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FROM THE PRINCIPAL thrive in the VUCA world How many times have you realised that the battery life on your mobile phone is about to expire and thus follows the mad scramble to recharge your phone, which is your life support to your personal and work lives? How did we ever live without our mobiles? If only we paid as much attention to our own batteries as we do to our mobile phones; imagine if a warning message told us that in fact, it was only a matter of time before we too expired if we did not take immediate corrective action for our physical and mental wellbeing. Just a month ago, I had the privilege of attending the World Business Forum in Sydney – a gathering of eight truly influential thought leaders addressing a variety of topics around the theme of “Be Beta”. Speakers included Ken Segall on marketing, Rosabeth Moss Kanther on strategy, Mohanbir Sawhney on innovation, Arianna Huffington on new management, Daniel Goleman on emotional intelligence, Ian Willamson on leadership, Jimmy Wales on disruption, and Randi Zuckerberg on digital transformation. This learning experience proved to be both revelatory and affirming and, having spent time synthesising what these amazing speakers had to say, I hope to offer you the briefest insight into how we can manage our own wellbeing and thrive in a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, otherwise known as the VUCA world1. More importantly, how we might equip our girls with the strategies to do so. A collection of the most significant insights were as follows: • The brain does not multi-task. The sheer quantity of information has resulted in a wealth of information but poverty of attention. Working on multiple tasks at once diminishes deep concentration. We risk finding ourselves skimming the surface, being satisfied with ‘near enough is good enough’ and, consequently, being disappointed or dissatisfied with our efforts. So, social media engagement and homework/study do not mix! • Our social brain enjoys face-to-face communication, and being able to share the emotions of those you are fully present with. Remember, brain-to-brain, face-toface, heart-to-heart. Living life through technology has the potential to grab attention away from the social and emotional learning which is gained through life itself and, consequently, diminishes our emotional intelligence or our self-awareness, our social awareness, our self-management and our relationship management.2 Hence our 2013 mobile phone ban during the school day, which other schools have since followed. Enjoy the real world and forget about the number of “likes”! • The digital revolution has fostered our addiction to technology with social media being all about grabbing our attention. If you sleep with your mobile phone next to your bed, you are risking sleep deprivation. Sleep deprived people have a tendency to be more emotional and less rational in their decision-making. Seven to nine hours’ sleep will keep you firing on all cylinders in your quest to be at your personal best, whether in an individual pursuit
or as part of a team. Mobiles should collectively be put to bed elsewhere in the house! • There is a distinct difference between screen time and technology; screen time at home should be limited. Parents must model this to their children, set the boundaries and concentrate on spending time with their children. Technology is a fabulous creative tool for learning, and should be introduced early in the learning process, but remember that technology is not all about screen time. Families can engage in learning technologies together. Don’t fall into the same trap as Pat Christen, President of HopeLab, who came to the alarming realisation that, due to her dependence on technology, she had, “stopped looking into her children’s eyes.” • As the pace at which we run our lives seems to ratchet– up each year, it is not surprising that mental and physical health issues around wellbeing levels are also on the rise, especially among young people. As long as success is measured in terms of wealth and power, this is unlikely to change. A cultural shift towards valuing wellbeing and acknowledging that this is not only imperative for the individual to keep their battery charged, but also in terms of recognising that their contribution beyond “self” will also be greater, too. The best outcome for our students will be when parents and school work in partnership to promote wellbeing consciousness and practice. We are definitely heading in the right direction with our own thrive program at Penrhos, but we always have room to improve. I am sure as you read through this edition of The Penrhosian, you will see examples of the work being done to promote the ability to thrive in this world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. My advice – unplug, take a deep breath, step out, be fully present in the moment, celebrate people and the wonderment that is life. VUCA World: source unknown, but a term used by a number of speakers at the World Business Forum 2 Emotional Intelligence Framework, Daniel Goleman 1
Meg Melville PRINCIPAL
CONTENTS College News Congratulating the Class of 2016 Introducing our School Captain Introducing the Student Tech Team Junior School partners with Global Digital Citizens Foundation thrive at Penrhos Cate Campbell makes a splash at Penrhos A helping handbag Penrhos joins Innovative Schools Consortium Year 8 girls ELEVATE their learning Special guests inspire at Penrhos Something for everyone in new sport program Jammings at Generations in Jazz ELC Puzzle Library expands A Valentine’s surprise from Mrs Melville Nurturing a new crop of kitchen gardeners Chinese Dance Troupe dazzles Bringing back the Betty Harman House Trophy Chaplain Claire commissioned Celebrating 40 years of the Uniting Church Curtin Uni student wins Maths Mentor Scholarship Introducing our Director of Marketing and Development Community Big Sing with The Idea of North Parent Book Exchange takes off Playgroup@Penrhos STEM Conference Farewelling the Rowing Shed HBF Run for a Reason Music students get rave review Boarders lend a hand to retirees Year 12 Mother Daughter Dinner
4 6 7 8 9 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 28 28 29
Alumni News From the Alumni President Shakers and Stirrers 2015 Leavers Reunion Class of 1987 30 Year Reunion Penrhos College High Tea Combined Independent Girls School Annual Golf Day Tennis tournament a big hit Out and About Adele Baljeu claims dux and dream job Researcher in Residence inspires girls in STEM Jenayah Elliot recommended and rewarded Penrhos alumna paves way for women in mining All for LOVE From beauty lover to BECCA founder
Ed ito r Rochelle Zaknich
P ro o fre ad ing Judy Fildes
Co ntrib uto rs & P ho to grap he rs Natalie Nazzari Joanne Yong Meg Melville Rob Frith Paul Hotchkin
P rint & Dis trib utio n Scott Print De s ign Joanne Yong
30 31 32 32 33 33 33 34 36 36 37 37 38 38
Co ve r p ho to g r a phy Joanne Yong Co ve r Year 8 students Kate Marquis, Chantelle Wheatley, Sophie Meyerkort and Priya Bhasin
CONGRATULATING THE CLASS OF
The year began extremely well for Penrhos as we celebrated the outstanding results attained by our 2016 Year 12 cohort. We are extremely proud of the academic accomplishments of our 2016 Year 12s, especially taken in context with the broad
We would like to provide you with a snapshot of the accomplishments of our 2016 Year 12 cohort: • Of the 145 Year 12 students eligible, 98.6% achieved the West Australian Certificate of Education (Graduation). • Penrhos College ranked 3rd in the league tables with a median ATAR of 92.65 (Top 50 Median ATAR Schools). • Penrhos College was ranked among the top schools in the state in 17 courses, based on the percentage of students whose marks were in the top 15% of all students state-wide taking that course: Accounting and Finance, Applied Information Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Design, Drama, Economics, English, French: Second Language, Geography, Japanese: Second Language, Mathematics Applications, Mathematics Specialist, Modern History, Physical Education Studies, Politics and Law, Visual Arts. Emma Lathbury was awarded the subject exhibition in Italian: Second Language. Six of our students received Certificates of Excellence (awarded to the top 0.5% of candidates based on their examination score) in the following courses: Applied Information Technology (one student), English (three students), Italian (one student), and Mathematics Applications (one student). 21 students received Certificates of Distinction (awarded to students who achieve 190-200 points accrued over the courses studied in Years 11 and 12).
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range of co-curricular, community service and leadership activities that these students involved themselves in. As a Year group, they visibly embodied the Penrhos College philosophy of the whole person paradigm of mind, heart, body and spirit and our College motto, ‘Strive for the Highest’.
The following data will also illustrate the performance of the Year 12 students with an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) who applied for university entrance. This data is sourced from the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) 2017 University Admissions Qualification Register. ATAR* Achieved
Number of Students 2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
95.00+
47 (38%)
45 (31%)
25 (26%)
34 (25%)
42 (30%)
90.00-94.99
24 (20%)
21 (15%)
19 (20%)
27 (20%)
30 (21%)
80.00-89.99
27 (22%)
43 (30%)
26 (27%)
40 (29%)
35 (25%)
70.00-79.99
16 (13%)
19 (13%)
14 (15%)
17 (12.5%)
22 (15%)
60.00-69.99
6 (5%)
10 (7%)
11 (11%)
13 (9.5%)
7 (5%)
Below 60
3 (2%)
5 (4%)
1 (1%)
5 (4%)
5 (4%)
ATAR – every student sitting the WACE Examinations is awarded a ranking; the students achieving the highest score being awarded a ranking of 99.95. *
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
School Median ATAR
92.65
88.5
88.90
88.95
89.70
State Median ATAR
80.85
78.95
79.00
79.10
80.10
PRINCIPAL’S LIST We sincerely congratulate the graduates from the Class of 2016 who attained a place on the Principal’s List, for achieving an ATAR of 95 or higher. Laura Abbott Georgia Anderson Sienna Archer Rose Belford Alexandria Boehm Olivia Calleri Christine Chen Jenna Chin Laura Cinanni Alix Crowe Holly Davidson Katelin Di Toro Keely Gardiner Lydia Gardiner Anneka Gee Isabelle Hogarth
Madeleine-Rose Hughes Kartawihardja Jessica Poulami Kelkar Shakeeta Kumar Emma Lathbury Jacqueline Lau Cameron Lawrence Harriet Leavesley Alice Lewis Ava Lor Carla Machin Alisha McMullen Kate Mincherton Abbey Morris Montana Nicholls Lara Nolan
Kate Panizza Druvinka Perera Keira Petty Imogen Rabbitte Gillian Rackham Sweta Samanta Coco Speak Phoebe Stagg Adelaide Strahan Bronte Tomkins Rebecca Walmsley Mia Walters Tiffany Wheatley Shenae Wiles Olivia Williams
CLASS OF 2016 DESTINATIONS SURVEY Each year we survey our most recent leaving class to determine the career paths they have chosen post-Penrhos. This insightful data is used to identify trends and inform planning at the College. We are pleased to share the results of this year’s survey with you below.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2017?
Murdoch University 5.6%
University of Notre Dame 14%
Edith Cowan University 1.9% Tertiary Study 83%
WHERE ARE YOU STUDYING? University of Western Australia 27.1%
Work 6.3% Vocational Training 1.8% Deferred Study 1.8% Travel 1.8% Gap Year 5.4%
Australian National University 1.9%
Curtin University 40.2%
Monash University 1.9% Melbourne University 0.9% TAFE 5.6%
Universities elsewhere in Australia 0.9%
RESULTS SNAPSHOT
viro Arts n rce Sc ment , A and ccience al Eco oun s no ting m Ed ics uca tio n Eng ine He eri ng Info alth rm Sci atio enc nT es ech no log y Ma L C Me om rket aw m i dic ine unic ng an and atio d De ns ntis try Nu rsin g Psy cho log Vis y ual or Sci Per enc for e min gA rts me
Co m
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WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING?
Ar
• The majority of girls (83%) have commenced tertiary study, with a further 6% commencing work, and 5% taking a gap year. • The most popular destinations were: 1. Curtin University (40.2%) 2. The University of Western Australia (27.1%) 3. The University of Notre Dame (14%) • The most popular tertiary courses among the girls were: 1. Health Sciences 2. Commerce, Accounting and Economics 3. Science 4. Arts 5. Education 6. Nursing
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Meet our School Captain...
CHARLOTTE H A R V E Y- L I S S I E N K O
2017 School Captain Charlotte Harvey-Lissienko commenced at Penrhos in Year 7, and in her time here, has completely embodied and embraced what it means to be a Penrhosian. Her list of co-curricular participation goes beyond what would be considered impressive, and she is a young woman of maturity, dedication, and diligence who is willing to work hard to achieve her goals. Here she tells us about who inspires her, the most challenging thing about being a young person in 2017, and her hidden talent.
What do you hope to bring to the role of School Captain this year? To connect with everyone I meet, finding the beauty within them and letting it shine for all to see. Put simply, I want to bring out their Breakfast Factor. Let me explain. What is something that you’re really, really good at? That something you feel confident with. That you champion. Something that when it comes up in conversation, makes your friends go – “Hailee will know that! She’s an expert,” or, “Julia is really good with those type of things,” or, “Ask Amy, she eats that for breakfast!” This is what I like to call your Breakfast Factor. These things set you apart from the crowd. And it is really important to celebrate these little differences and uniqueness in people. I have always been dedicated to encouraging others to pursue their passion and to realise their greatness. I believe I can bring real passion and energy to the role, in the hope of assisting others to feel they have fulfilled their potential, happy they have left no door closed. Who inspires you as a leader and why? Anyone who has a can-do attitude and is not afraid of any bumps in the road ahead. To me, a great leader possesses an enormous capacity to care for others
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while striving to achieve their goals. I am inspired by people who are not afraid to work from the middle to support their team rather than always lead from the front. What do you like most about being a Penrhosian? Where do I start? Penrhos has provided me with the most wonderful experiences and opportunities and for that I will be forever grateful. I have been truly blessed to have had many inspiring teachers who have supported me in all my endeavours. I have been allowed to explore so many different avenues of life through the numerous academic, cultural, sporting and musical programs on offer. Penrhos has helped me to not only foster my love of these activities but through them, I have been able to discover new interests, form close friendships within and outside my year group and have become part of a special community. Because that’s what being a Penrhosian is all about. You are provided with unwavering support from the staff, your friends and the whole school community to celebrate you, the individual, while discovering your passions and following your dreams.
What’s the best thing about being a young person in 2017? And the most challenging? We are incredibly lucky to live in a world that is so interconnected – we can access information at the click of a button. Technology has facilitated our learning of other cultures, world politics and global events. Accessing, displaying and sharing creative resources is now easier than ever. With this wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, young people today are better informed about matters that interest or affect them and can make informed decisions for themselves. Unfortunately, the flip side of technology is the often harmful world of social media. Teenagers are susceptible to peer pressure and are at an age where their classmates’ opinions matter very much. It is very challenging to navigate a world where the amount of ‘likes’ you have seems to determine your worth. The burden of trying to create a ‘perfect’ life online is regrettably one that consumes the thoughts of many young people today. What’s something your peers might not know about you? I taught myself to juggle and half of my last name (Lissienko) is Russian and loosely translates to ‘fox’.
INTRODUCING THE STUDENT TECH TEAM 2017 has seen the appointment of the first Student Tech Team at Penrhos College, and a new co-curricular opportunity for techminded girls in Years 8–11 to undertake. The Student Tech Team is all about harnessing and growing the girls’ knowledge of technology, and sharing that knowledge with others. The Team currently consists of 12 students from Years 8–11. The girls are available in the Library two lunchtimes a week to provide software support to students and teachers to aid the teaching and learning program. The concept for the Student Tech Team was inspired by a the highly successful Junior School Tech Angels program, which was implemented in 2015, and aimed to utilise the students’ expertise to support their peers during whole class Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) instructional lessons, and when new software or ICT skills were introduced. The program aims to afford students the opportunity to lead or take part in a student support team with a primary focus of supporting other students in the development of their technology skills, in response to a technology survey undertaken by BrightBytes, which identified an increased need for this kind of opportunity.
2017 STUDENT TECH TEAM Edith Del Carpio, Year 11 Christina Dorkhom, Year 11 Ilke Dincer, Year 11 Katie Harris, Year 11 Kate MacKenzie, Year 11 Sarah Rohl, Year 11
Megan Barry, Year 10 Monika Gregory, Year 10 Maddy Noble, Year 10 Jemma Sproul, Year 9 Sarah Shipman, Year 8 Amelie Szczecinski, Year 8
The application process for the Student Tech Team was highly competitive and rigorous. Girls were required to complete an online application form requiring them to identify their areas of interest as well as outlining their technology skills and experience in mentoring other students. The Team has created their own portal page, including a meme of the day, and set up a specific email address which students can use to ask questions about how to use their computers and different software for projects they are working on. The girls are currently working on several cyber-safety initiatives with the aim of presenting these to Junior School students. In addition, they’re working on a lunchtime coding club, participating in external competitions, and providing staff with professional learning on using electronic whiteboards for learning. Later in the year, the girls will also take a lead during Tech Week. In addition to these ongoing activities, the Team has a different focus area each Term. During Term 1, the focus was Sphero, a small spherical robot, controlled by a tablet. The students were tasked with figuring out how to use it and then teaching others. The Team concluded this activity by building a Sphero maze and holding a Sphero racing tournament. The focus in Term 2 was technology in the classroom. The girls started out with the aim of improving accessibility to resources like OneNote and the portal through tutorials and teaching opportunities. As well as working with other students at the College, the Student Tech Team is hoping to help parents with their technology queries. The girls recently sent out a survey to parents to seek feedback on what information would be useful from a parent’s perspective, which will be used to inform their planning. Winter 2017
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JUNIOR SCHOOL PARTNERS WITH GLOBAL DIGITAL CITIZENS FOUNDATION
This year has seen the introduction of a new partnership between the Junior School and Lee Watanabe Crockett, founder of non-profit organisation, the Global Digital Citizens Foundation, which is dedicated to cultivating responsible, ethical, global citizens for a digital world. The partnership came about as part of the Junior School’s involvement in AMPLIFY, an initiative from the Association of Independent Schools in Western Australia (AISWA) and Innovation Unit Australia. The key purpose of AMPLIFY is to evaluate and identify opportunities to instigate positive change in schools. The Junior School chose to focus on improving student engagement in learning, and the connection to the Global Digital Citizen Foundation has provided staff and students with practical tools and guidance to perfectly complement and build on this strategic direction. Staff undertook professional development with Lee at the beginning of the year, which Head of Junior School Trish Somers described as “excellent”. “Lee believes strongly in creating and maintaining a balance in the reality of the digital present and the future for our students. He provided professional development on what he terms ‘fluencies’ and provided us with an excellent structure to move forward in our desire to be cognisant of, and responsive to, the future needs of the students in our care. Staff were inspired by his presentation and entered the year with a ‘solutions’ focus.
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“Lee stressed three points for us as educators; firstly, find students problems that matter. Secondly, give them access to the tools to find a solution – the fluencies – and thirdly, find the courage to ‘stand aside’ and let the children learn, not the teachers teach! He also stressed that while there is always a place for explicit teaching, we should strive to balance that with developing creative and solution-based learners to meet their needs in the future,” Ms Somers said. Junior School Learning Technologies Coordinator Nathan Ducker has been working to translate this theory into practice through the work girls are doing in the STEM Lab. “In STEM, the resources and guidance provided by the Global Digital Citizen
Foundation equip students with strategies and processes that place the learning in the students’ hands. Solution Fluency is a design thinking model we have adopted for STEM which encourages application for real-world problem-solving and student regulation to create suitable solutions and highly engage students in their learning. “Recently, Year 5 students applied ‘solution fluency’ to investigate ways in which driverless vehicles could be used to solve real-world problems. The results have been really interesting; from driverless vehicles in industry to cars to take the kids to school, through to self-driving trolleys to carry school bags, the shopping or even your work attire and equipment should you wish to run to work or school. Teams collaborated using Office 365 and constructed basic prototypes using ProBot robots vehicles,” Mr Ducker said.
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL FLUENCIES?
solution fluency
information fluency
For more information visit: globaldigitalcitizen.org/ 21st-century-fluencies
media fluency
global digital citizen
creativity fluency
collaboration fluency
thrive 1. to prosper; be fortunate or successful. 2. to grow or develop vigorously; flourish. 1 At Penrhos, we believe that personal wellbeing and effective relationships underpin every girl’s successes and achievements. Each girl’s ability to strive for her highest must be supported by a strong pastoral care framework, which is what thrive is all about. While we believe that Penrhos has always offered a very broad and effective pastoral care program, we felt we needed a way to tie it all together and demonstrate just how comprehensive our offering is. After a series of discussions between the Pastoral Care and Marketing & Community Relations teams, thrive was launched in 2016.
We promote a positive and inclusive culture where every student is encouraged to actively model our core shared values. thrive describes the range of programs, experiences and connections that support the wellbeing and personal growth of our girls in an ever-changing world. Our programs and practices aim to graduate our students as independent, resilient young women who have a strong sense of self and a meaningful and enduring connection to Penrhos and the wider community. 1
Source: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thrive
FROM THE DEAN OF PASTORAL CARE, MICHELLE TAYLOR Growing up in the 1980s, life was fairly simple; you went to school and caught up with friends during the day. You would chat with a friend or two at night on the home phone that was shared between the whole family and centrally located in the kitchen or family room. Your connections and friendships were based on your personal interactions. Video games were just emerging, mobile phones were the size of bricks and limited in what they could do and, of course, there was no internet or social media. Young people faced challenges and difficult times but these were worked out without the use of technology. Fast forward to the 2000 and teens. Teenage life is certainly different. Technology can connect you 24/7 to people you know, may not know, who
live locally or overseas. You can receive instant messages, photos and updates from anywhere in the world. Celebrities have huge followings and have the ability to influence the beliefs and behaviour of young people. The media is keen to share the latest trends, recommend what we should wear, how we should behave, offer us tips to stay healthy and ways to lose five kilos quickly, as well as give us advice on how to keep our partner happy. These messages, if not filtered or assessed objectively, can be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of young girls. The world in which our daughters are growing up is constantly changing. There is no doubt that academic achievement is important and valued by society, but if an individual is not able to manage herself well, make well-informed decisions and
develop personal qualities to overcome adversity, nor learn to establish and maintain positive and supportive relationships, she will be less likely to thrive and sustain her overall wellbeing. The Pre K–Year 12 Pastoral Care Team works hard to develop and implement curriculum and programs based on best practice in positive psychology that develop and enhance the social and emotional skills of our students. ‘thrive’ provides the girls with strategies, tools and experiences to support them as they navigate through life and the numerous challenges it poses. Post Penrhos, our hope is that each individual girl feels empowered with the self-belief that she is important, she is valued, and she has the knowledge, skills and determination to manage whatever comes her way. Winter 2017
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Learning to thrive at Penrhos is achieved through a curriculum based on best practice in positive psychology. The explicit teaching of skills and strategies to enable students to thrive is achieved through the delivery of an age-appropriate teaching and learning structure.
Kindergarten – Year 6 You Can Do It! The You Can Do It! program is a school-home-community approach to helping young people achieve to the best of their ability and experience positive social-emotional wellbeing. It focuses on five key foundations: confidence (academic and social), persistence, organisation, getting along and resilience. Central to the development of these foundations are 12 ‘Habits of the Mind’, which are types of thinking. These Foundations and Habits of the Mind are taught directly to the students using the You Can Do It! curriculum appropriate to each Year level.
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Kindergarten – Year 6 Mindfulness All Junior School students from Kindergarten to Year 6 have 15 minutes a day to practise mindfulness meditation in their classrooms with their teachers. Girls are encouraged to use their senses and engage their minds to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Students learn that, when they are mindful, they are aware and undistracted, observing life as it unfolds, without analysis or judgment. Research has shown that practising mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, increase resilience, increase positive emotions, boost self-esteem, and improve attention and focus. Practising mindfulness has been found to actively change the functioning of the brain and ultimately how we think.
Year 6 GirlPower The GirlPower program aims to empower girls with the skills, language and selfconfidence to develop healthy relationships. In Year 6, the students are involved in a GirlPower curriculum for six weeks. They learn about friendship facts, the qualities of a true friend, and how to identify healthy relationships and unhealthy relationships. Strategies for standing up for themselves and dealing with friendship conflicts are taught to the students.
Year 6 GRIP GRIP stands for Generosity, Responsibility, Integrity and People. These values are espoused as being integral to good leadership and closely align with the College’s Core Shared Values. GRIP prepares the Year 6 students in practical ways to assume their leadership roles. The students participate in a range of activities structured to teach them leadership skills that aim to positively impact others.
Year 7 ACHIEVE Year 7 students meet once a week to participate in Transition and Social and Emotional Learning activities. They learn strategies to assist with emotional regulation (for example, anger and worry) and are introduced to helpful thinking frameworks: optimism, putting things in perspective, developing ‘grit’ and the ‘gratitude attitude’. Personal strengths are celebrated in a creative project and friendships skills are enhanced with an in-depth exploration of the concept of empathy.
Year 8 Positive Education Year 8 students meet once a week to explore Coping Strategies, Helpful Thinking and Mindsets. They develop a Tough Times Toolkit and have an opportunity to delve into the personal values that guide them. They participate in the Media Smart Program which challenges media messages to young people, particularly with regards to body image. Students also partake in an Introduction to Mindfulness brain training course.
UPPER JUNIOR AND LOWER SECONDARY Digital Citizenship Upper Junior and lower Secondary students undertake a series of lessons and activities designed to build a range of skills, knowledge and behaviours to assist them stay safe online. The focus is for students to know their online world, to choose consciously: think before they act and to engage positively when online and to learn how to take positive steps if others don’t. In addition to this, workshops are held for students and parents run by outside providers.
Year 9 Learn, Live Give Year 9 students meet once a week to consider big issues that impact on our everchanging world. Students reflect on various belief systems and opinions and learn to appreciate values and philosophies different to their own. Learn, Live, Give culminates in an advocacy project where students work in teams to plan and deliver a presentation based on a social justice or human rights issue. This project explores and encourages service learning and engaging in activities that benefit others. Learn, Live, Give is about developing life skills focused on personal responsibility, initiative, generosity, gratitude and creativity.
Years 7 – 12 Pastoral Time During pastoral time (pastoral period, Form and Connect Form), activities, guest speakers, workshops and assemblies are organised by the Head of Year or a member of the Pastoral Care Team. Our values are at the foundation of everything we do and the pastoral focus for each year group is: Year 7 ‘No Girl Gets Left Behind’ Year 8 ‘The Best Me I Can Be’ Year 9 ‘Mirror, Mirror’ Year 10 ‘Who am I and Who Do I Want to Be?’ Year 11 ‘Balancing My Life’ Year 12 ‘Stepping Up and Stepping Out’ Through Connect Form and Big Sister, Secondary students are provided with numerous opportunities to connect with girls in their own cohort as well as with those in other year groups.
KINDERGARTEN – YEAR 12 Protective Behaviours The Protective Behaviours curriculum is a personal safety program that teaches children, young people and adults a range of skills and strategies to: identify, respond to and find help in a range of unsafe situations. All students are taught the skills to empower them to apply preventative strategies as everyday life skills. The Protective Behaviours program teaches children all of these preventative strategies in a non-threatening and non-sexual way. In Junior School, Protective Behaviours is taught using the WA program ‘Holding Hands’. This is a child-focused program which is developmentally-appropriate and teaches children that they have a right to feel safe at all times. The focus of the Year 11 and 12 curriculum is personal safety and healthy and respectful relationships. All Secondary students create a trust network and are provided with information on helplines.
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‘thrive in action’ runs parallel to ‘learning to thrive’. While students are learning skills and strategies to help them grow their independence and resilience, thrive in action gives them the opportunity to use these skills and apply them to real-life situations. Girls are given a multitude of opportunities to engage in healthy risk-taking, goal setting and aid in the development of self-confidence and self-esteem. Buddy Classes In Junior School, each class is allocated a buddy class, where two classes meet and share in activities at scheduled times throughout the year. Connect Form In Secondary School, Connect Form is a student wellbeing initiative to connect older and younger students in House groupings several times a year. Activities are created by the Year 12 students and aim to foster enduring friendships. Big Sister Big Sister is our peer support program where older students are role models and mentors to younger students in the Secondary School over a three-year period. ‘Big sisters’ run group activities, play games, lead discussions and mentor their ‘little sisters’ during Form visits. Little Sister Little Sister encourages interaction between girls in the Secondary School and the Early Learning Centre (ELC). The older students visit the ELC and participate in activities with the younger girls. Student Leadership Leadership opportunities exist for students in Year 6 in Junior School and Years 7–12 based on the whole person paradigm; mind, heart, body and spirit. Our structure recognises that students have different interests, abilities and talents, and various leadership positions allow them to harness these and develop their unique leadership style. Chill-Out Zone The establishment of a quiet, tranquil zone in the Secondary School provides girls with a dedicated space to use mindfulness, meditation and reflection to promote their own wellbeing and stress management. Co-Curricular & Physical Activity Experiences outside the classroom allow students to learn, to have fun, to acquire and develop skills and to establish new and productive relationships with their peers, staff and other adults. Penrhos also provides Secondary School students with a range of noncompetitive, independent, casual activities such as yoga and Pilates. Camp Our camp program runs from Year 5–12 and is aimed at inclusivity, heightened awareness of self and others, and the fostering of independence. Year group camps provide the opportunity for personal strengths and leadership styles to be explored beyond the classroom walls. Socials Student social events are organised with the intent of promoting positive interactions in a well-supervised and fun environment, with students from our school and, when invited, from other schools. Community Service & For Others Community service activities allow the students and staff to work in partnership with individuals and external services and organisations with the overall goal of promoting life-long advocacy. ‘For Others’ is the spirit of giving time, effort and money to support charities and organisations.
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CATE CAMPBELL MAKES A SPLASH AT PENRHOS This year’s Secondary School Interhouse Swimming Carnival was memorable for two reasons – the torrential rain and chilly temperatures and, more excitingly, having Rio Olympic swimmer and gold and silver medallist Cate Campbell in attendance to inspire the girls to strive for their highest. The Uncle Tobys ambassador and world champion made a special appearance thanks to Year 12 and 10 Penrhos College students Taneesha and Tiarna Bergin, who were lucky recipients of the Uncle Tobys ‘Win the Campbell Sisters at your swimming carnival’ competition, which ran in IGA stores nationally last year. Taneesha said she was excited to have such a talented Australian sportswoman and Brisbane-based swimmer make the journey to Perth to attend the swimming carnival. “To be able to meet Cate, have her swim in our school pool, listen to her inspiring story and seek advice from one of the world’s best swimmers was a once-in-alifetime opportunity,” she said. “I know it is something myself and the rest of my peers will remember for a very
long time and we want to thank Cate for taking the time to visit Perth and Penrhos College.” Campbell, who as a 16-year-old qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and brought home two bronze medals, said she was grateful for the opportunity to inspire younger swimmers. “I was once a school student with big dreams and if I can inspire at least one girl to pursue her passion and believe in herself, whether that be in the water or any other aspect of her life, then I’ll be one happy swimmer,” Campbell said. An Uncle Tobys spokesman said the ‘Win the Campbell Sisters at your swimming carnival’ competition provided one lucky school with the unique opportunity to meet one of the world’s most hardworking, inspiring and talented athletes. “We are very proud to have Cate as an ambassador for Uncle Tobys – she is testament that hard work, determination, resilience and good nourishment can fuel the body and lead to big dreams being realised,” the spokesman said.
“We hope that Cate’s story, accomplishments and special visit can inspire the next wave of athletes at Penrhos College.” As part of the prize, Uncle Tobys also donated $2,000 towards the swimming carnival, which the Bergin sisters generously decided to donate, instead, to charity of their choice, The Smith Family Charity. Principal Meg Melville described the carnival as “truly memorable”, and said she was proud of the House spirit displayed on the day and the enthusiasm shown for Cate’s visit. “Cate competed, chatted to the girls and was generally very generous with her time. Most memorable however, was her address to the Years 7 to 12 students, and the following Q and A session. Cate can best be described as a truly inspirational young woman. She spoke openly and candidly about her journey to achieve her Olympic dream; there were valuable lessons for all in attendance — students, staff and parents.”
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A helping handbag
A group of Year 10 students are working together to help support women fleeing domestic violence through the provision of ‘Pamper Handbags’. Initiated by Year 10 student Penny Lyons, Pamper Handbags encourages girls to donate second-hand ladies’ handbags which are then filled with toiletries and personal items, to be passed on to women’s shelters. “I thought it would be a nice idea for our Form to make Pamper Handbags to do something productive for the community. Each handbag contains basic items such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, sanitary items and something personal, such as nail polish or hand cream.
“These handbags are donated to shelters that cater to women who have suffered from domestic violence or have had to leave home for some reason. I got my Form to help me put together these bags by deciding what should go in them and assembling the bags,” Penny said. Pamper Handbags is one of many examples of student-initiated community service activities at the College. The community service program seeks to develop in the girls a spirit of giving and social participation, a recognition of human need and an understanding of self in the local and wider community.
PENRHOS JOINS INN O V A T I V E S C H O O LS CON S O R T I U M Penrhos College has partnered with Curtin University as a member of the Innovative Schools Consortium (ISC), which will allow both parties to collaborate to develop and deliver a wide range of learning experiences for students. The Partnerships & Pathways team from Curtin visited the College to formalise and sign the Memorandum of Understanding in June. In addition to this, Curtin staff took the opportunity to meet with members of the Curriculum Leaders Group to find out more about existing programs at the College and share ideas relating to potential collaboration. The scope of the Memorandum of Understanding is broad and provides the opportunity to explore collaborative projects in areas such as: • Development of alternative entry pathways to University. • Establishment of curriculum development teams including Curtin staff, university students, Penrhos teachers and curriculum leaders. • Pre-university learning experiences that identify and create high achieving student capabilities and offer tertiary credit for learning. • Co-authored interdisciplinary units that require critical thinking, creativity collaboration and communication with advanced uses of technology. Acting Principal Rob Taylor said the partnership would be of great benefit to the College.
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“Our staff are looking forward to the exciting opportunities that membership of the Innovative Schools Consortium will bring to both them and to our students.” Through the Innovative Schools Consortium, Curtin aims to help schools meet their goals for development and transformation of learning and teaching while providing opportunities to students. Unique learning programs, accelerated tertiary pathways and scholarships are offered to outstanding high school students. These initiatives are designed to develop and recognise students’ strengths in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Other benefits for schools include STEM education, continuous improvement of learning and teaching, observational classes for teacher improvement, strategic school leadership support, and school and community development. The Innovative Schools Consortium is made up of a diverse group of Western Australian senior schools demonstrating high levels of innovation in teaching and learning, and who have an interest in building a deeper partnership with Curtin.
Special guests Inspire at Penrhos The Penrhos campus has been abuzz with visiting artists and special guests throughout Terms 1 and 2, with a variety of experts and visitors here to inspire students. Penrhos alumni member (1986) and contemporary West Australian print maker Shana James was the Artist in Residence for a month during Term 2. Shana works with a range of print media techniques, using lino block for her most recent exhibition ‘Understanding Alice’ in Melbourne. Shana’s beautiful and widely collected prints often function in a narrative way using symbols to retell and rework familiar stories, taking them into new psychological spaces. Shana joined our Year 7 and 9 Art classes specifically to teach her hand-dyed tissue Chin Colle technique, and impart some of her highly considered mark making skills. Shana also directly mentored one of our Year 12 Art ATAR students while at the College.
Visiting Artist Ron Nyisztor spent time at Penrhos working with the Year 11 Visual Art students on portraiture. Students have studied Ron’s work as their Year 11 Case Study and the College has been extremely fortunate to loan a selection of his works. These are on display in the Art Department Gallery, Level 2 of the Creative Arts and Design Building. Author and illustrator James Foley visited Year 8 students in March to talk about his black comedy ‘My Dead Bunny’, pointing out all the visual codes he uses to show strong emotions, develop empathy for characters and build suspense. James’ visit tied in with what the girls were learning about visual literacy and the techniques used in picture books to tell a story. Award winning author Julia Lawrinson spoke to several groups about her writing
and the process of creative writing during a visit in March. In particular, she spoke to the Year 10 classes studying her novel ‘Bye Beautiful’ about the inspiration for the story, the research she undertook to make the setting and events accurate, and answered questions from the girls on aspects such as character perspective. Julia talked with Year 12 students about her writing generally, also giving them tips for their own creative writing on building strong characters. The Secondary School Book Club was also lucky enough to have a separate session with Julia to discuss her latest book, ‘Before You Forget’. Mandarin Language Assistant in Residence Shuhan Lai has begun offering Mandarin lessons to our parents. Shuhan spends four days a week at Penrhos working with Junior School students and teachers and will continue to do so throughout 2017. Early Learning Centre (ELC) students are now singing in Mandarin and Italian!
YEAR 8 GIRLS ELEVATE THEIR LEARNING Design, creating programs that develop the skills students need to thrive in a rapidly changing, often challenging world. One of these is the ability to solve realworld problems.
2017 has seen the ELEVATE program spring into action at Penrhos! As reported in the previous edition of The Penrhosian, ELEVATE aims to explore innovative strategies to support and challenge high potential learners to gain more than just the content and skills outlined in the curriculum. Teaching staff at the College have been participating in 21st Century Learning
Earlier this year, in talks between the teacher librarians and one of their book suppliers, a real-world problem became evident: how could the staff at Westbooks properly assess the uncorrected proof copies of books that they are given by publishers to determine what to stock in a tight economic market? This was the problem the Year 8 ELEVATE English students had to solve. To give the students an insight into the publishing process, award winning author Susanne Gervay spoke about her own experience in this area. Students then chose one uncorrected proof to read,
edit and evaluate. The final step was to present their views on the suitability of the novel for purchase, or not. After the presentation, a morning tea was enjoyed by students and Julie Bumford and Rose Caffey from Westbooks. Co-owner of Westbooks Rose Caffey said the girls had impressed her with their thinking. “It was apparent from the morning’s presenters that they had embraced and understood the objectives of the exercise and met and delivered these objectives with a level of professionalism they should all be very proud of. We look forward to working together with you all in the future to help promote and maintain your students’ keen interest in the written word.” Winter 2017
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN NEW SPORT PROGRAM It is a widely reported fact that females of all ages generally have lower physical activity participation rates than their male counterparts,1 and may be missing out on the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise. In a bid to increase girls’ participation rates in the Secondary School, 2017 has seen the introduction of new recreational, non-competitive sporting opportunities, open to all girls from Years 7 to 12. Research shows that, compared to males, females place more importance on the social aspects of physical activity, and are less motivated by performance outcomes, such as building strength.2 Dean of Co-Curricular Paul McCarthy said, “As part of our commitment to developing the whole person paradigm, Penrhos is keen to ensure that there are varied and engaging sporting opportunities available to all students, in our pursuit of personal fitness and wellbeing.” Launched in partnership with Curtin University, the program has so far been very well-received by students. Most activities are currently over-subscribed, suggesting a strong appetite for recreational, non-competitive sporting opportunities among Secondary School students. “After meeting with Curtin University representatives on a few occasions, and given that we already have some connections in place academically, Curtin’s
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strategy to increase the participation of girls in sport lines up very well with our desire to develop the whole person paradigm, and see every girl involved in some form of physical exercise or personal wellbeing pursuit. “While we have a robust and well subscribed IGSSA competitive sport program, the Curtin sport and recreation offerings are targeted at more social participation and involvement,” Mr McCarthy said. The new recreation programs include popular activities such Pilates and yoga, and girls also now have the opportunity to work with personal trainers in various strength and conditioning sessions. “The strength and conditioning programs are being created by Curtin University qualified experts in conjunction with the relevant Penrhos coordinator. The Fitness Centre general access sessions give girls access to the expertise of personal trainers, who are on hand to coach and help girls use the equipment,” Mr McCarthy said. Year 12 student Tahlia Massam, who has signed up to Pilates, said it was an excellent way to improve not just physical fitness, but to practice mindfulness. “I prefer activities such as Pilates, because I find that I have to really concentrate on the exercise to get the most out of it, so it helps me to forget about everything else going on in my life.
I find that activities such as Pilates are just as rewarding and challenging as cardiotype exercises. “Pilates is great because it focuses on using controlled movements to tone your muscles. If you wake up feeling tired, it is a good way of exercising without having to run a marathon and giving your body the benefits of a workout. I also get to spend time with my friends before school,” Tahlia said. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012, Australian Health Survey: first results, 2011–12, cat no. 4364.0.55.001, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra. 2 Hanlon C, Morris T & Nabbs S 2010, ‘Establishing a successful physical activity program to recruit and retain women’, Sport Management Review, vol. 13, pp. 269-282. 1
NEW RECREATION PROGRAMS • Pilates • Self Defence • Acro Yoga • Social Badminton • Introduction to Gymnastics • Ultimate Frisbee NEW FITNESS CENTRE PROGRAMS • Strength and conditioning for Cross Country • Strength and conditioning for Athletics • Fitness Centre general access with personal trainer supervision
JAMMING AT GENERATIONS IN JAZZ It’s not every day you receive a personal invitation from James Morrison, but our Jazz Band and Jazz Voice Choir earned just that when they were asked to be part of the 2017 Generations in Jazz Festival, held in Mount Gambier in May. The Penrhosians joined 5,000 other school performers from around Australia, and had the opportunity to attend performances and workshops with some of the world’s most outstanding jazz musicians, including vocalists Jazzmeia Horn, Darren Percival and The Idea of North, as well as internationally renowned instrumentalists including Gordon Goodwin (saxophone), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Marian Petrescu (piano), Ollie McGill (The Cat Empire) and, of course, James Morrison, among many others. In the letter of invitation, which followed on from his visit to Penrhos College in 2015, James Morrison wrote, “…it is an important part of my busy tour schedule to visit and work with aspiring young musicians in Australia and beyond. My recent visit to Penrhos College earned me the rare opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication of your staff, the excellence of the music curriculum, and the passion of the students. As a College community, you must be very proud.
“During my visit…it was inspiring to see such talent, and I’m sure the girls at Penrhos will also be inspired by what they will experience at Generations of Jazz.” A special congratulations is extended to 2017 lead trumpet player, Year 12 Tahlia Massam, who was announced as a member of the 2017 Generations in Jazz Superbands for her outstanding performance as part of the festival. This was an incredible achievement, given the number of performers and calibre of talent at Generations of Jazz. Dean of Co-Curricular Paul McCarthy paid tribute to the effort of the Penrhos performers and accompanying staff. “Congratulations to Tahlia and all touring members of these two ensembles, and the accompanying staff for their preparations for the event — Catherine Clarnette, Gladys Chua and Dave Deacon.” Generations in Jazz is about encouraging young artists from around Australia to reach for the stars. It started in 1982, after three country musicians were — united by a love of jazz; Leigh O’Connor, Dale Cleves and Malcolm Bromley saw an opportunity to pay tribute to their musical forebears Tom O’Connor, Frank Cleves and Joe Hannigan, by bringing together
like-minded jazz artists so that they could share their talents and learn from one another in a relaxed, inspirational atmosphere. More than three decades later, Generations in Jazz has developed into something truly unique. With a combination of clinics and concerts, it’s become the ultimate three-day jam session for several thousand artists at varying stages of their musical journey. Generations in Jazz represents a wonderful opportunity to listen, perform, respect, and develop a true appreciation for a truly wonderful sound, and be part of a commitment to furthering jazz in Australia and beyond. Winter 2017
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A VALENTINE’S SURPRISE FROM MRS MELVILLE With our boarders away from loved ones at home, Principal Meg Melville thought it would be a lovely surprise to pop down and hand out chocolate hearts in the spirit of Valentine’s Day on 14 February. Her kind gesture was gratefully appreciated by all in the boarding house!
ELC PUZZLE LIBRARY EXPANDS The popular puzzle library in the Early Learning Centre (ELC) has expanded this year, and now offers families access to 80 high quality, contemporary puzzles of Australian and European origin. Launched in 2016, the puzzle library aims to provide early experiences in puzzle play to assist with the development of spatial skills. The selection of puzzles is set up in the ELC Piazza and families have the opportunity to borrow each Thursday morning. Advantages for families include access to high quality puzzles, regular weekly borrowing opportunities, no need for parents to purchase puzzles themselves, and the opportunity to reborrow favourites. Head of Junior School Trish Somers said, “The puzzle library was introduced in order to assist the development of the girls’ fine motor skills, particularly in relation to manipulation, which has been affected – as have all children of this generation – because they use screens to swipe and have less exposure to the old fashioned manipulatives. Hence, all of these puzzles, whilst they are fun, have the ‘intentional play’ aspect of building these skills.”
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Junior School Teacher Librarian Elizabeth Allen said the puzzle library offers numerous benefits to the girls. “The range of puzzles include aspects of counting, patterning, constructing, matching, coordinating, manipulating, sequencing, threading, guessing, estimating, reciprocating patterns and connecting quantities, objects and events. “Development of these skills leads to students linking with their immediate environment, using everyday language and exploring mathematical concepts. Other
advantages are improvement in hand-eye coordination, fine-motor skills, increased vocabulary, sharing with others, taking turns and early critical thinking skills. “In the WA Curriculum, the Mathematics strands mandate numeracy proficiency within the four strands of understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning. One way of engaging the students in the development of these skills is through puzzles and games that are motivating and challenging,” Mrs Allen said.
NURTURING A NEW CROP OF KITCHEN GARDENERS The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program continues to go from strength to strength in the Junior School, with girls keenly growing, preparing and eating their produce. From baking bread, to making a vegetable stir-fry salad, to selling herb bunches for charity, students are getting a taste for the pleasures of home-grown produce. The program is all about making food fun, and children experiencing the joy of digging in the garden, picking fresh veggies, smelling and tasting the food they prepare, then sharing the experience with their classmates and helpers. This year, Kindergarten students have been learning how to grow seasonal vegetables and use them to prepare nutritious, delicious food during Mathematics cooking sessions. Students have carefully tended their produce and even created a natural pesticide to nurture and protect their vegetables. In Term 2, the girls got to reap the rewards of their work in the garden by
harvesting the kale, corn, carrots, snow peas and spring onions to make a delicious stir-fry salad. The students prepared the vegetables by washing, peeling, chopping and sorting them into a bowl, ready to create a crunchy salad that all the girls and staff enjoyed. Kindergarten Teacher Mrs Amber Chrystal said, “We have found the program so enriching, as the children take responsibility to plant, grow, harvest, prepare and cook their produce. We have noticed huge leaps in the development of their oral language skills, as they discuss with each other the produce, how it grows, what it looks like and smells like.” Head of Junior School Trish Somers said it was an excellent way to educate young learners on how food gets to their plate. “I was treated to a visit from some ELC [Early Learning Centre] bakers last Term, and was duly impressed with the very tasty, delicious bread they created. The whole process of watching the yeast rise and expand was fascinating to the girls and a great example of ‘kitchen’ science in action.”
Stephanie Alexander AO is the author of fourteen books, including Kitchen Garden Companion, an inspirational family guide to growing and using edible crops. Her 35-year career has spanned books, words, food and young people, and she is now preoccupied with giving back wisdom and experience in meaningful ways. In practical terms this has meant establishing the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation as a means to convince policy makers that learning about food, how it grows, and the pleasure it can bring are vital to a healthy, happy society. “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,” she said.
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The College was fortunate to host the acclaimed Zhejiang University Wenqin Dance Troupe for a special performance in February to celebrate the Year of the Rooster. It was an evening of colour, sound and energy as the group of talented young musicians, dancers and martial arts experts took to the Rixon Theatre stage.
WA and Zhejiang Province, included workshops in 12 metropolitan schools. The troupe was founded in 2001 and has performed at the UN Headquarters in the US as well as throughout Europe, Asia and Australia. In September 2016, they performed as part of the G20 Summit program in Hangzhou. Wenqin’s colourful, high-energy shows combine the best of ancient and modern China. The ensemble’s highly skilled traditional and contemporary musicians, singers, dancers and martial artists presented a diverse program with introductions and explanations in English.
“We were absolutely enthralled with a magical performance. The troupe played traditional instruments, danced with elegance, performed high voltage fan and kung fu routines and generally gave the Years 2 to 6 students a wonderful ‘taster’ of the farewell performance.”
“They were a big hit last year, and we were thrilled to bring them back for an even more spectacular line-up,” Confucius Institute director Dr Xianlin Song said.
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During their visit, the troupe also gave a special performance for Junior School students. Head of Junior School Trish Somers said the troupe captivated their young audience.
The troupe, based in Zhejiang’s capital Hangzhou, was brought to Perth in 2016 by the Confucius Institute at UWA – a not-for-profit cultural organisation dedicated to making Chinese language, art and culture accessible to everyone, and a proud partner of the Penrhos College Junior School.
The troupe held workshops around Western Australia before the farewell performance at Penrhos. Their visit, which celebrated 30 years of friendship between
“Understanding another language and culture and getting to know people from another country is the best way to break down barriers and build a tolerant and inclusive community.”
“We are about building bridges and creating connections,” Dr Song said.
The visit tied in with the Junior School’s highly successful Chinese Cross Curricular program, which provides Chinese language and cultural opportunities for the girls. The program has been so successful that extra-curricular classes have been added this year to accommodate demand.
Photography: Richard Watson
BRINGING BACK THE BETTY HARMAN HOUSE TROPHY This year’s Student Council will reintroduce the Betty Harman House Trophy in a bid to increase the level of House spirit among students. Student Council Treasurer Julia Schwab said, “We noticed a severe lack of an overarching House competition at Penrhos. Other schools such as Wesley and MLC have a Champion House at the end of the year, and this really encourages House pride. House competitions at the College already existed, such as Athletics and Dramafest, but there just needed to be something to combine these competitions together – thus, the idea was born.” Mrs Betty Harman was a former Vice Principal who worked at Penrhos for 18 years, teaching Social Education, English, Social Studies, Physiology and Hygiene, and also coached and umpired softball and hockey. In 1977 she was appointed Vice-Principal. Upon her retirement, she donated the trophy to Penrhos, and the House competition was initiated in 1990. “We do know that it was a competition which included House competitions like Interhouse Dramafest, Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country and an Interhouse Debating competition, to name a few.
“However, the last time the Trophy was awarded was in 2002, as after that, the competition ceased to exist. This year, the Trophy was found in a cardboard box in the Fandry Centre among a collection of other Penrhos relics. It has now gone through a facelift and looks brand new!” Julia said. Through this initiative, the Student Council is aiming to increase individual House spirit, and to encourage participation and excellence in cocurricular activities. Points are awarded for excellence in different House competitions throughout the year, and the Trophy will be awarded at the Principal’s Assembly in Term 3. Points towards the Betty Harman House Trophy will be awarded to each House through a variety of endeavours across the ‘whole person paradigm’ of mind, heart, body and spirit. Some examples include; MIND various academic weeks/events and competitions HEART Dramafest, Dancefest, Music Eisteddfod BODY Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country SPIRIT Community Service, House Cheerleading
About Betty Harman Mrs Betty Harman was an extraordinary woman who devoted much of her life to teaching and caring for girls at Penrhos College. In 1977 she was appointed Vice Principal. Former Principal Reverend Green described her as “everyone’s friend, feared and loved in turns.” Betty retired in 1988 and such was the positive feeling among the old girls, they made her an Honorary Member of the Alumni Association. Betty’s daughter, Jenny Davies, attended the College and was the School Captain. Betty continued her long association with the College as an active member of the Penrhosian Club. Betty passed away in 2014.
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Chaplain Claire commissioned Ms Claire Pickering was formally commissioned as the Penrhos College Chaplain by Uniting Church Moderator Rev Steve Francis at an assembly at the beginning of Term 2 in April – a momentous and special occasion for the College community. Chaplain Claire has been a valued and integral member of the school community for almost a year, describing her time so far as, “full of activity, very exciting and continually rewarding.”
“For me, the Commissioning Service was about the Presbytery of the Uniting Church and the College, as a Uniting Church faith community, coming together to formally acknowledge and welcome me as the Chaplain at Penrhos. It was a very special and inspiring occasion.
“The Moderator, Rev Steve Francis, began the Commissioning by asking questions about my early life, schooling and call to Ministry. I really appreciated this opportunity to share some of my background, including growing up in the country, attending Penrhos from Years 8–12 (1992–1996), and training for Ministry in Perth and Melbourne (2006–2012),” Chaplain Claire said. The Moderator also asked a series of questions about faith, working within the church and serving the community, and asked the community for their acceptance, encouragement and support. “It was wonderful to share this occasion with Penrhos students, staff and families, as well as Presbytery representatives, including the Moderator, Manager of Placements and Chaplains from other Uniting Church schools. My Mum and Dad also attended, which I will cherish,” Chaplain Claire said.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE UNITING CHURCH This year marks the 40th anniversary of the union of the Congregational, Presbyterian and Methodist churches in Australia into the Uniting Church.
dandelion head, whose seeds are spread on the wind. The image brings to mind celebration, diversity and all the varied parts of the Uniting Church.
On 22 June 1977, three Australian churches came together as one. The Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches have been the Uniting Church in Australia ever since.
The colours intentionally connect to those that remind us of our covenant with First Peoples, the red earth and ochre.
The Uniting Church is a diverse group of many cultures and understandings of faith that aims for deeper unity with others. In celebrating its 40th anniversary, “the Uniting Church is remembering where we have come from and how far we can go together.”1 The 40th anniversary logo can be viewed as a starburst, fireworks or a
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The tagline, “All of this is us”, encompasses past, present and future – all that brought us together and formed us as we began, all that has shaped us has involved us over the past 40 years, and all that we hope for as we look to the future. The Uniting Justice 40th Anniversary identity communicates warmth and credibility. The technicolour firework is a nod to UCA’s diversity and is a spiritual symbol of commemoration and
celebration. In addition, the dandelion motif reminds us of seeds dispersing and flourishing – a metaphor for the UCA’s gentle evangelism. Source: assembly.uca.org.au/40thanniversary
CURTIN UNI STUDENT WINS MATHS MENTOR SCHOLARSHIP Curtin University student Hannah Mast was named as the recipient of the 2017 Penrhos College Maths Mentor Scholarship in April. Announced by the school and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), the $5,000 one-year scholarship will support Ms Mast as she completes her Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary School). The Penrhos College Maths Mentor Scholarship was introduced as a result of Mathematics teacher Peter Chandler’s AMSI Choose Maths Award for Mentoring Girls in Maths, a monetary prize which allowed for the creation and sponsorship of this new scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to inspire and support a student who is studying to become a Mathematics teacher, and encourage a passion for Mathematics in their students. To be eligible for the scholarship, students need to be undertaking their final year of study in one of the following programs majoring in Mathematics: Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) or a Master of Teaching (Secondary). Ms Mast, who also has Bachelor degrees in Science (Bsc) and in Mathematics and Chemistry, said she was thrilled at her selection, which will fast track her teaching career under the mentorship of Mr Chandler.
“I’m so excited to be working with Peter and Penrhos; I’m hoping to take away the skills to build a passion for, and love of, Mathematics in girls all over Australia and the world,” she said. In addition to payment, the Maths Mentor Scholarship recipient is invited to participate in the professional development life of Penrhos College throughout the year of the scholarship including: the induction of new teachers and participation in seminars and meetings; completion of their teaching practicum at the College; participation in the Maths Mentor Program which may include video conferencing, and an invitation to undertake a paid role as a Maths Mentor at the College. Mr Chandler said he also saw an opportunity to be inspired by the new generation of passionate Mathematics teachers. “By providing practical placements to a future Maths teacher, this is a chance to inspire and mentor their development as an educator. Equally, along the way I hope to learn and benefit from them,” Mr Chandler said. Principal Meg Melville said she was not surprised by Mr Chandler’s decision to invest in a new generation of Maths education, something she saw as a reflection of his passion for Maths and another example of his leadership in the school community.
INTRODUCING OUR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT We are excited to announce the appointment of the new Director of Marketing and Development at Penrhos College, Paula Barrow. Ms Barrow will head up the Marketing & Community Relations team, bringing a strategic mindset to enrolments, marketing and capital raising as we position the College for the next five years and beyond.
Paula brings a unique skillset and 25 years of experience in marketingrelated roles locally, nationally and internationally, in the tertiary, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Paula is very excited to be joining Penrhos and looks forward to meeting members of the College community in the coming months. Winter 2017
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More than 100 enthusiastic singers came together in May for the special event, Community Big Sing with The Idea of North.
The Idea of North led the singers through some excerpts from their arrangements, and even gave guests the opportunity to put themselves forward for solo spots.
This new concept, designed for all shower singers and budding vocal harmony addicts, was about bringing people together for a good old-fashioned singalong within the safety of numbers, under the guidance of ARIA award winning a capella group, The Idea of North.
Dean of Co-Curricular Mr Paul McCarthy described the night as a huge success, and said, “about half a dozen brave souls went solo, which was great to see.”
The Community Big Sing, held in the Penrhos College Chapel, allowed singers to enjoy the buzz of singing in harmony with like-minded souls. All music was taught by ear on the night, with no music theory skills required.
The event brought together many different parts of the Penrhos community, with several alumni members in attendance to revisit the place where their love of music and singing was born, and reconnect with the College. Guests were treated to a couple of performances from the Idea of North,
before enjoying a light supper to reflect on the success of the Big Sing. During their visit to Penrhos, The Idea of North also worked with Penrhos, Aquinas and Wesley College choristers on their vocal technique. This culminated in a concert on Friday, 26 May, when students took to the Rixon Theatre stage for The Idea of North – Four Distinct Voices, One Unique Group concert, which saw them perform individually and collectively with The Idea of North, before the internationallyrenowned musicians put on a one-hour performance on their own.
PARENT BOOK EXCHANGE TAKES OFF As part of a community initiative, the Year 1 Parent Book Exchange is now up and running. The book exchange operates on a ‘take a book, leave a book’ system, using a box outside the Year 1 Red classroom. Parents are invited to leave any books they have already enjoyed into the box, and swap it for a new read that interests them.
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The parent response so far has been excellent, and the Junior School is looking to expand the concept across more Year groups. Year 1 Teacher Miss Fleur Cagnana said, “The enjoyment of reading is forever, and we think a book exchange will be the perfect way to model this to the girls.”
COME AND PLAY AT PENRHOS! Penrhos College, in conjunction with Playgroup WA, now operates a Community Playgroup in the Junior School every Wednesday and Thursday morning during Term-time. Penrhos Playgroup launched in 2016, and we welcome families with children from 0–4 years of age (girls and boys) to come along and join in the fun. Participating families are required to join Playgroup WA at a cost of $30 per year ($15 for Healthcare Card holders). Families who attend another community playgroup will already be covered for the cost of attending at the College. Membership also provides other benefits, such as access to the Playgroup WA hotline, participation in play days and Playgroup WA events and fun days. Head of Junior School, Ms Trish Somers, was inspired to start the playgroup after attending a presentation from Playgroup Australia, who are working with schools to promote their ‘Enhanced Transition to Schools Project’, and also to provide a network and collaborative support for parents. This ‘Enhanced Transition to Schools Project’ is a new partnership which has
been of wonderful benefit to families and school communities. The Enhanced Transition to Schools project aims to: • Support community led (family run) playgroups on or near school sites • Strengthen relationships between playgroups and schools • Enhance family confidence in engaging in playful learning activities at home Ms Somers said that so far, “the response has been wonderful – and we have also had quite a few dads attend, too.” Penrhos parent Mrs Sharee Cuthbert, who runs the Wednesday session, said the playgroup offers an array of developmental and social opportunities for children. “These activities include, but are not limited, to indoor and outdoor free play, stories and rhyme time, music, and arts and crafts. Ms Somers always drops in to say ‘hi’ to the parents and children, and is extremely hospitable and welcoming. New visitors are always welcome,” Sharee said. Penrhos alumni member (Class of 1966) and grandmother Marianne John (Baker), who has attended with her grandson, said playgroup was a fabulous opportunity to socialise and interact.
JOIN OUR PLAYGROUP! WHEN TIME WHERE CONTACT
“I was thrilled when my daughter-in-law chose to attend the playgroup with my grandson. They both really enjoy the chance to socialise and interact. Even though my grandson will go off to Wesley [College] soon, I am extremely happy that he has had this opportunity to be a part of the Penrhos family, even for a short time.
Wednesday and Thursday mornings (Term time only) 8.30am – 10am Junior School Workroom Mrs Sharee Cuthbert 0439 671 094 / penrhosfamilyplaygroup@gmail.com
“I think the fact that the playgroup is run right in the middle of the school is fantastic, as it familiarises the children with a school environment well before they are due to attend full-time and, as in my grandson’s case, he can see his sisters enjoying being at school,” Marianne said. For more information on the benefits of playgroup, please visit the Playgroup WA website: playgroupwa.com.au
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A one-day STEM conference for innovative educators exploring student-centred 21st century learning practices futurefocusedlearning.penrhos.wa.edu.au Be inspired by future focused presenters, supported by a series of case studies and hands-on workshops, across all education sectors K-12. Hear from and work with a range of speakers, including world leading inspirational thinker, Lee Watanabe Crockett, who will engage, excite and challenge delegates as he explores how we prepare global digital citizens of the future. Designed to share pioneering and innovative practice, this conference is for all educators with an interest in exploring student-centred 21st century learning practices in STEM and beyond.
The conference will be opened by
Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC
STRANDS
Be inspired with hands-on workshop sessions in:
EARLY LEARNING
Little Scientist, Nature in Schools, STEM, Science in Early Learning
PRIMARY
21st Century Learning Design, iSTEM, Minecraft, Studio Q, Tech Play, RoboFair, Essential Fluencies, Circuitry and Wearables
SECONDARY
EngTalk, Raspberry Pi, AR/VR, STEM into Careers, Minecraft, RoboGals, Maths and STEM, Gamification, Dance Software, e-Textiles
LEADERSHIP
and feature a video address from
Chief Scientist of WA Prof Peter Klinken AC Date: Friday, 18 August 2017 Venue: Penrhos College, 6 Morrison Street, Como WA Tickets: $180 per person (includes morning tea, lunch, and sundowner)
10 Shifts of Practice, Creativity in Schools, Design Thinking, Problem Based Learning, Creativity via Big Data, Essential Fluencies, BrightBytes, Multidisciplinary Learning in Games
Don’t miss out! Register now at futurefocusedlearning.penrhos.wa.edu.au For enquiries, please contact futurefocusedlearning@penrhos.wa.edu.au
SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS
Hear from and work with innovative speakers and presenters, including:
Lee Watanabe Crockett
Dan Bowen
Kim Flintoff
Brooke Krajancich
Professor David Gibson
Dr Susan James
Global Digital Citizen Foundation Future-focused Learning
RoboGals (UWA) RoboGals
Microsoft Exploring the rise of the intelligent machines and future trends
Curtin University Challenge-based learning
Curtin University Creativity via Big Data
Choose Maths CHOOSEMATHS Careers Proudly presented by
While care has been taken to ensure that the information on this flyer is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on accuracy of this information.
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FAREWELLING THE
ROWING SHED A sundowner held in June signalled the end of one chapter for Penrhos rowing, and the beginning of an exciting new one. From 2018, the Penrhos rowing squad will relocate from the Canning Bridge Boatshed to the Wesley College Boatshed in South Perth, due to changes in land use policy by the City of Melville. Temporary renovations will be undertaken for the first year, with a more significant build starting at the end of the 2018 rowing season, on what will then be known as the Wesley Penrhos Boatshed. Penrhos College Rowing Coordinator Keith Reynolds said he was looking forward to the new chapter. “Who would not want to row on the Swan River with the Perth city skyline in the background? It is going to be exciting, fun and a little bit of a challenge. But it is always good to have a change and give it a go. I am really looking forward to it. Lots of the girls are too, because there will be boys there!” The ‘Farewell the Shed’ sundowner saw 120 guests share memories and swap stories about Penrhos’ long and proud rowing history. Rowing at Penrhos started as an afterschool activity in the mid-1980s at Wesley College, moving to the large-scale interschool competition we now know, thanks to the efforts of Penrhos past parent Wendy Zuideveld. In addition to being Penrhos’ first Rowing Coordinator, Wendy was instrumental in forming the Schoolgirls’ Rowing Association which runs the prestigious Head of the River regatta series. Wendy
was a guest of honour at the reunion, along with the Head of the River Champion School Trophy named in her honour. The highlight of the evening was the christening of a new boat, named after long time coach and former committee member Vanessa Grant, who coached two winning Head of the River 1st VIII+ crews. Rowing Coordinator Keith Reynolds said the honour was in recognition of Vanessa’s long years of dedication to Penrhos rowing. “Vanessa was a founding member of the boatshed and now with the shift back to Wesley, it is the perfect time to name a boat after her. Vanessa was also one of the first female sculling champions in WA and still rows, which shows her enduring love of the sport,” he said. Another highlight of the evening was a retelling by Wendy’s daughter Andrea Triffitt (Zuideveld, 1990) of the race to win Penrhos’ first Head of the River trophy in 1990 in the blue-ribbon 1st VIII+ event. Guests included 1986 rower Sally Matthews (Smith, 1988) from the first days at Wesley, and two of Penrhos’ Olympic rowers, Natalie Bale (2003) and Amber Bradley (1997). Penrhos Rowing is proud to boast three Olympic rowers among the alumni, with Amber and Rebecca Sattin (1998) sharing a boat to win a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens games in the women’s 4X-. Keith said he had many fond memories of the Canning Bridge Boatshed, even though, “it has always been about the rowers, rather than the shed.”
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HBF RUN FOR A REASON Penrhos College had a large contingent of more than 50 students and parents volunteering at the HBF Run for a Reason in May. A group of Year 7s joined together to volunteer with their parents, and there were two water stations run by Penrhosians. The HBF Run for a Reason is Perth’s largest and most popular community health event, and Penrhos enjoys strong representation each year, from runners and volunteers alike.
Music students get rave review Penrhos College music students received a rave review after an outstanding performance at the St George’s Cathedral Lunchtime Concert in May. The following letter was published in The West Australian newspaper’s Letters to the Editor pages on Friday, 5 May. Principal Meg Melville said it was a pleasure to be able to share great stories with the community. “How lovely it is to know that our Penrhos music students brought so much pleasure to the broader community,” Mrs Melville said. This recital also included a solo performance from our first pipe organ student, Year 10 Morgan May, who performed on the beautiful Cathedral pipe organ, after commencing music tuition on Penrhos College’s own Chapel pipe organ this year.
BOARDERS LEND A HAND TO RETIREES Four Year 11 boarders were pleased to lend a hand at Collier Park Retirement Village as part of their St Patrick’s Day celebrations in March. The girls were responsible for plating the food, serving residents, washing dishes, and chatting with residents. Year 11 student Ellie Jasper said it was a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
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“We made some kind old friends and listened to some funny stories. We loved spending time with the elderly, and it was a St Patrick’s Day we will not forget. Overall, we got to experience something different and cannot wait to get the opportunity again.” More boarders have since completed another waitressing stint at Collier Park Retirement Village, helping out at their Italian Night.
YEAR 12 MOTHER DAUGHTER DINNER Saturday, 17 June 2017 Llew Woodford Function Centre, Penrhos College The Penrhos College Alumni continued their proud tradition of supporting the Year 12 Mother Daughter Dinner in June. After two hectic weeks of examinations and assessments, Year 12 students and their mothers and special friends attended the dinner in the Llew Woodford Function Centre. What ensued was a fantastic evening of friendship and fun. On behalf of the Penrhos College Alumni, the girls were presented with a yellow rose, a small gift and a scroll listing their classmates’ names as a memento of the evening. As well as enjoying a wonderful meal, the dance floor was packed from very early in the evening until the end of the night. Acting Principal Rob Taylor said, “On behalf of the College I would like to thank the Alumni for hosting the evening and for their hard work in making sure that the venue looked stunning and that the evening ran smoothly.”
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FROM THE ALUMNI PRESIDENT The first half of 2017 has been memorable, busy and rewarding for the Penrhos Alumni with several key networking and Alumni events held. We started the year with our annual networking event, Shakers and Stirrers, and despite the rain it was fantastic to see the Windsor Hotel bursting with Wesley Old Boys and Penrhos Alumni for an enjoyable Friday after-work sundowner. On Friday, May 19 the Llew Woodford Function Centre was transformed into a decadent setting for our annual high tea. We were thrilled to raise more than $5,000 towards the educational outcomes of current and future Penrhos students, and would like to sincerely thank those who attended, our generous donors and everyone who helped make the event a success. Our 2015 Leavers and Class of 1987 30 Year reunions were held in February and April, respectively, providing a wonderful opportunity for Alumni to catch up with their cohort back on campus. The Mother Daughter Dinner is always popular on the Penrhos Year 12 calendar, and this year was no different with the event held on campus for the second year running. The remainder of the year is set to be as exciting with upcoming events including Founders Day in August, and the remaining decade reunions which will be held throughout the upcoming months.
On behalf of the Alumni Committee, I would like to thank the strong Penrhos Alumni for their continued and valued support, and we look forward to continuing this relationship. Amanda Yaksich ALUMNI PRESIDENT
UPCOMING 2017 DECADE REUNIONS CLASS OF 1977 40 YEAR REUNION
Date: Saturday, 22 July 2017 Time: 6pm Venue: Colwyn Centre, Penrhos College Tickets: $40 (includes drinks and substantial food) An optional School Tour will depart from the Chapel at 5pm.
CLASS OF 1967 50 YEAR REUNION
Date: Sunday, 6 August 2017 Time: 1pm – 4pm Venue: Pagoda Resort and Spa (112 Melville Parade, Como) Tickets: $38 (includes the traditional high tea. Champagne can be purchased on the day)
CLASS OF 1997 20 YEAR REUNION
Date: Saturday, 12 August 2017 Time: 7pm onwards Venue: Grey Door Room, The Claremont Hotel — 1 Bay View Terrace, Claremont Tickets: $45 Optional College Tour: 5pm – 6pm
CLASS OF 2007 10 YEAR REUNION
Date: Saturday, 11 November 2017 Time: 6pm Venue: Colwyn Centre, Penrhos College Tickets: $45 (includes drinks and substantial food) An optional School Tour will depart from the Chapel at 5pm.
To book your ticket, visit www.penrhos.wa.edu.au/book-tickets, or for more information, call Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator Natalie Nazzari on (08) 9368 9539. Invitations will be sent out, but we encourage you to pass this information on to those who may not have received it. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Friday, 10 February 2017 The Windsor Hotel, South Perth The annual Penrhos Alumni and Old Wesley Collegians networking event was a fantastic success, despite the unseasonal woolly February weather. The atmosphere was warm and electric as everyone enjoyed catching up with new and old friends. Thank you to Wesley Alumni Manager Ian ‘Chook’ Fowler and the OWCA for organising the evening, and to everyone who attended.
Jodie Davis (Williamson), Shelle Carte r (Brooks), Simone Cornelius-Moor, Danne Reynolds (Walker), Julie yBarret t (Brickwood)
Elizabeth De Marte and Deenie Gumina
Greg St Quintin and Tony Devitt
Penrhos College Alumni President Amanda Yaksich and Penrhos College Alumni Treasurer Kristyn Cronin
OWCA President Greg Brown and Andrew Woodley-Page
Sonja Cassiani (Chiari) and Sarah Urbani
Lisa Percival and Sue St Quintin
Rejeana Heatley-Green, Tracy Hernan and Kareene Santoro
Jonathan Shack, Stuart Bowden and OWCA Secretary Evan Hillard
Robert Armstrong, Matt Garmony and Grant Metcalf
Terri Booth, Melissa Mairata, Margot Michailides and Alex Retallick
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CLASS OF 2015 LEAVERS REUNION Friday, 17 March 2017 at Penrhos College The Class of 2015 graduates, or Leavers from what is affectionately known as the ‘half-cohort’ came back together for an evening of fun, food and friendship 18-months after graduating from Penrhos. Penrhos Alumni thanks Catie Hughes and Eilish Campbell for their help in organising the event, Penrhos staff who attended and Vicki Doherty (1970), Susan Hampson (1980) and Molly Delaney (2011) for hosting the event.
Sophie Porter, Kate Quinlan, Taylor Patten, Jasmine Nazemi, Georgia Pilbrow, Savannah Clee, Eden Barlow, Emily Schon, Tayla Hannah Nizich and Cassandra Wong Read, Evangeline Newby, Maddison Ozanne,
Caitlin Hughes and Eilish Campbell
Kate Durack, Aleasha Sanchez-Lawson, Olivia Egan, Megan Dodd and Juliet Tucker
Hannah Nalder, Greta Mangano and Emily Schon
Rebecca Proud, Mr Tony Urbini and Tayla Read
Emily Schon, Shannon Brunalli, Caitlin McFall and Grace Williams
Mrs Meg Melville, Jasmine Nazemi, Cassandra Wong and Maddison Ozanne
CLASS OF 1987 30 YEAR REUNION Saturday, 29 April 2017 at Penrhos College Music, memorabilia, tasty food, Penrhos-themed cupcakes and a photo booth were well received among our friendly group of graduates from 1987 who enjoyed a tour of the College before settling in for an evening of fun. Penrhos Alumni would like to thank Clare Slyth 1987 for helping organise the event, and former Physical Education Teacher and Head of Department Laurie Packham for attending.
Sandra Cafini (Pollard), Robyn MacKellar (Olsen), Jo Mulroy )(Milliken), Julie Dinnie, Helen Rose, Michelle Brown and Janene Sproul (Burtenshaw
Nicole Iuliano (Wright), Angela Giles (Jacka) and Mrs Meg Melville
Michelle Stewart (Proudlove) and Laurie Packham
Nicole Beer and Christine Kirk (Jewell)
Jane O’Wallace (Raston) and Clare Slyth (Hamilton)
Giuli Zirino, Angela Giles (Jacka) and Nicole Iuliano (Wright)
Michelle Phillips and Gillian Fairweather (Webb)
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Proudly supported by the Penrhos College Alumni Friday, 19 May 2017 at the Llew Woodford Function Centre, Penrhos College Penrhos College Alumni would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended the Penrhos College High Tea for their generosity and support. More than $5000 was raised which will go towards supporting the education outcomes of current and future Penrhos students in two ways: • The Margaret Way Alumni Scholarship which was introduced in 2010 for students entering Year 7, who are daughters or granddaughters of financial Alumni members. The scholarship offers 25 per cent remission on tuition fees for the student’s entire Secondary School education. • The Alumni Endeavour Award which provides financial support to a Year 12 student who would like the opportunity to achieve
something extraordinary for others. Applicants are asked to describe the purpose of the endeavour, provide reasons for the application and provide evidence of their existing commitment and contribution to the community. Penrhos Alumni would like to especially thank all of the generous donors, Penrhos parent Tom Esze for hosting the live auction, Penrhos Collier String Quartet for performing, 2016 Endeavour Award Scholarship recipient and guest speaker Alice Lewis and everyone who brought along personal care items that were donated to The Esther Foundation, South Perth. The Alumni looks forward to your continued and valued support next year!
TENNIS TOURNAMENT A BIG HIT
COMBINED INDEPENDENT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS ANNUAL GOLF DAY
Thursday, 30 March 2017 Penrhos Alumni was thrilled to host the annual Combined Independent Schools’ Tennis Day on Thursday, 30 March. The round robin tennis tournament was a smashing success with Presbyterian Ladies’ College crowned the winners. Thank you to everyone who took to the court and those who worked behind the scenes to help make the day a memorable one.
Anne Nener, Lenette Mullen, Penny Burnett, Penny’s daughter Priscilla, Margot Michailides, Sheryl Parkes and Loretta Dease
Monday, 9 October 2017 Royal Perth Golf Club
Jan Truscott, Priscilla McLellan, Glenda Rae, Caroline Dinnie, Jan Yeo, Jodie Everett, Robyn Leuba and Clare Howell
Penrhos College Principal Mrs Meg Melville presenting the trophy to winners - PLC
Interested in representing Penrhos as an “old girl” playing golf? The Combined Independent Girls School Annual Golf Day will be hosted by Penrhos/Kobeelya this year at the Royal Perth Golf Club on Monday, 9 October 2017. If you’re interested in taking part, please contact Colette on 0412 246 343.
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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. Some of the “1966 Classics” recently enjoyed catching up for breakfast at The Partisan overlooking Claisebrook. Penny Fraser (Sands), Sandra Pickering (Priestly) and Anna Ward (Woerlee) had a great time catching up on life events and memories from school days and ‘filling in the gaps’ from years past. (Photo from left to right): Sandra Pickering (Priestly), Penny Fraser (Sands), Anna Ward (Woerlee) and standing at the back is Yvonne Springetts (Maitland).
spent four hours reminiscing about the Penrhos days.
celebrations on Magnetic Island and shared their wedding with a small group of close friends. Their son, Harry, proudly walked Kate to the ceremony — on the beach at Horseshoe Bay.
Sally Pullin (Hillam) 1987, her husband Craig Pullin and the team at The Beach House at Bayside recently won Albany’s first ever National Tourism Award at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Darwin on 24 February 2017.
Jacky Burgess 1979 married Patrick Quinlivan at Sittella winery in the Swan Valley on 24 November 2016. Guests included Penrhosians Debbie Bajrovic (Blockey) 1979, Claire Lawson 1979 and Ros Retallick 1979.
The National Tourism Awards are a culmination of seven state and territory awards in 26 categories from eco and adventure tourism, to touring experiences and a number of accommodation categories. The Beach House at Bayside represented Western Australia following a win in the Hosted Accommodation category of the WA Tourism Awards held in Perth in November 2016. “We’ve just recently been named in Trip Advisors Top 25 lists for Bed and Breakfasts and Inns in Australia and the entire South Pacific region, and then this national award has just been a very, very special accolade for our family business to achieve,” Mr Pullin said. “We are so proud to bring this award back to our wonderful team and to my Mum and Dad — Keith and Janet Hillam — who started the business in 2001,” Mrs Pullin added.
Some girls from the Class of 1979, including Claire Lawson, Debbie Bajrovic (Blockey), Roslyn Retallick, Penny Leiper, Cathy Watson, Jacky Burgess and Karen Bradbury (Markey) recently met at the Lake House in Denmark for lunch where they
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Maisie Ellen Waghorn was born on 20 October 2016 to proud parents Nathan and Amanda Waghorn (Broughton) 1993.
Kate Gudgin 1987 and her partner, Chris, decided to elope last October. They enjoyed a wonderful weekend of
Annie Horner 1996 and Kevin Steele celebrated their wedding on 9 April 2017 at the Scented Garden at the South Perth Foreshore. Among the attendees were Penrhos Alumni Rachel Gilchrist, Louise Flaherty, Julianne Hunter, Tania Giorgetta and Melissa Webb (all pictured) and Lani Kenworthy (not pictured).
Renee Kaczmarczyk 2001 has started a company helping female business owners create profitable and successful businesses. She runs regular business education and networking events in Perth through the Inspired Women of Perth, and plans to extend the group into other cities late 2017. For more information, visit www. inspiredwomennetwork.com.
On 7 January 2017, Gina Olivieri 2003 married Jeremy Picone in a beautiful garden ceremony in Lucaston, Tasmania. They exchanged wooden rings, made of Western Australian and Tasmanian timbers, under lanterns to remind them of Greens and Co in Leederville where they fell in love, before being pelted with rose petals by friends, including a couple of Old Girls from the graduating class of 2003. Feminist that he is, Jeremy has taken Gina’s surname. The happy couple live in Kingston Beach, where Gina works from home for RESULTS International, and Jeremy works in the State library system.
Sanita McVee (2001) and her husband Tim are enjoying parenthood to daughter Penelope Anne McVee who was born on 30 January 2017 in Melbourne, weighing 3.67kg and measuring 49cm.
Kyra Saunders (Selley), 2001, and husband John welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Oakley Chase Saunders, into the family in October 2016. His big sister, Winter, is thrilled to have him as a playmate.
After graduating Penrhos, Maddie Russell 2005 completed a Psychology degree at UWA with Honours and went on to become the youngest Director in the Asia-Pac region at one of the largest global market and social research consultancies. In 2016, tired of describing her life as ‘busy’, she resigned and bought a one-way plane ticket to the Caribbean with her partner, Andrew. They travelled the world and while in Brazil ate an awful lot of açaí. Their love of açaí leap-frogged their love of travel, and they then spent a month in the Amazon with the açaí farmers and in the factories, immersing themselves in the Amazon and a world of açaí — eating with the farmers, climbing açaí palm trees and understanding the positive difference açaí production is making to the Amazon region. Maddie and Andrew recently launched South Perth business, THE ACAI CORNER. You can find them dishing up healthy food by Mends Street Jetty most days from 7.30am to 2.00pm(ish).
Sarah Andrews 2007 wed Matthew Hellyer on 6 May 2017 at the Mounts Bay Sailing Club. Her two bridesmaids included her best friend Jessica Morphett (Craig) 2007, and her younger sister, Mikaela Kurtes (Andrews) 2011. Several other Penrhosians from 2007 attended and an awesome day was had by all.
Rosanna Susanto 2007 has opened a new yoga studio Bodyscape Yoga in Nedlands. The Lululemon Ambassador has been teaching yoga for three years after quitting her job as a lawyer and deciding to create a space for people to breathe, move and feel good about themselves. Lucy Barendse 2008 is one of the teachers at the studio and several Penrhosians are regular students.
Tayla Shillingford (Clatworthy) 2011 married Daniel Shillingford from La Salle College, Perth, on 15 October 2016 in a beach ceremony in Exmouth. Sophie Dixon 2011 was bridesmaid, while other friends from Penrhos were among the 130 guests. Tayla and Daniel Shillingford have been living in Exmouth for 2.5 years.
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ADELE BALJEU CLAIMS DUX AND DREAM JOB General intrigue about how the body works, and visits to a chiropractor to get rid of headaches during Year 12 lead one 2011 Penrhos Alumni to pursue a profession in the health industry. Fast forward five years of study at Murdoch University and 22-year-old Adele Baljeu is making a positive mark in the health industry, helping people achieve health goals and unlock their optimal potential in a natural holistic way. The hardworking and passionate graduate, who recently received the National Chiropractic Graduate of the Year Award, Dux of fifth year Chiropractic Science and the Chiropractic Education Australia Award, said she was honoured and humbled to be recognised for her commitment. “My biggest achievement to date has been finding my dream job at Belmont Chiropractic – it is a very rewarding job, I would hardly call it going to work as I have a lot of fun every day,” Dr Baljeu said.
However, the former Penrhos Boarder acknowledges finding her way to professional success did have a few personal challenges along the way. “After completing Year 12, I moved to Perth alone to continue university study. Being alone in Perth, learning how to support myself, find a job, and tackle a very intensive study schedule was a hard task and often my social life was compromised to fit all of this in,” Dr Baljeu said. But looking back on these challenges, Dr Baljeu admits she wouldn’t change a thing. “Boarding at Penrhos made me very independent and helped me understand how to cope with supporting myself alone in Perth,” she said. Dr Baljeu is now hoping to continue to help others – experiencing pain – cope. “I ultimately have a goal to educate and inspire as many people as possible about Chiropractic and how it can positively influence their lives,” she said.
Adele Baljeu receiving her awards presented by Dr Warren Genders (president of the Chiropractic Association of Australia)
“The biggest influence Penrhos had on me was definitely becoming independent, organised, and learning how to be my own motivator” – Adele Baljeu “There is a lot more to Chiropractic than just pain relief, and I would love to see everyone expressing their optimal potential and truly experiencing health care instead of “sick-care”.”
RESEARCHER IN RESIDENCE INSPIRES GIRLS IN STEM Brooke Krajancich graduated from Penrhos in 2013 but her strong ties to the College didn’t stop upon her leaving. The talented 20-year-old can be found in the Secondary School Library on Tuesday mornings volunteering as a Mathematics Mentor. She runs an extension class with a group of Year 7s helping them develop their problem-solving skills. The University of Western Australia Bachelor of Philosophy Honours student (majoring in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics) has also been invited back as a STEM Researcher in Residence for the first two weeks of Term 3. She will run STEM workshops, delving into robotics and science, with Pre-Primary to Year 6 students. Ms Krajancich will be doing all this while undertaking an honours project based at the Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research, looking at a handheld optical imaging probe for use in breast cancer surgery.
“I really hope I’m able to break down a lot of the stereotypes — I hope they will come out of these sessions with a sense of yes you don’t have to wear combat boots and hard hats in engineering and you don’t have to sit in an office and become a professor if you want to study Maths.”
When asked how she finds time to fit everything into her busy schedule, Ms Krajancich’s response was simple.
With an extensive resume, Ms Krajancich identifies her involvement with Robogals — a student-run organisation that aims to increase female participation in engineering, science and technology through fun and educational initiatives — as one of her biggest personal successes. She helped organise a five-week consecutive program at UWA for 28 girls from Years 4–6.
“The world has a lot of really big problems out there and the way we are going to solve them is by having multi-disciplinary and diverse teams working to solve the problems, and at the moment, we’re missing the girls in STEM,” she said.
“The growth we saw in girls, the friendships they developed, the robotics that we saw; so many of them walked away saying ‘yep, I want to do engineering’ and for me that was my most rewarding achievement,” Ms Krajancich said.
“Being able to come back and inspire future generations to pursue similar fields and go into Mathematics and engineering and help solve the world’s problems is something I feel strongly about.
As for her future, she hopes to pursue a PhD and be a specialist in her field world-wide all the while continuing to give back and inspire girls in STEM.
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JENAYAH ELLIOT RECOMMENDED AND REWARDED Congratulations to 2016 Penrhos graduate and Curtin University student Jenayah Elliot who was recently presented the Chris Lewis Scholarship and the Curtin Indigenous Partnerships Recommendation Award by Future Footprints coordinator Roni Forrest. The Chris Lewis Scholarship goes to supporting an Indigenous Australian student who demonstrates a commitment to the Indigenous community and academic potential. The Curtin Indigenous Partnerships Recommendation Award is part of Curtin’s strategy to encourage and support Indigenous students at Curtin. Well done, Jenayah!
PENRHOS ALUMNA PAVES WAY FOR WO M E N I N M I N I N G With an impressive resume boasting law, commerce and business strategy, her biggest professional achievement is standing up as a role model for women working and succeeding in a male-dominated industry. 1995 Penrhos graduate Claire Negus was recently awarded Outstanding Women in Resources – Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA. The awards recognise ‘individuals and organisations working to build a world-class industry which provides attractive career opportunities and enhances the recognition and participation of women in the sector’. On the back of her success, the busy mother of two said she was determined to encourage others to back themselves and embrace their own leadership style in creating their story. “I aspire to play a role in Australia’s journey in getting to a point where the percentages of men and women are not heavily dominated in any one industry, where unconscious bias is a thing of the past and gender no longer needs to be a conversation in the boardroom,” Mrs Negus said. Her career kick-started working as a chartered accountant and litigator after completing degrees in law and commerce. Mrs Negus then moved back to management consultancy working at several resources and engineering companies while completing an MBA and a Master in Business Strategy. This led her to take a position at BHP where she established the governance function for their $40b project portfolio among a plethora of other things before moving to Roy Hill. At Roy Hill she assisted in the delivery of the $11b integrated iron ore mining, rail and port project as general manager
commercial before establishing management consulting firm Primary Delta earlier this year. Despite all her success, Mrs Negus still labels the simple things as her biggest achievement. “On a personal level, I feel very lucky to have two healthy children and a loving husband,” she said. “Professionally, I have been able to stand-up as a role model for women working and succeeding in a male-dominated industry — and I have had an exciting time in doing so.” Her biggest piece of advice for those also wanting to achieve a goal was to determine what success looked like, devise a plan to achieve it and then start working. “It may take a few goes before you succeed. If you are not sure which career path to choose, pick one and get on with it,” Mrs Negus said. “You may change your mind later, but you now have some new knowledge, a more diverse ‘tool belt’ and can safely eliminate one of your career choices.”
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All for LOVE 2013 Graduate Aleesha Kumar has been a busy young woman since she left the college three years ago. Aleesha, who has always had a passion for human rights, established LOVE Foundation Australia during her first year at The University of Western Australia.
LOVE Foundation Australia is an open network of students, artists and creative individuals who raise money for projects that fight poverty in the developing world through events promoting the arts. The Foundation is currently partnered with Opportunity International Australia, to help alleviate poverty in Indonesia through the provision of Microfinance to mothers in rural villages, enabling them to achieve economic independence.
Over the years, Aleesha has recruited other Penrhos graduates including Zoë Everett and Natasha Cobby. She currently has a team of over 40 young people from universities across WA, and more recently schools, giving them a chance to develop their own management skills. The Foundation is currently looking for sponsors for their Fashion Show, which is set to run in December of this year. With fashion from emerging Perth designers, these creative individuals will be given a platform to showcase their work, whilst raising money for their project in Indonesia. If you would like to support LOVE Foundation in any way, please email aleesha@lovefoundation.org.au. Submitted by Zoë Everett (2015)
FROM BEAUTY LOVER TO BECCA FOUNDER She was a school girl obsessed with fashion, cosmetics and make-up. A motivated teenager who studied fashion design and produced and sold her own label in a fashionable part of Perth. A mother-of-two. A model. A make-up artist.
retailers — UK’s Space NK and New York’s Bergdorf Goodman with laboratory samples only,” Morrice Williams said.
And, the founder and creative detector of international cosmetic company BECCA. Penrhos graduate Rebecca Morrice Williams set out to create foundation products that were more effective after being dissatisfied with what was available on the market.
“What started as a fairly small business being run out of Perth, Western Australia, and shipping to various stores across Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, has now become a large business with its headquarters in New York,” she said.
She worked unsuccessfully with a local chemist for a couple of years before joining forces with friend and mentor Steven Schapera in 1996. From 1996 to 2000 the first BECCA products were developed. Morrice Williams said she tested product samples on more than 1500 women and their responses gave her the confidence to take the products to the rest of the world. In March 2000, Cosmetic Developments Limited was formed and the pair worked full time to develop a range of skin perfecting cosmetics, including sheer foundation, stick foundation, concealer, crème blush and powders. “We were accepted into two of the world’s most prestigious cosmetic
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BECCA was launched in the United Kingdom in October 2001, New York in January 2002 and Australia in mid-2002.
“What has made BECCA unique from the start was its focus on the complexion. Today, the brand is known as an authority on complexion and experts in the beauty of light.” BECCA was sold to Estee Lauder Group of Companies in 2016 for over USD 200 million. But with success, did come sacrifice – personal and financial. “Every bit of equity that I had built up in my home went into the business — that was pretty scary,” Morrice Williams said. “I worked long hours and although some of them were at home, I was always thinking about the business and for many years I felt that every day was just a problem-solving exercise. I started the business
at the same time as I had my first child and I had to employ a full-time nanny so that I could be at work. I found that hard at times.” Despite her incredible success, the mother-of-two lists her biggest achievement as her children. “I know everyone says that but it is true. Selling BECCA to The Estee Lauder Group of Companies in November 2016 is my biggest professional achievement,” she said. Morrice Williams has no ongoing role with BECCA and is currently working on a new business idea which combines her love for fashion and ballet.
Date: Time: Venue: Cost: Dress:
Friday, 8 September 2017 11.15am Beaumonde on The Point, 306 Riverside Drive, East Perth $97 per head, tables of 8 Smart Attire
Includes Chardonnay Pinot Noir on arrival, a three-course meal including a dessert station, limited wine, tea and coffee. We have a special guest MC, gown parade, showbags full of vouchers and gifts and fabulous raffle prizes to be won! Please book online at www.penrhos.wa.edu.au/book-tickets You can purchase a whole table (tables of 8) or make an individual booking. If booking a single ticket, the booking system will prompt you to provide a table reference to indicate where you would like to be seated (eg. Year 2 table). For booking enquiries, please email events@penrhos.wa.edu.au
Penrhos College Alumni is once again proud to host the Penrhos
The day of celebration will commemorate the Methodist Trustees passing a resolution to purchase St Anne’s Girls’ School in South Perth, thus founding MLC South Perth. Date: Tuesday, 8 August 2017 Venue: Penrhos College Chapel Time: 11am This is a free event.
We invite past students, staff and friends of Penrhos to join in the day’s festivities, including: • Chapel Service • Student assembly and performances • Light lunch
Please RSVP online at www.penrhos.wa.edu.au/book-tickets or to alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au for catering purposes
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TAKE A TOUR OF PENRHOS We invite prospective families and students to join us for a Tour Morning or Twilight Tour in 2017. You will have the opportunity to meet Principal Meg Melville, senior staff, students, and tour the College campus. Campus tours are grouped according to your area of interest in the College. The remaining Tour events in 2017 are: Tour Morning at 9am on Wednesday, 2 August Twilight Tour at 5pm on Thursday, 26 October
EXPLORE OUR ELC
To book your place, please visit: www.penrhos.wa.edu.au
We are pleased to offer prospective families an up close and personal look at our Early Learning Centre (ELC) at an Open Morning event. The ELC is a purpose-built facility, home to girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 1. If you are exploring schooling options, this is an obligationfree opportunity to come and see firsthand how we inspire our youngest students, and meet staff, students and other parents. Penrhos offers a diversity of opportunities that will engage, challenge and excite young minds through initiatives such as the Nature Playground, Loose Parts Program and stimulating early learning environment.
9am on Wednesday, 23 August 9am on Thursday, 26 October To book your place or to find out more, please visit: www.penrhos.wa.edu.au/elcopenmorning
STAY IN TOUCH! /penrhoscollege /penrhoscollegealumni
/penrhoscollege /penrhosalumni
/penrhoscollege
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Join the ‘Penrhos College Alumni Inc’ or ‘Menrhos’ group at www.linkedin.com
FEEDBACK If you have any feedback regarding this edition of The Penrhosian or wish to submit photos or story ideas, please email feedback@penrhos.wa.edu.au.
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