr Burgis to represent PLC Sydney at the opening of the new classroom. A few speeches, a student performance and a cutting of a ribbon later, the kindergarten is now ready to expand to over 100 children.

Today there are almost double the amount of children and classrooms, all with electricity, lighting and fans. The kindergartens have also been stocked with computer equipment and stationery. And the original six teachers has increased to nine. It would seem that the joint vision of PLC Sydney and the East Timorese Church is being realised. And the future is education, education, education.

Mr Adam Bold Social Science Teacher

The establishment of the two PLC Sydney kindergartens in the suburbs of Dili reflected the hope of the East

Timorese people that education was the best way of improving the lives of the new generation.


CONTINUING ON FROM winning results in 2012 (Senior Chamber Orchestra) and 2013 (Chamber Choir) our clever girls in both Hamilton Strings and Senior Chamber Orchestra have done it again. This year both groups entered the Sydney Eisteddfod and won their respective sections.

The Hamilton Strings girls won the Primary Acoustic section and a cheque for $500, coming in ahead of St Ives North Public School String Orchestra and Trinity Grammar Junior School Vivaldi Strings. Our older girls also won their Secondary School Senior String Orchestra section and received another $500 cheque, beating Pymble Ladies’ College Strings and Ascham Camerata.

These are fabulous results and are testament to the hard work of the girls and their teachers. Thank you to Mr O’Dea and Ms Curiel for their excellent tuition of these groups over many months.

Congratulations also to the girls in the Years 9–10 Piano Trio – Alison Chen (piano), Isabella Zhu (violin) and Nicole Sung (cello) under the guidance of Mr Andrew Basile who came third in a School Chamber Music (19/u) eisteddfod competition. Competing against many other schools with high calibre performances, our girls gained third place and a cheque for $100. Well done girls.

Ms Fiona Clouston Head of Music and Choirs

SYDNEY EISTEDDFOD

RESULTSPLC Sydney’s Music program continues

to reap excellent results in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod competitions.


EACH DAY WE were immersed in new and exciting experiences. We visited many ancient sites over our 12-day trip, including Mycenae, the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Greece and Pompeii, Herculaneum and the Colosseum in Rome.

Our journey started in Thessaloniki, Greece. Here, we marveled at the architecture of churches of the Byzantine era of Orthodox Christianity and spent time exploring the port city and its rich history of occupation. Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum gave the Years 9 and 10 girls a taste of Ancient Greece, a heavy focus of the senior Ancient History course. Our time in Thessaloniki was a great introduction to the many awe-inspiring sights we were yet to see.

We travelled to Vergina, where we saw the tombs of the family of Alexander the Great and a collection of exquisite artefacts buried with the royal dynasty. Our guide gave us invaluable insight into the period in which the family of Alexander the Great lived. A special highlight of this visit was the near-perfectly preserved tomb of Philip II. This was particularly beneficial for the Year 11 Ancient History students who will be studying Alexander the Great in their HSC year.

Mycenae was truly amazing. This site was a highlight for the Year 11 girls. Having thoroughly enjoyed studying the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann and his excavations at Mycenae, this visit enabled the girls to consolidate their knowledge. It also provided a great foundation for the Years 9 and 10 students who will be studying Ancient History in years to come.

At the site of Epidaurus, we were captivated by the oldest and best preserved Greek theatre of the ancient world. Our guide showed us how to test the acoustics and we were astounded by what we heard. Again, after studying Greek drama, the group were excited by the opportunity to see first-hand what they had read about in textbooks.

ANCIENT HISTORY TOUR

During the Term 3 holidays, a group of 20 girls from Years 9, 10 and 11 embarked on the Ancient History Tour to Greece and Italy.

We made our way to Athens, where we visited the National Archaeological Museum. Our guide explained to us the history behind a wealth of artefacts from different periods of occupation in Ancient Greek history. The day ended fittingly with an exploration of the remarkable ancient site of the Agora and the Acropolis, where the Parthenon is situated.

A short plane flight found us in Rome. Guided tours of the ancient sites of both Pompeii and Herculaneum were outstanding and without a doubt one of the highlights of the tour. It was simply incredible to be walking where the Romans had walked over 2000 years ago. A study of these sites forms the core topic of the HSC Ancient History course.

The girls all enjoyed a day of relaxation, exploring Sorrento and doing plenty of shopping on the beautiful island of Capri, before our final archaeological destination of the tour. A visit to the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the world, with its spectacular ancient architecture, ensured the tour ended on a high note.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Mella for taking her own time over 18 months to organise such a fantastic, rewarding tour. I would also like to thank Ms Obsorn and Mrs Waller for accompanying us on our travels.

Claire Sharman, Year 11


WE EXPLORED THE popular tourist destinations of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Our local Aboriginal guide, Keith, gave us an amazing insight into the local Aboriginal culture, with stories about the connection Aboriginal people have with these areas and the importance of these areas to the local Aboriginal communities

We were privileged to spend four days in a small, remote aboriginal community called Lilla. Our guides provided further insight for us into the life and culture of the local Aboriginal people, both in the past and the present. The local women helped us learn dot painting, taught the girls how to make jewellery from native nuts and seeds and sat around the camp fire at night sharing the experience with us. The girls also had the unique opportunity to form genuine bonds with local Aboriginal children – playing self-inspired and initiated made-up games in every free moment. A highlight of the tour for everyone.

While at Lilla, we also participated in some valuable community service. This included tidying up two local gardens. One garden will be used to support the local community with fresh fruit and vegetables, plus provide the community with an income

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA TOUR

Image below: Nicola Saclley (left) and Georgina Ryan with a local boy at Kings Canyon

selling fresh produce. The other garden was the fruit tree garden in Lilla. With our efforts, those fruit trees will soon bear fruit that will provide the people of Lilla with much sort after fresh produce.

All round, this trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience all the wonders of this fabulous country, and to gain

a greater insight into and respect for Aboriginal culture and its people. Girls and staff alike returned home better informed, more aware of issues facing Aboriginal people and appreciative of the luxuries of our own lives.

This tour will run again in the first week of the 2015 June/July school holidays and is open to any girl moving into Year 9 or Year 11 in 2015. If you have any initial enquires please contact Ms Jenny Clarke on [email protected] or 9704 5645.

Ms Jenny Clarke PDHPE Teacher

Eighteen students from Years 9 and 11, plus two staff, spent seven days during the first week of the June/July school holidays experiencing the wonders of Central Australia and learning about our First Australian’s amazing culture on the PDHPE Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Community Service Tour.


When did you start working at PLC Sydney?

I began working at PLC at the end of 2000 – the year The Croydon opened – as the Art and Design & Technology Assistant. The role of Adelaide Perry Gallery Manager was incorporated into my position in 2011.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The students and staff at The Croydon are fun to work with. There’s always a new and interesting project around the corner that I help out with, whether it’s a resident artist, an industry professional visiting the Centre or installing a show in the Gallery. The teachers at The Croydon are very knowledgeable of their subjects across the board, as well as each having their own speciality within their Visual Arts or Design fields. I am really fortunate to have worked under the guidance of Anita Ellis in the early days at the Gallery – she was a true mentor with such flair and style.

What are some of your funniest memories of your time at PLC?

I spend a bit of time working in the classrooms at The Croydon so I hear various bits and pieces of witty banter between students and staff now and then. The girls’ sense of humour is often evident in their artworks – and they can be quite spirited about being at the Centre. I once found a little time capsule created by the Class of 2001, cleverly concealed within one of the building’s dark recesses. I returned it to its hiding place of course!

What is the greatest challenge working in The Croydon?

Remembering where I last left my keys is the greatest challenge!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

It’s good being involved with creating and

SECONDS WITH…

When and where did you start teaching?

I started teaching at Milperra Public School in 1986 – I taught a delightful Year 3 class of very energetic students.

Have you always been a teacher or have you had other careers as well?

Other than stints at Woolworths and a Ward Clerk at Camperdown Children’s Hospital during my Uni days I have always worked as a teacher.

What lead you to a teaching career?

I always wanted to be a teacher. I even played schools when I was little!

What has been your greatest challenge in the classroom?

Letting go of classes at the end of a year. I always think challenges are just opportunities and I have loved the opportunities to date.

What do you find most rewarding about working in education?

Education is a lifelong process that can be hard and frustrating at times, but also incredibly exciting and enriching. Education is not just about learning facts, but more so about learning how to think. Learning to make good choices. Learning to act with purpose.

I have been blessed to work with some very passionate, amazing educators. Together, we have been able to build school communities where students absolutely love coming to school. I really enjoy working with young people and supporting them to achieve their best. When you love what you do, it doesn’t really feel like work!

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DEPUTY HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL ADELAIDE PERRY GALLERY MANAGER

Mrs Melissa Watters Mr Andrew Paxton

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your role at PLC Sydney?

I am really enjoying getting to know the staff and students at PLC Sydney – it is a very warm and welcoming community. I believe it is a privilege to partner with families in the education of their daughters.

What has been your most memorable career point to date?

The preparation and climb to the summit of Mt Meru in Tanzania with a group of students from PLC Armidale and the School of St Jude.

What has been your greatest influence?

God’s love for each of us. It is great to share this in my work.

Do you have any interests/hobbies?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like reading, bushwalking, and travelling.

What is your motto(s) in life?

‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ and ‘Stay true to yourself’.


providing a space that’s accessible to students and conducive to experimentation and exploring. It’s rewarding to notice many students feeling at home and enjoying classes at The Croydon, as well as making use of the Centre at lunchtimes and after school.

Do you have a most memorable career point to date?

We were lucky to have Jenny Sages judge the Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing in 2012. She’s a highly regarded painter and much-loved figure in the art world. Jenny opened the finalists’ exhibition that year and after the speeches I noticed many of the artists in the crowd begin to queue to have the chance to meet and speak with her. It was great to see the Gallery functioning in that way for up-and-coming artists. Jenny later invited Curator Jo Knight and myself for afternoon tea at her home studio in Bellevue Hill which included an exclusive preview of her Archibald Prize entry that year.

Who has been your greatest influence?

My family: my parents and three sisters.

Do you have any interests/hobbies?

At home I enjoy reading, cooking and the odd attempt at DIY home improvements. I also paint and draw albeit sporadically, so I have recently set up a small art studio which will hopefully encourage a bit more continuity. I also try and see what’s on offer at galleries and auction houses in and around Sydney.

What is your motto(s) in life?

‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ and ‘We’re all in this together’.

Writing on the wall is becoming a bit of a trend in the Macindoe Senior Library. We are very keen to showcase the excellent work of our students at PLC Sydney, to give everyone the opportunity to be inspired by the creativity of others. NOT ALL WORKS are three dimensional and easily able to be displayed. What better way can there be to show off other student works than by projecting onto a wall, putting the images into a loop for the day?

We have installed a data projector into the library ceiling on Level 1 and are projecting art works, creative writing, book reviews and anything that students may wish to contribute to be shown on The Wall.

To make life even more comfortable for the audience of The Wall, we have placed two really comfortable leather sofas nearby so students can sink into their depths and enjoy the visual parade.

Who knows what you may see from day to day but it is sure to be interesting!

Mrs Joanna Taylor Director of Information Services

THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL


THE 2014 SNOW season was a successful one for my teammates and I. Before the season, we participated in roller-ski training with ex-student Lucy Glanville on Monday afternoons and acrobatic training on Wednesday mornings with Miss Johnston before school. During the season we drove for six hours to and from the snow every weekend and took many weeks off school. Despite the time off school, we still had to complete most of the work, in two days instead of five. It was hard work, but I still had a lot of fun and received some excellent results.

IT HAS BEEN a successful season at the snow this year for the Division 5 skiers. At the Regional competition it was great to have a team for Alpine, two for Skier Cross and one for Cross Country.

The Cross Country team made it to the National competition with a second at State as a team. We couldn’t have made it without the help of Lucy Glanville, an Olympian and ex-student of PLC Sydney. We were very lucky to have her as our coach. The Cross Country teams trained dry land and on snow for most of the year.

I will be in Division 4 next year and I am looking forward to having strong teams in Division 4 and 5.

Clare Bosco, Year 4

DIVISION 5 TEAM

Alessandra Sydun-West (Year 2)

Dominique de Souza (Year 3)

Christian Cusumano (Year 3)

Georgia Macdessi (Year 4)

Clare Bosco (Year 4)

A SUCCESSFUL SNOW SEASONPLC Sydney is well placed for a strong start to the 2015 snow sports competitions next year following a successful season this year. Junior School students Emma and Clare Bosco share their experiences from the 2014 season.

Students from the Division 4 and 5 teams taking a well deserved break at the Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships. Top image Clare Bosco competing in the Blue Cow Cup

At Regionals the Division 4 team won all three events: Skier Cross; Alpine; and Moguls. We also had some great individual results: Kate Stirton finished third in Skier Cross; in Moguls I came second; and Georgia Coote came third.

At the State Championships, we again won Moguls and came third in Skier Cross. I won moguls as an individual. We also skied Cross Country at the State Competition. The A Team came second in the Freestyle and the Relay. The B team also had two top six finishes; this was an amazing result as none of the girls had ever competed in Cross Country before.

At the 2014 Australian National Championships, the ‘Grand Finale’ of the season, we put on a great show. The Moguls team even won! The Cross Country team finished with two third places. I was excited to win the gold medal in Moguls, Layla Nazha also achieved a top ten in Alpine.

The Division 4 team had a brilliant season and a lot of fun, we hope to have another excellent season next year. A big thank you to Miss Johnston; without her this would not have been possible.

Emma Bosco, Year 6

DIVISION 4 TEAM

Imogen Howell (Year 5)

Jacinta Macaluso (Year 5)

Talia Skuse (Year 5)

Emma Bosco (Year 6)

Kate Stirton (Year 6)

Georgia Coote (Year 6)

Layla Nazha (Year 6)

Isabella Maraldo (Year 6)

Giselle Gurr (Year 6)

Louisa Cusumano (Year 6)


THE HIGHEST MARKS always go to stories which are simple in structure, but sophisticated in language. The workshops helped the girls to understand and practise what was expected. We are fortunate that Ms Fiona Ryan-Clark has joined our department as she is a published short-story writer and former journalist and speech-writer.

Working on the Area of Study unit where all Advanced and Standard English students must write an imaginative writing piece as part of a two-hour exam, the girls learnt techniques including how to prepare premises and back-story so they maximise their marks no matter what the question. The first workshop focused on exam strategy and adapting the rubric to ensure the creative writing piece was conceptually sound as well as had the elements of a good story. The second workshop helped the students to hone their writing skills and the final workshop examined advance writing and structural issues.

Ms Ryan-Clark has also worked with the Extension 1 classes in delivering a specialist course for creative writing in Romanticism. In this course, the students must write a longer creative writing story and it accounts for half of the unit’s marks. The Extension 1 course is complex, in part because of the nuances the students must include in their story about the ways people in the Romanticism era thought, and in part because the way we tell stories now has changed so much from how they were told from 1750 to 1850.

Creative writing scaffolds are up on Enable for Years 7–12. Workshops and resources are explicitly taught in all classes.

Dr Elizabeth Guy Head of English

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPSAll Year 12 students at PLC Sydney, undertook creative writing workshops prior to the HSC, with their class teachers and Ms Fiona Ryan-Clark, an English teacher who is new to the College this year, whose passion is creative writing.


THIS WONDERFUL EXHIBITION showcased contemporary works in glass, textiles, illustration and assemblage by Bronwyn Bancroft, Jenni Kemarre Martiniello, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Lola Greeno, Lucy Simpson and Tjanpi Desert Weavers.

Many of the diverse works were informed by craft-based traditions of the past or continue the practices of Elders which might otherwise be lost. However, they are distinctively contemporary through innovative use of materials and responses to our modern world.

The traditional functionality of objects once created for ceremony and daily life are transformed into works of new forms of aesthetic refinement whilst still maintaining the presence of traditions and beliefs. Wearable, illustrative and homeware product designs represented stories of family and connections with culture in ways that show the strength of personal and social histories associated with country and community.

These proud Aboriginal women powerfully express their individual associations with their cultural identity and spirituality in ways that challenge perceptions on Aboriginal art today including defying the distinctions between fine art, craft and design.

The exhibition was officially opened by PLC Sydney alumni and National Indigenous TV (NITV) presenter on Around the Traps, Mrs Mayrah Sonter.

Mrs Sonter is a proud Wiradjuri woman who graduated from the College in 2001. She has since maintained an active association with staff and students through PLC Sydney’s Indigenous Program. At the opening, Mrs Sonter spoke of her experiences of school life, particularly her study of Visual Arts with the late

Left: Mrs Mayrah Sonter and Cassie Sing at the opening of Intertwined

INTERTWINED: CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE IN INDIGENOUS ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITIONThe Australian, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags now hang proudly at the Hennessy Street entrance of ‘The Croydon’ Centre for Art, Design and Technology where the Adelaide Perry Gallery was delighted to present works by acclaimed Indigenous women in Intertwined: Contemporary practice in indigenous art and design between October 8–17 this year.


We must always remember that under the concrete and asphalt, this land is, was and always will be traditional Wangal land. THE TAPESTRY OF the PLC Sydney community is comprised of a richness of textures and threads which form a unique fabric. The contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, past and present, and their families weave precious golden threads throughout our community. As we gather and intertwine stories and traditions, we add vital layers of understanding and move towards deeper reconciliation.

The Indigenous Program at PLC Sydney aims to celebrate and nurture the heritage of each of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as

they participate, share and grow within our College. We seek to support and encourage each student to make full use of the opportunities available to her at our school so that she can contribute to her community fully as a confident, caring and accomplished young woman.

We were delighted to show works by strong and proud female role models in this exhibition. We hope that through Intertwined our students will embrace and enrich their understandings about the cultural and creative contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Mrs Rowena Barnett Indigenous Support Coordinator

Ms Anita Ellis. On behalf of the College, Miss Cassie Sing from Year 10 made a presentation to Mrs Sonter in gratitude, for her participation at the event.

Each of the women represented in Intertwined have created unique and inspiring works to enjoy and each continue to participate actively in sharing their knowledge and expertise through advocacy, education and mentorship roles. It is this sharing of story and culture through works of art and design that aimed to inform and inspire our students of PLC Sydney about the diversity of contemporary Indigenous practices and of the integrity of strong female role models in the arts.

During the exhibition, Indigenous Art Highlights from the PLC Sydney Collection were on display in The Croydon including works by acclaimed artists Gloria Petyarre, Michael Nelson Jagamara, Danie Mellor and a painting by Nancy Martin Napangardi donated by Mrs Sonter in 2008.

The Adelaide Perry Gallery will continue to showcase works by Indigenous artists and designers in the future as these insightful creative expressions are among the most significant coming out of Australia today.

Ms Jo Knight Curator, Adelaide Perry Gallery

Lucy Rowse (left) and South African exchange student Gabriella Topat, admiring glass works by Jenni Kemarre Martiniello.


Our program of parent seminars has been a joint initiative of chaplaincy and well-being at PLC Sydney. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR we offer our students in Years 7–12 a range of opportunities to hear expert speakers, and to consider issues that impact on their everyday lives at school and beyond. We are also very much aware that parents confront many of the same issues, but from a different vantage point. This year we have increased the number of seminars available to support families in the rewarding but sometimes challenging task of parenting teenagers, and the result has been a series of helpful, informative and thought provoking evenings together.

Highlights of this year’s program have been presentations from Melinda Tankard Reist, Prue Salter and Paul Dillon, and a very practical session with local police on great tips for running safe parties for our daughters and their friends.

All the seminars have helped build a sense that we are not alone in the enterprise of wise parenting, that others have the same concerns and questions that we do, that a sense of humour is essential to the task, and that often simple but practical advice can make an enormous difference to the way we feel about our role.

PARENT SEMINARS

Professor Simon Conway Morris delivered the 2014 Pamela Nutt Address in the Audrey Keown Theatre in August.

SAVE THE DATETERM 1Positively parenting our daughters7.00 pm, Wednesday 11 March Audrey Keown Theatre Guest speaker: Colleen Hirst (Christian counsellor)

TERM 2Being a Dad: We’re all making it up as we go7.00 pm, Tuesday 2 June Audrey Keown Theatre Guest speaker: Al Stewart

Each year the College holds the 'Pamela Nutt Address'. The purpose of the address is to take The Bible in one hand and a prominent text or idea in the other and to discuss related issues. This year eminent paleobiologist and Christian Professor Simon Conway Morris from Cambridge University discussed belief in God and evolution. It was a fascinating set of lectures climaxing in his address at the Chairman's Dinner. His discussion with parents and friends was engaging and enlightening.

What’s ahead in our program for 2015? Prue Salter will be back with her popular study skills session for Year 7 students and their parents. Year 8 families who missed her presentation this year are welcome to attend this one as well – it is definitely worthwhile. Prue is very keen that the girls attend along with Mum or Dad, as the session is designed

to help parents and their daughters build a strong working relationship to support and encourage good study habits for the years ahead.

Paul Dillon will also return to inform and support families in their understanding of issues surrounding alcohol and drugs in their daughters’ social world. This is an excellent presentation, and Paul will also be speaking to our senior students during the school day.

There will be new guest speakers as well – more information will be available soon, and we’d love to see you at some or all of these great events.

Mrs Cassandra Morphew Director of Chaplaincy and Christian Studies

TERM 3Study skills7.00 pm, Tuesday 4 August Audrey Keown Theatre Guest speaker: Prue Salter (For Years 7 and 8 students and parents – really important that the girls come as well!)

Drug and alcohol awareness for parents7.00 pm, Tuesday 18 August Audrey Keown Theatre Guest speaker: Paul Dillon Paul will also present sessions for Years 10, 11 and 12 during the school day.

TERM 4The system – Thriving in the senior years of school7.00 pm, Tuesday 27 October Audrey Keown Theatre Guest speaker: Dr Andrew Fuller (Years 10 and 11 students and parents – again, really important for the girls to come as well. Dr Fuller will also present sessions for Years 7–9 students during the day, and for staff after school.)


In April 2015 members of the PLC Sydney Pipes and Drums will be travelling to Perth to help celebrate the centenary of PLC Perth. THE GROUP WILL join other Pipe Bands from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore as they all celebrate the occasion together.

Over the Easter weekend PLC Sydney Pipes and Drums will also be involved in the Australian All Schools Pipe Band Championships and will attend the Western Australian Pipe Band Championships in Perth on the Easter Monday. The group will also visit the Western Australian Police Pipe Band and learn from an ‘A’ Grade band.

For this tour the group is indebted to the PLC Sydney Foundation who has helped sponsor travel arrangements. This is the second time the band has travelled and performed as a group, having done so on a recent tour to Melbourne in 2011. We wish the group well.

PIPE BAND TOUR TO PERTH 2015


Kaitlin Nobbs came to PLC Sydney in Term 3 2012... all the way from Perth. Her talent for hockey was evident from the start. HOWEVER, IT IS her passion for hockey and her intrinsic desire for excellence that sets her apart. Her professional approach on and off the field is exemplary.

Kaitlin’s list of achievements is extraordinary. In the school pathway, Kaitlin is a pivotal player in the PLC Sydney Hockey Firsts, who took out the top honour in winning the IGSSA Hockey Grand Final ‘premiere division’, SO1 for the third year in a row. Kaitlin was selected in the Open IGSSA team, Open NSW CIS team and was named in the 2014 NSW Open All Schools Merit team. In 2013, Kaitlin was selected in the NSW and Australian School Girls Teams.

At club level, Kaitlin was a key player for Briars Hockey Club in the Sydney Women’s Hockey League (SWHL) Metro Ladies 1 team. She was also an integral member of the U17 Metro Division 1 Briars team who were Grand Finalists this year.

For the third year in a row, Kaitlin was selected to play in the U17 City v Country Competition, winning player of the tournament in 2013. These teams are made up from the top 16 players in the state.

Kaitlin’s talent was recognised in 2013 when she was awarded an Emerging Talent Squad (ETS) scholarship and in 2014 Kaitlin was awarded a full time NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Scholarship.

RISING STAR ON THE HOCKEY FIELD Kaitlin in action for the NSW Women's Open team in the Australian Hockey League

Q&A WITH KAITLINKaitlin, how old were you when you started playing hockey and how did you get involved?

I grew up at the hockey centre while my family played but I started playing when I was about seven in minkey with my cousins. My whole family has played or is playing hockey, so I just followed tradition.

What are some of the challenges you face with juggling schoolwork and competing/training?

I’m always too tired or I don’t have enough time to do my homework or study when I get home after training or from training that morning. And when I don't have hockey on, I feel like I need to relax and hang out... so I sometimes don’t do work then either.

In 2014, Kaitlin represented NSW in the Under 18, Under 21 and NSW Open (Arrows) team. At 17, she is the youngest player in this team. Both the Under 21 and the Arrows teams won the Australian Championships.

Hockey Australia announced Kaitlin in its 2014/2015 Women’s Futures group, this contains 30 talented young athletes that have been identified as potential international athletes of the future. This is the second time Kaitlin has been named in this team. In 2013 Kaitlin represented Australia in a four test series against Japan in Canberra and in December this year, Kaitlin will again represent Australia in a Tri Series against New Zealand and India.

Ms Belinda Harden Head of Sport, Senior School

How does the Talented Individual Program (TIP) help you?

It is extremely helpful for me when I go away with hockey trips, my teachers are all notified on my behalf and I am allowed extra time or extra help if I need it.

What do you like to do to when you are not competing/training or doing school work?

I like to read a lot, or go to the beach and read. Although I do like going down to the hockey field and just play around with my friends and have fun.

How do you keep in touch with family and friends while you are away competing?

My mum or dad usually come with me whenever I go away, but we normally call each night.

What do you think has been your biggest sporting achievement so far?

My biggest achievement so far has been being called up to participate in the Australian Hockey League for the NSW Women’s team and winning a gold medal.

Who has been your biggest influence?

My biggest influence is my mum who was also a hockey player, and always encourages me to try my best in whatever I endeavour and supports me full-heartedly.

What are your future goals?

My future goals are to become either a paramedic or a nurse (can’t decide) and play for the Hockeyroos for as long as possible and win a gold medal at the Olympics, just like my mum.


Eureka! Junior School students had double success in this year’s Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize, with two groups being awarded prizes.THE EUREKA SCIENCE Awards are presented annually by the Australian Museum, rewarding excellence in the fields of research and innovation, leadership, science communication and journalism and school science. These awards are highly respected in the science world.

Run by The University of Sydney, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is awarded for a short film that communicates a scientific concept in an accessible and engaging way. There are two categories for this award – primary and secondary. This year PLC Sydney entered four short films in the Primary School category and two of our groups were honoured to be awarded ‘highly commended’. There is a winner, a runner up and six highly commended awards in this national competition, and the College is thrilled that our girls have been able to take out two of the eight awards.

Well done to Rosanna Cartwright and Olivia Stavrakis (Year 3) for their video Melting Moments, and Gwendalyn Dabaja and Eliza Martin (Year 6) for their video CSI – Creative Scientific Investigators.

The videos can be viewed at http://australianmuseum.net.au/2014-Sleek-Geeks-Science-Eureka-Prize-finalists

Congratulations to the girls and their teachers on this wonderful achievement.

Mrs Annie Martin Junior School Science Coordinator

Top image: Rosanna Cartwright (left) and Olivia Stavrakis investigating if ice-cream melts faster than gelato in Melting Moments

Bottom image: Eliza Martin (left) and Gwendalyn Dabaja decoding the secrets of the universe in CSI - Creative Scientific Investigators

SLEEK GEEKS


COMING FROM AN extensive background in policing, Brent presented a program focusing on self-motivation, assertiveness and conflict psychology. The girls were taught to practise safe behaviours in addition to learning some practical self-defence moves.

Brent's focus is not on physical strength or martial arts training, but rather the ability to stay calm, focused and convert fear into a winning strategy.

Mrs Sarah Waller Head of Year 10

SELF-DEFENCE DAYOn Wednesday 10 September Year 10 students participated in an

all-day self-defence seminar conducted by Brent Sanders.

Some comments from the day include:

Women should know how to use self-defence in an emergency, the movements are easy and useful.

Selina Zhang

I found that self-defence day has given me more confidence in defending and protecting myself. Brent was easy to understand, take knowledge and valuable information from. It wasn't a day only to let us know of all the dangers to look out for, but how to protect and escape from the situations if they were to occur.

Irene Magliveras

I really liked how he approached us with humour, it was like he knew us well enough to truly allow us to absorb the information and apply it as we were all very engaged in the talk. He also empowered us with many anecdotes, and I feel confident now that I have learnt some physical defence moves.

Elizabeth Kim

It was interesting, engaging and presented suitably in a manner that was realistic but not too confronting.

Averlie Wang

Personally I found the man who led the day to be entertaining and engaging – he got us to listen to the important information by making jokes and treating us like adults. I think the day was very beneficial and the moves we learnt were simple but important. Overall I enjoyed the experience and I think many people will benefit from what we learned.

Jasmine Atkins

The day was very entertaining and relatable to people our age. We learnt very effective strategies for handling situations. I also think it was very interesting and memorable and I will be able to apply things learnt here in the future if needed.

Beatrice Hobson


Year 9 Textiles Technology students have been working enthusiastically to design and create outfits inspired by the Australian fashion design company Sass and Bide. THESE CONTEMPORARY OUTFITS were created using a commercial pattern, applying decorative textile techniques and modifying an existing pair of denim jeans or a jacket.

Whilst the introduction of laser cutting technology to The Croydon has been used primarily in the development of innovative industrial design products, it is wonderful to see this exploration of opportunities within the textile design field. These creative young designers, supported by their teacher Mrs Wedd, were able to design and create their own fabric pieces, experimenting with the use of positive and negative space.

As the laser cutter seals the fabric edges preventing fabric from fraying, it provided students with the opportunity to create appliqués and motifs to suit their inspiration. Different techniques and graphic designs were tested to ensure the appropriate selection of fabrics for a high quality, fashionable outfit.

The modification and reuse of an existing denim garment reflects a contemporary trend in upcycling and vintage fashion.

Ms Jo Herrmann Head of Technical and Applied Studies

TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS INSPIRED BY UPCYCLING TREND

“It was exciting to try to capture Sass & Bide's contemporary sophistication in our own garments. The design process of transforming an image or a thought into a tangible piece of clothing is inspiring, and I am proud of what I have created. Wearing my own design reveals the vast potential unlocked by design.”

Christina Bouletos

“Drawing inspiration from Sass & Bide formed a really fun foundation to create our garments, which are all a reflection of our own personal style with a trace of the original design icons.”

Sophia Law

From left: Christina Bouletos, Bridie Oliver, Sophia Law and Ella Fergusson modelling their outfits.


During a wet and windy week in August, students from Years 1 to 6 made the long and exciting journey to the Science labs in the Senior School for the serious business of learning about Science during Science Week.

AT THE SAME TIME, older scientists took the journey to Evandale to partner with the budding scientists in Kindergarten.

Months of planning and preparation by the Senior students was now being put into action. The girls had selected and rehearsed a Science demonstration that would amaze their partner classes from the Junior School. The Junior girls came prepared with the essential tools required – lab coats, safety glasses, a sense of humour, a desire to learn and teddy bears wearing disposable nappies.

The science was often colourful, sometimes surprising but always well

explained. The students made elephant’s toothpaste, baby penguins in the snow and Miss Muffet food. Butter was churned and consumed on fairy bread, water was made to disappear, change colour and seemingly defy gravity. Coloured food dyes danced across the surface of milk, coins and marbles disappeared and water absorbing chemicals were extracted from the disposable nappies. But always, our scientists both young and older, were ready with an explanation of why it all happened.

It was the serious business of scientific fun at PLC Sydney.

THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF SCIENTIFIC FUN


Year 2 spent two wonderful days at Chowder Bay during September. The girls were very excited about sharing cabins with school friends away from home. AS THE COACH pulled away from the school the girls waved to their families with enthusiasm and curiosity about what to expect over the following days.

On arrival at Chowder Bay the girls were introduced to their group leaders, who welcomed them and explained the events to follow. Shortly after introductions, the girls boarded a ferry to Cockatoo Island to discover the history of the inner harbour living museum. The sites and adventure of the harbour cruise kept everyone busy.

On the island the girls eagerly munched on our packed lunches and were entertained by the seagull chicks. Rain clouds quickly headed towards the girls as they boarded the ferry home and looked forward to the afternoon’s activities on the mainland.

The afternoon was spent getting to know other Year 2 students and completing a number of challenging activities such as discovering Clifton Gardens, making kites, playing games and learning songs.

As the day drew to a close the girls reflected on their contribution to the day and their ability to spend the night away from their families. The girls were kept busy setting dining tables, unpacking their bags, showering and making up bunk beds. A movie was shared as they bunked down in their sleeping bags before they drifted into a deep sleep in anticipation of the following day.

Day two of the camp was busy as they packed and tidied cabins. The rain didn’t dampen the girls’ spirits as they made group banners, kites and played fun games in their various groups. At lunchtime the girls made their own sandwiches and learnt some new chants with our group leaders.

As the girls farewelled their group leaders and drove away they reflected on the past two days of adventure and fun. The girls were all very exhausted but excited to share their camp experiences with their families.

Ms Katrina Avery Year 2 Teacher

YEAR 2 CAMP


Each year a PLC Sydney mum and a PLC Sydney dad are asked to be guest speakers at the Year 12 Graduation Dinner. Ms Virginia Rowlands was asked to do the honours this year and she has kindly shared her speech with us here.

GIVING THANKSYEAR 12 GRADUATION

DR LIM, DR BURGIS, other special guests, staff, families and our young ladies,

I am honoured to have been asked to give a speech of thanks as a PLC ‘mum’. I imagine that every mother present tonight will have a host of things to give thanks for as their daughters prepare to step out into the world, so I do hope that I can speak on behalf of you all.

In order to encapsulate in one short speech what I am thankful for, I went back to the beginning and thought of why we enrolled our daughters at PLC.

I attended PLC with my older sister, from Year 7 to Year 12. Our mother before us attended Clarendon PLC, a Presbyterian College for girls in Ballarat.

For me, there was always that nebulous ‘something’ about the school that I carried with me even when I went through those big green gates for the last time, and I wanted my daughters to experience that ‘something’ too.

My first memory of PLC was my first train trip home. Imagine my horror when a gust of wind blew my brand new panama hat off my head. It neatly landed in a muddy puddle on the train tracks. My sister jumped down onto the tracks to retrieve one now sadly bedraggled hat. My mother will kill me, thought I, losing not only my hat but my sister on the first day of school.

Thankfully my sister did not get turned into mince meat by an express train, though my mother was not impressed with the state of my hat and refused to replace it, so that sad hat remained with me until (first thing I am thankful for!) the school dispensed with panama hats in around Year 9.

The school has fabulous facilities – magnificent grounds, the AKT, the Aquatic Centre, gymnasium, tennis courts, a speech centre, art centre, the transition program, and a top class library complete with a café that I’m told sells lovely brownies that you can take back to the common room and heat up. For the ability to access those facilities I’m sure we are all immensely grateful.

Amazing extra-curricular activities – the opportunity for broadening our daughters’ horizons and teaching them compassion and respect for others through activities such as volunteer work, the exchange program, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and educational and cultural overseas tours.

School sport gave my daughters the opportunity to engage with girls in years above and below them, to learn new skills and learn how to win and lose (softball games at Pymble, Loretto or Frensham at 8.00 am meaning having to be there at 7.00 am were not something


Ms Virginia Rowlands speaking at the 2014 Graduation Dinner.

that I was quite so thankful for, but I am immensely grateful that neither daughter wanted to take up rowing!).

The Music department gives students so many opportunities for bands, choirs, orchestras as well as individual performance. And the Drama productions are fabulous, although Mr Friend I have to say I have one daughter green with envy over the plans for 2015!

And the education is first rate, and the staff incredibly dedicated.

I’m sure I’ve omitted many features of this wonderful school, and for that I apologise.

But on the top of my list is the pastoral support that PLC has lent to my family, which has been second to none. Our family has had its share of difficulties, yet each Year Director, right from Year 7, the staff and the school counsellors, have watched over, steered and clearly loved our daughters, and been there for them at every turn. So to all of you, some of whom are here tonight and some who will not be, I give you my personal thanks.

So having thought about it long and hard, what I came up with, and what that ‘nebulous something’ was, is this – I sent my daughters to PLC in the hope that the school would partner with us to produce ‘confident, caring, accomplished young women’.

To me, this statement, which you’ll all recognise, absolutely hits the nail on the head, and it resonates so much with me because that’s exactly what I got out of my years at PLC, and what I wanted for my daughters.

I look back at the year of 77. After our 35 year anniversary the more techno-savvy of us set up a Facebook group of which many of us are now members. We share heartaches and celebrations in that group. The ties to the school are life-long.

I look at the girls in my year. Virtually every walk of life is represented, secretaries to lawyers, real estate agents to nurses, amazing women juggling career, family, community and self and leading fulfilling and valuable lives. If you read the Ex-Students' Union newsletter, and I trust you young ladies will, you will see that this was not some fluke, something in the water back in 1977. The women who went before us, and the women who came after us, have all developed into confident, caring, accomplished women.

That is what I wanted for my daughters and as Olivia is about to head out of those big green gates for the last time as a student, I am so thankful to the school, the board, the staff, the parents and to the fellow students, for all pulling together to achieve just that.

While I have the monopoly on the talking stick, may I leave our young women a quote from a favourite character of mine, taking the speaker as your school.

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.”

Ms Virginia Rowlands (mother of Olivia Pierson, Year 12)


THERE WAS A great sense of excitement and nervousness this evening as the girls stood on the verandah waiting to be presented to you. They anticipated the element of risk of walking alone – exposed, mostly in new shoes, considerably higher than their comfortable school shoes across this smooth floor – would it be a safe journey?

In a sense that short walk (although for many of them it lasted a very long time), the stepping out when their name was called is symbolic of the huge step that they are about to take into the big world outside of school, outside of PLC Sydney.

For most of these girls it will be a scary step. It will be a challenge for many of them as they step out of the familiar and into an unknown new phase of their lives.

Girls, I believe that all of you are well equipped to step out into this next chapter. PLC has helped you to develop your own strengths, determination and confidence.

One thing that is almost 100 percent certain for this group of girls is that they will be faced with CHANGE constantly in their lives.

This year group has faced quite a few changes in the last 12

months over which they have had no control. Changes that have been challenging and at times difficult to negotiate. However, most of these wonderful students have maintained perspective, supported each other and navigated the waves of change smoothly.

This is a testament to you as parents – that you have helped to develop resilience in your daughters and guided them through the rough waters of change.

As I said to the girls this morning: this ability to sail through stormy times is a life lesson that is more valuable than any ATAR points.

I would also like to acknowledge the excellent leadership that this year group has had. Leila, Ally, Sarah, Evie and Queenie have taken initiative, made some tough decisions and kept the Year 12 boat steady and on course through this year. Please join me in thanking them for all that they have done.

Tonight is a celebration of the end of one stage in your daughters’ life journey. Tomorrow we will see them stepping out of the big green gates symbolically. It is a time to move on and spread their wings. It is exciting but can be scary too.

GO WELL CLASS OF 2014

Members of the class of 2014 with Head of Year 12, Mrs Rowena Barnett.

YEAR 12 GRADUATION

Mrs Rowena Barnett, Head of Year 12, has shared the highs and lows of the last two years with the class of 2014. In her speech to students and parents at the Graduation Dinner, Mrs Barnett reflected on her time with the girls.


Seventeen years ago when many of these young women were taking their first breaths or taking their first tentative steps and embarking on their life’s journey, I took a giant leap which has led to their and my life being interconnected and interwoven. Seventeen and a half years ago I made a huge decision with my family and left the warmth and security of my homeland and landed on this continent.

It was the most difficult thing I have ever done and it required me to muster strength, resolve and determination – and of course to embrace a big change.

As you leave the security and predictability of PLC you will experience different emotions. Being uprooted can be painful but being replanted into another patch will allow you to grow your own unique style and personhood further. Now is your time to flourish and to thrive in your own chosen patch.

Allow me to give you one more piece of advice. Bloom wherever you are planted.

Make that decision. Choose to make the most of all of life's opportunities no matter where you find yourself.

Ladies, I would like to share with your parents tonight some things I have learnt from you over the last two years.

I've learnt about some stress relieving strategies:

• When in doubt, dress up, put on music and dance. As a year group you have pulled together and had some good parties in the science amphitheatre.

In fact the very first time I was with you as a year group was at a party. It was the Year 10 Formal. Goodness me – how you have moved on from those excited and, for some, terrified young women nervously walking onto that boat with your partner for the night. When I look across the room tonight I see self-assured young women – so different from those Year 10s.

The second stress relieving strategy that I've learnt is:

• Bring food!

And the HSC seems to result in some very strange dietary options:

• I've learnt that chips from MacDonald’s apparently taste best when dipped in soft serve ice cream first.

• I've learnt that microwaving popcorn with maltezers is a real winner.

• That melting your birthday caramello koala chocolate is a good way of prolonging its enjoyment.

• And that as a last resort, dry cornflakes in your coffee mug will get you through an early morning class.

I’ve also learnt that Ryan Gosling can be very inspirational – his wisdom held a central space in the Year 12 Common Room this year.

But on a more serious note, I've learnt a lot about courage from this incredible group of girls. Early in the year I quoted Socrates to you: “Be kind because everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Some of the young women in this room tonight have fought and are still fighting the toughest of battles:

• Some of them have fought life and death battles, some have watched others close to them fighting such battles.

• Some have been locked in hand to hand combat with anxiety and mental illness.

• Others have had to deal with major uprooting shifts in life.

• Many of you have had to manage disappointment at some stage and with the fact that life has not presented things quite the way you hoped it would.

Without exception I have seen remarkable courage demonstrated in these girls.

I have been humbled and deeply moved as I've watched these battles being fought. I have tried to support from the side lines. But I’ve watched in awe as I saw the strength and resilience of so many of these remarkable young women shine through.

I salute you all. Courage requires one to face off against fear and I have seen that again and again.

I have witnessed what it means to support each other. You have come together and overcome hurdles as a group. I've heard some of your group talk as you've worked out perspective. Through English re-sits and changes of teachers, you've managed to regroup, support one another and focus on your goals.

And I thank you for the kindness you have shown me over the last few days.

Tomorrow when you symbolically take leave of one another, it will be bittersweet, but know that you have a rich garden of girls blooming around you. I am confident that you will flourish and bloom in all your unique colours and shapes in the future no matter where you find yourselves.

I look forward to hearing about how your journey’s progress and of your achievements in the future. I am quite certain that many of you will take what you have gained here and put it to good use in your communities to make a difference there.

So, wonderful girls of 2014, as you continue on your journey through life, stop and admire the view from the hilltops of your successes and when times get tough and you feel like you are in the valleys of life, take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other and keep walking.

Thank you Year 12 – go well or as they say in Zulu ‘hambani kahle’.

Mrs Rowena Barnett Head of Year 12


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Who is a PLC Sydney Alumni? Any student who is currently at the College will be an Alumni when she leaves. These Alumni are also given the opportunity to become a member of the Ex-Students’ Union. BEING AN ALUMNI gives you the opportunity to remain in touch with the College, find out what’s happening and attend various events throughout the year. One of these events may be the Alumni event that the College puts on for those students who have left the school 10, 20, 30 and 40 years ago respectively.

This year we held events for the 2004, 1994, 1984 and 1974 leavers. Do you know that some of these ladies had not been back through the green gates since they left? The 2004 leavers did not have the ‘new’ pool, or Performing Arts Centre or larger MRC. The 1974 leavers didn’t even have Thompson Hall.

Each year another group of Alumni meet before opening hours for a private guided tour of the Archibald Exhibition. This annual event is popular for all Alumni and their friends. They enjoy the morning tea after the artworks tour as well.

We wonder what you will think when you are an Alumni and visit the school or gather at a social event. What will PLC Sydney offer that they do not currently? It is hard to imagine that there could be more to offer but there will be. There will be things that have happened at school that when you return will be part of the world or school’s history.

ALUMNI @ PLC SYDNEYFrom a 1974 Alumni Reunion we gathered

these few snippets:

“In 1965 when we were starting at the new primary school at Croydon, US combat troops arrived in Vietnam. When we crossed Meta Street and entered high school in 1969, the first man walked on the moon. We completed our school certificate exams in 1972, Gough Whitlam was elected PM after 23 years of conservative rule and in 1974, our final school year, Patty Hearst the 19-year-old daughter of publisher Randolf Hearst, was kidnapped.”

“Since we left the College, Pickard House, the music and staff rooms were replaced in 1987 by Thompson Hall. The athletic track and long jump, replaced by the Performing Arts Centre and Theatre. Meta Street closed off giving direct access to the Primary School classrooms.”

“And the boarders recount how they were required to walk around the oval in total silence, before they set off to attend Sunday Services.”

Be a proud Alumni and Ex-Students' Union member and stay in touch. Your times at school are some of the best and sharing these with others is always enjoyable.

Mrs Catherine Marvell Director of Enrolments

SAVE THE DATEClass of 2005 Reunion – 7 February 2015

Class of 1995 Reunion – 28 February 2015

Class of 1985 Reunion – 23 May 2015

Class of 1975 Reunion – 22 August 2015

Top image: Rosemary Ferguson, Margaret Mitchell (neé Davies)1956 and Heather Hall (neé Henderson)1958 at the Archibald Exhibition, Art Gallery of NSW.

Bottom image: Pamela McLean (neé Cull) 1971 and Jane Smith (neé Simpson) 1973 at the Archibald Exhibition.


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As we arrive, a waning moon, barely noticeable beyond the tower, is setting over the college grounds. We are here at PLC Sydney part of the Class of 1974, for our 40-year reunion. THE SOUNDS OF women's laughter can be heard and we soon locate our own group, among the milling students and parents (what are they all doing here at the library on a Saturday afternoon?). So different to our day.

Mrs Catherine Marvell greets us warmly and with great efficiency we are adorned with our name tags and go to join the others. It’s exciting to be see each other again. Oh here's Julie and Anne, Elizabeth and Rosemary, Janet, Catherine, Lyn. Names that place us solidly in the Australia of the mid 1950s as surely as our faces and love for Enid Blyton. We soon find our friends and scan the group for others that we recognise, who is missing, what news of them, are they okay? Lucky we are wearing our name tags, as our memories are indeed fading. Some of us have travelled considerable distances; Perth, Melbourne, Canberra, sparing time out from demanding lives, our school days almost a lifetime away but this reunion important to us for many reasons.

We are here to admire the new facilities of PLC Sydney. It’s a special tour, we know this might be the last reunion to be held at the college. It is, after all, 40 years since we

sat the HSC and left to make our way in the world. Our connections to the school are tentative at best. We have become vintage – part of an era, as remote from the current students concerns as Lady Jersey, in her heliotrope dress, was to us.

Mrs Marvell soon had us away on the promised tour, starting with some familiar things; Shubra Hall looking so welcoming – The Boarders Tower illuminated in 1995, the sunken garden, the camphor laurel climbing tree and Marden Hall, converted to a museum and conference room in 2013-2014. Everything surprisingly smaller and closer together. We recall structures long ago replaced but to which we have tethered memories; Pickard House, the music and staff rooms were replaced in 1987 by Thompson Hall. The athletic track and long jump, replaced by the Performing Arts Centre and Theatre. Meta Street and Elizabeth Streets closed off giving direct access to the Primary school classrooms.

In the confusion of all the new facilities we momentarily lose our bearings and Catherine brings us back with a snippet from the past. Here's the Science Lab, somewhat grander with the Science Amphitheatre courtyard but in the same position as before. It is where we watched the moon landing, the image crackling and snowy through the satellite transmission.

Of course we are all impressed by the new facilities and impressed by the possibilities they hint at. What could the current crop of girls achieve with all this – and we look at them as they stare out from their photos, proud in the special green and gold blazers,

the girls who have represented their country. Who could have imagined a Design and Technology workshop within the tiled walls of the Croydon Hotel, or a café for parents and Saturday extension classes in the Macindoe Research Centre. The school responding to the demands of the modern world. A highly competitive world.

There is a glass of sparkling wine waiting for us back at the Research Centre, with a slide show from the school archives. Thank you so much to Catherine Marvell for being thoughtful, charming and knowledgeable and guiding us around the college grounds. It was a real privilege.

We drive off for dinner along Elizabeth Street and past the Ashfield swimming pool where the school held the annual swimming carnival. In the distance are the lights of Sydney. Our private room at Ashfield Leagues Club is soon full with middle aged women; tenacious, passionate, accomplished, resilient and independent, but struggling with greying hair. How long do we keep dyeing? How best to present ourselves to the world. Ludion has kept her PLC autograph book all this time and is asking for our signatures. We write our messages on the lovely pastel coloured sheets.

Thanks must go to Anne Schroers for organising regular reunions for our class of 1974. We have been meeting every five years since 1979. This may be our last at the school but that will not deter us from gathering again in five years time, we have a very good email list and can keep in touch.

Ms Philippa Street

AN EVENING OF MEMORIES: CLASS OF 1974 REUNION


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ANNE SCHROERS (NÉE TEO)Year of graduation: 1974

Since leaving school I have…

– Completed a B.Sc. Dip Ed at Sydney University majoring in Pure Mathematics and Statistics.

– Taught High School Mathematics at Cremorne Girls and Hurstville Boys for 10 years.

– Tutored Maths privately for 35 years.

– Nurtured three daughters.

– Been Director and secretary of a financial planning company with my husband.

– Been full-time carer for six years for my mother who had a heart attack, stroke and dementia.

– Since retirement, with my husband, run our own microfinance charity ‘Microlend’ and to date have set up over 1500 businesses in India, Africa, Philippines, and recently Mongolia.

– Organised many charity fundraising events

– Done several courses, including Landmark Education and Perspectives.

– Organised the PLC reunions for the class of ’74.

Some of my favourite memories from school are...

– With my friends in the playground at Branxton.

– Birthdays in the Boarding School.

– Friendships made in the Boarding School and the mischief we got up to!

– The camaraderie and house spirit at the swimming and athletics carnivals.

– Year 12 muck-up days.

– The relationships that were made with some wonderful teachers like Miss Rees and Miss Cummins, Mrs Toms and Mrs McGrath.

Current occupation: Secretary of Microlend Australia Ltd and a partner in Microlend

Current city of residence: Sydney, New South Wales.

CAROLYN SANFORD (NEÉ HAYNES)Year of graduation: 1959

Since leaving school I have… completed a Vocational Education and Training degree followed by two masters degrees; Master of TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) as well as Master of LLN (language, literacy and numeracy). I have had many interesting positions to use these qualifications, one being in the Victorian gaol system teaching inmates to read and write, the other was starting up ‘the Baxter School’ in 2002, and two years later closing it. This school was at the Baxter Detention Centre at Port Augusta. It was a great school with 27 children ranging from 4–17 years-old.

Many of the children (adults now) and their families keep in touch with me. I have three children, David in Perth with the East Perth Chamber of Commerce in the training area, Jenni a solicitor with the Education Department in Sydney and Jess who is studying a Master of Librarianship, after having two other degrees in the arts and journalism, lives in Beaconsfield.

Current occupation: I still busy myself with part-time work with CSU as a clinical educator within the Indigenous unit helping students with their study skills and assignments in Primary School teaching. At 71-years-old I think I may never retire.

Current city of residence: Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.


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Left to right: Alice, Jade, Rachel and Anne Schroers

RACHEL SCHROERSYear of graduation: 2009 (Community Service Captain)

Since leaving school I have… attended the Conservatorium of Music, Sydney Uni to pursue my love of music and develop my saxophone skills. I’ve been a part of many ensembles there and was lucky enough to sing with a choir in Westminster Abbey and Notre Dame Cathedral. I have done private saxophone and clarinet tutoring for five years and have just begun teaching classroom music.

Some of my favourite memories from school are... all of the extra co-curricular activities! Sports, Duke of Edinburgh and of course the music groups; choir, big band, wind ensemble, the school musicals, Merimbula Jazz Festival, Band Tour to Japan and Europe and just generally the whole community that PLC fostered.

Current occupation: High school Music teacher at Willoughby Girls' High School.


JADE SCHROERSYear of graduation: 2004 (Music Captain)

Since leaving school I have…

– Begun to live my life with Jesus as my Lord (i.e. the centre and focus of my life)

– Completed an advanced science degree, majoring in chemistry and biochemistry

– Worked for a year for the Sydney University Evangelical Union

– Completed a medical degree

– Learnt to develop and maintain friendships/relationships outside of the convenience of the school environment

– Learnt (and am still learning) humility, endurance and compassion

– Founding and running the Dubbo and Tamworth Healthcare Fellowships.

Some of my favourite memories from school are...

– Choir rehearsals

– House Choir night

– Exploding experiments in Ms Vitlin’s Chemistry class

– Tournament of the Minds preparation in Mrs Moore’s office

– Year 7 philosophy

– Making a tangram cake for Maths week

– Japan band camp

– Playing ‘O Danny Boy’ in concert band with Ms Hope

– Re-enacting parts of The Life of Brian whilst we were lining up for the HSC Music exam.

Current occupation: Doctor at Tamworth Base Hospital.

Current city of residence: Tamworth, New South Wales.

ALICE SCHROERSYear of graduation: 2006

Since leaving school I have… studied medical science at UNSW, done a ministry apprenticeship with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students at UWS and completed a medical degree.

Some of my favourite memories from school are... our Year 6 Musical written by the lovely Mrs Kate Wheatley and her sister, House Choir nights, the annual swimming carnival and our final year dance off between day girls and boarders… there are many more!

Current occupation: Junior Doctor at Alice Springs Hospital.

Current city of residence: Alice Springs, Northern Territory.


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EX-STUDENTS LUCY HUMPHREYYear of graduation: 2000

Since leaving school I have… been lucky enough to travel around the world, complete a Bachelor of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture with honours at the University of Sydney, and start my own architecture and design practice.

After finishing university in 2007 (including one incredible year travelling overseas), I worked with PTW Architects and Collins & Turner, before starting my own practice Lucy Humphrey – Studio in 2009. I have been working in Surry Hills since then, with my studios based in shared warehouse spaces filled with creative like-minded people. In 2011 I cofounded the non-profit organisation Archrival, with the aim to create an experimental ‘out of hours’ office where we could practice architecture and design in a non-traditional way.

With a strong ambition to create my own projects, these two practices have enabled me to be part of local and international industry events, and to collaborate with many different people. With Archrival I have been part of exciting exhibitions including the Venice International Biennale of Architecture, Sydney Art Month, Sydney Fringe Festival, Art & About, Sydney Festival and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. And in my own practice I’ve been able to create award winning works for Sculpture by the Sea, and win new commissions for public and private artworks.

In having one ‘traditional’ and one ‘experimental’ studio I’ve been able to design houses, bars, restaurants, apartments and offices, as well as sculptures, stage sets and temporary installations. This amazing variety of work has allowed me to meet and work with an incredible range of people, and to travel overseas to study and present my work. I have also been teaching at the University of Sydney and University of Technology in the faculties of architecture, and have written for leading architecture magazines such as AR Architectural Review Asia Pacific and AA Architecture Australia. For me, it is important to maintain these

professional links and to keep thinking and talking about architecture, as we move towards a dynamic and unknown future.

I feel very lucky to have had the support and opportunities to do all of these things, and for the amazing teams of people who have helped to make every project happen.

Some of my favourite memories from school are... based around enjoying time with friends in the beautiful school grounds and gardens. Being interested in the built environment, I now realise how influential the school was in providing a lush and inspiring setting every day. I remember filming our own version of Romeo and Juliette in the rose gardens, lounging around the Year 12 common room with our socks off, and wandering down to the leafy pool to practice our Bronze Star rescue exercises.

Some of my best memories are of art classes with Mr Fyfe and Ms Ellis, where we had incredible freedom and encouragement to explore ideas, experiment and learn about art in an in-depth way. The Croydon Hotel had just become the new arts building as we went into Year 12, so we were able to enjoy it all to ourselves, unrenovated, and engrossed in our major works.

Another memorable adventure was our Art camp to Bundanon’s Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Centre, singing to Alanis Morrisette in the bus on the way there. The building was designed by Pritzker prize winning Australian architect Glenn Murcutt, with a soaring roof and beautifully detailed timber and concrete rooms. We had jewellery making workshops in the sculptural outdoor hall, overlooking the Shoalhaven River, where the hill became a giant slip-and-slide in our time off.

I will always remember early morning hockey and cricket games on the weekends, travelling near and far to play with our encouraging coaches and close-knit teams of friends.

And last of all the exhilarating feeling of finishing the HSC exams – and celebrating on the last day by shaving the Principal Dr McKeith’s head.

Current occupation: I work as an architect and artist in my Surry Hills studio, juggling my day to day practice as Lucy Humphrey Studio with the more experimental (and out of hours) ventures of Archrival.



Dressed for fun: Kindergarten students with Miss Tara Jeong in costume for Book Feast


Boundary Street Croydon NSW 2132

Phone (+612) 9704 5666 Fax (+612) 9744 0519

Email [email protected]

www.plc.nsw.edu.au

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