lion’s roar TERM 1 • 12 APRIL 2019 • VOLUME 319
Educating successful women of tomorrow in a Christian Environment
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL Mrs Nicola Taylor Principal As the term draws to a close, the changing colour of the trees lining the main drive to the College remind us that; change is a constant, autumn is followed by winter not spring and that growth isn’t always a straight line, upward trajectory. Plateaus, or a season of fallow may feature before change, growth and the ‘new’ becomes apparent. One of the delights of our whole school context is being able to take a long-term view of the development of students as learners, members of a peer group, and individuals who will experience change and growth at different rates and in different ways. As a parent, supporting girls through the seasons of childhood and adolescence can be demanding, requiring insight, empathy but also resolve and confidence in times of challenge that “this too will pass”. As parents, we want the best for our children, our natural response is to minimise their pain or hurt and maximise that which appears to make them happy. As an emotion, happiness may be temporal and fleeting, changing as readily as the wind. Training our children to be content, to pursue joy not happiness and to persevere when the going gets tough requires resolve, wisdom and trust. The Bible describes challenge or suffering as producing “perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope. A hope which doesn’t disappoint…” (Romans 5:4) As cast lists are announced, selective teams are chosen, assessment tasks returned, the ‘lava lamp’ of friendship warms up, girls may experience disappointment, upset and a challenge to their social-confidence. As cold as this ‘winter’ may feel, spring will follow and character strengthened. An open dialogue between home and school along provides a protective mechanism throughout. Each year, I have the privilege of meeting with our Year 12 students and hearing their reflections on the growth they and their peers have experienced as they persevered and learned to navigate the social world together. What a great lesson for life! Congratulations to Mr David Dettwiler who from Term 2 will take on the role as President of the P&F. At the Annual General Meeting last year, two nominations were received for the position of President. David and Mrs Jules Ditchfield took on the role as Co-Presidents. Jules will relinquish this role from the end of term. We thank her for the positive contribution she has made to the P&F over the past two terms and wish her well for the future. The P&F are working tirelessly in preparation for their signature fundraising event, the Autumn Ball which promises to be an enjoyable evening of good food, good music and good fun with good friends. Please show your support of the P&F by organising a table or simply coming along.
UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL - MAY 2019 EVENT
DATE
TOUR DE ROCKS
11/04 - 13/04/19
STAFF DAY
EVENT
DATE
PSSA CROSS COUNTRY
03/05/19
12/04/19
KYCK CONVENTION
3/05 - 05/05/19
TAS RUGBY CAMP
12/04 - 14/04/19
BOARDERS’ CHAPEL
06/05/19
SILVER/GOLD DOE HIKE
13/04 - 16/04/19
IN HOUSE CONCERT
08/05/19
GOOD FRIDAY
19/04/19
PLC PERFORMS
08/05/19
EASTER SATURDAY
20/04/19
EASTER SUNDAY
21/04/19
JUNIOR SCHOOL MOTHERS’ DAY BREAKFAST AND CHAPEL SERVICE
09/05/19
EASTER MONDAY
22/04/19
YEAR 6 AND PRINCIPAL MORNING TEA
09/05/19
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL HALF DAY
09/05/19
P&F MEETING
09/05/19
VMTC MINISTRY SCHOOL AT PLC ARMIDALE
22/04 - 26/04/19
ANZAC DAY
25/04/19
STAFF DAY & BOARDERS RETURN
29/04/19
BOARDERS’ CHAPEL
29/04/19
WHOLE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT SERVICE
30/04/19
IN HOUSE CONCERT
01/05/19
YEARS 9, 10, 11, 12 AGRICULTURE FIELD DAY
02/05/19
JUNIOR SCHOOL CHAPEL
02/05/19
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PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS YEARS 7 - 11 WARIALDA SHOW
09/05/19 9/05 - 11/05/19
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
10/05/19
OGU MOTHERS’ DAY BRUNCH
11/05/19
PLC P&F AUTUMN BALL
11/05/19
MOTHERS’ DAY
12/05/19
BOARDERS’ CHURCH SERVICE AT ST PAUL’S
12/05/19
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UPCOMING EVENTS 2019 For enquires, please contact info@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
MAY JUNIOR SCHOOL MOTHERS’ DAY BREAKFAST Thursday 9 May 2019 • 8 - 8.45am Dining Room RSVP: juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
PLC ARMIDALE OLD GIRLS’ UNION MOTHERS’ DAY BRUNCH Saturday 11 May 2019 • 10am - 12 noon PLC Armidale Rose Garden RSVP by 3 May 2019 to: OGU President, Kathie Marquardt kathie@marquardtconstructions.com.au or Shona Eichorn, Director of Development development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Cost - by donation
PLC ARMIDALE P&F AUTUMN BALL Saturday 11 May 2019 • Astra Arts Centre Tickets $100 per person or Earlybird $90 per person (First 100 tickets) Purchase tickets online at www.trybooking.com/BBJEK For more information: pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
JUNE JUNIOR SCHOOL LEARNING JOURNEY Friday 21 June 2019 • 2.30pm PLC Armidale Junior School For more information and to RSVP please email: juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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PLC ARMIDALE NEWS Mrs Shona Eichorn Director of Development 2018 Ad Astra annual publication - OUT NOW!
STORIES TO TELL? PHOTOS TO SHARE? Our students are involved in so many activities both in and out of school hours and we do our absolute very best to keep on top of all the information we receive, and then promote. Should you have a news or a photo to share, please send directly to development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au (until further notice). Please also appreciate that not every single photo which is submitted will be used. Shona Eichorn • Director of Development development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Sally McCook • Enrolments Manager enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Amy Chiu • Pathways Administrator achiu@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Student Absence or Exemption from Attendance 2019 Under the NSW Education Act, school attendance is compulsory until the age of 17. As a school, we have a Duty of Care responsibility to see that students enrolled at the College are in a regular pattern of attendance unless there are special circumstances making this difficult. To streamline our process of notifying the College when a student is absent, parents are asked to bookmark and use the online forms found on the College website:http://www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/current-families/notification-of-absence If permission is being sought for a period of absence longer than five consecutive school days duration a separate form is to be used, also found on the College website:http://www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/current-families/request-for-leave These online forms are received by our receptionists in the Junior and Senior school with our attendance records on Edumate adjusted accordingly. Parents are asked to use these forms to ensure that notification of absence, or requests for exemption from attendance are actioned promptly.
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SENIOR SCHOOL Mrs Anna Caldwell Head of Senior School We have now come to the end of Term 1 and what a term it has been! There have been so many positive and engaging classes, activities, events and thrown into this mix, lots of fun too. We have had many strong sporting results, interesting assemblies, adventure filled Outdoor Education and Academic Camps and Excursions and all Year groups have started their social service activities. We have focused on our core values of Humility, Integrity, Respect and Self Discipline. We have also seen Guild Spirit in full force as we enjoyed our Whole School Swimming Carnival earlier in the term and our Cross Country Carnival this week, and preparations are well underway for our Athletics Carnival next term. I wish you all a safe and happy school holiday, a very Happy Easter and I look forward to seeing you next term.
Term 2 Information Monday 29 April Staff Day and Boarders return. Tuesday 30 April All students return. All students are to wear their Winter Uniform. The term will start with our Whole School Commencement Service at 8.40am We will be starting in Week B of the academic cycle/timetable. Sports training will start on the first day back. Term 2 is 9 weeks in length.
Whole School Athletics Carnival Our Whole School Athletics Carnival is on in Week 2, Term 2, with pre-events being run during lunch times in Week 1.
Winter Uniform Winter Uniform is worn during terms 2 and 3. If the weather is warm, the girls are to remove their jumper but can still wear their blazer as the outer-most layer. If at school, they may take both their jumper and blazer off, but must have the sleeves of their white shirt rolled down. Please ensure that your daughters wear an appropriate coloured bra that cannot be seen through the white shirt.
Parent Teacher Interviews Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 7 - 11 will be held in Week 2 next term. Parent/ teacher interviews are important occasions that help students see that the school and their parents are working together to support them through their learning journey. We highly value our close working relationship with our parent community and look forward to discussing your daughters progress with you next term.
Senior School Camp Week @PLC Armidale Last week saw Year 7 and Year 8 head to Dubbo, Year 9 head to Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre, Colo River and Year 10 and Pathways went to Canberra. Thank you to all the staff for all that you did to ensure that the camps and excursions were enjoyed by all.
Year 9 Camp activities.
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SENIOR SCHOOL
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Mrs Anna Caldwell Head of Senior School Year 9 Outdoor Ed @PLC Armidale Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre on the Colo River, is a stunning setting for our Outdoor Ed Camps. Year 9 enjoyed five days of adventurous activities including the milk crate stack, flying fox, archery, bushwalking and canoeing. All these activities were designed to build teamwork and independence and encouraged our girls to step out of their comfort zones and have a go at new things. Over the course of the week the girls hiked and canoed over 40km, honed their navigational skills and for our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award girls, they completed their Practice Adventurous Journey in style. The girls also enjoyed sleeping out in tents, cooking My Camp Kitchen Rules style and sharing stories and marshmallows around the campfire. It was fantastic to see all the students and staff having a go at every activity, even if they were a bit nervous about some of them!
YEAR 11 EXCURSION TO UNE As part of the Year 11 Study Skills program, Year 11 students spent a morning at UNE last week. We examined the amazing Natural History Museum as part of a guided tour, joined Dixon Library as community borrowers and participated in a workshop and tour of this great facility, and finished up by exploring the fascinating Museum of Antiquities. Miss Flanagan
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Year 7 & 8 at Dubbo.
Year 10 & Pathways with Member for New England, Mr Barnaby Joyce MP.
Year 10 at the War Memorial in Canberra.
Year 7 & 8 at Siding Springs Observatory.
Pathways girls at the AIS, Canberra.
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Year 7 & 8 at Dubbo Gaol.
Year 7 & 8 at Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
Year 10 girls at The Royal Australian Mint, Canberra.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL Mrs Fiona Wake Head of Junior School Finishing with a BANG! Term 1 has wrapped up with CODING, KINDNESS and COMING together to share the message of Easter during our Easter Chapel Service, reminding us of what this symbolises. Take a look at what Week 10 and 11 had in stall for the Junior School.
PLC ARMIDALE SRC presents
KINDNESS…
WOW! Watching the girls explore this concept, beginning with its attention in the classroom as a character strength focus, to planning and designing a KINDNESS Fete, actioned in real terms, was a lovely reminder of the remarkable students we are working with each week. What is Kindness? I mean, what is kindness really? How can we understand kindness better? Here’s one way to define kindness: Kindness is the sincere and voluntary use of one’s time, talent, and resources to better the lives of others, one’s own life, and the world through genuine acts of love, compassion, generosity, and service. Moreover, kindness involves choice. Kindness involves choice because there are many alternatives to kindness that will tempt us through life - including, of course, apathy and anger. Circumstances may test us. People may try us. News may trouble us. Yet, despite these obstacles, we each have the beautiful ability to actively choose to be kind. Kindness is - and always will be - one of the most beautiful and powerful forces for good that exists in the entire world. I have read recently, it is because kindness is love: Kindness Is Love in Action. Kindness is all the different ways - both big and small - we express care, concern, and consideration for ourselves and those with whom we share the world. Kindness shows up as a supportive smile, a comforting embrace, and a helping hand when we need it the most - but may expect it the least. What kindness looks like in its tangible forms, was demonstrated by students when they were asked to brainstorm a way in which they could carry out a random act of kindness towards a peer, across the course of the week, and hopefully beyond. As the Kindness Fete took place on Tuesday 9 April, the girls displayed heartfelt words of encouragement, thoughtful gestures of affection, and compassionate acts of generosity witnessed by many as the girls moved around the activities developed by the Junior School SRC. The girls displayed selflessness as they gave up their own time to assist other younger peers, offer their words of encouragement and sit beside them to ensure they succeeded in creating a; Kindness Caterpillar, Kindness Catcher, Kindness Cookie, Kind message through a Caring Chatterbox, Origami Heart, Jellybean Butterfly in order to spread the message of kindness. In a world filled with struggle and pain, kindness is like a deep cleansing breath that rejuvenates us with its purity, refreshes us with its goodness, and gives us the strength to persevere despite our troubles. Kindness is a reminder of why we’re here and how we can each use our lives. Words on a page can begin to paint a picture, but they can never thoroughly represent all that’s special about kindness or all that kindness can accomplish once it’s put out into the world. I am so very grateful for the staff across the College who role model kindness in the way they approach each day, their caring nature to support our students during difficult times and offer endless words of encouragement when students are having a difficult time navigating their social interactions. I am not naive enough to believe learning of kindness and wrapping it up in a SRC action that spreads its word, is enough. According to Stephen Walton, ‘Teaching Your Children to be Kind’, role modelling kindness is an essential aspect of Positive Parenting. Continued on next page
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JUNIOR SCHOOL
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Mrs Fiona Wake Head of Junior School This is an excerpt from his paper… What you are, teaches your children far more than what you say, so if you want your children to be kind hearted... You too must be kind hearted and perform genuine acts of kindness on a consistent basis. Not just when the spirit moves you. Try a little kindness regularly, use words of kindness and make room in your heart for others at all times. Look for opportunities to set an example for your children and involve them in creating kind ideas to act on. When you’re modelling kindness, you must demonstrate and ingrain the principle of “The Golden Rule”: To do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It creates good citizenship and builds a solid foundation encompassing the virtues of caring, compassion, fairness, justice, empathy, thoughtfulness, and most importantly; respect for others. Genuine kindness is one of the most important virtues in developing good character in your children. https://www.the-positive-parenting-centre.com/modeling_kindness.html
School Camp Our Stage 2 and Stage 3 girls returned from camp last week with stories of wonderful experiences. The Year 3 - 6 classes meandered down the mountain to Coffs Harbour to engage in exciting outdoor experiences and createwonderful memories.
CAMP, CAMP and more CAMP!
A picture tells a thousand words, take a look I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Easter and a safe and exciting break. I look forward to your return on Tuesday 30 April.
CODING Camp CODE CAMP ON TUESDAY 9 & 10 APRIL As communicated on Thursday the Junior School participated in a CODING Camp Incursion. Code Camp Incursions are designed to inspire kids to be digital explorers and creators with engaging coding programs that are linked to the Digital Technologies Curriculum.
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You are invited to discover more about the
Learning Journey
at PLC Armidale JUNIOR SCHOOL 2019
Friday 21 June 2.30pm
Join ‘Our Eggshibition’ of Integrated Learning Projects An interactive activity for both parents and daughters.
Friday 30 August 9.30am
Learn about ‘Our Approach’ with a presentation followed by morning tea and an opportunity to experience a day class for the girls!
Friday 25 October 5.30pm
Come with us ‘down our garden path’ to our Global Garden Feast A Friday evening full of fun, food and family!
For more details and to RSVP:
juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au ALL GIRLS PRE-KINDER TO YEAR 12. BOARDING FROM YEAR 5.
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Educating successful women of tomorrow in a Christian environment. IN ALLIANCE WITH PLC SYDNEY
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SPORTS REPORT AROUND THE GROUNDS Mr Peter Le Surf Director of Sport Athletics News After her win in the annual Armidale Campus to City Canter (in race record time), Year 8 student, Chiyo Brown last week ran not one but two PBs in both the 1500m and 800m, finishing 11th and 14th in Australia respectively at the 2019 Australian Track & Field Championships (the largest athletics event in Australia and Oceania)! Congratulations Chiyo!
The NEW Constellation Challenge At last week’s Assembly, there was a ‘soft launch’ of the inaugural PLC Armidale Constellation Challenge Award. This will be an award presented to girls who complete a minimum of three specified physical challenges in three years, with higher awards being issued for additional challenges undertaken. Eligible challenges will be non-selective, amateur events known for the rigour and discipline required to complete. They will also be events with a purpose, generally fundraising for very worthy causes. Details of the Constellation Challenge will be available to girls in Term 2. Each of these events demonstrate the strength of community and the opportunities to learn new skills or develop resilience which characterise the girls of PLC Armidale.
Coffs Ocean Swim Congratulations to our mighty team of eleven girls who participated in this year’s 2km Coffs Ocean Swim. First PLC Armidale swimmer home was Heidi Martin who came 49th, followed by Jemima McIntyre at 59th, from a total of 370 swimmers.
Cross Country Carnival
2019 Cross Country Winners
Thank you to everyone on your participation and assistance with today’s Cross Country Carnival. What a way to finish the term! Results and photos from the Carnival will be published in the first Lion’s Roar of Term 2.
19 Years 1st Crystal Dai 18 Years 1st Isobel Harris 17 Years 1st Mia Tindale
See you all around the grounds and on the sidelines in Term 2.
16 Years 1st Jorja Power 15 Years 1st Isabelle Pieterse 14 Years 1st Lauren Earle 13 Years 1st Chiyo Brown 12 Years (Senior) 1st Scarlett Loxley 12 Years (Junior) 1st Lily McCosker 11 Years 1st Sophie Bailey 10 Years 1st Anais Dettwiler 9 Years 1st Kate Loxley 8 Years 1st Nylah Webb 7 Years 1st Evie Donaldson 6 Years 1st Lexie Kay 5 Years 1st Isabella Wyatt
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JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT Mrs Lucy Donaldson Junior School Sport Coordinator IPSHA Cross Country We had 5 of our Junior School girls travel to Sydney to compete in the highly competitive IPSHA cross country carnival at the Kings School. Congratulations to Kate Loxley, Anais Dettwiler, Sophie Bailey, Flurina Dettwiler and Annabelle Pennington for representing our college so well. With over 130 runners in each race, our girls did exceptionally well! A special congratulations to Sophie Bailey who finished 4th in the 11 year girls and to Kate Loxley who finished 8th in the 8/9 girls race. These results qualifies both of them for the next level, CIS, to be held later in the year. Well done on a superb effort!
Basketball Dr Paul McDonald has done a great job coaching our Year 5/6 basketball team. We thank you for your time and effort in coaching the girls! Have a safe and happy Easter and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 2.
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SPORT
continued
Chess PLC Armidale hosted the Inter-Schools Chess competition for the second consecutive year. It was terrific to see the enthusiasm and participation from over 150 students. Thank you to the P&F for organising morning tea and volunteering their time. Thank you also to Mrs Kirsten Hey for stepping into coordinate the day in Mr Le Surf’s absense.
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EQUESTRIAN TEAM NSW State Interschools SIEC Sydney PLC Armidale students Bronte Dagg and Jorja Power (Year 10) along with Jazz Kennett (Year 7) travelled with their trusty steeds all the way to Sydney to compete in various classes at NSW State Interschools from 8 to 12 March. Bronte, riding EBL Lust, competing in the Show Riding component which tests performance across three phases (led, rider and ridden). Scores are combined from the three phases to determine a final score. Bronte rode exceptionally well in this open event coming 2nd out of 24 competitors to a year 12 rider. Jorja competed in Combined Training 60cm on her pony Namoi Valley Christoph. In this event scores are taken from a dressage test and a show jumping round and Jorja placed 8th out of a large class of 32 competitors. Jorja also competed in two tests at two Dressage levels on her horse Moondanz. Her scores placed her 7th out of 11 competitors in both Medium level tests and 1st and 2nd out of 4 competitors in her Advanced level tests. This meant that Jorja was awarded Champion Advanced rider and will no doubt qualify for Nationals. Jazz and her fairly recent and young steed, Mantova Louis, competed in the ODE which combines scores from the three phases of Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country. Jazz had a lovely dressage test which started her in 3rdplace on a score of 67.50%, unfortunately a refusal at the first show jump pushed her down to 11th place, however they did complete a beautiful clear round after the rough start. Another refusal on XC dashed their hopes of placing but Jazz was extremely happy with how she and Louis went as it was only their second ODE together. Congratulations girls. The next interschool competition will be North West Horse Expo at Coonabarabran.
Winter Sports
Parent Involvement
The winter sports of Netball, Hockey and Soccer are getting ready to start. There have been sign up sheets on the sports noticeboard for a few weeks. If your daughter is wanting to get involved, please make sure they have placed their name on the sign up sheet.
As a parent, if you would like to assist in the sporting programme, as a team manager, please let me know.
CHANGES IN 2019
It does not require you to coach. It is just having someone at the grounds assisting the coach in organising the team. Simple jobs like making sure all equipment is returned to the kit bag, getting others organized to bring cut oranges for half time or just being an extra set of eyes in watching the game. If this is something that you could assist with, please get in contact with me.
For Netball, Hockey and Soccer in 2019, there is now a requirement to go online, register and pay before we can place you in a team. This is different for 2018, where you needed to register, however payment was made at the end of the season, and placed on your school account. You can use your active kids voucher in this registration process, so please make sure you have this ready.
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WHAT DOES THIS INVOLVE?
With so much sport on offer, I look forward to seeing you on the sidelines.
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MUSIC MR MATTHEW MINTER Director of Music Matilda the Musical I would like to commend all the girls on their exceptional auditions for the musical Matilda. The standard of preparation was quite extraordinary and last Sunday our panel was presented with highly polished performances one after the other with terrific energy, virtually all from memory, well prepared songs with actions and some outstanding singing. This has made our casting decisions very difficult. The process of the auditions was very thorough and I would like to thank Mrs Wysel, Mrs Clynch, Mrs Patterson and Mr Jacometti. Congratulations to all those involved. I am really looking forward to starting rehearsals next term.
Eisteddfod In House Concerts The Eisteddfod season is fast approaching! Next term our In House Concerts will be held very early to provide the girls a chance to practice performing their solo works prior for the Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod starts at the beginning of Week Three. The first In House Concert will be held on Wednesday 1 May at 5pm and the second will be held on Wednesday 8 May at 4pm. We will also be holding an ensembles concert on Wednesday 8 May at 6pm in the Astra Arts Centre and Senior Choir, Senior Strings, Bel Canto and Cello Ensemble will all be involved in this. There are sign up sheets on the Music noticeboard, however as we are about to break for holidays please email me your preferences for a performance time if you would like your daughter to perform. The 4pm concert on 8 May will be limited to 18 performers to ensure we can be prepared for the Ensembles Concert at 6pm. The Eisteddfod choir night will be 21 May with K to 6 choirs performing during the school day on Tuesday and Wednesday 21 and 22 May. The Senior Strings and Cello Ensemble will be performing on Wednesday 15 May during the school day. The Eisteddfod band night will involve both the Wind Ensemble and Senior Strings who will combine to perform two orchestral works. Rehearsals for these will commence after the String Eisteddfod. Band Night will be Tuesday 4 June and the composition evening will be the following evening, Wednesday 5 June. PLC Armidale performs at showcase concert of Eisteddfod ensembles, will be held in week 2 on Wednesday 8 May at 6pm. in the Astra Arts Centre. This concert will involve all students from Kindergarten to Year 8 as the girls will be presenting choral works they have been learning in the compulsory choirs.
Eisteddfod Compositions Congratulations to all the girls in the Music Elective program who entered compositions in the Eisteddfod. Year 12 Music Two and Extension students have been working with professional musicians from NECOM and we recorded seven compositions professionally on Tuesday 2 May. The girls have produced extraordinary work, in a great variety of styles. Well done to all and good luck in the competition. The composition night will be on Wednesday 5 June. All prize winning finalists compositions will be performed live at this event and prizes announced. Prize winning finalists will be announced at the beginning of next term.
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PERFORMING, CREATIVE ARTS, DANCE & DRAMA Auditions for ‘Matilda The Musical’ And so it began last weekend... The staff were absolutely overwhelmed with students wishing to audition. The cast will be announced by the end of this week.
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PLC ARMIDALE production of
Book DENNIS KELLY
Music & Lyrics TIM MINCHIN
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.
UNE ARTS THEATRE
30 OCTOBER - 2 NOVEMBER
PASTORAL CARE Paula Goode Pastoral Care Coordinator Being mindful - do more to do less! Term one - it has been a long really one and a busy one, phewww!!! - it has finally ended! Now the holiday break will allows us to get under way the process of making our a lives a little less complex, but sometimes you discover that in this break you seemed to have added to your workload, by simply planning to do the things you love doing or things you have put off and need to do at this time or both. But, resist the urge to overhaul your entire life in a single the weekend or even Marie Kondo style the entire house. Remind yourself that living mindfully is not something that can be achieved overnight. It’s not like a switch, where you’re either doing it or you’re not; there are degrees of mindfulness and you can be living more mindfully or less mindfully at any time. Just taking time to read a good book, or doing something you like - just for you, means you are already living more mindfully. Life is ever-changing and uncontrollable, so despite our best efforts to create order and simplicity we’ll always be facing challenges. It’s how we approached those challenges that will make a difference. We need to understand that creating awareness and change in some areas of our lives is going to take some extra effort to begin with. But creating more order (or more accurately, the order that suits you) will alleviate some of the pressure. Remember to: • Begin with no more than a handful of changes • Be kind to yourself • Take it slowly • Make the changes you want to make, without the desire to perfect your life • Go with the flow. Enjoy your break!
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PASTORAL CARE
POSITIVE PARENTING
insights
25 March 2019
Convince me! Giving kids scripts for social and school success by Michael Grose
Kids of all ages are excellent at wearing down the resistance of a parent who denies permission for them to go somewhere due to lack of safety or suitability concerns. Unfortunately, many kids use annoying methods such as:
Recently, I heard my adult daughter rebuke a male friend for telling her that she’d lost weight.
repe$$on (Can I go? Can I go? Can I go?); “You just• can’t say that,” remarked my daughter. • Realising hisques$oning (Why can’t I go?); mistake this young man said, “So what should say instead?” • guilt (You never let me go anywhere!); “Tell me I look healthy.” • nagging (Can I, can I, can I go, pleeease!) and “Hey, you look really healthy!” • whining (Ahhh! Whyyy Caaan’t I gooo!) “That’s better,” remarked my daughter, who’s not backward in coming forwards.
O>en, we are so ?red that we give just to gain some peace, which makes pester power a Thisuseful strategy as kids achieve what they want. young man’s scripting was askew. He knew that a male complimenting a female on losing weight maybe no compliment at all, however he didn’t know what else to say. My daughter gave him a new script that he can use in similar situations in the future.
“Our hope is that our kids are able to avoid or counter the risk as much as humanly possible. One way of assessing this is asking them Benefits of providing kidsto withconvince social scripts you that they are responsible, old enough and possess sufficient awareness to go into new Social scripting wins the parenting trifecta. Giving kids the words to use helps them stay safe; become social and situa?ons and places.” importantly, promotes their independence. Your job as a parent is to wean kids off you. Social scripting is a big
This scenario is relevant to parenting. Parents should always looking for opportunities to give their kids the social scripts to express themselves in different situations.
part of this process.
One way to avoid this obnoxious pestering is to ask them to convince you that they are
So if keeping kids safe, while socialising and developing their independence is important then look for ways to responsible enough, old (read mature) enough or aware enough to be allowed to go give kids the right words to use. Here are some ideas to get you started.
somewhere.
1. Asking a teacher for help or assistance Here’s an example: Kids often coerces parents to do their bidding with teachers, coaches, siblings and other adults. It’s easy to pick up the phone and arrange to meet a teacher or go into your child’s room and ask for something on behalf of your “Amelia, I’m not sure that I should allow you to take the train into the city with friends. I’m child. Take a different approach. “Choose a time when your teacher is free, and then ask her if you can sit at the worried that it might not be safe. Convince me that you can do so safely.” front of the classroom. You could say….” 2. Entering a gameputs at school This response the onus back on the child or young person to think to counter your
concerns. Listen carefully to their response as it will indicate whether they really have considered your concerns and are aware of the depth or range of poten?al difficul?es.
Many kids struggle to enter into a game or activity at school, so they sit on the sidelines and miss out. Consider
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PASTORAL CARE
POSITIVE PARENTING
insights
Simplis'c responses don’t cut it If they respond with simplis?c comments such as; “I’ll be okay”, “we’ll s?ck together” and “I won’t do anything stupid” then they are probably unaware or unprepared for con?ngencies that may arise.
Giving kids scripts forwith social However, if they provide a response more depth, they may demonstrate their readiness. An example for this might be “I know you are worried that we might get picked on by older kids on the success train. That worries me too. We’ll make sure we pick a carriage with and school plenty of adults and if kids hop on that look like they’ll give us a hard ?me, we’ll get off at the next sta?on.” by Michael Grose
Minimising risk Answers such the above rebuke show athey your and weight. also that they have Recently, I heard my as adult daughter maleunderstand friend for telling her concerns that she’d lost
some strategies in mind to minimise risk. As a parent we’d like to remove risk from our kids’ lives but this is unrealis?c. As kids grow up their world rapidly expands taking them further away his from the this safe confines of “So home, exposing them to new and poten?ally risky Realising mistake young man said, what and should say instead?” situa?ons and people. Our hope is that our kids are able to avoid or counter the risk as much “Tellas humanly possible. One way of assessing this is asking them to convince you that they are me I look healthy.” responsible, old enough and possess sufficient awareness to go into new situa?ons and “Hey, you look really healthy!” places. “You just can’t say that,” remarked my daughter.
“That’s better,” remarked my daughter, who’s not backward in coming forwards.
This“Convince me!” may well be the smartest two words you’ll ever use as a parent. It may stop young man’s scripting was askew. He knew that a male complimenting a female on losing weight maybe no compliment at all, however he didn’t know what else to say. My daughter gave him a new script that he can use in pester-power in its tracks and at the same ?me induce your child or young person to think similar situations in the future. ahead and beTer prepare for spreading their wings when you don’t feel they are quite
ready.
This scenario is relevant to parenting. Parents should always looking for opportunities to give their kids the social scripts to express themselves in different situations.
Michael Grose
Benefits of providing kids with social scripts Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for Social scripting wins the parenting trifecta. Giving kids the words to use helps them stay safe; become social and parents including Thriving! and the best-selling Why First Borns importantly, promotes their independence. Your job as a parent is to wean kids off you. Social scripting is a big Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest part of this process. release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children. So if keeping kids safe, while socialising and developing their independence is important then look for ways to give kids the right words to use. Here are some ideas to get you started. 1. Asking a teacher for help or assistance Kids often coerces parents to do their bidding with teachers, coaches, siblings and other adults. It’s easy to pick up the phone and arrange to meet a teacher or go into your child’s room and ask for something on behalf of your child. Take a different approach. “Choose a time when your teacher is free, and then ask her if you can sit at the front of the classroom. You could say….” 2. Entering a game at school Many kids struggle to enter into a game or activity at school, so they sit on the sidelines and miss out. Consider
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P&F ASSOCIATION The P&F have had a busy, successful and fun start to 2019. With the end of the term nearing, the P&F have been reviewing and allocating a number of wish list items submitted by various departments and areas in the school. The wish list items funded by the P&F will make great additions to the school and students. Thank you to all those who helped with the Cross Country Carnival yesterday. The next event the P&F will be supporting and will need lots of assistance with and baking is the Athletics Carnival, next term on Friday 10 May.
Your PLC Armidale P&F Executive President: David Dettwiler Secretary: Tracy Wright Treasurer: Liz Cotterell
PLC Armidale P&F Association is pleased to announce our premier black-tie event
– to be held on the evening of –
Saturday 11th May 2019 The evening will be a night of fine dining and dancing Venue: PLC Astra Arts Centre Catering: Pronto Entertainment: The Gravy Guest Speaker: Brooke Alexander
Tickets: $100 each Earlybird: $90 each (First 100 tickets) www.trybooking.com/BBJEK
For further information email pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Lucky prizes will be announced throughout the evening
All proceeds go towards valuable education resources for the college.
Date for the diary • Saturday 11 May PLC Armidale P&F Association Autumn Ball Please contact us with any suggestions or queries throughout the year via email pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au We look forward to working with all the families to continue to strengthen the College community.
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PLC ARMIDALE OLD GIRLS’ UNION
invites all PLC Armidale Old Girls, their daughters and mothers to
A SPECIAL ALUMNI
Mothers’ Day BRUNCH
In celebration of the contributions made by generations of PLC Armidale mothers
Saturday 11 May
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10am - 12 noon
In our Rose Garden Cost - by donation
For more details and to RSVP by 3 May 2019 OGU President, Kathie Marquardt kathie@marquardtconstructions.com.au Director of Development, Shona Eichorn development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au If weather inclement, the event will be held in the Dining Room.
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Educating successful women of tomorrow in a Christian environment. IN ALLIANCE WITH PLC SYDNEY
PLC ARMIDALE FOUNDATION The PLC Armidale Foundation held its Annual General Meeting where two new Board members were welcomed: Mrs Jane Dauparas and Mr Stuart George. The election of office bearers was held and we are delighted to announce the PLC Armidale Foundation Executive for 2019/2020 is: Chair: Mrs Deborah Martin Deputy Chair: Mr Stuart George Secretary: Mr Brendan Peet Treasurer: Mr Joel Ruig Chair, Mrs Deborah Martin thanked everyone for their contributions, particularly donors to the respective Building and Scholarship Trusts. For more details, please contact PLC Armidale Foundation Chair, Mrs Deborah Martin on foundation@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au or contact Director of Development, Mrs Shona Eichorn on development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au or phone PLC Armidale on 6770 1700
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COMMUNITY
EASTER TENNIS CAMP
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COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
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