PE N R H OS CO LLEGE
A NN UA L REPORT
2020 COLLEGE LEADERSHIP GROUP Acting Principal (Chair) Rob Taylor Director of Finance and Administration Stephen Cooper Acting Dean of Academic Administration Patrick Moore Dean of Co-Curricular Paul McCarthy Dean of Pastoral Care Michelle Taylor Dean of Teaching and Learning Nicole Blyth Head of Junior School Wayne Revitt Deputy Head of Junior School Helen Hepworth Director of Information Communications Technology Neil Mullally COVER Artwork: ‘Kaarta Garup’ (Kings Park) by Chiara Miller-Sabbioni Photographs: Angela Coote (2005)
Director of Marketing and Development Paula Barrow Director People Services June Benson
FROM THE ACTING PRINCIPAL 2020 has been a remarkable year of disruption, change and significant achievement at Penrhos College. Commencing the school year in February, no one foresaw the disruption to our core business that would take place at the end of Term 1 — in the space of a few days, our community pivoted to remote learning. Classes were delivered online, as the majority of students and staff worked from home. Far luckier than many other places in Australia and around the world, the College returned to face-to-face classes and normal operations relatively quickly. Although this experience provided its challenges, it also delivered its own lessons including; • the potential for effective delivery of curriculum by alternative means • the incredible resilience of both staff and students in adapting quickly to change • how much we take for granted the valuable interpersonal relationships that a school community offers • the strength of our College values in demanding times; these should always be the guide by which we make decisions • how individuals respond to situations differently; acknowledgement of this human factor should feature always in our planning The close of Semester 1 brought major change, with the retirement of long serving Principal Mrs Meg Melville. I would again like to formally acknowledge the many years of service and the enduring impact Meg had on the Penrhos community; although farewelled fittingly, she is and will continue to be missed by many. As 2020 draws to a close we can, despite unprecedented interruptions, look back with satisfaction at our achievements; The new Meg Melville Science Innovation Centre has progressed on schedule and will be ready for opening at the commencement of the 2021 school year. This incredible centre will house world-class facilities in an inspiring modern
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
environment that will promote innovation and quality teaching and learning. The implementation of a new Educational Management System, Compass, has been a major focus for much of the year; its introduction will effect a significant change in College operations at all levels. It will directly improve engagement between parents, student and staff by providing improved communication, and it will streamline administrative procedures for all stakeholders. It will change the way in which parents can engage with their daughter’s learning journey through the College. An incredible amount of time has gone into laying the foundations for the launch of Compass in 2021 and, as next year progresses, further refinement and development will take place. The College will participate in 2021 re-registration as part of the non-government school process conducted by the Department of Education. This comprehensive review assesses the school against 15 standards and requires the submission of significant documentation, evidence and (in some cases) school visits. Members of the College Leadership Team and administration have been working hard to prepare for this — the last registration process saw Penrhos receive approval for five years, the maximum possible timeframe. During 2020, the College commissioned an independent, confidential ‘experience’ survey of all school parents (PreK to 12), staff, alumni and prospective parents as a part of our willingness to monitor, review and improve what we do at the College. For the 2020 review, a total of 463 parents, 138 staff, 760 alumni and 169 prospective parents completed the survey. This information is most important for the College’s operational and strategic planning, as well as tracking our performance and satisfaction levels.
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In terms of our key 2020 initiatives:
INITIATIVES
PROGRESS IN 2020
Early Learning Centre new vision
• The creation of a new philosophy for the Early Learning Centre based on the Early Years Learning Framework pillars of Belonging, Being and Becoming, together with a revised pricing structure to promote increased early entry
Year 7 Boarder Academic Transition Program
• Incoming Year 7 boarders for 2021 have been provided a personalised program in the areas of Digital Technologies, Literacy and Numeracy for the first time, to help them prepare for transition to the College
Co – curricular Programs K - 12
• Membership of the Round Square program, an international collection of nearly 220 schools in 50 countries across six continents • A values-based approach to education and the importance of student agency and voice in one’s personal learning journey
Education Management System
• Compass School Management System chosen • Project plan and working group selected • Roll-out plan for 2020 and beyond: • Staff professional development and training • School calendaring and planning • Co-curricular programs • Attendance and pastoral observations • Course and assessment outlines • Communication strategy with parents
Pre-K – 12 Wellbeing Framework
• Pastoral framework developed to enhance overall wellbeing • Founded in evidence-based principles, concepts and programs • Framed around age and psychological development of students
Differentiation
• The teaching and learning team supported staff via professional conversations as part of lesson observations to explore strategies for differentiation of curriculum delivery • A three-day training course was attended by 18 staff focusing on supporting teachers to differentiate and personalise learning to cater for the full range of abilities in their classrooms
Curriculum Review
• A ‘Scope and Sequence Review’ was conducted by Heads of Department to ensure compliance, along with an appropriate balance of learning areas content and skills combined with 21st Century learning design
Full Circle Program
• A 2020 initiative in which College Psychologists work with groups of parents and staff to enhance the wellbeing of students • Offering seminars and small group workshops with parents and caregivers on a range of topics including resilience, emotional regulation, screen use and mental health have been delivered • Resources are offered on all aspects of development and mental health via social media and the College portal – topics include friendship, body image and confidence • Feedback from parents has been extremely positive in terms of increased connection, communication and collaboration with the College and other parents • Wellbeing workshops have also been offered to staff
In 2021 our focus will be sharp and narrow, guided by the priorities of our incoming Principal Kalea Haran — we look to the new year with great excitement, as we welcome Kalea to the College and embark on a new chapter in the life of Penrhos. My sincere thanks to the College Council, Parent Support Groups and our broader community for the year that was 2020. We have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to in 2021. I wish you all a restful and happy festive season. Rob Taylor ACTING PRINCIPAL
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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FROM THE COUNCIL CHAIR The past year, my second year as Chair of Penrhos College Council, has brought unpredictability and challenge in ways that most of us would not have previously imagined. As we find 2020 drawing to a close, we have an opportunity to reflect on the events of these past 12 months, as well as look forward with optimism to the College plans for 2021.
2021 TUITION AND BOARDING FEES
The advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic has no doubt impacted all of us in some way, shape or form. At Penrhos, we met the challenge of delivering remote learning quickly and effectively and I remain most impressed with and humbled by the efforts of staff, parents and students who pulled together to not only maintain academic and co-curricular programs, but also to provide support to one another. As we prepare for the festive season, my thoughts are with those families who cannot be together through the Christmas and holiday period as they may have intended, both here in Australia and around the world. Our new Principal, Kalea Haran, will be joining us in Perth for the beginning of Term 1 2021. She and her family are scheduled to be departing Singapore in mid-December and we anticipate they will be out of the required quarantine in time to see in the new year. In the context of the challenges posed by the impacts on our broader community by COVID-19, College Council made significant decisions in 2020 to ensure Penrhos was able to maintain its debt-free position as at the end of the year. Furthermore, Council has approved the freezing of tuition and boarding fees for Years 1 through to 12 for 2021, in recognition of the current economic climate. Council also recently approved a revised fee structure for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Pre-Primary. The College will continue to deliver all elements of its renowned academic, co-curricular and pastoral programs in 2021 while ensuring the increasing costs of operation are balanced with appropriate efficiency measures. The following table lists the detail of Tuition and Boarding Fees for 2021. For students not returning at the beginning of a new school year, notice must be received prior to close of business on the last day of the Term 3 holidays of the previous year.
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Tuition
Annual Fee 2 days
$ 4,333
3 days
$ 6,500
4 days
$ 8,666
4 days
$ 8,500
5 days
$ 10,625
Early Learning Centre and Junior School
Pre-Primary
$ 14,000
Years 1-4
$ 17,040
Years 5-6
$ 17,666
Secondary School
Years 7-9
$ 23,634
Years 10-12
$ 25,314
Boarding
in addition to Tuition Fees
$ 25,494
PreKindergarten
Kindergarten
RESOURCE FEES Annual Fee 4 days
$ 225
5 days
$ 250
Early Learning Centre and Junior School
Pre-Primary
$ 250
Years 1-5
$ 275
Year 6
$ 315
Secondary School
Years 7-12
$ 180
Kindergarten
TECHNOLOGY LEVY Annual Fee Early Learning Centre and Junior School
Secondary School
Year 2
$ 100
Year 3
$ 200
Years 4-5
$ 400
Year 6
$ 700
Years 7-12
$ 700
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Penrhos remains deeply troubled by the reports of alleged historical child sexual abuse; with current court proceedings likely to continue well into 2021. The College sincerely appreciates and recognises the courage demonstrated by those members of its alumni who came forward to share their experiences in the context of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. We are steadfastly committed to supporting our alumni who have been either directly or indirectly affected, through these challenging and sensitive circumstances. I am delighted that our plans for the new Science Innovation Centre, which align with the College’s strategic and long-term commitment to high achievement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), are largely unaffected by the impacts of COVID-19 and we are on schedule to open in Term 1 2021. The Development Office has worked hard with the Penrhos College Foundation through 2020 to highlight our ongoing fundraising agenda and to establish a longer-term culture of philanthropy amongst our community. I am delighted to share that we have exceeded our targets; you can read more on this from Chris Gee, Foundation President on page 8. It is College Council’s responsibility for setting and monitoring performance targets, and I can advise the College, under Acting Principal Rob Taylor’s excellent stewardship, continues to track well in the areas of community engagement, financial stability, academic and co-curricular performance, and legislative compliance. I would like to thank all the parents and staff who responded to the comprehensive surveys undertaken by the College towards the end of Term 3 – your feedback will be invaluable to our incoming Principal, along with members of College Council and leadership. I gratefully acknowledge my fellow Council members, who give so generously of their time and expertise; also, the College Leadership Team for their passion and commitment to all that they do.
2020 PENRHOS COLLEGE COUNCIL The Penrhos College Council is responsible to the Uniting Church in Australia for the governance of Penrhos College. The Principal is appointed by, and accountable to the Council for delivery of the College’s teaching and learning program and the management of the school.
Moderator Rev Steve Francis (outgoing) Rev Susy Thomas (incoming) Chair Dr Peta Sanderson Deputy Chairperson Ian Parker Secretary Margarette Horne Treasurer Kelvin May (outgoing) Geoff Fry (incoming) Principal Rob Taylor (Acting) Meg Melville (outgoing) Foundation Representative Chris Gee Members Antiopi Orkopoulos Evan Hillard Felicity Kermode Brook McGowan Kristian Stratton Jodie Wallace
It is my honour and privilege to serve you as Chair of College Council. Dr Peta Sanderson COLLEGE COUNCIL CHAIR
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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FROM THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT Did you know the College tuition fees cover just 70% of the College’s operating costs? The rest is made up of various grants and is enhanced with gifts from our benevolent community - the evidence of your generosity can be found in every part of our learning experience and our campus. The Foundation works closely with the Penrhos Development Office on a range of fundraising initiatives to ensure the College remains firmly positioned at the forefront of girls’ education, with cutting edge facilities and the very best resources. Raising the profile of the Foundation, supporting the College for the benefit of the girls and our fundraising activities will be our shared priorities for 2021. This year we established the Penrhos College Foundation Helping Hand initiative. Funding under the Helping Hand initiative will be made available on an ongoing basis for the students and staff to apply for, with the aim of supporting our students, staff and the College. The Helping Hand initiative is in addition to our existing support for Parent Support Groups and will encompass the Foundation’s ongoing support of the College’s Round Square membership which commenced in 2020. The first Helping Hand grant will support the Penrhos Full Circle program for 2021. We are working on a number of initiatives for Helping Hand in 2021, so please watch this space for more details. We look forward to the opening of the new Meg Melville Science Innovation Centre at the beginning of Term 1 2021. At the time of writing, we have raised an outstanding $674,000, which significantly exceeds our initial target of $500,000 — this fantastic result has been achieved via a range of initiatives including cohort campaigns, Annual Giving, the Alumni Lookout Collective, the Tuition Fee Raffle, sponsorship of plaques on the feature Periodic Table and naming rights to areas within the new building. In addition to the fundraising campaign, the Foundation contributed $2,000,000 towards the new building, and which will be recognised in the central Group Presentation Space. I
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would like to recognise the Development Office for their concerted efforts in this unprecedented campaign, and to thank each and every donor for their valued contribution. We look forward to welcoming incoming Principal Kalea Haran in 2021. Kalea is a great champion of community engagement and she will be a passionate advocate for the Foundation. As part of the focus on community engagement in 2021 we will be hosting a series of events — the first will be a Gin and Jazz Soiree. We look forward to welcoming parents, staff and friends to the event. It is a privilege to have served the College in the capacity of President of the Penrhos College Foundation for the last year. As I learn more about our wonderful community and the opportunities for Foundation support, I am firmly committed to encouraging and growing more alumni and community engagement as part of our work. I would like to thank all of my fellow board members, who generously give their time and expertise each year. In particular, I would like to acknowledge outgoing members Sondra Anderson, the current Vice President, previous President and Council member for her significant contribution to both the Foundation and College over many years; also, Ailsa Allen for her service to the Foundation and significant service to the Alumni Committee. I would additionally like to pass on my thanks to everyone beyond the Foundation Board who has made my experience as President thus far so enjoyable and rewarding – particularly to College staff, members of Council, members of the Alumni Committee, the many Parent Support Group representatives and to those generous donors with whom I have had the pleasure of spending time across the last 12 months. Chris Gee FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
INSPIRATIONAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES PASTORAL CARE • PreK-Year 12 Wellbeing Framework reviewed to develop a cross-College program called Connect — the Pastoral Care Committee developed a pastoral framework to enhance overall wellbeing, founded in evidence-based principles, concepts and programs and framed around the age and psychological development of the students. • PreK-Year 12 Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum — a whole School approach to the delivery of protective behaviours using the Keeping Safe Curriculum is implemented through Health lessons PreK-Year 10 and in pastoral time for Years 11 and 12. • P reK-Year 12 Skills and Dispositions - born from the Year 7 Project, a skills and disposition framework encompassing mind, heart, body and spirit has been developed, highlighting the key soft skills students need to be futureready. • O ffering seminars and small group workshops for adults, Penrhos Full Circle is a 2020 initiative in which College Psychologists work with groups of parents and staff to enhance the wellbeing of students.
Ahead in 2021: • Dragon Explorers Program — a whole school excursion and camp program planned for 2021 with an outdoor education focus, based on developing character strengths and to be aligned with the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
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CO-CURRICULAR • In 2020, audits, interviews and evaluations through staff and student workshops were held as part of a Co-curricular Synergy Project to determine valuable learning and cocurricular opportunities that will develop strong character traits in our students. • Despite various competitions/concerts/tours/opportunities being necessarily modified or cancelled due to COVID-19, our community showed extraordinary resilience and the ability to adapt to change as required, with an outstanding level of student involvement and achievement including: » participation of 100 girls over the five-day 2020 WA Volleyball Schools Cup competition, with Penrhos taking home the title of top female Volleyball school in the state. » our Year 7/8 A, B, C and D basketball teams had a clean sweep of winning their respective grade pennants, finishing in second place for the Overall IGSSA Basketball Championship. » our Cross-Country team finished in 1st place (Year 10), 2nd place (Year 9) and 3rd place (Year 7) in the 2020 IGSSA Cross Country competition. » badminton was added to IGSSA competition for Year 9-12 students, with hundreds of girls from all IGSSA schools socially participating in organised badminton evenings. » Year 7/8, 11 and 12 boarders’ netball teams won premierships in their 2020 Grand Final. » Penrhos was awarded the top Junior School fitness program in Australia for the second year in a row by Sports Challenge Australia.
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
ACADEMIC » our Junior School Swim Team won the Female Champion School at the Southside Swimming Challenge for the second year in a row. » there was strong student engagement in our evergrowing co-curricular offerings in Junior School, with new activities like Food and Flavours of China and Divergent Thinkers proving successful. » our fantastic musical production of My Fair Lady included Penrhos Symphony Orchestra students in the production pit orchestra, for the first time.
Ahead in 2021: • The introduction of our new Strings Program so that all our students may learn music from Year 2. • With the generous support of the College Foundation, Penrhos College has successfully been granted candidate membership of Round Square — an international collection of nearly 220 schools in 50 countries across six continents - and one of only two member-schools in Perth. International members of the Round Square organisation are bound together by a very particular values-based approach to education, centred on the importance of student agency; outstanding opportunities for students and staff will be rolled out progressively from 2021.
• Due to COVID-19, the NAPLAN standard assessment process was cancelled by the federal government. • The new Year 7 Penrhos Wesley Collaboration was introduced - a co-ed initiative crossing academic and pastoral learning opportunities, in which students work together across both campuses to solve real-world problems, use innovative technologies and develop their 21st Century skills. • The new Year 7 Boarding Academic Transition Program was introduced - incoming Year 7 boarders were provided with a personalised program in the areas of digital technologies, literacy and numeracy to help them prepare for their academic transition to the College. • Professional review – extensive consultation has resulted in a new approach to teacher performance management and professional learning; the professional review system provides teachers with feedback to help them to reflect, set goals, grow and take ownership for their own development path with support for professional learning.
Ahead in 2021: • Our Library and Learning Technologies was successfully restructured and will be re-launched as the Pre-K to 12 Library and Digital Literacy Department in 2021; the new unit will be staffed by three K-12 qualified Teacher Librarians and two K-12 Learning Technologies specialists. The new department will offer great opportunities for Junior School students to collaborate with Secondary students, both in the Library and in relevant after-school activities. • ELC new vision for 2021 - a new philosophy for the Early Learning Centre was launched, based on the Early Years Learning Framework pillars of Belonging, Being and Becoming.
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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INSPIRATIONAL STAFF Achievements in 2020 The ability of our staff to pivot and take on the challenges of remote learning was clearly evidenced during the early days of the global pandemic, as everyone responded quickly and effectively to a new way of teaching that was very different to face-to-face learning. The Principal, College Leadership Team and parent community responded with solid support and sincere appreciation for the efforts of all staff in both Junior and Secondary Schools, along with the College’s Boarding House.
JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF • W ayne Revitt commenced as new Head of Junior School in 2020; he has capably combined the challenges of his first year as Head of Junior School with the responsibilities of State President of the Independent Primary Schools Heads of Australia (IPSHA). • From 2022 – 2024 Wayne will be promoted to the National President of IPSHA, representing more than 350 Independent Primary Schools across the country. IPSHA has regular contact with other key state and Federal Government departments; Wayne’s connection therefore enables Penrhos to be at the forefront of the most contemporary discussion around primary education. • Helen Hepworth will conclude her contracted time as Deputy Head of Junior School at the end of 2020; a truly innovative and inspirational educator, Helen has been both an advocate for and significant contributor in the introduction and application of technology into curriculum – we wish Helen all the best in her next adventure. • Nathan Ducker concludes his time at the College after 19 years; Nathan has been a driving force in the integration of classroom technology. He is an expert educator and his contribution to the Junior School has been greatly appreciated. We wish Nathan every success in his future endeavours. • Early Learning Teacher, Jocelyn Field, was conferred with Inspirational Teacher 1 status in recognition of her outstanding classroom practice.
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SECONDARY SCHOOL STAFF • Our School Psychologist Tracy Hart introduced the Full Circle Program to enhance the psychological knowledge, understandings and skills of caregivers (parents, carers and staff) in the Penrhos community. • Science Teacher Christopher Hawkins was conferred with Inspirational Teacher 2 status, in recognition of his inspirational and outstanding classroom practice. • The Pre-K to 12 Library and Digital Literacy Department will officially re-launch in 2021, staffed by three K-12 qualified Teacher Librarians and two K-12 Learning Technologies Specialists.
OPERATIONAL SERVICES STAFF • Sixth Principal of Penrhos College, Meg Melville, concluded her stewardship of the College at the end of Term 2, 2020. • Peter Phillips retires from the College after 41 years in the Grounds and Maintenance team. • The Year 12 IT Gap Year program is now up and running - a Year 12 graduate will join our Information Communications & Technology team for 12 months’ work experience in a familiar live working environment.
Ahead in 2021 • College Council to appoint Penrhos’ seventh Principal, Kalea Haran, who will join the College in January 2021. • The Reflection Performance Development (RPD) policy and associated guidelines are now reviewed and updated to reflect a more evidence-based approach, grounded in research – this more innovative practice will be introduced into the RPD system for Teaching Staff in response to staff feedback on the need to better cater to a more diverse range of employee needs.
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
INSPIRATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Achievements in 2020
Ahead in 2021
• C onstruction of the Science Innovation Centre began in January 2020 and has progressed well throughout the year.
• The Compass Educational Management System will be implemented for students and parents.
• O ur Maintenance team set up eight makeshift classrooms for Science lessons during the Science Innovation Centre build.
• The new Science Innovation Centre will be completed and officially opened in February 2021.
• T he Grounds team has been working on the south of the Science building, removing vegetation in readiness for fresh landscaping when the refurbishment is complete. • T he Boarding House courtyards had a landscaping makeover. • T he soft launch of the Compass Educational Management System was implemented for staff. • Audio-visual equipment was replaced in the Chapel. • A new campus-wide phone system was installed, including secure video call (Webex) functionality.
• Enhanced audio-visual capability in the Science Innovation Centre will be introduced, including an impressive ‘video wall’ in the Group Presentation Space. • Concrete structural repairs will be undertaken across the campus, following a structural audit in 2020. • A new pedestrian gate will be added at Murray Street, so students can enter and exit without walking on the road. • The Secondary School courtyard will receive a makeover and paving will be added, so more outdoor tables can be accommodated. • Limestone, paving and lawn-top dressing works will be carried out at the Morrison Street driveway.
• S mart clocks and speakers were rolled out in Junior School and Secondary School. • A new Voice-over Internet Phone System was installed and is now operational. • N ew PA speakers were installed across College dead spots. • N ew CCTV cameras were installed as an improved security measure. • N ew Wi-Fi access points were installed to assist more agile working with mobile devices like tablets and laptops.
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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INSPIRATIONAL AND ENDURING COMMUNITY Achievements in 2020 • The Little Dragons Playgroup, an interactive educational playgroup hosted by our specialist teachers, was opened to girls and boys aged 0-4 as a free service for the local community. • A formal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group was introduced, to foster higher levels of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions — 55 community members are currently involved.
Ahead in 2021 • Following on our decision to introduce trousers as a uniform option in a WA first for girls’ schools, it seems only natural that shorts will be offered as an option in 2021. • We opened an additional stream in Year 5 for 2021, due to demand. • The Early Learning Centre tuition and confirming fees will be revised for 2021, so even more young girls can become Penrhosies from day one.
• M ADALAH is a not-for-profit organisation that offers Secondary, Transition and Tertiary education scholarships for Indigenous students from remote and regional communities to WA’s leading boarding schools and universities; two new Aboriginal students joined the College on MADALAH scholarships in 2020 and we will welcome six further girls through the program in 2021. • 2 0 new boarders joined us in 2020 and we look forward to welcoming a further 19 in 2021. • W e continued to profile a united presence with brother school Wesley College across regional WA, by way of joint enrolment events in Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Katanning and Wagin. • P enrhos girls continued to demonstrate our culture of giving by raising $16,377 in support of the Leukemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave on 13 March 2020. • O ur Schools’ Matinee of the College Production, My Fair Lady, was held in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions — we welcomed 200 staff and students from Melville Primary School.
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PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
From our Support Groups PENRHOS COLLEGE ALUMNI COMMITTEE
AUXILIARY President Sandi Wheatley
President Helen Carr Our Alumni Committee aims to perpetuate school and community spirit among our nearly 10,000 alumni members. Penrhos Old Girls are based in over 40 countries around the world, and our ever-growing network means ties to each other and the College reach far and wide. This year, the Penrhos Alumni Committee hosted or supported the following events and initiatives: • Shakers and Stirrers annual networking event at the Windsor Hotel in South Perth (with Wesley Old Boys) with the biggest turnout in the event’s 10-year history. • Leavers’ 18 month, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50-year reunions. • International Women’s Day presentation by social and business entrepreneur, Alicia Curtis, followed by 2020 School Captain Mignon du Plessis’ live Q&A with Penrhos alum and inaugural recipient of the Penrhos Alumni Endeavour Award, Jessica Baldock (2014). • While the 2020 Combined Independent Girls’ School (CIGS) tennis competition was unfortunately cancelled this year, the golf competition went ahead – Penrhos’ Kobeelya team proudly finished on top and took the shield on the day. • Our Alumni Committee hosted a well-attended preshow soiree on the Opening Night of this year’s College Production, My Fair Lady. • Penrhos College Founders’ Day celebrations welcomed our original community members back to campus for the day. • The Pleiades annual meeting of seven sister schools ran to discuss alumni initiatives. • Our Year 12 Mother Daughter Dinner welcomed graduates into the alumni community with a keepsake gift of a silver dragon charm. • The newly-named Meg Melville Alumni Endeavour Award was awarded to Isabella Crees (2020) who plans to assist the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) in its efforts to help women in developing countries to give birth safely at home. • The Penrhos Alumni Margaret Way Scholarship was awarded to Monika John (2020) who is granddaughter of alumna Marianne John (Baker, 1966).
The Penrhos Auxiliary works closely with the College to encourage and enhance social networking and friendships across the parent body of the Penrhos community. The Auxiliary also supports special projects which complement the main activities of the College. Our members are comprised of mums with daughters from a range of year groups. 2020 highlights included: • Profiled our work at the annual Penrhos Welcome Sundowner by hosting a photo booth and craft tables. • While the Junior School Mother’s Day celebrations were cancelled due to COVID-19, Auxiliary provided flowers for each student to present to their mothers / guardians at the Book Week parade. • On World Teachers’ Day, on behalf of all parents, Auxiliary supplied a range of cakes for Penrhos teachers and staff to enjoy as a special thank you. • Year 12 Valedictory Week events - Auxiliary hosted morning tea for Year 12 parents on ‘P Day’ and for all guests on Flower Day, where colourful individually named tubs were also provided for each Year 12 student (to collect their flowers). • The Year 12 yearbook publication was once more supported as a special keepsake for our Leavers. • The annual Winter Appeal and Christmas Appeal were just some of the community service activities supported by Auxiliary member volunteers. • Volunteers’ Sundowner was, as always, supported by Auxiliary members. • P&F and Auxiliary look forward to joining together from 2021, with a shared vision to support the College and Penrhos community as the newly formed Friends of Penrhos parent support group.
We look forward to a wonderful 2021, kicking off with our Shakers and Stirrers networking event in February.
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (P&F)
FRIENDS OF DRAMA AND DANCE (FoDD)
The Parents and Friends’ Association (P&F) aims to build connections within the school community by providing opportunities for parents to connect and share ideas. The P&F promote open communications and understanding between parents and the College and support a wide range of events and activities throughout the year.
FoDD would like to thank the very talented and hardworking Drama, Dance and Theatre staff for their commitment to providing our girls with as many wonderful experiences and opportunities as possible during the year of COVID-19. Their dedication, to ensuring that the show did indeed go on, meant so much to both performers and audiences alike.
President Michele Cowser
2020 initiatives included: • Providing magnets to each family detailing term dates and holidays. • Hosting a variety of events including ELC Magic Show, Junior School Disco and a Parent Sundowner following Jeans for Genes Day. • Hosting a parent afternoon tea, following a ‘reading hour’ event with guest speaker, author James Foley, in the Junior School Library during Book Week. • ‘In Your Wildest Dreams competition’ asking Pre-K to Year 12 what, in their wildest dreams, they would you do if they had $1,000 to spend to make a positive contribution to Penrhos College? We look forward to sharing details of the winning submission and seeing those ideas come to life early next year. • Picnic and Pictures outdoor movie event was supported by P&F volunteers. • ‘Sip and Crunch’ initiative - providing fruit and healthy snack boxes for the Junior and Secondary School sports carnivals. • Entertainment Book sales, to help raise funds to support our students and the College. • Annual P&F Community Picnic and Christmas Carols - a fun family fun event of children’s activities, food and friends, followed by festive carols in the Chapel.
President Mel Mairata
We would also like to thank our President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer for their leadership this year, and to express our gratitude to fundraising coordinators, Rhodita Zammit and Lee Preston, who have decided to step down from their roles next year. • Production Display Boxes for Matilda and My Fair Lady were installed in the Rixon foyer and look magnificent. • Funds for professional filming of the IGSSA Dance Festival were provided; parents and girls involved were thrilled to have this important record of their performances. • Support for servery and Box Office at the Junior School Artsfest, which was well attended and enjoyed by JS families. • Support for Box Office and Servery of the College’s annual Variety Night. • While the Seniors’ Matinee of the College production, My Fair Lady, was cancelled this year we still supported the Marketing team in running the schools’ matinee, which was performed to a full house as per COVID-19 restrictions. We very much look forward to next year’s production of Shrek, the Musical in 2021.
P&F and Auxiliary look forward to joining together from 2021; with a shared vision to support the College and Penrhos community as the newly formed Friends of Penrhos parent support group.
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PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
FRIENDS OF MUSIC (FoM)
FRIENDS OF ROWING (FoR)
President Claire Rossi
President Elisia Fowler
Friends of Music (FoM) aims to help with the organisation of various events in support of the Penrhos Music Department. Our objective is to create opportunities for parents and teachers to foster the enjoyment and promotion of music throughout the College. We liaise with and provide support to the Department of Music and the Junior School music program and assist at music events. FoM is open to anyone interested in Music at Penrhos, particularly those whose daughters are involved in the Music co-curricular program or who are studying Music as a subject. We welcome the involvement of both Junior and Secondary School parents.
2020 has certainly been a challenging year for Penrhos Rowing, with so many of our annual events cancelled due to COVID-19. We are so proud of the perseverance and dedication of our Rowing Squad through this disrupted season and we would like to thank Rowing Coordinator Keith Reynolds for his leadership and commitment, which kept our rowing program going during shutdown.
After a slow start to the year, FoM has been busy supporting the Music Department as the event schedule once again gathered momentum including: • The Annual Gala Night Concert – FoM manned the Box Office, servery and ran a raffle; the night was a great success and well-attended by families - $931 was raised by FoM. • Annual gift for Year 12 students who have continued to participate in the co-curricular music program; FoM President, Claire Rossi, thanked students and presented them with a Friends of Music keychain and flower at our Gala Night celebration. • $5,000 Foundation Grant as bid for by FoM to assist the Music Department with the purchase of additional instruments/equipment - including two custom-made storage units for percussion instruments and new ensemble folders to reflect College branding. • Support for the Junior School Eisteddfod with volunteers, adjudication assistants, and by supplying lunches and raffle/cake stalls - $573 was raised. • Support for other events in the music calendar, including: » Junior School Spring Showcase » Secondary School Music Eisteddfod » Speech Night » Wesley Carols
FoR felt proud to support the following events and activities in 2020: • The annual Year 12 Melbourne Rowing Tour. • Sales of uniforms and a wide range of supporters’ merchandise. • Sausage Sizzle fundraiser at Astrofest at Curtin University. • IGSSA Friendly Rowing Regatta at Champion Lakes followed by squad luncheon in the Colwyn Centre. • Purchase and christening of new squad boat named in honour of coach and Old Girl Mikaela Kurtes (Andrews, 2011) in recognition of her dedication to Penrhos Rowing for 12 years as a rower; Mikaela also won the Head of the River coach award in 2019. • Purchase of new boat trailer which will be ready for the start of 2021. Friends of Rowing is looking for new and interesting ways to raise funds to support the new building of a new combined Penrhos/Wesley boatshed on the South Perth foreshore.
FoM looks forward to supporting the Music department with the repair of the harpsichord and the purchase of a new Baritone Saxophone in 2021.
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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MENRHOS
THE PENRHOSIAN CLUB
President Simon Woods
President Valrie Mayger
Menrhos is the only Parent Support Group made up of Penrhos dads. Our purpose is three-fold. Firstly, we want to create great opportunities for dads to spend quality time with their daughters. School years are such a precious time and dads have an important role to play in helping their daughters to successfully navigate the many challenges they will face through these formative years.
The Penrhosian Club is a group of past Penrhos parents, grandparents and staff members. We meet bimonthly, beginning in February each year.
Secondly, we want to provide an opportunity for dads to connect with other dads. Everyone is busy, but our dads-only events throughout the year will provide the opportunity for dads to network and socialise to build a supportive dad community at Penrhos. We also promote family events supported by Menrhos. Thirdly, in running Menrhos events, we aim to raise funds for the College to ensure we’re always at the cutting edge and can continue to offer the very best learning experience to current and future generations of Penrhos students. This year, Menrhos events and initiatives included: • Dad and Daughter Adventure Camps for Year 5 and Year 7 • Themed Dads Dinner Nights at the Como Hotel • Family Fun Day at Adventure World
At our meetings, we enjoy the friendship of those who share a love of Penrhos and wish to stay in touch with the College; we are also entertained, informed and inspired by a variety of guests including students from all age groups. 2020 highlights included: • M atinee of the annual College production, My Fair Lady, attended by Pen Club members. • Fantastic array of speakers at our meetings, including the new Head of Junior School, Wayne Revitt. • Visit from Year 2 students with invitation to become Pen Pals with the little Penrhosies. • Grandparents and Friends day – Pen Club members attended as the special guests of Year 7 students whose grandparents were not available to attend. • Christmas luncheon and celebration of the festive season at Penrhos with our friends from the Wesleyana Club members in November.
Next year promises more of the above, together with other new and exciting events.
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PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
2019 RESULTS OVERVIEW Each year, the College aims to achieve consistency in WACE results and 2019 was no exception. We would like to provide you with a snapshot of the accomplishments of our 2019 Year 12 cohort: • Of the 117 Year 12 students eligible, 115 (98.3%) achieved the West Australian Certificate of Education (Graduation). • Penrhos College ranked 11th in the League Tables with a median ATAR of 88.3. (Top 50 Median ATAR Schools). • Penrhos College was ranked among the top schools in the state in 5 courses, based on the percentage of students whose marks were in the top 15% of all students
ATAR* Achieved
state-wide taking that course: » Drama, French: Second Language, Human Biology, Mathematics Applications, Mathematics Specialist. The following data illustrates the performance of the Year 12 students with an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) who applied for university entrance. This data is sourced from the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) 2019 University Admissions Qualification Register.
Number of Students 2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
95.00+
22 (21%)
35(25%)
37 (31%)
47 (38%)
45 (31%)
25 (26%)
34 (25%)
90.00-94.99
22 (21%)
25 (18%)
27 (23%)
24 (20%)
21 (15%)
19 (20%)
27 (20%)
80.00-89.99
24 (23%)
43 (31%)
28 (24%)
27 (22%)
43 (30%)
26 (27%)
40 (29%)
70.00-79.99
20 (19%)
23 (17%)
16 (13%)
16 (13%)
19 (13%)
14 (15%)
17 (12.5%)
60.00-69.99
8 (7.8%)
7 (5%)
4 (3%)
6 (5%)
10 (7%)
11 (11%)
13 (9.5%)
Below 60
7 (6.8%)
5 (4%)
7 (6%)
3 (2%)
5 (4%)
1 (1%)
5 (4%)
*ATAR – every student sitting the WACE Examinations is awarded a ranking; the students achieving the highest score being awarded a ranking of 99.95.
School Median ATAR State Median ATAR
20
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
88.3
88.15
91.2
92.65
88.5
88.90
88.95
81
81.8
81.4
80.85
78.95
79.00
79.10
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
SUBJECT EXHIBITIONS
A Subject Exhibition may be awarded to the top eligible student obtaining the highest examination mark in an ATAR course. • Italian Second Language: Alessia Maio • Dance: Maris Seet
SUBJECT CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE Certificates of Excellence are awarded to eligible students who are in the top 0.5 per cent of candidates based on the examination mark. • Italian Second Language: Alessia Maio • Dance: Maris Seet • English: Si-Chee Koh
PRINCIPAL’S LIST
We congratulate the graduates from the Class of 2019 who attained a place on the Principal’s List, for achieving an ATAR of 95 or higher. Eloise Annear Isabella Beilin Leanne Brady Olivia Comito Chantel Gargett Taylor Harris Anna Healy Rebecca Holland Esha Jessy Emma Jones Si Chee Koh (Kei-Kei)
Grace Mahar Alessia Maio Helena O’Sullivan Amber Phipps Rebecca Pretorius Darcie Schlink Stephanie Schwab Maris Seet Jenae Tilli Ruby Wallace Harini Weerakoon
CERTIFICATES OF DISTINCTION AND MERIT
A Certificate of Merit or Certificate of Distinction is awarded to each eligible student who, in their last three consecutive years of senior secondary WACE enrolment, achieves: Certificate of Merit 150–189 points and Certificate of Distinction 190–200 points. The points are accrued from 20 Year 11 and Year 12 units of which 10 are at Year 12. Unit equivalents from AQF VET certificates achieved can be used to meet the requirements.
CERTIFICATES OF MERIT
Awarded to each eligible student who, in their last three consecutive years of senior secondary WACE enrolment, achieves 150–189 points. • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Madeline Amos Isabella Beilin Lauren Bignell Tahlia Bonomini Leanne Brady Amy Cole Olivia Comito Maya Curtis Shaniqua Cutinha Chantelle Gargett Holly Hodgkinson Rebecca Holland Nerissa Looi
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Grace Mahar Morgan May Georgia Mcintyre Linley Mctavish Shanie Morey Chantelle Paul Renae Reid Darcie Schlink Jemma Schofield Maris Seet Hayley Stannard Krysha Thomas Harini Weerakoon
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
CERTIFICATES OF DISTINCTION
A Certificate of Distinction is awarded to each eligible student who, in their last three consecutive years of senior secondary WACE enrolment, achieves190–200 points.
• • • • • • • •
Eloise Annear Sarah Bailey Taylor Harris Anna Healy Emma Jones Hannah Knight Si-Chee Koh Kate Munns
• • • • • • • •
Helena O’Sullivan Amber Phipps Rebecca Pretorius Mackenzie Reynolds Stephanie Schwab Jaslyn Sidhu Jenae Tilli Ruby Wallace
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2021 BUDGET SNAPSHOT CHANGES IN OPERATING INCOME & EXPENDITURE AND PROCESSES • • • • •
o tuition fee increases. N Revised fees for Pre-Kindergarten to Pre-Primary. Resource Fee for Kindergarten to Year 6 students to now include booklist items. Favourable low student to staff ratio maintained. Overall staffing reduction of 10.5 FTE, in line with lower enrolments and impact of student subject choice on number of elective classes. • iPad and Notebook refreshment program for Years 4, 5, 7 and 10. 8%
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 17%
• • • • • •
ngoing replacement of classroom audio-visual equipment. O TUITION FEES Continued investment in upgraded information technology infrastructure (switches, smart clocks and speakers). BOARDING FEES Replacement of desktop computers. 7% STATE GRANTS Purchase of musical instruments for the new Year 2 Strings Program. New pedestrian access from Murray St to be constructed. COMMONWEALTH GRANTS Continued rollout of energy efficient lighting and air conditioner replacements. 5% 63%
2021 BUDGET RECURRENT INCOME
OTHER INCOME
2021 BUDGET RECURRENT EXPENDITURE 5% 6%
8%
1%
SALARIES & STAFF ON-COSTS
4% 17% TUITION FEES
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1%
TEACHING & STUDENT RESOURCES, CAMPS
BOARDING FEES 9% 7%
HUMAN RESOURCES & MARKETING
STATE GRANTS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
1% COMMONWEALTH GRANTS
5% 63%
INSURANCE, LEGAL &
OTHER INCOME
73%
5% 6% 1% 4%
TUITION FEES BOARDING FEES STATE GRANTS COMMONWEALTH GRANTS OTHER INCOME SALARIES & STAFF ON-COSTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1%
P E N R H O S
C O L L E G E
SALARIES & STAFF ON-COSTS CONSULTANTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GROUNDS, FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE TEACHING & STUDENT OTHER - ADMINISTRATION RESOURCES, CAMPS HUMAN RESOURCES & MARKETING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSURANCE, LEGAL & CONSULTANTS GROUNDS, FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE OTHER – ADMINISTRATION
TEACHING & STUDENT RESOURCES, CAMPS
9%
HUMAN RESOURCES & MARKETING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
1%
INSURANCE, LEGAL & CONSULTANTS GROUNDS, FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE 73%
22
OTHER - ADMINISTRATION
PENRHOS COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020
6 Morrison Street Como Western Australia 6152 Locked Bag 690 Como Western Australia 6952 Telephone: (08) 9368 9500 Facsimile: (08) 9368 9677 Email: feedback@penrhos.wa.edu.au Website: www.penrhos.wa.edu.au Penrhos College is a Uniting Church day and boarding school for girls, Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12