Summer 2015 100003641
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2 Summer 2015
PRINCIPAL
FROM THE PRINCIPAL In this edition of The Penrhosian, we are posing the question, “How do we prepare our students for the jobs of the future that don’t yet exist?” The Price Waterhouse Cooper Report, “A Smart Move”, published in April this year, highlighted the need for we, as educators, to be mindful that: • 44% or 5.1 million jobs are at risk from digital disruption • 75% of the fastest growing occupations are in areas (most noticeably STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) that require a different skillset with a strong emphasis on social intelligence, creative intelligence and technical ability. So, what is the skillset that we need to equip our students with by the time they graduate? What we do have to balance is the desire for our students to achieve to their absolute personal best in their WACE Examinations with the acquisition of a skillset that will prepare them for continuous learning in a continually changing environment. The skillset that dominated education throughout the industrial age was the 3Rs: reading, writing and arithmetic. These skills remain at the core of education and have been added to by the commonly referred to 21st Century Skills, known as the 4Cs: communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. If we follow the thinking of Dylan Williams, Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment, University College, London, he tells us that there is only one 21st Century Skill and that is the skill of being able to learn; to learn, unlearn and relearn. So, in these times in which the speed and breadth of change is unprecedented, schools have a real challenge in providing that foundation education that will equip our students for those jobs that don’t currently exist. Perhaps the greatest skill that we can instil in our students is the love of learning. With so much emphasis on curriculum compliance from K to 12, the challenge for us is to balance this compliance with innovative and creative opportunities for learning. On the face of it, it would appear that there is a disconnect between compliance and creativity in the teaching and learning process, but I have to say that the staff at Penrhos continually manage to find ways to provide the most enriching student learning experiences within and beyond this compliance framework. In conversations with students most recently about what they hoped to do career-wise in the future, their responses were carefully considered. They did not focus on careers but instead focused on what they actually loved learning about and where they believed their strengths lay; nor did they focus on an endpoint but clearly recognised that they would need to be adaptable. Their selfawareness was enlightening! 2015 has been a fabulous year for learning at Penrhos across Junior and Secondary Schools. Be it in the creative and performing arts, humanities and enterprise, languages, sciences, mathematics and technology, sporting pursuits or community service, the students have embraced the opportunities to learn. Whilst we may not be able to identify the jobs of the future, we do not need a crystal ball to know that nurturing a passion for learning and a skillset that will be adaptable to a continuously changing world, will see the Penrhos student well placed to negotiate whatever the future has to challenge her with. As you read through the pages of this edition of The Penrhosian, you will see much evidence of what the young ladies of Penrhos have accomplished in 2015, which can only be described as inspirational. My sincere thanks to the Teaching and Operational Services Staff, the College Leadership Group and the College Council, parents and, most importantly, the students, for making 2015 such a successful year at Penrhos.
Meg Melville PRINCIPAL
Summer 2015 3
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
2 PRINCIPAL
4 SCHO O L NEWS
6
8 MIND
12 HEART
16 10
13
BO DY
20 SPIRIT
24 SUPPO RT G RO U PS & CO MMUNITY
15
28 F O UNDATIO N
31 AL UMNI
18
Editor ROCHELLE ZAKNICH
Cover photo JOANNE YONG
Contributors & Photographers EMMA CORNWALL JOANNE YONG MEG MELVILLE SAGA COMMITTEE
Proofreading JUDY FILDES
Design JOANNE YONG Print & Distribution SCOTT PRINT
36
Cover YEAR 6 STUDENT CASSANDRA BARON
4 Summer 2015
SCHOOL NEWS
Australian independent schools are top performers The Association of Heads of Independent Schools’ Australia (AHISA) released an infographic earlier this year which affirms the value of independent schooling. The infographic illustrates the raw mean scores of Australian independent schools in the OECD Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) testing in 2012, compared with 15 year old students across 179 nations and economies. Students in Australian independent schools ranked amongst the world’s top performers. Principal Meg Melville said, “This infographic is highly affirming of the teaching and learning being undertaken in independent schools and Penrhos College is, very proudly, part of this. Literacy, be that reading literacy, digital literacy, mathematical literacy or scientific literacy, all have a very strong focus at Penrhos, as we prepare our students for success at school and in their career pathways beyond school.”
Source: Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia © 2015 / www.ahisa.edu.au/resources/ahisa-infographics/
MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH CHINA Penrhos hosted the Director General and a delegation of Chinese Principals from the Zhejiang province in China, as part of their September tour to Australia to gain an insight into the Australian education system. As reported in the previous edition of The Penrhosian, Penrhos has established a sister school relationship with the Jingdu Experimental School in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and both schools have been working together to ensure this partnership flourishes in years to come. During their visit to Penrhos, the delegation heard from Dean of Teaching and Learning Mrs Nicole Blyth, Assistant Dean of Pastoral Care Mrs Kate Gillam, and Dean of Professional Learning Development and Growth Mr David Hunter, who all gave short presentations on the teaching, learning and pastoral care philosophies at Penrhos, before taking the visiting delegates on a tour of the College. Maths Mentor Coordinator Mr Peter Chandler and Year 9 student Vivienne Holt, who recently visited China to represent Penrhos at the World Mathematics Team Championships, were also present. Earlier in the day, Penrhos College staff were represented at the WA-Zhejiang Principals’ Forum at the University of Western Australia, also part of the Chinese delegation’s visit to Perth.
Ms Trish Somers and Mrs Meg Melville receive gifts from the visitors
This was an international forum for school leaders from both Australia and China to share insights and experiences and to work collaboratively to embrace the challenges of the digital age. Junior School Learning Technologies Integrator Mr Nathan Ducker gave a stellar presentation to a very prestigious audience that included the Director of the Confucius Institute at UWA, Dr Xianlin Song, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UWA Professor Kent Anderson, Chinese Deputy Consul-General in Perth Mrs Sun Anlin, Mr Huang Wei and Deputy Director of AISWA Mr Ron Gorman.
Summer 2015 5
SCHOOL NEWS
Creating a workforce for the future How do you prepare students for careers that may not even exist yet? This has been a key consideration in 2015 as the College continued to explore and grow the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities on offer at Penrhos. A research paper released by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) in April entitled, ‘A Smart Move: Future Proofing Australia’s Workforce by Growing Skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)’, made a strong case for the critical role of STEM education. According to the PwC paper, “A STEM education underpins innovation and plays a critical role in economic and business growth. But Australia is lagging on key indicators of STEM. In order to realise our potential for innovation, Australia needs an appropriately skilled workforce.
Katie Milne, Jorja Hinson-Tolchard
“Businesses competing in a global economy driven by data, digital technologies and innovation will need more STEM-trained employees. Research indicates that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations now require STEM skills, and over 70 per cent of Australian employers identify STEM employees as being among the most innovative.” Principal Meg Melville said the College had taken great steps in growing the STEM offering at the College in 2015.
“Our research into STEM trends around Australia, particularly in relation to girls in STEM, has continued with great enthusiasm. This [PwC] paper provided a great insight into the era of ‘digital disruption’, jobs at risk, jobs for the future and the critical role that STEM will play into the future prosperity of Australia. “One of our College goals for 2015 was to research and devise an implementation plan for STEM@Penrhos, commencing in 2016. We know that our girls have a strong aptitude for science, mathematics and technology and we intend to foster curiosity into the enquiry/ engineering field, too. These skills, combined with creativity and innovative thinking, will see our students well placed to enter the workforce of the future.” A number of exciting STEM initiatives will be introduced next year, including an expanded partnership with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and the inaugural USA STEM Tour. View the PwC report online at www.pwc.com.au/about-us/stem/ To learn more about how parents can get involved in STEM education at Penrhos, turn to page 25 for information on Friends of STEM.
We asked students: How do you feel about the fact that your future job may not even exist yet? It’s strange that what I might be doing for my working career and a large portion of my life doesn’t even exist yet. However, it’s also exciting because it gives me the chance to be one of the first people in that profession, which means I might do work that is innovative. Shreya Samanta, Year 10 Curious, excited, nervous, it is hard to even think of an occupation that does not exist yet and to know that one day, hopefully, we will be the people filling those roles is amazing. We were once told that one day, in the not too distant future, there will be positions for lawyers specialising in space law, as in out-of-space law. To me this is particularly phenomenal, combining what you would think to be totally different occupations in totally different fields into one role. Rebecca Kale, Year 11 It’s really amazing to think that my future job may not exist yet – and I’m sure that many new jobs will be created before I do start to work. It goes to show how progressive, intelligent and creative we are, since we are constantly developing and learning new things. I feel excited and eager to know what the jobs may be like, whilst also confident that learning STEM subjects will prepare me for the future. Bronte Annear, Year 10 I’m excited. I think it’s yet another sign that our world is rapidly evolving around us, and that we are part of a generation that can create our own future and make a change in the world. Sweta Samanta, Year 11 This is a very interesting concept, but one that excites me. It is incredible that as a society we are capable of such rapid change, and that these changes will be made in such new and innovative ways, and it excites me even more to think that by entering these careers, we will become part of the change. Gillian Rackham, Year 11
6 Summer 2015
SCHOOL NEWS
Mr Norbert Fandry and Athletics students after the 2015 win
FAREWELL, MR FANDRY 2015 marks the end of an era at Penrhos, with the retirement of Dean of Co-Curricular Mr Norbert Fandry, after 27 years at the College.
Principal Meg Melville said, “Words simply cannot express the impact that Norbert has had within our College community, as Dean of Co-Curricular and a teacher of Mathematics (also as Head of the Mathematics Department). Our success in athletics, cross country and swimming can be attributed to Norbert’s tireless commitment to the students, literally for 12 months of the year, 7 days a week.
Mr Norbert Fandry
“Norbert’s career has spanned 45 years in education; 18 with the government and 27 with Penrhos College. Norbert has decided that it is time to pursue his other interests in life and, of course, we cannot argue with that. I know that you will join with me in wishing Norbert a long and happy retirement with Kerry.” Mr Fandry was farewelled at a staff function on Friday, 27 November where Mrs Melville made the special announcement that the Sports Centre would be renamed the Fandry Centre for Sporting Excellence, to great applause. Mr Fandry said he had mixed emotions about retiring. “After 27 enjoyable years at Penrhos College I look forward to retirement with mixed emotions. I have worked with, coached and taught hundreds of extremely talented and amazing Penrhos girls. At all times, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching mathematics, being Head of Mathematics, coaching the Cross Country Team, coaching the Athletics team, coaching the Swimming team and being the Dean of Cocurricular. “Without a doubt I can say that I have been blessed to have worked here at Penrhos College and I thank all my former and current students, runners, athletes, swimmers, parents and staff colleagues for all your support and friendship over my 27 years. I have a huge volume of fond and amazing memories of all the great times and successes that I have been part of here at the College.”
Mr Norbert Fandry Madelline Shaw, Mr Norbert Fandry, Anna
bel Robinson
An article about the first cross country win in 1994
Summer 2015 7
SCHOOL NEWS
Mr Norbert Fandry with the 1995 Cross
Country team
16 consecutive Athleti
cs wins in 2008
Tributes to Mr Fandry Many past students and community members paid tribute to Mr Fandry upon the announcement of his retirement, and here we share some of their words… “Mr Fandry – the awesome Mr Fandry. I loved training for cross country under his direction and I loved maths when he was the teacher. Such an awesome teacher and a fantastic example of community he set for all of us girls. Have a wonderful retirement Mr Fandry. You are one of the teachers I still talk about with my children when I refer to my high school years as being a person whose example I took with me throughout my life. Thank you for all the fantastic years.” Leisha Lockwood 1993 “Such a sad day for Penrhos. The heart and soul of the school for many years. Have loved every moment on the way. A very well deserved and enjoyable retirement ahead.” Alisha Gilbert 1999 “Mr Fandry will always be one of the teachers that inspired me to love mathematics! You’ll be missed by many. Good luck.” Cassie Docking (Gilbert) 1992 “Mr Fandry. Absolute legend!!!!!!!! If he wasn’t teaching or coaching sport then he was in the school orchestra! What a winner in life! #thankyoumrfandry” Sophie Ecker 2000 “Mr Fandry was a favourite teacher of mine – the most committed teacher I have known, and a benchmark for all future teachers. Thanks so much for all you have done through your career and for all the kids you have encouraged to great things. All the best for your retirement!” Fiona Patten (Passmore) 1995 “I have never lost the love of running that Mr Fandry instilled in me at Penrhos and I thought of him recently when my 13 year old son won his cross country at Hale. Happy retirement, never underestimate the ongoing effect of your positive influence on teenagers!” Sally Sanderson (Cole) 1989 “A wonderful coach/teacher and a man with a big heart who went beyond the call of duty! A true treasure and will go down in Penrhos history as a legend.” Mia O’Neill (Duncan) 1990 “What an amazing role model and mentor Mr Fandry has been to so many girls over so many years. I feel your pain Penrhos students and staff. If only we could clone him…” Robyn Martin, past Penrhos parent “My daughter will be devastated. Mr Fandry’s commitment to co-curricular has been amazing, and the girls will miss him greatly. He also taught me Maths 2/3 in the public school system many years ago. Very sorry to see him go, but I am sure he has many interesting plans for his retirement, and the girls will organise him an amazing send-off!” Patricia Barrett, Penrhos parent “A wonderful teacher, mentor and friend to many. A well-deserved retirement. A great asset to our education. Enjoy your future endeavours, Mr Fandry.” Kareene Verstegen 1992 “Wow, what a big loss for Penrhos. Such an influential teacher who helped to shape many young lives. Fifteen years since graduating and running is one of the biggest parts of my life. Thanks Mr Fandry!” Julia Kets (Macnish) 2000 “What a fantastic legacy, Norbert! These comments are better than epitaphs later. You are an inspiration to so many with your all-round talents – artistic, musical, sporting and academic. Enjoy a fulfilling retirement with Kerry and your family. Best wishes always.” Wendy Watts, past staff member
8 Summer 2015
MIND
Delegates at the gender equality conference
Students contribute to gender equality conversation Principal Mrs Meg Melville and Year 12 students Julia Beard, Cassandra Ma and Georgia Ng had the opportunity to take part in an important conversation at a seminar hosted by AIM WA+UWA Business School Executive Education in September, entitled, ‘Leadership for Gender Equality: Everyone’s Agenda, Celebrating Beijing +20’.
Emotional Safety and Well-being. Each of these topics featured a keynote speaker, followed by a panel discussion and questions from delegates. In the afternoon, delegates were invited to contribute towards the conference proceedings by providing their views on critical questions that went to the heart of the issues that impact on gender equality.
This event recognised the Platform for Action of The Fourth World Congress on Women in Beijing in 1995 and celebrated the 20th anniversary of this landmark event. The sessions examined progress, current issues and identified what still needs to be done to continue the drive towards gender equality. In keeping with the call from UN Women, the event recognised that gender equality is everyone’s business and established a call for ongoing action.
The Penrhos students, who were among the youngest delegates in attendance, said the event had been particularly eye-opening for them.
Several high-profile guest speakers were in attendance, including former Australian Governor General the Honourable Quentin Bryce, former UN Assistant Secretary General and Secretary General for the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995 Ambassador Gertrude Mongella, and US Women in Leadership Expert and former Senior Vice President for HewlettPackard Company Diana L. Bell. The seminar focused on three main areas: Power and Influence, Economic and Educational Empowerment, and Physical and
Year 12 student Cassandra Ma said, “I found the conference extremely fascinating as it taught me the history of gender equality – namely, the mission statement that was created at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China. It also explored specific issues dealing with gender equality, such as domestic violence, and suggested ideas on how we can empower women. “I particularly liked the ‘open space’ session where everyone participating was allowed to share their opinions on current issues related to gender equality. As there were people from all different backgrounds and occupations, it was extremely interesting to hear their views.”
Eleanor scoops Young Writers’ Award Penrhos College Year 4 Eleanor Jones took out the top honour at the City of South Perth Young Writers’ Awards in July, receiving the Christobel Mattingley Bronze Medallion. The Medallion, which recognises outstanding prose, was awarded to Eleanor for her entry, ‘The Cello’. The award is named after the Australian author in honour of her contribution to children’s literature. Eleanor was presented with her award by City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty at a presentation ceremony in the City of South Perth Council Chambers, where the creative talents of several young writers were celebrated. This annual award, which aims to encourage excellence in creative writing, received over 350 entries this year. Seventeen winners were recognised across six age categories for their original prose in front of a crowd of over 100 people. Eleanor Jones
Summer 2015 9
MIND
National win for future problem solvers A team of four Penrhos students was crowned Champion Team at the Future Problem Solving National Finals, held in Queensland in October. Year 8 students Leanne Brady, Anna Healy, Si-Chee Koh and Morgan May won the Middle division – by far the largest division – earning themselves an invitation to attend the International Conference in Michigan next June to represent Australia. Future Problem Solving is an international educational program for students of all ages, focusing on the development of critical, creative and futuristic thinking skills. The program challenges students to apply their minds to some of the significant issues facing the world of today and the future, equipping them with the vision, skills and tools to design and promote positive futures for the society in which they live.
ee Koh, Anna Healy
Leanne Brady, Morgan May, Si-Ch
This year’s National Finals were hosted by St Peter’s Lutheran College, Indooroopilly, and Penrhos College had six teams invited to attend. In order to gain an invitation to the National Finals, teams sat a two-hour exam in August on the topic ‘Propaganda’. The girls were required to respond to questions such as, ‘With growing trends in communication, how will propaganda be spread in the future through digital media?’ and ‘How can the wealth of individuals, groups, or countries advance a particular agenda?’ From the hundreds of teams that enter around Australia, the top 10 to 15 per cent of teams are invited to compete at the National Finals. Gifted and Talented Integrator Mrs Nicci Johnson said the girls had worked hard to prepare for the competition, and still managed to see a bit of Queensland during their free time. “Due to some of our older girls being unable to attend due to other commitments, we ended up taking five teams to Brisbane – two Senior and three Middle division teams. The topic for Nationals was ‘Enhancing Human Potential’. The girls attended afterschool sessions last Term to prepare for the Finals. “A total of 22 girls from Years 8 to 11 travelled to Brisbane on the tour, which took place in October. We spent a day exploring the city and art galleries and also had a day trip to the Gold Coast. The opening dinner was held on Friday night and the girls met other competing students from around Australia.
“Saturday was competition day – a long day which included the two-hour exam in the morning and presentation of their best solution in the afternoon. The awards ceremony was held on Sunday morning. It was a fantastic tour and all the girls and staff had a wonderful time. The girls represented the College beautifully,” Mrs Johnson said. The Senior team, including Catherine Maltman, Sammi Looi, Megan Petty and Emma John, gained fifth place, which was an excellent achievement in a division comprising students from Years 10, 11 and 12. One of the Penrhos team’s reserves, Year 9 student Stella McLaughlin, was also in a team which placed second in the Alternates competition, which is made up of mixed teams of reserves from every state.
Penrhos teams at the Nat
ional Finals
10 Summer 2015
MIND
Year 6s connect with counterparts in India
Year 6G
Students from Mount Litera Zee School
The new video conferencing room in the refurbished Library has been a hive of activity since opening earlier this year, and there was much excitement in August, as Year 6G prepared to meet their counterparts from the Mount Litera Zee School in Amritsar, India, via videoconference. The purpose of the discussion was to share thoughts and opinions about the book, “Wonder” by AJ Palacio. The students from India were keen to point out that the book highlights the importance of people showing kindness, regardless of differences in appearance or uniqueness.
Year 6G
Questions were posed and answered relating to favourite characters, their relationships and challenges faced, particularly by the character Auggie. All students were highly engaged and enjoyed sharing stories of each other’s schools. The girls in Year 6G were amazed to hear that their Indian friends study four different languages. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students in both schools, facilitated by Secondary School Librarian, Mrs Suzanne Pearse, who made the connection with Mr Manjot Dhillon, Principal of Mount Litera Zee School, and Mrs Gianna Richards, Junior School Librarian who also made this collaboration so successful.
Louise excels in global problem solving competition Penrhos College Year 12 student Louise Ritter was proud to represent Australia at the International Finals of the Future Problem Solving (FPS) Competition, held in Iowa in June. Louise gained third place in the International Finals of the Future Problem Solving Competition, and was the only non-American place-getter. Louise qualified after winning first place in the Global Issues Senior Individual Division at the National Competition at St Leonard’s College in Melbourne, in October last year. Louise attended the National Finals with 36 other Penrhos students who were competing in teams for both Global Issues and Community Problem Solving. Louise said Future Problem Solving appeals to her as it provides an opportunity to, “discuss world issues that affect us now, and discover how they may change and develop in the future, with like-minded and fun girls.
“I also like the unique yet logical process that FPS takes, and how it encourages futuristic and creative thinking, as well as being useful for organising your thoughts and ideas in other school subjects. “Mrs Nicci Johnson, who has run the program since it began, has also been a major factor in me continuing my involvement in the FPS program, as she is always encouraging us to do our best, and to think in ways that we may not have before getting involved in the program.”
Mrs Nicci Johnson, Louise Ritter
The topic at the International Finals was intellectual property, looking at how to ensure ideas and inventions are being protected in a new age of technology, what methods can be implemented to ensure that intellectual property is protected, and how this may impact business and creativity. Penrhos College Principal Mrs Meg Melville said, “We are enormously proud of Louise – indeed all of Australia is!”
Summer 2015 11
MIND
Penrhos girls win national STEM award Three Year 10 students at Penrhos College won a national PwC Achievement Award (Female Category) as part of the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge for their game, ‘Destroy the Nurdles, Save the Turtles’ in October. Students Archa Gamage, Megan Petty and Alice Wang devised their video game as part of the College’s STEM program, and will receive a six-month mentoring package, including a monthly onehour session with members of PwC’s Digital Change team. The aim of the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge is to encourage young people to create video games with a STEM theme, promoting the importance of education and training in science, technology, education and mathematics. The Challenge is facilitated by the ACER Foundation, a charitable organisation underwritten by the Australian Council for Educational Research. The ACER Foundation engages with many external organisations including major partner PwC to help make the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge possible.
That gave me the basics of how to use Game Maker. Game Maker is a pretty simple programming tool. It can do most things that you want it to, if you choose which step you want the object to do. It sort of builds up like a house of cards – you have to get all of the elements to work together. If one thing is wrong, the game won’t function properly.” Penrhos College Principal Meg Melville was justifiably proud of the girls, and said their win was an excellent example of collaboration. “We are enormously proud of the accomplishments of our students. Megan, Alice and Archa worked brilliantly together to take on this challenge, pooling their collective expertise in programming, music, sound and graphics to build this game from the beginning. The result was a fantastic example of creativity, problem solving and collaboration in evidence to meet this STEM challenge. To win the Most Outstanding Female Category was just fantastic!”
The award was presented at a ceremony held at PAX AUS, Australia’s largest gaming convention, in Melbourne. The three students largely taught themselves the programming skills required to create the game, showing initiative and imagination in the way they approached the task. Member of the winning team Megan Petty said, “Before the program, none of us had any experience programming. I learnt about how programming works, how specific you need to be with your instructions, all of the steps that go into a simple game, and the importance of teamwork in such a big project. “With the programming, we had to learn in little steps. I started off by doing a simple tutorial because I really didn’t know anything.
Alice Wang, Archa Gamage, Megan Petty
Junior School girls STEAM ahead A team of eight Year 6 students competed in the STEAMing Ahead Day (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) at St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School in October, themed, ‘Challenging Girls to Think Scientifically.’ Six independent Perth girls’ schools took part in the competitive event, which gave students in Years 5 and 6 the opportunity to solve challenging problems, to stimulate curiosity and to foster a love of these subjects. Challenges included exploring physical science concepts and the laws of motion as students designed, built and experimented; exploring the age of smart devices to discover, create and invent; and programming ‘Pro-Bots’. Teams also participated in a maths competition and completed a general knowledge quiz.
The Year 6 STEAM team
The Penrhos team performed exceptionally well, placing first for Engineering (Rockets) and Technology (Robotics) and tying in Mathematics (Problem Solving) and General Knowledge. The Penrhos team consisted of Cassandra Baron, Priya Bhasin, Brigitte Gredziuk, Sophie Harvey-Lissienko, Isabelle Irving, Keely Linquist, Chloe Pontre and Emily Wallace. Teaching staff Corinne Hollingworth, Nathan Ducker, Marco Grassi, Alana Findlay and Suzi Herbert worked with the girls to prepare them for the Challenge.
12 Summer 2015
HEART
ATWELL YOUTH AWARDS Penrhos College artists continued their record of success at the 13th Annual Atwell Youth Awards, awarded in June. Senior judges Gillian Peebles and Rona Harrison announced Year 12 student Caroline Brady as the recipient of The Gillian K Peeble Award of Excellence – Best in Show – for her stunning dry point etching titled, ‘Unplugged’. Year 7 student Talisha Jayarangsri was the overall winner of the Year 7 prize for her carefully designed and printed lino block print.
Caroline Brady
Year 12 student Zoe Bell won the Art and Technology Prize for her stunning pencil study of her grandmother. This work was viewed through a mobile phone camera inverting the black and white values so the viewer perceives this image in three dimensions. The Atwell Youth Awards is an annual open art exhibition for young artists of high school age and is one of the highlights of the Atwell year.
Kaleidoscope premieres on Rixon Theatre stage This inaugural production of Kaleidoscope, a production featuring all students in Kindergarten to Year 2, was a hit with Rixon Theatre audiences in September. Kaleidoscope came to be after examination of the opportunities the College could provide students as the Junior School grows in size through double streaming. This discussion resulted in Kaleidoscope for K-Year 2 students, which will alternate with Artsfest for Years 3-6, allowing all Junior School students the biennial opportunity to experience collaborating with other Year groups on a production and performing on the big stage. Kaleidoscope 2015 was entitled, ‘Summer Holidays’, and featured items including, ‘The Airport’, ‘Antarctica’, ‘Africa’, ‘Wild West’, ‘Middle East’, ‘China’, ‘England’, ‘Outback Australia’, and a finale rendition of ‘Summer Holiday’, comprising the entire cast.
Kindergarten students performing the ‘China’ scene in Kaleidoscope
Junior School Drama Coordinator and Director Mrs Vanessa Jensen said the support from the Penrhos community had contributed to the success of the production. Writing in the program, she said, “The support from students, staff and parents has been phenomenal, and the anticipation has certainly built up to almost fever pitch in this past week. There are almost 130 extremely excited young ladies backstage, I trust you will share in their joy as they embark on their ‘Summer Holidays’. Head of Junior School Ms Trish Somers said, “We had a very busy week with the magical night of Kaleidoscope. A great deal of hard work and collaboration went into the evening. Our lead teachers for this event, Junior School Drama Coordinator Mrs Vanessa Jensen, Dance Teacher Mrs Kate Pearce and Junior School Music Coordinator Mr Jason Kidd were very grateful for the amazing support of the teachers, the teaching assistants and the parents and grandparents who together brought this delightful experience together for us all to enjoy.”
Summer 2015 13
HEART
Students shine in Platinum
The cast of Platinum
Penrhos College performers took audiences on a trip down memory lane with this year’s school production, ‘Platinum’, which showed to thousands of audience members over six shows in July. ‘Platinum’ has been 20 years in the making, and featured script excerpts, as well as song and dance routines from the last 20 musical productions at Penrhos College. Favourites such as ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Annie’, ‘Oliver’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ all featured, as well as ‘Seussical’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Grease’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, just to name a few. This infectious concoction combined a flashback to themes of bygone eras, reflected through drama, dance and music. A large cast of singers, dancers, actors and musicians combined on this epic journey down memory lane to produce a show that wowed audiences and brought back many happy memories of previous Penrhos productions. This year’s production was significant, as not only was Penrhos celebrating the 20th year of the Rixon Theatre but also the 20th year of Head of Drama, David Ballantyne, directing outstanding school productions with the students at Penrhos College. Principal Meg Melville said, “David has sustained his energy and passion for his role throughout those 20 years and we are especially excited to see the tremendous success of ‘Platinum’, a showcase of performances from each of the shows from the past 20 years, in chronological order, from 1995. “Over the past 20 years, there has been tremendous growth in the opportunities afforded to the students to develop skills in drama, dance, music, make-up, wardrobe, technical and backstage, through working with our highly professional and passionate staff. What a wonderful learning experience for the students in the skills of creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking!”
Grace Arangio, Aleasha Sanchez-Lawson,
Mr David Ballantyne, Tracie Cielak
14 Summer 2015
HEART
BOOKS LIGHT UP OUR WORLD The theme for this year’s Book Week in August was ‘Books light up our world’, and Junior School students certainly lit up the Sports Centre with a fun display of colour and creativity at their annual parade. From Cindy Lou Who, to The Green Sheep, The Giving Tree to Peter Rabbit, everyone’s favourite literary characters were represented!
Alexandra Thomason
Edie Preston
Mrs Gianna Richards, Ella Lawrance
Isabela Batres
Smiling Mind helps bring calmness and clarity Modern life can sometimes be characterised by ever-increasing levels of busyness and stress, which is why students in upper Secondary School have been introduced to the Smiling Mind program this year. Smiling Mind is modern meditation for young people. It is a unique web and app-based program, designed to help bring balance to young lives. Smiling Mind takes users through a series of guided meditations and can be used anytime, anywhere. Dean of Pastoral Care Michelle Taylor said the Secondary School Pastoral Care team had identified mindfulness and strategies to achieve balance – calm, clarity and contentment – as a key priority for 2015, as a result of observing rising levels of anxiety in some students.
ulness meditation
Smiling Mind introduces students to mindf
“The older girls were becoming more anxious about the tests they were facing and about life in general and were self-referring to the school psychologists. The app had been used by our counsellors to help individuals but we have now introduced it to all the upper Secondary School girls. The feedback has been amazing. The girls are reporting a sense of clarity and calmness that allows them to focus on the present,” Mrs Taylor said. Smiling Mind was developed by a team of psychologists with expertise in youth and adolescent therapy. The program supports resilience, the treatment of stress, anxiety and other physical and mental conditions. Highly regarded institutions such as UCLA, Harvard, Oxford, Monash and Melbourne Universities have developed clinical studies into the positive impacts of mindfulness meditation. Mrs Taylor said the program had been useful in providing girls with strategies to help build resilience and self-manage their anxiety and stress. “The Smiling Mind program has introduced individual students and upper Secondary School cohorts to mindfulness meditation. The program is being used to complement our existing pastoral care programs and practices, and has been rolled out throughout the year. By exposing students to self-management strategies to minimise anxiety and stress, our goal is to improve individual student engagement and performance. “For some students, physical exercise is better in clearing their minds, but we’ve found the app has been really helpful for students who were struggling with multiple stressors. It helps them with the rigours of school, exam stress, peer pressure and everyday life. Through the Smiling Mind program we hope to provide our students with tools they can use post-school, throughout life,” Mrs Taylor said. Find out more about Smiling Mind or download the app by visiting www.smilingmind.com.au
Summer 2015 15
HEART
Year 7 boarders with their everlastings
Year 7 Boarders’ garden in full bloom The boarding house lawn has had a very colourful addition this year with the planting of a bed of bright pink everlastings thanks to Penrhos boarding family, the Egerton-Warburtons. Year 7 boarder Lucinda Egerton-Warburton noticed the empty garden bed when she arrived at the boarding family welcome barbecue in February, and became keen to plant everlastings from her family’s farm to brighten the area. The Egerton-Warburton family run a business, Lucinda’s Everlastings, in Kojonup. The business was created 13 years ago – the year that Lucinda was born – so the family has plenty of everlasting seeds on hand. Lucinda’s mum, Jennifer, a former student of the Penrhos College class of 1989, said the family was thrilled at how well the garden was blooming. “Each time we visit Lucinda at the boarding house, we have checked on the flowers, and they have been amazing each time. Well done Penrhos gardeners, and well done students for not trampling them – amazing! “Everlastings are easy to grow, no care once established, long-flowering, beautifully bright and they will come back each year – love them! Actually, the most unique and important thing about everlastings for us, is that they pay Lucinda’s fees to go to Penrhos!” Jennifer said. The Year 7 boarders are justifiably proud of how well their garden is looking and the eye-catching display created by the everlastings. Jennifer said Penrhos community members could purchase a packet of everlastings, with proceeds going towards a special treat for the boarding house. View the everlastings online at www.everlastings.com.au
FARMYARD FUN FOR YEAR 12s Students in Year 12 got a sweet surprise in May, when Head of Year 12 Max Leech organised a visiting baby animal zoo in the Margaret Way Courtyard one lunchtime. The surprise visit was designed to bring some light relief for the Year 12s in the busy lead-up to their mid-year exams and provide an outlet for them to relax and have fun. Mr Leech said the surprise visit was well-received by the girls. “It was that murky time of the academic year with mid-year exams approaching, which for many of the girls meant the beginning of rigorous study regimes. Many of the girls were transfixed on their studies, assessments and deadlines. I wanted to remind them to take a moment to smile and breathe – basically to distract them.” The baby animal zoo was a hit and the Year 12 students took every opportunity to cuddle up to the visiting ducklings, lambs and baby goats.
Isabella Pruiti-Ciarello and
Year 12 students
16 Summer 2015
BODY
Trying out tai chi The Junior School Garden Oval was the picture of serenity during Languages Week, with all students and staff getting the opportunity to try tai chi across two large group sessions. Tai chi is a form of Chinese martial art widely practised for its health benefits. In recent years, studies have shown tai chi practice to improve balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Organised by Junior School Languages Teacher Anna Satti as part of Languages Week celebrations, and in light of the Asia Australia Engagement program, the tai chi sessions saw all staff and students participate on a pleasant spring morning, creating a most serene and memorable experience. Signora Satti said the group sessions had proven to be enjoyable and beneficial for both staff and students. “With tranquil music playing and standing amongst the beautiful surroundings of the Junior School Garden Oval, staff and students were led through a sequence of tai chi manoeuvres with a professional instructor, Ms Louise Walker, from Perth Tai Chi Academy. “Classes attended in two separate groups – Kindergarten to Year 3 and Years 4 to 6. Ms Walker ensured that each group experienced the basics of tai chi, learning also how this ‘meditation in motion’ allows time for calming the soul, improving health, rejuvenating the body and relaxing the mind.
“Students became aware of the energy force of ‘qi’ which tai chi is said to unblock and create flow, while promoting balance of the opposing universe elements ‘yin’ and yang’. Many teachers commented that students resumed the remainder of the day with a relaxed attitude and also with better mental focus. “It was a very enjoyable experience and one that, hopefully, will encourage both students and staff to explore further in the future as a beneficial tool in maintaining mind and body health.”
Tai chi on the Junior School Garden Oval
BODY
Summer 2015 17
Celebrating another win
Penrhos athletes are Champions again Penrhos College athletes put in a stellar performance to take out the Champion School trophy at the Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (IGSSA) Athletics Carnival, held at the WA Athletics Stadium in September.
2015 Athletics Captains receive the IGSSA
trophy
The girls successfully defended their title, and also won the Laurie Packham Trophy for Champion Track School and the Elizabeth Davenport Trophy for Champion Field School. The win represents Penrhos College’s 22nd Champion School trophy in 23 years. This year’s IGSSA Athletics Carnival held special meaning for the team, as it was the last for Penrhos College Dean of Co-Curricular and long-time athletics coach, Norbert Fandry, who will retire at the end of this year. The girls dedicated their win to Mr Fandry in accepting the Champion School trophy.
Principal Meg Melville paid tribute to Mr Fandry and said, “Norbert has been at Penrhos College for 27 years and in that time, has raised the sporting skill level of the students, their competitive spirit and ultimately, the success of the College in athletics, cross country and swimming to a level beyond compare in the IGSSA. “Penrhos has enjoyed a reputation as a sporting powerhouse in these pursuits, largely due to Norbert’s tireless commitment to bringing out the absolute best in each girl through his coaching, mentoring and passion for instilling in the students, the value in health and fitness. Beyond this, his inclusive approach and ability to bring fun to training and competition has contributed to this success.” Congratulations to everyone in the Athletics team!
2015 Athletics team
18 Summer 2015
BODY
Embracing the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Sarah Tang, Tiera Michael, Matisse Guy, Indie Lewis-Rees
Junior School students have had the opportunity to get their hands dirty and reap the benefits of homegrown produce with the introduction of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden this year. The program is based on the philosophy that pleasurable food education teaches children positive food habits for life through fun, hands-on learning. Pre-Primary White Teacher Ms Misty Waters said the idea had come about as an initiative of Head of Junior School Ms Trish Somers and Year 4 Teacher Ms Kerry Jenke, with a view to implementation across the whole Junior School. “The program aims to introduce the girls to the processes and benefits of growing healthy, fresh food and using the seasonal produce to cook flavoursome, healthy food. There is an emphasis on sharing the food as a class, to improve social skills and encourage interaction around the table. The program incorporates the whole process from planting, growing, cooking and eating,” Ms Waters said. Some classes in the Early Learning Centre (ELC) have been busy growing and enjoying their own produce – the Kindergarten classes grew their own potatoes which they made into wedges, and the Pre-Primary classes have grown herbs and sunflowers as part of their Plants Unit. There are three small garden bends in the ELC and a larger garden space for Years 3-6 students on the Garden Oval. Founder and Chair of the Kitchen Garden Foundation board Stephanie Alexander AO said, “We get so much feedback from principals, parents and of course from the students themselves, about how popular this is and how it’s changing children’s attitudes towards fresh food. “If they have developed that understanding and willingness to expand their horizons as far as food goes, and understand what goes on in the garden and how that food has got on their plate, those insights and understandings will be there for life.”
tato Wedgesnts Recipe for Po ude r Kindergarten st As prepared by ou
Ingredients
Vegetable Patch Potatoes from the ry ma se 3 sprigs of ro oil spray Extra light olive A pinch of salt
Method
en. up from the gard Dig the potatoes how many have unt co d an ine Exam and then peel. grown. Wash, dry m the of rosemary fro s rig sp 2 Pick three and smell. ine am Ex . en rd vegetable ga Line the to 250 degrees. 3 Pre-heat oven g paper. kin ba k tic n-s no baking tray with s what cus Dis lf. ha in toes 4 Cut the pota “half” means. children -friendly knives, 5 Using the kid ee wedges. Place thr o int lf ha cut the ing bowl. into a large mix rosemary wedges with the 6 Sprinkle the olive oil the h wit y htl and spray lig tray the lined baking spray. Place on lt. sa h and sprinkle wit minutes. ated oven for 10 7 Roast in prehe ees gr de 180 ure to Reduce temperat r 45 minutes. the fur a r fo t as and ro isp on utes, or until cr Turn every 15 min . the outside
1
BODY
Summer 2015 19
Junior School jumpers receive Heart Foundation Award A huge congratulations to girls in Years 3-6, who raised $18,372 for the Heart Foundation, as part of this year’s Jump Rope for Heart in September. This put Penrhos College in the top three schools across all of Australia again in 2015. The Junior School community was recognised with an award from the Heart Foundation of Western Australia and will be guests at a function in the Government House Ballroom to acknowledge and thank donors and volunteers for their valuable support over the past 12 months. Head of Junior School Trish Somers said it was a huge honour for the Junior School community to be recognised in this way. “The prestigious Heart Foundation WA President’s Awards are presented every two years to recognise the outstanding contribution of an exceptional Western Australian researcher, volunteer, community fundraiser, corporate partner and school participating in the Jump Rope for Heart program. We are delighted to be a recipient of this award in recognition of being the highest fundraising school in a single Jump Rope for Heart campaign. Well done to the Physical Education Coordinator, Mr Kenrick Armitage and Phys-Ed Teacher Mrs Tina Deegan who have driven this event every year as part of their program.”
Cassandra Baron, Abbey Cook, India da
Silva
Students once again embraced the Jump Rope for Heart, with many practice sessions happening during recess and lunch in the Junior School courtyard. Jump Rope for Heart fits into the National PE Curriculum and encourages a whole of school approach to promote physical activity, healthy eating, living a smoke-free life and hands-on opportunity for children to experience doing something for the greater good. Each year, the Jump Rope for Heart attracts over 300,000 students, in over 1,300 schools with over 500,000 sponsors comprising of families, friends and members of local school communities. This year’s event raised over $1.7m for the Heart Foundation.
Penrhos volleyballers
Volleyballers head to Melbourne Four Penrhos volleyball teams will head to Melbourne this December for the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup, the largest school-based sporting event in the southern hemisphere, attracting teams from across Australia and the world. This year’s tournament will see more than 485 teams, 130 schools and 5,000 participants fiercely competing over the course of a week. Year 12 student Hannah Nichol, a three-time veteran of the tour said she was excited to finish off her time at Penrhos by participating in an enjoyable and challenging tournament. “It’s such a fun week. We won a silver medal in Year 9 and, being our last year, we want to finish off with a good result. Our team is such a tight group. After playing together for a few years now we are such close friends and we have a special bond.”
There will also be plenty of fresh faces heading over for their first tour. Year 9 student Emily Nixon said she was very excited. “We’ve been training twice a week since Term 2 and working very hard. We had a great result at the WA Volleyball Schools Cup, winning the 10A Division which gives us a lot of confidence.” The College has also started a Junior School Volleyball Club, which introduces the girls to the sport leading into Year 7 and capitalises on the popularity of volleyball. Joining the Volleyball Club gives Junior School students a taste of the skills and excitement leading up to the opportunity to be a part of the annual tour to Melbourne. Teacher of Health and Physical Education Michael Ruggiero said, “We wish the girls the best of luck with the challenges that lay ahead competing against schools from all around Australia.”
20 Summer 2015
SPIRIT
Year 6s ‘Pink It Up’ for cancer research Year 6 students Amber and Autumn Weston, Mia Ross, Chloe Pontre and Keely Lindquist organised the very successful ‘Pink it Up’ fun run in October, raising $1,408 for Breast Cancer Research. Head of Junior School Ms Trish Somers said it was a highly successful student-led initiative, with great support from the community. “Thanks to all the families who turned out to support this event, the staff who generously donated their own time, and those who ‘worked around’ the event to ensure all could participate, as well as all of those who made donations.”
Isabella Weston, Chloe Pontre, Autumn
Weston, Keely Lindquist, Mia Ross
Students and parents were asked to wear pink for the occasion, ensuring it was a very colourful event. Term 4 was a busy one for fundraising in the Junior School. The Year 6 Fundraising Charity Stalls were driven by Mariah Zuvela and Eve Kirkpatrick, with monies raised going to the Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation and the Bully Zero Australia Foundation. Year 6 student Breanna Martin and her mother, Elizabeth, arranged the sale of cupcakes with funds raised going to support the McGrath Foundation, which also raises funds for breast cancer research. “I commend these girls and all of our families who have been so generous in support of these important organisations,” Ms Somers said.
The Junior School Oval was a sea of pink
WA Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Chaplain Emma Matthews and Secondary School Chapel Captains, Alinda Lee and Evangeline Newby had the pleasure of attending the annual WA Governor’s Prayer Breakfast held in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth in August. This event brings together Christians from across Perth for fellowship, to demonstrate unity across denominations and to express the needs and aspirations of the Christian community in Perth. Special guests included Her Excellency The Honourable Kerry Sanderson, the Governor of Western Australia and The Honourable Colin Barnett, Premier of Western Australia. Chaplain Emma said the keynote speaker was particularly inspirational.
Evangeline Newby, Alinda Lee, Chaplain Emma Matthews
“The keynote speaker was Henry Olonga, former Zimbabwean Test cricketer who in 2003, along with Andy Flowers, wore a black armband during a cricket match to protest against the policies of the Zimbabwean Government led by Robert Mugabe. Following this, an arrest warrant was issued so he had to flee Zimbabwe and abandon his cricket career. He is now a motivational speaker and singer. He published his autobiography in 2010 titled Blood, Sweat and Treason. His speech was passionate, moving and inspiring. He said, ‘As I look back I have no doubt God called me to do what I did. God has always provided for me. I’ve never been disappointed with God’.” This event is unique in Western Australia, stemming from a common desire to see a forum established to pray for the state and nation, to have leaders from all walks of life offer their prayers and be seen to do so.
Summer 2015 21
SPIRIT
NAIDOC celebrations at Penrhos NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders Day Observance Committee) celebrations took place at Penrhos College earlier this year, celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Over the period of celebrations at the College, Aboriginal students shared the stories of their people and where they are from. Staff and students were privileged to be visited by cultural groups who shared their culture through song, dance and storytelling. At the Secondary School NAIDOC Assembly, students were addressed by Dr Annika Rogers-Angeles, Penrhos leaver of 2008, who graduated as a Medical Practitioner in 2014. Annika is currently working as a Junior Doctor as Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital. Annika spoke of her Aboriginal heritage and how this had shaped who she is today. She shared with the girls her rich family history, recounting a journey to the Northern Territory to meet her father’s family for the first time. Annika also encouraged the girls to make the most of every opportunity Penrhos has to offer. At the assembly, staff and students also had the pleasure of welcoming the Gorna Liyarn Indigenous dancers from Presbyterian Ladies College. Gorna Liyarn means ‘strong heart’ in the Bardi and Yawuru languages of the West Kimberley. The girls’ performance was captivating and a meaningful way to share culture in a fellow girls’ school. Students Felicity Lindquist and Nadiya Paul spoke eloquently of their journey to Derby in July and of the time in Mowanjum. Felicity’s grandmother, Gail, coordinates the Early Learning Centre in the Mowanjum Community and the two girls loved their trip to Derby so much in 2014, they just had to return. In between helping Gail entertain the children of Mowanjum, Felicity made dozens of costumes. Speaking about the experience, Nadiya said, “I love going up there because it’s so beautiful. The first thing you notice is the red dirt on the ground. The land there is so red. And the warm orange sun shines bright onto the red land and makes everything so warm. And there are boab trees everywhere you look. My most favourite thing there is the sparkling blue warm ocean.
Dr Annika Rogers-Angeles 2008 addre
sses the Secondary School Assembly
“While life in Mowanjum is very different from my life in Perth. I now feel like it is my second home. The children I met would talk to me in their traditional language because they thought I could understand what they were saying. This made me feel more like a part of their family and very special,” Nadiya said. Felicity said, “Each year in July, Mowanjum has a festival to share the traditional culture and dances of the local Aboriginal people. Thousands of people come from all over Australia to witness this celebration. As Nadiya is an Aboriginal girl, she had the right to join in with the dancing at the festival. I expected to be sitting forlornly on the sidelines watching the dancing taking place. However I was fortunate enough to be ‘unofficially’ adopted by one of the elders. She then invited me to dance with the women and girls on the night of the festival. It was a huge honor to be invited, since this festival is extremely culturally significant.” In the Junior School, a group of Year 6 girls, along with the support of teachers Mrs Julie Lewis and Mrs Michelle Clifton, created a greetings art display on the lawn area near the Year 5 classrooms. The art work combines Noongar language, kaya (hello) wanju (welcome) alongside the Penrhos core shared values, which were shown in the coloured sand, and the journeys we take as a community. The Junior School has promoted the use of kaya in the classroom as a greeting and encourages students and staff to learn these new words to greet and welcome each other and guests.
The Year 6 greetings art display
22 Summer 2015
SPIRIT
News from the Chaplaincy Christmas is fast approaching and all Chapels during Term 4 have focused on the true meaning of the season of Advent and Christmas, and the need to be aware of how fortunate we are and how we can support those less fortunate than ourselves. As part of this, the College community was encouraged to support the UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal. UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal All classes in the Junior School and all Form groups in the Secondary School received laundry baskets to fill with non-perishable food items to be donated to UnitingCare West in time for workers to make up food hampers for disadvantaged families all over Perth this Christmas. Once again, the College community demonstrated wonderful generosity, with an abundance of donations received for UnitingCare West.
Junior School Christmas Chapel
Grandparents and Friends’ Day The Year 7 Grandparents and Friends’ Day was held in September and provided a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase the College to their special guests. The morning commenced with a Chapel Service that brought everyone together to reflect, sing hymns and enjoy a photo slideshow featuring each girl with her grandparents.
Tolu Sorunmu and Iyanuoluwa Adebayo with their guests
Isabel Milne with her guests
Orientation Day The Orientation Day, held in November for all new students joining Penrhos in 2016 was very well attended. Chaplain Emma delivered a message to the new students and families and said, “I hope all new girls enjoyed the day’s activities and learnt lots about the College and its link to the Uniting Church in Australia.” Chapel Cushions Project The College has been given a number of tapestry cushions for the Chapel that are in need of completion. The tapestry cushions were started by the Auxiliary many years ago, and the College has a stock of half-finished cushions. The cushions are well used in the Chapel and placed on the pews for certain services. If you’re keen on tapestry and would like to help out by completing a cushion or two, please contact the Marketing & Community Relations office on (08) 9368 9517 or feedback@penrhos.wa.edu.au.
Orientation Day
Farewell, Chaplain Emma It was with sadness and excitement that Chaplain Emma announced her resignation as Chaplain of Penrhos College, to take effect on 9 December 2015. Chaplain Emma said, “I will be commencing in a congregational placement in the new year and want to thank the whole College community for the wonderful opportunity to serve amongst you for the last four and half years. I will miss the happy noises of little girls playing and will also miss attending extraordinary events and gala shows starring our talented students.” Principal Meg Melville said, “This is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for Chaplain Emma and we wish her much happiness – she will be missed!”
Chaplain Emma Matthews
Summer 2015 23
SPIRIT
Girls participating in an activity on Australian history
The road to reconciliation As part of the Learn, Live, Give Program, Year 9 students were visited by representatives from the Indigenous Communities Education & Awareness (ICEA) Foundation in September. The ICEA Foundation is a youth-run not-for-profit organisation, bringing together young Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in a fun and friendly environment to create positive shared experiences, build enduring relationships and promote cultural understanding.
Year 9 student Morgan Farley said it was an enlightening session. “The main theme of the session was reconciliation. The first activity the speakers got us engaged in was a timeline of Australia’s history. Each girl held onto the 15 metre long rope; events that took place up to 50,000 years ago were taped to it. From this activity, I learnt how far back Australian history goes. In school, we are mainly taught of events after white settlement. “Next, we broke into groups of around five to brainstorm what we thought reconciliation is. Quite a few of us were unsure, but luckily the presenters were there to help us and prompt our thinking. After ten or so minutes, all three classes re-joined to share any good points we came up with. A few included mutual respect, apologising, trying to fix past mistakes and striving to understand previous problems.
Presenters from the ICEA Foundation
The ICEA Foundation works closely with young people in remote Indigenous communities in north Western Australia and high schools in the Perth metropolitan area. They are committed to creating positive environments for young Australians to come together and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures. The ICEA Foundation believes that to facilitate truly genuine reconciliation and mutual respect, it is important to work with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth together. For this reason, their programs don’t solely focus on one group or the other, but instead bring Western Australian youth together. According to Reconciliation Australia, the majority of young Australians (81%) have a strong desire to advance reconciliation, but less than half know how to go about it.
Brainstorming ideas on reconciliation
“Finally, the ICEA visitors had us discuss why reconciliation is needed in Australia. A few points raised by our classes included the Stolen Generation and Aboriginal people being considered as flora and fauna until 1967. The incursion ended on a light-hearted note, with the guests informing us about upcoming cultural events at Cottesloe that we could attend. This would increase our knowledge of different cultures by having the opportunity to experience ideas that are possibly new to us,” Morgan said.
24 Summer 2015
SUPPORT GROUPS & COMMUNITY
FOUNDERS’ DAY The College’s second annual Founders’ Day was held on 4 August and provided another opportunity for past staff, past parents and alumni to reconnect and spend some time back at Penrhos. The morning commenced with a Chapel service, led by Chaplain Emma Matthews, followed by tours of the College, attendance at a Secondary School assembly, and a lunch spent catching up and reminiscing. SAVE THE DATE The 2016 Founders’ Day will be held on Tuesday, 9 August from 11am.
Val Mayger, Meg Melville, Amanda Drybrough
Colleen Costello, Wendy Watts, Laurie Packham
Di Duff, Pam Eddy, Ailsa Allen, Lesley McPherson
Junior School girls start saving School banking launched in the Junior School in Term 3 as a parent-led initiative, aimed at encouraging girls to establish saving habits for life. Year 2 parent Ms Melanie Clark coordinates the school banking program, which has so far seen more than one in five Junior School girls participate. Here she tells us about how school banking came about and how it’s tracking so far.
Isabella Wallace
How did Junior School banking come about? It was a couple of things and everything just lined up for it to be the right time to introduce it. I used to participate in a school banking program in the1970s in New Zealand and my dad has always been instrumental in educating me and my siblings about good savings habits – spend some, save some etc. With my own daughter now entering her eighth year of life, I realised the importance of sharing these life skills with her and how best I could facilitate it. I was chatting with another mum about the concerns we had in the modern world and the importance of young ladies learning the value of money and saving, and that’s where the idea for school banking first came about. The idea was presented at the Penrhos P&F meeting and very quickly I had another mum, Kay Kelly, with an accounting background, who offered her assistance. Kay Kelly has been instrumental in assisting me – she now heads up the ELC banking day and I am in the Junior School. How does the program work? Students need a Commonwealth Bank Youth Saver Account which can be easily opened online or at a Commonwealth Bank branch. Once the student has their bank account they can deposit with our parent tellers every Tuesday morning between 8am and 8.25am, located in the Junior School Courtyard or ELC Piazza. Kay Kelly and I then go down to the branch and safe deposit the money. For every deposit made at school, students will receive a Dollarmite token. Once students have individually collected ten tokens they can redeem them for an exclusive school banking reward item in recognition of their continued savings behaviour. Essentially, the bank wants to promote regular savings patterns and I think this is a good concept for children to learn early in life. Penrhos College earns $5 when a student makes their first ever school banking deposit, and a 5 per cent commission on every deposit made up to a maximum of $10. Chaplain Emma Matthews has found a worthy cause for the funds raised to be donated to – TEAR and the Khandwa Tribal Development Project in northern India, which will assist business set-ups for women in rural areas of India. What has the response been and what’s the feedback from other parents? The students and parents have embraced the program well and after one Term we have over 80 students banking with us. Not only that, but I had many parents offering their help as parent tellers every Tuesday morning. This is really nice as it shows a good sense of community within our Junior School. It has been great, as parents are generally busy either working or with younger/older siblings and it is not always possible to make that weekly trip to the local bank to deposit pocket money, birthday money or Christmas money. With most transactions done online and the removal of cash, replaced with credit or debit cards and PayPass, we have become de-sensitised to the process of money. Having the school banking program at Penrhos just makes is so much easier for parents to make sure that their child’s money gets deposited regularly and it is a tangible concept for the child.
SUPPORT GROUPS & COMMUNITY
Summer 2015 25
Year 6 students working on a robotics activity
Launching in 2016: Friends of STEM In response to the growing interest in STEM at Penrhos, next year will see the introduction of a new Support Group, Friends of STEM. The primary purpose of this group will be to tap into STEM expertise and industry links within the parent, alumni and wider College community, for the benefit of Penrhos students. Parents, alumni and community members are encouraged to consider joining if they can assist with: • Providing Year 10 student work experience placements (the demand for STEM placements is growing) • Sourcing inspiring guest speakers and potential visitors and residencies • Investigating corporate sponsorship opportunities • Providing assistance and advice on grant applications • Providing speakers and expertise for STEM events at the College • Giving teaching staff access to STEM expertise for certain areas of the curriculum • Lending equipment We recognise that people are busy nowadays with careers and family, and don’t necessarily have a lot of free time to volunteer. Therefore, Friends of STEM will not undertake any fundraising activities or run events, and meetings will be limited to once per Term (four meetings per year). The focus of Friends of STEM will be on tapping into expertise and opportunities that exist within the Penrhos community, rather than hands-on, time-consuming volunteer work. Meetings
will be used to discuss STEM activity at the College, and identify how Friends of STEM can provide relevant links to the broader industry that will benefit students and staff, and enhance the College’s STEM program. Maths Mentor Coordinator Peter Chandler said the introduction of the group was well-timed, as increasing numbers of girls look to STEM as a future career path. “It’s important for the College to continue to build relationships with businesses so we are aware of what our students need in the STEM area. Also, we have an increasing number of girls seeing STEM as their future career and many are asking for work experience placements. I look forward to using the expertise of parents in STEM through the Friends of STEM.” Junior School Learning Technologies Coordinator Nathan Ducker said he hoped the group would unlock exciting opportunities for parents, teachers and students. “At this stage, we see potential for a Friends of STEM group to assist with expertise, opportunities and resources to engage our girls to pursue STEM subjects. From a parent perspective, this may present an opportunity to be involved in establishing a database of experts, sharing resources accessible to them or assisting with STEM initiatives. For teachers, it may be an opportunity to develop connections with experts in the field to enrich teaching and learning. The greatest benefit would be for the students, where unique experiences, resources and expertise, otherwise not available, would further inspire engagement with STEM subjects.”
Who can join? Anyone is welcome to join Friends of STEM – current parents, past parents, alumni, and others. Whether you work in the STEM field, have a special interest in STEM, or have expertise on how the College can work more closely with industry, we welcome your attendance and input. When will the meetings be held? Once we have collected expressions of interest, we will canvass the group to determine the most suitable time to hold meetings. Meetings will be limited to once per Term (four per year) and should run for about an hour, commencing in Term 1, 2016. There is no expectation that members of Friends of STEM will need to devote any more time than this – the focus is on tapping into expertise and opportunities. How do I express my interest? If you’re interested in joining Friends of STEM in 2016, please get in touch so we can send you further information: Rochelle Zaknich, Marketing & Community Relations Manager Email: feedback@penrhos.wa.edu.au Phone: (08) 9368 9517
26 Summer 2015
SUPPORT GROUPS & COMMUNITY
Visiting authors draw bookworms to Penrhos Several high-profile authors have visited Penrhos this year, in partnership with Dymocks Garden City. As reported in the previous edition, Kate Grenville visited earlier this year, and we have since welcomed Jessica Rowe, Andy Griffiths and Annabel Crabb for various book launches and signings at the College. Well-known TV presenter Jessica Rowe launched her book, ‘Is This My Beautiful Life?’ in the newly refurbished Library in July, a revealing memoir which gives an honest account of her life and struggles with IVF, career highs and lows in the public eye, and her experience with post-natal depression.
Jessica Rowe
Jessica spoke candidly about the difficulties she experienced behind the scenes of what is often perceived to be a glamourous industry, and shared her belief that it’s important to be honest and demystify the idea of having a ‘perfect life’. Best-selling children’s author Andy Griffiths spoke to a sell-out audience in the Rixon Theatre for the launch of his book, ‘The 65-Storey Treehouse’ in September. Andy was given the rock star treatment by many of his young fans, who arrived carrying piles of his books for signing. Andy held the audience captive with stories about how he came to be a writer and where his ideas come from, before engaging in a lively Q&A discussion that saw many hands up in the audience. After the event, keen readers waited up to two hours in the queue to meet Andy and have their books signed, which he willingly obliged.
Andy Griffiths
Annabel Crabb visited the Rixon Theatre in November for the launch of her first cookbook, ‘Special Delivery’, which tied in with the launch of series five of the popular ABC program she hosts, ‘Kitchen Cabinet’. Visiting Perth on a whirlwind book tour, Annabel took the time to engage with guests for book signings and photos, and shared some anecdotes from ‘Kitchen Cabinet’, thoughts on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and her favourite recipe from ‘Special Delivery’ (honey and fig semifreddo cake). During the book signing Annabel was presented with various gifts from the audience, including cumquat jam, sticky gingerbread cake and two handmade aprons, given by Penrhosian Club member Robina King.
Robina King with Annabel Crabb
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Summer 2015 27
Yvonne Noble retires Long-serving Accounts Payable Officer Mrs Yvonne Noble retired from her role in November after 30 years of service to Penrhos College.
Yvonne Noble
In announcing Yvonne’s retirement, Principal Mrs Meg Melville said, “Yvonne Noble has just let me know that she will be retiring from Penrhos College after 30 years in her role as Accounts Payable Officer. Yvonne has been keeping Penrhos staff honest for every day of those 30 years! Yvonne will leave us on Thursday November 12, so that she can remember her first day of retirement as Friday 13th.”
Yvonne commenced working at Penrhos in 1985 and her daughter, Donna, attended the College as a student during her tenure. Yvonne’s colleagues farewelled her over drinks just prior to her finishing date in November and wished her a long and happy retirement. Yvonne’s friendly and familiar face will be greatly missed at Penrhos!
Auxiliary springs into the season The sun was shining and Spring had sprung for the Auxiliary Spring Lunch, held at the Royal Perth Golf Club in September, and attended by a sell-out crowd. Auxiliary President Jo-Anne Smith said this year’s Spring Lunch had been a huge success. “We saw the highest attendance ever of Year 12 mums, which was so pleasing to see. The weather was very kind to us and we had lovely blue skies. Famous Sharron was our MC again and she didn’t fail to entertain us. “The Year 11 and 12 girls modelling their dinner dance and ball dresses was once again the highlight of the afternoon. We had a fabulous fashion parade with garments provided by Insurge and Mariko. The food provided by the Royal Perth Golf club was just exquisite and we received many compliments in regard to this. “A BIG thank you to all our sponsors for providing such wonderful raffle prizes. The Auxiliary Committee works very hard each year to bring together an entertaining, relaxing and enjoyable lunch. A big thank you to all of the Committee,” Jo-Anne said.
The Auxiliary Committee with John Burge
ss and MC Famous Sharron
The Penrhos Auxiliary Spring Lunch Committee 2015 would like to thank the following Raffle Sponsors for their generous donations! Hewitt Studios Photography Next Gen Lifestyle Club Leslie’s Curtains & Blinds Marriner Performance Arbonne – Tracey Curtis Angelo Street Optical Ella Bache Angelo Street Renouf Personal Training Pink Champagne Guildford Dales James Hair & Beauty WA Laser Eye Centre Accord Air Conditioning EMV Personal Charter Vehicles OPSM Angelo Street jooj – Just Blow-drys & dos Coco’s Restaurant Como Microdermabrasion Clinic Karalee Tavern il Ciao Applecross
Luxe Gift & Décor Con’s Manning Fine Wines Nikki Actons Beauty Therapy Glamazon Boutique Scissors Xtra The Front Door Gift Gallery Moonlight & Roses Florist Forever Beautiful Signature Dental Essence Pilates & Bodyworks Aneesh Beauty Mal Atwell Billiards & Bingo South Perth Travel Shirlene’s Nail & Beauty Mariko Boutique U-Nique Homewares & Designs Manning Fresh Michelangelo Hair Salon JACS Applecross
Coffea Fine Espresso Grinders Coffee CCA Manic Espresso Café White Frame Picture Framing Brumbys Bakery Angelo Street Crusso’s Hair Design The Windsor Hotel Olsen Butcher Meat Couture Coles Angelo Street Cellarbrations Como Manning Free Range Butchery Bunnings East Victoria Park Health Foods Park Centre I Carol Graf The Shoe Man Signature Nails Vaucluse Newsagency Holly Hedge Gifts Cinderellas Nails
Platinum Sports Annie’s Florist Target Park Centre IGA - South Perth Garden Affair Labels Boutique You Skin & Body Homecraft Textiles Carol Unger Jayne Slater Susie Singh Deanna Eginton Andrea Ezse Michelle Nicoli Jo-Anne Smith Jeannie Collins Kim Brownbill
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FOUNDATION
From the FOUNDATION PRESIDENT Past and present students and families came together for a very special unveiling of the Rixon Theatre redevelopment in June. The refurbishment provides a very real example of how the Foundation is ensuring we can deliver the very best quality for our students and the community. Please see page 29 for photos of what was a lovely evening spent with our donors, who included current parents, alumni, staff, past parents, Council and Foundation members (past and present) and students. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has shown their support for this project. Have you left your mark? There are still opportunities for you to be part of the Rixon Theatre refurbishment and the remaining seats are available to sponsor for $500 per seat. • All seats will be fitted with an engraved plaque with your chosen wording to acknowledge your support. • All donors are recognised on the honour board and enjoy special benefits including early access ticket booking to College productions. • To submit your Expression of Interest, please visit www.penrhos. wa.edu.au or call the Marketing & Community Relations office on (08) 9368 9517.
Sondra Anderson with daughter Caris
“We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to contribute to the project and for our daughters to leave their mark in the College. The Rixon Theatre has been such an integral part of the experience of Penrhos College and knowing that the names of each of our daughters are part of the future of the theatre is very special.” Mrs Kelly Alchin, Penrhos parent and College Council member Board membership Since the previous edition of The Penrhosian we have welcomed Sally Audeyev to the Board. Sally is a partner at King & Wood Mallesons, an international commercial law firm, and her extensive expertise in law is a valuable asset to the Board. Sally has previously sat on various committees, both work-related and on the management committee of the South Perth Child Care Centre. Sally has two daughters in the Junior School, Cassia and Asha.
Sondra Anderson, Mrs Meg Melville at the Rixon Theatre Donor event
Looking ahead In 2016, the Penrhos Foundation will embark on new opportunities for all our community to be involved. We want to ensure that you all have the option to give back in a way that is meaningful to you – from building projects to bursaries or providing the best long-term education for our girls. For 63 years, Penrhos has provided quality education. Our girls and women are giving back to the Australian and international community in a powerful way. Why wouldn’t you want to invest in young girls of today who can make such a difference on our community tomorrow? In 2016 we will be re-introducing Annual Giving, so we encourage you to look out for this and consider giving back to the College, at whatever level and in whichever way you can. Donations to the Foundation are always 100% tax-deductible and we hope to see strong support from the Penrhos community in 2016.
Sondra Anderson FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
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Rixon Theatre 20th Anniversary Upgrade Project Thank You Donors event The Foundation was pleased to host more than 100 donors to the Rixon Theatre 20th Anniversary Upgrade Project at a donor thank you event held in June to celebrate the stunning refurbishment of this important space in the College. The refurbishment included new carpets, lighting, painting, servery, box office upgrade, toilets and, of course, the newly reupholstered seats. Principal Meg Melville and Foundation President Sondra Anderson both acknowledged the generosity of donors to this project, who included parents, alumni, staff, College Council and Foundation members, and students, before unveiling the donor honour board, which takes pride of place in the refurbished Rixon Theatre foyer.
rthy
Jenny Fowles, Jess Fowles, Barbara McCa
Mrs Melville paid tribute to the donors of the recent upgrade, and those who gave 20 years ago to ensure the vision of building the Rixon Theatre (then the Performing Arts Centre) could be realised. All donors – original and recent – are listed on the new donor screen. Guests enjoyed performances from the Collier String Quartet and vocal soloist Grace Arangio, who sang, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’. Mrs Anderson took the opportunity to share the Foundation’s new vision with the donor community, which is, “To ensure the long term sustainability of independent girls’ education at Penrhos College by building a culture of giving.” Donors were invited to view the newly installed seat plaques, featuring the names of many different people in the College community, before going on to enjoy an evening of camaraderie.
Kelly and Sophie Alchin
Kristyn Cronin, Loretta Dease, Judy Munn
s
Sally Davies, Samantha Warenczak, Julianne Smith
Rixon Theatre Sponsor a Seat donors The Penrhos College Foundation sincerely thanks the following donors for their generous support in sponsoring a seat in the Rixon Theatre, since the previous edition of The Penrhosian.
Cassie Baron Cail Family, Wubin Anne, Sarah & Natalie Chang The du Plessis Family The Emery Family The Hawkins-Jalleh Family
Sapna & Narinder Jessy Alessia Maio Mark & Karrina Mitchell The Munns-Lysle Family Mary Noack, Amanda & Megan
The Poole Family Sarah & Stuart Pridgeon Darcie & Paige Schlink Susie Singh & Brian Schofield The Zuideveld Family
It’s not too late to leave your mark We continue to receive expressions of interest to sponsor a seat in the Rixon Theatre and it’s not too late to leave your mark on this special part of Penrhos. Rixon Theatre seats are still available to sponsor for $500 (fully tax deductible), and include your personalised seat plaque and name on the honour board. Sponsoring a seat ensures your generosity will be recognised for many years to come and gives you and your family the opportunity to leave a tangible mark on Penrhos. To express your interest, please email sponsoraseat@penrhos.wa.edu.au or call the Marketing & Community Relations Office on (08) 9368 9517.
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ALUMNI
John Reeve, Emma Reeve
Nigarish Hyder, Tanweer Hyder
Hon Ma, Cassandra Ma
David Frances, Amy Frances
Taylor Patten, Duncan Patten
Brianna Mitchell, Ma
rk Mitchell
FATHER DAUGHTER DINNER Supported by the Penrhos College Foundation Wednesday, 19 August 2015 Llew Woodford Function Centre, Penrhos College The Father Daughter Dinner is a night to celebrate the very special relationship between dads and daughters and provides a much needed break from the rigours of the busy Year 12 program. Guests enjoyed a great evening of fun, friendship and photos. The dancefloor was overflowing as soon as dinner had finished, with the dads leading the charge and showing up their daughters with their dance moves.
Ellie Ohlsen accepting gifts from the Alum
ni
MOTHER DAUGHTER DINNER Supported by the Penrhos College Alumni (Inc) Friday, 12 June 2015 Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park The Mother Daughter Dinner is a special night on the Year 12 calendar and this year’s event was no exception. Members of the Penrhos Alumni welcomed the Year 12s to the Alumni community and gifted each girl a sterling silver dragon charm, a keepsake of their days at Penrhos. Each girl presented their mother with a yellow rose as a symbolic ‘thank you’ for their support over the years.
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FROM THE
ALUMNI PRESIDENT 2015 was another successful year for the Penrhos Alumni. A huge milestone was reached, with over 9000 people now members of the Alumni community. 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. We started the year with our annual networking event, Shakers & Stirrers, which returned to the Windsor Hotel in February. This event was held in conjunction with Wesley Old Boys and an enjoyable evening was had by all. In May we held our annual High Tea for current parents. A sell-out crowd enjoyed a lovely afternoon, and supported UnitingCare West by collecting women’s personal items for Wyn Carr House. It is very pleasing to see how generous the Penrhos community is. Once again we supported the Year 12 Mother/Daughter Dinner, held at Fraser’s in Kings Park. What a wonderful evening to share with the Penrhos mothers and daughters. Penrhos Founders’ Day was held in August and we were pleased to welcome back past students, staff, parents and friends of Penrhos to reconnect with the College. We look forward to growing this event in years to come.
Amanda Yaksich
I would like to thank all the old girls who have donated their time at various events throughout the year. The time you share with the students and parents is very much appreciated. Finally I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Alumni Committee, Principal Meg Melville, Alumni & Community Relations Coordinator, Emma Cornwall and Marketing & Community Relations Manager, Rochelle Zaknich for all of their help and support throughout the year. Amanda Yaksich Alumni President
Staff from UnitingCare West accepting donations at the High Tea
Penrhos Alumni Endeavour Award At the Year 12 Flower Day Assembly held in October, Penrhos Alumni President Amanda Yaksich was honoured to present this year’s Penrhos Alumni Endeavour Award to Zoe Everett. The Award provides financial support to a Year 12 student who would like the opportunity to achieve something extraordinary. The award has links to the ‘For Others’ program begun at MLC South Perth Angelo St School some 50 years ago. Following her graduation from Penrhos, Zoe plans to travel to Vietnam to work on projects with the Global Volunteer Work Organisation and Volunteer Vietnam. Zoe Everett, Amanda Yaksich
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CLASS OF 1975 40 YEAR REUNION Sunday, 18 October 2015 The Oxford Hotel, Leederville The Class of 1975 caught up for a lovely gathering on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The Oxford verandah proved a great spot for a good chat and reminisce. Penrhos Alumni wishes to thank Fiona Halse, Michele Johnston, Paula Day and Sandra Ardeshirian (Bradbury) for their efforts in putting this reunion together.
Helen D’Arcy-Walker (Caporn), Pamela Turner (Hansen), Gillian Watson
Di Bridger (Lester), Helen D’Arcy-Walker (Caporn), Paula Day, Janette Urbini (Davies), Michele Johnston
Jane Huck (Blair), Fiona Halse, Anneliese Veth (Boegl), Roxanne Gelle
Paula Day, Michele Johnston, Fiona Halse, Sandra Ardeshirian (Bradbury)
Class of 1975
Ann Ferguson (Crago), Jane Huck (Blair)
Class of 1985 30 Year Reunion Saturday, 17 October 2015 The Pagoda Hotel, Como
Miko Maekawa (Nishidate) and Donna Gee (Price)
Carolyn Finch (Dix), Kerry-Ann Cugley (Geary)
Elena Macrides serving Chunions
It was a case of back to the 80s as the Class of 1985 returned to the infamous location of their ballroom dancing lessons during high school. Over 75 ladies were in attendance, some wearing taffeta, some sporting the dark green blazer, some in their Penrhos sports jumpers and one even in her green dress! A highlight of the night was the staff bringing out trays of delicious Chunions! A special shout-out to Miko Maekawa (Nishidate) who travelled all the way from Japan to spend the occasion with the life-long friends she made whilst on exchange to Australia in 1984. Penrhos Alumni wishes to thank Elena Macrides, Fiona Schwab (Smith), Naomi van Bentum (Hillam) and Jenny Nichol for their amazing organisation and effort!
Belinda Beynon, Tammy Bux, Harriet Griffifths (Drybrough)
Trina Jones (Bulloch), Kate Weight (Harcourt-Smith), Debora Moule (Arnold)
Heather Preston, Michelle Martion (Waite)
Elena Macrides, Meryl, Fiona Schwab (Smith), Naomi van Bentum (Hillam)
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Class of 1995 20 Year Reunion Saturday, 17 October Colwyn Centre, Penrhos College 20 years on, the Class of 1995 kicked off a return to the College with an afternoon tour. The girls then headed upstairs to the refurbished Colwyn Centre to enjoy a night of catching up with friends. The Boarders were especially interested in locating their old bedroom windows! The girls were very pleased to see Past Principal Graham Rixon and Vice-Principal Val Mayger. Penrhos Alumni wishes to thank Danielle Glucina for coordinating the reunion.
Tamara Carpenter (Jefferys), Danielle Glucina
Johanna Van Vliet (Van den Hurk), Kacey Watanabe, Stacy Sewell, Kathy Hall (Lee), Jessica Nuich (Edwards), Judy Lin
Susie Finch, Graham Rixon
Gemma Lantzke (Rushton), Aimee Dunjey (Long), Pippa Faure-Geors (West), Jennifer Critch (Edwards)
Iona Williamson, Bronwyn Dennis (O’Halloran)
CLASS OF 2005 10 YEAR REUNION Saturday, 14 November 2015 Hopscotch, South Perth
Georgia Baker, Dominie Scott
Jacqueline Ellison, Fiona Digg
ins
Over 65 girls headed to the new Hopscotch Bar in South Perth to catch up with their Penrhos classmates from 10 years ago. They were also able to collect their personalised letters that they buried in the Margaret Way Courtyard in Year 12 in the Time Capsule. Upon reading the letters, many laughs (and some cringes) were shared. The girls were pleased to catch up with their Head of Year Mrs Michelle Taylor and much loved teachers Ms Sandra Rowden and Ms Naomi Edmunds. Penrhos Alumni thanks Georgia Baker, Katie Pole and Jess Wright for coordinating the event and encouraging so many girls to come along.
Erika Voges, Clare Walshe (Rodoreda), Victoria Spicer
Jessica Crowe, Chloe Smith, Chardae Indrisie, Maggie Elliot
Cassie Stone, Larissa Nichols, Kate Jones (McLarty), Kate Bungey
Ms Naomi Edmunds, Madelaine Thompson, Angela Coote, Christina Simpson, Courtney Hoad, Ms Sandra Rowden
Courtney Allen, Claire Choo, Bec Bowler, Sarah Bonwick, Karen Ferguson, Helen Alguire, Amy Kwee (Suckling)
Katie Elsegood, Ms Naomi Edmunds, Katie Pole
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OUT AND ABOUT The Marketing & Community Relations Office invites Alumni members to contribute to the Penrhosian Magazine by emailing their news items to alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au. We publish Alumni submissions in good faith, with a view to sharing and celebrating good news. The Classy 1966 girls turned 66 years young this year and held a Reunion on 2 August at ‘Secret Garden’ South Perth to celebrate the auspicious milestone. Pictured are (front L-R) Margaret Nicholl (Henderson), Claire Anderson (Fuller), Carol Carrigan (White), Judy Kotai (Watson) (Rear L-R) Del Meredith (Cowan), Anna Ward (Woerlee), Nancy Stokes, Heather Johnston, Sandra Jose (Williams). The group is planning a big party for their 50 Year reunion in 2016.
Kate Gardiner 1987 together with her partner Christopher, along with their two dogs, Daisy and Floyd have become ‘nomads of the sea’ and are now permanent cruising yachties. Kate and Christopher have both retired from work and are enjoying exploring the coast of Australia and beyond. They call their yacht Bilbungra ‘home’ and they are loving the complete sea-change with the adventure they are undertaking. Simone Cornelius-Moor 1989 recently enjoyed a catch up with fellow past Penrhosians (L-R) Jodie Davis (Williamson), Shelley Carter (Brooks), Danne Reynolds (Walker) and Julie Barrett (Brickwood) for a pre-Christmas lunch at the Raffles Hotel. All had a great time sharing news and reminiscing about school days.
Teresa Christie (Jackson) 1995 and husband Simon recently welcomed their first child - a little girl named Tahlia Jemima Christie, who was conceived through IVF after 3 years of trying. Teresa writes that Tahlia arrived a little early but is now 14 weeks old, enjoys her sleep and has a cheeky smile.
Megan Wynn 1999 had a busy 2015, premiering a film at September’s Venice Film Festival. Megan co-produced the film ‘The Childhood of a Leader’ starring Robert Pattinson which won two Lion awards at the festival; Best Debut film and Best Director. Jayne Lewis 1996 and business partner Danielle Allen from Two Bird Brewing were awarded ‘Best Beer’ at the recent 2015 Wetherspoon’s Real Ale Festival in the UK for their prized beer the Sunset Ale, beating 49 other beers from the UK and around the world. Dannielle Ackroyd (Taylor) 1999 and husband Cory welcomed a baby girl Billie Jen Ackroyd in July. Billie joins the family as a little sister to Indiana, and Dannielle writes that they are all smitten with the newest addition to their family.
Daneka Lynch (O’Brien) and husband Quinten welcomed their third child, a daughter named Sloane Francis Lynch, in October. Jasmine Nelson 2000 returned to Australia this year, and the singer/songwriter released her debut album ‘Hercules’ in September.
Kellie Burgess 1994 welcomed a baby daughter, Alanah Ruby in October. Alanah was born at 36 weeks and is a special baby sister for Dexter, now 2.
Stacey Maddern (Collins) 2001 married Simon Maddern in 2009. They live in Ardross and have two children; Lachlan (4) and Eve (1). Stacey is an English Teacher currently tutoring, and also completing qualifications in nutrition.
Klara Donovan (Jury) 2003 and husband Chris recently welcomed their first son, Jackson James Donovan in September.
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What are our Alumni up to? Vanessa Letts 2003 recently represented Australia at the Obstacle Racing World Championships in Oregonia, Ohio (USA), alongside 1,500 elite runners from around the world. Vanessa has been running as an elite obstacle course racer since 2014, and spends most weekends competing around Australia and the world. Gabrielle Humphris 2004 and her fiancé Bernard Dobson welcomed their first child, George Francis Dobson, in September this year. An amazing effort by Sara Oteri 2005; making it to the MasterChef Australia Top 5.
Photo courtesy of Network Ten
Chloe De Landgrafft 2006 married Jason Tindal from Cunderdin Ag School in February 2015 at Forest Hill Vineyard in Denmark, WA. Chloe’s bridesmaids included sister Tara De Landgrafft 2002 and friend Marlee Macnamara 2006. Grace Woodroofe 2007, now performing under the name R.W. Grace, released a new EP titled ‘Love It Need It Miss It Want It’ and toured Australia in November supporting singer/ songwriter Matt Corby. Emma Fry 2009 was awarded second place in the Cannes Lions Young Marketer Australia Awards which took place in Sydney earlier this year. Emma currently works at Southern Cross Austereo (Hit929 and Mix945).
Samantha Bentley 2011 sent through this great photo of son Mason sporting the Penrhos Dragon baby bib. Sam and her partner welcomed Mason in December 2014.
Sophie Dixon 2011 recently returned to Penrhos to film a segment for Channel 7/GWN on her success in Volleyball. Sophie represented Australia in the U19 Junior Team and Western Australia for a number of years from U17 to U21. Sophie is now playing in the elite national competition, the Australian Volleyball League for the WA Pearls and also recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Nursing. Georgia Lowry 2012 was a recipient of The Sunday Times and PerthNow 2015 Pride of Australia medals awarded in September. Georgia was awarded the Young Leader Medal for inspiring young cancer sufferers as a Camp Quality Companion Volunteer. Georgia was driven to help others after surviving a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia as a child.
Miranda Mayne 2012 was named the 2015 Emerging Talent Winner at Desktop’s Create Design Awards in Melbourne in October. Miranda has just graduated from the Shillington Graphic Design College in Melbourne and now works under the business name Mira Design. Ellie Nalder 2013 and Danielle Bestall 2014 travelled to Hobart this year as part of the WA Hockey Team for the Under 21 Women’s Australian Championships.
Dowerin Field Days Principal Meg Melville was pleased to run into a family of Penrhosians at the recent Dowerin Field Days. Mrs Melville is pictured here with Justine Tyson (Fowler) 2005 and new baby Sophie Marie Tyson and son Toby (2), sister Tarnya Fowler 2001 and mum Annie Fowler (Fullerton) 1978. Tarnya is engaged to Cam Fraser and now lives in Quairading helping with farming and a contracting business. Kylie Fowler 2002 (not pictured) lives in Dowerin and is Deputy Principal at Dowerin Primary School. Sarah Fowler 2010 (not pictured) graduated from UWA this year after completing a degree in both commerce and business law. Sarah now works at the NAB Head Office in Perth.
r, Toby Tyson, Mrs Meg Melville
Justine Tyson, Tarnya Fowler, Annie Fowle
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ALUMNI GUEST SPEAKERS During 2015 we welcomed many old girls back to campus to share their experiences with our current students. Our Year 11 and 12 Food Science & Technology students had a video conference with Megan Wheatley 2005 who is based in Philadelphia, USA. Megan, who studied Food Science at university followed by an MBA, develops retail food menus for global organisation Aramark.
Old girl, now Kensington Policewoman Rebecca McCready 2005 was also back on campus this year speaking to our Year 12s about their leaving celebrations, dressed in a very different uniform!
Rebecca McCready
The Year 9s had a visit from the entertaining Prue Hawkins 1998. Prue shared her journey through Penrhos, her transition to university, life as a practising lawyer and the challenges facing people with a disability. Megan Wheatley
Caelie Jones 2013 and her dad Ian were our special guests at this year’s Menrhos Father’s Day Dad & Daughter Breakfast. Over 100 guests listened to a lovely and insightful presentation from Caelie and Ian, which covered Caelie insisting she enrol at Penrhos in Year 9 from another school, to grabbing every opportunity Penrhos had to offer.
Caelie Jones, Ian Jones
Danielle Glucina with Prue Hawkins
Kellie Parker 1989 was the special guest presenter, along with WA Governor Kerry Sanderson, at this year’s Penrhos Math Night in November, which celebrated Penrhos Secondary School Maths achievements. Kellie is the Managing Director, Pilbara Assets and Development with mining giant RioTinto.
Kellie Parker presenting award
Careers Breakfast In June this year old girls, working in a variety of fields, were welcomed back to host a table at the Year 11 and 12 Careers Breakfast. Topics for discussion included the transition from high school, study options and career paths. Penrhos College thanks the following old girls for offering their time to assist our current students: Renae Desai 1994, Felicity Huxtable (Clarke) 1990, Sally Matthews (Smith) 1988, Kellie Parker (Mullen) 1989, Sarah-Jayne Powell (Clayton-Smith) 1988, Rebecca Roberts 2004, Kimberley Robinson 2006, Erika Voges 2005 and Caitlyn White 2006. If you would like to be involved with this event in the future please email alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au.
Rebecca Roberts
Sarah-Jayne Powell
Erika Voges
Sally Matthews
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Alumni Business Terri Ioannou (Carter) 1988 – MOTEEF It’s been a busy time for me in the last two years, finding my feet after my youngest child started school and working out how to be a mum, a graphic designer, a household manager and an individual. In September last year, I put my graphic design experience to work and started Moteef, a creative online business selling my unique patterns (inspired by the decorative arts of Africa, Mexico and the Middle East) as vibrant outdoor scatter cushions. I believe that a consciously coloured space can enhance social and personal experiences and I felt there was a gap in the outdoor living market for original textile designs and colour combinations that evoked the global destinations that inspired me. Beyond decorative appeal, Moteef is about invigorating outdoor living spaces, the individual and group gatherings hosted there, by drawing on my knowledge of colour theory to encourage personal connections. Apart from the fact that we have great weather in Perth, I chose to focus on outdoor living because I think people are generally more willing to experiment with colour outside, even if their palette indoors is restrained. It seemed like a natural place to start with an aesthetic such as mine.
Terri Ioannou (Carter) 1988
I have recently conceptualised and collaborated on a range of 3 Luxe Outdoor Candles in preparation for the summer BBQ season. It was exciting and a big learning curve but satisfying branching out of my comfort zone. I’m also using one specially designed cushion, ‘Circles’ - painted by my son Ben (Year 3 at Wesley College) to raise awareness and funds for medical research into allergy and other immune diseases which are amongst the fastest growing chronic and complex health conditions affecting children and adults in Australasia. My young daughter, Lauren (Pre Primary Penrhos College), suffers anaphylaxis to some tree nuts. This diagnosis, 2 years ago, brought to the family’s attention that research into new treatments and cures for allergy and other immune diseases, as well as community education and improved access to care, is urgently needed. Until recently, there has not been any organisation to specifically fund research into allergy and other immune diseases in Australia and New Zealand. Whilst Australia has world class researchers in these fields, funding is very limited. The Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia (AIFA) is trying to fill this gap and so I donate $5 from the sale of every cushion to AIFA. It’s busy and kind of hectic blending working from home and being a mum, but I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to do it my way. www.moteef.com.au
Vale The Penrhos College Alumni extends deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the following Penrhos community members, whose deaths are known to the College. Barbara Hurt passed away on 6 October 2015. Barbara worked in the Senior School and Administration for many years, notably as the Assistant to the Vice-Principal Betty Harman. Barbara’s three daughters Elizabeth Slade 1973 (dec), Judy Fildes 1978 and Catherine Drane 1981 are veterans of the College and son David also attended Penrhos before going to Wesley. Barbara was a long time member of the Penrhosian Club. Annabel Nicol 1981 passed away on 15 June 2015. Annabel spent time living in Bali but spent her recent years living Down South. Annabel is survived by her sons Tao, Matt and Ben. Reverend Deane Tietzel (Mr T) passed away peacefully in Brisbane on 29 May 2015. Rev Tietzel served as Penrhos Chaplain from February 1981 until June 1987 and is remembered fondly by staff and students of the time. In addition, his wife Gwen (Mrs T) was employed at the Health Centre (Sick Bay). The family connection with Penrhos was further strengthened through their daughter Anne who was a resident Housemistress for two terms, from February to August 1982, and daughter Jane Hardley (Tietzel) a 1981 Leaver.
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Alumni nominated for WA Australians of the Year In October Penrhos Alumni were thrilled to hear the news that not one but two Penrhosians were announced as finalists to be named as the 2016 WA Australian of the Year. Congratulations to Rabia Siddique 1988, nominated for 2016 WA Australian of the Year. A criminal and human rights lawyer, a retired British Army officer and a former terrorism and war crimes prosecutor, Rabia was nominated for dedicating herself to giving back to the community and many not-for-profit organisations by inspiring and empowering others to become more mindful and resilient and to have the courage to stand up for equality. Congratulations also to Georgia Lowry 2012, nominated for 2016 WA Young Australian of the Year. After being diagnosed with leukaemia as a baby and spending 20 years undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, Georgia now volunteers to help other children who are dealing with cancer. Georgia was nominated for being a passionate leader with the cancer charity Camp Quality and using her experience to inspire a whole new generation of child cancer patients.
Rabia Siddique
Georgia Lowry
Success for Alumni Golfers
In 2015 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Combined Independent Girls’ Schools Golf tournament. Teams from the Perth Independent Girls schools took part in a Canadian Foursomes Stableford game at Royal Perth Golf Club on Monday, 12 October. A huge congratulations to our victorious Alumni golf team, made up of Cecily Robertson (Moulton) 1972, Jan Mountney (Travis) 1972, Shelley Kraus (Smith) 1972 and Karen Jones (Grafton) 1980 for coming up trumps in a field of 170. A big thank you to Colette Nalder (Lange) 1982 who was instrumental in getting a large Penrhos/Kobeelya team to participate on the day.
Cecily Robertson, Jan Mountney, Shelley Kraus, Karen
Jones
Combined Independent Girls’ Schools Golf tournament
ALUMNI EVENTS IN 2016 Penrhos College Founders’ Day Tuesday, 9 August 2016 at 11am College Chapel, Penrhos College Past students, staff and friends of Penrhos welcome. This is a free event. Shakers & Stirrers Networking Evening Friday, 12 February 2016 at 6pm The Windsor Hotel, South Perth All year groups welcome. This is a free event. Penrhos Alumni High Tea Thursday, 2 June 2016 at 1pm Llew Woodford Function Centre, Penrhos College Combined Independent Schools’ Tennis Day Thursday, 24 March 2016 Reabold Tennis Club, Floreat Class of 2014 Leavers Reunion Friday, 11 March 2016 at 5pm Rixon Theatre Courtyard, Penrhos College This is a free event.
Class of 2006 10 Year Reunion Date TBC Class of 1996 20 Year Reunion Saturday, 7 May 2016 at 7pm Further details TBC Class Coordinator: Lorelle Coates (Wearne) Class of 1986 30 Year Reunion Date TBC Class of 1976 40 Year Reunion Date TBC Class of 1966 50 Year Reunion Date TBC Official invites are sent by email six weeks prior to the reunion. Please ensure the College has your current details. Contact the Alumni & Community Relations Coordinator via alumni@ penrhos.wa.edu.au or (08) 9368 9539 to update your details or for any reunion enquiries.
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ALUMNI
From the Archives In this new section, we will be profiling a different aspect of the Archives. From recent acquisitions and donations, to stories from days gone by, we will be sharing a piece of Penrhos history with our community in each edition of The Penrhosian. For this edition, we spoke to alumni member Mrs Delia Morrissey (Anderson) 1956 about her memories of days spent at St Anne’s and MLC South Perth. The Angelo Street school in 1952
Memories from Delia Morrissey Morrissey, Mrs Delia (nee Anderson) Old Scholar St Anne’s 1949 Old Scholar MLC South Perth 1954 – 1956 Mrs Morrissey is one of relatively few who attended both MLC South Perth and, prior to that, St Anne’s in Angelo Street, South Perth. The College is grateful to Mrs Morrissey for the recent donation of memorabilia and records relating to her time at both schools. Delia was nearly eight years of age when she began at St Anne’s in 1949. It was a small school operating under the owner and Principal Miss Jill Hargrave. The first illustration shows her hat band, badge and blazer pocket in the distinctive colours of brown and gold. After a successful year at St Anne’s, the family moved, and it was not until 1954 that Delia re-enrolled to commence her secondary education. By then it had become MLC South Perth. Miss Hargrave, having had to relinquish her school because of ill health, sold her school to MLC Claremont in 1951 and it re-opened in 1952 as MLC South Perth. Mrs Margaret Way, an old scholar of MLC Claremont was the Principal, and it was resolved that the new school would adopt the colours, badge and motto of the parent school.
Delia Morrissey’s hat band, badge and blazer pocket
Initially the dress was a green and white gingham, which Delia remembers as being unpopular. However, before long the plain green dress was introduced and she was relieved at the change. The second illustration shows her blazer pockets and the pocket from her green dress, along with her hat badge with ‘South Perth’ added below the MLC crest and motto. The new school soon made headway under the capable leadership of Margaret Way. Records show that when Delia re-enrolled in 1954 there were approximately 50 new enrolments that year.
Delia Morrissey’s blazer pockets, green dress pockets, and hat badge with ‘South Perth’ added below the MLC crest and motto
Certain events stand out in her memory, particularly the visit of the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1954. Annual events also remain vivid: • College Sundays, at which the white best dress was worn, held at Wesley Church in the city • Inter-house Athletics meetings, held at Wesley College • Annual Speech Days, held at the College • An album of documents, also donated by Delia, recall these events and also includes her cherished hand written reference signed by Margaret Way when she left after completing her junior year. We are grateful to Mrs Morrissey for the donation of these items and thank her most sincerely. Barbara van Bronswijk Archivist
CORRECTIONS The editor of The Penrhosian wishes to highlight the following correction from issue 63: Page 7 – Class of 2014 graduate Elena Kagi’s name was misspelled on the Principal’s List. Our most sincere apologies to Elena for this error.
2016 TOUR EVENTS We invite prospective families and students to join us for a Tour Morning or Twilight Tour in 2016. You will have the opportunity to meet Principal Meg Melville, senior staff, students, and tour the College campus. Please join us for one of the dates below: • Wednesday, 9 March at 9am • Tuesday, 17 May at 9am • Thursday, 11 August at 9am • Friday, 28 October at 9am • Wednesday, 23 November at 5.30pm (Twilight Tour) To find out more and book your place, please visit www.penrhos.wa.edu.au or call (08) 9368 9500.
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6 Morrison Street, Como Western Australia 6152 | Locked Bag 690, Como Western Australia 6952 Tel: 08 9368 9500 Fax: 08 9368 9677 Email: enrol@penrhos.wa.edu.au www.penrhos.wa.edu.au A School of the Uniting Church in Australia ABN 33 834 165 805 CRICOS CODE 00444E